Guiding Her Steps

Five Brides by Eva Marie Everson is the most delightful Christian historical romance that will warm your heart.

Set in the 1950’s surrounding five friends, the reader is treated to the customs of the day. Parents were respected and morals expected to be high. Unmarried mothers were frowned on but every child was seen as a gift from God no matter what the circumstances of their conception.

There were some gentlemen within the novel as well as some cads. Infatuation blinded women to the character flaws in men.

We need to be true to ourselves. “You deserve to be loved… Not for the person your boyfriend is trying to make you into, but for who you are.” If someone is pressurising you to change, they are not Mr Right. Finding true love is the order of the day. Love can often be found in the most unlikely of places and even when we are not looking.

God’s plans are best. We need to seek His will for our lives and let Him be in the driving seat.

Lessons learnt in our childhood will set us up for adulthood. “Warnings from God’s Word – kept me in line.” Building a firm foundation in our lives will keep us on the right track. If our conscience starts to prick us, we must be travelling down the wrong road.

There is a big difference between going to church and knowing God. Religion gives rules. God desires relationship. “I’m not talking about religion… I’m talking about faith.” Faith in God will get us through life. Church is not just to become a good habit. Church is the place where we can have fellowship with other believers and where our faith can grow. “I’m more than just a person who goes to church every Sunday… I love God.”

Eva Marie Everson has drawn a marvellous set of unique characters. The female camaraderie and friendship just oozed from the novel. I loved the bond of one of the characters with her Negro servant. They shared a warmth that was lacking with her parents.

A wonderful feel good read of a bygone era. Positively delightful.

JULIA WILSON