Blessing Bentley (Marriages of Conviction, #1)

by Chautona Havig

[phyllish]

What if?

Leave it to Chautona Havig to take a perfectly ridiculous concept and work it into a story in a way that actually makes sense and teaches great lessons along the way!

Do I have your attention now? Because it isn’t really ridiculous. It’s just not done by Christians. The idea of entering a marriage with someone you only know on a casual basis, that you don’t love in “that” way and expect it to be honoring to God? Um, let me just say this is not mainstream.

While Bentley’s conclusion about marriage and the way she approached it may or may not match up with your understanding of what God intends, it is quite thought-provoking. Moreover, it can’t be denied that it is God’s will for those of us who are married to honor Him in our marriages. And every other area of our lives.

While I know it isn’t designed to be a primer on marriage, the things Bentley and her husband had to learn and the conflicts they had to resolve resulted in lessons that are valuable for all marriages. Because honestly, it doesn’t make a difference how the union comes about, God’s plan for marriage is for it to be a picture of Christ and His bride. So as this couple struggles through the process of becoming one, we, the readers, can benefit from their efforts.

Don’t be misled into thinking this is a super serious book. It is by Chautona Havig, after all! There is plenty of fun, swoony moments, and slightly quirky characters you’ll love to love.

In case you didn’t notice, I haven’t mentioned who Bentley proposed to. There were a number of choices. I also didn’t mention how many she proposed to. Or what the reactions were, of the men or of the friends and families. I’m just not sure if that would give anything away. I will tell you that the wedding was so funny and sweet and perfect! After all, what wedding do you really remember where everything came off without a hitch?

Was the story perfect? Not quite. But close enough I didn’t take away any from any of the stars. There was a reference to a deep, painful sin in her husband’s past that he wasn’t ready to share with her. I wanted to know what it was! And Bentley had this habit of saying things like “le sigh“. While it was revealed she was a fan of Pepe LePew, in my mind that didn’t quite explain it. Then again, I haven’t watched those cartoons since I was little. Would it have made more sense if I had? Perhaps? Fortunately, this was not overdone so I was okay with it.

Readers who enjoy stories that make them think, laugh, and swoon without making them blush will enjoy Blessing Bentley.

Read my full review at Among the Reads


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.