Archive | February 2018

Love by The Numbers by Laura V Hilton

No Condemnation

Love By The Numbers by Laura V Hilton is a charming Amish romance. It is a light-hearted read but has themes grounded in God.

The reader is enthralled by the two leading characters who are delightful. Both are running from their pasts. “What if the future Gott has planned for you is hiding behind your worst failure… or greatest fear?” We need to face our pasts, failures and fears. Whatever we have done, the blood of Jesus covers it all.

Grace is available for all. “Why expect Gott to help her when she didn’t meet with His approval?” We need to stop projecting our thoughts and feelings onto God. He says we are loved and we need to believe it and live loved.

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Across The Blue by Carrie Turansky

A Brave New World

Across The Blue by Carrie Turansky is a fabulous Christian historical romance. Set in 1909 on the south coast of England, it is the dawn of a new era, the beginning of modern Britain.

The novel’s focus is the new interest in aviation – who will be the first to cross the English Channel? It is also about fame and a newspaper dynasty.

Women are coming to the forefront. No longer content to merely be homemakers, they want careers too. The leading lady is a very modern woman believing in love, not wealth and titles as a basis for marriage.

The old order is still reigning. Daughters still have a ‘coming out’ season, paraded to the highest bidder.

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A Map Of The Dark by Karen Ellis

Glued And Guessing

A Map Of The Dark by Karen Ellis is a contemporary murder thriller. It is a race against time to find a serial killer as cold cases run into fresh crimes.

The reader becomes intimately acquainted with the lead FBI. We understand her fears, motivations and desire to get results.

Everyone is a unique mix of personalities and shaped by their upbringing. Childhood will make or break us. “You’ve spent your whole life trying to outrun your childhood.” We need to face our past, deal with the memories and move into our futures. Everyone is “wanting to believe… you can move forward without the past dragging you back.”

We all have scars. Some are more visible than others. There is the difficult topic of self harm. The pain inflicted helps to take the mind off a greater pain. Visible scars are a constant reminder. Like a recovering alcoholic, there is always the desire to cut again to bring relief from present pain.

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Ottercombe Bay part two by Bella Osborne

Wonderful Atmosphere

Ottercombe Bay part 2 by Bella Osborne is a light hearted read set in the West Country. It is about friends, restoration and new beginnings. There is a wonderful, warm feel to it that draws the reader in, with a chatty, engaging style.

The story is about establishing roots and renewing old connections.

With just nine chapters in this second part, I now really want to read the whole book. To see not only what happens next but what went before. My appetite is well and truly whetted for sand, sea and an old railway station.

Delightful read.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON