Book Review of THE NARROW PATH by Gail Sattler

Author:  Gail Sattler
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Release Date: May 1, 2010
Number of Pages: 279
ISBN: 978-1-426-70237-2
Copyright: 2010





 
 
 Although Ted was the most traveled and somewhat contemporary-minded in his Old Order Mennonite fellowship, he was shocked when he met the woman he was to pick up at the airport. She was more modest than many around her, but definitely not what he was expecting. He couldn’t even imagine what the rest of the congregation would think when they got a look at her.

But much to his surprise and dismay, most seemed to accept her. She tries hard to honor their ways, but still be herself and strive to accomplish her mission. Despite her mistakes and many blunders, she seems to fit in, which befuddles him – she reads her Bible on her cell phone in a community where no one even owns a dishwasher or microwave. But he couldn’t ignore his growing attraction for her when he begins to look at her heart. She finds him rigid, but kind, smart, and even very appealing in spite of his plain clothes and black hat – sometimes because of them. But can they ever agree on anything other than agreeing to disagree? Will they ever be able to succeed with her plan to help the church reach out more effectively? Too many of her ideas are not of their Mennonite ways.

Time passes quickly, even more quickly with an unexpected turn of events that forces them to work even more closely together. Just when Ted thought he knew Miranda, will she surprise him once again?

How can two believers – both Mennonite, but so different -- fit into each other’s lives? What do they do with their growing feelings? Can two people with such diverse traditions stay on the narrow path and commit to one another?

This was a delightful story that I enjoyed very much. Not only was an enchanting story presented, but intertwined are many lessons. How many times do we judge someone by outside appearances without looking at their heart? Do we assume we “know” them because of what they’re wearing or how they speak? This is a wonderful tale of how two people who came from seemingly different worlds find themselves truly more alike than they first realized. Will God’s plan be bigger than their traditions?

Congratulations, Gail, on sharing a story that not only entertains, but shows us that we should never be too quick to judge nor not make time to listen. And we should always look past the outside and at the heart. I’ll be looking forward to your next book.

Gail Sattler is a Heartsong Presents Hall of Fame author with 17 novels, as well as 4 Love Inspired novels, 12 anthologized novellas, numerous gift books, cookbooks, contributions to the One-Year Life Devotional, and books written with Debra White Smith. She is a longstanding member of East Ridge Community Fellowship, a Mennonite Brethren church.  She lives and writes in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. You can find out more about Gail and her books at www.gailsattler.com, http://gailsattler.blogspot.com, and www.mennoniteromancenovel.com

Happy Reading, everyone!
Susie