Book Review: Journey to Love

So, I meant to get this up a couple weeks ago, but plans changed and I'm not gonna stress over it, haha! Hope you enjoy this book review! I discovered this book almost a year ago, so it's perfect timing!

Book Review: Journey to Love by Amanda Tero
(Purchased from the author in 2017)

I adore this story! Ms. Tero has figured out how to take a very deep topic and make it understood to children. This book was enjoyed by my whole family. This is a lovely example of non-romantic love in a story. The book follows Marie Dixon as she leaves all she knows in New York on the Orphan Train to start a new life in Illinois with complete strangers. But she's learned her lesson: Never love anyone and you won't get hurt. She refuses to love anyone...even God. But will God's love win out in the end? Will Marie ever find the happiness  her neighbor Blind Mary has? You'll have to read the book to find out! Log on to www.amandatero.com to purchase!
 
Genre – Historical Fiction/1901
 
Historical Accuracy – Though I am no expert on 20th Century New York and Illinois, there wasn't anything in the story that didn't ring true. The feel of the story was very prairie like, which I adore! A good reminder that Chicago isn't the only city in Illinois, lol!
 
Content – High praise here! Ms. Tero's style is akin to Isabella Alden's, very clean, something you can certainly grow through reading and contains very clear presentations of the gospel. Mary (my younger sister) was 8 when we read it together so I'd give it an 8-early teen target range. But older “kids” will probably like this too. We sure did!
 
Favorite Scene – Probably any scene in which Marie and Mary are together. While their conversations are deep, they aren't too mature for their age. Also, Marie's first experience in a non-catholic church!
 
Overall – Buy this book! It's inexpensive (especially if you get the ebook, but I love my paperbacks :)) and it helps to support the Self-published/Indie-author community! This story gives a comprehensive answer to the question “Is God a loving God?” Easy enough for kids, but definitely not watered down!
 
Quote - By early afternoon, Marie was driving the cart, with Mr. Bowles watching from a distance. When Marie pulled Nelly to a stop in front of the barn, she noticed that Mrs. Bowles had joined her husband. They looked from her to each other, but not before Marie caught the expression of their faces. Satisfaction...or was it love?

So that's it for now! Have a lovely weekend!

Ryana Lynn
Jude 22