It's not Hallmark.
Well, it's not a Hallmark movie.
Many know what I mean. Hallmark type love stories (romcoms) typically involve two people living in favorable conditions who unexpectedly fall in love. She may have a 6 figure job and he may be running an orchard (somewhere near Vancouver, BC!)--but they find each other and come up with a way to juggle their career expectations to commit to some kind of relationship.
Ruth may have some of those components....but in any profound way. Times were really difficult for Israel...which made times difficult for Israelites. Which also made times difficult for Israel's neighbors. It would not have been a time when heartwarming stories were expected...but Ruth is a story that ends in hope and redemption. And God's providing hand is seen throughout the book.
