This book is Christian Historical fiction, which is one of my favorite genres, especially when it is done well and is credible. Love’s New Beginnings is great, well-done, credible, and fiction that centers on faith and living the Christian life regardless of the circumstances. This book shines with sympathetic characters that at times exhibit painful insecurities that are conquered by God’s grace.
Things I Loved about the book:
• The aunties were cute. In the opening scene, we find out the two aunties, Myrtle and Fern along with Lydia moved from Minnesota to because of a mail-order type proposal to Fern from a Mr. Wilkins just about a month ago. But oops, Mr. Wilkins is now not into Prune Creek or Fern, nope, he is now into gold found around South Pass City. Nothing like a duplicitous character to pull you into a book with boatloads of sympathy for the jilted fiancé. Lydia is the one who happens to see Mr. Wilkins leaving and gives him a piece of her mind. Then, we shortly meet the aunties with all their eccentricities, such as Fern’s impulsivities and Myrtle’s inability to make pies!
• The sensitivity and insecurities of both Solomon and Lydia pulled me into the story as well as their chosen professions they used to serve others. I know what it is like to be a first-time teacher with all your hopes, dreams, and expectations. I’ve also seen the excitement, trepidation, and fear that first-time pastor’s experience in their initial pastorate. This was captured well and made more compelling as it was layered over the budding relationship of Solomon and Lydia. Both characters lost their parents and were raised by a relative, although Lydia’s aunties were loving and Solomon’s grandfather was abusive.
• I appreciated the testimony and Christian love that the character of Abe brought to this story. Solomon needed a mentor and the real-life arms of Jesus, and that is what Abe brought to Solomon. At the end of the book (page 170), Solomon reflects on the gift that Abe has been to him as a grandfather that care for and adopted him, regardless of blood ties. He also prayed that he could follow the biblical example of Abe to “go and do likewise” Luke 10:37.
• I appreciate a book that strongly presents themes and carries those themes throughout the book. Love’s New Beginnings brings forth the themes of forgiveness and trusting God instead of worrying. The book opens with 1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” and then near the end of the story, when Solomon is bombarded with worry concerning his ability to provide for Lydia, the first Peter verse comes to his mind. Both the lead characters show growth in relationship to these themes of forgiveness and trust versus worry.
It is wonderful to close a book and feel you just met some good friends, friends that enriched your life. This is my first series of Penny Zeller and I highly anticipate reading other books by this author.
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