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Garden Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Mar19

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Garden Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a most delightful contemporary Christian novel that I read in just one sitting.

As readers of the author’s books, we know that whenever we pick up a book by Carrie Fancett Pagels, we will be richly entertained. In this book, we return to Mackinac Island and meet some new faces in a familiar setting. Cameo appearances of characters from previous novels bring an air of familiarity and comfort to the reader as we feel like we are coming home.

The pace of life is slower. The two lead characters are the other side of fifty. Both have lost their spouses and have wandered in a wasteland. One preferred to withdraw from life. The other threw herself into volunteering. Friendship blossoms as they realise that life can be fulfilling once more. There are second chances to be grabbed.

Love blossoms for younger characters too.

We see the blending of the Italian and American cultures. The latter are smaller families, whereas the Italians tend to have large extended families.

Characters need to find careers and passions that are fulfilling but “Lord, don’t let my daughter prioritize her career over life with her future family.” There is more to life than work. We witness the detrimental effect that workaholics bring to the family.

Sometimes careers are born out of love and care. A sister wants to develop healing fragrances after her brother lost his sense of smell after Covid.

Working the land brings joy. Some produce food, others produce flowers. All are part of God’s creation.

Life is not always smooth but God is always faithful. “We’re not guaranteed a smooth sailing… like in life. But we can trust God to provide.”  We see that His eye is on His children as one narrowly escapes harm. We see God turn her disappointment into thankfulness for His care.

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Fires Of Injustice by Kendy Pearson

Mar12

Chosen & Loved

Fires Of Injustice by Kendy Pearson is a powerful Christian historical novel that is grounded in facts. The tale is set in 1880’s America and concerns the plight of the Chinese people in America who were persecuted and rejected by many. The reader is educated as we read. It was a time in history that I knew nothing about. I was horrified at the dreadful prejudices and cruelty.

As the story opens, it is twenty years earlier than the main tale. We are in China where the reader witnesses the dreadful practice of disposing of baby girls (also called ‘go-away girls’). An American couple with a heart for the Chinese people, rescue an orphan girl believing “God has given us a precious piece of China to have with us always.”

Though the baby was rejected by man, she is known by God. His hand has been on her life from the start. “She was… a beautiful gem, a precious treasure in God’s eyes.”

In the main story, the baby is now grown, and has a heart to open a home for abandoned and neglected Chinese girls. The white women in America are enthusiastic about helping the girls, until they find out that they will be Chinese and not American girls, and then all offers of help are rescinded. The leading character declares “our home is a home to all who need a home.” The Chinese girls have been brought to America by unscrupulous and greedy men who see the girls as commodities and put them to work in brothels. “These were God’s precious children, but evil called them merchandise. Evil called them disposable.”

Rescuing the girls requires courage to stand up to the evil men. But when God is with us, we cannot fail, even if we run into trouble.

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Jackal by Michael J Webb

Mar10

Spiritual Battles

Jackal by Michael Jack Webb is a Christian fantasy suspense that will grip you from the start. It is the second book in The Justice Chronicles but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces.

Life is a spiritual battle. There are more forces around us than what we can see and hear.

Within the tale, the forces of evil try to outwit the good. God asks us to trust Him. If we call on His Name, we will be saved. For at His Name, the demons will flee.

The reader travels to Egypt. Though the story is set in present day, we hear of the ancient artefacts, customs and gods.

The leading character is very perceptive, having vivid dreams that need interpreting.

Michael Jack Webb has clearly well researched ancient Egypt as we become immersed in that unfamiliar world.

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Meet Me At The Starlight by Rachel Hauck

Mar8

Immanuel God With Us

Meet Me At The Starlight by Rachel Hauck is a powerful and beautiful Christian dual timeline novel that I adored from the start.

The novel is set during the Depression of the 1930’s and in 1987 in Sea Blue Beach as we follow lead character Tuesday Knight in both periods – as a young mother, and then an old grandmother. She is the owner of the Starlight skating rink.

The Starlight skating rink is very much a character in its’ own right. It is the place where life happens from the 1880’s when Prince Blue encountered Immanuel after a shipwreck on Sea Blue Beach. Prince Blue had the rink built and had a giant mural of Immanuel painted on a wall, looking down over the people.

Immanuel is not just a painting. He meets people just when they need Him. “He was more alive than anyone she’d ever known.” He breaks bread, cooks fish, and imparts His Presence into hearts. “You saw God and He left you a piece of heaven.”

Lead character, Tuesday, was shown kindness by Prince Blue when she was down on her luck. She now helps others in need, with the one request – that they pay-it-forward when they can.

When the Starlight is threatened with demolition, people step forward as they want to save it. Tuesday believes “I know I can trust Him [God]. If He doesn’t save us, He must have a better plan.” Sometimes we have to trust God in the dark. Hold on, hope is coming. “We’ve seen what man can do, now let’s see what God can do.” God’s best is more than we could ever hope for.

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