Safe In His Arms
Set In Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse is a simply marvellous Christian historical novel that I read in just two sittings. It is the second book in the Treasures Of The Earth series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Once more, the reader returns to the dinosaur wars of the late nineteenth century. The theme of paleontology is a major one. The debate between science and religion once more appears. The topics complement each other.
Running alongside the main theme is that of murder! We ‘hear’ the perpetrator’s voice and have to guess who it is. We see the dangers of letting wealth and power rule a life.
In contrast we follow a life lived with eyes fixed on Jesus. “He’d tried to … be the light of Jesus.” Jesus asks us to be His eyes and ears, hands and feet to a hurting world.
Having Jesus in our lives means that we can experience a peace despite our circumstances. “God sees your tears … And He hears your cries… Ask Him to help you in your life.” It is important to never lose sight of Jesus. “Even when the Lord feels farthest away, He is as close as the breath in your lungs.”
We need people to point us to Jesus. “God had seemed so far away since her governess left.” Once we know Jesus, we need to own our faith and grow it.
It is important to live out our faith. “She lived her faith in everything she did. Not just on Sundays.” Jesus is for every day, everywhere.
It is important to have compassion for others. “Help me show this man Your kindness and comfort.” We also need wisdom to make wise choices.
Lives crumble without Jesus. “God … are You There? … I want to know You.” God hears our cries and He will show up in our lives. “Could God fill … that hole within her?” We all have a God-shaped hole that only He can fill.
All the characters were well drawn and believable. The leading characters had a camaraderie. We see the importance of staying close to God at all times.
Set In Stone was an exciting read. I was on the edge of my seat as the tension rose, along with my heart rate. I am looking forward to more books in this series.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
