Friday, February 22, 2019

Book Review: Hillbrooke New Beginnings by Beverly Joy Roberts

The links in this post may contain affiliate links.   When you order from something from one of my links I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you.  You can read my  full disclosure policy  and privacy policy here.   Thanks so much for helping support Vickie's Kitchen and Garden! 



Hillbrooke New Beginnings by [Roberts, Beverly Joy]


Hillbrooke New Beginnings by Beverly Joy Roberts 


Newly married, Rey and Callan Douglas, begin their ministry as youth pastors in an affluent church in the suburbs. Rey desires to lead the students into a deeper relationship with the Lord, but settles instead for a comfortable existence of parties and fellowship. The couple moves in fast forward never slowing down to hear the voice of the Lord directing them to pray for the hurting, comfort the grieving or witness the life changing love of the Lord to another.

Six years later, the consequences of their decision is felt when Rey accepts a position as senior pastor at Community Outreach Church in Hillbrooke, Michigan. This dream job met all his material needs; a beautiful parsonage, affluent church membership and a generous pay package.
Shortly after his arrival in Hillbrooke, the Holy Spirit speaks to Rey, gently leading him to step out from the comfort of the familiar and reach out beyond the walls of his church building. Following a tragedy, Rey is faced with regret and sorrow for his lack of action. 

Did he take a job based solely on money and power, choosing less in the end? Or is he in the center of God’s will? Will he reach out to the broken, love the unlovely and care for those in prison or will he surrender to other voices choosing the path of least resistance?

Jeremiah 29:11 The Message Bible: I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.


My thoughts:

I have to admit that the first chapter or so of Hillbrooke New Beginnings was kind of slow for me as I began to learn who everyone was.   Filled with a little mystery, romance, and most of all God's love I suddenly became so involved in the community I couldn't stop turning the pages.  

I loved all the characters,  so true to life I feel like I must  know some of them personally.  Didn't they go to my church?  I even judged myself at times thinking, what if I'm like that?  My favorite characters though were the couples, Tom and Jean and  Tina and Mike.  Both couples were not afraid to step up to help other people and pray for their circumstances.  They knew when they were needed and heeded the call.  I cried when they were praying for people with such difficult situations.  Yet, so uplifting were their prayers that  I felt a sweet peace that everything will be alright.  There was a hope when times were bad.   

I usually don't say anything like this, but I've never despised a character has much as I did James.  I'll leave it at that.     

This book is deep in the word of God.  It was great reminder to me that our God is forgiving and loving, to all.  

A great great book!   
 
I was given this book by the author.  All opinions are my own. 

 Be sure to sign up for my daily email list and never miss a post!  You can also follow me on Twitter, PinterestFacebook,and Bloglovin where I share my frugal list, gardening, recipes, Free Kindle books, and more

No comments: