Review: The Guardian

God only gives so many wake-up calls… Will she answer?

BOOK: The Guardian (A Three Sisters Novel)

AUTHOR: Abbigail Raine B.

GENRE: Christian Historical Fiction

AGE LEVEL: Appropriate for Fifteen and up

ABOUT

Survival on the prairies of 1850s Texas is full of hardship and tragedy. Felicia “Felix” Taylor would know. Raising her sisters, running the farm, and connecting with her neighboring friends keeps her grounded. But when the providential and the coincidental occur, how will she respond? Will she acknowledge that it may be the God she turned her back on? Will she let Him in? Or will she steel her heart against the faith that betrayed her?

RATING

5 Stars

REVIEW

Still reeling from a cruel blow that changed everything, Felix is determined to do whatever it takes to keep her sisters safe so no more tragedy befalls her family. But life isn’t cooperating with her plans, and problem after problem accrues. Is this some mere, destructive turn of fate, and how can any good possibly come from such hardships?

***
PLOT
With a steady pace that gently guides the reader through the everyday lives of three sisters, the plot gradually builds the tension until the reader can’t help but wonder how things will be resolved. There’s a bit of suspense near the end, and my heart was pounding something fierce during those last few chapters.

SETTING
This is where Abbigail’s strength really shines. Effortlessly weaving words, she draws the reader into hot, humid days, tempestuous storms, solemn settings, and cozy cabins and barns. I could feel myself in the setting, and Abbigail does well never letting you forget the time and place.

CHARACTERS
Felix reminded me so much of myself: the determined older sister who will do anything to keep her siblings safe, even if it means being a controlling tyrant at times. The other sisters, Stacey and Millie, are each well-crafted too, and I never once mixed them up with each other.

There is another character–my favorite, in fact–whom readers will meet, but I will refrain from spilling any more details lest I spoil the plot. Let’s just say I fangirled so. Doggone. Hard. And I shipped two certain characters so. Doggone. Hard as well.

FAITH/RELIGION
As always, the icing on the cake is the faith content, and that’s certainly true for The Guardian. With an unashamed and bold manner, Abbigail proclaims the Gospel without reservation. I so appreciated her resolve in portraying the truth. In a world where the truth is watered down to avoid “hurting feelings” or offending people, this was a wonderful reminder of how we are called to be lights amidst the darkness.

Holding no punches, Abbigail lays out the Gospel as it is presented in Scripture: Hell is real, and that’s where all who are unsaved are going unless you repent and believe.

To this, I give Abbigail a thousand accolades. Well done, Abbi. I’m so proud of your boldness in this.

CONTENT WARNING
An attack is reminisced about, a character is injured in various occurrences, and a horse is poisoned by hemlock (no one is at fault for this).

CONCLUSION
In a solid story that forthrightly declares the Gospel, Abbigail Raine B. delivers an impactful and poignant debut. If you enjoy faith-filled historicals, you’ll not want to miss The Guardian.

*I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.