Amazing Grace
Across The Ages by Gabrielle Meyer is a wonderful dual timeline Christian historical novel. It is the fourth book in the Timeless series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The action is set in 1727 and 1927. Both periods have their challenges – piracy in the earlier period, and prohibition and bootleggers in the latter date. Some characters and situations are drawn from real life.
We see the theme of the prodigals returning home – physically and spiritually. Earthly characters rejoice. How much greater will the party in heaven be when the prodigal returns?
God is steadfast. “God’s Word is eternal. He doesn’t change just because society changes.” Situations, fashions and circumstances come and go but God is eternal and His character is always love.
Prayer is important. Prayer links us to God. “I… had to believe that He was for me, and I could go to Him in prayer.” God is literally just a prayer away. “I wanted to pray, but I wasn’t sure that God would listen.” God always listens when we pray. Our doubts are not the opposite of faith. Our doubts can be the springboard to believing.
We all have worries. “You needn’t worry… God has gone before you.” God leads us in the way we should go. We can trust His plans and His guiding.
God gives us gifts. “What if I focused on the One who had given me my voice.” We should use the gifts that He has given us.
Faith is more than just attending church. “Just because you attend church and read the Bible doesn’t mean you believe.” Faith is connecting with the heart of God. True, authentic faith is attractive. “Maybe his unfailing faith in God… was the very thing that attracted people to him.” We need to practice what we preach.
Within the tale we see a preacher who is not afraid to admit when he has messed up in life, knowing that God has forgiven him. He is now redeemed and a new creation in Jesus. “All of us can be redeemed from the choices we’ve made.” We own our choices and can always finish well. “We can’t change our past… but we can change our future.”
We all have freedom of choice. “God did care. Everything He created was good… We could choose good or evil.” God made man in His image but sometimes man strays from the heart of God.
God can redeem our messy lives. “I could pray… hoping that God would bring beauty from the ashes.” Our mess becomes a masterpiece in the hands of God.
Gabrielle Meyer has crafted a unique adventure tale that drew me in from the start. She paints a picture of both the hearts of her characters and also of their external surroundings. She is a masterful storyteller and I loved Across The Ages.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
