Archive | November 2024

One Silent Night by Scott R Rezer

Nov29

A Timeless Appeal

One Silent Night by Scott R Rezer is the most charming dual timeline Christian Christmas novel that I absolutely loved. It is the first book in A Festival Of Carols and I cannot wait to read the subsequent books.

One Silent Night is beautifully written. There is a serenity to it and an air of wistfulness. The story has a timeless appeal. This is a book that could be read as part of a Christmas tradition.

The novel is set in the Ardennes, Belgium in 1944 and also in small town America in 2012. Both stories are set just before Christmas and are similar but different as we follow two serving soldiers – one in World War II and the other invalided out after an IED in Afghanistan.

Obviously in 1944 there was much loss of life as a bitter battle raged as the American soldiers fought the Nazis. In 2012 in his hometown, the veteran is returning home following the death of his grandparents three years earlier. The memories are all around. His heart has been locked away. “By shutting away Christmas, I was shutting away… my memories.” Memories should keep us warm, not cause us pain.

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Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency by Josie Lloyd

Nov27

Amateur Sleuthing

Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency by Josie Lloyd is a simply marvellous contemporary cosy crime novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Miss Beeton is rather like a modern-day Miss Marple as when a crime occurs, she uses all her powers of amateur sleuthing to investigate. She believes that she will solve the crime quicker than the police.

Although there is a contemporary setting, the novel has a retro feel to it. It feels like a time when life was simpler. The reader feels as if they are in a bygone age of servants, masters and large houses.

Miss Beeton is a very likable heroine. She runs her agency with precision. She is also a (fictional) relative of Mrs Isabella Beeton, of the cook book fame. As an off-shoot, there are recipes included from the famous Mrs Beeton. They certainly tempt the reader’s tastebuds.

All the characters were wonderfully drawn, they were an eclectic mix. I loved the inclusion of Agatha, Miss Beeton’s little dog. She is named after Agatha Christie and really is a character in her own right.

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Maddie’s Magic Christmas by Sam Maxfield

Nov24

A Christmas Miracle

Maddie’s Magic Christmas by Sam Maxfield is the most charming contemporary children’s Christmas novel for ages eight years and over. Whatever your age, this is a really delightful read.

Sam Maxfield has perfectly captured the essence of Christmas. This is a book that will warm your heart and make you smile.

The characters are wholesome and kind. They are an eclectic mix from ten-year-old Maddie to Bavarian-born baker Mr Steiner. All will take up residence in the reader’s heart.

Maddie has a heart of gold that looks for the goodness in others. She helps out wherever possible, spreading kindness. She is well loved by all who know her – but Maddie is missing her father. She believes he is out there somewhere and did not just abandon them.

We can empathise with Maddie as she fears snow – she believes the snow took her father away and she fears losing anyone else. We witness her trying to overcome her fear.

Others have experienced loss. Mr Steiner’s wife died a year ago. Preparing his baked goods for Christmas merely empathises his sense of loss. Maddie sees his pain and is determined to help.

There is survivor’s guilt. “He almost felt guilty for it, as though without Betty, he shouldn’t be able to feel pleasure.” It is okay to learn to smile and to live again.

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The Revenge Pact by Liz Mistry

Nov22

Heroes & Villains

The Revenge Pact by Liz Mistry is a gripping contemporary crime thriller that totally consumed me. It is the second book in the Solanki & McQueen series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading book one first as there is a background story, begun in the first book, which runs underneath the main story. The ending reminds us that there is unfinished business which will be carried over to the next book.

I have to say the writing is superb. I loved the juxtaposing of opposites within a single sentence. “I’m clinging to life so that I can cause death.”

We follow gang-related crimes in Edinburgh and Glasgow, as decades old feuds continue. Turf wars between rival gangs mean trust is in short supply and memories are long.

A cold case is resurrected and reignites a desire to bring the guilty to justice.

All the characters were well drawn and realistic. They are rough, tough and ready – the criminals and police. There is no honor among thieves. In contrast the Jazz Queens in the force have each other’s backs.

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