The Power Of Healing And Prayer

Love’s Faithful Promise by Susan Anne Mason is a wonderful historical romance set in 1922. It is the third book in the Courage To Dream series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I just adored the book. It was a book that just oozed with warmth, family and the presence of God. God’s hand could clearly be seen when viewing the past from a point in the future. Although at the time He was not always visible. “If the woman wanted to waste her time praying, he wouldn’t stop her.”

Matthew fought in World War I. He saw many horrors. He failed to see God. “Where was God when thousands of men died in that infernal war?” War fractured relationships with God.

On the other hand Deirdre and her family have a firm relationship with God. “We can’t give up. We have God on our side.” Knowing God means they can experience peace in all situations and circumstances.

Prayer is of vital importance. Both Deirdre and Matthew are in the medical profession. Deirdre believes “All healing should begin with prayer.” Whilst doctors and nurses have knowledge and skills, their work is best seen in partnership with God. “A doctor is the instrument of God’s healing power.

Similarly God is seen as the third person in a marriage as a chord of three strands is not easily broken.

There is the theme of guilt. Guilt weighs heavy, especially when one tries to fix everything oneself and takes on God’s job. God’s gift of grace can be forgotten. “It would take God’s healing grace to set him free from a prison of his own making.” One needs to accept grace and let go of our burdens. “Perhaps now he could learn to forgive himself.”

There are some delightful children in the novel. Their tenderness and love of life are infectious. There are also a few scrapes which has the reader holding their breath. Children are a gift from God and as such are portrayed in the novel.

There is the theme of taking care of the widows and orphans too. No-one is beyond the care of God. He sees all. The novel has several characters who spot the lost and the vulnerable and help with their healing. Not all healing is physical, some is mental.

There are several romances bubbling away beneath the surface. It is a joy to watch them unfold.

I absolutely loved Love’s Faithful Promise. It was my first novel by Susan Anne Mason but I want more, more, more. I feel quite lost now the novel is ended.

A wonderful read.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON