"her restless heart" bible study by barbara cameron

About the book (from the publisher): Her Restless Heart is the second study in the Faith and Fiction Bible study series that uses Christian fiction as a backdrop for exploring biblical themes. Just as Jesus used stories (parables) to teach important principles, inspirational fiction can open readers to greater understanding of themselves and spiritual themes.

Based on a novel of the same name by acclaimed Christian fiction author Barbara Cameron, this six-session Bible study explores the heart’s longing for love and acceptance and the Bible’s answer to this universal human need. The Participant Book has five daily readings per week, each including Scripture, reflections on the day’s topic with questions and space for writing responses, prayer, and a suggestion for the day—a question to ponder, Scripture to consider, or action to take.

My take: I really like the idea of taking Christian fiction and adding a Bible study element to it. This study takes excerpts from Barbara Cameron's novel Her Restless Heart and uses them to draw out biblical principles. But it also relies heavily on Scripture itself (which is what you want in a Bible study!). Each day's study includes a Bible passage, reflection/response questions, a prayer, and a question to think about as you go. I was especially impressed with the reflect and respond section. I've done my fair share of women's Bible studies, and I often find myself rolling my eyes at some of the questions asked because they seem so obvious. But many of these questions really caused me to think—about what I want out of life, how I let others' expectations inform my decisions, and how I relate to God. 

The subtitle of this study is "A Woman's Longing for Love and Acceptance," and isn't that what we women all long for? I've really enjoyed the parts of the study I've done so far, and I will definitely continue to work my way through it. 5 stars.

Note: This is designed as a group study, but it can also be done solo. And you certainly don't need to purchase the novel—though if you want to, you can get it here.

Buy the book.

Watch the promo video:

About the author: Barbara Cameron is the author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies (HBO-Cinemax), and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.

When a relative took her to visit the Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she felt led to write about the spiritual values and simple joys she witnessed there. She currently resides in Edgewater, FL.

Find out more about Barbara at www.barbaracameron.com, www.amishhearts.com and www.amishliving.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."