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The Many Futures Of Maddy Hart by Laura Pearson

May29

Dilemma’s, Emotions & Truths

The Many Futures Of Maddy Hart by Laura Pearson is a powerful contemporary novel that I read in just one sitting. As with all Laura Pearson’s novels, it totally consumed me from the start.

This was an emotional read on so many levels. The lead character, Maddy Hart, has a dilemma as she glimpses into the future. It begs the question – has she forced the hand of the future? Or was it always going to happen that way?

We see the value of good friends – friends who can quite literally tell each other anything.

There are generous hearts within the novel. Even an elderly neighbour provides a listening ear and wise advice.

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The Garden Of Memories by Amanda James

May21

Stepping Out Of Your Box

The Garden Of Memories by Amanda James is the most beautiful contemporary novel that I adored and never wanted to end.

The novel is about life and how to bloom just where you are planted. You are never too old to have a fresh beginning as you are transplanted from one stage of life to another.

As the title suggests, taking centre stage is the garden of memories. It starts as an ordinary garden but soon becomes the lifeline for so many in the village.

The smell of certain flowers and plants evokes special memories – memories that will not pass this way again but can be forever preserved in the garden of memories and enjoyed again and again.

We see that for some, the look and smell of flowers really is a lifeline, opening the door to the past. This is true of a grandmother, Lily, who has dementia. The smell of the flowers, and sweetpeas in particular, unlocks her mind, enabling her family to get a glimpse of the woman they all knew.

All the characters are well drawn and believable. They are an eclectic mix, many seeking their own identity.

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Not My Valentine by Tony Bassett

May20

Gripping

Not My Valentine by Tony Bassett is a fabulous contemporary crime suspense that I just could not put down. It is the seventh book in the Detectives Roy & Roscoe series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces. Easy banter flowed between the regular police officers. We see the tenacity of the law to solve the case as we drop in on the detectives.

Present day murder is investigated alongside a cold case. The law enforcement officers are relentless in their pursuit of justice and the reader applauds their commitment.

The action is set in the Midlands with a murder in Worcester, and chasing criminals around Birmingham and the Black Country. As a Black Country wench living in Worcestershire, the locations were incredibly familiar to me. This helped me to really bed down into the book.

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Being Alice: In A World Lost In The Looking Glass by Michele Olson

May18

A New Beginning

Being Alice: In A World Lost In The Looking Glass by Michele Olson is a very charming Christian historical novel set in 1981 on Mackinac Island. It is the third book in the Mackinac Island series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I am enjoying reading this series in order as each book is set in the following year, starting in 1979. The reader knows the back story to the characters. Each book focuses on a new leading couple.

This is a book that tells the reader the importance of knowing Jesus and how to draw near to Him. “Their experience is not about religion, but about relationship.” Jesus is not interested in knowing how well we can follow rules. He just wants us to let Him into out hearts. “He [Jesus] asks everyone to come as you are.” We do not need to change and then come to Jesus. We need to come to Jesus and then change will follow.

We all have a Jesus-shaped hole in our heart that only He can fill. “No person can ever fill up that hole in the heart.” Stuff will never satisfy. Only Jesus satisfies.

When we know Jesus, we want to live lives that reflect His heart. “Act like people who follow Jesus and practice kindness and love in our lives.” People will be drawn to Jesus by watching how we live.

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