Two stubborn hearts with no common ground must work together when the Great Depression ravages the nation. Kathy Andrews is good at goodbyes. Her mother is sent to a sanatorium, her sister, left behind in Chicago, and her father, forced to roam looking for work. So she holds close the only person she has left, her brother, Danny. When the two go to live with the Marshalls in the sleepy town of Brighton, she doesn't let anyone past hello. Elliot Russell frowns at his aunt and uncle's generosity--even though he and his sister are on the receiving end. He frowns, too, at the uppity city girl with a chip on her shoulder whom he can't get out of his head. When a tragedy rips apart when tenuous existence they manage to forge, will they find the sweetest place to be is in God's will--or will they turn their backs on faith that fails to protect against pain?
Meghan DeWalt is an author of stories about remembrance and redemption. A full-time writer, she is passionate about theology and discipleship, encouraging others to know and love God wholeheartedly in order to live according to their Gospel calling. Meghan lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, Jeff, where they cook, practice hospitality, and adventure together. You can keep up with Meghan at her website: www.meghandewalt.com and on social media
I have to admit, I didn't know what to expect when I was offered a copy of this debut novel for review. I had heard a great deal about it, but didn't really have a clue what I was in for.
I was pleasantly surprised and delighted by the simple charm and almost poetic descriptions of this sweet depression-era story. It wasn't fast-paced, but it wasn't tedious. Sweetness, emotion, heartache, and historical realism were perfectly combined.
One thing that I appreciated was the strong element of faith in God. So many Christian authors are strangely afraid to make their story one that revolves around faith, worship, and the God of the Bible. Not so with Gorecki. I could tell that she wrote from the heart, not with hidden desires of pleasing the masses. She wrote the story that God gave her. I applaud her for this. More authors need to incorporate faith so strongly in their manuscripts. I was very encouraged in my own walk with the Lord and never found the message to be preachy.
I connected very well with the characters - something that I don't do easily. Elliot and Katy were very understandable characters. I loved and appreciated them both and felt as if they could have been my friends. I really liked Marci and Gene as well. Dare I hope that a sequel will be written about them, detailing their lives on the mission's field?
I have to admit, the beginning was the book's only (slight) shortcoming. It didn't reel me in and, until I was 1/4 of the way through the book, I figured it was going to be a 4 star read. Perhaps it was the frequent scene changes and multiple characters? However, it is like something snapped 1/4 of the way through - and I fell in love with every detail of the story. I would have appreciated a little more action and a little more historical detail (such as more period terms, a glossary, footnotes), but that is the historian in me.
Allow me to put in a good word for the cover designer as well. It fits so beautifully with the story!
I highly recommend this tale to historical-fiction and innocent romance fans. There was nothing inappropriate or questionable in this story, and I would readily hand it off to a younger sibling to read. Thumbs up to Gorecki for crafting a God-honoring, sweet story that will linger in your heart and give you a greater awareness of the harsh Depression years.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. The sentiments herein are entirely my own. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.
God’s Will fooled me for a bit. I expected it to be just another Christian romance set against a historical backdrop, but it’s much more an exploration of life’s darker twists and turns and how God draws us to Him in spite of mishaps and misgivings along the way. This isn’t a “light” story or an “easy” read in the sense that it deals in deep spiritual themes and physical pain. These are not perfect human beings, and they do not always make the right choices, but along the way they come to see the intricate pattern threaded through their lives as belonging to a benevolent Creator. Nothing is without meaning; no accident without consequence.
The writing is poetic and flows nicely, and the dialogue is well-paced. It is best suited (and intended) for a religious audience, for it contains many references to God’s will, to prayer, to inner reflection, and scripture verses. It isn’t a fast read, but instead moves at a deliberate and character-building pace.
I revealed the cover. I interviewed the author. Now 'tis time to review the book!
Ah, Kathy. A Chicago girl whose world falls apart... on the very day the world falls apart. The Depression begins and so does a very difficult time in the Andrews family--especially for the oldest Andrews sister. But this story is definitely not all doom and gloom (far from it!). Kathy fights for her family and for the safety of her own heart.
But is safety what she really wants?
