Title: Prudent Love
Author: Estelle Lillian Bonneau
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1-6641-0937-7
Pages: 70
Genre: Poetry
Reviewed by: Nicole Olson

Read Book Review

Prudent Love is a collection of poems by a Christian woman, Estelle Lillian Bonneau.
Broken up into three sections – God, Nature and Marriage – Bonneau takes a biblical
approach to many faculties of life.

Her expansive vocabulary beautifully describes her relationship with the Lord and how
this shapes the world around her. Her poems inspire and encourage, it is clear she is
confident in her walk of faith. Her poems are beautiful and articulate – every line has
purpose. Bonneau’s voice is clear and specific – every poem sounds like it belongs to
her. She owns them with dedication to grace and diction.

Though each poem is a delight to read my favorites are found in the Marriage section.
Bonneau is vulnerable and open in these poems, she shares her passion for her
husband. Her love and reverence for him ring throughout everyone. Upon reading them
I admire her as a writer, a woman, and a fellow Christian.

These poems are best enjoyed in private, as they ignite self-reflection in many areas.
The first and foremost being a dedication to the Christian life. Bonneau’s poems would
not make sense to someone who is unsaved, their purpose serves to edify those who
have already come to know Christ. These poems serve as a wonderful way to
remember various Christian teachings and beliefs – Bonneau references the Bible
frequently.

What I found extremely appealing about this collection of poems is the poet references
the King James Version of the Bible. It is unfortunate that many churches and Christians
today are getting away from this version of the Bible as it is a little more difficult to
understand than conversational English. I believe it is important to be unapologetically
adamant about using the King James Version and whenever I see a Christian
referencing another version, I typically lose my trust in their judgement. Bonneau’s
poems clearly belong to a Christian firmly planted in faith and living the Word. There is
much a Christian can learn from Bonneau and her poetry is a gift to Christians.

Bonneau’s endeavor to write a collection of poems about what it means to be a
Christian is a brave one. She captures the Christian life so well and she makes it sound
effortless and easy. What makes the Christian way of life difficult is our sin nature,
Christians are constantly battling their own flesh. Bonneau addresses this in several
poems. There are many compelling attributes in which I look up to Bonneau and her
writing. Most of all, I admire her ability to describe the Christian life perfectly, an aspect
for both Christian and Non-Christian readers alike to enjoy.