The Apple of His Eye (by Bridget Plass)

(Amazon UK link)

Bridget Plass is married to the better-known Adrian Plass, but as this book shows she is also a talented and thoughtful writer. I first read this book in 2005, then - as it's designed to be a Lenten devotional book - re-read it in Lent of 2008.

Remembering that I found it helpful and inspiring, I decided to read it again over the past six weeks of Lent this year, one section per day starting on Ash Wednesday. Once again I enjoyed it very much and looked forward to each day.

The book looks at what it means to be loved by Jesus, in practical and ordinary ways. Starting with some Old Testament references, it then takes us gently through some events in Jesus' life, particularly in the final few months of his ministry. We look with fresh eyes at Mary and Martha, Jesus' close friends, and their brother Lazarus who was raised from the dead. 

Then there's a section about the most important Mary, Jesus' mother. Finally the weeks leading up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection, with an invitation to think more about what it meant to the early disciples, and what the relevance is for Christians in the 21st century.

I don't remember everything; but I know that I looked forward, each morning, to reading and pondering another brief section. Bridget's thoughts are appropriate for everyone, with a few anecdotes here and there and an overall sense of the immense and overwhelming love that God has for each of his children.

Highly recommended. Still in print in paperback, at least in the UK, and now also available in Kindle form.

Review copyright 2014 Sue's Book Reviews