Key~Notes

from the book’s GoodReads page:

As a child, Rebekah Stoltzfus suffered a freak accident that left her legs paralyzed. Now, confined to a wheelchair, she feels she’ll never measure up to the expectations of her Pennsylvania Amish community that a woman should marry and raise a family. She longs to be loved, yet she prays for a way to be self-supporting. Daniel Beachy wants to court Rebekah, but she believes that she is a burden and has convinced herself that love is not for her. Will Rebekah’s search for a miracle come true? Or, will she miss God’s gift in her battle between self-pity and the determination to be independent?

This is the second book in Wanda Brunstetter’s “Brides of Lancaster County” series, though it can easily stand alone without the need to read “A Merry Heart” first.

I enjoyed this book.  I appreciated the reminder that we need to be in constant contact with God . . . always seeking His will for our lives . . . and we need to have His help so we do not miss His miracles for us.

That said, there were times in the book I just wanted to shake Rebekah and call her “dummkoppe” (loosely translated as a dunce, but used in a teasing reference).  Daniel was no better at points.  I guess having characters that make you want to shake some sense into them, yet while still wanting the best for them makes it a good novel!

4 out of 5 stars

I have favourite authors that I tend to devour.  I’ll read something of theirs and pretty much as soon as the last page is read on one of their books, the next from that author will go on my hold list at the library!

One such author is Lori Wick.  I don’t even remember how I happened upon her novels, but I’m sure glad I did.  She’s written both contemporary and historical fiction, and while I enjoy her contemporary work, her historical novels are my favourites.

I just finished reading her series about the Cameron family (“A Place Called Home”, “A Song for Silas”, “The Long Road Home” and “A Gathering of Memories”).  The novels are set in turn-of-the-century Wisconsin and center around the lives of Emily Cameron (Grandma Em) and her grandchildren (Luke, Silas, Mark, Paul and their sister (I can’t remember her name!)).

I really enjoyed this series because it brought to mind lessons about trusting in God . . . that when you’ve done what you can do, you can place the rest on God with full assurance.  That, and that even when we give up on God and on ourselves, He is always there with open arms to receive us back into His embrace.  Truths that I know already, but it’s always good to have those gentle reminders of His lovingkindness.  I suppose those things are what makes Lori Wick one of my favourite Christian authors!

From the book’s GoodReads page:

Finally! a book about physical intimacy and marital ONEness that is comprehensive, in-depth and frank, yet respectfully reverent—written to address the unique perspective and concerns of women, while shining a light into the mysteries of the female heart and mind. And They Were Not Ashamed–Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment, by Laura M. Brotherson, is the ultimate how-to handbook—power-packed with hope and help for creating a mutually fulfilling intimate relationship.
As three books in one, this “marriage book,” “sex book” and “parenting book”:
* Shines light and truth on the intimate marital relationship, restoring sex to its proper position as ordained of God
* Effectively addresses, with self-help solutions, the emotional, spiritual and physical intimacy issues that plague so many marriages
* Provides principles and practices to help parents teach and better prepare their children for intimacy and lasting fulfillment in marriage.

I’ve heard about this book for quite a while . . . even had picked it up at the local LDS bookstore and thumbed through it.  So when I had the opportunity to buy “And They Were Not Ashamed”, I took it!

I personally think this should be required reading for every married couple.  It talks about sexuality from an LDS/Christian viewpoint and really helps you get to the root of how you personally feel about this gift that God gave married couples.  It took me a long time to read through the book because I wanted to soak up the principles contained therein, and now, even less than 2 weeks after finishing this book, I’m finding I want to read it again and to put into practise those principles taught that I’ve not yet incorporated into that most holy of relationships.