Holding On To Hope
A Token Of Love by Carrie Turansky is a delightful Christian dual timeline novel that drew me in from the start. I had a dilemma – read on and find out what happens or savor each page. I chose to savor each page. I never wanted this book to end.
The novel has the Foundling Hospital in London at its’ centre. It is set in 1885 and present day. It concerns the topic of human trafficking which is not a modern problem as it happened in Victorian times too. Action alternates between both time periods as one particular young girls’ story unites the periods.
Within the story, there are parallel themes as we witness the evil of men towards young girls. There is a love interest too. And over it all, is the love of God.
We witness the power of prayer. “In a time of crisis, people often reached out to those who believed in prayer.” Prayer taps into the love of God as He works in the situations where we feel most powerless. “We need to do our part and trust Him with the outcome.” God can be trusted with our lives. Sometimes all we can do is pray. At other times action is required. When we get to the end of ourselves, we find that God meets us there.
Everyone faces losses. Losses are dealt with differently by everyone. The Lord sustains us when we feel overwhelmed. “I don’t know how people can go through losses… without faith to sustain them.” Jesus lifts us up when we are in pain and hurting. He will always hear our prayers and heal our hearts.
God’s timing is perfect. “Trusting the Lord’s timing even when there are delays or cancelled projects.” His delays will always lead to His plans. We need to press into God and realise that His ‘wait’ is just a pause to something greater.
Sometimes in life we wonder why God is silent. “Prayed to God, but I don’t know if He heard me.” God always hears our prayers. His silence is not His absence.
In life we sometimes let fear hold us back from receiving God’s best for us. “Don’t blame the Lord if it’s truly fear that holds you back from all He wants to give you.” We need to step out and ‘do it afraid.’
Courage is required after we have been hurt. A character has been hurt in love, is it worth risking love again? “Did she have the courage… Could she… offer her heart again?”
In life, medicine and miracles go hand in hand. “With prayer and good nursing… your sister will recover.” God uses the medical staff to achieve His purposes.
All the characters were well drawn, realistic and believable. Two characters were real life figures who fought for those who had no voice in Victorian Britain – young girls and women. Their campaigns would bring about change.
We see that teens in modern Britain face similar but different problems as there is grooming online. Teens are far too trusting and need the older generation to look out for them and to provide positive role models.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Token Of Love. Carrie Turansky has woven the two time periods to construct a marvellous tale that entertains, educates and leaves the reader wanting more, more, more.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON