Archive | February 2017

The Breakdown by B.A. Paris

Feb18

A Cracking Psychological Thriller

The Breakdown by B.A. Paris is a contemporary psychological thriller and what a fabulous read it is. I was gripped from the start to end. With heart racing, I read on, trying to guess the outcome.. but failed.

The Breakdown is a clever read as it can be seen on two levels, literal and imagined. Written in the first person, the reader can easily see themselves as the main protagonist. Questioning ones sanity as the action unfolds, the reader wonders what is real and what is imagined? And whose sanity is intact?

B.A. Paris has an intricately constructed plotline. As the book progresses, the reader becomes more embroiled in the action. Home, that should be a safe haven becomes more and more terrifying. Who can be trusted? Where does the truth lie?

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Yella’s Prayers by Nadine C Keels

Feb16

The Difficult Years

Yella’s Prayers by Nadine C Keels is a young adult  Christian coming of age novel set at the turn of the twenty first century. It is jam packed full of Godly themes whilst focusing on a handful of teenagers.

Life can be confusing for teens on the cusp of adulthood and Nadine Keels perfectly portrays the teens dilemmas. There are the constant pressures of drugs, sex and looking good. These struggles and conflicts are shown in the novel.

Within the book there is the difficult topic of domestic abuse. This affects not just the abused and abuser but there is the fall-out to the family. This is all realistically portrayed as the victim constantly blames themself and comes up with excuses for the abuser. The reader feels the tension within the family.

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The Newcomer by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Feb12

Finally Home

The Newcomer by Suzanne Woods Fisher is an Amish historical novel. It is part of the Amish Beginnings series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed this epic tale.

The novel is set in the eighteenth century and is a tale about journeys – literal journeys and journeys of faith. “He was riddled with doubts.” To have doubts is the beginning of faith – searching for the truth. Questions about faith helps in the journey of growth.

The Newcomer has the theme of searching. A searching deep within the find out who one really is. The tale explores this longing to know not only who we are but whose we are. “Only true self reliance is utter reliance upon God.” Only when we come to the end of ourselves can we really know God as we depend on Him.

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The Dog Who Was There by Ron Marasco

Feb12

Love Comes Full Circle

The Dog Who Was There by Ron Marasco is a beautiful novel and one that will remain in your heart long after the last page is read.

The novel is told through the eyes of Barley, a small seven year old dog. The reader witnesses his search for a home, for love, for a place to belong. Barley is a metaphor for us – we all need a home, love and a place to belong. We find our home is not in bricks and mortar. Our home is in a person and His name is Jesus.

Barley ‘sees’ the final week of Jesus’ life as he follows the Kind Man. The Kind Man has compassion for all, even a small dog. The Kind Man has compassion for you and for me.

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