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A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer

Mar17

Amazing Grace

A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer is a powerful dual timeline Christian historical novel that I read in just one sitting.

The action is set in the early twentieth century and in 1980 as we hear an older woman telling a young woman, her life story.

Running throughout both time periods are the stories of Oz by L Frank Baum. Pilgrims Progress also features highly as well as many other literary works. Songs, old and new, are referenced too. This all helps to give a familiar feel to the book.

The book is also a journey of discovery – how characters move from distrusting God to resting in His arms, knowing that He can be trusted. “The Lord cares for us, even when we ignore Him.” God waits patiently for us to return home.

In the early twentieth century, women were expected to marry and obey men. In 1980 the young woman also has the weight of other people’s expectations on her shoulders. “I can’t live in their box anymore.” Self-awakening sees characters bud and blossom.

A friendship with the author, L Frank Baum, brings a young woman out of her shell. “He encouraged me no differently than his sons to pursue my dreams.”

Laura DeNooyer realizes the importance of dreams. “With him [L Frank Baum] you blossom.” His raisin d’etre is “making children happy and stirring their imaginations.”

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Across The Ages by Gabrielle Meyer

Mar2

Amazing Grace

Across The Ages by Gabrielle Meyer is a wonderful dual timeline Christian historical novel. It is the fourth book in the Timeless series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The action is set in 1727 and 1927. Both periods have their challenges – piracy in the earlier period, and prohibition and bootleggers in the latter date. Some characters and situations are drawn from real life.

We see the theme of the prodigals returning home – physically and spiritually. Earthly characters rejoice. How much greater will the party in heaven be when the prodigal returns?

God is steadfast. “God’s Word is eternal. He doesn’t change just because society changes.” Situations, fashions and circumstances come and go but God is eternal and His character is always love.

Prayer is important. Prayer links us to God. “I… had to believe that He was for me, and I could go to Him in prayer.” God is literally just a prayer away. “I wanted to pray, but I wasn’t sure that God would listen.” God always listens when we pray. Our doubts are not the opposite of faith. Our doubts can be the springboard to believing.

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The House Of Second Chances by Lauren Westwood

Feb24

Coming Home

The House Of Second Chances by Lauren Westwood is a compelling contemporary novel that consumed me from the start.

The action is set is in present day and also dipping into 1952 via notes and letters. Everything comes alive due to the comprehensive descriptions from the author.

An old house, crumbling and decrepit takes centre stage. It needs someone to lovingly restore it, and not a local developer to tear it down. Can anyone rescue it from the developer’s clutches?

Within the walls lie secrets. The past echoes all around. Hearts that have hardened need awakening to new possibilities.

All the characters were well drawn and believable. A young estate agent’s passion for literature and the stories of old houses, was enthusiastic and infectious.

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The House Of Light & Shadows by Lauren Westwood

Feb22

Waiting For Kintsugi

The House Of Light And Shadows by Lauren Westwood is a powerful contemporary novel that consumed me from the start.

The novel is set in two time periods – present day and the late nineteenth century as we ‘hear’ via a voice in the past what has happened.

An old house links the two time periods, as does a character trapped in time and space. The past is gone but lives on in hearts full of guilt and regret.

In both time periods there are estranged sisters. Words spoken in hurt and anger have done irreparable damage. Characters need to put aside their differences and unite in love before it is too late.

A character is re-living the past, preventing her from living in the present. “The past can’t be recovered… But don’t lose any more time. Stop hurting and start living.”

A phone call out of the blue offers a second chance – but is it too little, too late?

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