Tag Archive | Bethany House

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese

Mar6

Heart Warming

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese is the most beautiful contemporary Christian novel that will leave you smiling as you celebrate the goodness of God.

The story is about the riches of life. These riches are never found in possessions or bank accounts. These riches are found in people. We see characters’ lives opening up as they realise that their true worth is found within. They are more than the clothes they wear. They are more than all their mistakes. They are all priceless sons and daughters of the King.

The main setting is in a house for older teens who have left the foster system. They are all trying to make a life, whilst carrying their baggage from the past. They “were more than the scars they wore from their pasts.”

Everyone is unique and everyone has individual talents. We need to celebrate our uniqueness and stop trying to mold ourselves into the shape of another. “Stop trying to hide what God has created to be seen.” Celebrate the gift you have been given.

 None of us know what tomorrow brings. We need to trust God and “don’t borrow worry.”

Lives are not always able to be controlled by us. Things will always happen that are out of our control. In the midst of the storm, rest in the arms of the Father. Trust His timing. “God continued to prove His timing was right on schedule. Even when that schedule wasn’t made by me.”

A character has known God but drifted away. “I spoke to the God I’d believed in as a girl.” All of heaven rejoices when the prodigal returns home.

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The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller

Mar12

Trust And Obey

The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller is a charming historical Christian novel set in 1913.

We see the importance of telling people about God who loves them. A preacher and his daughter travel into the American wilderness via the railways to spread the Good News to various communities. In some places they are welcomed, in others there is a degree of suspicion until they see that the pair are spreading love and not there to interfere.

The majority of the novel is set in a poor mining town. Here, the townsfolk are held to ransom by the mine owners who do not repair the properties, show little regard for safety in the mines and pay a pittance. The preacher and his daughter set about to show practical expressions of God’s love to the community.

In 1913 liquor is illegal in many states meaning that illegal making and selling of moonshine has sprung up. It is dangerous to interfere with these operations as the men are unscrupulous and are ready to kill. Their goal is to make money and to stop anyone in their way.

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Power Play by Rachel Dylan

Sep7

Political Moves

Power Play by Rachel Dylan is a fabulous Christian contemporary political suspense. It is the third book in the Capital Intrigue series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Rachel Dylan has once more produced and executed a first-class plotline that had me glued from the start.

The characters are well drawn and realistic. As the action unfolded, I could easily picture the scenes due to comprehensive descriptions. The characters elicited a variety of emotional responses from me.

Suspicion is heightened and trust in short supply after two murders and one attack. The characters need to work out the perpetrator. I had my suspicions from the start – but was only partly correct. See if you can spot the villains.

Family is important. After the loss of her parents (years before the book opened, no spoilers here), the leading lady appreciates her sister even more.

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Backlash by Rachel Dylan

May21

The Fall-Out

Backlash by Rachel Dylan is a marvellous contemporary Christian crime suspense. It is the second book in the Capital Intrigue series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed catching up with familiar faces.

In book one we met a group of friends. Book two sees us follow the fortunes of Layla. Friendship is important. We all need good friends whom we can trust and who will support us through life.

At times life spirals out of control. We can always turn to God for support. “Relying on my faith gets me through the difficult times.” Being a Christian does not make us immune to hard times but God is faithful and has promised to never leave us.

“He was still struggling to answer… why had God left him?” God walks alongside us. If we fail to ‘see’ or ‘feel’ Him, the fault lies with us and where we have placed our focus.

The novel is full of suspense and very intriguing. A successful mission has been turned around as the team face lies, danger and cover-ups. Somewhere within the law enforcement is a leak, it needs to be plugged before more damage is done.

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