LDS BOOK REVIEW: Written on Our Hearts by Emily Freeman

WRITTEN ON OUR HEARTS

Invitations From the Old Testament

by Emily Freeman

Deseret Book, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-60907-595-8

LDS Nonfiction

Reviewed from copy provided by publisher in return for on honest review.

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK


If you have ever found the Old Testament intimidating, you're not alone. The less-familiar history, themes, and language, coupled with the length of the book, make it a difficult read for many. But author Emily Freeman loves the Old Testament, and as she shares some of the wonderful things she has learned in her study of this book of scripture, you will find yourself coming to love it too.

Written on Our Hearts is not a commentary or an intensive doctrinal study. Instead, Emily writes about the stories of the Old Testament, stories of trusting and overcoming and enduring and believing. Within these stories are all kinds of applications for the challenges we face today.

"There will come a moment in your life," the author says, "when you or someone you love will struggle with a challenge so great you will wonder how you will make it through. In that moment you will long to better understand the Savior's role as the Deliverer, and to do that you must go to the book of scripture that describes that role the best—the Old Testament."

Discover the delivering power of the Lord yourself in the pages of this book—and experience the scriptures in a new, more personal way!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emily Freeman took her first creative writing class in high school and has loved writing ever since. She finds great joy in studying the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Her deep love of the scriptures comes from a desire to find their application in everyday life. She is the author of several books, including The Ten Virgins; 21 Days Closer to Christ; and The Promise of Enough. There is nothing Emily enjoys more for breakfast than a bowl of vanilla ice cream, raspberries, and chocolate chips. Other favorites include parades, vacations, firework displays, and going for a long walk with a good friend. Emily and her husband, Greg, live in Lehi, Utah, with their four children, whom she adores.

REVIEW

What a beautiful book!  Not only is the design gorgeous (I mean look at that cover!) but the writing is just as good. Keep in mind that this is not a doctrinal discussion.  This book provides the author's person thoughts and feelings about some of the stories in the Old Testament. Freeman shares her thoughts on Abraham and Isaac, Rebekah, David, as well as some of the lesser known people from the Old Testament.  I appreciated her focus on the stories because those are the parts of the Old Testament that I love the most.  I often get bogged down in the doctrine, but there is so much to learn from the experiences of others. I highly recommend this book to those who sometimes feel as I do, that the Old Testament is often hard to understand and frustrating to read.