Arms of Love

This book changed my life. When I first read it I was caught up in the world of dating and all of the pain that comes with it not really knowing it could be different. Through this book I discovered John Paul II's Theology of the Body and the beautiful world of courtship. It completely changed how I respect myself, how I respect men, and how I should expect to be respected. Arms of Love courageously presents chastity and courtship as a lifestyle of possibility, of abundance, and of fulfillment. (SO different than the myth that this lifestyle is suppressive and limiting). Since reading this book I whole heartedly embraced its message - and after a beautiful courtship I am engaged and will be marrying the most incredible and faith-filled man that I have ever met! I have also started a college campus women's faith sharing group and have developed and led them on two retreats. I loan this book to anyone willing to take a look at it. Its a great read, with a life changing message.

ARMS OF LOVE is geared towards the young Catholic adult crowd. I'm no longer so young but still very Catholic, and found this novel to be light, enjoyable, easy reading. It is also inspirational and holds up a high standard for any young Catholic adult (or their parents) in today's "anything goes" culture. The novel begins with a handsome but worldly young man, Brandon Vaughn, being attracted to a young lady, Joanie Collins, at their workplace in Saskatoon, Canada. The fact that Joanie is on the opposite end of the bell-shaped morality curve doesn't discourage Brandon at all. In fact, he sees his hoped-for conquest of her as a worthy challenge to his reputation as a womanizer. The conflict of cultures plays out in Brandon's pursuit of Joanie and her determination to guard her soul--even in spite of the attraction she feels for him. Joanie's family jealousy protects her virtue while Brandon's friends fight to keep him in their hedonistic circle. ARMS OF LOVE is a fast-moving page turner that draws the reader on to find out which side wins--and how it happens. The characters are well-developed and believable. It's sprinkled with liberal doses of humor to relieve the tension at exactly the right times. I highly recommend ARMS OF LOVE and can't wait to read the sequel.

Once you read this, you will have a high standard indeed for your children's approach to marriage. The story is just fantastic and gripping. For a concerned parent, the hope is raised that your adult daughter or son could consciously choose to "court" to find a marital partner. What a difference from today's frightening alternatives of dating, casual dating, "hooking up", and sex on the first date. Much like today's society, the different characters are in various stages of relationship with God-from deeply religious to completely secular. I think all parents should read this and then get a copy for your teenage children. The only reason I didn't give "Arms of Love" the highest rating is, I found it a little long. Ms. Marcoux occasionally would inject moral comments into the novel narrative that lengthen the story like uneditted bits of screenplay that add unnecessary length to an otherwise fantastic plot. But it is a minor flaw to a refreshing and heartwarming storyline. Mom or Dad, buy this book now!

This is an excellent fiction book! I usually do not read fiction but I read this one in just a couple of days! What an uplifting book for teenagers to read - on what true love really is. I hope the sequel will be out soon!

Why waste your time with a secular romance novel when you can be inspired to live a more prayerful, chaste and Christian life by reading this novel by Carmen Marcoux! I hope she has more in store for the future!