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Secrets Of A Sun King by Emma Carroll

Jul25

Educated & Entertained

Secrets Of A Sun King by Emma Carroll is an absolutely fascinating historical children’s novel that will educate you as you read. It is suitable for ages ten years and over.

The novel is set in the autumn of 1922. It surrounds the opening up of King Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter. This is a subject that has many myths surrounding it. Emma Carroll has spun a tale that is grounded in fact.

The novel is highly entertaining and engaging, whatever your age. It is not only set in 1922 but the reader is transported back to Tutankhamun’s final days in the form of a (fictional) letter. The reader has much sympathy for the young Pharoah who just wanted to be an ordinary boy. “Riches haven’t brought me happiness.” The true riches in life are always found in people and never in possessions.

We also see the role of women in the world. Though they had done men’s jobs during World War I, in the early 1920’s they were treated very much as second class citizens to men.

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The Ghost Garden by Emma Carroll

Jul22

Premonitions

The Ghost Garden by Emma Carroll is a charming children’s historical novel that is perfect for ages 8-10 years old.

The book is set over the summer of 1914. We follow a young boy who is remarkably perceptive about events in Europe as he foresees World War I.

We follow the action through the eyes of the young daughter of the gardener to a big house. She believes that her discoveries in the garden also foretell of events.

This book will educate young readers about events that led up to the outbreak of World War I.

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Secrets In Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen

Jul18

Living Life

Secrets In Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen is the most charming contemporary novel that warmed my heart. It is the second book in the Pelican Crossing series but can be read as a stand-alone. For maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading book one first for your introduction to the Pelican Crossing community.

Pelican Crossing is just up the coast from Bellbird Bay. Readers of that delightful series will be familiar with characters and locations that also pop up in this book.

This is a book about families. Families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. We meet a newly widowed lady and her five year old son, both of whom have been left with PTSD. Help comes in many different forms including the grandfather and a puppy called Bluey. Bluey bonds with his little owner. It is beautiful to witness, as is the growing bond between grandfather and grandson.

There is also a divorcee with two grown up daughters. They have a loving bond. We witness that the age of fifty is pivotal. It can be a time for new beginnings.

As well as new beginnings, we see a past that must be faced. What began as shame many years ago, is now a blessing.

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The Secret Hotel In Berlin by Catherine Hokin

Jul15

Back Where She Belongs

The Secret Hotel In Berlin by Catherine Hokin is a powerful dual timeline historical novel that I read in just two sittings.

The action is set in Berlin, mostly surrounding a hotel, during World War II and in 1990. The hotel was a favourite of Hitler and the leading Nazis in the war years, then fell into Soviet hands as it was in East Berlin. After the wall came down in 1989, it was privately purchased. Now it has the opportunity to be renovated and brought back to life.

Walls came down in hearts too in 1990. Families torn apart by the Soviet controlled East Berlin, had erected walls to protect hearts but it had the opposite effect and actually hurt hearts. Now these hardened hearts need to be softened, renovated and brought back to life. Now is the time to build bridges instead of walls.

Sacrificial love was a major theme. There was love that let go, in order that others might thrive. The love remained when all else was gone. The memories remained. And a hope for restoration one day remained.

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