Tag Archive | Bethany House

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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Christmas At Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M White

Aug22

Today, Tomorrow & Forever

Christmas At Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M White is the most charming, Christian, Christmas historical novella. It will warm your heart and leave you smiling.

The novel is set in 1902. Roseanna M White has perfectly captured the essence and nostalgia of an Edwardian Christmas. The is snow, a manor house, a village, and the re-enacting of The Nutcracker. Characters bond over events and food, offering mouth-watering goodies to tempt the reader.

We see that life is too short to hold grudges as a character realises it is better to let go of the past and concentrate on love and family. “The future lies before us, and we needn’t let those past mistakes shackle us.”

The leading character possesses a joy that is infectious. We realise that no matter how old she gets, she will always have a joyful outlook which is beautiful. “Joy came by embracing love.”

There are nudges to literary classics. Any Jane Austen fan will immediately see the resemblance: “Mama was turning into a regular Mrs Bennet of Miss Austen fame, muttering that one of her daughters better win his eye.”

We learn that we are all called to minister to others. “Jesus never said that the rest of us were released from duty just because there is a clergyman nearby. We are all called to minister to those in need.” We need to live out our faith, preaching the Gospel at all times – and if necessary, use words.

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The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen

Jul6

Cherished & Loved

The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen is a charming Christian historical novel that I loved. It is the third book in On Devonshire Shores series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order as each one begins where the previous book ended.

Each book surrounds the five sisters, with a different character focal point each time. This book focuses on Claire, the eldest sister. We have only previously heard about her as she lived many miles away in Edinburgh. It is a joy to get to meet her.

We witness her bravery as she travels from her home to Sidmouth where her family reside. This was quite a feat in 1819. Circumstances have presented her with the chance to have a change of direction, showing that we are never too old to have a new beginning.

The reader meets other new characters who have arrived from India.

We witness the prejudices of the day towards those who look different; are classed as ‘unworthy’; or who reside in a class that others view as beneath them. Big-hearted characters welcome everyone, knowing that we have all sinned and yet God loves and welcomes us all.

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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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