Archive | January 2026

The Virgin Mary’s Got Nits by Gervase Phinn

Jan6

Heart Warming

The Virgin Mary’s Got Nits by Gervase Phinn is a very charming anthology of tales and poems set at Christmas.

We hear tales about nativities that the author experienced as he visited schools in Yorkshire in his role as school inspector. Children are delightfully honest and forthright in their opinions, which often produces much hilarity.

A child in a nativity said: “Can you tell the palm tree to shift, Miss, he’s blocking my view and I can’t see my Nana.”

An angel in another nativity when talking of the baby Jesus said: “’E’s a reight bobby-dazzler.”

There are poems scattered throughout, as well as short stories that bring a tear to your eye. My particular favourites were Happy Christmas, Miss Dunn; and A Christmas Miracle.

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The Shadow Carver by Nadine Matheson

Jan6

Gripping

The Shadow Carver by Nadine Matheson is a gripping contemporary psychological murder suspense that I just couldn’t put down. It is the fourth book in the Inspector Anjelica Henley series and can be read as a stand-alone. I, however, recommend reading the books in numerical order for character and storyline progression. Though each book deals with a new crime, there is one storyline that is running throughout the books. As this book ended, we are perfectly poised to pick up the thread in book five – and I cannot wait!

Once more we join inspector Anjelica Henley and her team as they chase a very gruesome serial killer or killers. It appears to be vigilante justice but who is the mastermind? Is there a mastermind?

The law enforcement team are relentless in their pursuit. We also witness personal relationships and office politics. There are personality clashes and jealousy over friendships. We see the back stories and families of some.

Family is important. Not just personal family but the police family too. They have each other’s backs. When one of their own is hurt, everyone picks up a piece of guilt.

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A Knock At The Door by Rob Parsons

Jan6

Somebody At The Gate

A Knock At The Door by Rob Parsons is a powerful and emotional read that will have you reaching for the tissues.

This is the true story of Ronnie Lockwood and his life with Rob and Dianne Parsons. Ronnie Lockwood was homeless when he knocked on the door of the Parsons at Christmas 1975. He was invited in, and lived with the couple for forty-five years. Their generosity knew no bounds as they lived out their Christian faith.

The couple taught Ronnie so much. Having been brought up in care, Ronnie had known little love and kindness – he was shown both by the Parsons family. He learnt how to love and how to be loved.

In return, the family also learnt about love off Ronnie. Ronnie has a big heart that loved, despite his life in care. He also had a heart that gave. All those who met Ronnie, loved him.

Ronnie Lockwood was a gentle giant of a man. His personality shines through from the pages of the book. He brought out the mothering instincts in me.

It is under the care of the Parsons that Ronnie gets his first job as a bin man. He also volunteers his time. His was a life that gave. He gave when eyes were on him. He gave even more when they weren’t.

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The Lost Boys Of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright

Jan3

Let Go & Let God

The Lost Boys Of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright is a powerful Christian historical dual timeline novel that I loved.

Once more Jaime Jo Wright has penned a dark and brooding novel that grabs the reader’s attention from the start. Scenes set at night and in an old dark theatre help to set the atmosphere. Amongst all the cloak and daggers, the reader tries to guess what is real and what is an illusion?

The action takes pace in 1915 and present day, with Barlowe theatre as its’ focus. There are rumours of lost boys and a woman in white walking abroad. What is real? Are there ghosts of the past that need to be put to rest?

In both time periods there are leading female characters who are struggling to find their place in society. Both feel abandoned by parents – one through death, and the other due to being adopted. They both struggle with feelings of self-worth. In 1915, one’s worth was attached to one’s position in society. “What would ruin someone of Eleanor’s status would merely go unnoticed by those in her world.” There are different rules for the different classes.

In present day the leading lady finds it difficult to trust that she is lovable as she was abandoned at birth by her birth mother. “Deep down… Kit felt disposable. Even her faith was challenged by the idea that God too must certainly have His limits of grace.” God is our loving Father. His love for us is unconditional and everlasting. The leading lady struggles to believe that God’s love is given freely to her and that she doesn’t have to earn it. “Human nature is conditional… But God is not.” Slowly her faith emerges. “A thin thread of belief that her value wasn’t based on conditions.”

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