Live, Love, Loss

Then There’s Trust by Susan Gray is a powerful historical novel that I loved. It is the third book in the Blossoming series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Once more the reader joins familiar faces in a familiar location, a small village near Durham in the North East. As we catch up, it is now the 1950’s and there are still fall-outs from World War II as a character is returning from two years National Service.

The 1950’s was a time of change. People were still adapting to peacetime. We join a large, extended family as they navigate life, love and loss.

There is the painful topic of stillbirth. A character’s hopes and dreams died with their baby. At times like this it is hard to trust that God is good even when circumstances aren’t. “Trust is a confident expectation of something. There are seasons in life when we are asked to trust.” Trusting is hard when life sucks but we have to trust that God is good.

Loss is painful. “Why did she have to leave me when I needed her so much?” is said after the stillbirth. A wife and mother unexpectedly departs, leaving a huge hole in her family. “You don’t know at that point it’s going to be the last occasion. Bring your memories to mind.” We need to cherish our loved ones because we do not know when lives will end. Make memories, as one day you will need them to keep you warm.

Sometimes there are no words. “We cry to express ourselves when words are too painful.” God knows the cry of our hearts even when our lips are silent.

An ancient feud still has the power to destroy lives. We need to put aside our differences and forgive. Life is too short to bear grudges.

We follow a character who is tempted to break her marriage vows. The reader can see that she is on dodgy ground, and so can the character. She removes herself from temptation.

The major theme is that of trust, as the title suggests. We can trust each other and we can trust God. “When…we are about to give up… That’s when we have to trust the most.” It is always darkest just before the dawn.

Trusting God when we are hurting is recommended. “She knew trust in God was not about church attendance… It was about personal commitment.” Going to church does not make you a Christian. It is having a living and loving relationship with God that makes you a Christian.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this Blossoming trilogy from Susan Gray. All the books are powerful.

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

JULIA WILSON