Just Enough Light
Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet is a really fun contemporary Christian novel that will make you smile, and give you a warm, fuzzy feeling.
Although the tone is light-hearted, there are some serious themes including forgiveness and trusting God. “Forgiveness is not an easy thing to give.” Forgiveness may feel impossible in our own strength, that is when we need to press into God and forgive in His strength. Forgiveness may be a one-off event or a process. If we do not forgive, we are harming ourselves and guilty of hubris as we are placing ourselves above God’s standard.
God is faithful. We can trust Him. “All I could do was keep my eyes on Him, believing He would make a way. I didn’t have to understand His plans.” We don’t need to understand God, for His ways are not our ways. We can always trust God. “When God started moving, He really started moving.” Sometimes God moves with gentle nudges. At other times He will use a megaphone to get our attention.
God has great plans for our lives. He doesn’t want us to live a mediocre life. He wants us to live our best life. “Don’t let fear cripple you.” Put your hand in God’s hand, and step out in faith. We do not need to see the whole staircase in order to take the first step.
Prayer is important. Prayer is a conversation with God. When we pray, be sure to listen for answers. “Even though I hadn’t talked to God about my loneliness and dreams, He still knew about them. Still cared.” God hears the longing of our hearts. God knows us better than we know ourselves.
We see the importance of going to church, to meet with other believers who will help to strengthen our faith. “The dark months… had me yearning to return to church.” The use of the word ‘yearning’ really shows the reader the desperation a character feels. God and all heaven rejoice, when a prodigal returns home.
The church is the eyes and ears, the hands and feet of Jesus. We see the importance of ministry – not just the man in the pulpit but all the volunteers whether they are serving tea, cleaning, working with the youth. Each ministry is important. Together, they function as the body of Christ.
People change when God moves in hearts. When God lives in lives, lives are enriched. We are not the person we used to be but are becoming the person that God wants us to be.
All the characters are well drawn, realistic and likable. The leading characters are forty-ish with grown up children. They show that no matter how old we are, we are never too old for a new beginning.
This was a really fun, light-hearted read. I loved the way the characters bounced off each other with their dialogue. The chemistry between the two leading ones was palpable – the only one denying it was the one with her head in the sand!
There was a feisty dog called Chewie whose antics were amusing.
I thoroughly enjoyed Julia Monroe Begins Again. It was a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to much more from Rebekah Millet.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“As a child, I’d imagined the moon as God’s night light to me… I inhaled deeply, breathing in His peace.”
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
