Tabitha

Kestell, Vikki. Tabitha. NP: Faith-filled Fiction, 2015.

Summary from the author’s web site

The compelling story of fiery-haired, fiery-tempered Tabitha Hale. Rescued from a life of depravity, Tabitha gives her heart to God and her life to nursing. 

As this tenacious, redeemed woman perseveres toward the vocation God has placed on her life, her temper and stubborn independence threaten to derail her aspirations. Will Tabitha pass the trial by fire that is necessary for God to truly use her?

And what is Tabitha to do with her feelings for Mason Carpenter, the man who simply refuses to give up on her? Is it even possible for God to ordain a shared future for two such different people, both with fervent callings upon their hearts?

When the Great War erupts in Europe, Carpenter leaves for England to train British pilots to fly reconnaissance missions over Belgium and France. Soon after, Tabitha hears God asking her to nurse the war wounded. However, because America has not joined in the fight, Tabitha has few options. Will the elite British Nursing Service make a place for her? Will they accept the services of an American volunteer? And will Tabitha and Mason overcome the differences that stand between them?Revisit Palmer House—a most extraordinary refuge for young women rescued from prostitution.

My Review

Tabitha is the first book in the Girls from the Mountain series. I always like to read the first book in a series as it usually means I”m not missing any information. Unfortunately, while Tabitha is a first book, it takes characters from the author’s previous series A Prairie Heritage and continues the story. There were times when I felt I was missing information about some of the secondary characters. That said, I did enjoy the book and enough information was included to not be lost.

Vikki Kestell has taken a difficult topic, prostitution in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s and developed a likeable character. There are many subtle references to God’s love for us no matter our background and that no one has fallen too far to be saved. Readers will empathize with Tabitha and the injustices she faces in her life as well as wonder “what were you thinking?” at some of the events.

Being an historical novel, historical accuracy is so important. The events included in Tabitha do not conflict with anything I know about the time period – early World War I.

Because of the prostitution content of the book I probably would not add this title to my K-12 Christian School library although it could be added with a high school only designation. I think it is appropriate for mature older teens. I think I would place it in the adult fiction section of a church library.

I own a e-copy of Tabitha.

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