Finding Your Calling
The Cherished Quilt by Amy Clipston is a delightful contemporary Amish romance. It is the third book in the Amish Heirloom series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The main themes of the novel are guilt and grief. They are heavy burdens to carry and were never meant for us alone. “I’m tired of carrying this burden around… I… need a friend who will listen to me.” As well as friends, we also need God but in our grief, we may pull away from Him. “If only he remembered how to pray. His ability to talk to God had died the day Gabriel was killed.” God longs for us to return to Him.
We all feel guilt over the loss of a loved one. This guilt can make us believe “I’m not good enough.” Not good enough for God. And that is where grace steps in. None of us would ever be ‘good enough’ for God but because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we can receive God’s free gift of grace and draw near to Him.
The burden of guilt can make us ill. God is the great healer and restorer of our lives. “If you come to God broken, He will heal you.” As we draw near to Him and give Him our guilt, “God forgives and heals. You need to forgive yourself.” Forgiveness links in with guilt. We must forgive ourselves or be guilty of hubris. Often we are harder to forgive than others.
The novel deals with family rifts. They come through grief and persist through stubbornness. Sooner or later, pride needs to be swallowed and grace extended. This reminds the reader of the Biblical story of the prodigal son and the happiness seen as he returns.
Sometimes we feel lost. “He had no idea where he belonged.” We need to discover our gifts and our callings. We need to find our place in our community and in God’s family.
Gods plans are so much greater than others. We must content ourselves with sitting back and waiting for God’s timing in our lives.
There is a wonderful feeling of hospitality in the novel. People bond over food. The reader can almost taste the fare on offer, especially the apple pie!
Family is important. The love of an extended family has far reaching arms. There are some wonderful characters in the book that just came to life in my heart. I adored seven year old John. Amy Clipston had perfectly captured a young boy’s mannerisms in him.
I absolutely loved The Cherished Quilt, I read it in just one sitting. From warm and welcoming characters to hospitality to comprehensive descriptions, I ‘walked’ through the novel. My heart was full as the novel soothed my soul.
A totally charming and delightful read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
JULIA WILSON