Heaven Is Watching
Restoring Hope by Philippa Cleall is a powerful contemporary Christian novel about love, forgiveness, redemption and new beginnings. It is a beautiful story that warmed my heart and soul.
The setting is Wombat Valley in New South Wales. It is a charming small town where the leading lady flees to after years of domestic abuse. It is where her grandmother lived and where she feels safe to start again. “The dream she’d built from sorrow.” Our dreams are important; they give us a hope for the future.
A café is opened as she follows in her grandmother’s footsteps. It is a place of community. She was “building more than a café.” It is a place where the lost, the hurting and the vulnerable feel drawn to, and feel safe.
The grace that is received, is passed on to others. Words of encouragement that are planted into hearts, bud and blossom.
We meet characters who live out their faith. “She doesn’t push faith on others… she lives it.” People are drawn to those whose lives point to Jesus. They are not just hearers of the Word; they are doers of the Word too.
There is a group of women who have all suffered from domestic abuse. They learn about the power of forgiveness – what it is, and what it is not. They also learn that trust once gone, is not easily restored. It needs to be earnt.
In her old life, a character withdrew from God asks “Where was He?”… “With you.” God never leaves us but in our hurt and in our pain, we do not always ‘feel’ Him. Her heart still has a God-shaped hole. “Lord, I want to believe You’re still here.” Want is the first step on the road to belief.
As we witness God rescue people, we see this mirrored in the tale as animals are rescued too. Care and gentleness help animals to heal. Care and gentleness help people to heal too.
We do not need to be perfect in order to go to church. “You don’t have to be whole to be welcomed. Just willing.” God calls us to come just as we are, and then He will work in lives.
There is much love within the novel. “Love isn’t something that disappears when the story gets messy.” We all have messy lives, and God loves each and every one of us. Those who genuinely love us will not leave us either.
All the characters were wonderfully warm and welcoming. They offered love and community. I thoroughly enjoyed Restoring Hope, and look forward to more books from the author.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“Genuine faith… having hands that help, and a desire to understand, and hearts that wait to listen.”
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON