Archive | July 2024

The Potentials by Kathleen Rapp

Jul23

Serenely Beautiful

The Potentials by Kathleen Rapp is a very beautiful novel that I read in just one sitting. It captured my attention from the start. I read, enraptured, throughout, pausing at the jaw-dropping ‘wow’ moment near the end. It was a book that captured my heart and soul.

This is such a beautiful novel. Once you finish reading it, you really will want to read it again, now that you have total knowledge.

The book alternates between two states – ‘now’ and rediscovering memories from the past. As more and more is uncovered, the vision in ‘now’ becomes clearer.

We see that life is no always easy. Bad things do happen to good people and we have no idea why.

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The Ghost Garden by Emma Carroll

Jul22

Premonitions

The Ghost Garden by Emma Carroll is a charming children’s historical novel that is perfect for ages 8-10 years old.

The book is set over the summer of 1914. We follow a young boy who is remarkably perceptive about events in Europe as he foresees World War I.

We follow the action through the eyes of the young daughter of the gardener to a big house. She believes that her discoveries in the garden also foretell of events.

This book will educate young readers about events that led up to the outbreak of World War I.

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The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q Rauf

Jul21

Opening Eyes & Hearts

The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q Rauf is a powerful contemporary children’s novel that I read in just one sitting. It is perfect for ages ten years and over. I always enjoy Onjali Q Rauf’s stories as she writes about relevant issues that need to be highlighted.

The main focus of this book is the twin themes of bullies and the homeless. Hector, a ten year old bully, takes great delight in his actions and is the main protagonist. He fears no one – teachers, parents, peers – despite being a bully, there are some endearing qualities too as he is caring towards his four year old brother.

As we read “grown-ups only ever help people they like, and I’ve never met a single grown-up who likes me.” The reader wonders why this ten year old has such low self-esteem.

As the novel progresses, the reader witnesses Hector’s character transformation as he begins to bud and blossom. Underneath there does beat a heart of gold. It just needs unleashing.

It is heartbreaking to see the plight of the homeless. They are ignored at best, treated cruelly at worst. We witness the kind souls who see the people beneath the tatty clothes. These folk try to help via soup kitchens and conversations.

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Secrets In Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen

Jul18

Living Life

Secrets In Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen is the most charming contemporary novel that warmed my heart. It is the second book in the Pelican Crossing series but can be read as a stand-alone. For maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading book one first for your introduction to the Pelican Crossing community.

Pelican Crossing is just up the coast from Bellbird Bay. Readers of that delightful series will be familiar with characters and locations that also pop up in this book.

This is a book about families. Families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. We meet a newly widowed lady and her five year old son, both of whom have been left with PTSD. Help comes in many different forms including the grandfather and a puppy called Bluey. Bluey bonds with his little owner. It is beautiful to witness, as is the growing bond between grandfather and grandson.

There is also a divorcee with two grown up daughters. They have a loving bond. We witness that the age of fifty is pivotal. It can be a time for new beginnings.

As well as new beginnings, we see a past that must be faced. What began as shame many years ago, is now a blessing.

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