Archive | June 2023

The Waterfront Lass by AnneMarie Brear

Jun6

Kind Hearts & Good Manners

The Waterfront Lass by AnneMarie Brear is a fabulous historical novel which I really enjoyed.

The action is set in Wakefield in 1870. The reader drops into both the homes of the working classes and the drawing rooms of the upper class. We see that for some, there is no distinction but for others, clear class lines are drawn.

What makes someone a lady or a gentleman? It is not wealth or status but manners that makes a person. We witness the dreadful snobbery of some, in contrast to the kind hearts of others.

Philanthropy is practiced as purse strings are opened to those in need. We see the generous hearts of those who have little sharing with those who have nothing. Budgeting is important, whether you have much or little.

Friendships are beautiful to see. There are some very heart-warming alliances within the book. I loved dropping in on the conversations with the gardener and also the new ladies maid.

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A Question Of Loyalty by Gillian Poucher

Jun4

An Angel Watching Over

A Question Of Loyalty by Gillian Poucher is a powerful contemporary Christian suspense that totally consumed me from the start.

Gillian Poucher has created a set of very realistic characters who are easy to relate to and empathise with. We see characters who are struggling with various aspects of life that are relevant to us all today. The characters have realistic flaws making them believable.

We see the light of Jesus shining through a character. No matter that life has been tough for him, he still looks out for others. Sometimes angels are just humans in clothes with kind hearts and Jesus living in them and through them.

God sends people across our paths for a reason. “The retired priest was convinced that individuals come into our lives for a reason.” God knows just who we need, where and when.

The attitude to a homeless man by various characters speaks volumes about the hearts of others. “’How do you know his name?’ ‘I asked him’… ‘Well it’s one thing giving them spare change but isn’t it a bit … familiar to find out their names?’ ‘They are people.’ For too many, the homeless are invisible. It warms the heart to see characters look beyond the outward appearance to the man underneath. It reminds the reader that Jesus is far more interested with the state of our hearts than the labels in our clothes. God created us rich and poor alike. He knows each and everyone of us and He always calls us by name.

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A Vintage Vacation by Maddie Please

Jun2

Carpe Diem

A Vintage Vacation by Maddie Please is an absolutely delightful contemporary novel that warmed my heart and made me smile.

The leading characters are all over sixty and full of fun, vigor and life, proving that life is for living whatever your age. The characters are a breath of fresh air as they breeze through the novel.

Much of the book is set in Italy. The landscapes spring into life under the artistic pen of Maddie Please. The vim and vigor of Italy contrasts sharply with London which squashes the life out of the characters.

There is the theme of what defines us. “There’s more to life than your job.” We are so much more than what we do. Our lives are there to be lived. We witness the natural landscape drawing the life out of the ladies. Life is to be grabbed, seized and lived. Put away the corporate and embrace the natural.

Family and friends – old and new – are important. We need to enjoy our time together while we can. Life is short. Eternity is long. No one on their deathbed ever says “I wish I’d spent more time at the office.” We need to re-order our priorities and live right.

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The Wagging Tails Dogs Home by Sarah Hope

Jun2

Delightful

The Wagging Tails Dogs Home by Sarah Hope is a positively delightful contemporary novel that will warm your heart.

If you love dogs – this is definitely the book for you. I am a crazy cat lady but I absolutely adored this book.

There are so many dogs in need of new homes that the shelters are overflowing. No one ever wants to turn a dog away. Looking after the dogs costs money. The reader follows the staff at the dogs home as they prepare for their annual fund raising event. There are hiccups along the way but the dedicated staff are determined not to let the dogs down.

We witness lives that have also been let down by others. Being hurt has made souls cautious but there are good people out there.

All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable. It felt more like meeting new friends as I dropped in on their lives. There was a wonderful camaraderie as the staff at the dogs home had huge, generous hearts.

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