Where Hearts Are Free by Golden Keyes Parsons

Where Hearts Are Free is the third book in the Darkness to Light Series. The setting is Philadelphia, PA in 1681. Bridget is from a well-to-do family, and when she informs her parents she is in love with their indentured servant,Phillipe, her father sends him away and quickly arranges a marriage with an older wealthier man that she does not love. Bridget feels trapped into doing what her parents expect of her and feels like God has deserted her. Phillipe was royality in France, until his family came to America where he had to work as a servant to pay for their passage to the New World. Bridget shares with him her secret of witnessing a murder as a young girl and when he finds she is in danger, he sets out to rescue Bridget. I learned about the early history of PA, with the Lenape Indians, and also the history of the religious persecution in Europe that led families to flee to America. Though the story seems to start slowly, it quickly gained my interest. I had not read the first 2 books in the series, but the author reviewed the supporting characters enough that I could understand what had happened in the past novels. I think the author gives a true picture of what life was like for Americans in the late 1680's. The novel is based on her ancestors who were persecuted as French Huguenots and later moved to Bushkill County PA.

Faithful by Kim Cash Tate

This is a Women of Faith fiction book that centers around the lives of 3 friends who belong to the same church in modern day St. Louis. Cydney is 40, a college professor, still single and questioning God about why He hasn't given her the "desires of her heart". When she meets the best man at her younger sister's wedding, she wonders why she is drawn to him b/c he is a non-believer. Phyllis, who is married with 4 young children, is a fairly new Chrisian, yet her husband refuses to have anything to do with church. She meets an old friend, a widower at a college reunion who is a strong Christian and is tempted with the idea of a relationship with him. And then there is Dana. She is married with 2 young children, and discovers that her husband, who leads mentoring groups for young newlyweds at church, is having an affair. She struggles with feelings of inadequacy and despair. All 3 women are dealing with life-altering struggles, and must decide to trust God, and fight the desire to go against His faithfulness. I really enjoyed this book! This was a new author for me, but she was so true to modern day life. I really felt like I knew these characters, even though I haven't gone through the same struggles. My favorite quote from the book is: "Every day in your marriage will NOT be a fairy tale, but everyday God IS faithful. Keep the faith, so that when you don't see the fairy tale, you'll still be able to se the beauty of God working."