What happens when someone reaches the end of their rope while caring for a disabled child? In Dilly's case she did the unthinkable--she tried to take her own life. Her sister Hannah has one objective in mind: to keep Dilly from trying to kill herself again. Dilly also has one thing that is important to her: to be allowed back into her daughter's life. Hannah picks Dilly up at the prison gates, thinking that she will be overjoyed to have her help. But when Dilly finds out that Hannah has given up her career, her life in LA, and even her best friend and romantic interest Mac to come take care of her she explodes with anger. Somehow, with the help of family friends and faith these sisters each find their own way to restoration--with God, their family, their community, and each other.
As Hannah and Dilly explore matters of faith, life, and even romance it's hard not to become involved in this moving story. Hannah's voice is particularly honest as she lays out all of her doubts and fears about Christianity. Mac's sudden conversion seemed kind of forced and convenient however. Still I couldn't wait to find out if Mac and Hannah ended up together, and the vivid descriptions of life on a pig farm are still stuck in my head. It was certainly an enjoyable and memorable read.
I'd definitely suggest this to any fan of Christian fiction, or to someone who enjoys thoughtful stories with a touch of romance. ( )

While Hannah was living out her dream on the California coast and away from her small town home life, her sister Dilly was serving time in prison. While Hannah ran away from her past, Dilly had to stay and remember day after day of the crime she had committed. When Dilly is set free from prison, Hannah returns to take care of her sister and intends make up for not being there all those years. However Dilly has changed and is intent on righting her wrongs, while Hannah doesn't agree with what she's doing. Will Dilly stand up to her sister or will Hannah be forced to give in?

While I was reading this story, all I could keep thinking in my head was "Wow." This is a story you would normally not think of when you think about Christian fiction. This is not your happily ever after,everyone's all lovey-dovey , everything always works out Christian fiction. This book is ripped from the headlines, make yourself really think, in your face fiction. Usually when you hear in the news about mothers who intentionally hurt their kids, your first thought it to condemn the mother. You cannot believe that anyone would want to purposely murder their children and that they must insane to do it. This novel shows the other side to that story and what could possibly make a mother even consider doing that to her child. As a reader, it took me by surprise that I actually felt sympathy towards a mother who did this and anger over the grandmother who wants to protect her grandchild. The story really blew me away by how much I invested into the characters. Dilly's sister, Hannah also touched my heart as well. She wants to protect her sister and is willing to sacrifice her own life to do so. However her reasons behind that are not as "Good Samaritan" as they sound. It's a wonderful character study between the two of them. My only qualm with the book was that it takes a while before the reader is finally told what exactly happened to put Dilly in jail. It's merely hinted at for about 3/4 of the book. It wasn't a problem but it made me feel like I had missed it somewhere because it kept being subtly mentioned at through most of the book. Otherwise, you will be enthralled by this book. The book is perfect is you're in the mood for something that is not fluffy and really makes you think afterwards. It's a story that stays with you and has you looking twice at everything you've always believed in. One of the most thought-provoking reads of the year. HIGHLY recommended. ( )

Uninteresting and undefined characters make for a very dull story and one that I couldn't get through. The summary from the back cover sounds like a very good book but unfortunately the story doesn't live up to expectation. ( )

Hannah Williams couldn’t wait to put her parents’ hog farm, the small town of Sugar Creek, Illinois, and God behind her. As soon as she was able, she fled towards the coast of California, pursuing higher education and a career in financial consulting. Her younger sister Catherine — nicknamed Dilly — is content to stay home, marry and raise her intensely special needs daughter. But then the unthinkable happens.

Dilly is incarcerated for six years, and Hannah returns home upon Dilly’s release to provide all the support she failed to give before it was too late. Hannah has prepared for this day for six long years, putting her personal life on hold, focusing on the day when she can make things right, make it up to Dilly for letting her down. Now if only Dilly, her parents, the man who loves her and everyone else would cooperate.

An experienced author, Maureen Lang has penned, with My Sister Dilly, an issues-based, character driven novel that brings God’s love, grace, forgiveness, and redemption into sharp focus. Dilly has fallen far, and though she has emerged from her trials a new creation, changed forever by accepting Jesus into her heart, her past actions will cause others to judge and condemn her for the rest of her life.

Dilly is a sweet, lovable character who pricked my heart. I found myself guilty of judging women in similar situations in the past; being shocked by them, being disgusted, being unforgiving. I’m convicted of my own shortcomings and I am reminded that God’s forgiveness brooks no exceptions – all of our sins are washed away by Jesus’ blood, no matter how heinous.

Lang’s writing is full of emotion that carries the reader from one scene to the next. The stories of the two sisters are two disparate cords twisted tightly together. Dilly is strong in her new found faith; Hannah is still running from God. Dilly is full of love that she longs to pour out on her daughter. Hannah is desperately avoiding her feelings for Mac back in California, feelings she has ignored for Dilly’s sake – or so she tells herself.

It’s rare that a title published by Tyndale House fails to drive me to self-examination. Their editors have a fine eye for Christian fiction that both convicts, encourages and entertains. Within the context of family ties Lang clearly establishes the truth that Christianity is a relationship with God, not a set of restrictive rules and regulations.

Lang gently leads readers into contemplation of their own lives and relationships with God while never descending into trite, moralistic writing. Though dealing with intensely emotional and difficult issues, Lang doesn’t allow us to slip into despair or loathing, but keeps our eye on God and His redemptive nature. She also provides readers with welcome moments of brevity; if you’ve ever lived on a farm or in a rural town, you’ll be able to relate.

My Sister Dilly packs a full serving of introspection, love, hope, and faith within the pages of this well-written, smooth reading contemporary novel. Relationships shift, new insights are gathered, individuals grow – and so will the reader if willing to examine his or her own life.

Reviewed at http://quiverfullfamily.com ( )