Book Review: More Than Fair

     Bethany Publishers supplied a complimentary copy of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen in exchange for an honest review.  Miss Margaret Macy born into privelege finds herself in circumstances that confound all of her senses at first.  She leaves home with her former maid to escape an unsavory suitor who is only after her imminent, coming-of-age inheritance, with her.  As fate would determine, Miss Macy landed herself a job as maid as a former love interest's estate.  It is at Fairbourne Hall the reader watches her become a woman of honesty and virtue.
     Set in the 1800s The Maid of Fairbourne Hall is an exemplary work of historic fiction at its best.  Ms. Klassen obviously researched and pored over many resources to have such a fine understanding and handling of the intricacies of the decorum of the age. I was fascinated almost immediately as I dove into this book. 
     It reminded me a bit of Pride and Prejudice as I read. The character development of Miss Macy enraptured my attention throughout the book.  First, you are introduced to Miss Macy as a girl who knows her place in society and intends to keep it that way.  Then you make your way through the 410 pages and find here ego meeting her match in Fiona and humbling herself before her heart's desire, Nathaniel Upchurch, as a maid.
     This book captivates the imagination with mystery, love, deceit and misconceptions. Under the guise of Nora Garrett, Miss Margaret Macy begins to see the world from the eyes of the working class.  It is when she realizes that she rarely ever paid attention to her former servants, Miss Macy begins to see the prejudice harboring in her heart.  It's in this setting the reader can pose the question to herself: What prejudices do I carry? It seems we all can relate to that.  Misperceptions and adversity plague our society.  Ms. Klassen points this out in other characters as well.
     I hope you can gather I more than appreciated The Maid of Fairbourne Hall.  Despite the gap in time and even the distance in setting, this book can speak to many women at a deeper level than one would first presume.  It is a love story.  It is a mystery.  But, most of all, it is an enlightening, engaging, inviting book that begs to make one ponder their own place and prejudice.  Best of all, it can hope one's heart to others.

Book Review: A Book for the Heart

     In exchange for an honest review, Tyndale Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of Stephen Mansfield's book Healing Your Church Hurt: What to Do When You Still Love God but Have Been Wounded by His People.  More likely than not, every believer in Christ has been hurt by someone in their church or knows someone who has. Whether it is a direct assault or a subtle slight hearts can easily break.  It is what is done with that hurt that will determine the condition of that heart.  Hurt can be harbored and poison the spirit or it can be handled with care and grow with beauty.
     Healing Your Church Hurt is the product of Mansfield's personal hurt and ultimate growth.  He guides the reader to engage that wound, ponder their own reactions and get tough with themselves.  The questions he provides seem simple enough, but what Mansfield asks is to really dig deep.  The questions aren't as simplistic as one might first assume.  When pondered, I warn you, you may not necessarily like the reflection you find yourself looking into. On the upside, now you have a chance to polish what you see.
     Before the deep-soul plunging journey, the author takes you back into time.  Looking into lives past, such as Edwards, Saint Patrick and Whitefield, Mansfield points out the many hurts some Christian greats have suffered.  Of course, Jesus Christ is our glorious elite example of suffering and the beauty that replaces it.  The reader will be led to look at the sinful nature of man and understand why one needs to forgive others.
     I wanted to review this as I have gone through my own church hurt and found my healing was much like Mansfield's process.  I still found this book revealing and engaging.  At the onset, the reader is warned of the author's tell-it-like-it-is style. Trust me, it is not as scary as it sounds.  In fact, inside I imagine he has a soft heart as is great intentions show. Although, he doesn't coddle you and bandage your wound, either.

     Healing Your Church Hurt is for any believer that has hurt or is hurting or wants to help others in Christ.  The hurt can be healed and can help you become the person God has called you to be.  Remember, we suffer for Him.  God can use your hurt for His glory!  As one heart to another: Don't miss this opportunity to heal your heart.

Read Chapter 1 Here!
Purchase at Amazon.com here!

Author Stephen Mansfield

Learn more about Mr. Mansfield at his website.