This story is about a family who endures a life altering situation and must learn to live with its far reaching effects. Their individual struggles reflect how many of us would react as well. The story takes place in the Nebraska Territory beginning in 1867. The timelessness of God's message comes through a little easier in a setting which is less complicated by the trappings of today's society. I believe this makes the book more relevant. The issues faced are still the same. The actual circumstances could happen at any moment in this current year. The age old temptation to use abortion as a solution for an inconvenient pregnancy relates to the book deeply. Miryam, as a victim of rape, does not readily have the option to abort her child. Since she has longed for a baby, she is able to see the child as a gift from God. I pray that the book's core moral issue would prevail over the present day availability of abortion. Unlike some stories, this one has an underlying theme of exploring the difference between knowing that Jesus is God, and the personal decision we each have the opportunity to make toward having a saving relationship with Him. It also further reveals the Messianic nature of Jesus Christ to Rohan's Jewish wife. I want readers to love Jesus and to rest in His way of working things out for His own purposes instead of clinging to their own rationalizing for the way they handle life's hurts and anger.
