Title: The Face of
Heaven
Author: Murray Pura
Pages: 352
Year: 2012
Publisher: Harvest
House
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988
I have
heard that if we don’t remember history, regardless of what era, we are bound
to make the same mistakes. Whether this
is true or not, I believe that knowing our history makes us aware of where
America’s roots began, where our nation is today, and the cost that was paid in
blood by many. My favorite time to
study, read, and learn about is the Civil War so as to see how God worked in
lives of real people and to see the blessings we enjoy today because of the sacrifice
they made.
Mr.
Pura wrote a wonderful work of fiction based on his research into the lives of
real people who lived and died during the Civil War. The main character is an Amish woman named
Lyndel, who has a heart to care for those in need. One morning she is working at her chores when
she meets two runaway slaves hiding in her barn. That encounter changes her life forever.
Nathaniel
lives in the same village as Lyndel; he has been her brother’s best friend for
years. Now, as he has grown older, he
views Lyndel as a woman and decides to court her if she is agreeable. Burning in his heart is the desire to bring
freedom to slaves, but the Amish community forbids bearing arms for any
reason. If Nathaniel chooses to go and
enlist, his life isn’t only in danger; he knows he could be excommunicated.
Through
the war tension builds between the parents of Lyndel and Nathaniel, especially
when Lyndel is given a chance to return to the community, but refuses to give
up her nursing. Lyndel knows that if the
wounded are tended to shortly after battle many more will live long enough to
get to the hospital and having a higher chance of survival. Nathaniel is advancing in the ranks through
various battles and is saved from injury until Gettysburg.
Near
the end of the Civil War much death and destruction has been witnessed. In spite of not having a community to return
to and the war still being waged, Nathaniel and Lyndel are married. While Lyndel knows the letters she writes may
not be read because of being excommunicated, she writes her family to let them
know of her experiences and her love for them.
Will
the Amish community ever accept the return of those who left to go to war, even
if it was only to help take care of the wounded? What interaction has Lyndel had with Abraham
Lincoln? Oh my, there is so much more to
this wonderful work of fiction that I dare not ruin it by telling you more than
I have already. It is simply well-written
fiction. I felt as if I was on the
battlefields seeing what the characters were seeing. There is forgiveness, compassion, mercy,
healing, and more in this novel. Above
all, the Lord’s name and His Word are liberally sprinkled throughout. I couldn’t help but thoroughly enjoy this story.
I believe you will too, so grab the book
and enjoy!
My rating is 5 stars.
