I recently signed up with BookSneeze, which allows me to receive free books in return for unbiased reviews. This is my first.
Left at the Altar by Kimberley Kennedy. Kimberley, a successful TV journalist, seems to have it all: a great career, a supportive family, intelligence, talent, good looks, and a wonderful soon-to-be-husband. On the eve of the marriage, however, her fiancé Lew realizes he cannot go through with the wedding. Of course Kimberley is stunned beyond words, grief-stricken, and humiliated. The rejection sends her into a tailspin of depression, isolation, and anger at God. Left at the Altar documents Kimberley’s journey from a despairing, man-centered perspective to one that focuses on growing a joyful relationship with God.
I especially appreciated the sections of the book that focused on the Biblical story of Rachel and Leah (Genesis 29). The perspectives from men who had ended relationships was interesting too, but perhaps too brief. She also shares some “Tools for Healing,” which could be helpful to readers in similar scenarios. I am troubled, however, with the idea that “…if you want a mate, it is because God gave you that desire…I believe that beautiful day will come because God has not taken away my desire for it…I have peace and pray every day for that man…that God is preparing for me.” Although it is clear at other points that Kimberley believes some may find ultimate happiness in a single state, it is also clear that she expects God to eventually provide her with a perfect match. I hope that will be the case for her, but I believe such presumptions do not take into account that we are all beings with free will. God has not promised marriage to everyone who hungers for it. He has called us to be faithful whether or not we see the fulfillment of our deepest desires.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
