Perhaps the first novelette that I have read, at least in recent memory, Susan Beatty’s “House of Courage” can be read in one sitting. Nevetheless, it probes several significant issues and is in that way not a light read. This Italian American family experiences heartache and challenges common to so many, with a prevailing bedrock of faith that is tested but never defeated. The main character, Marissa, is battling metastatic breast cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy while working with her cousin Dante and her father to salvage the family’s orange tree farm. Marissa’s mother has dementia and vacillates between lucidity and confusion. The extended family also owns a restaurant that is under financial distress.

Through it all, this godly family persists and sacrifices, trusting God even when their circumstances seem to not make sense. While reading, I continually thought of Jesus’ parable about the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7. Regardless of our outward circumstances, we have a choice as to whether we will build our lives on the Rock or on shifting sand. As Beatty writes, “The Cinzanos had remained strong here through many trials. Her father often said they lived in a house of courage.” We, too, can live in a “house of courage” when we seek the Lord’s will and truly trust Him in all things, with all things, and through all things. Only then will our hearts be satisfied.

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

Where does your courage come from?

This quickly read novella leaves the reader with many things to consider long after finishing the story. It’s a tale of a family that arrived from Italy in 1948 and has grown to encompass several businesses with many generations of children that have worked on the farm and in the restaurant.

What I found the most memorable was the courage that was portrayed by the extended family, in particular by Marissa, a first generation American. Between breast cancer, Alzheimer’s and devastating loss came the realization that with trusting the Lord comes understanding. It wasn’t up to her, she had only to lean on Him and be just like that loan green tree that was covered in ash.

I received an ARC through CelebrateLit. The impressions and opinions are my own. ( )