Unforgettable

Sometimes I am so overwhelmed by my love for you, my precious husband. I sit in awe that you are mine, that you chose me to spend your life with, and that you can still cause butterflies to dance in my stomach with a smile or a wink.

If I live to be a hundred I will never unravel the mystery of our love that seems to grow exponentially with every day. How can I still have these giddy schoolgirl feelings come over me when my phone plays your ringtone? Why does the sound of your key in the door bring a huge smile to my face? When will I ever tire of hearing you call me Sweetpea? Will I ever get over the touch of your kisses or the feel of your breath on my neck?

In a way I feel like I wished away our time together by always looking forward to another anniversary, another year added to the length of our marriage. Always thinking that when we reach a magic number the fear of losing you would pass. Time spent wondering what it would be like to look into your eyes and see them surrounded by wrinkles and your hair a distinguished grey. Now I look around and it's here. Your hair is that grey I imagined and wrinkles are beginning to frame those beautiful eyes. 30 years have passed since our first date and still it's not enough. I remember the day I met you 32 years ago as vividly as if it were yesterday. I think a part of me knew then that you and I were meant to be. I laugh now at the naive young man who thought he'd never find one woman that he could spend the rest of his life with. God must get some big laughs out of His children when we say things like that especially when you say it to the very person you will spend your life with. I remember the exact spot we were when you told me that. We were just two young friends walking from one building to another while changing classes. We had no idea what God had in His plans for us.

Even though it seems such a short time it has been filled with lots of life. So many wonderful memories we have made. Such fun times we have shared. Miracles we have witnessed. Oh, how much I love you. My heart is filled to overflowing tonight as I marvel at the gift God gave me in you. You have such a servants heart; always willing to do whatever anyone needs. I'm sorry that I haven't always treasured that about you.

I thought I loved you with all of my heart on the day I married you, but I was so wrong. Each day I spend with you makes me love you more. I now know that I will never stop loving you. I will love you until the end of time. My soulmate, my love, my best friend.

The Gifted

Ann Gabhart delivers another beautifully written story. The Gifted tells the story of Jessamine, a young woman who was sent to live in a Shaker community at the age of 10 after the grandmother who had raised her died. Jessamine's vivid imagination and curiosity about the world outside the Shaker community are a continual source of problems. The strict rules of the community and the Shaker belief that the world is sinful contradict the early teachings of Jessamine's grandmother who told her stories of God's love as well as romantic love. After finding a wounded stranger in the woods Jessamine finds herself being tempted by the world even more.

The Shakers separated themselves from society much like the Amish. Each member in their society worked for the greater good of all. I found myself shocked by the way Jessamine was treated. The Shakers had members who watched to make sure their rules were followed and reported every infraction to those in authority. I couldn't help feeling that most of their members had joined after unhappy marriages or bad family lives. A religion that basically forbids love and emotion felt cold and empty to me. The Shakers claimed they loved all their brothers and sisters equally but I found them to be judgemental with very little real concern for others.

I have found a new favorite author in Ann Gabhart. She has a gift of drawing her readers into the stories she weaves and The Gifted is a perfect example of her ability to bring realism to the characters in her books. This is a great book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, Christian fiction, or Christian romance.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a free Kindle copy of The Gifted through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review of the book.