Tag Archive | Net Galley

The Secret Sewing Society by Siobhan Curham

Jan26

Needles Of Freedom

The Secret Sewing Society by Siobhan Curham is a powerful dual timeline novel set in Lviv, Ukraine.

The action is set during World War II and 2022. Both periods see Ukraine being invaded by the Russians (and also the Nazis in World War II). Fresh in the memories of the people is the Holodomor of the 1920’s when the Soviets caused a man-made famine in Ukraine. People had a strong spirit and the secret sewing society was born. “We stitch what they try to silence.” Messages of hope are sewn into clothes.

The two time periods are linked by strong females in the same family tree. In 2022 the leading lady travels from the UK to Ukraine after her mother leaves her a property that she did not know about. Whilst in Lviv the Russians invade. The leading lady decides to stay as the building slowly gives up its’ secrets.

The leading ladies in both time periods are gutsy as they stay to face their oppressors. Their stories are similar but different.

Not all Soviets are cruel. Love blossoms where it will, even when it is forbidden.

Continue reading →

The Invisible Thread by Sue Lamoree

Jan25

Entertaining & Thought Provoking

The Invisible Thread by Sue Lamoree is a beautiful contemporary children’s novel and just perfect for the over tens. It has a powerful message of forgiveness at its’ heart.

Following a dreadful accident, a family is fractured when a young boy ends up wheelchair bound. There are feelings of both guilt and anger within the family, as it falls apart. What the family really need is love and forgiveness. They need to celebrate what they do have, instead of mourning what they don’t.

We witness how life has changed for the young boy. He misses his past life. “He’d been so angry with Dad over the past year that he’d forgotten how much fun their adventures used to be.” Anger has eaten away at him. His eyes need opening to the new world of possibilities around him. This includes new friends and hobbies, such as competitive horse riding for the disabled.

A spirit from heaven, whom only children can see, falls to earth for a special mission. Her ethereal presence wafts through the tale, spreading peace and love. She reveals the heart of God the Father: “He’s got millions of children, but I always feel like I’m special to Him… He says I am.”

Continue reading →

The Arctic Cruise by Caroline James

Jan24

The Arctic Cruise by Caroline James

The Arctic Cruise by Caroline James is a delightfully fun novel that entertained me from the start.

A Christmas cruise is very charming. Along with the traditional festivities, we see the rather energetic Santa who wears swimming trunks on board ship; and we travel ashore to take in the delights of Norway.

The cruise is made up of an eclectic bunch of people – those who brave the ice-cold swimming pool for a daily swim, and those who prefer food, drink, and more leisurely activities. There is something for every taste.

We drop in on a small group of six guests – a couple where the husband has terminal cancer and who are determined to make memories while they can. “When the Beast [cancer] came back, it would be hungry…Her husband’s decline would be rapid… In the meantime, their lives were for living.”

There is a retired school master from Skipton, and a new widow from Lancashire. She was “in a widowed world she hadn’t been ready to enter.”

The final pair are a loud, showy couple determined to be the centre of attention.

We see the generosity of hearts who want to help those less fortunate. They are angels in disguise as they see those who are invisible to others.

Continue reading →

What Tomorrow Will Be by Julianne MacLean

Jan20

A Work Of Great Beauty

What Tomorrow Will Be by Julieanne MacLean is the most beautiful contemporary novel that will lodge deep in your heart and soul. Every once in a while, a book comes along that profoundly impacts me – and this is that book. I know it will stay with me forever.

The action is in three main time periods – 1998, 2006 and 2025. These are pivotal moments in the lives of characters. They are the defining years. A life is bookmarked by two freak accidents – both have huge emotional impact for all those involved. We often wonder – why do bad things happen to good people? Sometimes there are just no answers but I was reminded of the Bible passage in Genesis 49 where God uses bad circumstances and flips it round to good.

You never forget your first love – especially if it has been ripped away. A character has had the big love of her life, and of her present love she says: “It doesn’t feel earth shattering. It’s a quieter kind of love.” It is a love on which lives and a family have been built – but are the foundations strong enough to weather the storms?

Personal dreams are good to have, to give you something to strive for, but not at the expense of today. “I spend too much time mapping out my future. As a result, I forget to enjoy the present.” Do not miss the present because the future is not guaranteed.

Continue reading →