Review: Surround Me by Marguerite Martin Gray

The chance of reconciliation with England moves further out to sea, leaving Elizabeth Elliott on the shores of surrender to a greater challenge. Although others of unwavering courage give her strength, she must choose to allow God’s love to surround her. How can she enter into a marriage during a time of uncertainty? Will selfish, safer options take her away from Louis and his love?

Set in 1773 Charles Town, Surround Me, the sequel to Hold Me Close, takes the reader into the lives of colonists confronting imminent change and unpredictable circumstances binding them together to become a formidable force.”

The two must take the necessary steps to make their engagement public, but how can they when Louis and Elizabeth’s father are on opposites of the political coin?

The thing that drew me into the story was Elizabeth and Louis’ desire to seek God’s will in all things. Surely living in a political climate as one of the pre-Revolutionary War, would cause turmoil and angst. Yet, Elizabeth and Louis commit themselves to seeking God and following His steps. They seek to be immersed in His will, something we could all learn from.

War has been around since the beginning of time and certainly will be around for years to come. Although Surround Me is a historical romance, it definitely parallels the current climate, giving hope that one can live in turbulent times with the peace of God surrounding us.

I would recommend the first book, Hold Me Close, be read before reading Surround Me, as it is a continuation of the Revolutionary Faith series. If you are a fan of historical romance, do pick this up. Ms. Gray paints a vivid picture of life in the colonial times. Not only that, but the way in which she weaves the faith element into the story is quite moving and inspiring.

If you’ve read Surround Me, ​what was your favorite theme in the book?