Are you a die-hard Jo and Laurie fan or do you prefer Jo and Mr. Bhaer?
That question is something I had to think long and hard about as I wrote the final chapters of my Little Women Devotional book. It’s all finished (*big sigh of relief*) and comes out December 1st. This is a sneak peek of one of the gorgeous illustrations! It goes with one of my favorite chapters in the devotional called “Ever More Dear.” It’s all about Jo and Mr. Bhaer and how they become engaged in the rain under an umbrella.
As a young teen, it was hard for me to wrap my brain around the fact that Laurie and Amy got married, instead of Jo and Laurie. And I wasn’t super interested in Professor Bhaer and Jo. I think it was beyond my scope to think of her marrying an older man. (And it didn’t help when the 1994 movie came out and I, along with most of my generation, fell in love with Christian Bale’s Theodore Laurence.)
As I’ve read Little Women over the years as an adult, however, I’ve grown to appreciate the fact that Laurie and Amy are very well-suited, especially since Jo did not love Laurie in that way. And Laurie moved on from Jo faster than even he thought possible. He, who thought the “task of forgetting his love for Jo would absorb all his powers for years,” is surprised to find that it grows easier every day. He tries to make his heart ache, but it won’t. Instead of “trying to forget,” he finds himself “trying to remember.”
As for Jo, I can see now that she and Mr. Bhaer are a wonderful balance and comfort to one another. They share the same passions for children and education, but they also challenge one another and complement one another beautifully. Jo needed someone like Mr. Bhaer in her life or she would have never been content. He allows her to flourish and spread her wings. And Jo pushes him forward, gives him confidence, and appreciates the rich tones of his personality.
LAUNCH TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT!
As I wait to hold my book in my hands in a few short weeks, I can only pray and wait. And be thankful. For my friends and family who support me in this writing life. For all the readers who buy books and tell their friends. For the opportunity the Lord has given me to write about faith and classic books. (I can’t imagine a better combination.) And for my husband who challenges me, encourages me, supports me, and cheers for me when my brain is fried, my heart is weary, and I’ve run out of words.
I’ll be sharing some more of the beautiful illustrations inside the book over the coming months. The Little Women Devotional: A Chapter-by-Chapter Companion to Louisa May Alcott’s Beloved Classic releases just in time for Christmas!
Make sure to preorder your copy now as Christmas shipping times can get a bit wild.
LAUNCH TEAM DETAILS: If you’re interested in joining my launch team, I’d love to have you! Please follow this L-I-N-K to apply. Spot are limited and the application window closes October ____.
Grace and peace,
Rachel
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