The Place Where You Belong by Nancy Lavo
“The problem with this whole forgiveness thing the pastor commended her for is that she knew for a fact she’d never actually given it… Truthfully, she’d clung to the hurts…”
Nancy Lavo is back where she belongs, writing love stories wrapped in lighthearted joy. First book in the Lone Star series, The Place Where You Belong offers an engaging plot, huggable characters, and an inspiring faith story.
Having grown up in the shadow of her big sister, Hallie Nichols returns home to
Village Green, determined to stay just long enough to make living arrangements
for her aging mother. She plans to avoid the rejection and painful memories of
her past—specifically her ex-boyfriend, banker Trey Gunther. The Place Where
You Belong entertains with a lighthearted story as it encourages your
spirit. Using her personal gifted writing skills, Lavo adds elements of faith.
This story offers more than happiness. It brings joy.
Stirring the readers’ memories of first and everlasting love, Hallie, Trey and the
people of Village Green, Texas, will take you back to your heart’s home. On the way, you might find who you are, and where you belong.
God Calls
As I read this story Hallie transported me to Village Green, and I cruised the quaint town with her, enjoying the people, relaxing in lighthearted reading. In chapter fourteen, God called me to look in the mirror with Hallie.
God’s Word
“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!” Luke 6:31 (MSG)
But if you do not forgive the sins of other people, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:15 (NIRV)
God Whispers
God’s perfect timing is revealed to us often. However it always surprises us. Along with Hallie, I heard God whisper, “forgive them.” I’ve learned to listen because our good God, in His perfect timing, often uses my romance novels to help me get through the dark valleys.
I had the opportunity to read the book before it was published and truly enjoyed Hallie and Trey and their story. The town of Village Green has a personality much like Granbury,
Getting into the book, I empathized with Hallie. I admired the way she coped with people who put her down as the incapable “little sister.” I’m the youngest of eight. She had every right to be angry with her mom and the entire hometown. I read half the story when I realized I was reading Hallie’s story for a reason.
I received a text message. A friend had died. My recent visit with her and the light in her eyes assured me that peace and joy had carried her into the arms of Jesus. But I knew one of her children was suffering, caught in that web of unforgiveness, bitterness and grief. I understood. Her pain was once mine. I had forgiven that same person for damaging my self-esteem, my trust, and a great deal of my childhood. God had healed and led me to forgive. But now, I harbored anger and bitterness for the past wrongs done to this beautiful young woman.
Corrie Ten Boom calls it the handcuffs of hatred. “Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom, Clippings from My Notebook.
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“Even as the angry vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin… Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive…” ~Nancy Lavo
In this sweet contemporary romance, Lavo reminds us of God’s truth. Forgiving doesn’t mean it’s okay for someone to hurt us. It means we are putting the emotion behind us. We refuse to let hate and resentment harden us. In Hallie’s and Trey’s story, their hurt and resentment causes them to miss out on years of love, but they both grow into adulthood, ready to make the choice to love fully.
“At one time, she (Hallie) had convinced herself hardening was good, a natural process in which a protective layer of scar tissue formed to prevent reinjury. Suddenly, she saw it for what it was — self-destructiveness that would ultimately lead to isolation.” ~Nancy Lavo
Like me you might think, Hallie’s hurt was nothing compared to what I suffered. Maybe not, but God’s word doesn’t give a hierarchy of sin and no hierarchy of what we must forgive. I hear you. “But you don’t know what that person did to me.” In the world of romance novels, we see the sins of the world, painted in real life examples. There are wrongs done to everyone. Some wounds reach deeper into our soul. Each pain, each put down, each hit, each abuse hurts the individual. It’s a different pain, but God meets us with the same message. “Forgive them.”
Forgiveness seems impossible. Everyone embraces resentment and anger at times, letting our emotions lead us down the path to bitterness. How can we forgive?
Like Hallie, I thought if I forgive, then the one who does harm to others is getting off the hook. I can’t pretend it didn’t happen. I would not pretend or hide the wrongdoing. No matter what caused this mean spirited, evil behavior, it’s wrong to hurt others.
The good news is forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing those who hurt you. In the Place Where You Belong, Hallie shares a prayer with us. Try it.
“Okay, I’ll do it. Really. If You (God) will help me, I’ll forgive them all. Everyone. I’ll do my part if You’ll do Yours…” She lay back against the pillow, pulling up the covers again. “I don’t know how You’re going to do it? But then I don’t have to. Because You’re God and I’m not.” She yawned. “Goodnight and thank You.” ~Nancy Lavo
Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.” ~Romans 12: 17-19 (NIRV)
Hallie’s character hears God whisper in the middle of a busy life that resembles our own. She changes and grows in her heart and mind. Writing for the Christian romance market, Lavo goes further and lets us see how her characters’ faith grow. In doing so, she plants seeds to grow the reader’s faith.
Searching for More.
A good place to start is always with prayer.
1. Ask God to help you see His Point of View.
2. What Spiritual Truth has God placed on your heart from this devotional?
3. How can you share this truth with someone in your life who needs forgiveness?
4. Remember, your forgiveness doesn’t mean they are right to hurt others. It doesn’t mean you give permission to let them hurt you. It frees you to move on.
If you want to know more about the book or Nancy Lavo, I’ve added links. Please share your thoughts on the book, forgiveness or if you have a prayer request leave a comment.
Publisher Summary
Hallie just might be able to revitalize the town and a heart. Public Relations specialist Hallie Nichols returns home to Village Green, determined to stay just long enough to make living arrangements for her aging mother while avoiding the rejection and painful memories of her past—specifically her ex-boyfriend, banker Trey Gunther. Irked to find Hallie unrepentant for the hurt she caused him ten years ago.
Trey dishes a little payback by mandating she meet with him weekly about her mother’s finances. His plan backfires when his old attraction to Hallie flares. He’s the one suffering, and worse, he discovers Hallie may hold the solution to his beloved town’s woes. If he swallows his pride and asks for her help, can he convince her to put aside her animosity toward him and the town? Will their efforts be enough to save Village Green?
Nancy Lavo Books and Newsletter
A lifelong love affair with romance novels and a fiction writing course at the community college started Nancy on the road to publication. She’s published in sweet and inspirational fiction. After a decade-long hiatus to care for her family, Nancy decided to answer the tug of her heart and rejoin the ranks of writers.
When she’s not writing, which happens more often than it should, she can be found taking long walks or lunching with friends. She is married to her college sweetheart and and they have three children.
