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Upon The Midnight Clear by Scott R Rezer

Dec30

When A Bell Rings

Upon The Midnight Clear by Scott R Rezer is a beautiful Christian Christmas dual timeline novel that I absolutely loved. It is the fourth book in A Festival Of Carols series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The novel is set in 1969 and 2018 in Philadelphia. The two time periods are linked by the two main characters who are older versions of themselves in 2018.

There are the themes of veterans and homelessness. In 1969 America was involved in the Vietnam war. No one wanted it but still young men were drafted. “A victim of a war nobody wanted.”

In 2018 there are veterans from the war in Afghanistan. War leaves no one unchanged. “They might have come home from the war, but they never left it.” Many left their minds on the battlefields and returned suffering from PTSD and survivor’s guilt.

Re-integration into society was impossible and many brave men and women ended up on the streets, hiding away, invisible to many. They banded together. “The vets who understood the sacrifices of war.”

War changed the vets and they did not feel worthy to return home. “Most people on the street long to return home. They’re often not sure how to do it.” They found it safer to hide away.

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A Christmas In Prague by Helga Jensen

Dec21

Wrapped In A Nostalgic Christmas

A Christmas In Prague by Helga Jensen is the most beautiful contemporary festive novel that I absolutely adored.

What is Christmas without snow? Helga Jensen takes the reader from rainy Wales to snow-covered Prague. Her delightful descriptions help the reader to ‘experience’ Christmas in Prague. It is a romantic destination with hot chocolate, a Christmas market and a fairytale castle. It is truly a magical place.

A character has been dreadfully hurt two Christmases ago. She has shut out Christmas but Prague is a place of healing and restoration as love and kindness thaw her heart and bring it back to life.

We ‘hear’ of a great love that was cut short. As the decades old letters are opened and read, we realise that true love never dies. It infects all those who are around as it comes full circle.

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Hear The Bells Ring by Scott R Rezer

Dec19

One Ring

Hear The Bells Ring by Scott R Rezer is the most charming Christian Christmas dual timeline novel that I absolutely adored. It is the third book in A Festival Of Carols series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The action is set in 2019 and during the American Civil War. It is linked by location and the lead character in both time periods as they are directly related.

There is a mystery to solve after an attic search reveals a diary from 1861 and an old ring with an inscription. We see that the power of love transcends space and time. Christmas may just be a time for miracles.

The greatest love of all is God’s love for us all. It is an everlasting love. Some may reject Him but God will never reject us. “You may not bother with Him, but He will never leave you alone… He knows how desperately you need Him.” God knows us better than we know ourselves.

We need God, whether we acknowledge that or not. “He’d seen the power of God in his life… He prayed… his reliance on God increase and strengthen.” As we press into God, He will draw near to us. God is a gentleman and will never force himself onto us. God is as close to us as we want Him to be.

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Wishing For Mistletoe by Robin Lee Hatcher

Dec18

A Heart Full Of Christmas

Wishing For Mistletoe by Robin Lee Hatcher is the most charming Christmas Christian contemporary novel that will warm the reader’s heart and make you smile. It is the sixth book in Love On Sanctuary Shores but can be read as a stand-alone. All the books in the series are written by different authors and I cannot wait to dip into them.

This is a book about deep love. Love comes in many forms. We love because Jesus first loved us. Love is a verb. “Love was shown by what a person did.” There is the love of God for us; our love for Him; and family, friendship and new love. This love puts others above self. It is beautiful to witness love in action.

We see the importance of building a relationship with God. The Bible is God’s love letter to us. We need to open it, read it, and digest the words. “She discovered a little [Bible reading] wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy her hunger. She needed more and more.” We all want to be hungry for the word of God.

God calls us into His presence. “When was the last time she’d simply sat in God’s presence?… When was the last time she’d been content to be and not to do?” A relationship builds as we spend time together – whether that is with God or with other people.

Characters have been hurt by loss. There is the temptation to keep our hearts safe by withdrawing from life – but then we are merely existing and not living. “Don’t stop living just because there might be some pain around the corner.” God wants us to live an abundant life. We can trust His leading. “Faith demanded he trust God for what was best.” When we put God first, things will work out in His timing and His plans. “Put God first in all things, and the rest would work itself out.”

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