Designed with Love by Tracie Peterson

3 John 1:4
     "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth"  ESV

       As an avid reader I am always looking for that piece of fiction that touches my heart,  has memorable characters, and has life lessons.  As a follower of Christ, it is even more meaningful when that work of fiction presents biblical truth in a profound way with a mixture of grace and truth.   This book did all that and so much more!

     WOW!   What a beautiful story of: forgiveness, love, grace, family, reconciliation, and most importantly redemption.  This story begins with Emma, one of the main characters, as a young girl deciding she wants to walk away from her faith to have fun.  After the introduction, on her wedding day, Emma becomes a widow and turns her life over to the Lord.
 
      Tracie Peterson handles Emma's redemption story with great depth and understanding while weaving so many biblical truths into the storyline.   There is the issue of special needs individuals from the perspective of Emma's sister-in-law Rosie (a character you will immediately fall in love with).  There is forgiveness and reconciliation as Emma learns to understand God's forgiveness, letting go of the past, and not to listen to the lies of the enemy.   The characters when confronted with their past and their families of orgins learn a lot about true and godly repentance. 

      For me as a parent, Tracie Peterson does a wonderful job of speaking important biblical truths to parents:  intecessory prayer, praying for a child's future spouse, teaching your children to hide scripture in their heart, and to train up a child in the way he should go.  Emma and her brother-in-law, Colton, both grew up with Godly mothers but turned their backs on God.   Through a beautiful, touching romance Peterson shows how God is always working in our loves and calling us to repentance. 

     This book is a true gem:  rich in scripture, tender in dealing with difficult subjects, portrays the gospel message with clarity highlighting the steadfast love of God and his faithfulness.  You will fall in love with the characters thanks to Tracie's literary style while being being transported back in time to the Wyoming territory.   More importantly, I hope it will help you to fall more in love with the God of the Bible and find rest and hope in the truth of His word.

     Simba gives this novel a well deserved 4 paws.

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