Overcoming With God

The American Conquest by Jenna Brandt is the third and final book in the Window To The Heart series. It is a Christian historical adventure and can be read as a stand-alone as action from the previous books is recapped.

It has certainly been an exciting and cosmopolitan series, travelling from England to France and then to America. Each book, whilst being united by themes has had a totally unique flavour. This final book is one of conquest, discovery and adventure. It has a pioneering spirit at its heart.

As with previous books, the heroine has to face and overcome many struggles. Here it is the Native Americans that are the threat, along with unscrupulous Yanks. It was interesting to note the simple but content way of life of the Native Americans. “They did only what they needed to live. They did not kill themselves to gain more than what they needed.” This contrasts with the drive for ‘more’ of western society.

In America, all men are equal. There were no hierarchies or titles. People can all have a new start. “No one really paid any attention to a person’s class or their station in life here.”

New beginnings with God was also a theme in the novel. Jenna Brandt shows how exciting it is when a new believer comes to faith. The excitement, devotion and dedication is clear to see.

God is with us always. Life may cause us to move away from God but He will never move away from us. “Where was God?… She had stopped praying.” Prayer is our lifeline to God. Our way of communicating and establishing a relationship. If we sever the line, we will be the ones who suffer.

There is the theme of the prodigals returning which causes the reader to rejoice.

There are some very uncomfortable moments in the novel as there is violence towards women and rape. No explicit details are given but it does make unpleasant reading.

The story is about overcoming. Overcoming everything that life throws at you. Spirits may be damaged but faith in God helps people to rise again. God will repay the years that the locusts have eaten.

I have really enjoyed this trilogy. Each one has been both unique and complete but linked together. The story has come full circle and all loose ends tied up. God is very much at the centre. Without Him, we have nothing.

A great wrap up to a fabulous series.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON