Quite a few years ago, I discovered the Daisy Newman when I picked up a copy of "Diligence in Love" at a flea market or library book sale. This story of a driven businesswoman who encounters Quakers while researching an advertising campaign impressed me. I had heard of Quakers but never really knew anything about them or their religion. This gentle way of life appealed to me and I made it a point to search out other titles by this author. I just recently happened across "I Take Thee, Serenity" in my bookcase and re-read it, to be touched anew.
Written in 1975, the premise of this book would now be considered old-fashioned. Serenity Ross is an independent 19-year-old in love with Peter Holland and quite content to have a sexual relationship with him while away at college. Suspecting this, her parents decide that it is best to have the two young people get married. Feeling pushed into a wedding that is taking on circus-like proportions and inspired by the picture of a Quaker wedding hanging in her parents' home, Serenity flees to her father's old family home near Kendal, Rhode Island to step back and take stock. There, she meets her elderly Quaker cousin, Oliver Otis, and his wife, Daphne, who help her to look into herself and her relationship with Peter and realize that their marriage will effect not only them but all of the people who love them.
This journey of self-discovery can't help but touch the reader. The Quaker way, as presented here, is one of tolerance and understanding and reading this book gave me a sense of joy.
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