Tag Archive | Net Galley

Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley

Thrilling

Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley is a thrilling contemporary Christian crime suspense. It is the first book in the Pearl River series which promises to be fantastic.

Patricia Bradley has created an intricate plotline which draws the reader in from the start and has us glued and guessing. All the characters are believable and easy to empathise with.

The leading lady, Alexis, is relentless in her pursuit of justice. She puts her job first, above everything else in her life. “Just like your grandfather didn’t ask for God’s input, I imagine you haven’t discussed this goal of yours with God either.” Life events have meant that Alexis pushed God away, preferring to trust herself instead of God. Her grandmother fears Alexis will end up alone and full of regrets. No one on their death bed has ever wished that they spent more time in the office.

Though we may drift away from God, He is faithful and walks beside us, longing for us to turn to Him. At times of crisis, a character ‘hears’ the voice of God in her heart.

Godly grandparents remind Alexis of what is really important. “Gram nodded toward the Bible…” “Be sure to take time there.” We need to make time for God and know His Word, so that in times of trouble, we will be able to recall and stand on His promises to us.

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A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano

The True Vine

A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano is a powerful Christian historical novel that consumed me from the start.

The novel is set in nineteenth century England in the West Country. It is written around the topic of a vineyard, reminding us that God is the true vine and we are the branches. The reader learns all about how to tend the vines so that they thrive and produce fruit. “The vines best protection… is not higher walls but deeper roots.” This reminds the reader that we need to have firm foundations in our Christian walk. We must learn the scriptures so that when troubles come, we can stand firm on the Word of God.

We ‘hear’ the action in the first and third person through the leading man and lady. They seem to be polar opposites at first but as the novel progresses, their true characters are revealed. “He’s left little pieces of his servant heart all around.” We are all called to have hearts and lives that show Jesus to a hurting world. We need to walk the walk as well as to talk the talk.

A character fears all that is being taken away from her but she is merely being pruned so that she can flourish. “Taking away what’s good so that you seek out something better.” God wants good gifts for us. What we have may be good but God has something even better in store for us.

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The Lost Orphans by Ellie Curzon

Three Cheers For The Blitz Kids!

The Lost Orphans by Ellie Curzon is an entertaining historical novel and the first book in The Runaway Evacuees series which promises to be fabulous.

The action is set in London in 1940, with the occasional glimpses backwards. It surrounds a group of orphans who were bombed out. They band together as a unit, looking out for each other, and for those in need.

We see that the children are plucky and resourceful. Their bravery knows no bounds as they set about rescuing those who are trapped by the Blitz – hence they earn their name, The Blitz Kids.

Londoners were a brave bunch, full of the bulldog spirit. “No matter how many bombs Hitler sent, London carried on.” Not much stops them. They drink tea, keep calm and carry on.

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The Cruise Club by Caroline James

Delightfully Fun

The Cruise Club by Caroline James is a delightfully fun contemporary novel that will leave you smiling.

As the title suggests, the action is aboard a cruise ship in the Mediterranean. The atmosphere is light and fun-filled, with blue sky days and relaxing nights.

The reader revels in the trips ashore as we ‘see’ some of the treasures that the local landscape has to offer.

There are a wonderful eclectic mix of characters, all of whom are the other side of sixty. Caroline James shows that you are never too old to have fun. Life is for living.

You are never too old to follow your dreams. “Don’t die wondering what it might have been like to be an author. Make it happen.” If you have a dream, why not fulfil it?

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