Searching For True Treasure
Chase The Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a marvellous contemporary Christian novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the second book in the National Parks Summers series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Acadia National Park is the setting for this book. The landscape comes to life under the author’s artistic pen. We ‘see’ the rugged landscape, the high mountains and the crashing waves. It truly is an area of outstanding natural beauty.
There is an ancient mystery to solve and gold treasure to find, hidden in the park, but help will be needed to solve the clues.
We see that legacy and heritage are important. We want to preserve the things of the past. A character wants to save the town’s newspaper as it was started by his distant ancestor. The past is important. We can learn from it as we move into the future.
A leading character belongs to the Penobscot people who worked the land long before the white settlers arrived. Their heritage is important to preserve. “Native Americans all share responsibility for the next generation.” Unfortunately prejudice still exists. Though the Native American character has a commanding presence, he still feels invisible at times due to his heritage.
We need to value all people. “If only we would see people through God’s eyes.” Everyone is valuable. And everyone is loved. “I’m never enough.” Do not believe the lies whispered in our ears. God says you are enough, and you are loved and valued. We need to see ourselves as God sees us.
Sometimes we feel invisible to God. “She might be guilty of projecting the same disappointment onto God.” We sometimes view God through the same lens as we view people, but God is God. He sees all. And He loves us all.
When the storms of life hit, we want God in our boat. “God had His plans… they were never accidental.” Though life surprises us. Nothing catches God napping.
We learn that in a crisis, press into God. “Filling her mind with the Word of God was her lifeboat in any crisis.” We need to have good foundations. We need to soak in the Word of God so that when the storms of life hit us, we can dig deep and stand firm.
A character declares: “I need fortification.” In this case it is the church. We all need church, to meet together with other believers and to encourage one another.
The novel is about searching for treasure. We are all God’s treasure. True treasure is to be found in the hearts of people.
I thoroughly enjoyed Chase The Light. It was a powerful read that had God and people at its’ centre. Sometimes true treasure is found where we least expect it. It is important to chase the light and to expel the darkness both literally and figuratively. Just a small pinprick of light is enough to chase the darkness away.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
