For years, I have believed that the right book will find you exactly when you need it. When it comes to Theresa A. Laws, this always holds true for me.
In November of last year, I read Diary of a Divine Relationship and was instantly curious about the life of protagonist Jack Riley and his beloved Kelly. Kelly’s faith was unshakable, even as the world’s cruelty tried to destroy her. In my opinion, Kelly is the ideal version of a Wife of Noble Character—flawed, yet faithful always.
Following Kelly’s death, So Much Better Your Way: Signed Jack begins with Jack working to carry on with his grief and young son. When Jack is involved in a violent accident in which others died, he finds himself admitted to the hospital for several weeks in the care of Cynthia, a spunky-yet-shy nurse.
As nurse and patient get to know one another, it’s evident that God is using all things—even a car crash—for His good.
Throughout the entire book, Laws included wondrous nuggets of faith and wisdom. Some of my favorites include:
All decisions are a choice, and sometimes our minds are not in the position to make the best ones due to many factors.
So Much Better Your Way: Signed Jack by Theresa A. Laws
This quote stood out to me because, recently, I’ve been working on my C-PTSD recovery, and that has had my head in a not-so-great place. As a result, I’ve been leaning on friends and friends-that-are-like-family for support to help keep my mind accountable to what is right, even when my trauma draws me in the wrong direction.
life can be like burnt toast, but you scrape it off and keep going.
So Much Better Your Way: Signed Jack by Theresa A. Laws
I liked this comedic line because I am a big believer in the phrase “improvise, adapt, overcome.” Sometimes, plans fail, and it can be hard to see the God Angle at all times. As I tell my husband, “You can either sink or swim, but sometimes treading water is all you can do, and that’s enough.” What’s happening may not be what you want to happen, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day. Make the best of it, then carry on.
The lessons within So Much Better Your Way: Signed Jack make this book a must-read for women of faith as well as those struggling because Laws does not shy away from the messy side of life. For that matter, the way the characters are quick to forgive and find a way to work together to further the Kingdom is inspirational, and I find myself resolved to be a better friend after finishing this book.
For the story, I’m awarding So Much Better Your Way: Signed Jack four well-deserved stars. I cannot wait to see what Theresa A. Laws does next!
The Pensive Bookworm 