Archive | January 2018

A Song Unheard by Roseanna M White

Jan13

In Tune

A Song Unheard by Roseanna M White is a most delightful Christian historical adventure romance. It is the second book in the Shadows Over England series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Set in 1914 following the outbreak of war, the world is in turmoil. Everyone suffers during war but “The Lord is bigger than war.” However at the time, we do not always believe this to be the case. How could a loving God permit such horrors? We have to trust that God is good even when we cannot see Him. “Did she hear God’s voice amid the noise of life?” Sometimes life drowns out God but that doesn’t mean that He is not there.

War throws up issues of trust. In a world of espionage and double agents, soldiers and civilians, we have to make up our mind whom to trust. Not all villains wear German uniforms. Not all civilians can be trusted.

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Cherished Mercy by Tracie Peterson

Jan12

A Little Prayer And A Lot Of Patience

Cherished Mercy by Tracie Peterson is a delightful Christian historical romance. It is the third book in the Heart Of The Frontier series but can be read as a stand-alone as the previous two books are incorporated in the story. I would recommend reading the previous two books first as they will help in the reader’s understanding of character development and why some characters behave as they do.

This series has followed three sisters through the real life Whitman Mission massacre (1847) to this novel opening in 1855. This book is Mercy’s story. The reader has seen her develop from a twelve year old to a young woman, still tender hearted but tough when she has to be. She is, as her name suggests, full of mercy. She realises that a heart full of hate is not productive, nor what God wants.

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Beloved Hope by Tracie Peterson

Jan12

A New Spirit Within

Beloved Hope by Tracie Peterson is a wonderful Christian historical romance which I loved. It is the second book in the Heart Of The Frontier series but can be read as a stand-alone as all the back story is incorporated into the book. However I would recommend reading book one Treasured Grace first.

The novel deals with the after effects of trauma. Her “scars weren’t visible ones.” Today we would diagnose PTSD but it was unheard of in 1850. Tracie Peterson explores the difficulties of living a life of fear. “I lost more than my innocence… They took my dreams of love and a family. They took my ability to feel safe.” Home is no longer a refuge. Safety comes in withdrawing from people, hoping to feel better when… but it doesn’t happen. Fear dominates.

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The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor

Jan11

Disturbing And Gripping

The Chalk Man by C.J Tudor is a compulsive dual time murder suspense that had me hooked.

Set in 1986 and 2016, the action hops backwards and forwards as the past collides with the present. The characters and the reader try to get the pieces to solve the crime.

The novel is brutal. The crime horrendous and the end jaw dropping. Not everyone is who you think they are. And sometimes the missing piece is right under your nose.

There are the hard hitting topics of sexual exploitation, bullying and hypocritical action. “They were chatting a lot of stuff about love but seemed full of hate.” There is also the sensitive subject of abortion. It is all realistically done and not pleasant reading at times.

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