Wonderful
Having missed out on the first book in the Willamette Brides series, I was surprised to meet characters from Peterson's Heart of the Frontier series, a most wonderful series. The Way of Love focuses on Faith Kenner. Faith, long practicing the art of healing, is working towards achieving her surgeon's certificate, quite an accomplishment for a woman in the early 1880s. The only problem is the laws in Oregon relating to anyone with any amount of Native American blood.. They both limit her career options as well as her marriage prospects. Having inherited her looks from her mother, Faith has chosen to keep secret her ancestry from her father's side, and to function as a white woman in society, while using her knowledge and contacts to further the cause of Native Americans. Some very dangerous men in Oregon would much prefer that the Native Americans be silenced by whatever means necessary, putting Faith and her family at risk.
The theme of respecting God's sovereignty, and maintaining one's faith, while in the direst of circumstances is well developed in this story. There were many times when Faith, who was particularly well named, must live by faith and not by sight, when there is actually no hope to be found. While all fans of historical fiction will enjoy The Way of Love, it will speak to the hearts of those who are desperate for this type of faith. I am very grateful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
