I just finished Tabitha, spirit-filled romance by Vikki Kestell. Of course, I don’t like romances or historical tales, but I actually enjoyed this book. It’s the first of a series of stories about women talked about in her 8-book A Prairie Heritage series.

I assume that the original series is excellent—but it’s no temptation to me [a 73-year-old curmudgeon]. However, this book is too good to come out of nowhere. The Palmer House is a wonderful setting for Christian living.

I say that  because much of quality of this tale was due to the excellent examples of Christian living. Tabitha is a marvelous character, transformed and made a new creation by the presence of the Lord in her life. It’s an inspiring tale showing the wonders the Lord can do with a submitted heart. The historical portion was believable and well done. The romance was sweet and enjoyable. The pre-salvation horrors were graphically, yet realistically presented without glorifying any of it.

The story moved briskly and compellingly. There are some heavy trials—as there are in all Christian lives, if you’re born again. “…in this world you’ll have tribulation…”
Like I said, I truly did enjoy the read…and that took some doing.

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Tabitha, spirit-filled romance Recognition of Achievement Award

I know: I shouldn’t give a spirit-filled award to a book where the Holy Spirit isn’t prominent. The gifts are not really present. But the reality of a personal relationship with the Lord is there—and that about as good as it got at the end of the 19th century. Azusa Street had massive impact in the spiritual world, but to the religious church—not so much. That really didn’t happen until the 40s and 50s—maybe even the late 60s with the charismatic renewal.

So, the reality of Tabitha’s walk with Jesus is wonderful. Powerful, redemptive romances are rare. So, I want to give a little help. I have no qualms about giving Vikki a spirit-filled award for a historical novel from this time period.

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