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Kringle’s Emporium by Jemma Hatt

Nov12

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

Oct6

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

Sep18

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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Treasure Atop The Mountain by Tonya L Matthews

Sep18

Keep Climbing

Treasure Atop The Mountain by Tonya L Matthews is a very charming Christian tale that I read in just one sitting.

This is a tale of hard work, perseverance and a faithful God who never leaves us. We learn about overcoming adversity and the importance of family.

Family is not always blood relations but people who love us and stand by us.

A character has been searching for his siblings. Within his imagination, they were far nicer than in the flesh.

The leading lady has suffered, being the sole survivor of a house fire that took her entire family when she was eleven-years-old. This event naturally haunts her. She has a close and loving bond with her grandfather. She is no stranger to loss and being alone – but God is faithful and is always beside her. “God’s got you… you’ll be fine.”

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