Historical Fiction Book Review: A Perfect Weakness

Publisher's Description

"The Civil War left its mark on Dr. John Turner. He turns his back on medicine and sees his unexpected inheritance in England as an opportunity to start over. But he never imagines how God intends to use his new role as lord of Ashford Hall or the beautiful woman he finds there to ease his troubled soul.

A tragic loss led Penelope Howard to bury her heart and dreams in her work for the Hall and the village of Woodley. But the arrival of the new heir stirs not only her discarded longings but her compassion as well. What burden does he carry that he can't accept that grace covers the darkest of sins?

A deadly epidemic sweeps through Woodley revealing secrets which threaten everything. The doctor faces a choice: leave or dare to believe what the Lord whispers through the woman John has come to love.

No one is beyond redemption."

My Review

A Perfect Weakness, by Jennifer A. Davids, is an uplifting and endearing novel. The characters in this historical fiction book are particularly compelling. They are vulnerable and thoughtful. They possess a genuine believability that makes them truly relatable and unforgettable. Their struggles, insecurities, fears, and beliefs are truly authentic and moving. I still feel emotionally connected to the characters because of their sincere and desperate longing for the grace and the forgiveness they needed in order to find healing for the heartaches they had endured and the mistakes they had made.
 

The relevant themes in this story show the degree to which shame and guilt can hurt and hinder the soul, while demonstrating the powerful impact forgiveness and grace can have in creating a safe space for healing to begin and wholeness to be realized. Pride and resentment prove to be hollow and unfulfilling, but courageous actions and selfless choices foster true happiness and lasting contentment.  

A Perfect Weakness is a story of renewed hope and second chances. It is a story of faith and trust and new beginnings. It is a story of love, grace, and redemption. From the first page to the last, this novel is enjoyable to read. It is honest, tender, emotionally stirring, and ultimately uplifting. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

My Reflection

Forgiveness and restoration are powerful themes within this novel. There are heart-wrenching disappointments and uncertainties the characters must endure as they struggle to heal, recover, and forgive. They face difficult consequences from their choices and actions. Yet, as they persevere through their struggles, they become more compassionate and more gracious towards themselves and others. Their faith develops as they begin to trust that they are loved by a gracious and merciful God.
 

The themes of this book reflect meaningfully on the truth that God is the ultimate redeemer who can shape beautiful things out of the broken and regretful events of our lives. With abounding love and grace, he softens and heals the painful memories, molding them into moments of purpose and value. I found it very encouraging and meaningful to follow the characters in this novel as they found the healing, forgiveness, and restoration for which their hearts desired.

About the Author

" Jennifer has a passion for anything British and anything bookish. She has visited the UK three times and still has not visited all the bookstores there. A fourth visit seems necessary if not inevitable. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) she makes time to write in between being a busy wife and mom and despite the fact her cats like to lay on her keyboard. You can connect with Jennifer at www.jenniferadavids.com." --Biography from Jennifer A. Davids' author page on Amazon.com.

Click here to purchase a copy of this novel for yourself. 

*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.