Archives

The House Of Second Chances by Lauren Westwood

Feb24

Coming Home

The House Of Second Chances by Lauren Westwood is a compelling contemporary novel that consumed me from the start.

The action is set is in present day and also dipping into 1952 via notes and letters. Everything comes alive due to the comprehensive descriptions from the author.

An old house, crumbling and decrepit takes centre stage. It needs someone to lovingly restore it, and not a local developer to tear it down. Can anyone rescue it from the developer’s clutches?

Within the walls lie secrets. The past echoes all around. Hearts that have hardened need awakening to new possibilities.

All the characters were well drawn and believable. A young estate agent’s passion for literature and the stories of old houses, was enthusiastic and infectious.

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The Nature Of A Lady by Roseanna M White

Feb15

An Adventurous Spirit

The Nature Of A Lady by Roseanna M White is a fabulous Christian historical adventure suspense that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the first book in The Secrets Of The Isles series which promises to be fantastic.

The action is set in 1906 on the Scilly Isles. It is a wild and rugged landscape full of secrets and mysteries. It is a place where everyone knows your name. We are reminded that God knows our name too, and He calls us to Him.

God will never leave us to face life alone. “You’re never alone… She knew… that he meant God.” God walks beside us, even if we do not acknowledge Him. “She wanted to believe… Is it enough… to believe that He knows you?” A character has been brought up on religion and not relationship. God longs for each one of us to know Him intimately.

We build relationship with God through prayer. “God? It seemed silly to pray for a cat… she finished her silent request.” We need to feel so comfortable with God that we can ask Him anything – big or small. God knows that if it bothers us, it bothers Him because He is our loving Heavenly Father.

God is ever present in times of need. “Help me, Father God. You’re the only one I have to turn to.” God always hears the cries of our hearts and will never leave us.

Within the book we have both science and God. They are not ‘either’/’or’ but both. “Science and faith do not need to be at odds.” We learn that “God was bigger than man’s finite understanding of Him.” We must be careful not to limit God. How big is your God?

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The Secret Midwife by Soraya M Lane

Feb3

Mothers, Babies & Bravery

The Secret Midwife by Soraya M Lane is a powerful dual timeline novel that consumed me.

The action is set in Poland during World War II from 1942 onwards; and also, in 1995 in London. The two time periods are linked by the secret midwife. For fifty years since the liberation of Auschwitz she has kept quiet, now is the time to speak up.

To be a midwife was both a calling and a gift. She vowed to do no harm. She was tasked with looking after the pregnant women in Auschwitz after she was sent there for helping Jewish mothers-to-be in hiding. It was an impossible task, with no fresh water, tools or hygiene. And with Dr Mengele always breathing down her neck.

The secret midwife meets another doctor in Auschwitz who is also imprisoned for helping Jewish people. He, too, had vowed to do no harm. Together, they tried to help where they could. They put aside their personal safety in order to do what needed to be done. Sometimes there were hard choices to make. Outside of Auschwitz, different paths would be chosen. Inside Auschwitz there were other factors to consider as moral lines were blurred.

The third lead character was a young girl who worked in Canada in Auschwitz. She, also did what she could to help. The three formed a unit, helping where they could. They gave each other hope to survive – until one dreadful event.

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The Berlin Sisters by Soraya M Lane

Jan31

The Ultimate Sacrifice

The Berlin Sisters by Soraya M Lane is a powerful historical novel that I read in just one sitting. It was an all-consuming read.

The novel is set in Berlin from 1943 towards the end of World War II. At that time, the tide was beginning to turn against the Nazis. Even some within the Party were plotting the downfall of Hitler and the regime. Life was fragile. Trust was in short supply. “Everyone was ready and waiting to catch the other out.”

A resistance movement grew up. We witness extraordinary acts of bravery by ordinary people who stood up for what was right.

Everyone had to choose their actions. Each were responsible for their choices. With choices, came consequences.

What seemed acceptable in 1939 was no longer acceptable in 1943. “I didn’t believe him. I never believed that this madness [the final solution] would ever be allowed to come to fruition.” Men had become monsters.

We follow two sisters who each resist in their own way. Their father who is high up in the Nazi party is disillusioned, and resists, knowing the risks he now takes.

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