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*** REVIEWER'S CHOICE Award***
Juliana Harris, just in from Boston, has come to New Orleans to help the South recover from the Civil War. She intends, with her friend’s help, to start a school for the former slave children. Even from her first day in the city, misfortune seems to follow her, and time and again a gallant Southern gentleman comes to her rescue.
Andre Beauchamp was a Confederate Naval officer in the Civil War, but since the war had concluded, he’d returned home to New Orleans. His home is not as it once was and he is having trouble adjusting to the new ways. When he meets Juliana Harris, he is immediately drawn to her. But Juliana is from Boston, a hated Northerner, and Andre finds himself caught up in conflicting emotions.
Despite their mutual attraction, circumstance and history conspire to drive a wedge between these two Christians. Andre and Juliana must learn to trust each other, and let go of the past, before their love can truly bloom. And, they must do it quickly, before the insidious danger seething just under the surface of civilized society can strike.
Author Louise Gouge has written a truly remarkable novel in THEN CAME FAITH. The story holds all of the key elements to a satisfying read: well-developed characters, a sturdy plot, a realistic setting, dangerous undertones, and a wonderful Christian romance. THEN CAME FAITH is no ordinary Christian romance, either. Many Christian romances plod along, or offer a tepid or watered-down version of real life, but Ms. Gouge has not burdened THEN CAME FAITH with any of these flaws. The story is, at times, quite shocking in its realism. At other points in the story, THEN CAME FAITH is heartwarming and encourages one to have faith in the Lord. Ms. Gouge is a truly masterful author; I look forward to reading more from this fine writer!
Reviewed by Janean Nusz
for The Road to Romance
February 22, 2007
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