The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord

Filled with heartache, romance, and growing up, The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord is your next swoon-worthy summer drama.

Lucy Hansson was ready for a perfect summer with her boyfriend, working at her childhood Bible camp on the lake. But when her mom’s cancer reappears, Lucy falters—in faith, in love, and in her ability to cope. When her boyfriend “pauses” their relationship and her summer job switches to a different camp—one for troubled kids—Lucy isn’t sure how much more she can handle. Attempting to accept a new normal, Lucy slowly regains footing among her vibrant, diverse coworkers, Sundays with her mom, and a crush on a fellow counselor. But when long-hidden family secrets emerge, can Lucy set aside her problems and discover what grace really means?

I am a big fan of Emery Lord’s books. The romances are enchanting, the stories breezy and captivating, and yet each book is rich with serious topics and heavy subject matter. She somehow creates books that are both easy to get swept away in, and intense to devour.

The Names They Gave Us is no exception, with Lucy facing a crisis of faith when her world comes crashing down.

The synopsis above says that Lucy must fight to “discover what grace really means” – and I can’t really think of a better way to describe the overarching theme of this book. Grace, and what it really means. Grace, and how it really manifests in the people and the world around us.

Between her mom’s returning illness and the drastically different, troubled lives of the kids at her new camp, Lucy’s sheltered world is ripped wide open. And though it is terrifying and challenging, Lucy also finds it strangely rewarding.

I loved spending time with Lucy, her family, and her new friends. I loved seeing her discover a new way to be herself, and I loved seeing how she faced each new challenge thrown her way.

The Names They Gave Us is not always an easy read, but it is an enchanting one. A story rich with love, family, life, and – yes – the true meaning of grace, look for it in stores May 16th.

Save