Come to the Garden by Jennifer Wilder Morgan - REVIEWED

About the Book:
A novel based on true experiences, Come to the Garden is a story about a woman’s journey with a mysterious angel that encourages readers to believe heaven is closer than they think.

Years ago, author Jennifer Wilder Morgan served as a hospital volunteer, visiting critically ill patients—praying with them and listening to their stories. As she created a safe space for those of all faiths and backgrounds, patients began confiding in Morgan about the mysterious ways God speaks to them—including encounters with angels, visions of loved ones who've passed on, and messages of comfort spoken in dreams. She witnessed the profound healing that occurs when people are permitted to talk about these experiences, and as a result, Morgan was inspired to share her own personal encounters with God in a novel.

In Come to the Garden, the main character Jenn wakes up on her birthday to find an angel introducing herself as Margaret in the backyard garden. Lately Jenn has been struggling to make sense of the mysterious ways God has been speaking to her and is trying to understand what he wants her to know. The angel takes Jenn back through her memories and life experiences, revealing how God has been connecting with her all along. Under the angel’s guidance, Jenn finally understands the messages God has been speaking to her, in her dreams, divine promptings, and unexplained coincidences. It becomes clear that God is a faithful and persistent pursuer of the human heart.

Framed as a series of conversations between Jenn and her guardian angel, this unconventional and charming narrative will strike deep into the hearts of anyone seeking a greater understanding of God. Come to the Garden is an inspirational fictional story about the surprising ways God works in our lives and affirms that heaven is truly closer than we think.

My Thoughts:

Come to the Garden is a work of fiction, and for that – and the story behind the publication of this novel, I am thrilled to see the story published.  It is an interesting consideration of the role of spiritual beings at work all around us.  However, I must admit, I’m a bit wary that the role of Holy Spirit in the lives of believers is much overshadowed, if all but neglected in this story. It seems as though the dependence on angels for protection and guidance is a bit much.

It’s a well told story, but I think readers who come to this novel, if not very strong in their faith and well grounded in God’s Word, might find themselves a bit misguided.  Do I believe in angels and demons? Certainly.   My youngest son has met his guardian angel.  But I don’t place my faith or dependence on any spiritual being except Holy Spirit to speak to me, to guide me, to comfort me and keep me company.  If God uses angels to accomplish His will for my life, so be it, but I’m just satisfied to let this be what it is…a well told tale of fiction only.

It's a sweet story, but I don't like the sentimentality of angels giving messages from loved ones in heaven.  My loved ones will  be too busy worshipping at Jesus' feet to send messages back to earth! Just my two cents.

About the Author:

Jennifer Wilder Morgan graduated from Kent State University and is a member of the Delta Gamma Fraternity. She resides in Houston, Texas, where she served in The Methodist Hospital’s lay ministry. She is a member of The Woodlands United Methodist Church.