Through a move to the country, separation from loved ones, and the unlikely friendship of the one boy who can go head to head with her, Kathy (and Elliot, too) learn about life and having faith through it all. Is that enough to convince Elliot to forgive himself and Kathy to trust again? I won't spoil the ending, but it is fitting!
Why I Recommend This Book
I recommend God's Will because it's not a book about trusting Jesus to tie our heart-strings back together when they come unraveled, it's not a book about smiling sweetly when the thundercloud is parked above our heads, and it's not a book about finding God and life becoming happily-ever-after. Kathy's story is one where she cries, rails, stays silent...and He loves her anyhow.
Isn't that just the best kind of story?
If you love historical fiction, down-to-earth prose, and characters who become friends, buy this one, friends.
PROMISED REVIEW: God’s Will thoroughly shocked me. I LOVED IT! I was not expecting to love it as much as I did (and do). This is a book I originally bought in Kindle, but soon after finishing it I bought the paperback. It’s one I can’t wait to share with my siblings. YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK.
Plot/Storyline: 4/5 The beginning was a little slow, but not enough to make me stop reading. The story itself felt very realistic to the time period.
Characters: 5/5 WOW. All of the characters were so deep and well-developed. I felt like I knew each of them personally.
Writing: 5/5 It was absolutely beautiful, especially for a debut novel.
Want-to-read-ability: 5/5 After I got beyond the first three chapters, I was completely sucked in and couldn’t put it down.
In this tender novel, two Depression-era teens and their families come to find that, as Amy Carmichael says, "in acceptance [of God's will] lieth peace."
This is a young adult novel to savor. Don't plan on breezing through it quickly, or I think you'll miss the point of the methodical day-by-day story of Kathy and Elliot. In a startlingly insightful way, Gorecki explores the causes of all sorts of pain - why God permits it and how we as His people must come to grips with it. Though I started out disliking both Kathy and Elliot, I found myself cheering them on by the end of it - as they ran the course of faith.
As a history lover, I really enjoyed the setting of this novel as well - 1930s mid-western/southwestern America. Fascinating details of everyday life peppered the story, adding a lovely flavor. The author let the story shine through, however, rather than allowing the "history" part of it to overtake the novel.
As far as I am aware, this is Meghan M. Gorecki's debut novel... I look forward to reading more - much more - from this gifted storyteller whose message shines forth as gold. I highly recommend God's Will for any young adult reader, though I believe that adults will enjoy it as well.
God’s Will grappled with some very real human tragedies: illness, separation, heartbreak, injury, discouragement, financial trouble, and death. The novel was set in the Depression years in America and it put heart and reality into the hardships families faced during that time. I’ve read about it in history books and the toil it took in families across the US. Meghan made this time in history come alive. While pouring through the pages of God’s Will, I vividly felt the effect of the stock market crash and the everyday struggle in homes in the city and on farms.
I love how each character in the book is struggling to discover the mysterious work of God’s will in their life, thus the title. Each one finds the answer, in a different way any of them thought possible. The rich, inspiring message woven throughout the book was excellent. Meghan’s heart for the Lord shines brightly from the pages of her novel. I appreciate books that leave me encouraged in Christ as well as entertained, and this book did just that.
A couple sweet romances sparkled through the story, however, they did not overpower or distract from the main story line. Also, the married couples in the story had beautiful, Christ-honoring relationships that made me smile. The family relationships were very real and well done. There were times of disagreements and arguing, which is so normal of everyday family relationships…however, the fact that the families portrayed in the story truly enjoyed each others’ company was truly lovely and a testimony of what a Christ-centered home can look like.
As a farm girl, the stories of life on a farm in the early 1930s was a delight and reminded me of stories that my grandparents have told me. Hearing a bit about life in the tuberculosis sanatorium in God’s Will was interesting to read as well, something I enjoyed learning about. Learning a more about city life in the 1930s was also fun. I love how Meghan wove different settings skillfully into her story, educating her reader and entertaining them at the same time.
I highly recommend this inspiring new novel. This book is a triumph for the next generation of novel authors. I’m excited to read more of Meghan’s books in the future.
