Tag Archive | Baker Publishing

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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The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green

Sep4

The Power Of The Story

The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green is a powerful historical novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The action is set on the American home front in Maine in 1942. It is seen through the eyes of four women, each with different life experiences and united by a book club. We see that there is power in stories. They bring people together, provoking discussion, out of which, friendships are formed.

You are never too old to begin to read. We see that whereas some have enjoyed books from childhood, others have been reluctant readers, well into adulthood. Books will open hearts, minds and imaginations, uniting the old and the young.

There is power in our stories too. We ‘hear’ of a character’s backstory from 1918. It helps us to understand why a character behaves as she does. We also see that her nursing skills never leave her.

Part of the book is set out in the form of minutes from the book club. This helps to involve the reader in the story as we feel included.

At times of war there are prejudices against those of foreign descent. “Spaniards, Portuguese, and especially Italians, all tarred with the same racial slur. Marked as something different, distasteful, un-American.” A family of Italian origin has to work hard in order to earn trust and to fit in.

Characters long to trust God. “Martina prayed as she ran, but it had been months since she’d attended Mass. What if no-one was listening?” God hears all our prayers. There is no tally of attendance or non-attendance in heaven.

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Once Upon A Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson

Aug25

Coming Home

Once Upon A Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson is a most charming contemporary Christian Christmas book that warms your heart and leaves you smiling.

I always look forward to the annual festive offering from Melody Carlson. She knows how to perfectly capture the festive season within a book.

Once Upon A Christmas Carol is about learning to love Christmas. It is a bout discovering family and love. It is letting go of the past and embracing the present whilst looking forward to the future.

Families can be complicated affairs. There are always two sides to one story, and one must discern where the truth lies.

Two sisters have been estranged. Trapped by snow, from holidaying in Bahamas, the leading lady discovers, and receives hospitality from, an aunt she never knew. She also has a change of heart on her views about Christmas. The leading lady, along with the reader, discovers new traditions and experiences a snowy Christmas with those she loves. The festivities of a nostalgic Christmas include snow; festive fayre; and annual traditions. The spirit of generosity is very much alive.

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