Trusting In The Dark

Reach For Me by Jan Thompson is a contemporary Christian romantic thriller. It is the second book in the Vacation Sweethearts series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I really enjoyed Reach For Me, I was drawn into the novel from the start. Jan Thompson cleverly opened with her characters presenting an air of mystery that had me immediately asking questions. I greedily consumed the novel as I sought the answers.

The main characters of Keenan and Phoebe were both likable and unique. They were similar but different. Both were running from their pasts but with different reasons. In their isolation, they were drawn to each other.

The novel showed that God is always in control. We need to trust Him and put our faith in Him. Sometimes we fear God is silent but He is always working on our behalf. “I keep reminding myself that God has the bigger picture.” He sees our needs and He responds.

Trusting others is an important theme too. In times of trouble we need to know who has got our back. We also want people to know us well enough that we trust them to pray for us when we have no words. “She… had interceded on her behalf when she could not pray.”

There is the theme of identity. Who we are is not tied to our things or even our bodies. Who we are is connected to who we are in God. Whose we are is of vital importance. “Her security had to be in Jesus Christ.”

The novel explores the theme of healing. Healing can be physical or mental. We all have some area of our lives that needs a touch from the Great Physician.

God has a plan for each and every one of us. There is no retirement age from God’s work. If you are still breathing, God can use you no matter how old you are.

There is the theme of loneliness. It is possible to feel lonely in a crowd. We may choose to live in isolation or it may be thrust upon us but we are never alone when we know God.

I really enjoyed Reach For Me. It was my first novel by Jan Thompson and I was hooked from the start. Jan Thompson writes in such a personable way that I ‘felt’ included in all the action. The characters were all likable, making the reader care about their outcome. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

A fabulous read for a dark winter’s afternoon… or a warm summer’s day… either way, it’s a great way to spend a few hours.

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

JULIA WILSON