A Mind Of Their Own by Katharine Hill

May4

Sound Advice And A Personable Style

A Mind Of Their Own by Katharine Hill is a powerful book exploring how our children can not only survive but thrive in today’s world which is very different from yesterday. “Our children are growing up in a fast-changing world, light years away from the one most of us grew up in.”

The pressure to succeed is huge. “Young people feel under pressure to be the best.” As parents and grandparents it is up to us to help remove the added pressure. We need to lay down good foundations for all the family, providing love, nurture and care. We need to be there for our children when they succeed and when they fail – for it is only in failing that we learn some of our deepest lessons. “Failure is not what defines us, but how we respond to it will shape us.”

Today’s children have a huge pressure to achieve outstanding results. They believe “their worth is based on exam results.” We need to take the pressure off and let them realise that success is not always measured by pieces of paper and certificates in frames.

As parents we need to listen to our children. “Just because their voice is small, it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be heard.” We must make sure we are fully present and not have our eyes focused on something else.

Katharine Hill looks at the power of words. Our words can build up or tear down. “Positive words can change our thinking and our behaviour.” We often live up or down to the words spoken over us.

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Under The Magnolias by T.I. Lowe

May4

All God’s Children

Under The Magnolias by T.I. Lowe is a powerful Christian novel about a turbulent family in the 1980’s. It is a story with love, care and God at the centre.

There is the theme of depression brought on by bereavement. It is painful to watch a young teen try to hold her family together as her father sinks further into the abyss. As she tries to cope she holds onto her mother’s words “Loving your family means you love them during their sunshine and even during their thunderstorms.”

Nolia Farm is a place where people are seen and needs are met. Those who are not readily accepted by society can find love and belonging here.

When life is hard we sometimes push others away, even God. We think we need to do life alone and sweep our problems under the carpet but God never asks us to do this. He is working things out in His perfect timing. We can trust Him. “God answered my prayers in ways I’d not trusted Him enough to handle.” No matter where we go, no matter what life throws at us, “Just know you are God’s kid no matter what.”

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Promises To Keep by Nan Rossiter

May3

Totally Charming

Promises To Keep by Nan Rossiter is a delightful contemporary novel that will warm your heart. It is the second book in the Savannah Skies series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The novel is about love and care from the cradle to the grave as we see both pre-term babies and seniors.

It is important to care for those who cannot care for themselves. When a young mother realizes she cannot care for her baby, another stepped in (before the story opened) with love and care.

As our bodies let us down, it is important to remember that where now we see a senior standing, inside there is still a beating heart that has lived and loved. “What stories are locked behind those frightened eyes?” It is sad to see a loved one abandoned by their family in a senior living facility.

In contrast there is a daughter who refuses to abandon her father to Alzheimer’s. “I’m not just going to forget about him… even if he doesn’t always recognize me.” We witness lives opening up when familiar music is played. Musical memories are deep-seated.

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Falling For The Fifties by Stephenia McGee

May3

For Ever And A Day

Falling For The Fifties by Stephenia McGee is the most delightful dual timeline story. It is the second book in the Back Inn Time series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Once again Stephenia McGee has created a wonderful set of characters who will warm your heart. Love and friendship reach beyond the pages to envelop the reader, wrapping us in a virtual hug.

We see how worrying adds nothing to our lives. We must do what we can and trust God to do what we can’t. God is always with us and we can reach Him through prayer.

The leading lady believes in love at first sight as her grandparent’s sixty five year old marriage proves. She longs to know their secret and wishes she had been there when they met.

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