Claiming Mariah: Book Review

Sometimes I get the opportunity to escape with a good book, but it has really been a while. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book when it arrived in the mail! I had the chance last Tuesday when our electricity went out unexpectedly. It wasn't what I had planned, but it left me with some free time on my hands. Once I started I could hardly put it down!

Claiming Mariah by Pam Hillman (Tyndale House Publishers) is one the best works of fiction I've read in a long time. I love historical Christian fiction and this had all the elements I like most. The storyline was intriguing and for the most part kept me guessing throughout. Although it became clear early on the heroine and main male character would come together in the end, the journey to get there was anything but expected. Mariah encounters a stranger connected to the past of her father who springs life-changing proof that all she held dear was no longer hers.





I appreciated the spiritual journey each of the main characters traveled throughout the course of the novel. While the heroine was already a believer, her need to forgive and trust in God's provision and guidance. The hero had no intention of ever following God because of the hurt from his past. I loved how the full gospel was presented without sounding preachy. God's gracious love and sacrifice was artfully woven throughout and clearly explained leaving both the character and the reader with a clear understanding of salvation.

This is the first title I've read by this author. Pam Hillman is an artful writer with excellent dialogue and insight into the human heart. This believable story will transport you to a more rugged time. I am very much looking forward to reading more from this author!

Disclaimer: I received a paperback copy of Claiming Mariah  from Tyndale Publishers as part of  the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and did not receive any other compensation.