Reviewed by: Mary Clapp, former longtime church librarian, and current ECLA board member

Introduction

Title: If I Were You

Author: Lynn Austin

Publisher: Tyndale House

(www.tyndale.com)

Publication Date: 2020

Format: Print

Length: 430  pages

OVERVIEW

This story takes place in the 1940’s war torn England, and in 1950’s America. Audrey Clarkson is part of the English aristocracy while Eve Dawson works as her scullery maid. Eve’s mother is a lady’s maid for Audrey’s mother. While they enjoy a friendship as children, that changes as they grow into young women. Then the war comes and everything in both of their lives changes dramatically.  5 years after the war ends Audrey and Eve meet up again in America under very unusual circumstances.

Lynn is a masterful storyteller. The characters become people you feel like you know and you truly care about. The plot has unexpected turns and keeps you riveted. All while providing encouragement in your faith as you watch the main characters’ courage during an extremely difficult time in modern history.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

5 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

If you love a good story and love historical fiction you will enjoy this book. If you have enjoyed previous books by this author, you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended for church libraries.

Christian Impact

This book deals with timely issues like living in fearful and uncertain times and handling adversity. You watch the faith of the main characters throughout the process, sometimes doubting and sometimes growing. There are examples of great courage and then sometimes poor decisions are made. But God is always faithful and has a purpose for each life.

Other notes

To learn about more titles written by Lynn Austin see her website at http://www.lynnaustin.org

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