Title: A Beautiful Reflection
Author: Sarah O. Maddox
Publisher: Olivia Kimbrell Press
ISBN: 978-10939603-29-6
Page Count: 197
Quote ~ “Oh, Lord, if it is Your will for me to marry Jim, would You lift this burden and fill me with Your peace?! You know I want to marry him. Nevertheless, not my will but Thine be done.”
Audience ~ This paperback targets those who enjoy Christian romance promoting sexual purity. With no profanity, sexual scenes, or violence, the topic of premarital sex may not be appropriate for immature readers.
Contents ~ With a table of contents, dedication, and prologue at the beginning of the book, the novella contains thirty-three chapters, ending with a personal note, reader’s guide, author’s biography, acknowledgments, and bibliography. Scriptures are referenced from the King James Version, Holman Christian Standard, and New King James Version of the Holy Bible. The many punctuation, capitalization, and grammar errors may distract some readers.
Author ~ This being her first novella, Sarah O. Maddox has written several non-fiction books over the last fifteen years. Mother, grandmother, Bible teacher, and daughter of a pastor, her desire is to motivate young women to be faithful to their Lord, husband, children, and church.
Characters ~ The main character is beautiful Susan Strasbourg, who originally thought she would marry her high school sweetheart. Years later, she meets the president where she is employed, Jim Hitchenson, Atlanta’s most-wanted bachelor. Jim’s friends and family as well as hers interject their thoughts on their quickly developing relationship.
Description ~ After breaking off a high school romance that lasted six years in Morganton, North Carolina, Susan has moved on in life, working for Hitchenson Enterprises. Being awarded manager of the year for her state, she attends a congratulatory convention in Atlanta, Georgia, where she meets the president of the company. Jim Hitchenson is immediately captivated by the woman’s charm, beauty, and brains.
However, they both are opposites. Susan is a conservative Christian who ardently prays for a husband that she will love, honor, and cherish, saving herself physically for him at the altar. Jim, although a church goer, is more on the wild side of the wealthy, driving his Porsche, sailing in his yacht, or meeting his friends at bars.
After their romantic relationship evolves, Susan questions her motives in regard to doing what God wants, especially when she is unsure the man of her dreams may not believe in Christ. Through emotional and spiritual consequences, Susan and Jim must decide what is most important in their lives.
Pros ~ The book lovingly challenges women to consider honoring God by waiting for their wedding day to have sex and to not be “unequally yoked” with an unbeliever. With many Bible verse references, prayers, and confessions, it validates “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.
Cons ~ Containing numerous errors, the book may not have been proof-read. With Susan’s past rarely mentioned and Jim’s guilt-ridden background vaguely discussed (for good reasons), this reader could not relate to either of the main characters. Jim’s wayward friend, Dan, seemed to be the least fictional.
Opinion ~ Although the novel has errors and repetitiveness, Maddox’s stance on avoiding premarital sex and being unequally yoked lines up with Biblical foundations for a healthy and happy marriage.
Appreciation ~ Thanks to BookCrash for furnishing this complimentary book in exchange for a review based on the reader’s honest opinion.
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