Tweet
Oh, there are lots of historical fiction pieces at the local bookstores, which I could pick anytime for cozy reading under the erratic rains. Ironically, though, my favorites come in ebook format, including Ellen O’Connell’s “Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold”, Roseanna White’s “Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland”, and Joan Wolf’s “A Reluctant Queen”.
In my experience, rarely did I found a good historical fiction in print. Well, I could cite Margaret Moore’s “The Unwilling Bride” and Emily May’s “The Earl’s Dilemma” as some examples stored in my shelf. Yet there is one memorable book with an approach that is as gentle as its title. I have bought this literary gem from La Belle Aurore Bookshop.
Have you heard of Janette Oke’s “Love Comes Softly”? You most probably have seen this one as a Christian drama television movie in Hallmark Channel, starring Katherine Heigl and Dale Midkiff. Since we do not have cable television, I’ve read the book first and later discovered (and viewed) the movie on Youtube.
Love Comes Softly is the story of Marty, a young, vibrant and independent girl of nineteen who travels West with her new husband, seeking adventure and fortune. The venture turns into a tragedy and she is left alone to learn firsthand the lessons of pain, heartache, frustration, and anger (partly taken from the back cover). The setting acutely reminds me of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House on the Prairie”, the dialogue is believably authentic, and the transition from one chapter to the next is like walking in the mountains with the breeze on your face, prompting you to reflect on your life and Marty’s life.
“Life was like that stream. It went on. She was ready to go on now, too. She had drawn strength from the woods. No, no, that was wrong. She had drawn her strength from the God who’d make the woods.” -page 180
Love Comes Softly will be forever on my shelf, ready to be picked up when I needed or wanted to be reminded that life is less tough because of love.
Have you read Love Comes Softly? What do you think about it?
* * *
Literary Gems is a new element at Simple Clockwork, featuring books I have bought or wanted to buy from La Belle Aurore Bookshop. These books could range from classics to romance to children’s books. The bookshop is located at Hernan Cortes, Mandaue City, Cebu. It will be opening its second branch soon along Junquera St. in Cebu City.
- Nancy -