Archive | January 2021

Heading Over The Hill by Judy Leigh

Jan13

Absolutely Charming

Heading Over The Hill by Judy Leigh is the most charming contemporary novel about growing old and having fun.

The main characters are all fifty plus with some octogenarians. Growing old does not have to mean slowing down. There is still fun out there to be had… especially if you own a Harley Davidson. New neighbours certainly shake up a sleepy street with their kindness, friendship and zest for life. They will blow all your pre-conceived ideas about older people with pipe and slippers out of the window. There are misunderstandings along the way even as the hand of friendship is extended.

This book is such a fun read. It will make you roar with laughter and also cry silently. There are some extremely funny scenes – I will never forget an octogenarian on a dry ski slope. I literally laughed out loud. A rather raucous budgie creates amusing scenes too.

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Everything Behind Us by Jennifer Rodewald

Jan12

King Over The Flood

Everything Behind Us by Jennifer Rodewald is a powerful Christian contemporary novel that will fill your heart and soul with love. It is part of the Murphy Brothers series but can be read as a stand-alone.

At the heart of the novel is a family and their journey through cancer. It is heart wrenching. There are difficult choices to be made. Both the characters and the reader realise the end result is uncertain but God is always faithful and will walk us through the valleys of life.

The past still hangs heavy. There are regrets and “dark nights of self-loathing.” God does not want us to live under self-imposed burdens. He wants us to live free. “She’d discovered in that pit of despair the true amazement of grace.” God’s grace is a free gift for all. He meets us right where we are and He lifts us up. “God’s forgiveness had met his remorse.”

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The War Girls by Rosie James

Jan11

Keep Calm And Drink Tea

The War Girls by Rosie James is a fabulous historical novel that will entertain from the start.

The novel opens in rural Somerset before moving to Bristol during World War II. It is factually grounded as we hear about the heavy bombing during the Blitz.

There is a much admired bulldog spirit and resolve with characters drinking tea and carrying on no matter what Hitler threw at them.

We witness the value of old and new friendships as characters open their homes and hearts to strangers. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming as people pull together. There is a wonderful community feel.

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The Way Of The Brave by Susan May Warren

Jan10

The Rescue

The Way Of The Brave by Susan May Warren is a Christian contemporary suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat. It is the first book in the Global Search And Rescue series which promises to be fantastic.

The central theme is that of rescue. There are actual rescues which are mirrored by God who wants to rescue us from a life of disconnection from Him. The effects of our pasts may pull us away from God as we deal with our anger and hurt. God may even seem absent. “She wasn’t sure God was even listening to her anymore.” God hears and God sees. God is present whether we feel Him or not. In our anger and our pain, God longs for us to turn to Him and let Him relieve us of our burdens.

The evil one wants to distract us from God’s love. “Evil wants to shut you down. Shame you.” The enemy tells us we are no good. We are unworthy. We need to drown out his voice with the love of God.

God is love. His character is love. We must always remember this in the bad times. God will never abandon us. “God didn’t base His actions… on what she thought of herself.” Our feelings and emotions are unreliable gauges. We need to trust in the character of God.

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