Archive | October 2021

Voices From The Past – The Woman by Elizabeth Uywin

Oct29

Looking At The Stars

Voices From The Past – The Woman by Elizabeth Uywin is the final book in the Voices From The Past trilogy. It is another captivating read as we follow Mary Cole through the war years to 1947.

Having read all three books back-to-back, it has been a powerful journey with Mary Cole. I have been totally emotionally invested since the first page of book one.

In this final book, Mary Cole becomes a land girl. It was a hard life as she was billeted with a Norfolk farmer who had no time for Londoners. Once more, Mary’s sunny personality shines through as she rolls up her sleeves and does her bit for the war effort.

Throughout the trilogy we have seen Mary’s heart of compassion for others – whether it was her sister, those bombed out or a lady whose house flooded – Mary’s heart is huge.

War brought losses – and not always through bombs. There were personal tragedies that would last a lifetime. “I’ve just lost a child… I have to believe that someone somewhere is taking care of my boy. The thought of Jesus being with him helps me cope.” What a heart-breaking scene. We witness the importance of faith in a life. This ordinary life of faith contrasts with that of the parish priest who seems more interested in high teas and a tit for tat type of religion.

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The Perfect Daughter by Alex Stone

Oct29

Truth Or Lies?

The Perfect Daughter by Alex Stone is a gripping contemporary psychological suspense that I just could not put down as I read with heart racing.

The novel is written in two alternating time periods ‘then’ and ‘now.’ The reader must try to join the dots to reveal the truth.

There is the theme of trust. When life has a habit of knocking us down, we find it difficult to trust. Sometimes our trust is misplaced.

A mother’s desire to protect is strong but what happens when it becomes overbearing? Is it actually protecting? Or smothering?

A character has been manipulated and molded to fit the ideas of another. In the course of this the truth has become blurred as she believes what she is told. But is it the truth or a lie?

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The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan

Oct28

Friends And Family

The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan is a most delightful contemporary festive offering about family and friends.

The story is set in snow-covered Lapland in the two weeks leading up to Christmas. Delicious descriptions of the landscape, log cabins, Christmas trees and sleigh rides all come alive under the masterful pen of Sarah Morgan. The reader is in for a real treat.

We learn about what home is. “Home wasn’t the honey-coloured bricks… home was people. Home was feeling wanted and loved.” We may be in a house with family members but still feel lonely. We need to know we are loved.

Our upbringing has far-reaching effects into our adult lives. We are all a product of our pasts. We must not dwell there but learn the lessons of the past. “Stop chewing on what-if and deal with what is.”

Parents influence their children’s well-being. We see love lavished on a young child giving her stability and confidence. In contrast we see adults who still cannot shake off the influence of parents who seemingly didn’t care. Their emotional well-being has been damaged in childhood and affects their relationships ever since as they continually wait for rejection.

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All For You by Louise Jensen

Oct28

Absolutely Gripping

All For You by Louise Jensen is an absolutely gripping compulsive contemporary psychological thriller. I could not put it down and greedily devoured it.

The story surrounds one family and some friends. It seems like everyone is hiding a guilty secret – but is it the same one?

Within the family one of the teenage boys is ill. Living with a ticking health condition puts a strain on all the relationships.

The other brother is consumed with guilt from various sources including his part in a teenage prank that had far reaching results. We witness that for every choice we make, we must accept the consequences.

Loss affects a whole family. “I’m sorry I’m alive.” Some things are just impossible to ever leave behind.

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