A Winter By The Sea by Julie Klassen

Jul6

A Blend Of Fact & Fiction

A Winter By The Sea by Julie Klassen is a most charming Christian historical novel that I loved. It is the second book in On Devonshire Shores series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order for character progression and continuity as each book begins as the previous one ends.

This book begins in the winter of 1819 at Sidmouth. There is an accurate timeline that shows the Duke and Duchess of Kent plus their baby, the future Queen Victoria, staying in Sidmouth. There are other actual figures from the time included too.

This story focuses on Emily, who is the twin to Viola who was the focus of book one. Emily is very creative with a huge heart to help others. Her heart threatens to lead her astray as a face from the past appears.

We see characters fixated on social standing and marriage alliances rather than following their heart.

The poor society features once more, as we drop in on those who volunteer their time and resources. There is a rescue to perform too.

Faith is important. Sometimes we just have to trust that God is good, even when life isn’t. “Why some prayers were answered, and some were not.” God always answers prayers but not always in the way we expect.

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The Sisters Of Sea View by Julie Klassen

Jul4

Calling Out The Best

The Sisters Of Sea View by Julie Klassen is a marvellous Christian historical novel that I really loved. It is the first book in On Devonshire Shores and I cannot wait for the subsequent books.

The action is set at the beginning of the nineteenth century in Sidmouth in Devon, as we join four sisters and their ailing mother. Their financial situation has forced them to open their home to paying guests. The girls all pull together. They all have different talents and personalities but they all need each other. This reminds the reader that we are stronger together. They all have their individual roles which contribute to the whole.

Unique personalities stay at the guest house. They enter as strangers and leave as friends – that is, if they leave at all.

Grief manifests itself in various ways. Sometimes there are physical symptoms. A character needs to find a purpose and reasons to get out of bed again.

Life leaves scars – sometimes they are physical and sometimes they are mental. We meet characters who try to hide their scars. They fear that people will be repulsed by their scars – but true beauty lies within. “I was wrong to put so much value in surface things.” Our inner goodness will always shine through.

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Deadly Reckoning by Liz Mistry

Jul4

Glued & Guessing

Deadly Reckoning by Liz Mistry is a gripping contemporary crime novel. It is the third book in the Solanki & McQueen series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order as there is a storyline running throughout the three books.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar characters including the police team D headed up by the two leading ladies.

Once more the team sets out to solve fresh murders that have links to the past. The crime busting quartet are all different, with different skill sets but they all work well together.

Past crimes are having an effect on present day as the team once more are on the hunt for a murderous character.

Nature versus nurture rules its head as a theme. We cannot choose our family. Are some genes just pure evil?

Families are complicated affairs as we see, as we follow the families of some of the officers. Even upstanding members of the community can have troubled offspring.

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Loving Spirits At The Vintage Tea-Shop by Sharon Booth

Jun29

A Story Of Love

Loving Spirits At The Vintage Tea-Shop by Sharon Booth is a charming contemporary fantasy that I really enjoyed. It is the second book in the Ghosts Of Rowan Vale series but can be read as a stand-alone. For maximum enjoyment and character progression, I recommend reading the books in order.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces as the residents and ghosts once more mingle in the village.

There is the theme of grief. “Grief… comes in waves… like tiny waves lapping on the shore… it’s… like a tidal wave, crashing down upon you.” Grief ebbs and flows as there are good and bad days. You just have to work through it the best you can. “When grief comes along… We don’t always have the strength to hold up other people.” Sometimes it’s as much as you can do just to put one foot in front of another. There is no energy left for others.

We see the need for forgiveness. A character feared retribution and hid away for years. When actually he had already received the gift of grace and forgiveness straight away, he just didn’t know it.

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