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Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley

Aug1

Thrilling

Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley is a thrilling contemporary Christian crime suspense. It is the first book in the Pearl River series which promises to be fantastic.

Patricia Bradley has created an intricate plotline which draws the reader in from the start and has us glued and guessing. All the characters are believable and easy to empathise with.

The leading lady, Alexis, is relentless in her pursuit of justice. She puts her job first, above everything else in her life. “Just like your grandfather didn’t ask for God’s input, I imagine you haven’t discussed this goal of yours with God either.” Life events have meant that Alexis pushed God away, preferring to trust herself instead of God. Her grandmother fears Alexis will end up alone and full of regrets. No one on their death bed has ever wished that they spent more time in the office.

Though we may drift away from God, He is faithful and walks beside us, longing for us to turn to Him. At times of crisis, a character ‘hears’ the voice of God in her heart.

Godly grandparents remind Alexis of what is really important. “Gram nodded toward the Bible…” “Be sure to take time there.” We need to make time for God and know His Word, so that in times of trouble, we will be able to recall and stand on His promises to us.

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A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano

Jul24

The True Vine

A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano is a powerful Christian historical novel that consumed me from the start.

The novel is set in nineteenth century England in the West Country. It is written around the topic of a vineyard, reminding us that God is the true vine and we are the branches. The reader learns all about how to tend the vines so that they thrive and produce fruit. “The vines best protection… is not higher walls but deeper roots.” This reminds the reader that we need to have firm foundations in our Christian walk. We must learn the scriptures so that when troubles come, we can stand firm on the Word of God.

We ‘hear’ the action in the first and third person through the leading man and lady. They seem to be polar opposites at first but as the novel progresses, their true characters are revealed. “He’s left little pieces of his servant heart all around.” We are all called to have hearts and lives that show Jesus to a hurting world. We need to walk the walk as well as to talk the talk.

A character fears all that is being taken away from her but she is merely being pruned so that she can flourish. “Taking away what’s good so that you seek out something better.” God wants good gifts for us. What we have may be good but God has something even better in store for us.

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Hannah’s Quest by Jodie Wolfe

Jul21

The Lost Sheep

Hannah’s Quest by Jodie Wolfe is a powerful Christian historical novel that I read in just two sittings, pausing only to sleep.

Jodie Wolfe has constructed a tale full of godly lessons for us all. We see that whereas life is not always good, God is always faithful. He is with us on the mountaintop and in the valley. “How could she reconcile God’s loving care when He hadn’t rescued her from her situation?” God never promised easy but He did promise to never leave us. “It’s in those deep valleys He can make Himself known even more to you.” We also learn more in the valleys than on the mountaintop. We rely on God in the valley, knowing that He is good even when life isn’t.

We see the importance of listening to God’s voice. “Don’t you go listening to that evil one… Listen to who God says you are.” The evil one wants to destroy us. God wants us to live life to the full, and to live loved.

Fear and faith are opposites. “You can’t walk in fear and faith in God at the same time.” If we have faith, we need not fear for God is beside us, upholding us.

It is important to put on the whole armour of God. I “take up my shield of faith daily so that filthy, rotten evil one’s lies can’t hurt me.” We need to repel the lies with the shield of faith. We also need to know the word of God so that we have good foundations so that when life hits, and it will, we will not crumble.

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I Stand Amazed: The World As I See It vol 3 by Kirby Lee Davis

Jul9

Stunningly Beautiful

I Stand Amazed: The World As I See It vol 3 by Kirby Lee Davis is a stunningly beautiful collection of poems and photos.

These poems celebrate our relationship with God. We see our need for Him every day; His faithfulness to us; grace and forgiveness.

As this book opens, there is a version of Isaiah 40.  This is followed by a poem based on John 3:16, declaring “For God loves, so He gives.” God gave His all for us. He gave us Jesus.

The poems My Everything, and My God Stands Ever At My Side speak of the faithfulness of God; and the presence of God. God is with us every single step as we journey through life.

Throughout the book, there are poems to help us through every stage of life.

In Why Go It Alone, a stanza repeats:

“Salvation’s knocking at your door,

Why go it alone?”

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