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Musser provides a glimpse into two cultures as they clash in the life of one boy. The differences and adjustments that he conquers as he searches for the reason why his father left brings an awareness of others' hardships.

This detail and description of the times gives a setting that allows the reader to feel each character's motive.

Musser did not white-wash issues, nor quickly solve those problems of the heart. She led the reader, by way of the struggle of the character, to face the issue, try to forget it, and realize it must be solved somehow.

Well done. Worth a re-read. ( )

Searching for Eternity by Elizabeth Musser is one of those books that makes a reader just say, "Wow! Just Wow!" The story, definitely not a light and fluffy tale, follows Emile as he is wrenched from his contented, reasonably serene life in France with his parents to the unknown world of Atlanta, Georgia. New schools with bullies and kids who tease the new kid on the block. Nothing is familiar, and he's homesick. He finally meets a friend--one who's "hoping for a fairy-tale ending for her thus-far tragic life." One who's childhood has been stolen and has need of a safe room. Where will their friendship take them? Can they navigate their world that is one of bullies and racism, abandonment, alcoholism, abuse, secrets, and lies? Where is God in all of this? Has He abandoned them as well? As these two friends move into adulthood there are many lessons to learn. Lessons like caring for others and also understanding it's a lot harder to hate a whole group of people when you get to know individuals, and knowing there is more to life than just looking for answers. How does one learn to forgive? Can they learn to trust that God knows and cares and will let them in on all the secrets in His time? Musser has given readers an amazing story of friendship, family, and faith blended with the horrors of WWII and the Resistance and the hunt for war criminals. Searching for Eternity is a raw, emotionally gripping novel--one that will leave a lasting impression on its readers.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. ( )

This is the first book by Elizabeth Musser (http://www.elizabethmusser.com/) that I’ve read and I LOVED it. I’ve added her to my list of favorite authors for sure. I started reading Searching for Eternity while I waited for my car to get fixed. When the service guy came out and offered me a loaner car since it was taking longer than expected, I declined….I was so engrossed in this book.

In a nutshell, the story follows Emile de Bonnery. He’s a young teen in 1964 living in France when his father disappears. He and his mother are forced to leave the only home he’s known to live with a grandmother he’s never seen before in Atlanta, Georgia. He faces culture shock, bullies, and prejudice, but also meets Eternity Jones, a young woman dealing with her own hurts and dysfunction. Over the next four decades, he searches for his father…not knowing if his father left with another woman, if he’s dead, or is a spy in hiding.

The book is wonderfully written; the author has a wonderful way with words. The characters were well developed and REAL. She took me to Atlanta in the 1960s and to Lyon, France during World War II during the French Resistance. I felt like I knew these people and these places, and it was hard to let them go.

This book would fit in the Christian fiction category with some mystery, intrigue, forgiveness, and a little romance. I highly recommend it.

I received a free book from The Book Club Network, Inc., in exchange for an unbiased review. ( )

After reading this emotional book I very quietly sat and closed my eyes. I wanted to savor every word I had read, feel every emotion that the characters felt and think about the rich history that was scattered throughout the book. I loved the characters and their passion for what was right and wrong. It is not easy being "different" but the author wrote such a stirring and lovely story I cried at times.

Emile de Bonnery has just discovered that he is leaving France with his mother and traveling to America. There is a big secret about his father. What is his mother hiding about his father? Emile does not want to leave France, but he has no choice. I loved his French grandmother and you could feel her heart breaking as Emile and his mother leave.

The author does an amazing job of taking the characters on a journey through history starting in the 1960s. Emile is really in for a shock when he arrives in Atlanta. They arrive at his grandmother's house unannounced. I can't imagine what his American grandmother must of thought when she opened the door. She had not spoken to her daughter in a very long time. I loved the scenes where Emile gets to know his grandmother. I kinda laughed when he tried his first peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It is like an everyday staple for Americans, but Emile had never had it.

As Emile tries to fit in at school, he finds out what it is like to be bullied. The kids make fun of his clothes and accent. He tries so hard to be liked but it is difficult. When he befriends Eternity Jones he finally has someone to talk to. I think Eternity was my favorite character. She was a young girl who was living a hard life. She is ferociously protective of her siblings and the author handles the abuse in a very delicate way that lets readers know Eternity is strong. I think about the time she was growing up and how much responsibility she had. It was such a hardship but I think going over to Emile's house was a godsend for her. She spent a lot of time with his grandmother.

The story deals with hard subjects like abuse, racism and learning about the civil rights movement. I really enjoyed how the author handles each subject with knowledge and wisdom. It is hard to believe that these young children were faced with so much hurt, secrets and a longing to be accepted. Even long after Workd War II was over, there were still some facts that were painful to recall. This is a very intense emotional read that touches on faithfulness and God's grace and mercy. Will Emile ever find out about his father? Can Eternity overcome her home life and stand up for what she believes in? One person can make a difference. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

I received this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review. ( )