I was attracted to this book because of the cover art I was sure at first glance that this would be about a Jewish survivor, but it is a far cry from that. This is a story about a choice to keep a life and how that life changed the course of another life. It is the story of God's healing, love, forgiveness and His unsurpassed grace in the midst of our lives. It is about the crimson thread of love that binds people together and brings them through things. In 1928 a young innocent girl went to a picnic; expecting a normal day with her friends 16 year old Minka never imagined the tragedy that would rip through her life that very day. At that picnic in the scenic woods this young girl was assaulted by a man in the woods. This shame left her wrecked, wounded and aching - but months later the hurt and shock were compounded when she found out she was pregnant. Pregnant and unwed in a time that the three letter word that begins with "s" was not even mentioned in the company of close girl friends and certainly not discussed, Pregnant and unwed in time when such things were highly unfavored. She was sent to live off with others. Then when the child came it was put up for adoption - a heart breaking sacrifice for a young mother so her child can have a life she deserves. And this is just the beginning of the journey. For years she hung onto the memories of that sweet baby. For years she begged God to give her the opportunity to meet the precious child that she had given up. She begged Him for the chance to see that child just once. This is the story of ultimate waiting - who of us would have the patience to continue to pray and wait on God for 80 years?!? Yet Minka did just that - until one day, in her old age, past the time of ever thinking such a miracle would happen God shows up in His perfect timing and reunites mother and daughter in a beautiful way. Forgiveness, grace, love, mercy, mending, healing, being poured out and broken, picked up and restored - Our God is a God who both hears and answers our prayers. This story is proof of just that. This book is a true story that reads like a novel and could easily be a movie that would appeal to the masses. It is one that you will certainly need the tissue boxes handy for and one that will change your life. Thanks to the publisher for this review copy.
Posted by Abbie Riddle
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While on a picnic with friends in 1928, 16-year old Minka is raped and conceives a baby girl. As much as she loves her girl, she is forced to give her up for adoption shortly after her birth, but she never stops loving and longing for her. Fast forward to her daughter’s 77th birthday where Minka prays a simple prayer, asking God to reunite her with her daughter before she dies. Needless to say, I’m glad that I was on a long road trip when I listened to this one because I couldn’t stop listening, as Minka’s story was that engrossing! Whether you listen to the audiobook or read the book, I advise you to block off a sizable chunk of time, as I doubt that you’ll want to put it down, either! ( )

The Waiting is the story of enduring faith through many trials, but more than this, it’s a story of the providence of God. This is a compelling story beautifully told.

I received this book free and really enjoyed it. It is a biography about a teenage girl who was sadly raped and persuaded by her family to give up the resulting child for adoption. The mother mourned for years over her "lost" daughter even after marrying and having children of her own. Incredibly they were reunited when the mother was 94 years of age after a grandchild began digging into their family history.

The story is extremely well written and the detail contained seems almost unbelievable for a biography about events that began 100 years ago. However, there is a section at the end of the book where I expected to read that poetic licence had been taken in places, instead the section explains how the details have been researched and checked for accuracy! The author is one of the grandchildren of the mother and everything has been checked....Knowing this and the commitment and dedication that were involved in writing and publishing this story makes it even more interesting.

Although the story has a relatively happy ending I couldn't help feeling a burden of sadness for the decades of lost years especially as the mother mourned for so long and said that she thought of her daughter every day. Those at the adoption agency were surprised to be persistently contacted for years after the adoption had already taken place as most mothers simply moved on. I don't know whether anyone involved would have chosen to do things differently if they had a chance to do it all over again.

From a Christian perspective the book is clean and free of bad language or violent content. The rape is described but not in graphic detail. The Christian faith of those involved is alluded to and many of the people are involved in Christian ministry/leadership. However, the Gospel isn't clearly presented within the book. God and prayer are referenced at times and it is my hope that this family had a personal saving faith in Jesus.

I would recommend this book to adult readers.

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Minka DeYoung grew up in circumstances that were simultaneously difficult and safe. Working alongside her parents and being unable to attend high school, Minka is innocent and shy. On a picnic one summer day in 1928, Minka slips away for a walk in the woods with another girl, only to be sexually assaulted by a stranger. Understandably confused and hurt, she later realizes that she is also pregnant. Sent away to hide the pregnancy and give the baby up for adoption, Minka falls in love with her beautiful baby girl, Betty Jane. Realizing that giving her to another family is for the best, Minka sacrifices her own desires and leaves the child for its adoptive parents. Almost eighty years later, she utters a prayer asking to see her daughter, but never expects that it will happen. Such a prayer seems impossible, but Minka's story exemplifies the truth that with God, nothing is impossible. Read more in The Waiting by Cathy LaGrow.

At times, The Waiting was difficult to read and I found myself on the verge of tears. It's not light, fluffy entertainment, but a remarkable true story that has the potential to change hearts with its themes of perseverance, faith and love.

The author expertly brings the reader into Minka's experience with vivid narration, intriguing historical detail and a heart-wrenching plot. Some details of the rape are given, but only the necessities that help the reader to understand the story. While it is unpleasant to read about and probably not appropriate for younger readers, it is not overly graphic. I enjoyed how much history was integrated within the story. Not just big events like wars and economic upheaval, but lesser known things like the doctor following the standard procedure of the day in dosing Minka with ether when she came to the pushing stage of childbirth.

The cover of The Waiting is stunning and the photos inside contribute positively to the reader's experience. To see Minka and Ruth (Betty Jane) together after reading their story is such a poignant image.

Readers who are looking for an inspirational, true story of perseverance and faith will enjoy The Waiting. This book is a keeper for me. It's not something I'll want to read again in three months, but I'm sure I'll read it again in the future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." ( )