“Sustainer’s Smile” by Erika Mathews

Sustainer’s Smile

(Truth From Taerna Series, Book 4)

 by Erika Mathews

Synopsis: 

A helpless newborn . . . that’s exactly how twenty-four-year-old Liliora Ellith feels in her efforts to speak up on behalf of the youngest members of Taerna’s pleasure-driven society. Her tender heart for the defenseless and deep aversion to conflict throw Lili’s soul into turmoil when tragedy opens her eyes to the quiet yet heartrending war on Taerna’s babies—both born and unborn. Adon Olam’s word coupled with a secret in her own past fuel her determination, but the challenges ahead of her threaten to send her spiraling into hopeless depression. At the very end of herself, can her own utter insufficiency be anything less than the catalyst for complete disaster?

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5+ stars & 8/10 hearts. All the Truth from Taerna books have a good, deep message that really resonated with me. This one was no exception.
I loved Liliora. She was a great example of someone I’d like to be. She reminded me of Carita from Promise’s Prayer, only less shy. Her brothers were awesome too, especially Kethin. I really liked Trig—he messed up but he was so honest and took his responsibilities SO well. Rita I could not understand but I appreciated how she was portrayed and how Lili continued to love her and support her and help her in every way she could. The babies were all so adorable, and Tae was too! The other characters were nice, as well, but those are the ones that stick out, haha.
I enjoyed being back in rural Taerna after being in the city in the last book. The writing style, as always, was a great mix of old-fashioned and modern so that while not losing the medieval kingdom fiction feel, it also made you see the truths in your OWN day.
The plot was very good. I was kept completely hooked. I literally felt as if lives were hanging in the balance… Erika Mathews did a fantastic job making you feel the desperation, the need, the fear, the hope, the pain, the betrayal. There was no romance, besides Trig and Rita’s story, and that was a nice change. The theme/messages/topics were excellent. Mathews tackled basically every side of abortion. Abortion survivors, children murdered after birth, abortion because of jobs, abortion because of premarital pregnancy, abortion forced by government—it was all brought in. The twisted mindframe of the Lightener (woman who performed abortions), the horror & agony of the abortion for the babies, the relief when babies are allowed to live, the agony of waiting for an abortion to be done… it was all there, all so vivid and real. I am positive this book can change—and save—lives. It must be shared and read.
The second message of doing everything in God’s strength and just resting IN His strength was also very powerful and very timely for me.
Overall, it is a beautiful, heart-tugging, inspiring, encouraging book with a message that must be heard.

Content: murder of children (in the womb & out of it); a woman sustains a forced abortion; a woman is an attempted abortion survivor and has a vivid dream of her attempted abortion; a man makes two women pregnant; several mentions of out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Recommended age: 16+ (12+ for children exposed to the world).

A Favourite Quote: “I know it hasn’t been easy, and maybe you aren’t ready—but I wanted to let you know to at least pray about it and consider it. Even if you aren’t ready, perhaps Adon Olam is ready for you.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “The entire world was wrapped up in this squinchy, soft, indescribably beautiful and delicate face—the curving forehead, the plump cheeks, the button of a nose, the rosebud ears, the downy hair so silky that Liliora nearly couldn’t feel it when she stroked the velvety and daintily-wrinkled head. Tiny fingers curled around hers when she offered one, and the teensy bits of fingernails dug lightly against her index finger.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “He seemed quite tired this evening. Which reminds me—now I have an excellent reason to make sure you keep the noise level down. Otherwise, you’ll be awakened by his shrieks in the middle of the night.”
“Point taken.” Kethin’s grin flashed again. “I don’t fancy that any more than the next person.” …
“I probably ought to head for bed. I can’t imagine I’ll be enjoying a full night of sleep anytime soon.” …
“Doubt it[.] At least I only get that when one of the animals is sick. This is like having a sick cow every night.”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

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About the Author

Erika Mathews is an author and editor who lives in the farm country of Minnesota with her husband and children. She’s a homeschool graduate with a Bachelor’s in Communications, a Master’s in Biblical Ministries, and a passion for sharing Jesus Christ and His truth. When she’s not working with books, she enjoys reading, outdoor activities, piano and violin, organizing, and using the Oxford comma. 

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