Friday, June 10, 2011

On Faith and Forgiveness...


"Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins."
- Proverbs 10:12

Have you ever wished you could leave your past behind you?  I have!!  At the same time, have you ever pondered, in gratitude, the lessons learned ONLY having walked your past?  

It has been some time since my last post, as life's journey has seemed to explode!  Miraculous opportunities have opened (and closed) over the months, and I continue to walk in gratitude for God's provision, grace, and love!!  As I again pause to record a moment in time, I am quickly reminded of just how abundant life is!

I have long been a fan of Historical Fiction novels, particularly with a Christian theme; thus I was delighted when Bethany House Publisher gifted me an opportunity to review one of their titles!!  I received a free copy of  "to Win Her HEART" by Karen Witemeyer and eagerly dove in!!  Karen Witemeyer had already been added to my growing list of treasured authors for her ability to create deep emotions in me as I journeyed into her stories, and this novel was no different!!

As I have shared my journey, I have shared my struggle with accepting and offering forgiveness.  I have recorded numerous examples of God's grace and mercy as He gently reminded me of my worth as His daughter.  Needless to say, I felt immediately connected with the story line of "to Win Her HEART" as I reviewed the following synopsis:
A blacksmith with a criminal past. A librarian with pacifist ideals. Do they have a fighting chance at finding love?
Having completed his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father’s knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past. But small towns leave little room for secrets. . . .

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she steels herself against the attraction he provokes. His halting speech and hesitant manner leave her doubting his intelligence. Yet as the mysteries of the town’s new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Levi’s renewed commitment to his faith leads Eden to believe she’s finally found a man of honor and integrity, a man worthy of her love. But when the truth about his prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian’s affections?
I immediately fell in love with the characters, as they struggled with the challenge of putting their pasts behind them.  I was moved by the evidence of God's grace to restore, as I have come to intimately know His faithfulness .  I delighted in Ms. Witemeyer's ability to include my emotions in that of the character's as she vividly guided me into an era of honor and faith.  I could relate to the discomfort of walking in love over judgement, and celebrated in the victory over the flesh!  

"to Win Her HEART" immediately captured mine, as I found myself taking every opportunity to "curl up" with Eden and Levi's adventures into Love.  Karen Witemeyer has once again created a "Happily Ever After" that left me feeling uplifted, encouraged, and loved!  I HIGHLY recommend you spend quality time walking through the pages of this inspiring novel as you consider your own Faith and Forgiveness!  Perhaps it is time to Rejoice in the Sweetness of Second Chances!!!