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Yesterday’s Tides by Roseanna M White

Jan28

God’s Faithfulness

Yesterday’s Tides by Roseanna M White is a powerful dual timeline novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The action is set during both world wars, and is linked by the generations of a family. The chapters alternate between the two time periods. Much of the action is set on Ocracoke, a small American island.

All the characters were well drawn and believable. I loved the fact that there were cameo appearances of characters from other Roseanna M White’s books. This added to the feeling a familiarity for the reader.

Lies and suspicion happens within a family as well as during times of war. Characters in both time periods are cruelly treated and time with children is snatched away. As is the time with a spouse.

There is the theme of forgiveness. When there is much to forgive, it does not come easy – but forgiveness is a s much for the welfare of the giver, as it is for the receiver.

There are several generations of strong women. They have had to rise above their circumstances. They are overcomers. The reader’s heart breaks for the abused wife who tells her small daughter: “You hear him [her father] coming, and you run, baby girl. You run to Lulu and spend the night with her.”

Many of the women have grown up under the Jim Crow laws, shunned because of their skin colour. The prejudices remain. The women are so much more than the colour of their skin. They are hardworking, and full of goodness, serving others where they can.

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The Girl Who Raced The World by Nat Harrison

Jan26

Just One Tick

The Girl Who Raced The World by Nat Harrison is a fabulous debut children’s historical novel. It is perfect for the eights and over. Whatever your age, this novel will entertain you. It is a re-telling of Around The World In Eighty Days but with a young orphan girl at the centre.

The year is 1872 as we join young Maggie delivering a letter from her late mother to a stranger called Monsieur Passepartout. This is to be the start of an adventure of racing around the world in eighty days following a bet from Mr Fogg at his gentleman’s club in London.

The trio race across stormy seas and continents, having adventures and meeting new people whilst trying to dodge an inspector from Scotland Yard who believes Mr Fogg to be guilty of theft.

Along the way there are words of wisdom and kindness. “Family is them what cares for you.” For Maggie, alone in the world, this is priceless.

New friends give help and guidance. “There is no debt among friends.” People do what they do for love, expecting nothing back. “There is nothing we cannot do if we do it together.” We are stronger together.

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The Secret Sewing Society by Siobhan Curham

Jan26

Needles Of Freedom

The Secret Sewing Society by Siobhan Curham is a powerful dual timeline novel set in Lviv, Ukraine.

The action is set during World War II and 2022. Both periods see Ukraine being invaded by the Russians (and also the Nazis in World War II). Fresh in the memories of the people is the Holodomor of the 1920’s when the Soviets caused a man-made famine in Ukraine. People had a strong spirit and the secret sewing society was born. “We stitch what they try to silence.” Messages of hope are sewn into clothes.

The two time periods are linked by strong females in the same family tree. In 2022 the leading lady travels from the UK to Ukraine after her mother leaves her a property that she did not know about. Whilst in Lviv the Russians invade. The leading lady decides to stay as the building slowly gives up its’ secrets.

The leading ladies in both time periods are gutsy as they stay to face their oppressors. Their stories are similar but different.

Not all Soviets are cruel. Love blossoms where it will, even when it is forbidden.

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Dark Is The Night by Rachel Evans

Jan24

The War Of The Dutch

Dark Is The Night by Rachel Evans is a powerful historical novel that consumed me from the start.

This is a story of Dutch resistance during World War II. The novel alternates between a mother on a small island, and her son who is training to be a doctor in Amsterdam. They have similar but different wars. Both are spurred on by a tragedy that occurred.

The mother helps young men and downed airmen to escape across the sea. She provides a safe haven. She is a beacon of light shining and bringing hope at a dark time.

Her son uses his doctoring skills and also works on type-setting documents and leaflets for the resistance. “Words are a way to fight back.” As the war progresses, he needs to do more. He then helps Jewish people to move into hiding places either within the city or just outside it.

Both mother and son put their personal safety on the line. They find it more important to help others than to just sit idly by. Bonds formed in war will remain.

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