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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The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q Rauf

Jul21

Opening Eyes & Hearts

The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q Rauf is a powerful contemporary children’s novel that I read in just one sitting. It is perfect for ages ten years and over. I always enjoy Onjali Q Rauf’s stories as she writes about relevant issues that need to be highlighted.

The main focus of this book is the twin themes of bullies and the homeless. Hector, a ten year old bully, takes great delight in his actions and is the main protagonist. He fears no one – teachers, parents, peers – despite being a bully, there are some endearing qualities too as he is caring towards his four year old brother.

As we read “grown-ups only ever help people they like, and I’ve never met a single grown-up who likes me.” The reader wonders why this ten year old has such low self-esteem.

As the novel progresses, the reader witnesses Hector’s character transformation as he begins to bud and blossom. Underneath there does beat a heart of gold. It just needs unleashing.

It is heartbreaking to see the plight of the homeless. They are ignored at best, treated cruelly at worst. We witness the kind souls who see the people beneath the tatty clothes. These folk try to help via soup kitchens and conversations.

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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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Fury by Steffani Webb (introduced by Ronie Kendig)

Jul16

Fast Paced Thriller

Fury by Steffani Webb, introduced by Ronie Kendig is a fabulous Christian suspense that I really enjoyed. It is the fourth book in A Breed Apart: Legacy series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed hearing about familiar faces.

Steffani Webb has produced a tense thriller that had my heart racing and teeth clenched as I read through the fast-paced action.

The novel is mainly set in Abu Dhabi but also briefly in America. It is easy to picture the hot, dusty atmosphere as we alternate between glitz and glamour with grey, barren rooms.

All the characters were well drawn and easy to empathise with. Fury, aa working dog, is a character in his own right. Whilst being potentially dangerous, he is a big softie with those that he trusts.

We see the importance of trusting God, even when God seems silent. “God hasn’t abandoned me, even if I feel like it sometimes.” God is always beside us. He never leaves us to face life alone. His plan is best. We can trust God in the dark as well as in the light.

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