This book was about a family separated during the Great Depression. Mother with tuberculosis needed to go to a sanitarium in Arizona. One daughter left behind with grandparents, two other children taken in by a couple with no children of their own and the father working in another state hoping to earn money to be reunited with his family.
I’m not fond of books that are one sad event after another, even if God's will becomes evident eventually. It’s hard to read. There's a lot of love which helped me get through this book.
I've seen quite a few high ratings for this book, so I was excited to pull this book out of the "Want to Read" shelf and begin this delightful story. I haven't read very many books set in this time period, so that was another plus for me.
What I Liked: All of the characters were very likeable and had genuine, realistic struggles that were very well portrayed. I liked the strong Christian messages in this book and how those who were strong in their faith encouraged those who were struggling. It didn't mean the strong ones didn't have bad days, but they always looked up toward Jesus and they were such an encouragement and inspiration to me as the reader. I really enjoyed the POV of Kathy's mother.
All of the children Judy and her husband had taken in were adorable and sweet. I could picture them all quite well. I think my favorite was Kathy's little brother, Danny. He was such a sweet, caring young boy and I loved how he was constantly trying to cheer his older sister up.
I loved the overall "feel" of this book, for lack of better words to describe this story. It was very sweet and I was content with the ending.
What I Didn't Like: While I really enjoyed this book, the format I was reading in turned out to be quite distracting. I purchased the Kindle version of this book and I was reading it via my laptop, so I'm not sure if that had something to do with my computer or if it was truly the formatting of the book, so I don't want to be too harsh because it might not have had anything to do with the book itself.
The writing felt a bit younger than I was expecting it to be. It's not necessarily a bad thing, it just wasn't what I was fully expecting--that very well might just be me because I think I'm the only person so far to say that. I might have misjudged the age range set for this book. Either way, I still enjoyed it, it just took me a little bit to get into the story, but once I did, I was fully enjoying it.
This book also had, if I'm counting correctly, six POV's, which was quite a lot for a story, I think. Thankfully, the author handled all of them well and I enjoyed hearing from the different characters point of view.
I give this book 3/5 stars for a very well-liked story. I'm grateful to this author for writing a delightful story that had a strong Christian message to it.
I waited for the perfect day to pick up Meghan's book: sun shining, a gentle breeze through my window...and a new book! There I was transported to the great depression and a family torn apart through hard times. Kathy and her brother Danny are left on a farm in Illinois, while their dad tries to find work, their mother is in a sanitorium for tuberculosis, and their sister stays with grandparents.
The bitterness and pain of seperation from her family hits Kathy hard and with only her young brother to lean on, she can't help but question why God has allowed all this to happen. The only joy she finds is in the company of Judy Marshall and helping her and the other girls in the farmhouse kitchen.
Elliot Russell, the nephew of Judy and her husband, has his own bitter weight. Left with only his little sister, Elliot has found a new home and family with the Marshall's. Will Kathy's city-girl aloofness and their rivalry mess that up, or can they learn to get along somehow?
I loved reading along, following as each character learns how to trust in the Lord no matter the circumstances! Their stories felt personal, real, and relatable...even though we're from a different time period. I also felt a strong connection with the author, Meghan through these characters. I love it when that happens! :D
God's Will was fun, and sweet, but overall touching and left me feeling that God really cares about us, His children. I only wish I'd had this book 10 years ago when my family began going through some hard times ourselves. I know this will be a great favorite on my shelf and perhaps a great favorite to pass on as well!
Kathy Andrews has come through a lot of troubles in her short life, and how she handles them will determine her character, as well as her relationships with the people around her.
The story opens into the aftermath of the Great Depression, and formerly privileged resident of suburban Chicago Kathy Andrews is finding herself entering a new world. To make matters worse, her mother's illness suddenly grows worse, and Kathy is forced to begin the first of many goodbyes.
Kathy's formerly happy family of five shrinks to two as she takes on the task of keeping a happy face plastered on for her younger brother Danny. For months on end, letters alone are her only communication with her sister and their parents.
I had the privilege of reading an early draft long ago, before it was published, so my love of the this story has waited a long time to culminate in a review of the available book.
