Helen Stephenson Spaulding Reviews

Added July 14, 2003

A Bruised Reed

Author: Helen Stephenson Spaulding
Publisher: 1st Books Library
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: May 2002
Genre: Fiction: Historical
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $10.50
ISBN: 0759695679
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

A moving historical fiction, A Bruised Reed by Helen Stephenson Spaulding is the story of Lucey Hanks, grandmother of Abraham Lincoln. The novel opens with Lucey telling Tommie Childerson of her pregnancy. He refuses to marry her and even suggests she get rid of "it". She emphatically refuses to get rid of her baby and declares she will raise the baby by herself.

Unfortunately, Lucey miscalculates the strength of her father's anger. A deacon in the local church, he disowns her, publicly declaring her a whore and a sinner. Hurt and angered by her father's actions, Lucey turns her back on God, proclaiming she will not serve such a cruel, uncaring, and unloving God.

Her journey from a stubborn, defiant, unbelieving, single mother into a dedicated, devout Christian wife and mother was entrancing. Ms. Spaulding immerses her readers into Lucey's world. The descriptions, details, and dialogue are authentic to the period. Emotionally touching, A Bruised Reed shouldn't be missed.

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