The Key to the Riddle

Thanks to the suggestion of a friend, this winter I was introduced to a new [old] author. While I cannot find much online about the author other than that she was born in 1851, Margaret S. Comrie managed to pull me into a story set in an era of history I do not usually enjoy. 

The Key to the Riddle, A Story of Huguenot Days is a sweet and stirring story with a wide range of characters, mystery, plots, and surprises. More importantly, it is full of true, biblical encouragement for any who feel their life has not gone as hoped or planned.

Not wanting to give any spoilers, I still must share this excerpt from the end of the book:

"'Soon, however, there sounded in my ears the words, 'He led them forth by the right way,' and certes, I told myself there could be for me, Leon Montoux, no other way but His.'

'Next, I minded me of these bygone years, and the pains our Father God has taken to teach us that there is no cause for us to fret over the riddle, when we know it is His hand that holds the key.'

"Azerole lifted up her head, smiling through her tears. 'And methinks that even this perverse Azerole has learnt that, when we know it is Divine Love that has turned the key, it would ill become the hand of faith to try and force the lock.'"

 

Don't let the historical language turn you off. If you struggle with the old-fashioned words or, as in my case, stumble over French names and exclamations, I can recommend the free audiobook on LibriVox.org. I cannot know how accurate volunteer-Angela's pronunciations are, but her reading was clear and engaging.

"When we know it is Divine Love

that has turned the key,

it would ill become the hand of faith

to try and force the lock."

The Key to the Riddle

Margaret S. Comrie

[I took the door photos while wandering around an overseas convent back in 2012.]