A sequel to Healing Ruby by Jennifer H. Westall, this novel picked up a few years later. Ruby is a young woman with a gift for faith healing. 
Matthew is a young man God healed through Ruby’s gift. They are obviously meant to be together, and I read this whole book waiting for that resolution and waiting for the resolution of Ruby’s troubles with the law over taking the blame for something she didn’t do.
The theme of sacrificial suffering in order to protect someone else from harm is excellently portrayed. Ruby’s family and Matthew all struggle greatly with her decision to protect someone else at her own peril. Their anguish at experiencing God’s silence is real. Listen in as Matthew and Ruby deal with the pain of “unanswered” prayer:
‘But He didn’t come though. I did everything I could think of, and I prayed and prayed. He didn’t answer.’
She smiled. ‘Yes, He did. Matthew, just because things didn’t happen the way you wanted doesn’t mean you didn’t get an answer.’ She placed her hand over mine, sending a tingle of warmth through me. ‘You’ll see. It will be exactly what we need when we need it.’
Their faith continues to be tested throughout the book, with various characters responding in different ways. Matthew and Ruby also progress in sorting out their feelings for each other. Although I didn’t appreciate the cliffhanger ending, the exploration of holding onto faith through suffering and trials was movingly portrayed.
This is a good book, but it is definitely not a stand-alone novel. It will only truly be enjoyed as part of a trilogy. While it’s worth reading with engaging characters and interesting themes, I was disappointed that it took such a long time to develop this time, and now will require a third book to find out how everything turns out. It might be worth your while to wait until the third book is released, then just read all three together.
Savored Phrases 