When it comes to reading fiction, I’m a big fan of novels written by Michael Phillips. Walk into my room and you’ll find a bookcase dedicated just to my collection. I have not managed to read or collect all of his books, but I currently have twenty-three of my favorites!

For about three years, I’ve been encouraged, fascinated, and even spiritually edified by many of his works. If you enjoy historical fiction, be sure to check out his books!

One of his series (and he’s written several), the Journals of Corrie Belle Hollister, I particularly enjoyed. The plot centers on a young woman, Corrie Belle, who discovers more about life and her Lord through her work as a journalist. Needless to say, I found a few parallels between my life and Corrie’s story.

While it is no secret that Phillips packs a hefty dose of theology in most of his books, the Journals of Corrie Belle Hollister tackles several different topics, including an extensive look at preparing for marriage.

A wonderfully encouraging quote about the subject comes from the book Into the Long Dark Night, book six of the Corrie Belle Hollister saga:

“Our bodies get old and slow and wrinkly and fat and sick, while our souls—some people’s I should say, but not everybody’s—get bigger and wiser and more full of live and love the older they get.

It seemed logical that women should be looking for a wise and growing soul to fall in love with rather than just an attractive body and strong personality.”

- Michael Phillips, Into the Long Dark Night (The Journals of Corrie Belle Hollister #6)

Quite the challenge—-and quite contrary to the advice we tend to get from romantic comedies, chick-lit, or women’s magazines in the grocery check-out line.