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Review: Reckless Love

Reckless Love book cover on blue background

No matter your thoughts on the worship song of the same name, Reckless Love by Kate Goodwin is a powerful retelling of a story that we don't often think of, demonstrating the heart of God in pursuing us. What a beautiful snapshot of the Father's unrelenting love for us!

I am grateful to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

A pregnant girl

A desperate woman

The God who sees them both

Amina Abdel’s sheltered world is turned upside down when she finds herself alone and with child. The daughter of immigrants flees her mother’s judgment and father’s shame, unexpectedly finding shelter with the small town’s pastor and his wife. Their kindness feels foreign to Amina, until she realizes they too want something from her—the baby.

All Melissa Abrams has ever wanted was a son to carry on her husband’s family legacy of keeping an Abrams man behind the pulpit. As barrenness pushes her to a breaking point, God seemingly drops the answer on their doorstep. Clinging to this last hope, she ignores the warning signs and forges ahead, convinced this is God’s plan.

When Amina second-guesses giving up her child, Melissa’s desperation drives her to an ill-conceived arrangement that will test them both. Will the little boy that initially tied them together be what breaks them apart? Or is God’s hand in it all to bring lost sheep into the fold?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

I haven't read a contemporary retelling of Sarah and Hagar's story before, but I am thankful that I had the opportunity to do so. This was a book that unearthed so many emotions, including anger, frustration, disappointment, pain, and jealousy. I felt what the characters on the page were feeling and could relate to Amina and Melissa in various ways. This was skillfully written with multiple POVs where we could truly journey with the women as they expressed heartbreak in the midst of their trials. This book hit the nail on the head for me of what it looks like when we try to make plans for ourselves without God's leading and the consequences that arise due to running ahead of Him.

The spiritual depth in Reckless Love is astounding as Amina and Melissa encounter God's truths in fresh ways, whether through friends, church, or the pastors in the story. What I appreciated most is that none of the scenes felt forced and could be plausible enough given the state of desperation in someone's life. It was refreshing and realistic to read a story about an immigrant family, along with found families, written as sensitively as this one was. If you're looking for a gripping story of God's fulfilled promises and His heart in providing for His children, this is a book that will bless, encourage, and edify readers.

Book Summary

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

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