A Marvelous Depiction

His Steadfast Love
Golden Keyes Parsons
(Thomas Nelson)
ISBN: 978-1595546296
October, 2011/320 pages/$15.99

The Civil War - a defining time of great sacrifice, change, and betrayal which determined the fate of the Nation.

It isn’t until it comes into her very home that Amanda Belle must face impossible choices of love, loss, and loyalty.

It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Although Amanda never thought she would marry because of her promise she made to her dying mother, her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.

When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel marches off to war to fight for the Confederate States and Kent remains with the Union troops.

Her heart is torn between the two men she loves and the two sides of the conflict. When she turns to God for help, Amanda expects direction and support, but hears nothing. Is God listening to her anymore? Where is God in the atrocities of war—and whose side is He on?

Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. But she must trust God to bring her family through the chaos that threatens her home, her family, and the beloved state of Texas . . . with her heart, and her faith, intact.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Golden Keyes Parsons is the author of the highly acclaimed Darkness to Light series. She's been nominated for several awards, including the ACFW Book of the Year. She and her family live in Texas.







MY THOUGHTS:
The Civil War era has always been one of my favorite settings for fiction, yet truth be told, there is nothing beautiful and romantic about this tragic and horrific time in our nation's history. His Steadfast Love portrays the heartbreak experienced by so many during this dark period as Amanda's heart is torn between her brother, who wears Confederate gray, and Captain Kent Littlefield, in Union blue. Golden Keyes Parsons has woven a story full of passion - and I don't use that word merely in the romantic sense, but in the emotionally charged atmosphere of the time. On top of it all, Amanda, who has been sheltered and protected as many genteel ladies were in that generation, has her eyes opened to the reality that, as benevolent as her father is toward the family's slaves, they are still slaves and not family, including her dear friend whom she grew up playing alongside. A unique aspect of this book which sets it apart from many in this genre is that Amanda and her family live on the Texas Gulf Coast; besides being a personal plus to this native Texan, it provided a perspective not often given in such novels. I also appreciated how the aspect of faith was handled, not as a cookie-cutter solution; the author bravely has Amanda and others wrestle with how God responds when opposing sides seek His favor and believe their cause is the "right" one. Chapter one opens with a wonderful quote from Abraham Lincoln: "My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side." This is one of the best stories of this era that I have read. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”