I sometimes wonder what keeps me from truly enjoying fiction. There are certainly exceptions. I’ve been moved by C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkein. I guess I can be drawn into a great story-line, but I just don’t find myself radiating to it.

 

I was cautiously optimistic as I approached Steal Away Home. First off, it isn’t outright fiction with animals that talk or shires filled with little creatures enjoying second breakfast. It is historical fiction. It is a story told about two real people. One was a pastor/preacher who I truly admire. The other person was new to me. 

 

It is a story of love. A story filled with Christian love and the grace and mercy that the Gospel brings and love we can extend to another brother even if we’re different.

 

Thomas Johnson spent much of his life as a slave until the end of the Civil War. Johnson was able to connect with Charles Spurgeon and attend his Pastor’s College in London to be trained as a missionary. The two became very close and we see a beautiful example of God’s love shining through two people despite their differences and despite the tremendously different paths their pasts have taken them and how they are united in the one most important thing they share: the cross.

 

Perhaps its greatest weakness is a blurred line between history and fiction throughout, but then again, isn’t that always the case with great story tellers? No, this book did not convert me to be a fiction lover, but I do recommend it to those who are. (Mike)

 

I received a copy of this book from B&H Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review. (Mike Fischer)

You can find this book on Amazon by clicking here

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