Following Your Dream

Picture Imperfect by Alyssa Roat and Hope Bolinger is the most delightful contemporary Christian novel focusing on hope.

We all have dreams. Our dreams give us hope. We need to follow our own dreams and not impose our dreams on the lives of others to follow. Our dream is the pathway for us alone. We are all unique. When God places a dream on our heart even though the road may be rocky at times, we will not fail. “When God opens a door, you don’t ask questions. You just walk through it.” God opens doors that no man can shut.

Hope is a powerful thing. Without it, the people will perish. “The greatest hope could be found in everyday lives.” Hope keeps us alive, whether it is in the big or the small things. We need to hold on to hope.

The novel shows characters whose lives revolve around work. “I was so focused on building the perfect life…that I forgot to spend time with the people… I was doing it all for.” We may be so busy working that when we look up, we find that life has passed us by and we have missed those milestone moments with our families.

We witness two families that are polar opposites – wealth, opportunities and pressure to succeed versus poverty and love. If we are loved, we will thrive. Young lives suffer when there is pressure to succeed, and success is measured by grades.

It is beautiful to see the care and compassion of adults towards the helpless and vulnerable in the form of children and animals. Both will thrive with love, time invested and encouragement.

All the characters were well drawn and realistic. Within characters we see both vulnerability and strength which makes them easy to identify with.

Picture Imperfect is a charming tale that offers hope for all and will leave you smiling.

I received a free copy from one of the authors. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON