“‘Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…'”

From Camille Regholec’s Look on the Heart.

Plagued by a recent string of hardships, Amanda has been left alone with her young son in the unforgiving terrain of New York’s Hudson Valley in the early 1800s.  Her only option for survival comes from a wealthy neighbor’s need for medical care, so Amanda takes her young son and all their meager belongings to move in with Marc van Hoyton until he can be nursed back to health.  The situation is very trying for Amanda, but she leans on her faith and friends to help her carry on.  Slowly, Marc’s gruff attitude and spiteful words begin to melt away, both as his wounds heal and as Amanda’s kindness persists.  As Marc’s anger is set aside, Amanda begins to see a man that has many endearing (and attractive) qualities.  Life continues in this adapted normal until the delivery of some shocking news from Amanda’s past throws her and her son back on their own, again with no way of surviving on their own.  The arrival of two friends, allows Amanda a chance for not only survival but success; their arrival also sets off a series of events that Amanda never could have imagined.

Regholec’s story is intriguing, balanced, and believable.  The book allows the reader to be carried away with the characters and dialog at a gentle, but continuously moving pace.  The characters are genuine, especially the lead character; her thoughts and emotions are honestly laid out for the reader, with frustrations and heartbreaks being easy to believe.  The historical background of the real-life towns and groups is brilliantly woven into the story so that the fictional aspects of the story feel that much more real.  This Christian fiction work is filled with historical insight into the Hudson Valley that is enjoyable for any reader who is familiar with the area.  Look on the Heart is a delightful read for those seeking a quick, but memorable read!