The Struggle

It seemed hopeless, and yet as he and Miguel rode their bikes back to town and parted ways at Canyon Road, a plan was already forming in his mind." God, I sure hope this is You", he prayed. "I have to help Olive out of this mess she doesn’t even know she’s in. I gotta fight for her."

Book: The Struggle by Nancy Rue, Bethany House Publishers/Focus On The Family, 2002

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: World War II, Friendship, Relationship with family, faith, hope, prayer

Summary: A chance to hang out at a ranch and ride horses and just be kids again sounds perfect to Will, Fawn and their friends. But when Will tries again to take matters into his own hands and attempts to stop cattle rustlers, they find themselves under some very strict rules. Still, there’s chances for some fun and adventure. But when a secret friend of Will’s finds herself in trouble, Will knows he has to help her, even if it means putting himself in danger again and going against the rules.

Notes: This is the fifth set of books in the Christian Heritage Series. Each set focuses on a particular time period and tells the story of a young boy growing up in that time. This set is about a young boy who is growing up during World War II while his father is off fighting in the battles. In this book, Will hears a sermon about turning the other cheek and is quite furious at it. He is determined to NOT turn the other cheek, but make sure himself that things happen the way he thinks they should. He has been learning more and more to put his trust in God, but is still struggling because of the war and his dad being a prisoner of war. He learns the power of surrendering the outcome of battles to God rather than himself in this book.

 Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 5:39 – But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Deuteronomy 3:22 – Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.”