Archive | January 2021

Something Worth Doing by Jane Kirkpatrick

Jan30

Inspirational

Something Worth Doing by Jane Kirkpatrick is a marvellous Christian historical novel. The tale is woven around the true life of Abigail Scott Duniway, a champion for women’s rights from the mid nineteenth century.

The book is absolutely fascinating, a real treasure trove. Abigail Scott Duniway was an amazing woman who not only fought for women’s rights but raised a family on the frontier too.

The reader witnesses the strength needed to be a female pioneer. Life was incredibly hard on the trail and it took real strength to keep on going daily.

Life dealt losses. Everyone works through loss differently. No one size fits all. You have to work through loss the best you can.

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Princes Gate by Mark Ellis

Jan30

Thrilling Suspense

Princes Gate by Mark Ellis is a thrilling historical political crime suspense that captured my interest from the start. It is the first book in the DCI Frank Merlin series which promises to be fabulous.

The action is set in London in 1940 around the American Embassy and Whitehall. Tension is heightened as no one knows when the phony war will break. Familiar names crop up from time to time adding an air of authenticity to the novel as the reader wonders, could this actually be true?

Comprehensive descriptions from Mark Ellis enable the reader to experience the story. We ‘walk’ through the unlit streets of wartime London beside the characters. We ‘see’ what they see.

Frank Merlin, the main character, is likable and realistic. He has a caring nature and a fatherly air, and the reader trusts him. He reminded me of Inspector Morse. He is a thinking man’s copper.

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Endless Mercy by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

Jan27

Love, Laughter And Manure

Endless Mercy by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse is a marvellous Christian historical novel. It is the second book in the Treasures Of Nome series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The main themes are mercy, forgiveness and grace. We see the effect of broken promises on lives, the hurt and pain they leave behind. “Did he deserve her mercy and forgiveness?” No one deserves mercy and forgiveness but we must extend it because we have received it. To withhold forgiveness is to risk becoming bitter. When we forgive we can live in freedom.

God is a God of new beginnings. “It’s never too late… We serve a God of second chances.” It is never too late to have a fresh start in Jesus. He asks us to come to Him just as we are right now.

The novel is about family. Sometimes families are torn apart. Children suffer because of the poor choices of the adults. We witness characters drawing children close, loving them like Christ and welcoming them into their homes. “We’re here to draw people to Christ.” Lives are called to show Jesus to a hurting world.

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To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Jan26

Heart Breaking

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a heart breaking historical read. It is set in 1935 in America’s Deep South and can be seen as a social commentary on the time.

In spite of living in the land of the free where all men are supposed to be created equal, the novel highlights the racial prejudices, inequality and hatred that are deeply rooted in many ignorant hearts. It is a painful read where men are judged guilty by the colour of their skin.

In contrast there are pure hearts who see the goodness within and do not judge. They have nerves of steel to fight the prejudices of the day.

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