Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time that I will visit him. Jeremiah 49:8

Once again, Amy LeFeuvre has written a masterpiece! LeFeuvre truly possesses a literary skill and depth of understanding that reaches the developing passions of young adults, the youngest child, and the insights of the aged and wise. Dwell Deep is the story of a blossoming young girl who has recently lost her earthly shelter and comforts—only to gain something far richer.

Young in years and young in faith, Margaret Thorn must face the continuous tests of compromise, criticism, and censure. Yet she is no coward in the face of such social pressures. Her favorite phrase is “dwell deep,” a sweet reminder that calls her soul to refuge. In a house of gaiety that leads ladies to “lose their heads…and hearts,” Miss Thorn refuses to wade into its flow. She knows that riding the waves of pleasure, even innocent pleasures, will eventually pull her into the undertow.

But she quickly finds that her convictions must be tempered with submission to her authorities. This story begs the question: how does one honor God if they are dishonoring those in authority over them? How does one balance convictions without leaving behind the bitter taste of prudish hypocrisy? Are convictions more important than peace and unity?

It is in the midst of these difficult circumstances that Margaret finds herself faced daily with choices that will serve to form the foundation of her character.

Reader, be warned! You are about to enter into a story where you will find yourself vicariously experiencing some of the most overlooked and underestimated tensions of life—tensions that we all must face if we are to overcome our fears and grow in our faith. May we, after reading this powerful story, learn that our greatest strength and resolve only comes when we “Dwell Deep!”

Herbert Stanton admires his father, and the time has come to show his appreciation and lighten his father’s burden by taking on his first job as apprentice at the Manchester House. This well-known establishment showcases the finest silks of France and furs of Russia. With much to learn and many customers to please, Herbert does his best to represent his employer well. Little does he know that what appears to be a place of finery is really a den of rogues and thieves! Peer pressure is intense, and the influence of so-called friends becomes nearly unbearable. But through a series of moral challenges, Herbert makes the tough decisions that set him up for a future of great social influence and a high level of respect in the community. This story is the perfect choice in a day when we need an example of standing strong with unwavering faith in the face of adversity.

Charming, handsome, and popular, Horace Wheeler seems to have it all; yet, his life grows emptier by the day. As he fritters away the years with girls and galas, little does he realize that the world and all its pleasures are drowning out his true calling—and the loving counsel of his beloved mentor, Aunt Jane.

To love God and to love a pure and true woman…this was Aunt Jane’s exhortation to her young protégé. She loved him as her own son, but her constant prayers seemed to no avail. He loved her as his own mother—but she had the nasty habit of reading his mind, and her keen eyes always had a knack for revealing his vices and lack of virtue (especially in his choice of girls).

But the prayer of a righteous man avails much, and the love of God is much greater than the strongholds of Satan. Through great tragedy and triumph, Horace is brought once more to the throne of grace—but this time, he accepts the free gift of a loving Savior. The heart that was once hidden away under the waistcoat of youthful lusts and worldly passions is now throbbing with new life and new purpose!

Horace has finally responded to this first plea of his mentor—to love God.  Now for his next great battle, to love a pure and true woman…will Horace ever find her?