The Elusive Truth Of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano

Dec16

The Gardener Is Waiting

The Elusive Truth Of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano is an enchanting Christian historical novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The novel is written with elements of traditional story telling interspersed with actual historical figures. Over everything, God awaits, with His love and His heart calling each and every one of us.

Much of the book revolves around a garden. The reader recalls the Garden of Eden where God walked with Adam and Eve in His creation. God lives in our hearts as we read “from somewhere deep within the core of him, where God dwelled.”

Sometimes life happens and we lose sight of God. “Regret was a poison that never left the bloodstream.” Letting regret live in our hearts is not good for us. Anything that takes our focus from God, needs to be got rid of.

When we have known God, there will always be that longing for Him. “I’d cried out to God, begged for Him, and felt nothing.” Just because we feel nothing, does not mean that God is not there. God works in our lives. He sends people across our paths to point the way to Him. “He [God] uses people at times to set things right.”

God can clearly be seen in some people. “He ushered in the presence of God wherever he went… where Gordon Makepiece was, there also was God.” We are called to preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary to use words.

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That Festive Feeling by Heidi Swain

Dec9

The Nightingale Square Magic

That Festive Feeling by Heidi Swain is a perfectly charming contemporary Christmas novel that I loved.

Those who are familiar with Heidi Swain’s novels will recognise the location of Nightingale Square, and also the Christmas tree farm near Wynbridge. Tying previous locations into this new novel gives the reader a feeling of familiarity.

The novel is set in the weeks leading up to Christmas as we join the residents of Nightingale Square as they prepare for the festive season. The reader can ‘see’ the scene and ‘feel’ the atmosphere due to Heidi Swain’s descriptive pen.

It is a time for new friendships as recently divorced Hollie house sits for friends in the square. She befriends an old actress called May who injects a myriad of colours into Hollie’s grey and drab life. Hollie learns the value of carpe diem – to seize the day. You are never too old to change direction. “Every day is a special occasion.”

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Underneath The Christmas Tree by Heidi Swain

Dec9

Dreams & Legacies

Underneath The Christmas Tree by Heidi Swain is the most charming contemporary Christmas book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Heidi Swain really does know how to capture Christmas within the pages of a book – and this book is no exception as we enter the setting of a Christmas tree farm with traditional craft stalls and a warm welcome.

Legacies are important – what we leave behind and how we will be remembered. The reader witnesses the legacy of a departed father (before the book opened) – his dream was a Christmas tree farm, and it has risen from small saplings to be part of the Christmas traditions for many. To dream big and to be bold can pay off.

We meet a character running from her past and her perceived future. With dreams of her own, a character is preparing to make them come true – but that is before a personal epiphany… Now what path will she choose?

We see the importance of giving chances to the next generation. A teen has had people speak negatively over him, and he really comes out of his shell when words of encouragement are spoken to him.

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The Last Father-Daughter Dance by Lisa Wingate

Dec9

Making Memories

The Last Father-Daughter Dance by Lisa Wingate is a very charming short story.

This is a tale about grabbing chances and making memories while we still can. It is about having the correct priorities.

A father-daughter relive a year’s worth of memories within a month after a bad health diagnosis.

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