This review was originally shared in episode 16. Listen to episode 13 to hear Stephanie share about all that went into writing this fantastic book.
The Book
As the Great Depression hits the Midwest, Minerva Sinclaire runs away to Hollywood, determined to make it big and save the family farm. But beauty and moxie don’t pay the bills in Tinseltown, and she’s caught in a downward spiral of poverty, desperation, and compromise. Finally, she’s about to sign with a major studio and make up for it all. Instead, she wakes up next to a dead film star and is on the run for a murder she didn’t commit.
Only two unwilling men—Oscar, a Mexican gardener in danger of deportation, and Max, a too-handsome agent battling his own demons—can help Mina escape corrupt police on the take and the studio big shots trying to frame her.
But even her quick thinking and grit can’t protect her from herself. Alone, penniless, and carrying a shameful secret, Mina faces the consequences of the heartbreaking choices that brought her to ruin . . . and just might bring her back to where she belongs.
The Review
This book is one of the most beautiful prodigal stories out there. It is an amazing story of love lost and gained, of forgiveness, second chances, grace, the beauty of family.
Mina veered off the straight path and went to Los Angeles to become an actress. Her dreams became just dreams when life threw the most dire of curve balls at her. Her journey was touching–painful to read but redemptive at the end.
If this is the first of Stephanie’s books you are reading, it definitely won’t be your last. The story is doused with love and grace given, that could never be deserved or earned even if one tried.
Love that never says “no” or “enough” is the perfect title for this book. The life-changing lessons of faith are inspiring and noteworthy.
If you love historical fiction that will keep you crying both happy and sad tears, filled with intrigue, mystery and suspense–but also inspires your heart to live a life of love–then In A Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem is the perfect book for you.
Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.
The Author
Stephanie Landsem writes about women in history for women in history. Her latest novel, In A Far Off Land, is a story of murder, romance, and mercy set in the glamour of 1930s Hollywood. Her biblical fiction brings the unknown women of the gospels to life in The Living Water Series and the Walk In Her Sandals series. She has traveled on four continents and dozens of countries. When she can’t travel, she reads fiction and history and dreams of her next adventure whether it be in person or on the page. She makes her home in Minnesota with her husband of 30 years, occasional adult children, three cats, a dog, and a tortoise named Moe.
