Messes Into Masterpieces

In Spite Of Ourselves by Jennifer Rodewald is a most delightful Christian contemporary novel about the power of love. It is part of the Potter’s house series and book two in the Murphy Brothers series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The central theme is about love – learning to love like God, learning to give and receive love. A life starved of love is just a half-life. Not everyone who loves has a motive behind their love. The novel shows how we are loved unconditionally for just who we are.

Sometimes we need to break out from the lessons of our upbringing. Our childhood shapes the adult we become but sometimes we have learnt the wrong lessons. A character has been taught to be independent, that love is not needed, to be strong is to live emotionally isolated. This is flawed thinking. We need others. We need love and we need God.

There is a wonderful warm welcome from the Murphy family. The love radiates outwards from the parents. There is infectious good natured teasing.

Life leaves its scars. Some are visible, others are hidden. Our scars show the battles we have overcome.

Our lives may seem messy and chaotic but God does His best work as He transforms our messes into masterpieces.

I love Jennifer Rodewald’s novels. They are warm and welcoming with God at the core. In Spite Of Ourselves is a gentle read about overcoming our fears and letting God in. I adored it.

I will leave you with my favourite quote:

“I don’t go to church to celebrate my goodness. I go to worship His.”

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

JULIA WILSON