“Rescued” by Donna Dawson, reviewed by Rose McCormick Brandon

Self-published with Word Alive Press, 2010, paperback 242 pages.

After several in-vitro fertilization attempts, each one ending with miscarriage, Charlene and Daniel MacTaggart are on the verge of giving up. Their doctor presents them with a new alternative - an embryo transplant. Charlene hesitates, wondering if lending her body to research will only bring more grief.

Jason Steadman, a genetic researcher from Australia has experimented with embryo transfer in animals. He is summoned to Canada to meet with Daphne and Charlene. Will Jason’s research bring happiness to many childless couples? Or is he, as critics say, meddling in the sanctity of human reproduction?

Dawson expertly weaves her characters into a global debate. She adds extremists, activists and stalking reporters to this suspense-filled novel while maintaining a calm focus on the real star of the story, the child in the womb of young 17-year-old Daphne Barrie.

Donna Dawson is an award-winning Canadian suspense writer. She lives in London and teaches Creative Writing at Fanshawe College. Rescued is available at book stores and on-line here.

Rose McCormick Brandon is the author of award-winning personal essays and articles on faith and family. She also writes devotionals and contributes to book compilations such as Chicken Soup for the Soul. She lives in Caledonia, Ontario, with husband Doug. They have three children and two grandchildren and occasionally co-author articles on finances. They enjoy time at their cottage on Manitoulin Island.

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