Tag Archive | Baker Publishing

The Atlas Of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold

Oct12

Worth Coming Back For

The Atlas Of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold is the most charming contemporary Christian novel that I absolutely adored. It is a book to be savoured from start to finish.

This is a book about relationships between a mother and her two grown daughters. It is also about our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We witness the effects of life’s experiences on our outlook and on how we do life.

The younger daughter, Chloe, is like a breath of fresh air. She has a joy in life that is infectious, and which reaches from the pages to encompass the reader. Her joyful spirit comes from her faith. She knows that she is loved by God and that whatever happens, her life is in His hands.

In contrast, her elder sister and mother do not have a faith, preferring to rely on themselves. Their lives are far more tense. Chloe prays for them to know God. “I pray you hear His voice… Faith often came like a stranger to those who lacked it. But Chloe had plenty to share.” Chloe longs for them to know the joy of living loved.

The three go on a week-long road trip, taking in the literary haunts of authors and their fictional characters. It is a journey of discovery in more ways than one. “Walking in faith was an adventure like no other.” Each new day offers new opportunities.

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A Sea View Christmas by Julie Klassen

Oct2

Sharing An 1820’s Christmas

A Sea View Christmas by Julie Klassen is a perfectly wonderful Christian Christmas historical novel that I adored. It is the fourth and final book in On Devonshire Shores series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order for character development and a linear storyline. However, this is a charming Christmas story, should you only want to read one book!

Each book has focused on a different sister. For this offering, it is hard-working Sarah who puts her family above her own happiness. She is very much a ‘Martha’ character, busy working and life is passing her by. The reader delights as we watch Sarah bud and blossom as she realises that her family is held in God’s hand and her self-sacrifice is not necessary.

There is the theme of taking care of the widows and orphans as extended family open their hearts and homes to those in need.

People arrive as guests to stay at Sea View but quickly become family members as the lost, the lonely and the hurting are given a seat at the table.

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Capture The Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Sep23

Beauty In Nature

Capture The Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a powerful Christian contemporary novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the first book in the National Parks Summers series which promises to be fabulous.

The novel, as the series suggests, is set in a National Park. Along with the characters, we get back to nature. There is so much beauty in the natural, and the animals roam freely. It is here, where we can commune with God. “This place… I am so overwhelmed… with gratitude to God for creating such a place. For giving me the gift of experiencing it.” There is so much beauty in the world that God has created.

A debate is sparked, where do we meet God? “Church doesn’t have to be a building. It can be wherever you find meaning.”

The church is also the people. Wherever we connect with others, there is always the opportunity to be the church.

When we know God, we can rest securely and trust His plans and His timing. We are called to live out the life that God has uniquely created for us. “Good intensions weren’t enough. You have to turn them into reality.” Whenever God puts a dream in our hearts, we need to grab it. We may try and fail along the way but it is in the trying and failing that we learn.

Characters have been hurt. This hurt either drives them towards God or propels them away. We learn about the dangers of anger. “Holding on to anger… It’s like a poison… Forgiveness is the antidote.” When we forgive, we can live in freedom. If we cling to hurt and anger, we risk becoming bitter. “He didn’t have to hang on to that hurt… anger was toxic.”

God wants us to live in freedom. “I told God everything that made me so mad at Him… I didn’t feel anger in return… I felt this overwhelming sense of love.” God is love. He takes our hurt and anger, and He exchanges them at the cross, for love.

Prayer is important. “Kate had no idea what to do next. Except… to pray.” Prayer unites us with God, who knows just what we need in any and every situation.

We are all unique. We are called to be ourselves and not someone else. The only person we should imitate is Jesus. “A tulip doesn’t struggle to be different from a rose.” We are all called to live out the life that God has created for us.

God’s creation is awe-inspiring. Whilst being immersed in nature, we learn a lot about the animals in the park, especially the bears who are the focus of the novel.

All the characters were well drawn and believable. It is beautiful to witness the enthusiasm and interactions of thirteen-year-old Maisie. There were traits in her that I recognised from my thirteen-year-old self. Her zest for life was infectious.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Capture The Moment and I cannot wait for the subsequent books in this marvellous series.

I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON

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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