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Waiting For Her Isaac
Book by Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry
151 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 29, 2017
Sweet story. My favorite part was how the MC, Beth, learned how to release her own plans for her life and trust in God's plans, finding joy and peace in whatever circumstances He places her.
October 9, 2020
**5 stars!! Finally, an uplifting courtship story that's not too touchy-feely for a young reader!!**
God landed this story at a perfect time in my life. I was right around Beth's age, and the situations she went through spoke to me in such a personal way. Moving, going to a small church (although not quite that small lol!), and not having any real friends in my city were like totally deja-vu for me. It was sooo encouraging to see Beth go through those situations and realize she was feeling the same things I was--and that was ok. I did not find Beth whiny or a "crier", yet she was still feeling and real. There is such a pervasive thought idea in our American culture that strong women do not feel, or at least they do not cry. Beth was a relatable, uplifting character.
I found Beth's parents and family a difficult breed to come by in stories. They were a real, functioning homeschool family that seemed familiar. Beth's parents encourage her with Scripture in a real and non-preachy way. We need more stories--especially courtship stories--where the parents are viewed as a help and not a "hindrance."
And, of course, it is a courtship story let's not forget. But one thing I really liked was that it was not a "we find Mr. right and that's that" kind of story. The main focus was on Beth growing as a woman of God, and when she met her future husband, she continued to grow in her walk with God as they learned about each other.
The courtship part was delightful but simple. It didn't focus much on emotions or feelings but on learning about each other as a potential spouse. This, of course, was exactly what I wanted. The authors did show the reader that Beth had been thinking a lot about her future husband's family, and she blushed when her parents told her he wanted to court her, but it was only on a level that reminded teenager-me that it was ok to be attracted to someone and a positive way to handle it. While someone looking for a traditional romance story will find Beth's future husband not very romantic, that was not the point of the book. The point was to present a positive courtship example and not arouse the easily-awakened fantasies of girls.
The book ends very nicely with Beth saying a grateful and reflective prayer on the morning of her wedding day. What a nice way to sum op the importance of having God at the center even before the marriage starts.
God landed this story at a perfect time in my life. I was right around Beth's age, and the situations she went through spoke to me in such a personal way. Moving, going to a small church (although not quite that small lol!), and not having any real friends in my city were like totally deja-vu for me. It was sooo encouraging to see Beth go through those situations and realize she was feeling the same things I was--and that was ok. I did not find Beth whiny or a "crier", yet she was still feeling and real. There is such a pervasive thought idea in our American culture that strong women do not feel, or at least they do not cry. Beth was a relatable, uplifting character.
I found Beth's parents and family a difficult breed to come by in stories. They were a real, functioning homeschool family that seemed familiar. Beth's parents encourage her with Scripture in a real and non-preachy way. We need more stories--especially courtship stories--where the parents are viewed as a help and not a "hindrance."
And, of course, it is a courtship story let's not forget. But one thing I really liked was that it was not a "we find Mr. right and that's that" kind of story. The main focus was on Beth growing as a woman of God, and when she met her future husband, she continued to grow in her walk with God as they learned about each other.
The courtship part was delightful but simple. It didn't focus much on emotions or feelings but on learning about each other as a potential spouse. This, of course, was exactly what I wanted. The authors did show the reader that Beth had been thinking a lot about her future husband's family, and she blushed when her parents told her he wanted to court her, but it was only on a level that reminded teenager-me that it was ok to be attracted to someone and a positive way to handle it. While someone looking for a traditional romance story will find Beth's future husband not very romantic, that was not the point of the book. The point was to present a positive courtship example and not arouse the easily-awakened fantasies of girls.
The book ends very nicely with Beth saying a grateful and reflective prayer on the morning of her wedding day. What a nice way to sum op the importance of having God at the center even before the marriage starts.
May 2, 2017
This book was amazing! I very much appreciated reading about a girl's struggles in growing up and how she learned to trust God with her whole life, even her future marriage. The description of her courtship convinced me even more that when you trust God with everything and follow His commands the results are beautiful!
One particular part that was encouraging to someone who is still waiting on the Lord was when Beth's father told her, "I will not find you a husband. You won't find you a husband. Your mother won't find you a husband. God will find you a husband."
The writing style was, in some ways, sparse in description with occasional bursts of eloquent picture-painting.
Still, for anyone interested in courtship, this book is a must read!
One particular part that was encouraging to someone who is still waiting on the Lord was when Beth's father told her, "I will not find you a husband. You won't find you a husband. Your mother won't find you a husband. God will find you a husband."
The writing style was, in some ways, sparse in description with occasional bursts of eloquent picture-painting.
Still, for anyone interested in courtship, this book is a must read!
September 27, 2008
I thought this book was good. I really liked the topics it brought up. I think what I enjoyed the most was all of the questions the characters asked each other during there courtship. They didn't leave anything they were concerned about to chance, they knew exactly how the other person felt from discussing it with them . I thought this book was a great example it that regard .
