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The Tanglewood Bookshop by Lilac Mills

Nov21

Grandad’s Legacy

The Tanglewood Bookshop by Lilac Mills is a perfectly charming contemporary Christmas novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

An unexpected change in circumstances sees the lead character relocating from London to a small Welsh village. Everything has changed for her – her job, her living accommodation, and even her mother moving to Spain. “Kazz felt rudderless and adrift. Stevie and Tanglewood offered an anchor and a safe haven.”

Tanglewood is a place of community and care; love and support; where everyone knows your name – and your business! Personal news spreads like wildfire, thanks to octogenarian, Betty! But her heart is loving. It is the perfect place to heal from the storms of life. Whenever there is a need, it is met by the loving residents.

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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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