Silent Night by Jack Sheffield

Dec12

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Silent Night: The Alternative School Logbook by Jack Sheffield is a delightfully fun and light-hearted read that I loved and read in just one sitting. It is the eighth book in the Teacher series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The reader follows the primary school at Ragley in North Yorkshire through an eventful school year 1984-1985. At the time the novel is set, I was finishing my degree so I am old enough to remember all the cultural references. It was a most charming trip down memory lane.

The school is at the heart of the village. “Our school was a focal point of the village, a centre of the community.” As a small rural school head, Mr Sheffield knows each one of his pupils. He takes an interest in their lives, nurturing the minds of the future. “All children have talent… It is up to you to identify that talent and nurture it.” Mr Sheffield brings out the best in the children as he makes learning fun.

Young children are absolutely hilarious with their observations. “What do you call someone who keeps on talking when other people aren’t listening?” asks the teacher of a pupil. The pupil’s reply, “A teacher.”

The dead pan humor of the young and old alike causes much hilarity as the reader works through the book. “The optician pointed… ‘And can you read this line?’ she asked, ‘Yes, thank you,’ said Zoe politely.”

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Veiled In Smoke by Jocelyn Green

Dec12

Rising From The Ashes

Veiled In Smoke by Jocelyn Green is a powerful Christian historical novel that totally consumed me. It is the first book in The Windy City Saga which promises to be fabulous.

Whilst this is a fictional tale, it is grounded in fact as it is based on the devastating Chicago fire of 1871 which destroyed much of the city, leaving many homeless. Locations and some actual people are real (as we find out in the author’s notes at the back of the book.)

Fire destroys but fire also cleanses and renews. The reader is reminded that Jesus walked beside Daniel and his friends in the firey furnace, and Jesus walks beside us. “She must trust Him for what she could not see.” We cannot always feel or see Jesus but He is beside us. “Had to believe God remained in control even when His children were not.” God sees the end from the beginning. We can trust His leading.

Within the novel the two sisters own a bookstore and are passionate about books. They quote from popular novels of the day, including the Bronte sisters, Louisa May Alcott, Shakespeare and more. The reader can see parallels between one lead character and the fictional Mr Rochester in Jane Eyre. Fire destroys and both have to re-learn how to do things differently.

Within the novel a character has to learn to look at things from a different perspective as the subjects of her paintings change from portraits to landscapes after the fire. “The rich and the poor connect… You are compassion, he is resilience. Both of you are Chicago.” At the heart of Chicago are the people and not the buildings. Buildings can be re-built.

Everyone faces storms. I loved the quote included by the fictional Amy March, “I’m not afraid of storms for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” As we navigate choppy waters, we need to focus on Jesus. “The One who made the sea is in my boat with me.” Jesus will never leave us. “Avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.” We need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. He will navigate the seas of life with us.

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The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

Dec11

Wonderfully Warm & Welcoming

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson is the most charming contemporary Christian Christmas novel which I absolutely loved.

I always look forward to the Christmas novel from Melody Carlson. When it drops through my door, I know that Christmas is not that far away.

The Christmas Tree Farm is a wonderful, warm read. It is serenely beautiful and is the essence of Christmas within a book.

We see that families are complicated affairs. Not everybody pulls in the same direction. When different things are sought, compromises must be made. Ultimately family loves. Family is not just blood related but those who love us.

Hurting people hurt people. We need to understand why people lash out and help them to heal.

Traditions are important. Memories are attached to them as we remember those who are no longer here.

All the characters were wonderfully drawn. They offered a warm welcome to the reader. They were an eclectic mix falling into two categories – those who felt happy in the mall, and those who preferred the green open spaces.

There was a charming relationship between the leading lady, Madison, and eleven-year-old Lily who lived next door. Lily had lost her mother but bonds with Madison after a shaky start. Lily brings out the best in Madison and vice versa. They teach each other new skills and work together to make a success of the Christmas Tree Farm.

A smattering of snow, a dash of romance and good wholesome characters. All can be found within the pages.

I absolutely loved The Christmas Tree Farm and am sorry that it is ended. It was wonderfully warm and welcoming. I can highly recommend it.

I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON

When Herald Angels Sing by Scott R Rezer

Dec8

A Time For Miracles

When Herald Angels Sing by Scott R Rezer is a most charming contemporary Christian Christmas novel that I really loved. It is the second book in A Festival Of Carols series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The novel is set in present day and 1863 in America, a time when the American Civil War was still raging. The location is Philadelphia, still recognizable to the characters in both time periods. It is set just before Christmas and the reader is treated to snow and a simpler Christmas when Jesus’ birth was celebrated.

We see the devastating effects of loss on characters who feel utterly alone and stuck in a moment in time. However, “you are never truly alone… God is always nearer than you think.” God is as close as the prayer that our hearts utter. God is as close as we want Him to be. “He [God] hasn’t been near me… That’s because you have kept Him at arm’s length.”

Lives are lost in the past, trying to alter what cannot be changed. “The past isn’t about mourning what you have lost, it’s about celebrating what you had.” We celebrate the lives we knew rather than mourn their passing.

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