Archive | July 2025

I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery

Jul20

Choose Love

I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery is a powerful children’s novel that I loved. It is perfect for ages eight years and over.

The novel explores the twin themes of love and loyalty as farm-dog Rebel, sets out in search of his twelve-year-old master, Tom. “He [Tom] is my everything. He’s my nights and my mornings and all my hours inbetween.”

Rebel believes that Tom needs saving, not only from war but from himself. “I have to fight for him… I love him. I have to save him, like he saved me.”

Along the way, Rebel meets characters who help him – a stray dog; a mouse; a pig; a donkey; and a little girl and her grandfather. All become a part of Rebel’s story, whilst having their own individual stories.

Rebel learns about the Companion. “Wherever I go, the Companion walks beside me… The Companion led each of us into this world, they will lead us out of it again… They will walk beside you, always.” The Companion is the canine version of the Holy Spirit.

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Jaipur Moon by Liz Harris

Jul19

Unearthed Secrets

Jaipur Moon by Liz Harris is a historical novel that I enjoyed.

The book is set in India in 1934 as we follow three British families who reside there.

Secrets from 1916 that have been buried, threaten to be unearthed. Unscrupulous characters plot the downfall of others in order to preserve themselves.

There are big hearted characters who believe that family should know the truth. Secrets are a big burden to bear.

One’s character is far more important than one’s wealth. The love of money is the root of all evil and is sure to bring about a downfall.

Three eighteen-year-olds are in the market for marriage. They want to choose their own partners for love, and not have their parents influence.

Liz Harris has written a novel that explodes with vibrancy of heat and colour due to her comprehensive descriptions. The reader is also educated as we are treated to trips out to local landmarks.

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The Little Cottage By The Cornish Sea by Nancy Barone

Jul17

Coastal Aunts

The Little Cottage By The Cornish Sea by Nancy Barone is the most delightful contemporary novel that I absolutely loved and never wanted it to end.

The main theme is that of friendship. The lead character is fleeing her life in London. It was an isolated life with just one best friend. Her life was closed and lonely in London. In contrast with a small Cornish fishing village which offers friendship, care, compassion and so much more. It is a place where strangers are welcomed as family. Love and support abound.

A dilapidated cottage is in need of a make-over. Likewise, this echoes the life of the leading lady who also needs a make-over of her life.

There are huge hearts within the novel. Their love and care reach beyond the pages to envelop the reader. We feel better at the end of the book than we did at the beginning.

Lives need help in order to heal. In the village kind hearts provide the groundwork for healing.

There are some misunderstandings but the truth is always the truth, and will come out one day.

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The Dawn Of Adonis by Phil Earle

Jul16

Exciting & Engaging

The Dawn Of Adonis by Phil Earle is the most charming children’s historical novel that I absolutely loved. It is perfect for ages eight years and over. It is a thoroughly enjoyable novel whatever your age.

This is a tale of adventure as we race through the streets of London in 1911. It has all the elements that make it exciting – heroes; villains; and a precious baby that needs protecting. There really is something for everyone.

The novel is very atmospheric and emotional. “The mountain howled. The jungle cried… the sky wept.” That really spoke to my heart.

We see the bravery of young children and the desire to protect and to do the right thing, even if the right thing is hard to do.

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