Archive | April 2019

Dead Man’s Daughter by Roz Watkins

Apr5

The Ripple Effect

Dead Man’s Daughter by Roz Watkins is a marvellous contemporary psychological murder thriller that will have you hooked from the start. It is the second book in the D.I Meg Dalton series but can be read as a stand-alone. However for maximum enjoyment I would recommend reading book one The Devil’s Dice first.

I loved returning to familiar faces and following the latest case. Roz Watkins has created realistic characters in that they are not perfect but have their hang ups. It is easy to identify with the main characters. The plotline is intricate and well thought out and executed.

Once again the Peak District is the setting. It is refreshing to read of places I know. The whole novel is very atmospheric with dark winter evenings and snow on high ground.

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We Were Beautiful by Heather Hepler

Apr4

Life Is Messy And Beautiful

We Were Beautiful by Heather Hepler is a contemporary novel about love and loss and friendship. It is a story that goes to the edge of the abyss and survives. It was so beautifully written and has ignited and warmed my soul.

Loss is a defining moment. “Death created a black hole that sucked everything into it. Love was one of those things that got lost.” People deal with loss differently – they run and hide, they back off, they try to be invisible. “I hope someday, you let someone in.” All these traits are seen in the novel.

We all have scars. “Deep down, everyone has something ugly or dark or painful.” Some are visible, others not. We think we deserve to keep our scars on show to remind us of what we will never forget.

A group of friends seek life. They champion the different and the underdog. They help to awaken others and watch them blossom. The friendship group warms hearts and leaves the reader smiling.

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Innamorta by Autumn Macarthur

Apr3

Never Too Old

Innamorta by Autumn Macarthur is the most charming Christian romantic novella. It is the tenth book in A Tuscan Legacy series which I adore but it can be read as a stand-alone.

No matter how old you are, you can still dream big. While you still have breath, God’s not finished with you yet. Outside you may look eighty whilst inside you feel eighteen. You are never too old to rekindle a love.

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A Reason To Trust by T.K. Chapin

Apr3

He Leaves The Ninety Nine

A Reason To Trust by T.K. Chapin is a contemporary Christian novel that explores love and loss, faith and forgiveness, restoration and new beginnings.

Once again T.K. Chapin has written a marvellous novel that reveals the heart of God. “I deserved Hell but You gave me life.” God does not give us what we deserve because of Jesus. He loves us with an everlasting love. God longs for us all to walk with Him. When we wander off, He leaves the ninety nine to relentlessly pursue us. “You [a character] might have left me, but I learned that God stayed.” Even when others or ourselves walk away, like the father in the prodigal son, God watches and waits before running towards us when u-turn towards Him.

Loss hurts. Loss plus guilt weighs heavy. “He thought he’d had more time.” We are not guaranteed tomorrow so must not let the sun go down on our anger.

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