Tag Archive | Roseanna M White

Yesterday’s Tides by Roseanna M White

Jan28

God’s Faithfulness

Yesterday’s Tides by Roseanna M White is a powerful dual timeline novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The action is set during both world wars, and is linked by the generations of a family. The chapters alternate between the two time periods. Much of the action is set on Ocracoke, a small American island.

All the characters were well drawn and believable. I loved the fact that there were cameo appearances of characters from other Roseanna M White’s books. This added to the feeling a familiarity for the reader.

Lies and suspicion happens within a family as well as during times of war. Characters in both time periods are cruelly treated and time with children is snatched away. As is the time with a spouse.

There is the theme of forgiveness. When there is much to forgive, it does not come easy – but forgiveness is a s much for the welfare of the giver, as it is for the receiver.

There are several generations of strong women. They have had to rise above their circumstances. They are overcomers. The reader’s heart breaks for the abused wife who tells her small daughter: “You hear him [her father] coming, and you run, baby girl. You run to Lulu and spend the night with her.”

Many of the women have grown up under the Jim Crow laws, shunned because of their skin colour. The prejudices remain. The women are so much more than the colour of their skin. They are hardworking, and full of goodness, serving others where they can.

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An Honorable Deception by Roseanna M White

Nov3

Truth. Family. Love.

An Honorable Deception by Roseanna M White is a powerful historical Christian novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the third book in The Imposters series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces, not only from earlier in the series but also from a previous series. This all helps to thoroughly immerse the reader within the tale.

The novel is set in 1912 in both Northumberland and London. The City is a grimy place full of dubious morals and entitled characters. In contrast, the air in Northumberland is fresh, and there is a lightness and freedom to be found. Kindness is the order of the day. The family help those whom society has marginalised. This care extends to widows and orphans too.

I loved the inclusion of the circus animals. Penelope, the monkey is adorable. They too, are saved from cruelty or worse.

There are the difficult themes of trafficking young girls and redundant ayahs into prostitution for the elite. This is sensitively tackled by Roseanna M White. We meet characters who are quite rightly outraged, and who will fight for those without a voice.

We see the importance of listening to the voice of God. “You’re too weak… It was mother’s voice in her head, reciting the phrase that had become her mantra.” Other voices speak lies to us. God’s voice speaks truth.

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Christmas At Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M White

Aug22

Today, Tomorrow & Forever

Christmas At Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M White is the most charming, Christian, Christmas historical novella. It will warm your heart and leave you smiling.

The novel is set in 1902. Roseanna M White has perfectly captured the essence and nostalgia of an Edwardian Christmas. The is snow, a manor house, a village, and the re-enacting of The Nutcracker. Characters bond over events and food, offering mouth-watering goodies to tempt the reader.

We see that life is too short to hold grudges as a character realises it is better to let go of the past and concentrate on love and family. “The future lies before us, and we needn’t let those past mistakes shackle us.”

The leading character possesses a joy that is infectious. We realise that no matter how old she gets, she will always have a joyful outlook which is beautiful. “Joy came by embracing love.”

There are nudges to literary classics. Any Jane Austen fan will immediately see the resemblance: “Mama was turning into a regular Mrs Bennet of Miss Austen fame, muttering that one of her daughters better win his eye.”

We learn that we are all called to minister to others. “Jesus never said that the rest of us were released from duty just because there is a clergyman nearby. We are all called to minister to those in need.” We need to live out our faith, preaching the Gospel at all times – and if necessary, use words.

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The Island Bookshop by Roseanna M White

Jun12

Very Charming

The Island Bookshop by Roseanna M White is a very charming Christian dual timeline novel that I absolutely loved. It is one of those books that you just don’t want to end.

The action is set on a small America island/strip of land in 1938 and in present day. The two time periods are linked by family and the love of books. There is also a mystery to solve.

Books can ‘speak’ to us and transport us to other times and places. We see the love that a character has for A Secret Garden. It’s a timeless, universal appeal.

1938 sees a character arrive from Croatia to start a new life after persecution from Mussolini starts heating up. We see that starting a new life in America is not without its difficulties as strangers from overseas are viewed with suspicion.

Family is important. Family loves and supports us. In present day a character returns home after her sister has an accident. The love of family helps to heal. Sometimes the healing is physical, other times it is mental. “Family will help you heal… You don’t have to talk about it, but you have to be near the people who love you.”

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