Archive | May 2020

The Mischief Thief by Johnnie Alexander

May6

A Lost Lamb

The Mischief Thief by Johnnie Alexander is a thrilling contemporary Christian suspense that will have your heart racing as you read. It is the first book in the Rose And Thorne series and part of the Mosaic Collection.

The story shows that even when life throws you curve balls and spins out of control, there is One who is greater, One who is always in control. Nothing surprises Him, even when it surprises us.

God gives us grace. We, in turn, need to extend grace to others.

There is the theme of trust. People are not always quite as they seem. God can always be trusted. When we do not know what to do, we can turn to Him. He will give us a peace that passes understanding in spite of our circumstances. We can experience the fragrance of God in our lives if we just turn to Him and trust Him.

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Accept Me by Marion Ueckermann

May4

Searching For Roots

Accept Me by Marion Ueckermann is a most delightful contemporary Christian novel and part of the Chapel Cove Romance series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces.

Marion Ueckermann always writes novels that warm and soothe the soul. She draws characters that always move into my heart.

The novel explores the impact of shifting foundations on a life. When all that felt familiar and all that we built our lives on is shaken to the core, what do we do? “If she wasn’t still angry at God, she’d have shot a prayer to heaven.” When life throws us a curve ball, we either move closer to God or further away but He never moves away from us. We need to “let heaven give you the hope you need.” God can take our anger at situations. We need to give our anger to Him and exchange it for His peace. We need to know that “even when we can’t see it, God is good.” God is faithful and He will patiently wait for our anger to subside.

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The Animals At Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey

May2

A Marvellous Debut

The Animals At Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey is an epic historical read in the gothic tradition. I found it a curious blend of Jane Eyre and Rebecca as passions consumed various inhabitants. Lockwood Manor was reminiscent of Mandalay as the house took on a personality all of its own.

In true gothic style, the novel was creepy. I was never quite sure what was real and what was imagined. Emotions were twisting this way and that as the hairs on my neck rose.

The darkness of the setting mirrored the atmosphere… an old house with many rooms blacked out during World War II. Long, dark corridors, strange goings on at night and unusual figures all added to the mystery. Past influences very much intruded on present lives.

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When I Meet You by Olivia Newport

May2

Roots

When I Meet You by Olivia Newport is a fascinating historical and contemporary novel that had me enthralled from the start. It is the third book in the Tree Of Life series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The novel is set in 1909 and present day. There is a mystery to solve as an old trunk gives up its secrets in the form of correspondence but vital pieces are missing. The search to reveal the story begins… clothes, a family Bible, letters are all part of a life but whose?

Inheritance is important. We all want to know our roots and where we come from. We want stories to pass onto our children and grandchildren.

The characters were well drawn and likable. The leading ladies are bold and strong with fiery spirits who are easy to empathise with.

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