America
19th Century
Courting Emma
Back of the book:
Twenty-eight-year old Emma Browning has experienced a good deal of life in her young age. Proprietor of Emma’s Boardinghouse, she is “mother” to an array of beefy, unkempt, often rowdy characters. Though many men would like to get to know the steely, hard-edged, yet surprisingly lovely proprietor, none has truly succeeded. That is, not until the town’s new pastor, Jonathan Atkins, takes up residence in the boardinghouse, affecting not only her with his devout faith and strong convictions, but her clientele as well. Emma clings desperately to her stubborn ways, refusing to acknowledge God’s love—until all of Little Hickman witnesses a miracle—the conversion of her abusive and alcoholic father, Ezra! Only then will Emma begin to experience God’s transforming power at work.
My Review:
Sharlene has woven another wonderful, heart-warming book about the people of Little Hickman Creek. You couldn’t help but understand how they felt about every situation. The growing attraction between Jon and Emma was well-written and so touching. My heart melted when I read how Jon felt about wanting her. If only all guy’s hearts were that transparent!
The pull that God had on their conscience was evident when the characters had to decide between following their own desires or the tug that God was administering. Sometimes the still, small voice is hard to ignore. Other times our own wants willingly drown it out. Sharlene was able to write this difficult tug of war into the story, and I was able to draw parallels from my own life. I greatly enjoyed this and the other spiritual things that were discussed.
I’ve never experienced Bible verses coming to mind when in a jam, though, so I’m not sure how believable that part of the story is. But maybe that’s just how my brain works and other people are able to hear a verse or truth from the Bible when needed. They were definitely needed for the story, though.
Overall it was a great book, and I’m sad that this is the last one in the series. I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future.