Review: Gathering Dreams - A Gathering of Mercies #3

What a fitting conclusion that Heather Wood has written for A Gathering of Mercies series!

Gathering Dreams is not afraid to dive into difficult theological discussions, particularly between Protestants and Catholics, while revealing the challenging circumstances that affected people during a national economic downturn. Between the social conditions that earlier Americans encountered and the opportunities available through Bible distribution, Henry and Sinead's story will make readers think about and feel the complexities facing this couple.

Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Content to be aware of: tobacco and alcohol use; Catholic faith practices

Book Synopsis

A forbidden romance brought them together. Only shared faith can build it into lasting love.

Henry Young has long worked toward having his own farm, a place to put down roots away from others’ expectations and the shame of his father’s sins. When a nationwide financial crisis and his mother's failing health strip his future away, he finds solace in a charming Irish immigrant who sees him as the hero he longs to be. As his heart weaves with hers, Henry decides their differing beliefs shouldn’t be allowed to unravel their shared dreams.

Sinead Kellie steps onto the shores of America to find herself unprotected in a strange city. One kind young man offers assistance that leads to a deepening friendship. Henry is the only person who sees her needs and understands her loneliness. Desperately in love, Sinead wonders if she can ever be absolved of giving her heart to a Protestant man.

Just as everything falls into place for the life they’ve always wanted, Henry and Sinead face the failure of decisions made apart from God. Will the Lord who gave them these dreams still guide their future, or have they lost their chance to find a place to belong?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This is a book that gets into the nitty-gritty reality of what happens when we rush ahead of God's plans and purposes for us. It's also a book that doesn't hesitate to delve into how difficult life can be when compromises cannot be made. Meeting Henry and Sinead, I really enjoyed getting to know them individually and discovering how their upbringings have shaped them. Henry's heart in loving the Lord and in loving Sinead is a clear demonstration of Christ loving the church, making me eager to see how their relationship would develop over time. It's refreshing that the themes of obedience and repentance are highlighted in such a gracious manner with a high regard to the sanctity of marriage.

Gathering Dreams is as much a story about the characters’ hearts before God as it is about their theological beliefs. As a result, Heather Wood presents a compelling picture of what it means to follow and worship Jesus without the additional burdens and weights that are placed on us by the law. What a gift that we can approach the throne of God because of what Jesus has done on the cross without requiring any other intermediaries! If you enjoy books where the characters earnestly work through matters of faith and become born again in Christ, this conclusion to the Gathering of Mercies series sets the stage for the Finding Home series by pointing to a time in history rife with social and spiritual change.

Book Summary

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

Book Quotes

Rather than bringing comfort, her words made Sinead feel even heavier. Was there no assurance of forgiveness to be found in this life? “Jesus is my intermediary,” Henry had said. “He goes to God on my behalf. His sacrifice on my behalf, the payment He made—it is all sufficient.” Where Mam emphasized the right prayers and postures, Henry had emphasized Jesus’s sacrifice. The Jesus Henry spoke of was Emmanuel, God with him. Sinead had never received the comfort from her recited prayers that she found in Henry’s tear-filled petition that God would be with her.