The Mouse And The Lion
With You Always by Jody Hedlund is a delightful Christian historical romance. It is the first book in the Orphan Train series which promises to be fabulous. Fact blends with fiction to produce yet another charming feel-good tale.
The novel explores being true to ourselves. We need to be the person God created us to be. It is no good trying to work to be someone else. One size does not fit all. We are all unique.
Poverty was terrible in New York City in 1857. Lack of work, overcrowded tenements and gang warfare made life precarious. Women went west in search of work to avoid falling into the trap of prostitution to feed their families. It was an era of exploration as well as exploitation.
Good leaders are hard to come by. Good leaders must be small enough to serve before they are big enough to lead. They need to know what their workers are doing by experience and walking in their shoes. Good leaders do not just happen, they are made with respect.
Life and all its burdens can make us bitter if we do not practice a heart that forgives. Carrying guilt will always weigh us down. We need to forgive ourselves as well as others.
In our hurt and pain we may pull away from God and erect walls to keep Him out. She “wished she could draw confidence in God… but a wall stood in the way.” God does not cause our troubles but walks alongside us in them. He longs for us to return to Him, until we do, we will not know peace. “God’s been there waiting for me.”
God is a good Father. We do not have to earn His love, we already have it. He contrasts sharply with some fathers who seem to make their offspring earn their love. Achievement appears to equal love. God’s love is freely available to all.
Once again Jody Hedlund has drawn marvellous characters. The two leading characters spar with each other to the amusement of the reader. Poverty of possessions does not equal poverty of love. There are many riches within the story.
I adore all Jody Hedlund’s novels. They leave me with a warm heart and a smile on my face.
Absolutely wonderful.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
JULIA WILSON