Tag Archive | book review

Father’s Wings by Rhonda Hanson

Under His Covering

Father’s Wings by Rhonda Hanson is a powerful contemporary Christian novel that I just could not get enough of! It is the second book in the Father series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading book one first, for character development and maximum enjoyment.

This book explores the theme of life being a spiritual battle. Just as we can see evidence for the existence of God, we can also see evidence of the enemy. The enemy wants to distract and destroy us. God wants to give us life and peace. “Stay close to the One who knows the enemy’s agenda.” In order to defeat the enemy, we must draw close to the heart of God.

People cross our paths all the time. Some mean us harm. “God uses people to accomplish His purposes and so does Satan.” We need to be wise and discerning. Prayer is just a breath away. We need prayer to cover us at all times.

Sometimes there are no words. “I don’t know how to pray anymore.” God can ‘hear’ the longing of our hearts. He also sends people alongside us to pray and to lift us up when we have no strength left.

There is the theme of forgiveness. We must forgive others because we have been forgiven. “God is not punishing you. All your sins and mistakes are forgiven.” Sometimes life just happens. God never punishes us. He loves us.

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The Girl With The Red Hair by Imogen Matthews

Extraordinary Bravery

The Girl With The Red Hair by Imogen Matthews is a powerful historical novel that is grounded in fact.

The action is set in the Netherlands during World War II. We see the lives of the Dutch move from freedom to persecution as the Nazis marched in and tightened their grip on the country.

We witness the fear as good people hide their Jewish friends and strangers. We can understand the frustration of those in hiding – but is it really worth the risk of going outdoors?

Ordinary people commit extraordinary acts of bravery. It is surprising to learn of the hidden talents of some – being able to forge documents, de-code messages etc.

We follow members of the resistance. They are asked to do things one would never usually dream of – such as handling a gun.

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Riot by JJ Sammie Myles & Ronie Kendig

My Guardian

Riot by JJ Samie Myles & Ronie Kendig is an exciting contemporary Christian suspense. It is part of A Breed Apart series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces.

Riot is the canine member of a SEALs team who has been retired but still has the hunger to work. He is fearless, brave and loyal, prepared to defend his master at all costs. He is a major player in the story and certainly one of my favourites.

 Combat leaves scars. Sometimes they are physical and sometimes mental. PTSD needs help to recover from but it needs to be recognized by the individual first, and for them to admit that help is needed.

Survivors guilt drags characters down. “Why did he get to live when they were all dead? Why, God?” Sometimes we will never know the answers but we owe it to the fallen, to live well and in their memory.

Forgiveness is a theme. Sometimes we cannot forgive in our own strength and we need to tap into God and forgive in His strength. We do not know how a person will respond when we give forgiveness – but that is not our business. That is God’s. He will deal with their heart. Our job is to forgive and leave the rest to Him.

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Cold Pursuit by Nancy Mehl

A Fabulous New Series

Cold Pursuit by Nancy Mehl is an absolutely marvellous contemporary Christian suspense that I just could not put down. It is the first book in the Ryland & St Clair series and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. As book one ends, it is perfectly poised for book two.

Of the two lead characters – one is a Christian and the other has wandered away from God. She has placed earthly values on her heavenly Father, judging Him as she judged her own father. She is just waiting, and expecting, God to walk away and let her down – but God loves us. He will never walk away and He will never let us down. God loves us, even when we reject Him. God works for us even when we turn our back on Him. We can always trust God. “If God could love her through her anger and rejection of Him, she knew He would never abandon her like her father had.”

No one is ever too far from the heart of God. “No matter what you do, He’ll always take you back.” God longs for us to return to Him, if we stray.

Forgiveness is a major theme. Sometimes we need to forgive others. Sometimes we need to forgive ourselves. When God forgives us, He also chooses to forget our transgressions.

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