Archive | December 2025

No Oil Painting by Genevieve Marenghi

Cosy Crime

No Oil Painting by Genevieve Marenghi is a contemporary cosy crime novel that will grab your attention from the start.

The novel is set in the National Trust property of Ham House, where the author volunteers her time. As such, her knowledge is vast. Comprehensive descriptions enable the reader to ‘walk’ through the house and gardens.

The volunteers are mainly women and elderly. The lead character is in her seventies and feels passed over and unseen. This is a distinct advantage when it comes to committing the perfect crime. There is forward planning but the heist does not run smoothly.

The whole novel is light-hearted. There is a friendly banter between the characters which makes them easily relatable and likable. There is much tongue-in-cheek humour, and I loved the reference to old television programmes such as Porridge.

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God Rest Ye Merry by Scott R Rezer

Love Came Down

God Rest Ye Merry by Scott R Rezer is an absolutely charming dual timeline Christmas Christian novel that I loved. I never wanted it to end. It is the sixth book in A Festival Of Carols series but can be read as a stand-alone. I know that whenever I pick up a festive novel by the author, I am going to be delighted and experience a wonderful read.

The action is set in modern-day America and in Dicken’s Victorian London. The link between the two periods is Meg, who is passionate about all things to do with Charles Dickens.

In modern-day America we also meet Pastor Sean who is having a crisis of faith. “I need You [God]… I’m not even sure how or what to pray. I feel so lost.” In his lostness, Sam still recognises his need for a Saviour but says “there was nothing worse than a pastor who had forgotten how to connect with God.” Sean decides on a short sabbatical in order to sort himself out.

We see that guilt weighs heavy. It was a burden that Sean was never meant to carry for he had done nothing wrong but, in his grief, he misremembered events.

In Dickens’ London we see the plight of the poor. They were the subject of many of his stories as he wanted to raise awareness. There were a few philanthropists who believed, “these wee ones shouldn’t suffer on account of their births or low class.”

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From Realms Of Glory by Scott R Rezer

A Christmas Miracle

From Realms Of Glory by Scott R Rezer is the most charming contemporary Christian Christmas novella that I loved. It is the sixth book in A Festival Of Carols series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Scott R Rezer has perfectly captured the love between a husband and wife; and God’s love for them. God’s faithfulness to the couple produces a Christmas miracle on which they can stand. Having a firm foundation in the love of God is vital especially in uncertain times.

Sacrificial love on behalf of both has brought them to this point – and it is their love which will propel them forwards.

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The Garden Of Shared Stories by Clare Swatman

Ripples Through Time

The Garden Of Shared Stories by Clare Swatman is the most delightful timeslip novel that I absolutely loved and never wanted it to end.

The book is unique as the leading man and lady meet – but are twenty years apart. It is a magical meeting of two hearts beating as one. Both are grieving the loss of the loved ones of their lives. “He understood because he was grieving too.” They are two sides of the same coin. United by loss, held together with love.

Grief is very raw. “How it feels every single day as though you need to remind yourself to get up, get dressed, carry on while all the time it feels as though you’re being pressed down by a heavy weight.” The grief journey can be lonely. It may be accompanied by guilt. “After he died… I tortured myself, thinking about what I should have said or done differently.” The past is gone. Re-hashing it won’t alter a thing. We need to learn to put guilt to bed.

Clare Swatman writes with sensitivity. The emotions leap from the pages and into the reader’s heart. We really empathise with the characters.

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