What readers are saying about
Lifelines
...An excellent read, and it presents a lot of food for thought. It is a book that makes a difference, as it explores how a life well-lived makes a difference.... [The book] simply resonated with many deep chords inside my heart! The way you brought to light sensitive and controversial issues through the candid dialogue of your characters was brilliant.... The chapter that described all the characters needing to turn to Anna for wisdom and solace had me sobbing throughout...
~ Yvette Johnson
Skillfully moving these interesting and disparate people around on an imaginary stage that is her first novel, Bertin develops a compelling story that establishes her theme. "Lifelines"--be they life before birth, connections with others, the plight of the differently abled, the meaning of life and faith, or the way life evolves for ordinary folk--all unwind in their own way, spinning toward an unexpected, but satisfying conclusion.
~ Sharon Espeseth
When I do read fiction, I look for a book that offers intellectual substance as well as entertainment and provides authentic insight into other people's life experience. Lifelines did not disappoint. It was full of thoughtful dialogue and tackled controversial issues (abortion and intelligent design, among others) with grace, but well informed opinions.
~ Jesse Jost
While this book has a message, it is not a thinly-veiled sermon. Nor do the characters serve as caricatures intended to move the ideological agenda forward. Bertin avoids cliched characters and manages to present an entertaining and thought provoking novel that graphically illustrates the 'real-life' consequences of ideas and their impact on people.
~ Jacob Denhollander
Lifelines by Eleanor Bertin is ... composed of fantastic characters with depth and dimension. Their individual stories keep the reader intrigued, especially as they begin to connect and intertwine in the course of the overall plot. Jesse and Anna are the heart of this novel because of THEIR hearts and the way they soften the hearts of the other characters whose lives intersect with theirs. They are surrounded by such an eclectic supporting cast, though – some more likable than others, but all compelling in their own ways. The characters in Lifelines are definitely its strength!
~ Meez Carrie
What readers are saying about
Unbound
This book holds all the essential parts of a truly great read. Although the start contains the unfolding tragedy, how two determined women work to process their grief and discover true freedom is riveting reading. I really enjoyed the introduction of lighter moments at tense times. There are complex twists and turns as the story unfolds with interesting side characters and a satisfying, but not 'too good to be true' ending.
~ Dot Capon
[T]his story dealt with serious issues. All too often, Christian fiction sugarcoats things more than a "Hallmark movie," and very often, the difficulties encountered are nothing more than unrelatable whining and implausible circumstances that would never have happened in real life. However, the characters and stories included in this book were realistic and told with such authenticity that I was captivated with their story.
~ Ruth A. Hill
Once you start UNBOUND you won't be able to put it down and will find yourself cheering for Ruthie and Naomi as they try to navigate their way through a very different and unique situation. Be prepared to have Bertha steal your heart! Eleanor Burtin will pull you in from the very first page and never let you go! Wait until you meet Naomi's brother in law, Jake! He might remind you of some of the cult leaders you have read about in the past. Trust me, this story is going to take your breath away.
~ Susan Dyer
What readers are saying about
Tethered
How the "city girl" copes with the completely different culture of the prairie farming community with it's assortment of weird characters while renovating an old farmhouse with no money is very entertaining and sometimes quite amusing.
~ Candance Dyck
This book surprised me as I found myself getting really into it and enjoyed reading Tethered. The main character Jacqui Penn gave me a bit of a chuckle.
~ The Phantom Paragrapher
What was really intriguing about Tethered was the parallel of Jacqui's repairing her father's childhood home, and reminding me of several HGTV shows, while at the same time searching for the truth about her family, repairing family relationships, and mending her own broken heart.
~ Christy F
What readers are saying about
Pall of Silence
In this searingly honest book, Bertin reveals the mental and emotional torment in which she found herself in the weeks and years following the accident. With rare vulnerability and transparency and well-articulated reflections, she gives a glimpse into the wracking pain and regret she had to work through in the aftermath.
I’m sure that people who have been through similar tragedies will find much to relate to in Bertin’s search for answers.
Bertin compellingly tells the narrative of her grief journey, from the news of the incident to the court trial of the driver. In between she relays memories from different stages of Paul’s life along with thoughtful and profound reflections on parenting, relationships, and theology. Along the way some questions are answered, others remain elusive, but what became even clearer to Bertin and I believe the book’s real value, is a greater discovery of the character of God.
~Amazon review
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