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God Rest Ye Merry by Scott R Rezer

Love Came Down

God Rest Ye Merry by Scott R Rezer is an absolutely charming dual timeline Christmas Christian novel that I loved. I never wanted it to end. It is the sixth book in A Festival Of Carols series but can be read as a stand-alone. I know that whenever I pick up a festive novel by the author, I am going to be delighted and experience a wonderful read.

The action is set in modern-day America and in Dicken’s Victorian London. The link between the two periods is Meg, who is passionate about all things to do with Charles Dickens.

In modern-day America we also meet Pastor Sean who is having a crisis of faith. “I need You [God]… I’m not even sure how or what to pray. I feel so lost.” In his lostness, Sam still recognises his need for a Saviour but says “there was nothing worse than a pastor who had forgotten how to connect with God.” Sean decides on a short sabbatical in order to sort himself out.

We see that guilt weighs heavy. It was a burden that Sean was never meant to carry for he had done nothing wrong but, in his grief, he misremembered events.

In Dickens’ London we see the plight of the poor. They were the subject of many of his stories as he wanted to raise awareness. There were a few philanthropists who believed, “these wee ones shouldn’t suffer on account of their births or low class.”

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Kringle’s Emporium by Jemma Hatt

Enchanting

Kringle’s Emporium by Jemma Hatt is an enchanting Christmas tale that is just perfect for ages eight years and over.

Children living ordinary lives are suddenly caught up in an extraordinary situation when they are called to help Kris Kringle in his search for the three missing stars that are needed in order for his sleigh to fly.

Through magical means the children travel to New York City and the Taj Mahal in India. Both settings come to life under Jemma Hatt’s descriptive pen.

There are also bullies to confront. A character has a decision to make – stay safe or befriend the bullies’ victim?

The whole novel is very enchanting. We see that goodness alone is not the only thing that is required. “It’s not enough to not be horrible to other people. To be a good person, you have to try to stop horrible things from happening to people.”

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The Silver Tide by J H Mann

Exciting & Entertaining

The Silver Tide by J H Mann is a historical adventure. It is part of A Wild Cornwall series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The story is set in a Cornish fishing village in 1863. Facts are blended with fiction to create this marvellous tale.

We see that life is precarious. The sea is a dreadful master. It is rich in pilchards but the unpredictability of the sea means that it takes lives where it will.

1863 saw the beginnings of life boats. Following a terrible tragedy, a Cornish village campaigns for a life boat.

We see the role of religion as a vicar walks amongst his flock, quoting Bible verses. He also practices the gift of hospitality.

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Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure by Caroline James

Don’t Let The Old Man In #thetravellinggrandad

Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure by Caroline James is a charming contemporary novel that I absolutely adored.

This is a fun, light-hearted read showing that life is for living whatever your age. The lead character, Atticus Arnot, is seventy and is told “You’re never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.”

For five years, Atticus Arnott’s life has been on hold following the sudden death of his wife, Clara. An unexpected discovery of Winnie the VW camper van in his barn, awakens the adventurer in him. Encouraged and helped by his friend and his grandson, Atticus Arnott decides to live the dream he and his wife had, and he sets off for Spain with only his dog, Ness, for company, in Winnie the camper van. Along the way, he meets a variety of people, all of whom, welcome him with open arms. A closed life becomes a very open life.

New to social media, Atticus Arnott believes he is posting his photos on Instagram and only his friend and grandson can see them. Unknown to him, #thetravellinggrandad soon has a huge following. “You’re showing the world that age isn’t important when it comes to following a dream.” Whilst we are still breathing, we need to grab life with both hands.

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