Tag Archive | Rhoda Hardie

Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl

Jul3

Totally Gripping

Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl is a totally gripping, contemporary Christian suspense. It is the second book in the Ryland & St Clair series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading book one first in order to see not only character progression but there is a story thread carried over.

It was good to meet up with familiar faces. The pairing of Ryland and St Clair work well together. There is a chemistry simmering between them. They both had very different upbringings but River Ryland is welcomed and feels at home with the St Clair family.

We see the importance of faith and spreading God’s love. “Instead of the judgmental religious spirit she’d been raised with, the St Clair’s operated in love and grace.” Souls will never be won by Bible bashing. We are called to be Jesus’ representatives on earth. We are His hands and feet, His eyes and ears. We need to show His love to a hurting world.

Everyone wants to be loved and to belong. “I’m not special” … “To God, all His children are special.” God loves each and everyone of us. His love is big enough for us all.

God doesn’t wait until we are qualified to call us. He equips those whom He calls. God looks for willing hearts. “Tony wanted to be available to Him if He chose to use him.”

Forgiveness is important. If we withhold it, we risk becoming bitter. “She knew God wanted her to forgive him… but how could she?” If we cannot forgive in our own strength, we need to ask God for help and forgive in His strength.

Continue reading →

The Divine Proverb Of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold

Jul1

Do The Next Thing

The Divine Proverb Of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold is a most charming contemporary Christian novel that I just could not put down. It is a novel that will warm hearts, soothe souls and impart wisdom and love.

The novel is about love and lessons in how to love as God loves us.

Following her parents divorce, twenty something Nikki spends her summer on her uncle Will’s family farm, as she tries to process events. It is here that she finds an old family notebook full of recipes and proverbs. As she works through the recipes, she learns God’s lessons for life and love.

Being hurt deeply has resulted in Nikki turning inwards and shutting others out, especially her father, whom she sees as the source of all her pain. “Self protection was never a savior from pain. Only forgiveness could be.” Imprisoning herself in bitterness is not living life as God intended. God wants us to live in freedom. Only by forgiving can we achieve this. Forgiveness is beneficial to us and to those we forgive. “Lay down the bitterness and trust the Lord’s protecting arm to save you”. Being safe in God’s arms is the best place to be.

We need to build our relationship with God. We need firm foundations in faith in order to sustain us through the tough times. Start the day with God, not social media or the news. “Scripture at sunrise … Every morning, he said thank-you to the Creator of all.” We need to practice having a grateful heart. As Pollyanna did, we need to play the glad game.

Continue reading →

Just For The Summer by Melody Carlson

Jun20

Positively Charming

Just For The Summer by Melody Carlson is a positively charming contemporary Christian novel that I just did not want to end.

Melody Carlson has created an eclectic mix of characters to entertain the reader. They were all realistic, with some having kinder character traits than others. Curmudgeonly old Jack was easy to imagine. His way of doing business was in direct contrast to slick but cold-hearted Diana. Likewise, warm-hearted Ginny was the direct opposite to career-aspiring Jacqueline. The characters complemented each other, showing that different skill sets are needed at different times. Most important of all, is having a kind heart.

The premise of the book is a job swap for the summer. Ginny, who works for a top Seattle hotel, swaps this for Jacqueline’s Grandad’s fishing lodge, just for the summer. Two managers. Two different skill sets. Two locations. One summer. It all equals a wonderful recipe for a wonderful read.

Clean fresh air and an outdoor life contrast with slick, city living. One location brings freedom, the other smothers. It all depends on personality type as to which place characters will bloom best.

We see the importance of having faith in God and in building that relationship through prayer. When we don’t know what to do, we must pray for guidance. “Ginny prayed a silent prayer – asking God to guide her – then she waited.” We must remember to take turns to talk and to listen to God.

Continue reading →

The All American by Susie Finkbeiner

May29

Growing Up & Following Dreams

The All American by Susie Finkbeiner is a most delightful Christian historical novel that I completely savored, never wanting it to end.

The novel is set during 1952 as we follow an all-American family of parents, two daughters and a cat. Their extended family is a married brother and sister-in-law, and an uncle. All the events are seen in the first person, alternating between eleven year old Flossie and her older sister Bertha.

The sisters are similar but different. They both have unique relationships with their father who is an author. Flossie is a bookworm – Gilbert Blythe and Anne Shirley are two of her favourite characters. She ‘lives’ her books, liking nothing better than an afternoon in the library.

In contrast, Bertha is a keen baseball player. Her dream is to play for the ladies Sweet Peas team. She is never happier than joining the boys at school for a baseball game.

Both girls have close relationships with their father who encourages their individual dreams.

Continue reading →