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Simply Sophie Simpleton by P.G. James

Nov13

Her Bestest Friend

Simply Sophie Simpleton by P.G. James is a perfectly charming Christian children’s novel, just right for children aged eight years and over. It is the third book in the Sophie Simpleton series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed catching up with familiar faces.

The story is set in Australia in the mountains during the 1970’s. As the novel opens and closes, there is a tremendous storm. This reminds the reader that through all the storms of life, Jesus is in the boat with us.

Sophie Simpleton loves Jesus. He is her “bestest friend.” She talks to Him daily, living her life in the shadow of the question – what would Jesus do? She doesn’t always get it right, and that’s part of her charm and what makes her believable. Sophie Simpleton struggles with life just as we do. She has the big question – why do bad things happen to good people? Often there is no answer to that question but we just have to trust that God is good and God is love.

Sophie Simpleton is kind-hearted, standing up for what is right. There is a joi de vivre about her. She has been a victim of bullying, and still is, but “she made a conscious decision to reach out a hand of mercy and forgiveness.” She rallies behind other victims and befriends them.

As a child of the 1970’s I loved some of the cultural references. I, too, played elastics in the playground (and was rather good at it!). There is an old-fashioned party with party games, and the present Sophie Simpleton wants most, is a big dictionary. I loved that instead of birthday wishes, there are birthday prayers. It was a time of simplicity – no electrical gadgets to distract the children from the freedom of playing outside.

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The Bitter End Birding Society by Amanda Cox

Nov12

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

The Bitter End Birding Society by Amanda Cox is a powerful and heartfelt dual timeline Christian novel that I never wanted to end.

The action is set in present day and 1959. The young girls in the earlier period are now old ladies. For almost a lifetime they have been estranged. Guilt and secrets have weighed heavy. Instead of building a treasured friendship, they chose to tear it down.

In contrast to their daughters, we witness fathers who practice sacrificial love. Family first, no matter the personal cost. Outsiders may judge motives but God knows their hearts. Silence is kept in order to preserve and protect the innocent.

Characters are struggling with guilt that they were never meant to carry. “I need to step outside the walls I’ve built and remember who God created me to be.” When we erect walls around our hearts for protection, they have the opposite effect and they imprison us. We then lose sight of who we were created to be.

We see that a character who is actually behind physical walls, is living in greater freedom because his heart belongs to God and he, therefore, knows just whose he is.

Characters have huge hearts for people, and go where God calls them to be. “Lord willing, I’ll pastor a church someday and play a small role in bringing hope to weary souls.” We all need hope. Without hope, the people perish.

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Jacob’s Bell by John Snyder

Nov6

Rescued By An Angel

Jacob’s Bell by John Snyder is a powerful Christmas Christian novel that I loved.

The story is set in 1944 but also has flashbacks to the 1920’s as we follow a lead character who is estranged from his family.

Life was hard in America between the wars. A character slowly slides downwards as he keeps dubious company and seeks solace in alcohol and cigarettes. “His life quickly transformed from one of power and privilege, and respect to one of chaos and darkness.” A personal tragedy was the springboard to a life unravelling.

As we join the character in 1944, we see him regretting his choices. “Haunted by memories of the past, filled with regrets and what-ifs, he longed for love.” We cannot change the past but we can learn lessons from it.

We witness that there is power in forgiveness. “He realised the importance of forgiveness.” We forgive because we have been forgiven. Forgiveness is not a one-off event; it is a journey. “His journey towards forgiveness.” I loved this description: “Forgiveness is a gift that can’t be demanded, only requested through prayer and grace… I feel at peace with myself.”

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An Honorable Deception by Roseanna M White

Nov3

Truth. Family. Love.

An Honorable Deception by Roseanna M White is a powerful historical Christian novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the third book in The Imposters series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces, not only from earlier in the series but also from a previous series. This all helps to thoroughly immerse the reader within the tale.

The novel is set in 1912 in both Northumberland and London. The City is a grimy place full of dubious morals and entitled characters. In contrast, the air in Northumberland is fresh, and there is a lightness and freedom to be found. Kindness is the order of the day. The family help those whom society has marginalised. This care extends to widows and orphans too.

I loved the inclusion of the circus animals. Penelope, the monkey is adorable. They too, are saved from cruelty or worse.

There are the difficult themes of trafficking young girls and redundant ayahs into prostitution for the elite. This is sensitively tackled by Roseanna M White. We meet characters who are quite rightly outraged, and who will fight for those without a voice.

We see the importance of listening to the voice of God. “You’re too weak… It was mother’s voice in her head, reciting the phrase that had become her mantra.” Other voices speak lies to us. God’s voice speaks truth.

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