Archive | September 2021

Land That I Love by Gail Kittleson

Sep8

Educated And Entertained

Land That I Love by Gail Kittleson is a marvellous historical novel that will both educate and entertain you.

The story is set in America during World War II and is seen through the eyes of an Englishman from Nottingham. It is written in the first person enabling the reader to become intimately acquainted with the main character and his young son.

Friendship and loyalty loom large as a manservant, William, accompanies the lead character from England to America. He has loyally served the family for years. In America, the land of the free, we witness the transition from servant to friend, where both are on an equal footing.

Mental illness takes a toll on lives and a marriage. The opening of the novel is reminiscent of Mr Rochester and his wife. It is a night that will forever haunt the lead character.

The reader hears the plight of the enemy aliens living within America. It is particularly focused on those of German descent. Despite being born in America, German immigrants were treated with prejudice, hostility and racial intolerance. Many were interned in camps.

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Power Play by Rachel Dylan

Sep7

Political Moves

Power Play by Rachel Dylan is a fabulous Christian contemporary political suspense. It is the third book in the Capital Intrigue series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Rachel Dylan has once more produced and executed a first-class plotline that had me glued from the start.

The characters are well drawn and realistic. As the action unfolded, I could easily picture the scenes due to comprehensive descriptions. The characters elicited a variety of emotional responses from me.

Suspicion is heightened and trust in short supply after two murders and one attack. The characters need to work out the perpetrator. I had my suspicions from the start – but was only partly correct. See if you can spot the villains.

Family is important. After the loss of her parents (years before the book opened, no spoilers here), the leading lady appreciates her sister even more.

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A Christmas In The Alps by Melody Carlson

Sep7

Treasure Hunt

A Christmas In The Alps by Melody Carlson is a most delightful contemporary Christian festive read. Every year Melody Carlson releases a new Christmas book which I eagerly look forward to and greedily devour.

The setting of Paris followed by the snow-covered Alps warms the reader’s soul. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and perfectly complemented by the crisp cold air outside. Melody Carlson has captured the essence of Christmas in a book.

A character is searching for her inheritance and her history. She discovers that riches turn up in the most unexpected places. As she relentlessly searches, the reader is reminded that God passionately pursues us as He longs to bring us home.

Family rifts and feuds need putting to bed. Life is too short to live with self-erected barriers between us.

Once again Melody Carlson has produced a wonderful festive offering. I love her annual book release that is full of warmth and love.

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Sweet Dreams Drive by Robin Lee Hatcher

Sep6

Weathering The Storm

Sweet Dreams Drive by Robin Lee Hatcher is a powerful tale about becoming parents to twins. It is book four in the Harts Crossing series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The reader witnesses the strain of tiredness and finances on a marriage. Being a new mum should be a time of happiness but tiredness can overwhelm. We see the importance of being honest with each other.

We also see the importance of making time for each other as a couple. We need to see our partners as God sees them.

Life is not about having the biggest house or the most money. Life is about focusing on God and others. We need to be content with what we have and not play the comparison game or try to buy the next best thing. If we chase things, we will never be satisfied. Our happiness will Always be in a ‘who’ and never a ‘what’.

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