Traces Of Alys by Sarah Reynolds

Oct29

A Complex Plotline

Traces Of Alys by Sarah Reynolds is a compelling dual timeline psychological suspense that gripped me from the start.

The novel is set in 1995 and 2015, alternating between voices and time periods. It is set in both Surrey and West Wales. At first, I found the action confusing (maybe because it was a kindle copy and not a paperback) and wasn’t sure of the connections – but by halfway through, I was totally invested, and read greedily to the end.

As I sped towards the final pages, my heart rate rose and my palms were sweaty, as the pieces all slotted together. The summing up of the action was superb – I believe that Traces Of Alys would make a marvellous television series.

The novel was partly in Welsh, with English translations. It celebrates the Welsh language. I imagine that Welsh speakers would enjoy the novel.

There were missing girls. And girls who were found. Just who was who is revealed at the end.

Within the book there were some hard to read scenes as some of the men in the book, were very unsavoury creatures.

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The Fairy Doll & Other Tales From The Dolls’ House by Rumer Godden

Oct28

A Delightful Collection

The Fairy Doll & Other Tales From The Dolls’ House by Rumer Godden is a delightful collection of seven tales all about dolls.

Each tale is unique and very charming. The dolls at the heart of each story, are all very different.

In Miss Happiness & Miss Flower, and in Little Plum that dolls are Japanese and therefore, we learn about some Japanese customs.

The children within the stories are from all walks of life. My favourite was little orphan Ivy in The Story Of Holly & Ivy.

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The Ghost Of Downing Street by Mervyn Lovatt

Oct28

Entertaining & Thought Provoking

The Ghost Of Downing Street by Mervyn Lovatt is a gripping psychological suspense designed to make the reader think.

The novel is set in the near future but has its’ roots in the past. The premise is – can we go back in time to alter history? Can we prevent World War I? And therefore, prevent World War II as there would be no grievances for Adolf Hitler to hang his policies on, and therefore preventing him coming to power and destroying the Jewish nation.

The reader glimpses the past. We see a colonial Britain; and learn about British allies and politics.

The Ghost Of Downing Street is designed to make the reader question historical events. We see that actions today have roots in the past. Alter one small thing, and there can be huge ramifications for good or evil.

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After All The Lost Years by Colleen Scheid

Oct25

Reclamation

All The Lost Years by Colleen Scheid is a powerful contemporary Christian novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is part of the Pleasant Hill series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Within the book we learn about the power of God’s love to redeem and restore. No one is ever too far from Him. If we journey down the wrong path, there is always the choice to turn round and return to Him. The leading character senses that she has moved far from God. “She couldn’t even feel Him in church.” Even if we don’t ‘feel’ God. He is always beside us.

There is a desire to return. “A yearning for that Jesus who healed broken people… She already went to church, read her Bible, and prayed. What else could she do?” When we want more of God, we need to come to Him with open arms, ready to receive. “This driven quality, this feeling like you aren’t good enough unless you bust your butt… That’s not what God thinks about you.” God wants us to come as we are, and He will restore us.

We don’t just meet God in church on Sundays. He is everywhere. “Nature was Lauren’s connection to God.” God meets us where we are.

Within the novel people need rescuing from their situations. We learn that “Only God has the power to rescue people.” We must “Not be afraid of a messy past. Look for what God’s doing now.” God takes our messes and turns them into masterpieces. “God’s love is bigger than my mess.”

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