Review: Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert

Title:  Mother of Pearl
Author:  Kellie Coates Gilbert
Genre:  Christian Fiction
Pages:  303
Published:  September 2012
Publisher:  Abingdon Press
Source:   NetGalley

Synopsis:

Barrie Graeber has two great kids, a loving husband, and a respected job as the high school counselor in her close-knit community. Without warning, everything unravels when her teenage daughter, Pearl, is betrayed by friends and lashes out.

Nothing prepares this mother for the helplessness that follows when her attempts to steer her daughter back on course fail and Pearl shuts her out . . . or when she discovers the unthinkable about her nemesis, the football coach.

Emotionally riveting and profoundly moving, Mother of Pearl brings us into the heart of a mother bound by an incredible burden, who ultimately finds she must recognize her own vulnerability and learn to trust in something much bigger.

Barrie’s life is about to be completely turns upside down and nothing can prepare her for the devastation and pain her family is about to go through.  The mother of two, wife, and friend – she feels like an outcast when she stands up for her daughter amid the chaos.

It is so hard to put into words how this book made me feel.  It was an emotional rollercoaster that had me bawling me eyes out and wishing I could give Barrie a big hug.  The synopsis says the story is emotionally riveting and profoundly moving – that is an understatement.

Nothing prepared me for the depths this story delves into.  The pain, emotions and the things a parent will do to protect their child.  How things can change so quickly in life, and how it can take our breaths away.  This story shows just how precious every moment can be.

Would I recommend this book?  Most definitely.  BUT keep tissues close by… this is such an emotional story you need them!  Kellie’s writing style is fabulous, she kept me glued through out the story.  Would I read more by this author?  Yes.