Archive | June 2021

Bridge Of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse

Jun27

God’s Fingerprints

Bridge Of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse is a most delightful dual timeline Christian novel. It is part of the Doors To The Past series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The story alternates between present day and 1933 at the time of the construction of the Golden Gate bridge. It is told from various alternating points of view enabling the reader to become emotionally invested in the characters.

The lure of gold corrupts lives. When people live for treasure, there are no depths to which they will not stoop.

In counter balance there are people of faith who realise the true treasure that is found in God and others.

There is the theme of loss. When accidents happen, we want answers but sometimes we just have to accept that there are no answers this side of heaven.

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Family For Beginners by Sarah Morgan

Jun25

Of Laughter, Love And Life

Family For Beginners by Sarah Morgan is a delightful contemporary tale that will swell your heart.

The novel is about love, loss and family. Family is important. It represents security and it is where we belong. When loss threatens to tear apart the very foundations, a family needs to learn how to belong again.

Not everyone is fortunate to have a loving family. We see a character who felt like excess baggage following the death of her mother. She has spent her whole life looking for love and putting others first. “She wanted to be important to someone.” This is such a sad emotive statement.

When someone dies suddenly, regrets and guilt pile up – guilt over what we did or didn’t say or do, and guilt for being alive. “You’re afraid that if you laugh, it might appear that you loved the person less.” We need to learn to live again.

Everyone handles loss in a different way. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. We must just muddle through as best as we can.

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Lessons I Have Unlearned by Florence Gildea

Jun25

Faith, Hope And Love

Lessons I Have Unlearned by Florence Gildea is a powerful book about learning to be the you that God created. It is about focusing on what God says about you and not listening to the world. This book will aid you in your Christian walk.

The style is very personable. It feels like advice from a dear friend rather than reading a book.

The media exerts pressure on us all to look a certain way and to wear certain clothes and then we will be happy. We see thin, beautiful women, not realising that their lumps, bumps and imperfections have been air brushed out. Incidentally my daughters paid for me to have a photo shoot with them for my 50th birthday… the technician producing the photos preceded to air brush the shadows out under my eyes. The result is … a great photo that looks nothing like me, and everything like Linda Nolan! So you really cannot believe what the world shows you.

The author has experienced the pressures of the world, having battled anorexia in her teens. The media tells us the lie that to be skinny equals to be happy. God is more concerned with the state of our heart that our outward appearance. We need to listen to His voice that tells us that we are loved. His Son died that we might have life and have it to the full.

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Seven Perfect Things by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Jun24

The Value Of Kindness

Seven Perfect Things by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a charming contemporary novel that will delight the reader.

At the heart of the novel are seven wonderful puppies who are bundles of fun. A thirteen year old girl rescued them and she needs them as much as they need her. The puppies give unconditional love and enable her to experience the freedom to express her true emotions.

Within the novel there is an abusive relationship that affects all those within the family. The abuse is emotional but it leaves scars.

In contrast we see a loving widower who also lets the puppies minister to his heart and soul.

The healing power of small puppies as their helplessness and playfulness brings out the best in those around them.

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