Archives

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Jan21

The Rescuer

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas is a powerful Christian historical novel that consumed me from the start. It has its’ roots in facts and there are actual historical figures in the book.

The novel is set between the wars in the early 1930’s as Hitler is rising to power. Much of the novel is set in America but some is set in Berlin.

During World War I, a young German man in the navy found himself interred in an enemy alien camp in America. He wrote to his fiancée in Germany until the letters just stopped in 1917. His mother and fiancée are still waiting for news of him in 1932. A newspaper cutting means a young woman travels to America to find out what happened to her young man. This reminds the reader that when we are lost, God seeks us out. He will leave the ninety-nine in order to search for the one who is lost.

We learn that there were dodgy goings on in the internment camp. Only now, in 1932 are activities coming to light. A cold case springs to life as the truth is sought.

A life that stagnated in Berlin, buds and blossoms in America. “Her life had gone from the grays… of Germany to this multicoloured happiness… on a fledgling college campus.” America is the land of opportunity. This is in contrast to Germany where lives are being eroded and closed down.

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The Colletta Cassettes by Bruno Noble

Jan21

Intrigue, Truth & Lies

The Colletta Cassettes by Bruno Noble is a powerful tale set in Italy in 1978. It is a story of intrigue, truth and lies that consumed me from the start.

An American veteran of World War II has finally decided to tell the truth about the USA and their politics with Italy since World War II. It is dangerous for all, including the journalist and his family. There are powerful people on both sides of the Atlantic who want the truth to remain buried.

After World War II “the driving motivation behind the politics of the US… would be ‘fear of communism.’” This fear of the red in the bed would dictate policies and politics for many decades. Alliances would be made, and terrible actions done, all to stop the spread of communism. “You’re telling me that the US used the CIA, NATO, the Nazis, the Vatican and the Mafia in the fight against communism.” The means were believed to justify the end.

The whistleblower needs to get his story out there. “He had to have answers… of why… he was lifting the lid on a box of secrets, why he was bringing to light a forty-year career that had been pursued in the shadows.” The price for the truth is high.

The reader follows the journalist and his family to Italy. We are treated to the sights and sounds of the country. The action is set during the football world cup, and the games are watched in the pub courtyard, uniting fans of many nations.

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A Load Of Old Tripe by Gervase Phinn

Jan16

A Real Gem

A Load Of Old Tripe by Gervase Phinn is a most delightful children’s historical novel and perfect for ten years and over. Whatever your age, this is another gem from Gervase Phinn.

The story is set in 1957 as we follow Jimmy who’s eleven and his friends Micky and Iggy.

Told in a wonderfully down-to-earth style and with much humour, we follow Jimmy as he prepares for his eleven plus.

Jimmy is a likable lad and a good friend to Iggy who is clever but has a poor home life and is a social misfit. We drop in on their class as they have various activities including a trip to Whitby.

Jimmy is an ordinary lad who gets into scrapes – dropping the tripe for his dad’s tea, and eating a whole coffee and walnut cake to name but a couple.

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Every Lifetime After by Jennifer Ross

Jan16

Love Remains

Every Lifetime After by Jennifer Ross is a very charming dual timeline novel that I loved.

The action is set in 2018 and 1943, and concerns the boys who flew from bomber command in Yorkshire. It is their story which is being filmed in 2018.

The leading actress has links to the area as it is where she was born and spent her first four years. Memories are awakened – some are her own, others are transcending time and space as she has a gift to ‘see’ past actions. Though their tale is already known, locations give her glimpses to the past. She is unsure what to do with her gift.

A character alive in 1943 is still alive and in a nursing home in 2018. He lives haunted by memories, grief and guilt. He grieves what he cannot change.

We see the pain of miscarriage. It affects the lives of the couple – until they share their grief, they are lone ships drifting along.

The reader ‘experiences’ the lives of the men and women of bomber command. Lives were uncertain – every time the boys left the base, they realised it could be their last.

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