Archive | January 2018

Their Daring Hearts by Sharlene MacLaren

Jan27

Following Your Calling

Their Daring Hearts by Sharlene MacLaren is a delightful Christian historical romance. It is the second book in the Forever Freedom series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Set at the height of the American Civil War, the reader sees the futility of war. “Both sides of this ugly war think they’re right.” There are no winners in war. Both sides have mothers losing sons. Children losing fathers. Civil war seems even more futile. Fighting over the issue of freedom, both sides are locked into war.

Spies appear in war. The novel explores this topic, as well as the issue of appearances and trying to live as someone else.

The novel is about duty. The call to do the right thing.

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The School From Hell by Larry Higdon

Jan26

Survivors

The School From Hell by Larry Higdon is a contemporary novel that follows on from The Storms Of Deliverance. It is another powerful read told in the first person from the point of view of Katy (who is Johnson’s ex wife from the previous book). The style is engaging as I really felt I was ‘experiencing’ life as Katy.

The novel is difficult to read at times due to the topics covered. Set in a poor school in a deprived area with small children who have tough lives, the reader really feels the desperation. It is in this desperation that bonds are formed. “Who knew what a difference you made in the life of another person?” Small children will grab kindness where they can.

There are uncomfortable subjects of child abuse, neglect and drug taking. It is in this atmosphere that some children live. Their lives are heart breaking.

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The Storms Of Deliverance by Larry Higdon

Jan26

Powerful, Emotional And Touching

The Storms Of Deliverance by Larry Higdon is a compulsive, contemporary read that drew me in from the opening. I spent the novel asking questions and in a heightened state as I waited for answers.

The Storms Of Deliverance is a powerful novel and one that messed with my mind. Even when I put the book down, it was impossible to stop the story running through my head. How would I feel if I went to sleep in 1981 and woke up in 2008? What would I see that was different? How would I deal with it?

The novel is about an awakening and a new start. How would I feel if I could start again? What would I do differently?

Life is a battle between good and evil. We always have the choice to do the right thing. Which voice are we listening to?

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The Wages Or The Gift by Rosalind Morris

Jan25

Lady Luck Or Jesus?

The Wages Or The Gift by Rosalind Morris is a contemporary Christian thriller that will have the reader glued and guessing.

The novel is very much grounded in God with large chunks of scripture to back up what is said. We all have a choice to choose God or not. “People are… one choice away” from good or bad choices. The novel explores the result of both.

Believing in God is not about religion. “Religion has not changed my life… Jesus has.” Believing in God is based on relationship – with Him and with each other.

We need to be aware that “God speaks to people’s hearts all the time but… we miss it.” We need to tune our ears to listen to God and to be obedient. He always has our best interests at heart. His plans are the best plans.

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