Their father’s death leaves a shadow over the family that will not easily dissipate. Nonetheless, time goes on.

Young as she is, Katherine Hayes is confident that she is ready to be married. Life with Alec in their own mountain cottage is a dream come true. But, even the duties of a housewife have their challenges.

Meanwhile, her siblings face challenges of their own. Especially Cole and Nolan. Cole is becoming serious, driven by work and will. Nolan is silent – how could they know the depth of his aching heart? And the two seem to be clashing at every turn.

It is hard for Katie to keep up with the many ways her family needs God’s strength. But, she sees Him giving them what they need to move forward and find joy.

Then, an unexpected trial changes all of their lives forever.

Katie feels so weak in the face of all these things besetting those she loves and herself. She had been clinging to a line from her papa’s favorite hymn: “as thy days, thy strength shall be in measure.”

Yet, here – now – when everything feels so dark, when the family is being torn apart, when she feels so alone, is it still true? Is God’s strength still given to her in measure for each day that He brings?

Strength in Measure, book one in Songs of the Children, by LaKaysha Elizabeth, is a plaintive Christian historical fiction.

It is reflective of the series Love Comes Softly or Seasons of the Heart by Janette Oke, but, of course, with a LaKaysha flair to it.

The perspective is broad; you get behind several characters. For instance, in one scene you could begin with one person’s story and then flow into another’s who is standing just steps away. There’s little separation between them, so you have to watch what happens carefully, or you might miss it. It’s a good representation of third person omniscient, with a little narration thrown in.

The culture is strong and pleasing  – music, apparel, food, lifestyle, transportation, occupations and much more. Elk Valley is truly set back in time and it is easy to immerse yourself!

Character development is spot on – you will be living through these characters, feeling what they are feeling, and taking a side. Really, everyone is going to read this book differently and resonate with a different character – and there are plenty to choose from! Personally, Nolan struck me; I was almost praying for him like he was a brother.

LaKaysha especially creates good couples. They are so real, so fun, yet perfectly serious when they should be. I wish I could tell you just how cute and sweet and wonderful some of these pairs are, but you’ll have to jump over to Elk Valley and meet them for yourself.

The message of faith in this book is like a still, quiet voice. LaKaysha explains God, His work, and other aspects of faith gently. Nothing more than the clear truth needed to be said. Most of the characters believe in Christ, they acknowledge the truth. There are lots of little things pointing to their faith, like songs, reading Scripture, attending church, and discussing God and Scripture with each other.

Ultimately, the book depends on the aspect of faith in God to redeem a life and sustain them through the perilous, anxious times of WWII.

This books pulls you from one crying moment to another; first with sadness, then with joy. Some days, I was so excited to read the happy parts of this book I skipped the crying and decided to quietly squeal instead.

There is some war drama and, since one of the underlying themes revolves around grief, there are several sudden deaths. Sensitive readers, like myself, may not appreciate Konner’s story in the war towards the end. Thankfully, it is briefly expressed.

It is so realistic how the pain comes and goes throughout the seasons of life. As each new era of the struggle came, I found myself agreeing. “Yup, it feels like that some days. Yes, those thoughts are genuine. Yeah, I’ve been there.” And the struggles make the blessed moments of Christ’s love that much sweeter when they come! Nevertheless, you will find it hard not to cry while reading Strength in Measure.

I’m not a girl who usually enjoys sad, definitely-going-to-cry books. Especially if I know I will cry before picking it up. Needless to say, sadness, pain, and grief are part of our lives now that we live under the curse. However, there is a level of comfort within the pages when God and the Christian faith are twined into the details.

The goal of this story is not to leave you wallowing in grief or sadness. It is to let you arrive the place called “hope.” Truly, to lean on Jesus Christ, who is our unfailing Hope and Peace.

Strength in Measure may appear to end sadly…but, when I was challenged to look beyond, it actually ends with hope. Because now we know: no matter the depth of sorrow or grief, God is our comforter and He will give us His strength to stand in faith with purpose until the day Jesus Christ returns.

I’m raising a Hallelu Yah! “Praise be to the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.” (Psalm 28:6-7)“O my Strength, I sing praise to You; You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.” (Psalm 59:17)

Strength in Measure is a plaintive, powerful book that encourages you to see God’s strength in the midst of your weakness. It could be worth the read.