Hey guys! So last week I finished Karen Kingsbury's brand new book "Love Story" and it was one of the best books I've ever read! I love how she weaves the love stories of all the characters throughout this book, and faith is always part of her books. Especially because not many authors (who's books are so popular) don't or won't weave faith into their books, and Karen always does. My favorite part is on pages 177-179. I won't say what happens, only that it happens in real life! (So if you get the book no skipping ahead. Lol)
Here is the "Love Story" Summary:
From the moment they met, John and Elizabeth were destined to fall in love. Their whirlwind romance stared when they were young college students and lasted nearly thirty years—until Elizabeth died of cancer m.
So when John is asked to relive his long-ago love story with Elizabeth for his grandson Cole's heritage project, he's not sure he can do it. The sadness might simply be too great. But he agrees and allows his heart and soul to go places they haven't gone in decades. Back to the secret heartbreak that brought John and Elizabeth together.
At the same time, Baxter family friend Cody Coleman is working through the breakup of his complicated relationship with Andi Ellison. He is determined to move on when a chance sighting changes his plans—and heart. Can Cody convince Andi to give their love another try, or is it time for them to say goodbye for good?
As school comes to an end, Cole presents his report on the love story between his grandparents John and Elizabeth Baxter. It is a tale that touches the hearts of the entire family, and one that causes Cole to better understand his own beginning.
Whether you're meeting the Baxter for the first time or finding them all over again, Love Story will stir your heart and remind you of the generational impact of love and the eternal bond of family.
I'll say this though, if you haven't read any Karen Kingsbury books read "Love Story". It's one of the sweetest books ever written and I can't wait to see what she writes next! Although because there are parts of the story John Baxter tells his daughter, Ashley and grandson, Cole for Cole's school project that are for older teens/adults, I'd recommend it for those ages 18+.
To quote part of the letter she wrote to the reader in the back of the book: "A flame so bright all the world might see it. That's the way it is with love stories. Even fictional love stories. It's the reason I included not just the love story of John and Elizabeth, but also of Cody and Andi, Brandon and Bailey, Landon and Ashley, and others.
I pray that as you read Love Story, you took a minute to think of your own. Or if not yours, then your parents' story or the story of someone you care about. Real-life love stories teach us much about loyalty and dedication, passion and devotion. And when the story is so beautiful it takes your breath, love stories teach us about faith."
So who's love story inspires you? Is it your parents'? A friend, a sibling, or another family member like an aunt or uncle or someone else? Regardless of what we want, God always has a plan for us and He alone can write our love story if only we give Him control of the pen.
Even when life seems so painful at times that it feels like your walking into a battle zone, give your situation over to God. He alone has the power to bring beauty from ashes. Let God write your love story. You might be surprised to see the people God brings into your life, or the situations he puts you in. God is going to use you to do amazing things, but just because other people are doing something doesn't mean you have to do it. Because then you're conforming to who someone else what's you to be instead of who God wants you to be. Give God control of your life and ask Him what His plan is for you. It'll be worth it and it'll bring you closer to Him and allow Him to shine through you so that people will see a difference and want that difference too.
So here are the final two things I want to say:
1. Give God the pen. Let him write the story of your life and be open to whatever He has in store for you, even when you don't want to. Do it. Because if you don't you'll spend years wondering: "what would my life be like, had I only done what God asked me to do?"
2. Think about the love story that has had the biggest impact on your life. Society will do anything and everything to make you think "oh I have to do this, this and this to make this happen". Stop it. This is what the world wants you to think, not want God wants you to think. He alone will have the answers you need. But, you have to be willing to leave everything at his feet and give him control. It may not be easy and it may make you feel vulnerable at times but its freeing. And when you take hold of God and His plans for your life, you are going to do amazing things and be able to see things from a perspective that people being in and of the world can't see. So open your eyes to the things that he has for you. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11 (you might be familiar with it) it says "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares The Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." God has a plan for me and a plan for you. And He alone knows the where, when, who, and how. We just have to trust Him.
I pray this will open your eyes to God's plan for your life, and you'll allow Him to write your love story.
God Bless!
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