Archive | March 2023

Where We Belong by Sarah Bennett

Mar10

A Fabulous New Series

Where We Belong by Sarah Bennett is a delightful, contemporary novel and the first book in the Juniper Meadows series.

Sarah Bennett once more has created a marvelous set of characters who are warm and welcoming. Juniper Meadows is owned by a family whose heritage goes back centuries. They employ many in the village and have huge hearts. The community functions as a family, those in need are always helped.

An archeological dig sets out to uncover the secrets of the past. Mud is hiding history. Likewise, within a family, there are secrets that are hiding the truth. Scratch beneath the surface to reveal personal history.

We are not responsible for the actions of our parents, neither are we destined to turn into them. Within the novel we see bloodline fathers behaving appallingly. In contrast there are those who have taken on the role of a father, who treat youngsters with love and care.

We also see a character who has no right to lord it over others. He is a self-made man and pompous with it. In contrast, we see the love, care and respect, with which the true lords and ladies of the manor treat all those they meet.

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The Challengers by Grace Livingston Hill

Mar8

Absolutely Charming

The Challengers by Grace Livingston Hill is an absolutely charming Christian novel written in a bygone age.

Grace Livingston Hill writes with great warmth and faith as we follow a family through the hard times of the Wall Street Crash of 1929. We witness the close-knit family unit who pull together, thinking only of others before self. Along the way they meet both guardian angels and absolute rotters.

The family had had little time for God in the past. Their comfortable circumstances meant they had no need to rely on God. He seemed relegated to past times. The perception of the youngest daughter is spot on as she suggests prayer as an answer to circumstances. This reminds the reader that Jesus asks us to have a child-like faith. Pray and believe that our prayers will be answered. As our faith muscle is exercised, it will be stretched. We must “ask[ing] God to … show … what to do.” God longs to hear our prayers. Nothing is ever too big or too small for Him. If it bothers us, it bothers Him.

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Socks by Beverly Clearly

Mar7

For Cat Lovers Everywhere

Socks by Beverly Clearly is a delightful children’s novel for ages five years and older. More confident readers will be able to read the book themselves. Younger children will enjoy listening to the story.

The story is told from the point of view of Socks, a young kitten in need of a home. As a crazy cat lady, I found the tale particularly charming.

There were a few hair-raising moments for Socks, which as a life-long cat owner, I found easy to empathise with.

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Lions Of Judah by Kirby Lee Davis

Mar7

See History Come Alive

Lions Of Judah by Kirby Lee Davis is a fabulous Christian historical novel. It is the second book in The Jonah Cycle series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading book one first for maximum enjoyment.

This book blends fact and fiction as its’ roots are in history. The masterful pen of Kirby Lee Davis brings the past to life. All the characters are fully rounded, springing to life for the reader.

The action is fast paced as we follow various skirmishes between good and evil. Uniquely we witness the scenes and hear the narration in the first person from the perspective of a lion. He stands apart from the humans as he witnesses their faith in action.

We see that life is always a battle between good and evil. We need to tie our colours to the mast and say a big yes to our Maker.

Though a beast of the field, the lion “saw the heart of the Maker” in the humans. When God lives in us, His light shines through us.

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