December 5, 2021
I read this book several times around high school and thoroughly enjoyed it as a sweet (G-rated) Christian courtship story. It has some great messages about giving up on unrealistic and selfish expectations in life and how God’s plans are so much better… BUT I’m mostly giving 3 stars because I think that growing up it was all too easy to be misled by various homeschool groups, teachers, etc, that this sort of story portrayed the ideal, rather than one of many examples for how God deals with His children, and how people transition from singleness to marriage. So as long as the story is not improperly used as propaganda, it’s pretty good. God has different paths for all of us, and every love story is unique.
May 7, 2023
What a beautiful courtship novel! It is such an encouraging novel for a teenager as myself. I hope that all who read this encouraging book, may find it’s truth in it’s pages.
May 14, 2024
A pleasant quick read about hope and trust
June 20, 2013
While the story is sweet and the characters are interesting, it comes across as more "preachy" than I'd like, with the concept of "courtship"
being assumed rather than explained. Also, the amount of very specific lifestyle choices also "assumed" to be normal will, I fear, dramatically limit its ability to help and inspire a general audience to consider some of those concepts with an open mind. For example, in addition to the somewhat nebulous "courtship", wearing only skirts/dresses; homeschooling; family-centered life, etc. While I embrace the principles behind each of those practices (intentionality in romantic relationships; modesty; high-quality and spiritually-informed education; building solid relationships at home), I would prefer to see the principles rather than the practices as the focus of the growth/teaching in this (or any) story, with a clear understanding that the way they are lived out will look very different in different lives, different families, different situations. Beth's spiritual journey was the focus here, and while the changes she went through proved to be what was needed for the growth she experienced that prepared her for what God had planned for her life (as is always the case-- He is very specific in giving us what we need even when it isn't what we want!), it isn't necessarily holier or better in every case to "have no friends but family", to move to the country away from shopping malls, etc., and I wish that had been clearer.
It's not a bad story, in my opinion, just one that could have been better.
being assumed rather than explained. Also, the amount of very specific lifestyle choices also "assumed" to be normal will, I fear, dramatically limit its ability to help and inspire a general audience to consider some of those concepts with an open mind. For example, in addition to the somewhat nebulous "courtship", wearing only skirts/dresses; homeschooling; family-centered life, etc. While I embrace the principles behind each of those practices (intentionality in romantic relationships; modesty; high-quality and spiritually-informed education; building solid relationships at home), I would prefer to see the principles rather than the practices as the focus of the growth/teaching in this (or any) story, with a clear understanding that the way they are lived out will look very different in different lives, different families, different situations. Beth's spiritual journey was the focus here, and while the changes she went through proved to be what was needed for the growth she experienced that prepared her for what God had planned for her life (as is always the case-- He is very specific in giving us what we need even when it isn't what we want!), it isn't necessarily holier or better in every case to "have no friends but family", to move to the country away from shopping malls, etc., and I wish that had been clearer.
It's not a bad story, in my opinion, just one that could have been better.
May 12, 2014
While I enjoyed this book, it was by no means a great work of literature in plot or style. Waiting For Her Isaac is a simple book, with a simple story that tells of a young girl's path from her childish life to a life filled with the Holy Spirit, as well as the story of her courtship.
While the main character, Beth, is often tempted with un-Christian responses or attitudes, she almost always recognized it and gives the "correct" response. Part of me doesn't have a problem with this, as it provides a exemplary "companion" for the reader to be encouraged onto righteousness from. On the other hand, I feel the book would have had more depth and those triumphs would have been more meaningful had we seen a bit more of Beth's actual struggles, and even failures.
It does seem to be the kind of book that would only be read by those who already are familiar with and probably embrace the ideas of courtship, homeschooling, mission work, and family discipleship.
On the whole, Waiting for Her Isaac is a quick little read that is innocent, sweet, uplifting, and encouraging.
While the main character, Beth, is often tempted with un-Christian responses or attitudes, she almost always recognized it and gives the "correct" response. Part of me doesn't have a problem with this, as it provides a exemplary "companion" for the reader to be encouraged onto righteousness from. On the other hand, I feel the book would have had more depth and those triumphs would have been more meaningful had we seen a bit more of Beth's actual struggles, and even failures.
It does seem to be the kind of book that would only be read by those who already are familiar with and probably embrace the ideas of courtship, homeschooling, mission work, and family discipleship.
On the whole, Waiting for Her Isaac is a quick little read that is innocent, sweet, uplifting, and encouraging.
March 14, 2013
I loved this sweet book! Even though it was intended for my daughter, it touched me as well. She also loved it, even though she is usually more of a Tolkien fan. It brought joyful tears to her eyes and lead her to read it again with the same result. It is a pleasant reminder of family values, an introduction to the courtship process, and a God centered read.
June 1, 2015
I loved this book!!!!!
August 4, 2015
I enjoyed this book as well.
June 21, 2009
Sweet courtship fiction. A bit too conservative/Amish sounding but wholesome and god centered.
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September 25, 2009GREAT book!
July 25, 2011
I read this book when I was 9 years old. A good courtship story for young children.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews