Search And Rescue

The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection is a wonderful Christian historical collection of seven stories set in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. The stories are united in their settings and themes – search and rescue. This reminds the reader that God is in the search and rescue business. He searches for us until He finds and rescues us from a life of disconnection from Him. He rejoices when we are found. I loved the references to books that were around at the time too. A perfectly delightful set of stories.

Anna’s Tower by Pegg Thomas is a delightful tale that has its base in historical facts. The story is about encouragement, kindness and facing our fears. Hearts and homes are opened up to strangers. Men are rescued, reminding the reader that God wants to rescue each and every one of us. A tale to warm your heart.

Beneath A Michigan Moon by Candice Sue Patterson is a wonderful tale with a strong, feisty, independent young woman. Her verbal sparring with the lead male is a joy to behold. There are moments of humour too. The leading male is kind, caring and compassionate. Living lives in isolation was never what God intended. It is beautiful to watch love blossoming.

Safe Haven by Rebecca Jepson shows a search to find roots that yields some surprising results. The tale deals with grief, love and family. There is the theme of caring for orphans. God is a God of fresh starts. He will repay the years the locusts have eaten. There is the theme of healing – both literally and spiritually. Some wonderful characters will take up residence in your heart.

Love’s Beacon by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a wonderful tale where I caught up with familiar faces from previous novels. This story concerns a search for roots. We all want to know where we come from. Distressing dreams offer a glimpse into the past. Trust in God offers hope for the future. A darling three year old enchants the reader as we watch love unfold in the most surprising place. God restores all that was lost.

The Last Memory by Kathleen Rouser is a delightful story about searching to belong. It takes a bout of amnesia to find out who she really is and where our heroine fits in. The tale is about being true to ourselves and trusting that God hears and answers our prayers.

The Disappearing Ship by Lena Nelson Dooley has searching for cargo mirroring a search to belong. A modern educated young woman meets prejudice as people decide male not female doctors are the order of the day. She has to persevere to be all that God intends her to be. A gentle love unfolds along the way.

The Wrong Survivor by Marilyn Turk concerns grief, loss and survivor’s guilt. Guilt can keep us suspended in time. We cannot go back but neither can we move forward. Fear stops us from trying until someone believes in us again. There is also the theme of forgiveness. Unforgiveness will harden our heart. Anger at God for seemingly being uncaring or impotent follows loss. God is neither. He walks alongside us in our grief. He longs for our hearts to soften. I loved the inclusion of a dog who drew characters together. A delightful story to end a wonderful collection.

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

JULIA WILSON