It Is Well With My Soul

This Side Of Yesterday by Angela D Meyer is a charming contemporary Christian novel and part of the Mosaic Collection. I adored it.

The novel has two major themes – of dementia and fostering. Dementia is a cruel disease that robs us of our loved ones bit by bit while they are still living. “I feel like I’m losing him.” It is upsetting for all concerned. “Even if I can’t remember, don’t forget me.” There are some very touching scenes that will bring a tear to your eye.

Fostering brings with it, its own set of challenges and needs. They “need our help not our judgment.” It is said in Africa, that it takes a whole village to raise a child. This is certainly true in the novel, with a wonderful community that pulls together to offer support. There is a beautiful partnership between a fostered teen and a grandfather with dementia. They offer each other mutual support.

We all need friends, friends who will help and support. The community in the novel meets all the needs that it sees.

We also need God. When times are hard, we may cry out, “Lord… be my strength.” When we come to the end of ourselves we can press into Him. Whatever we face, God walks alongside us. “God still cared for her in the middle of this upset.” We have to trust God to lead us through life. “Lord, help me believe all is well even when I don’t see it.” God is faithful, even when we cannot see the next step, we can trust Him to lead us.

Within the story there is a search, a search that began at the end of World War II. This reminds the reader that God will search for us, He will never give up until we come to rest in Him. In fact the very first question in the Bible is “Where are you?” in Genesis. God knows exactly where we are but He will passionately pursue us, even when we try to hide from Him. He will never give up until we come to Him and we are no longer lost.

This Side Of Yesterday was such a delightful book. I am sorry it has ended. I look forward to many more by Angela D Meyer.

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

JULIA WILSON