Lucinda J. Kinsinger

When I saw the cover of Turtle Heart I was immediately intrigued. A Mennonite woman and someone else who was obviously not Mennonite juxtaposed in one picture. Reading the description only made me more intrigued, and I knew I wanted to read this book for sure. I was not disappointed.
Several days after finishing reading this book, I’m still thinking about it. There is so much depth in the book, that it takes awhile to process it. Having come from a background similar to the author’s, I could identify with her attitudes about salvation. It was amazing to see how God worked to open her mind to the way He works in various people‘s lives, with no two people having the same experience. The author is very real about her struggles with being a friend to Charlene.
It was fascinating to see the two cultures interacting. The author's and Charlene's cultures were extremely different, as were their upbringings and life experiences. Even so, their spirits connected and they learned to love each other and were very real and vulnerable with each other. This is an amazing story. I recommend it for mature readers, because of some of the content, but it is one that most Christians should read, to get a different perspective on the way God works in people‘s lives.

I received a review copy of this book from CelebrateLit, and these are my honest thoughts about it.… (mehr)

Few memoirs have blessed me as this one has. Kinsinger has a precious gift with words and brings her readers along with her as she grows and learns new things. Many questions in this book are ones I have pondered before, but seeing them through the clarity in her eyes, I came away with answers and a much deeper appreciation of the beautiful relationships we can have with others, even those much different than ourselves. Though this is a recounting of real events, this book reads more like a novel than anything else.

Written with a deep sense of love and respect, this book is a testament to how true friendship—without pretense or criticism, just accepting the other person as they are—can be a beautiful blessing for both parties. I’ve experienced that in my own life, and know what a precious thing that is.

If you enjoy true, challenging reads, this would be an excellent choice. I’m grateful I had the chance to read it!

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.… (mehr)

Sometimes God leads us down a path that stretches us and causes us to grow. When the paths of a young Mennonite woman and a feisty old Ojibwe woman meet, the young woman attempts to introduce the old woman to Jesus Christ. Along the way she finds herself learning from the old woman as well

This memoir reads like a novel. I enjoyed watching the bond develop between the two women. So if you enjoy watching diverse people come together and move out of their comfort zone, you should check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (mehr)

I wonder how many opportunities we have had to get to know other people but shunned them because we didn’t agree with their beliefs or lifestyle? The Bible says “to love one another.” It doesn’t say we only have to love people who agree with us. I thought this book was good because it brings two women together in friendship from different beliefs and lifestyles.

Luci grew up as a Mennonite and is conservative in many ways. She has a big heart and enjoys helping others. When she meets Charlene I think she had hopes of changing her beliefs. Now Charlene is Ojibwa and very set in her ways. At times Charlene can be harsh but deep down there is a woman crying for acceptance.

Getting to know Charlene more helps me understand how this frail little woman has hidden secrets from everyone for fear of rejection. The book does talk about some sensitive subjects such as same sex relationships, race discrimination, rape and drinking. The author does a good job of sharing both sides of these subjects without shaming anyone. As the two women get to know each other better, they start to understand that even though they may have different opinions about things, they can still be friends and learn from each other.

There are times that Charlene is a bit harsh in how she feels about certain things. Although I don’t agree with everything she says or believes I still find that I can learn from her. She teaches me to love unconditionally and give grace to those who I disagree with. After all God has told us “to love our neighbor as ourselves.” We are not to judge but show kindness and compassion to everyone.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (mehr)