Archive | November 2023

Santa’s Early Christmas by Lily Lawson

Nov5

Delightful

Santa’s Early Christmas by Lily Lawson is a delightful book for the under sevens. It is perfect to read to young children or for early readers to read themselves.

The main body of the book has rhyming couplets to accompany each illustration. These enable the poem to bounce along in a rhythm. After your children have heard it a few times, they will soon be joining in.

At the end of the book are a few longer poems. All equally delightful.

The whole book is simply illustrated by Gustyawan. Each page can be a starting point for a discussion with our children as we see all the traditional food associated with Christmas.

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New York Miracle by Margo Laurie

Nov5

So Delightful

New York Miracle by Margo Laurie is such a delightful timeslip novel that warmed my heart and made me smile.

The reader travels to New York in present day and 1936. We are treated to a winter wonderland with skating in Central Park, the lights and sounds of the festive season in both time periods.

We see that true love never dies no matter how much a family may try to thwart it.

The theatre in 1936 was a sight to behold. It was a decadent era. Margo Laurie has perfectly captured the atmosphere and the razzamatazz.

Staying in a convent in present day, a character finds little has changed over the years as she connects with the past in a surprising way.

All the characters were well drawn, likable and very charming.

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No 23 Burlington Square by Jenni Keer

Nov4

Love Leads The Way

No 23 Burlington Square by Jenni Keer is a marvellous historical novel that consumed me.

The action is set in 1927 in a large house in London.

All the characters were well drawn and fully rounded. I did not like one of the leading ladies at first. She seemed entitled and a party girl but once the reader realizes what motivates her, we can see that beneath her exterior beats a heart of gold.

We see what war did for women. It enabled them to have more freedoms as they stepped into the jobs vacated by men. The women were reluctant to go back to being seen as property of the men or in loveless marriages. There is much courage when women stand up for who they really are.

During the war the men fought for freedom. At home, the women now fight for their freedoms. The workers did not want to be shackled.

There was still a class system. “The accident of your birth determined your status in the world.” As the 1920’s progressed, the class system was beginning to be eroded.

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Nothing To Lose by Michael Garrett

Nov3

A Life Of Love

Nothing To Lose by Michael Garrett is a contemporary Christian thriller that has its roots in God and in love.

It is a beautiful love story – the love of one man who is motivated by loyalty, love and kindness. He believes he needs to leave a legacy and that legacy is love. He loves against the odds. “Love doesn’t come with an on and off switch.” His love and kindness are catching – not only by other characters but love leaps from the pages.

This is the story of a man with the correct set of priorities. “I’d rather have time to myself than make more money.” Success in business cannot be compared to living a life of love.

This is a man who loves God. He knows that bad things happen to good people. They are not caused by God. Like Job, he is faithful, loving God through all circumstances. His faith is catching.

There are times of great sadness and tissues are needed. “It’s moments like this when people need God the most. Or at least I do.” We need God at all times.

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