Archive | January 2018

Bubbles Tale – One Cat’s Story Of A Forever Home by Colleen Sheehan

Jan6

Beautiful

Bubbles Tale – One Cat’s Story Of A Forever Home by Colleen Sheehan is a most delightful story of a cat’s life told from the point of view of the cat. As a crazy cat lady and owner to five adorable cats, I ‘recognised’ the daily antics punctuated by the ‘need’ to “take a nap.”

Seeing life through the eyes of Bubbles… I laughed out loud at her objection to being called Grumble Bum; I empathised with her playing; her need to lie in warm spots; her game to have as many windows open in winter as possible and her bond with her helper. I also shed a tear in the final chapter.

Bubbles Tale is a ‘must have’ for any cat owner. You will surely recognise your cat’s traits within the tale.

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The Armoire by Ione Joy

Jan6

God’s Rescue Plan

The Armoire by Ione Joy is a Christian allegory warning of the end times. It is beautifully written as the reader ‘travels’ through the story to the rapture. Very much a product of the author’s imagination combining with scripture, especially from Revelation.

The Armoire is a cautionary tale. It tells of God’s rescue plan. It also warns of the perils of turning from God – “a fearful gnashing of teeth.”

I was reminded very much of A Christmas Carol as the main character glimpsed things yet to come.

Very much grounded in God, the reader witnesses our need to be in a relationship with Him. We need to trust God and be His representatives here on earth.

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Gathering Courage by T.A McMullin

Jan3

Acts Of Kindness

Gathering Courage by T.A McMullin is a heartfelt account of the journey through adoption, fostering and life. Terry McMullin is honest with her highs and lows, her loves, her losses and her constant faith in a God who loves her unconditionally.

Born in the Edna Gladney home in Texas, I immediately connected with Terry’s story. I have seen the film Blossoms In The Dust (Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon) that tells the story of Edna Gladney. I ‘saw’ Terry for the darling little baby she was. In making this connection, Gathering Courage really came alive for me. It became personal. I ‘felt’ deeply for all that Terry went through.

Terry McMullin writes about her struggles with dyslexia – unknown in her childhood so she was labelled ‘stupid.’ There is a marvellous section on dyslexia saying what it is and what it isn’t. It’s very powerful.

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The Rosegiver by Sandy Hiss

Jan2

A Good Old Fashioned Tale

The Rosegiver by Sandy Hiss is a historical gothic fantasy. A new release, Sandy Hiss employs all the traditional elements of nineteenth century gothic fiction – a dark brooding atmosphere, figures that draw the reader in as we question – what is real? What is imagined? Who can be trusted?

The Rosegiver also has a fairytale feel to it, very reminiscent of Little Red Riding Hood, Alice In Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White all rolled into one.

The leading lady is well drawn, likable in her innocence whilst learning to perfect her gift.

Loss permeates the novel. A loss that is deeply felt – “drowning in tears won’t bring him back.”

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