A Match for Emma
by Pepper Basham
Emma and Jon are well-developed, interesting, and likeable characters that you want to see have a happily-ever-after. They have a beautiful sacrificing love for each other, and Emma’s willingness to let Jon chase his dreams and maybe fall in love with someone else was powerful. I could feel the longing and heartbreak. I could also feel her struggle when she had to choose between her dreams and a life with Jon. Life is about choices, but when God is in it and we’re paying attention, we’ll make the right choice.
Another bonus in this book is being able to learn some wisdom from Mama Mitchell. I love her character for many reasons, but the biggest reason is she reminds me of my grandmother. A country woman like Mama Mitchell, my granny didn’t have a lot of education but she was smart and understood life. And maybe that’s what I like most about Pepper Basham’s books – her Appalachian people remind me of my people.
I’m a big fan of Pepper Basham and the Mitchell’s Crossroad
series. The latest - A Match for Emma – is another fun, faith-filled installment.
This book is a friends to love story, and so much more. Once again we’re
transported to the Appalachian Mountains where life is slower and more
personal. Basham begins each chapter with a quote from Jane Austen's Emma, which I think is brilliant, as she presents this modern retelling of the classic.
Emma Mitchell loves her long-time friend Jon Noble, and even
though it has broken her heart that he left to pursue his dreams in the big
city, she loves him too much to hold him back. “And she wouldn’t hold him here.
Not when his dreams and skills were so big.” That’s just beautiful.
As the story unfolds, Jon and Emma wrestle with just staying
friends or risking everything to find true love with each other. It’s a slow
building romance that finally explodes in a glorious closet scene. If you’ve
read the other Mitchell’s Crossroads books, you know Basham can write
spectacular closet scenes.
Emma and Jon are well-developed, interesting, and likeable characters that you want to see have a happily-ever-after. They have a beautiful sacrificing love for each other, and Emma’s willingness to let Jon chase his dreams and maybe fall in love with someone else was powerful. I could feel the longing and heartbreak. I could also feel her struggle when she had to choose between her dreams and a life with Jon. Life is about choices, but when God is in it and we’re paying attention, we’ll make the right choice.
Another bonus in this book is being able to learn some wisdom from Mama Mitchell. I love her character for many reasons, but the biggest reason is she reminds me of my grandmother. A country woman like Mama Mitchell, my granny didn’t have a lot of education but she was smart and understood life. And maybe that’s what I like most about Pepper Basham’s books – her Appalachian people remind me of my people.
The faith element is beautifully executed as Emma and Jon
recognize they need to lean on the Lord to become the people he wants them to
be.
A Match for Emma is a funny, entertaining, and heart tugging
story, and gets a five-star rating from me.
Did you like the retelling of Emma, Appalachian style? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
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