Archive | April 2021

Canyon War by Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer

Apr27

Camaraderie

Canyon War by Sarah Sawyer is a delightful historical novella that will warm your heart. It is the first book in the Doc Beck Western series.

The characters are all well drawn and realistic. I loved the delightfully amusing banter and rapport between Jimmy and Doc Beck. The giving of a nickname ‘Just Jimmy’ shows a feeling of ease and a bond of friendship.

There are two rival groups of tough talking cowboys within the story. The reader witnesses that violence merely serves to destroy from within.

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A Matter Of Control by J.E. Solinski

Apr26

All To Jesus I Surrender

A Matter Of Control by J.E. Solinski is a powerful Christian contemporary novel set in Detroit. The focus of the story is some teens and their teacher.

The area is one of poverty and drugs. It is a black neighbourhood where the residents are invisible to many. One teacher sees all her students. She wants to help them to achieve and succeed in spite of their backgrounds. She can be seen as a motif for God who also sees us all and longs for us to live our best lives.

It is ironic that with her huge heart, the teacher fails to see her own son. Having given him all material comforts she fails to see the hurting personality that lies beneath.

The characters are all well drawn and realistic. The reader’s heart breaks for those who are trapped through no fault of their own. “A young man who yearned to be loved, and wanted to learn.” No one is truly ‘bad’ but some have made bad choices even though they have hearts of gold and eyes that see others.

Knowing Jesus alters lives. “Despite the poverty that surround them, they had such a sense of peace.” The richest people are those whose hearts are fully surrendered to Jesus.

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Sisters Ever After by Erin Stevenson

Apr26

All In God’s Perfect Timing

Sisters Ever After by Erin Stevenson is the most delightful contemporary Christian novel that will warm your heart and soul as you read. It is the first book in the Canadian Meadows series.

God is at the heart of the novel. He walks alongside us through all the seasons of life. He whispers to our hearts. Are we quiet enough to hear Him? “I am with you always… the words whispered to her soul.”

Prayer is important. Prayer is talking with God. It should be as natural as breathing. “[He] spoke with an ease that made her think he talked to God on a regular basis.” Sometimes our prayers are desperate. God hears the cries of our hearts and He always acts.

Life is not always kind but God is always good and always faithful. He walks with us. Everything happens in His perfect timing. He will repay the years the locusts have eaten.

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Summer’s Out At Hope Hall by Pam Rhodes

Apr25

Hope Lives Here

Summer’s Out At Hope Hall by Pam Rhodes is the most delightful Christian contemporary novel about community and care. It is the second book in the Hope Hall series.

Hope Hall always produces a warm, wrap-around welcome for the reader. It is just like a hug in a book and will leave you smiling.

Pam Rhodes has created a marvellous eclectic mix of characters such as you would find in any town. At the heart of the village stands Hope Hall – both literally and at the centre of village life. From babes to seniors, life happens for all in Hope Hall.

Summer’s Out At Hope Hall is a charming, breath of fresh air. As lives open up we share in the laughter and we share in the tears.

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