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Secrets Of Villa Eden (The Key To The Island House) by Amanda Lees

Sep25

All For Love

Secrets Of Villa Eden by Amanda Lees is a powerful dual timeline novel that I read in just two sittings.

The action alternates between present day and Cairo in 1943 as a young woman seeks to uncover her aunt’s wartime secrets.

As with many who lived through the war, lips are sealed. We witness the bravery of men and women who were spies seeking to hunt down and eliminate Nazis, as well as looking for the Nazi gold.

In present day, the search for the Nazi gold continues. For some, they just want to lay the past to bed. For others, greed drives them to despicable actions.

Women in both time periods have lost the loves of their life. “She loved him until the day she died, and yet she would never talk about any of it.” The reader’s heart is wrenched as we read; “I see someone whose whole world was shattered but who’s still holding on, doing her best to live for the people she’s lost and to do the right thing.” Both revenge and love have motivated actions.

We see the damage that adults can inflict on children. “I saw the little boy who had spent his whole life trying to fight his way out from under the blanket of shame his parents had cast over him.” In contrast, there are those who love and cherish children.

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The Last War Orphan by Jenna Ness

Sep19

Gripping

The Last War Orphan by Jenna Ness is a gripping historical read that I just could not put down. It is the second book in the Orphans Of St Agnes series. The books need to be read in order as they follow on immediately from each other.

The series is set in France during World War II. This book sees two of the three orphans returning to Paris in order to be re-united with the third, Lucie, who had fled back to the only home she had ever known – the orphanage. Unfortunately, this is now occupied by a leading figure in the Nazi party. The reader witnesses the snake-like nature of a man who pretends to be-friend Lucie. Lucie has a caring, trusting nature, and this could lead to a downfall.

We learn what makes a family. “She was still my sister, by love if not blood.” Love unites very different characters who become one big family – added to one abandoned baby at a time.

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Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer

Sep18

The Greatest Adventure

Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer is a fabulous dual timeline novel that I adored. It is the fifth book in the Timeless series but can be read as a stand-alone. I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole series but this is my favourite book so far.

The novel is set in London in 1888 and 1938. These dates are instantly recognisable as the period of Jack the Ripper and the year before World War II begins. The lead character, Kathryn, exists in both time periods. In 1938 she is researching Jack the Ripper for an exhibition in London.

As with previous novels, Kathryn is a time-crosser. She wonders “Why God would allow me to know this history if I wasn’t meant to help her?” God works in ways that are different to us. We may not know His purpose but we can trust Him. “God is sovereign… Even when we don’t understand, He allows certain things to happen for His purposes.” God is good even when our situations aren’t.

God is our present help in life. He never leaves us to struggle alone. “God never left your side… He’ll give us strength to endure whatever comes our way.” We can lean on God and trust Him at all times.

We make our plans but God’s plans are always best. “Sometimes, plans need to be flexible to see what God wants for us.”

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The House For Lost Children by Marty Wingate

Sep16

Belonging

The House For Lost Children by Marty Wingate is a powerful historical novel that I enjoyed.

The novel is set during World War II in a large manor house in Suffolk. Following a bomb blast in London, children have been made homeless and are orphans. The kind hearted Lady Louisa Brightman opens her large house to the orphans and their two teachers.

Relationships are strained at first as assumptions and prejudices are made. Characters need to get to know each other in order to be able to work together. First impressions are not always correct. The way that life has treated people affects the way they treat others.

We witness the dreadful effects on one small girl, six-year-old Gracie, of being buried alive for two days, holding onto her dead mother’s hand. This was during the air raid that flattened her London home. She needs love, care and kindness to begin to heal. A beautiful bond is formed with Miss Moffet, the family cat. Giving her a purpose and something to love will help her heal.

Life in the countryside is not without risk as the odd stray German plane threatens to undo months of love and care as old traumas are re-visited.

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