All That Glitters

Desert Gold by Rick Nau is a marvellous Christian allegorical tale and just perfect for ages ten years and above. It is the third book in the Tales Of Hope series but can be read as a stand-alone. I have read all three books and would put them on a par with C.S. Lewis’ Narnia. They are all cracking adventure stories on the surface and also grounded in God with lessons for us all to learn.

Desert Gold focuses on the theme of treasure for where your treasure is there is your heart. True treasure will always be found in a ‘who’ and never in a ‘what’. True lasting treasure is to be found in God and in others. To put our desires into possessions will merely corrupt us and take our focus away from what really matters. When gold is all we see dancing before our eyes, the state of our heart is wrong.

The novel shows that true beauty is internal. Outward appearances are never as important as the condition of our hearts. “It was difficult to believe that people so beautiful could be so despicable.” The reader is reminded that God is more concerned with our inner beauty.

We need to keep our eyes focused on God and build a relationship with Him. “She… spoke to God as though He were directly beside her.” Communication with God should be as natural as breathing. God is always with us whether we can ‘feel’ Him or not. He is always working things out for our good. “What the Blackmores meant for evil was working for the good  of all.” God can turn situations around. We just have to trust Him.

We all make choices – good and bad – we must live with the consequences of our choices. “ ‘You should not be doing this’ said a voice within him… But the drawers beckoned.” We all have a moral compass that nudges from time to time. We ignore that inner voice at our peril.

The truth never changes. “It is the truth and cannot be changed.” No matter how many times we question something, if it is the truth it will not alter.

I have loved this Tales Of Hope series. The reader really ‘feels’ included as we sit at the feet of the great Grandfather who is telling the story. He can be seen as a motif for Jesus. Oh how wonderful it would be to sit at His feet and listen to His wise words.

Rick Nau is a master storyteller. His words paint pictures as well as delivering a strong message from God.

If you love the Narnia books, you will love these Tales Of Hope books. So grab yourself copies of the books and gather your children or grandchildren and read them Tales Of Hope today. You can also settle down and immerse yourself in the tales too.

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

JULIA WILSON