Tag Archive | Rhoda Hardie

Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley

Aug1

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

Jul24

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 Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen

Jul6

Cherished & Loved

The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen is a charming Christian historical novel that I loved. It is the third book in On Devonshire Shores series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order as each one begins where the previous book ended.

Each book surrounds the five sisters, with a different character focal point each time. This book focuses on Claire, the eldest sister. We have only previously heard about her as she lived many miles away in Edinburgh. It is a joy to get to meet her.

We witness her bravery as she travels from her home to Sidmouth where her family reside. This was quite a feat in 1819. Circumstances have presented her with the chance to have a change of direction, showing that we are never too old to have a new beginning.

The reader meets other new characters who have arrived from India.

We witness the prejudices of the day towards those who look different; are classed as ‘unworthy’; or who reside in a class that others view as beneath them. Big-hearted characters welcome everyone, knowing that we have all sinned and yet God loves and welcomes us all.

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A Winter By The Sea by Julie Klassen

Jul6

A Blend Of Fact & Fiction

A Winter By The Sea by Julie Klassen is a most charming Christian historical novel that I loved. It is the second book in On Devonshire Shores series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order for character progression and continuity as each book begins as the previous one ends.

This book begins in the winter of 1819 at Sidmouth. There is an accurate timeline that shows the Duke and Duchess of Kent plus their baby, the future Queen Victoria, staying in Sidmouth. There are other actual figures from the time included too.

This story focuses on Emily, who is the twin to Viola who was the focus of book one. Emily is very creative with a huge heart to help others. Her heart threatens to lead her astray as a face from the past appears.

We see characters fixated on social standing and marriage alliances rather than following their heart.

The poor society features once more, as we drop in on those who volunteer their time and resources. There is a rescue to perform too.

Faith is important. Sometimes we just have to trust that God is good, even when life isn’t. “Why some prayers were answered, and some were not.” God always answers prayers but not always in the way we expect.

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