The Rescuer
These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas is a powerful Christian historical novel that consumed me from the start. It has its’ roots in facts and there are actual historical figures in the book.
The novel is set between the wars in the early 1930’s as Hitler is rising to power. Much of the novel is set in America but some is set in Berlin.
During World War I, a young German man in the navy found himself interred in an enemy alien camp in America. He wrote to his fiancée in Germany until the letters just stopped in 1917. His mother and fiancée are still waiting for news of him in 1932. A newspaper cutting means a young woman travels to America to find out what happened to her young man. This reminds the reader that when we are lost, God seeks us out. He will leave the ninety-nine in order to search for the one who is lost.
We learn that there were dodgy goings on in the internment camp. Only now, in 1932 are activities coming to light. A cold case springs to life as the truth is sought.
A life that stagnated in Berlin, buds and blossoms in America. “Her life had gone from the grays… of Germany to this multicoloured happiness… on a fledgling college campus.” America is the land of opportunity. This is in contrast to Germany where lives are being eroded and closed down.
Characters need to practice forgiveness. This is not always easy. “I want to forgive you, but it’s very difficult.” When we cannot forgive in our strength, we must ask God for His.
Fear saw a character abandoning his life and living under the radar. God does not want us to live in fear. He has something far greater for us. As a character has a new faith, he steps out, learning to trust God. “He could trust God and step out of the safe life he’d built.”
We learn that “God… will take the bad times and make them good… He is slow at times but He will do it.” Everything happens in God’s perfect timing.
As the 1930’s progresses we witness the closing down of lives in Germany. It is a nation of fear. It takes courage to flee.
All the characters were well drawn and believable. As the characters grew and progressed. It was beautiful to see new bonds forming.
The novel ends in 1938. Characters declare; “God is good even when the world is not.” More than ever, that is a truth we can stand on – God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
I thoroughly enjoyed These Blue Mountains. It was a powerful tale of blending of German and American lives, and of a faithful God who loves us.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
