Archives

Josephine’s Story: A Place To Belong by Heidi Gray McGill

Nov18

God’s Best

Josephine’s Story: A Place To Belong by Heidi Gray McGill is a powerful Christian historical tale that I read in just one sitting. It is a tale that warms your heart as you hear about a God who rescues us from our situations.

The tale is set in 1878 at Christmas. It is told in alternating voices between the two lead characters. These characters are both broken in different ways. They have to learn that they are both good enough. “I don’t know how to be anything but broken.” They need to be mended with love. “I needed somewhere quiet. A place where people cared.” When people care, they are balm to our souls.

We see the value of kindness to help heal. “Kindness wrapped in callous fingers” speaks of a life that has spread kindness and caring.

We witness the damage of gossiping as uninformed women huddle and talk in whispers, spreading lies. “I listen when the whispers are loud”…”Make sure you are listening to the right voice.” We need to tune in to those who speak life and love.

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Step Father Christmas by L.D. Lapinski

Nov12

A Fun Read

Step Father Christmas by L.D. Lapinski is a charming Christmas novel and suitable for ages eight years and over.

There are just twenty-five chapters making the book the perfect read, alongside an advent calendar in December.

The storyline is familiar but different. It is familiar because there are the usual Christmas activities – gingerbread houses, school fayres, the nativity etc – but different because not everyone has a step Father Christmas!

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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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A Family Christmas In Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen

Nov4

Closing The Gap

A Family Christmas In Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen is a most charming Contemporary Christmas novel that will warm your heart and leave you smiling. It is part of the Pelican Crossing series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Once more Maggie Christensen has created a wonderful treasure chest full of characters as we catch up with familiar faces and get to know new ones. Pelican Crossing is a place of community where strangers become friends; and friends become family.

The leading characters are in their sixties and prove that life is for living whatever your age. At each new stage of life, there are new opportunities for fresh beginnings.

A character has spent a lifetime feeling hurt and angry. “It’s been a long time… I think I may be ready to… forgive her.” Forgiveness frees us from a prison of bitterness, enabling us to live light and free.

Another character finds himself single after losing the love of his life. There is life after loss. It will be different but one day you will smile again. “He missed her every day, but life had to go on.”

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