Tag Archive | book review

Lilac Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Sep20

Delightful

Lilac Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a delightful contemporary Christian novel which I loved. It is the second book in the Mackinac Cottages series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The reader is treated to the beautiful scenery of Mackinac through the author’s descriptions.  Found it easy to picture the scene as I know that the Grand Hotel in Mackinac was used in the 1980’s film Somewhere In Time. The pace of life is relaxing but not without incident.

We see the importance of heritage and knowing our roots. Ultimately what matters most is that we are all sons and daughters of the King. As much as our earthly family loves us, God loves us even more. “Did she have the right to ask God for anything more?… God wasn’t limited in His blessings.” God loves us and delights to bless us.

Grief brings conflicting emotions. “When Gram had died, she’d been furious at God.” God can handle our emotions, what He doesn’t want is our silence. He knows just what we need to heal. He longs to comfort us. “Poured out her grief to God.” God has loving arms that will comfort His children.

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Star Of The Show by Jacqueline Wilson

Sep18

Family, Loyalty & Love

Star Of The Show by Jacqueline Wilson is a most delightful, children’s historical novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is perfect for ages ten years and over.

The novel is set in Victorian times and surrounds a family of five children who don’t have much materially, but do have a lot of love.

The children have to fend for themselves. Each has a different talent (except for the baby) and they put their talents to work, bringing in money to support themselves and baby Ada.

The star of the book is definitely Tess. She has the ambition and drive to succeed in her dream. She also has love in her heart, spending her hard-earned money on Christmas gifts for her family and friends. She has a spirit of generosity.

We see the difference between the classes as Tess befriends Master Cedric who lives in a large house with servants. His household staff are warm and welcoming to Tess and her siblings.

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All My Fault by Emma Robinson

Sep12

The Hardest Goodbye

All My Fault by Emma Robinson is a heart-wrenching contemporary novel that I read in just two sittings.

This is an emotional read that will completely tug at your heartstrings. It is a book about a truly terrible situation and every parent’s nightmare. It is a book about the hardest goodbye.

Emma Robinson writes with sensitivity and feeling. The reader becomes caught up in the action as we ‘walk’ through the book, totally immersed in the situation and able to empathise with the lead character.

A terrible accident sees a young woman fighting for her life and for that of her unborn baby. As events unfold, we see that all is not as it seems and a guilty party walks among us. A mother has a bedside vigil as she refuses to acknowledge the worst. A partner is arrested. His character belies what a mother believes. Emotions run high. Accusations fly. Somewhere under it all lies the truth. Will the truth ever come to light? Or will it stay buried forever?

There are many emotions associated with loss. Feelings of guilt threaten to overwhelm a character who is told, “you need to be kind to yourself.”

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Cut Short by B D Spargo

Sep10

Absolutely Thrilling

Cut Short by B D Spargo is an absolutely thrilling contemporary crime suspense that I just could not put down. It is the first book in the DCI Liam Doyle Thriller series and I cannot wait for the subsequent books.

The action is set in present day, with flashbacks to 1996 and 1999. As the story opens, we hear the cruel voice of the perpetrator. The reader does not know who or why. As the novel progresses, bit by bit a character is revealed, and the who and why are answered.

As we follow a character, we fear for those who cross their paths.

Tension rises, heightened by the isolated, unforgiving landscape. The reader’s heartrate rises and sweaty palms ensue!

All the characters were well drawn and believable. I followed all the action, instantly liking some of the characters but not others. My responses were guided by the author’s marvellous pen.

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