Trying to escape the shambles her con-man father has made of their reputation, Lucinda Curtis arrives in West Point, New York, determined to land a husband from the military academy. Campbell Conklin is first in his class and preparing to embark upon a storied career in the U.S. Army. Lucinda thinks Campbell will make the perfect husband . . . as long as he does not find out about her father.
Seth Westcott also has taken a liking to Lucinda. He's kind, smart . . . and working extremely hard to graduate last. Tradition states that the worst cadets are assigned to the cavalry out west. And west is where Seth must head to track the swindler who stole all of Seth's mother's money. Seth is smart enough to vie for the top spot, but life isn't fair and this is his chance to catch the man who ruined his family. It's too bad Campbell is all shine and no substance, but Lucinda will surely see through all of that, won't she?
My Take:
I had a conversation with a fellow Christian recently about Christian fiction. She said she never read it because it was like Wonder bread -- sweet and clean with some verses added but no real substance. I told her to try a couple authors and one of them was Siri Mitchell.
I've read several of her books and they are normally very thoughtful, accurate, and seem to have more meaning the deeper you dig. This wasn't quite as deep as some, but after reading her author's note at the end, I know why she was fascinated by the characters and the story behind them.
I also loved how Lucinda's character is an exaggeration of how we all put on masks and try and please people to get what we want from them. I think there is too much of that going on in the church today -- and being more genuine about our struggles might help our ability to reach out to others and show God's work in our lives - rather than being seen as hypocrites and liars.
Unfortunately, I've met many people like Lucinda's father. It is interesting to see how so much of her life was built on lies and manipulations - and her struggle to come to terms with her part in that -- and what kind of person she wanted to be. Unfortunately, I've also seen too many who, like Lucinda, believe that their past determines their future and that not even God could love and accept them.
I loved learning about the Immortals (a term I'd never heard before) and understanding these were often good men who were loyal and honest, but just not driven by the same ambition as others -- or wanted to live every moment rather than focus on the rules and regimentation of training with some hope of living their lives in the future. I think balance is important in that area - and hard to achieve. What will we truly regret on our deathbeds? They may have the right idea.
I think it was wonderful to see a character like Seth - and many of his friends - who are military men wanting to protect their home and families. Many men and women in the military are just that -- caretakers and shepherds. They aren't barbarians and violent people as they have been portrayed. We should be thankful for them and the sacrifices they make for us and the country.
Although not my favorite book by Siri Mitchell, I enjoyed this very much. I thank the publisher for my copy, though it in no way influenced my review.
I've read several of her books and they are normally very thoughtful, accurate, and seem to have more meaning the deeper you dig. This wasn't quite as deep as some, but after reading her author's note at the end, I know why she was fascinated by the characters and the story behind them.
I also loved how Lucinda's character is an exaggeration of how we all put on masks and try and please people to get what we want from them. I think there is too much of that going on in the church today -- and being more genuine about our struggles might help our ability to reach out to others and show God's work in our lives - rather than being seen as hypocrites and liars.
Unfortunately, I've met many people like Lucinda's father. It is interesting to see how so much of her life was built on lies and manipulations - and her struggle to come to terms with her part in that -- and what kind of person she wanted to be. Unfortunately, I've also seen too many who, like Lucinda, believe that their past determines their future and that not even God could love and accept them.
I loved learning about the Immortals (a term I'd never heard before) and understanding these were often good men who were loyal and honest, but just not driven by the same ambition as others -- or wanted to live every moment rather than focus on the rules and regimentation of training with some hope of living their lives in the future. I think balance is important in that area - and hard to achieve. What will we truly regret on our deathbeds? They may have the right idea.
I think it was wonderful to see a character like Seth - and many of his friends - who are military men wanting to protect their home and families. Many men and women in the military are just that -- caretakers and shepherds. They aren't barbarians and violent people as they have been portrayed. We should be thankful for them and the sacrifices they make for us and the country.
Although not my favorite book by Siri Mitchell, I enjoyed this very much. I thank the publisher for my copy, though it in no way influenced my review.
