Her Restless Heart (A Woman's Longing for Love and Acceptance) by Barbara Cameron ~ A Faith and Fiction Bible Study

Her Restless Heart is the second study in the Faith and Fiction Bible study series that uses Christian fiction as a backdrop for exploring biblical themes. Just as Jesus used stories (parables) to teach important principles, inspirational fiction can open readers to greater understanding of themselves and spiritual themes.

Based on a novel of the same name by acclaimed Christian fiction author Barbara Cameron, this six-session Bible study explores the heart’s longing for love and acceptance and the Bible’s answer to this universal human need. The Participant Book has five daily readings per week, each including Scripture, reflections on the day’s topic with questions and space for writing responses, prayer, and a suggestion for the day—a question to ponder, Scripture to consider, or action to take.

My thoughts on this Bible Study:

I am a huge fan of Amish fiction and Barbara Cameron is one of my favorite authors, but honestly I wasn't totally sure how I would feel about a Bible study that combines an Amish fiction novel within the pages of the study. Truthfully though from the first Bible Study I realized that it totally made sense, after all I always find hope, and encouragement, along with positive Christian messages woven into the Amish Inspirational Fiction that I read. The study revolves around having a restless heart, whether the participant finds themselves discontent with where they are in life, or perhaps unhappy with the path their lives are taking, feeling stuck or just longing for something more. Something that most of us feel at some point in our lives. 

I have been trying to find ways to incorporate more "Bible" time into my days and this book was perfect for that. This book is broken down into six weeks and each week is broken down into five days, which keeps it from being overwhelming. Each week there is an excerpt from "Her Restless Heart" along with a scripture for the week, and questions that cause the reader to reflect.  In addition to the Bible study there are Amish recipes included with this study along with a glossary of Amish terms.

Overall, I can say that I was delighted with this Bible Study, while it was based on a fictionalized work, we are completely led back to scriptures and the Bible. I had read the book that this study was based on which gave it a deeper meaning for me, but because of the snippets provided it wouldn't be necessary to read the book. I found the wide margins made for easy note taking, often with Bible studies that I do I find that writing space is at a minimum but with this one that wasn't the case. While there was an online Facebook group for doing this study together, time didn't permit me to take part, but I had no problems completing the study on my own.  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this Bible Study to a women's study group.  

A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.