Last year, I was introduced to Christine Hoover when I read Messy, Beautiful Friendship. So, I was excited to see that she has a new book out, particularly because it was on the topic of “messes.” As I’m spending a decent amount of time thinking about the messes of life and how the gospel impacts them. Searching For Spring fits right alongside all of the things I’m pondering and even gave me some more things to ponder.
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Searching For Spring
Searching For Spring is a play on the four seasons and how we can experience life in seasons. It’s a reminder that there must always be an end to the trouble-less, “mountaintop” moments in life. And that there will always be a death, a renewing and a new growing season. Based on the book of Ecclesiastes, Hoover shares some personal experiences with walking through these seasons and what God has taught her about each one.
As I was recently listening to Hoover’s new podcast, By Faith, she explained that she approached Searching For Spring more poetically than her other books. I definitely found this to be true. Typically, I’m not a fan of flowery, or poetic writing. I get lost in what the true meaning of the book is. However, I found myself being challenged by much of the writing in this book.
Life Flows in Seasons
I connected so much with what Hoover wrote about in the first half of the book. The idea of summer and the beauty that it brings to life challenged the way that I use the word beautiful. It was a reminder that life may be hard, but it is the hard parts of life that show us the beauty. I also really appreciated the first chapter on winter. My own experiences with winter seasons were echoed on the pages of Searching For Spring.
As I mentioned before, I tend to struggle with more flowery writing. Though I was challenged in the reading of Searching for Spring, I also struggled to connect with about half of the book. When I could connect with the story, I understood the point Hoover was making. Often, it lost some poignancy because of the length of time it took to tell the story.
Searching for Spring is an excellent reminder that God does make all things beautiful in His time. That he has not given up on us or walked away from us. He is always moving in and through the seasons that we encounter in life.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.
