A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M White

Oct9

Exciting, Thrilling & Adventurous

A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M White is an exciting Christian Edwardian novel that thrilled me from the start. It is the first book in The Imposters series which promises to be fabulous.

The action is set in 1909 London and moves to Northumberland. Life in London is sweltering and claustrophobic, in contrast to the freedom found up North.

Tensions are beginning to rise world-wide. Anything or anybody with German ties is viewed with suspicion. German roots are definitely suppressed.

We see that the life lead can sometimes be an illusion. People will believe what is put before their eyes with a cursory glance, rather than looking closely. This enables characters to blend in and move stealthily.

The Imposters are determined to seek out the truth. The blend in and move silently, unseen by all – except the one who has found love.

Females have been suppressed for years. We witness a character who breaks out of preconceived ideas. She is free to be her wild, untamed self.

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The Girl Who Wasn’t There by Jacqueline Wilson

Oct9

Engaging & Exciting

The Girl Who Wasn’t There by Jacqueline Wilson is a most delightful children’s novel for ages ten years and older. I am considerably older than the target market but I really enjoyed the story.

Jacqueline Wilson has once more written an engaging and exciting novel that entertains from the start.

We follow a family whose father has bought a hundred year old folly at auction, with the view to renovating it. It seems like a fairytale but its’ crumbling walls and floors soon turn it into a nightmare. The family has a summer of adventure as they live in a caravan on site. The tower may be falling down but the setting is idyllic.

The action is seen through the eyes of ten year old Luna, who is big sister to six year old Aurora. Like most siblings, there are ups and downs but there is a lot of love. “Aurora was my little sister and I had to stick up for her. No one picks on Aurora at school and gets away with it!

School can be an intimidating and scary place to be as children navigate the classroom and the playground. We witness the kindness of teachers who help those who are struggling to fit in.

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Beyond The Smiles by Minnie Lewis

Oct7

Uniquely Constructed

Beyond The Smiles by Minnie Lewis is a compelling contemporary novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The novel is cleverly constructed. Much of the tale is seen through lead character Laura’s eyes but we also have the same action seen through the eyes of others. We see the various motivations as we realise that sometimes trust is misplaced.

Families are complex. We cannot choose them. Some members are kind and caring, others are manipulative and evil. They protect certain members whilst casting out others.

The love of money is a dreadful master. It ensures that people do unscrupulous deeds in the pursuit of it.

The past intrudes on the present as a character inherits from a father who was unknown. A whole can of worms opens up.

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Where Treasure Hides by Johnnie Alexander

Oct6

A Fabulous Debut

Where Treasure Hides by Johnnie Alexander is a powerful Christian historical novel that I just could not put down. It is the author’s debut novel, and the good news is … she has written many more.

The action is set during World War II in Britain and Holland. We witness both countries preparing for war. As the novel opens, the leading characters are witnessing a Kindertransport arriving in London. This prepares both their hearts to rescue and hide children throughout the war. God knows that the innocents will be safe in their care.

We witness the greed of the Nazis as they plunder Europe of their paintings and artefacts. “It’s greed that destroys us.” The worth of a painting is not just in monetary terms but in what it means to hearts. Characters bond over paintings – whether it is the drawing of a child or a masterpiece.

Feared reigned in hearts during the war but God asks us to trust Hm despite our circumstances. “You mustn’t let fear rule your life.” A heart is willing to trust God. “She wanted to trust God.” When we stumble in the darkness – literally or figuratively – we must look to the guiding light of God.

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