Title: A Father’s Love: Sacrifice and Service
Author: Jean DeFreese Moore
Publisher: Covenant Books
ISBN: 978-1-63885-865-2
Pages: 359
Genre: Historical Christian Romance / Fiction
Reviewed by: Gabriella Harrison
Hollywood Book Reviews
In Jean DeFreese Moore’s Christian fiction novel, A Father’s Love: Sacrifice and Service, the story of the large and resilient Britt family continues. The book is set during World War I. Amid calls for volunteers to join the war, four young men from the Britt’s household decide to enlist, hoping to serve together and ignorant of the dangers and horror that war represents, simply eager to serve their country. While their family is distraught over their decision to enlist, they put their faith in God. When the men go off to war, the family deals with theft and lies in their small town in Harris, betrayal, the death of loved ones, self-discovery, and the pain caused by the 1918 flu epidemic, with certain countries refusing to report on the level of its seriousness.
It is the fourth book in the series but can be read as a standalone. Although, it is helpful to read previous books in the series to form a solid understanding of prior events referred to as book four unfolds. Every page is rich in Bible verses, as each character quotes scripture to encourage the other and increase their understanding. Also, they often use scripture to converse with God. The narration is inspiring in its portrayal of the family’s values of love and support throughout. Whenever any family member is struggling, the others always rally around them, encouraging them and ensuring they are looked after. It is also an involved community in which news travels fast, and people are constantly checking on each other. It is heartwarming to see the emphasis the author places on family unity and dedication in this book.
The author does a beautiful job of wielding different storylines concurrently without muddling up the flow of the story. While Sheriff Luke is hunting down the thief and waddling through lies and town politics, the young men are fighting in the war and straining to remain focused on God amid the carnage, and William is caring for those weakened by the onslaught of the 1918 flu epidemic. The story also covers the lives of other members of the diverse Britt family and how they contribute to the strength of the whole.
It is a moving mix of Christian and historical fiction with a light amount of romance. It aptly dramatizes how lies can spread rapidly and cause much damage to innocent people, especially when gossip is allowed to thrive. It is easy to become invested in the lives of each character, cheering for their wins and hurting when they hurt, as they possess solid personalities.
Overall, A Father’s Love: Sacrifice and Service by Jean DeFreese Moore is an inspiring Christian fiction which will strengthen the faith of readers and provide many Bible verses for them to ponder.