I absolutely LOVE to read. I especially enjoy books I can learn from – whether it is a “self-help” book or not, I look to learn from it. A total escape-everything-in-real-life type of book for me is historical or Biblical fiction, or fiction with real life themes and examples of walking out my faith in everyday life (like Karen Kingsbury’s The Baxters series…). So far, the couple books I have read by Judith Miller, in my opinion rank right up there with Karen Kingsbury. (Honestly, I totally judged the book by its cover – I’m a sucker for a gate/fence and flowers :-D…)

My review of A Shining Light, by Judith Miller. Very insightful, there were times in the book I couldn’t breath for the emotions brought to light from memories; memories stirred by the descriptive accuracy she works through (in my mind). I don’t typically read the back of the book and this is one I was wishing I had (but at the same time glad I hadn’t). When I read the back after the fact, there is nothing to give any indication of what affected me so profoundly in this book. So, I’m not going to tell you how it impacted me – because I don’t want you to start with a pre-conceived idea of the story. You will have to just read it yourself and see how it affects you. 😀

I will say I really appreciated the author’s way of working through belief and prayer in real life disappointments, situations, and unexpected appreciation for God’s plans – even when the goodness might seem elusive. I love the way of life depicted in the Amana village – similar (kind of) to the Amish. I think my draw to the lifestyle is because it is a slower and community based lifestyle; rather than our individual way of life, at break neck speeds.

I didn’t realize this was a book 3 in the series until looking for a picture to go with this post. I’m bummed I missed books 1 & 2, but I don’t feel as if the story was lacking because I hadn’t read them.

{I did receive a free copy of this book to review. However, the opinion is all mine. Seriously, I have plenty of opinions – why would I use someone else’s :-D?!}