Archive | April 2016

White by Denise Weimer

Apr21

Our Past Does Not Define Us

WhiteWhite by Denise Weimer is the first book in the restoration trilogy and what a cracking series it promises to be. This is the first novel I have read by Denise Weimer but I want more, more, more!

White is a Christian novel with both a contemporary and historical setting. It is written from the point of view of Jennifer (a house restorer) in the present day, and Georgia Pearl in the 1900’s who lived in the house Jen is restoring.

God features strongly in the novel. Our view of Him often depends on our relationship with our earthly parents but it shouldn’t. God is all loving, whereas our earthly parents can mess up.

Continue reading →

In This Together by Gail Kittleson

Apr19

Second Chances

In This TogetherIn This Together by Gail Kittleson is a wonderful Christian historical novel set in Iowa in the aftermath of the war and I absolutely loved it. In This Together is a story that really wrapped itself around me and spoke to my heart.

In This Together focuses on Dottie and Al, both of whom have lost so much… both their spouses died and Dottie’s son Bill got killed in World War II. They have every reason to be bitter but they are delightful, enjoying each day as it comes. “Makes you think – makes you appreciate things more.” The two neighbours have a half full glass outlook on life. They are in their twilight years but have a very positive outlook. They enjoy life and laughter.

The novel is an everyday story of small town America, telling tales of friendship. It is a beautiful, gentle story of life and second chances.

Continue reading →

Breaking Free by Jennifer Slattery

Apr11

There’s Always Hope

Breaking FreeBreaking Free by Jennifer Slattery… wow, what an amazing and powerful read in this contemporary Christian novel.

Alice and Trent have been married for nineteen years and have two boys. Alice organises ladies days at church. On the surface it’s a perfect life but Alice is living a lie. Her life is far from perfect. Her life is crumbling around her. Alice is more concerned with appearances than with being open and honest. “Come on Alice, be real with me.” Alice has buried her head in the sand for the sake of appearances.

Breaking Free shows the power of good friends. Alice has many superficial friends but Beth is her true friend. Beth sees beyond Alice’s fake smiles to the real her. Beth refuses to be pushed away with a smile. “Why are you running from people who can help you most?… Why are you pushing God away?”

Continue reading →

The Bachelor Girl’s Guide To Murder by Rachel McMillan

Apr9

Modern Women Solving Crimes

Bachelor Girls Guide To MurderThe Bachelor Girl’s Guide To Murder by Rachel McMillan is a Christian historical novel set in Toronto at the beginning of the twentieth century.

The heroines Merinda and Jem are very modern women for their time. Neither are married, inspite of parental pressure. In an age where marriage was the be all and end all, the bachelor girls are certainly defying convention. At night they both wear men’s clothing to enable them to walk the streets safely. They have set themselves up to solve crimes. The amateur sleuths base themselves on Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson in their thoughts and actions. As with the famous duo, so one is a more dominant personality than the other.

The novel explores the criminal underworld. The streets of Toronto prove to be a very dangerous place after dark, especially for women alone.

Continue reading →