Archive | October 2019

Hidden Wings by May Tomlin

No More Running

Hidden Wings by May Tomlin is a Christian contemporary novel about lives, love, family and God. It is an epic read that crosses continents and lives. The action moves from America to Norway, Africa and England. There is a real cosmopolitan feel to the novel.

We all have gifts. We need to have courage to use our gifts and not have lives squashed and moulded into something they are not.

Families come in various guises. We see a nurturing mother who contrasts sharply with other characters who insist on exerting their authority at all times. There is a huge heart that finds it hard to say ‘no.’

We all have voices competing for our attention. We must drown out the negative voices and listen to the life affirming voice of God.

The novel shows the emptiness of a life that chases money and fame. In contrast there is a full life to be found in knowing and following God.

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Last Request by Liz Mistry

Gripping

Last Request by Liz Mistry is a gripping contemporary murder suspense that I just could not put down. I read with heart racing as I sped towards the conclusion.

A serial killer is on the loose in Bradford. The reader ‘hears’ the killer’s voice from the murky depths. I was clueless to guess who it was.

The literary device of pathetic fallacy is employed as the weather becomes as murky as the action.

Cold case files mingle with present day crimes as the police battle to solve them and the clock ticks down.

The lines between the criminals and the cops blur as characters put themselves on line for their families.

As the criminals wander the streets of Bradford, the reader is surprised by the depths to which some will stoop.

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The Red Journal by Deb Elkink

Where Is Home?

The Red Journal by Deb Elkink is a powerful epic tale of families, roots and belonging. It is part of The Mosaic Collection.

The book follows three women who are all searching for the truth. A young woman is searching for historical facts for her thesis. The other two are searching for family and fulfilment.

Family is important. We all want to be loved and to belong. Sometimes our earthly mothers let us down. We feel abandoned. Others may step in to take their place. There is a beautiful grandmother-granddaughter relationship. A grandmother’s love is unconditional. “Gram loved Libby when there was nothing in it for her.” This reminds the reader that God’s love for us is unconditional. He loves and delights in us because it is His nature to do so.

Death leaves a chasm in lives. The reader witnesses the granddaughter trying to cope by resurrecting her memories. Memories are powerful things. They can unlock a past we did not even realise we had hidden.

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