Archive | January 2020

All My Goodbyes by Jan Cline

Jan15

Absorbing

All My Goodbyes by Jan Cline is a Christian historical novel and the third book in the American Dreams series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The story is set from 1941- 1945 covering the war years. The reader immerses themselves in life on the home front and an airfield in Britain. Whilst this is a fictional tale, it is grounded in fact as the novel follows the experiences of the author’s family. We share the highs and lows, the fears and the loves as a family goes through the war. Fear of death is always a big factor at times of war. It seems worst for those left behind.

The reader receives a warm welcome into small town living. We share the fears of the women as war looms on the horizon. In contrast the men seem to be keen to sign up and do their bit. As a character moves to Pearl Harbor in autumn 1941, the reader feels a tension rise within and we read on with baited breath.

Having faith in God was essential. In times of uncertainty, He is the faithful One, the Rock we can rely on.

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The Fall And Rise Of The Amir Sisters by Nadiya Hussain

Jan15

Loves And Losses

The Fall And Rise Of The Amir Sisters by Nadiya Hussain is a contemporary novel that will make you smile and make you cry. It is a splendid tale about the relationships between four grown up sisters. There are complex needs to be balanced. With comprehensive descriptions, the reader feels like a fly on the wall listening to their conversations.

Life can be hard. We all need a supportive family who will pull you through the tough times. Lives in transition create new dynamics.

The sisters share good natured banter. They support each other through life’s ups and downs. We make our plans but sometimes they are derailed in the worst way possible.

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I Am Zion by John Eckhardt

Jan13

Shout To The North And The South

I Am Zion by John Eckhardt is a powerful book packed full of godly advice and scripture to help us draw closer to God.

Zion is the place where God chooses to dwell. We want to be Zion people who have God dwelling in them. John Eckhardt tells us that Zion people have wisdom, understanding and revelation.

“We must develop a heart that desires what God desires.” Our goal is not to be like other people, our goal is to be like Jesus. We want to have a heart that beats in tune with His. We are citizens of heaven, called to walk in this world but not to be of the world. We must live with our eyes and hearts fixed on Jesus.

John Eckhardt explains that Babylon was seen as captivity whereas Zion was seen as freedom, giving sacrificially and with worship and praise in their hearts.

The book shows what a Zion church looks like. It is not a building. It is a heart that passionately pursues God through prayer, worship, giving and glory. A Zion church is a church that desires to go deeper, is multi-generational and a source of life, being led by the Spirit.

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Holocaust: The Nazi’s Wartime Jewish Atrocities by Stephen Wynn

Jan13

May We Never Forget

Holocaust: The Nazi’s Wartime Jewish Atrocities by Stephen Wynn is a comprehensive pocket book of the leading events, camps and figures in the worst crime against humanity. It is horrific reading but we need to know what happened in memory of the innocents who perished.

Stephen Wynn has clearly done significant research as there were figures I had heard of and those I hadn’t. Many of the perpetrators were captured, tried and executed but some were not. A leading figure, Dr Mengele escaped justice.

There were also leading Jewish figures mentioned including the most famous of all, Anne Frank.

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