The Girl's Still Got It

Well, the first question has to be, what is "it"? "It", as defined by author Liz Curtis Higgs, is value, significance, worth. Not only does she claim Ruth still has "it" but so do I and every woman. God formed us, picked us up when needed, carries us when necessary, and loves us unconditionally and knows every detail of this story we refer to as life. He finds us worthy. Why do we, as women, find that so difficult to accept? So, what does God intend for us to learn from Ruth's life? Higgs claims that through studying about Ruth and the other everyday people in scripture, we can learn of God's character--steadfast, compassionate , patient, faithful, and merciful. Walking the reader through the book or Ruth (a short book of only four chapters), Higgs reveals to the reader all of God's traits listed above and then some. Ruth certainly didn't live an easy life so perhaps she really isn't so different from you and me. God simply chose her and included her by name in Scripture to demonstrate His character. Just like Ruth, we are "never alone and have Someone powerful in charge and looking out for us". I am typically not a big fan of non-fiction but I am a big fan of fellow Louisvillian, Liz Curtis Higgs so my love of her previous fiction pieces led me to order this book. Was it what I expected? No! This book reads so much like a work of fiction that it is hard to put down and grabs you as early as the introduction. It is almost as if written like a conversation, as if Mrs. Higgs was sitting here in my family room talking to me. Or perhaps it is Ruth and Naomi that are the ones that seem as if they have been brought to life in a way I've never seen them before. Higgs has such a sense of humor which is seen throughout her writings on Ruth. I guarantee you won't be able to read this book, even the first chapter without at least a chuckle. Included in the book are discussion questions if you are part of a book club, a chapter by chapter study guide sufficient for a 12 week book study, and suggestions for further reading. I will be recommending this book to my book club and also think it an excellent book for a more in-depth Bible study group whether it be a Sunday School class or a multi-age group of women getting together for a book study. Perfect for adult women of all ages. To read the intro, go to http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product_slideshow?sku=564484&actual_sku=564484&use_onix=1. I did receive this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review and was, in no way, obligated to leave a positive review.

The Messenger

Hannah Sunderland was raised a Quaker in Philadelphia.   Quakers are peacemakers and, therefore, don't believe in war or conflict.   She and most of her family were quite content to remain neutral even though most around them were taking sides as a Patriot or Loyalist, even her own twin brother when he chose to side with the Patriots.  When a British officer makes the Sunderland home his headquarters in 1778, the officer forces them to move into a relative's home because of his unacceptable behavior.  When Hannah's twin, Robert, is thrown into prison, she can no longer sit idly by and do nothing.  She will stop at almost nothing to save her brother from the fate of death that surely awaits him if he remains in General Howe's prison.  The circumstances Hannah finds herself in during these days of British occupation cause her to question everything she has known as "truth".  

Jeremiah Jones, a Colonial spy, wounded war veteran, and local tavernkeeper, has a plan but he can do nothing without access to the same prison Hannah's brother is in.  He needs a messenger.  Jeremiah is able to convince Hannah that she can aide her brother and help him pass information into the prison. What Jeremiah isn't prepared for is Hannah's level of moral truth and honor toward her parents and her faith.

Jeremiah and Hannah make an unlikely pair.  Hannah's Quaker faith is ingrained in her and Jeremiah has long ago surpassed his need for God. However, they find in each other just what the other needs.

Ms. Mitchell has tackled a time period where very few historical novels have been written. I chose this book for this very reason.  Colonial history is fascinating and yet I find few fictional books written around the time period.  The Messenger opens from Hannah's point of view and Jeremiah's point of view follows in the next chapter.  The entire book is written in the manner and makes the transition from the two perspectives wonderfully woven together.

I must admit, that at first, I found the book a bit difficult to get into.  I reread the first two chapters a couple of times because I would read them and not be grabbed by the storyline and put it down only to pick it up weeks later to reread.  However, once I got past the first couple of chapters, the characters of Hannah and Jeremiah begin to endear themselves to me and I didn't want to put the book down.  As Jeremiah struggles with the man he has become and grieves the man he once was, you can't help but love him and feel for him as his insecurities surface.  Hannah, longing to be the faithful and dutiful daughter, struggles with her choices and decisions.  Her feelings, both loathing and kind toward Jeremiah, make her a woman you want to keep reading about.  Watching their friendship and attraction toward one another slowly unfold was beautiful.  I loved the fact that it was gradual and not another love at first sight kind of relationship and that both of them made the other a better person.  Isn't that what love is about?

I did receive this book free from the publisher and was, in no way, obligated to leave a positive review.  If given the opportunity.  I would love to read another of Siri Mitchell's books.