Review: The Isaac Project

The Isaac Project book cover on blue background

Essentially, I'm doing a bit of a do-over with my book choices for The Well-Read Reading Challenge this year, which prompted me to find a debut book from some newer-to-me authors. As soon as I read the premise for The Isaac Project by Sarah Monzon, I was hooked!

A modern day Isaac and Rebekah story? Faithful commitment to Christ and each other within an arranged marriage? Count me in!

Book Synopsis

Becky Sawyer’s life unravels in a single day. Not only does she catch her boyfriend, the man she hoped to marry, lip-locked with another woman, she also receives the gut-wrenching news that her grandfather, the man who raised her, is dying. His last wish? To see her happily married. Heartbroken, Becky seeks inspiration in the pages of the Holy Scriptures. And finds it in the story of Isaac and Rebekah.

If love couldn't keep his parents together, Luke Masterson wonders what will make a marriage last. He decides to steer clear of all women—especially crazy ones like Becky Sawyer, who employs a friend to find her a husband. But when he feels the dogged promptings of the Holy Spirit to move across the country and marry a complete stranger, it seems love has little to do with it anyway. With commitment their only foundation, and love constantly thwarted, can an arranged marriage find happiness in the twenty-first century?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

The Isaac Project was an engrossing book as it presented Isaac and Rebekah's story in a modern context. I loved the role that Lisa played as the Eliezer of the story as she brought a lot of charm and wit. I also appreciated the steadfastness that Luke demonstrated in obedience to God's will. Switching between dual POVs, I enjoyed getting to see how God worked in both Luke and Becky's lives and how He answered their prayers. This book was immersed in life-giving Scripture and truly pointed toward God's sovereignty while naturally incorporating teachings from the Bible over the course of Luke and Becky's relationship.

Along with the romance, there is an element of suspense that keeps readers engaged in all that's playing out before their eyes. Sarah Monzon is also wonderfully descriptive when sharing about hippotherapy, firefighting, and American football, adding just enough to learn something new without becoming too technical. Though it is implied, I would have loved to see how Becky changed and repented for her behaviour, but for a debut novel, the theme of love as a choice was definitely embedded throughout the book. What a beautiful picture of how God chooses to love us and how we can choose to love others, even when we may not feel like doing so.

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

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