In the Field of Grace

July 25, 2014

Title: In the Field of Grace
Author: Tessa Afshar
Publisher: River North
Pages: 283
ISBN: 978-0-8024-1097-9
Publication Date: July 1st, 2014

Synopsis:
Love resurrected from lifeless dreams happens in the arms of a loving God.

Without wealth or family, the widow Ruth left her people and followed Naomi, her beloved Hebrew mother-in-law, to rebuild Naomi's home in Israel. Provisions gone and starvation at the door, Ruth used all that she had left-a strong back and a willing heart-to gather grain in a field, abandoned after the harvest.

Tormented by others, Ruth is shocked to find the owner of the field watching her. Talking to her. Bringing food to her and Naomi. Boaz tells himself his kindness toward Ruth is repayment for the love she has shown to his cousin Naomi. But his heart knows better.
Review:
Tessa Afshar has a wonderful gift of story telling. She brings the past alive in a such a new and refreshing way. I discovered her books last year when I read Harvest of Rubies and Harvest of Gold.The detail she gives to the characters and surroundings is gorgeous. The writing style flows so smoothly that you can sit down to read a couple of chapters to find out you read two-thirds of the story in one sitting.

When I found out that Tessa was writing a story on Ruth, I might have done a bit of a happy dance. I love the story of Ruth. It has come to mean so much more to me now as I've gotten older. The story of Ruth isn't a long story, but is such a powerful story of a quiet strength and firm belief in God. I couldn't wait to see how Tessa would bring these characters to life.

I was not disappointed.

The humility of Ruth was beautiful and her dedication to Naomi, what a love between this mother-in-law and daughter. There were struggles that these characters faced that allowed these well known people from the Bible to come alive in tough circumstances, it gave it a depth and realistic feel, but did not take away from the the story, it enhanced it. The sorrow Naomi goes through with the loss of her sons and the grief that hangs with her, changing her sweet spirit to that of despair was sorrowful to see, but it also showed how God's love is always present, even in the darkest of times and that there are reasons for these dark times.

The story between Ruth and Boaz played out in such a way it capture you in their quietness. Both are humble people, dedicated to helping. They are not flashy and this story captured it perfectly. It draws you in and makes you wish there were more Boaz's in the world. Oh, how I wish there were more!

The story follows that of the account of Ruth from the Bible and it weaves in the well known verses. I loved that. I also enjoyed the connections (yes, fictionalized) to that of other well known people in the Bible. I always wondered how the lineage played out and if there were interactions, and it was fun to see an idea of it here.

In the Field of Grace is just a beautiful story!

Too Read!
5 out of 5


2 comments

  1. Can't wait to read this one!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jamie, I can't wait to hear what you think! You won't be disappointed. :-)

    ReplyDelete

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