Finding True Treasure
These Empty Places by Sarah Loudin Thomas is a powerful and beautiful Christian historical novel that I adored. It is set in small-town America in 1930.
This is a book about love and relationships – whether with people, places or God. It is also a time when the old order of things is breaking down. “Her father had grudgingly agreed [to marriage] once he’d confirmed Preston’s bank account.” This was an old class system of marriage alliances to bolster families.
We witness different types of marriage. A couple chose love over wealth. Another chose financial security over love. Both marriages worked but in different ways. Being older when facing marriage definitely brings a different set of priorities.
A younger character is not comfortable in his skin. He continually feels that he needs to earn love. For him, rising up the financial ladder will bring love – he doesn’t realise that his other half loves him for who he is, and not the size of his bank account. “Rich or poor, or anywhere in between, honesty is the soil in which strong relationships grow.”
1930 in America was a difficult time for many. The Wall Street Crash of 1929 saw many people lose their money. But “when God closed a door, He often opened a window.” We find that “It’s troubles that have done the most to shape me into the woman I am today.” We grow more in the valleys than we do on the mountaintop. It is in the valleys that we realise our great need for God.
When we know God, we can praise Him in the valleys as well as on the mountain top.
We witness a mother/daughter relationship. “The more difficult gift to give someone you love – especially a child – … is the opportunity to get along without you… Offering your daughter a safety net rather than the cradle of your arms.” No matter how hard it is, we need to give out children wings to fly, and be there when they return home. This is like God, Our Father, who gives us free will to fly, whilst waiting for us to return home.
There is talk of treasure to be found. The true treasure is love. It is priceless. Our lives are made richer by love. “If I can be partly responsible for making the dark a little lighter or the difficult days a little easier… it’s my privilege to do so.” When we give love away, we feel lighter and brighter too.
Being honest in our emotions is important. “Sometimes tears are the only thing that can irrigate the wounds of love.” When we make ourselves vulnerable, healing of hearts will begin.
It is important to live in the moment. We learn from the past. We look to the future. We live in the present.
All the characters were wonderfully drawn. The female friendships were delightful to watch. We saw the goodness of characters and of God.
These Empty Places was a very charming read that I never wanted to end.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
