Dancing In The Light

Roxie Applesauce by Tonya L Matthews is the sequel to Treasures Atop The Mountain but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed reading the books in order for character development and progression.

Roxie Applesauce is a contemporary Christian novel. It is about faith and a God who answers prayer. We are called to pray without ceasing. God will always answer us. Sometimes the answer comes just as we are on the verge of giving up. God will never forget us or our prayers.

The novel is a heartbreaking read as we follow a young girl through her life to the end. We drop in on her over the years. We see the power of the imagination to lift her beyond her circumstances. Raised by cruel grandparents, the reader’s heart just breaks. Every time something good happens to her, her grandparents squash it with unbelievable cruelty. Still, the character maintains her sunny disposition in childhood.

We see she bounces back from the continual knocks until one day, hurt is all she expects. “She wasn’t hallucinating… She hadn’t expected kindness.” Her ending is far nicer than her beginning.

The tale follows a family. We witness sibling rivalry, as well as support. Hearts are in the correct place.

Money can be used for good or ill. We should be wise stewards. “Touch someone’s life when they would never expect it.” We need to bless others as we have been blessed, and pay it forward.

We are not just a product of our past. “Don’t think that the past is all you’ve got – You write your future.” The future is calling us.

All the characters were wonderfully drawn. They were warm and welcoming.

Roxie Applesauce was an emotional read as we see faith in action, and the goodness of God.

I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON