Archive | May 2018

The Spirit Of Christmas by Lauraine Henderson

May11

Christmas Blessing

The Spirit Of Christmas by Lauraine Henderson is a wonderful contemporary retelling of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. The themes are the same but everything has been bought up to date.

There is a wonderful warm feeling that pervades the novel. It is a really fun read.

The reader is delighted by the characters. The ‘real’ meaning of Christmas is celebrated. It is about a generosity of spirit.

Money is important in that it gives us choice. However when work and making money is your priority, you have got your priorities wrong.

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One Summer In Rome by Samantha Tonge

May7

Are You Nodding?

One Summer In Rome by Samantha Tonge is a wonderful contemporary novel that focuses on kindness, family and belonging.

The reader escapes for a few hours to the sights, sounds and smells of Rome. Tantalizing descriptions enable the reader to ‘see’ the pizzeria’s and almost touch the delicacies on offer.

The story is about family. We all long to belong. Family chooses to love and to protect all members. Family encourages. “We all have the potential to achieve whatever we want.” Family are those we choose to have in our inner circle.

We are all fighting battles from the past – consuming ourselves with guilt, regret or longing. “There is nothing comfortable about regrets.” The past is gone. “Dwelling on the past serves no purpose.” We need to put down our baggage and move forward.

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Long Way Home by Brenda Anderson

May6

The Car Whisperer

Long Way Home by Brenda Anderson is a delightful contemporary Christian novel about real sacrificial love. It is the fourth book in the Potter’s House series – a collection of books by different authors united by themes.

Real love is in 1 Corinthians: 13. Outside of Jesus, few of us know this real love. We are to model this love to others as Jesus shows His love to us.

Who needs love? Everyone. “The wealthy need to be loved and accepted too.” Sometimes people with wealth believe that they already have everything that money can buy. The love of Jesus is free but if we do not receive that love, we will be eternally poor. It reminds me of a quote from my pastor Leon Evans who said “some people are so poor, all they have is money.”

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The Boy From Tomorrow by Camille DeAngelis

May6

Bridge Across A Century

The Boy From Tomorrow by Camille DeAngelis is a children’s adventure book aimed at ages 8-11 years. I am considerably older and I really enjoyed the tale.

The story unites two children one hundred years apart, who live in the same house. Their bond, formed through curiosity and loneliness is beautiful to witness.

There were some very different parenting ideas at the beginning of the twentieth century. The modern reader consequently finds some of the passages of child cruelty difficult to read.

A sisterly bond is beautifully portrayed. The reader can ‘feel’ the love and desire to protect.

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