Homespun Bride, by Jillian Hart

Review by Jen Nofziger

This book got my attention on the very first page, where I read: “For 60 years, Harlequin has been providing millions of women with pure reading pleasure. We hope you enjoy this great story!” Now, I don't know what “Harlequin romance” conjures up in your mind, but I will tell you, an eyebrow was raised a little when I read that little snippet! It appears Harlequin is in the “inspirational historical romance” business now. Who knew?!

So, with this rather intriguing information roaming around in the back of my mind, I started Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart. As you may have guessed, from its Harlequin beginnings, Homespun Bride is a romance; a mushy, sappy, predictable love story that I happened to find myself enjoying.

Jillian Hart writes a story that effortlessly whisks you off to another time and place. While there in the Montana Territory during the 1880's, you get to know Noelle. Noelle has lost just about everything: her parents, her eyesight, the love of her life, and the hope for a family of her own. But then her long lost love returns to town after ten years – and breaking her heart – and they both discover God's plans for each of them may not be what they expected.

There were a few things that I did not enjoy about this story, but they may only be applicable to me. A common plot in romantic fiction that makes me crazy is when the protagonist seems to slip into a martyr role, believing that she must make incredibly difficult, self-sacrificing decisions, thinking she knows what is best for someone else, whether or not she really knows what is best. I know it adds layers to the story, but I can find it tiring. Toward the end of the book, the author uses the word “darlin'” a gazillion times (give or take).  It was awkward and distracting, which probably seems nit-picky, but it really was annoying. Also (and I hope you read this book and get back to me, because I wonder if I am losing my mind), the author seems to switch perspectives in the story randomly, so sometimes I found myself a little confused.

In spite of these shortcomings, I thought the story was sweet and pleasant. I found the characters to be interesting and enjoyed spending some time with them. Their story was endearing and their hopes and obstacles were pleasant to share with them. In this book, love and determination triumph (surprise!) and all is well in the end.

It's not great literature.  It's not going to change your life, but if you have some time to snuggle up and be taken to another time and place by a (mostly) well written story where the characters will remind you of God's faithfulness, timing, and plans, this is a good book just for that!

Facing Your Giants, by Max Lucado

Review by Jen Nofziger

As I sit down to write this month's column, I believe this just may be the shortest review ever. It could go something like this: You should read this book; it is really good. Short and sweet. Or it could be the longest one ever as I could go on and on about what I liked, why I liked it, and how there's so much useful and applicable information in it.  So, please settle in and let's see how this goes.

It has been many, many years since I have read a Max Lucado book, and after reading Facing Your Giants, I wonder why that is. The book is subtitled:“A David and Goliath Story for Everyday People,” and the author takes us on a journey through David's ups and downs while showing us how we can face our giants.

David's giant was a nine-and-a-half foot Philistine. Our giant comes in countless forms: bills, revenge, remorse, fear, depression, parents, children, work, school  . . .  The one thing we need to know is that we can overcome our giants the same way David did his, by focusing on our God. As Lucado points out, if we focus on our giants, we will stumble, but if we focus on our God, our giants will stumble. And really, if you can remember that, why read the book, because that is pretty much all you need to know, isn't it? But I would recommend reading the book because as Lucado goes through David's life, we see sometimes how David does it right and sometimes how David does it wrong (and how we might avoid similar pitfalls when facing our own giants). 

There are times when Lucado feels he needs to share what he imagines would be the thoughts and actions of David and others in the Bible. If I have one complaint about the book, it would be this. I found this bothersome, partly because I don't see that the Bible needs to be modified in order to be relevant. But some may enjoy these vignettes and maybe even find them helpful in relating the Biblical account to their own lives. They were a distraction to me. This is just one technique the author uses as he digs deep into David's life, into his struggles and successes, as he helps us to see how to apply what he finds.

The book is well written, the ideas clearly presented and incredibly thorough, covering many topics. I found it to be an easy read that drew me in and kept me interested throughout. There are familiar David stories as well as new (to me) David stories. Lucado follows a simple, effective formula in each chapter as he covers many episodes from David's life. There are the highs (Goliath, Brook Besor) and lows (grieving, family), victories and defeats. Like Lucado says “In David's good moments, no one was better. In his bad moments, could one be worse? The heart God loved was a checkered one.”

And then in the end,  Lucado leaves us with five stones (like David had picked up) we need to overcome our giants. Pick up the book and check it out, even if you're not facing any giants at the time, it is always good to remember who our God is and what He has done, just in case!