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Finding Riley by Dan Walsh

Jan11

Relentlessly Searching

Finding Riley by Dan Walsh is the most heartwarming, contemporary Christian novel that I read just one sitting. It is the second book in A Forever Home series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed meeting up with some familiar faces from book one.

Spaniel, Riley, is definitely the star of the show. Part of the book is written through his eyes. Dan Walsh has perfectly crafted his words so we believe that it is Riley who is ‘speaking.’

We see how dogs interact with people and brighten their day. They also cause previously closed up characters to open up and let in love, in the canine form.

We also witness the devastation in lives when pets are lost. We see the lengths to which some will go, relentlessly searching for their dog. This reminds us of God, who relentlessly searches for us if we have strayed from Him. 

Prayer is important. God hears all our prayers. “Prayed ‘Jesus, save us.’ “ Jesus loves to rescue us from our situations. He longs to restore that which is lost. We must keep the faith, listening for His reply and remembering to thank Him, whatever the outcome.

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A Gift Called Hope by Eva Jordan

Dec16

It Takes A Village

A Gift Called Hope by Eva Jordan is a beautiful, poignant contemporary Christmas novel that will tug at your heart.

This is a study of a family and of grief from two years earlier. The family has fractured as each member retreats into themselves as they each process loss. There is no right or wrong way through grief, each journey is unique. Each must ravel their own pathway.

We mainly ‘see’ the loss as experienced through the mother’s eyes. Her arms are empty of her son, as she draws her grandson closer. In her own grief, she fails to see how others are suffering. She fails to see what was under her nose. Her memories are rose-tinted and not a true depiction.

Grief and guilt go hand in hand. Characters feel guilty for what they did or did not do.

There is a community atmosphere as characters offer support where they can. There is also a tense atmosphere at the school gates as mothers try to outdo others.

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The Girl Across The Wire Fence by Imogen Matthews

Apr18

Powerful

The Girl Across The Wire Fence by Imogen Matthews is a powerful historical novel that is an all-consuming read.

The action is set in Holland towards the end of World War II in the camp at Amersfoort and the surrounding areas.

We witness both the incredible bravery of some and the horrendous cruelty of others. There are those who stand up for what is right and are determined to make a difference. Extraordinary feats of bravery are performed by ordinary people, some as young as sixteen years old. A crust of bread makes a huge difference to those who are starving.

All the characters were well drawn and realistic. We see the action from alternating points of view.

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