His Healing Love And Forgiveness

The Real Thing by Autumn Macarthur is the most delightful contemporary Christian novel that warmed my heart. It is the fourth book in the Macleans series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I absolutely adored The Real Thing. It is a book about flawed human beings learning to grow in God’s love. “God loves Brodie… Brodie’s only problem is he doesn’t realise it yet.” Sometimes God places us in situations or brings people along our path in order to draw us closer to Him and to love ourselves for who we are.

Life has dealt blows to the two lead characters. Both have walked away from God wondering why He had let bad things happen. Bitterness has produced mental walls to go with the physical walls.

A character realises her need for God. “She wanted to let God heal her anger.” Holding on to anger is a weight we were never meant to carry.

There is the theme of forgiveness. We need to give it. We need to receive it. We need forgiveness as surely as the air that we breathe.

Two of the three main characters have disabilities – one has lung disease and the other cerebral palsy. Both are wonderfully drawn and lodged in my heart. Equally enchanting were the mannerisms of a young child. I adored how she could not say her ‘r’ and her absolute love was endearing.

The Real Thing was a perfectly charming read which I loved.

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

JULIA WILSON