There are so many reasons we all run. It seems at sometime in our lives we are running from something. Maybe the most important aspect of us running is just what are we running to? Is there a destination of hope for us?
If I Run gives us a portrait of a young woman running away from implication. Untruths are following her. Circumstances that frighten her to the core of her being. Casey doesn't have a relationship with Jesus. She doesn't know the comfort of His presence.
When things go horribly wrong we see Casey run for her life, but she has no idea of where she's going or where she will end up. It seems she has been running all her life. Where is her hope? Encouragement? Trust?
Casie is the main character of this suspenseful novel that is the beginning of a series. I love when there's more to come. Knowing there's more to come let's me know that Casey's story isn't over. Her story will continue in the magnificent way Blackstock pens a story. Some people like a perfect ending. But that's not life. I love closing this novel and now pondering what will happen to Casey as her run continues.
This novel goes back and forth from Casey to Dylan. Dylan is on the search for Casey. In his hopes of finding her his story is brought to light. He too has has own troubles. As he is searching for Casey more of what has been hidden away inside of him is uncovered.
As everything and everyone seems against Casey, Dylan is her hope. He's the guy looking for truth that's wrapped in grace and mercy. He gives the portrait of a Savior who isn't giving up. A Savior who is present and willing to go the distance to bring truth to light and to bring hope to all that seems lost.
Although God isn't mentioned a great deal in this novel faith is very present. Casey meets people along the way who guide her, planting seeds of faith and hope. For me I could see faith throughout this novel. I could see that no matter how far we run or the reasons for running the Lord is forever present. We can never outrun God.
It is my hope that as the story of Casey and Dylan continues we see faith blossom. The pages end with a new hope. Solitude is on the horizon for these characters. It's just going to take time, God's perfect timing, for them to get there.
I think Blackstock beautifully brings out the emotion of these characters. She gives us the perfect amount of detail for us to feel as though we have a front row seat to their journey. Their journey is just beginning. It's one I am excited to see continue!!
This novel was a gift from Zondervan for sharing my review with you.
Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as the Moonlighters, Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, SunCoast Chronicles, and Restoration series.
