Contemporary Fiction
Woodlands
Back of the Book:
Leah Hudson loves to give. But when others want to give back? Well, that’s another story entirely!
After years of pouring herself out for others, Leah, an average twenty-seven-year-old woman, finally finds herself receiving. She has her own cottage in Glenbrooke, wonderful friends, a great job at the hospital, and the attention of Seth Edwards, the new guy in town. She even wins a cruise to Alaska when she accidentally dials the number of a radio station!
So why can’t Leah relax and enjoy this new season of her life?
When an inheritance of fifty acres of prime Oregon woodlands is left to her—with a certain condition attached—Glenbrooke’s town lawyer, Collin Radcliffe, prompts Leah to question Seth’s motives for his interest in her. Only by turning her affections in a new direction will Leah be able to hear the true song of this springtime of her life.
My Review:
I truly enjoyed this book. I identified with Leah in so many ways. She was also very likable. The love story was charming, and I can only hope the attraction I feel for my future husband will be as strong as Leah’s and Seth’s was from the very beginning.
Robin tied in a few different truths that I found to be very important. First of all, Leah was in one of God’s "pockets of grace." She didn’t ask for blessings, but God bestowed them upon her anyway. Sometimes we don’t realize when we are being blessed, and we try to rationalize it away.
Leah also realized she had to be in charge of things all the time, even with God. She was trying to steer God’s hand in her life and go where she wanted to, even when she had no idea where she was going. Eventually Leah realized she needs to just sit back and let God drive. I think that’s something we can all learn. God knows where the best path for us is. He is the one who can lead us in the path that leads to the most happiness.
One thing I really thought was good about this book is that it addresses an important issue facing people from all walks of life. Parents will often tell their children how "stupid" or "ugly" or even something so innocent-looking like "klutzy" they are. Children are very impressionable. They believe whatever their parents tell them, no matter what. Leah grew up believing she wasn't that pretty, and most of that even came from her sisters. Seth didn't think she was ugly at all. He thought she was beautiful, and it was very difficult for her to get over the preconceived notions she grew up with. This is a very real problem that many in today's society face in one way or another. Parents and siblings aren't always right.
Robin truly showed these ideas well in her book. I thank her for her insights.