Tag Archive | Revell Books

The Atlas Of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold

Oct12

Worth Coming Back For

The Atlas Of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold is the most charming contemporary Christian novel that I absolutely adored. It is a book to be savoured from start to finish.

This is a book about relationships between a mother and her two grown daughters. It is also about our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We witness the effects of life’s experiences on our outlook and on how we do life.

The younger daughter, Chloe, is like a breath of fresh air. She has a joy in life that is infectious, and which reaches from the pages to encompass the reader. Her joyful spirit comes from her faith. She knows that she is loved by God and that whatever happens, her life is in His hands.

In contrast, her elder sister and mother do not have a faith, preferring to rely on themselves. Their lives are far more tense. Chloe prays for them to know God. “I pray you hear His voice… Faith often came like a stranger to those who lacked it. But Chloe had plenty to share.” Chloe longs for them to know the joy of living loved.

The three go on a week-long road trip, taking in the literary haunts of authors and their fictional characters. It is a journey of discovery in more ways than one. “Walking in faith was an adventure like no other.” Each new day offers new opportunities.

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Capture The Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Sep23

Beauty In Nature

Capture The Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a powerful Christian contemporary novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the first book in the National Parks Summers series which promises to be fabulous.

The novel, as the series suggests, is set in a National Park. Along with the characters, we get back to nature. There is so much beauty in the natural, and the animals roam freely. It is here, where we can commune with God. “This place… I am so overwhelmed… with gratitude to God for creating such a place. For giving me the gift of experiencing it.” There is so much beauty in the world that God has created.

A debate is sparked, where do we meet God? “Church doesn’t have to be a building. It can be wherever you find meaning.”

The church is also the people. Wherever we connect with others, there is always the opportunity to be the church.

When we know God, we can rest securely and trust His plans and His timing. We are called to live out the life that God has uniquely created for us. “Good intensions weren’t enough. You have to turn them into reality.” Whenever God puts a dream in our hearts, we need to grab it. We may try and fail along the way but it is in the trying and failing that we learn.

Characters have been hurt. This hurt either drives them towards God or propels them away. We learn about the dangers of anger. “Holding on to anger… It’s like a poison… Forgiveness is the antidote.” When we forgive, we can live in freedom. If we cling to hurt and anger, we risk becoming bitter. “He didn’t have to hang on to that hurt… anger was toxic.”

God wants us to live in freedom. “I told God everything that made me so mad at Him… I didn’t feel anger in return… I felt this overwhelming sense of love.” God is love. He takes our hurt and anger, and He exchanges them at the cross, for love.

Prayer is important. “Kate had no idea what to do next. Except… to pray.” Prayer unites us with God, who knows just what we need in any and every situation.

We are all unique. We are called to be ourselves and not someone else. The only person we should imitate is Jesus. “A tulip doesn’t struggle to be different from a rose.” We are all called to live out the life that God has created for us.

God’s creation is awe-inspiring. Whilst being immersed in nature, we learn a lot about the animals in the park, especially the bears who are the focus of the novel.

All the characters were well drawn and believable. It is beautiful to witness the enthusiasm and interactions of thirteen-year-old Maisie. There were traits in her that I recognised from my thirteen-year-old self. Her zest for life was infectious.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Capture The Moment and I cannot wait for the subsequent books in this marvellous series.

I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON

Once Upon A Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson

Aug25

Coming Home

Once Upon A Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson is a most charming contemporary Christian Christmas book that warms your heart and leaves you smiling.

I always look forward to the annual festive offering from Melody Carlson. She knows how to perfectly capture the festive season within a book.

Once Upon A Christmas Carol is about learning to love Christmas. It is a bout discovering family and love. It is letting go of the past and embracing the present whilst looking forward to the future.

Families can be complicated affairs. There are always two sides to one story, and one must discern where the truth lies.

Two sisters have been estranged. Trapped by snow, from holidaying in Bahamas, the leading lady discovers, and receives hospitality from, an aunt she never knew. She also has a change of heart on her views about Christmas. The leading lady, along with the reader, discovers new traditions and experiences a snowy Christmas with those she loves. The festivities of a nostalgic Christmas include snow; festive fayre; and annual traditions. The spirit of generosity is very much alive.

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Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley

Aug1

Exciting

Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley is a fabulous Christian contemporary crime novel that entertained me from the start. It is the second book in the Pearl River series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order for maximum enjoyment.

I thoroughly enjoyed my return visit to Pearl River and meeting up with familiar faces. Fatal Witness had a different main character who interacted with those whom we had met in book one.

We see the love and care that surrounds the characters. The police department functions as part of the Pearl River family. The officers are relentless in their pursuit of justice.

A cold case is the main focus – just who did kill Dani’s parents twenty-five years ago? And why is the killer back and active again?

As a nine-year-old, Dani saw her parents’ killer but it has been locked away in her mind. The intervening years have seen her with a new home and a name change. A chance photo in a magazine sees the grown-up Dani recognised by her maternal grandmother.

We see the importance of trusting God who can give us a peace despite our external circumstances. “How do you get that peace?” Peace comes by knowing God; trusting God; and leaning on God.

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