While Tears in a Bottle delves deep into the controversial issue of abortion, its focus on the emotional and spiritual issues these girls face is what really makes the book memorable. More than just a novel, this book really stays with you and forces the reader to examine society's views on unwanted pregnancy.

In Tears in A Bottle, Sylvia Bambola takes on the difficult and controversial subject of abortion and delivers a riveting story that deals with the deep emotion and challenges that the decision to abort a pregnancy imparts on the lives and families of women in America. Bambola weaves several compelling storylines that bring to life the physical, emotional and spiritual difficulties that often follow an abortion. The author is ambitious in her scope of covering the many sides of abortion, but she consistently delivers in terms of attention to detail as well as with an entertaining, if challenging story. Tears in A Bottle asks the reader to consider the effect of abortion on society and individuals lives and provides an uplifting solution for those struggling with their decision to abort their pregnancy.

For another excellent novel from Bambola, check out A Refiner's Fire.

I travelled in Romania during the same time period of this book. That got my attention. I hoped to relive the intimate conversations with believers behind the Iron Curtain; I hoped to taste and smell and visualize the rugged and beautiful countryside. I was mildly disappointed.

Bambola's novel is a tale of two brothers separated by time and geography, brought together again as adults in Romania--one an American ambassador, one a Romanian colonel. The cover and description of "Refiner's Fire" led me to believe this would be more male-oriented fiction. It's not. That's not to say that it's a waste of time for male readers; in fact, I appreciated the story and the lessons to be learned. The writing is easy and flowing. The dialogue is generally snappy. I felt that the plot and characters, although fitting, were geared toward a female reader. A number of times, I found the ambassador's reactions to his wife a bit syrupy and/or emotional for a man of his position.

The book reads quickly, and the wake-up call to a lazy American society is needed (particularly within the churches). Bambola does give us some heart-rending facts regarding the persecution others face. Unfortunately for me, though, I never felt like I was taken back to the places or peoples I visited. For those who have never been there, this might be a great introduction.

Set amidst the brutal reign of Nicolae Ceausescu in 1980s Bucharest, Rumania, Sylvia Bambola's Refiner's Fire is the gripping story of secrets, suspense, persecution, and faith. Alexander Wainwright is the ambitious new American ambassador to Romania. Yuri Deyneko is the Romanian army officer (and clandestine Christian) assigned to spy on him. Both men are professionals who know their assignments. But what they do not know (although Yuri suspects) is that each man is the other's long-lost fraternal twin. Two brothers on the opposite sides of the Iron Curtain who must learn together how to discover their destinies -- and each other. Sylvia Bambola is a master storyteller who plays fair with her readers at all times in this novel of the human heart, faith, struggle, and destiny.

Set amidst the brutal reign of Nicolae Ceausescu in 1980s Bucharest, Rumania, Sylvia Bambola's Refiner's Fire is the gripping story of secrets, suspense, persecution, and faith. Alexander Wainwright is the ambitious new American ambassador to Romania. Yuri Deyneko is the Romanian army officer (and clandestine Christian) assigned to spy on him. Both men are professionals who know their assignments. But what they do not know (although Yuri suspects) is that each man is the other's long-lost fraternal twin. Two brothers on the opposite sides of the Iron Curtain who must learn together how to discover their destinies -- and each other. Sylvia Bambola is a master storyteller who plays fair with her readers at all times in this novel of the human heart, faith, struggle, and destiny.