Multiple points of view make this a well-rounded story from many different angles, something I wish I could achieve in my own work. All the characters sneak up on you and endear themselves in your heart. Kathy and Eliot, especially are easy to relate to, with their stubbornness and refusal to allow people in.
My only complaint is that now I cannot get these characters out of my head, but of course, that is the mark of a good book and an exceptional author. Bravo! Meghan, Bravo!
Wonderfully written. I was so engrossed in the characters that I often found myself taking on their emotions and truly feeling their struggles and triumphs. Great period piece and a good recommendation for historical fiction fans. Would even recommend to YA audience.
In 1929, The Great Depression has swept the country. Families are torn apart as they go their separate ways to earn a living, some unable to find work. The Andrews family has felt the depression keenly. Peggy Andrews has been sent to a sanatorium in Arizona to be treated for turboculosus while her family remains in Illinois, though not for long. When David Andrews leaves to be with Peggy in Arizona, he sends his middle daughter Marcia to live with her Aunt Helen and Uncle in Chicago, while his oldest daughter Kathy and young son Danny stay with family friends, the Marshalls. Kathy is none too happy to be with the Marshalls. She'd much rather be with her mother and, like many others, she simply can't understand why she and her family have to be separated during such a difficult time. Judy and Ted's nephew, Elliot, is in a similar boat. His parents died in a car crash, leaving he and his younger sister Tess orphans. Since then, the two have been living with Judy and Ted Marshall. In light of all that he and his family have been through, he finds Kathy's sulking annoying, and vice versa. The two butt heads as they try to make it through the Depression, but when tragedy strikes, things may never be the same.
When I learned of Meghan M. Gorecki's novel set during The Great Depression, I was interested in it. I've always been interested in stories about The Great Depression, and so God's Will went onto my to-be-read list. I finally got around to reading it this month, and I'm glad I did. This book was a nice and touching read. All of the characters have had to endure so much through The Great Depression, between being separated from those they love, to financial issues, and illnesses in the family. As I read the book, I kept wondering how everything would resolve; what would happen to all of these characters? I must admit, some of the paths certain characters chose surprised me, but in good ways.
All in all, God's Will is a touching story full of hope and love, set in a dark time in America's history.
This book gives you great insights on the Great Depression and I liked how the author showed how God can heal hearts and how He was there for each family member as their family was tore apart and things seemed hopeless. Unfortunately, like so many of these Kindle books there are so many errors that you wonder if anyone ever edits them & it ruins the book for me. The book was predictable & author was a bit repetitious at times, but it was inspirational. If you're looking for an easy read & aren't expecting anything exceptional, then you'll enjoy this.
This was an amazing story of financial hardship for many families. The story centers around David,Peggy, Judy and Ted. David lost his job and everything during the Great Depression. God is at the forefront of both couples. Their children had many struggles but God had already mapped out their steps. I really enjoyed this book.
Kathy Andrews has little reason to believe that God's will is anything but bitter, her family is on the brink of being separated once again, the Great Depression forcing her father to leave her younger sister behind in Chicago, while he re-locates with Kathy and her younger brother, trying to find work closer to his extremely ill wife, who is confined to a sanitarium. Their once comfortable lifestyle is in shambles.
Elliott Russell and his younger sister, Tess, have been living with their aunt and uncle, Ted and Judy Marshall on their Brighton, Illinois farm, barely scraping by with mortgage and utilities payments. When a citified girl and her brother find respite there, Elliott and Kathy fail to get along from the very beginning. Without warning, circumstances take yet another turn for the worse. Will these remarkable families ever be able to hear God's still, small voice?
This simply told, but satisfying story resonates with inspiration from beginning to end.
It was my pleasure to receive a copy of this story from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
I don't know where to begin with this book. I just did not like it. The story was very scattered to me; there was no glue holding it together. This book seems like it should be Young Adult maybe; since the story-line was mostly about children and written a little on the young side. It might just be the writing style but it could get a little cheesy at times. I enjoy and prefer Christian theme books but even for me it was overdone here. Every chapter was another lesson. A little to preachy. Instead of faith being subtle and intertwined in the book it was just spelled right out leaving no creativity to the story-line. The cover was absolutely beautiful though. For me I just did not care for this book.