The Bottom Line
Heaven Without Her is a compelling account of one woman's search to discover faith in Christ for herself. The author, Kitty Foth-Regner, takes readers along her journey as she tries to determine if God exists and if there's really a hereafter. As her mother lies dying in a nursing home, Kitty is forced to reexamine her mother's Christian faith. Although she has prided herself as a free-thinking feminist, she also dearly loves her mother and can't bear the thought of never seeing her face again.Pros
- The story quickly draws the reader into the journey.
- An honest, human account, straight from the heart.
- Filled with historical tidbits.
- Gives detailed time frames of the author's thoughts during her mother's final hours.
Cons
- Would have liked to see a more defining moment when the author said a prayer of salvation.
Description
- Genre: Autobiography; Christian Apologetics
- Release Date: April 2008
- Author: Kitty Foth-Regner
- Publisher: Thomas Nelson
- ISBN: 9780785227441
- Format: Paperback, 272 Pages
Book Review - Heaven Without Her by Kitty Foth-Regner
Divided into time segments of the evening before her mother dies, the book begins each chapter with an account of what the author is thinking during this heart-wrenching vigil. Throughout the progression of time, however, the author shifts from the present to past events that have shaped her belief pattern as a feminist in the 1960s through the time of her conversion to Christ, shortly after her mother dies. At first, the story seemed to jump around a bit, but soon I appreciated the narrative format.
Although I've always been a conservative woman, I grew up in the same generation as the author and could relate to the popular songs she mentions (such as "I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy), as well as the historical happenings she records, drawing me into the book from the start.
People come to faith from all different angles. While many, such as myself, just accept the Gospel by simple faith, others like Kitty struggle for facts and proof. Reading about her road to salvation, I came to see how this route to the cross could be a positive thing, giving the new believer a firm foundation and not just a faith built on emotionalism. It also is beneficial for leading other intellectuals to Christ.
Perhaps if her mother had not been confined to a nursing home for seven years and then died, her non-believing daughter would have continued to hold her worldview, denying the existence of God and heaven. However, this true story is proof of how God can use grief to bring friends and family members to faith.
What's more, the book is also an encouragement to anyone who has prayed for years for the salvation of a loved one, feeling their prayers have bounced off the wall. Kitty's mother, Ethel Foth, didn't get to see her daughter come to Christ, but she will see her again—in heaven.
About the Author
Kitty Foth-Regner is a freelance copywriter and summa cum laude journalism graduate of the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. She has co-written Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs and is the author of the novel The Cure.She lives in Waukesha, Wisconsin with her husband, Dave and their many pets. When she isn't writing, she and her husband are cheering on the Green Bay Packers. She also loves gardening.
Favorite Quote from the Book
"It doesn't matter what I believe. What matters is truth."
Venice Kichura is a freelance writer and guest contributor for About.com. Besides writing articles, short stories, and poems, she's a pencil artist who also dabbles in watercolors and acrylics, as well as enjoys needlework, crochet, and knitting. Her main passion is ministering to both Christians and nonbelievers through the printed word. For more information visit Venice's Bio Page.
