J. C. Lafler

Maybe because my mother moved in with our family several years ago, and the close relationship she has with our four children (even as they are becoming adults ready to stretch their wings and fly), this book touched a special spot in my heart. Being forced to choose between family and the person you have a romantic interest in is not a choice I would ever want to make. When I am eighty years old, I only pray I have had the type of love Elizabeth had with her husband and relationships with my children and possible grandchildren like Elizabeth had with Max and his sister.

I appreciate the closeness Elizabeth shares with Max and the care he shows for her. This book also illustrates how perhaps the right person for you may have been in front of you all along.

This book illustrates the best of family and faith and how relationships between families should look.

So check this book out for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.… (más)

At first glance, J.C. Lafler’s “Finding Joy” looks as if it might be a work of nonfiction, but it is in fact a novella. The unassuming cover design piqued my curiosity because it leaves so much to the imagination, and I was somewhat apprehensive that the story itself would be too plain. After reading it, however, I instead think that the cover highlights the main theme of the story: seeking joy at all times, as Paul exhorts in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” The cover may not be elaborate, but I appreciate what I interpret to be the subtle nod to meekness and prioritizing simplicity, lessons that emerge from the pages within.

“Finding Joy” has all of the components of a Hallmark movie, with an upbeat viewpoint tinged with poignant moments. Because of its short length, there are gaps in the narrative timeline, setting a brisk pace, and in some cases I felt that more details would have enhanced the story. However, the advantage is that this book can be read in one sitting. As for the characters, they are predictable but endearing. Max serves as the main protagonist, but Gram is the focal point around which everything revolves. She is the character with the most depth, and her life experiences have molded her into a sagacious woman. I most appreciated her perceptive nature and how she lives out her faith and dispenses important advice with clarity: “Just be yourself, dear, and keep God in your lives.” Lafler keeps the narrative relevant, in one case pointing out the dilemma of a dating relationship between two people who are unequally yoked: “Julia always says that me being a Christian isn’t a problem for her, but maybe her not being a Christian should be a problem for me.” Also, Lafler intersperses Scripture verses pertaining to joy throughout the narrative, lending a sermonic aspect that encourages. As Gram counsels, “Choose to find the joy. There is a bit of joy in almost every situation, if you just look for it. Learn to be happy right now, because life is short and otherwise you might run out of time. Trust God. He will never let you down…no matter what happens.”

For those who enjoy generational stories, thoughts about the legacy that we leave behind for posterity, or short books with happy endings, “Finding Joy” will inspire you to search for the joy in every circumstance and maintain an attitude of praise for our Savior, the One who “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.… (más)

This book came at the right time for me to read. I haven't found much joy lately and was beginning to wonder if there would be happiness again in my life. Reading this book has breathed new hope into me. I wish I had a grandma like Elisabeth while growing up. Her wisdom and gentle spirit brought warmth to me. She loves God and is forever in love with her husband who passed away. I loved the moments she shared with Max. Their bond is very special and I especially liked how Max watched over his grandmother without complaint. There is much to learn from our older generation and this is a perfect example of that.

The message throughout the book is to find joy in everything. Elisabeth was able to share joy with her family and instill in them to embrace every moment. We are not guaranteed one moment in this world and this book has reminded me to shake off the grief I have been dealing with and find joy in the memory of two family members I have lost this year.

The story does have a sweet romance in it but for me the main theme was Elisabeth and how she was able to exemplify joy in her life. I don't think she ever complained as her health started to fail. It was like she was comforting her family as her time on earth drew near. I can't forget to mention Sam. Her friendship with Max started when they were children and as time went on, their bond never wavered. It is a relationship that Elisabeth wanted for her grandson and the joy she shares as they draw closer warms her heart. I loved the message in the book and appreciate being reminded that there is joy out there, we just need to be able to recognize it.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (más)