The Lower Lights and Other Stories

by Rebekah A. Morris, Nikola Belley (Illustrations), Breanna Klein (Illustrations)

Living in the midst of a busy city, Mr. Perry Randall wonders if he is keeping the "lower lights burning" in his daily work. Little does he realize how a few simple words can make a difference in a stranger's life. "The Lower Lights" and ten other short stories, will encourage your heart in the simple everyday things of a Christian's life.

169 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2013

About the author

Rebekah A. Morris has lived her entire life (as of now) in Missouri. Being home educated during her school years was great, except for writing. That was the worst subject (along with math) that she had to do. It wasn't until after she graduated that she discovered the joys and wonder of writing. Now she can't write enough. After spending six years in research and writing, she completed her first book, "Home Fires of the Great War," a 500+ page, historical fiction about home life in the United States and Canada during the First World War. Since then, she has been an avid writer and always has more than one story going on at once because only one story at a time got tiring and dull.

Get a free collection of stories here: https://sendfox.com/lp/3ezo5k

Reviews

[Angie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

More short stories! Funny thing is, I wasn't really a fan of short stories at the beginning of the year. Maybe I'm just getting more used to them...or maybe all Rebekah's short stories have had something to do with it. :)

The Lower Lights - 4 stars

I really liked seeing the way Randall put his calling into practice, as well as some of the fruit of his work. A great reminder to shine for God wherever we are.

All Things for Good - 4 stars

So many obstacles in the way of finding out what's happened to Rose's father! But what a good reminder that our greatest trials and the circumstances we can't understand are all working out for our good. Also, I loved the resolution.

Tender Reflections - 3.5 stars

A sweet and fun look at the difficulties of planning a wedding--or having other people trying to plan it for you! I particularly enjoyed Justen and Kristen's relationship and the way they finally got their dream wedding. Also old Mr. Tenderfield was a darling. <3

Willing - 4 stars

This one had a very period feel to it as Peter dealt with the trials that accompanied his new profession for Christ. Although really, things haven't changed that much in the last century. Boldness, patience, and courage--still as necessary to living for Jesus now as they ever were.

Come Home - 3 stars

I appreciated Jessica's return to her family, but I think I'd have liked it better if she had made the conscious decision to go home, rather than having it be an accident. Also, having her come home only after she'd proven herself just felt a little flat for me. I did like the unexpected nature of her success and the way she couldn't shake the desire for home that she couldn't understand.

Whom Should She Trust? - 3.5 stars

This wasn't quite the ending I expected, but it was still satisfying. I'd really like to know more about what happens with Hannah after this! I'm so glad she found a foundation for her trust at last; it was so sad to see her become bitter and suspicious of everyone. :'(

At the Mercy of the Storm - 4 stars

Yep, I'm a sucker for accident/survival stories. And it was neat to see God's provision and protection show through in different ways. :)

Fitting In - 4 stars

Had to laugh when I came to this one, because I had literally just finished reading it as a standalone! XD See that review for my thoughts. ;)

A Promise - 4 stars

Another sweet story about promises made, promises kept, and the One who allows us to keep them. :)

Wonderful Peace - 5 stars

Oh, my, but this one was a gem! I didn't even need all the details from the past that hadn't been filled in because the picture felt so complete. The family interaction was just wonderful, and the theme of reconciliation and peace found in Christ was perfect. The details with Arthur's injury were very realistic and believable, and the emotional scars of years felt just as real. I'll be coming back to this one often. <3

The Emancipation of Chester Reginald Donovan, Esquire - 3 stars

A fun little story about a city-slicker on his first wilderness adventure. The only thing that distracted me a bit was that I don't know any lawyers who actually call themselves "esquire" anymore. It was rather funny to see all the predicaments Chester got himself in, though. :)

[Katja Labonté · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. I really enjoyed this little book. Justen, John, Timothy, and Josiah were lovely; and Chester Reginald Donovan, Esq. and E-bay were hilarious! The other stories were interesting too. My only remark is that the engaged couples hugged a little. Wonderful Peace is one of my favourite hymns, so I quite enjoyed Arthur’s story. I have never heard “Make Me Willing” before, but I love that song now and it was woven into the story so well!

A Favourite Quote: Laura declined Peter’s pressing invitation on account that no one in their circle would be there since Fred and Isabelle had another engagement. Feeling impatient with such a flimsy excuse, Peter was tempted to give a cutting retort but the words of the that hymn flashed through his mind.
“Willing to wait for Thy chosen time, Willing to follow Thy way, not mine.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: The sky ... was a glowing reddish-orange fading into a softer gold which then seemed to melt into the darker powder blue of the evening sky. The trees were black silhouettes while from among them, reaching up into the sky, black against the glories of the sun, rose a church steeple.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: [E-bay] walked away leaving his young companion to hammer in the stakes. After hitting his thumb three times to every two he hit the stake, Chester managed to get the first stake in. Then he glanced with dismay at all the stakes still left. “There is no way I need that many stakes,” he mumbled to himself. “Besides, I don’t have that many thumbs left.”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

[Kaitlyn S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of stories have to be one of my favourite collections that Rebekah Morris has published to date! I loved so many of them, and cried during so many of them, that I read them aloud soon after reading it to myself :D

There were so many stories that were especial favourites. In "Willing" I loved how the brother prayed for his sister to come to Christ -- it is that kind of love we should each have for our siblings. "Fitting In" was a story that moved you to do something, and showed you how one person, however insignificant, could change a whole town. "Wonderful Peace" was one that I cried in -- I loved the way the son came back home and had the desire to hear his father pray once again. It was precious to read!

And the beautiful illustrations added so much to the text of this story! I *loved* them!

My favourite thing about Rebekah is that her stories always are centered around Biblical themes. They always point you to Christ, regardless of the topic, and they are always clean. Most of the time, I can read them out loud to my younger siblings without any fears or having to read ahead.

I loved this collection, and wholeheartedly give it five stars. I will definitely be reading it again, most likely out loud for everyone to hear.

*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. I was not required to enjoy the book, only to give my honest opinion.*

[Rebekah Morris]

I enjoyed this trip back down memory lane with a reread of my book. Yes, some stories I like more than others. And some stories brought back memories of when I wrote them.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Collection of short stories, some better than others.