Love Divine

by Alan Kornacki

Romance and Lutheran apologetics come together as Justin Corwin, the pastor of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Carousel, New York, and Chaplain of the Carousel Fire Department, runs into Bethanne McCarthy, a detective in the Carousel Police Department--or rather, she runs into him. Justin is single and content with his life the way it is; Beth was widowed over two years ago, and she has finally found joy in life again. Neither has any intention of falling in love. As they get to know each other better, however, they begin to realize that the plans of men are nothing next to what God has set apart for them. How will their relationship affect their various vocations? How will he handle the danger of her profession? How will she overcome the guilt she feels for moving on with her life after the death of her husband?

173 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Mary Moerbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll go out on a limb here and say we’ve all met pastors. 🙂 They come in various personalities, senses of humor, etc., but they all tend to make a strong impression in both their practices and influence. At the same time, not everyone has been friends with a pastor or close with one. This series seems to me to be an attempt to remind people that pastors are human, too. They can date, embarrass themselves, and fall under disapproving eyes, even from potential fathers-in-law!

This was a fairly episodic book tracing a pastor and his new female friend through various experiences and adventures. Apologetics and teaching are sprinkled throughout as Pastor Corwin leads youth group, for example, or comforts the mourning.

One very significant perk to befriending a pastor is that he really can know just what to say sometimes! On the other hand, the book demonstrates that pastors are tempted by things, too. I would not read this out loud to a family just because it’s largely about a right-minded clergyman.

I’d say Love Divine is best read when you’re hoping to get to know a few characters you’ll want to root for. There is some minor language, derivatives of dumba**, but by and large this book explores love given & received and Lutheran pastoral life.

I’ve already started the next in the series, A Great and Mighty Wonder, and expect I’ll enjoy all three.

[Jennifer Huppert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

As a church secretary and lifelong Lutheran, I truly appreciate this first book. And am looking forward to reading the next two. I had a hard time putting it down.

[Tim Landskroener · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story.