Safe In His Shadow
The Seeds Of Change by Lauraine Snelling with Kiersti Giron is a most charming Christian historical novel that will swell your heart with love. It is the first book in Leah’s Garden series which promises to be fabulous.
The action is set in 1865 as we follow a family of four sisters as they journey westwards across America in search of a new life and safety. The girls have a pioneering spirit and are not afraid to muck in where needed on the wagon train.
We see the fragility of life as characters are struck down with illness or accidents. Medicine is primitive, often relying on herbs and natural remedies to help to heal. It is important to trust God. “I trust Your healing.”
Everyone grows up quickly on the wagon train. It is a community that must pull together if they are to survive. There is strength in numbers. They travel six days a week, knowing the importance of rest and a day for the Lord.
Knowing God and putting Him central to our lives is important. “You got to think and ask God for guidance.” God knows us better than we know ourselves and we can trust Him. “I choose to trust You. Peace eased out tension.” When we know God, we can experience a supernatural peace despite our circumstances.
Prayer is important. It is as vital as breathing. “What are you going to do?” “Pray.” We should make prayer a first response in all situations. God uses people to answer prayer. “God used you to answer my prayers.” If God prompts you to pray – pray. You might just be the answer to the prayers of another.
We are reminded that God takes care of the widows and orphans. When tragedy strikes on the trail, kind hearts step in to help and to look after the orphans.
We witness new lives being set up in new communities. Townsfolk pull together where they can.
Natural elements can be dangerous. A community works together after a devastating tornado.
Darkness is not to be feared if we focus on the light that is Jesus. Resting in the shadow of God’s arms is the safest place to be.
All the characters are well drawn, realistic and easy to empathise with.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Seeds Of Change. I am on to book two now.
JULIA WILSON