Archive | May 2021

Tales From Lindford by Catherine Fox

May21

A Social Commentary Of The Year

Tales From Lindford by Catherine Fox is a contemporary novel looking back at 2020 from a birds eye view of the residents of Lindford. We drop in and out of their lives. It is the fourth book in the Lindchester series but can be read as a stand-alone.

It is a fascinating and comprehensive account of the feelings, highlights and lows of the year that COVID19 hit. It was certainly a year like no other. 2020 approached with such optimism, who could have foreseen a global pandemic?

Catherine Fox has cleverly constructed her tale. She hovered over the fictional houses and gardens of Lindford to reveal snippets of lives and thoughts of the time. I thought it was all very brilliantly done. With each step I was reminded of my thoughts on the year and its developments.

There were varying reactions to the year as everyone tried to cope the best that they could in the unprecedented times. Optimism gave way to stoicism as the year progressed. We became resigned to our loss of freedom. “It is what it is” was on many lips, mine included.

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End Game by Rachel Dylan

May20

Suspenseful

End Game by Rachel Dylan is an exciting contemporary Christian crime suspense that completely consumed me. It is the first book in the Capital Intrigue series.

Rachel Dylan has produced a well thought out, complex plotline that both intrigued me and kept me on my toes. The action came thick and fast as an air of suspense wafted throughout.

The characters were realistic and likable. The reader witnesses that teamwork gets results as members pull together and have each other’s backs. Inter agencies need to pool their resources to solve the case.

There is the theme of trust as the body count rises. Is there a serial killer out there? Or is it something more sinister entirely? What is certain is that God can be trusted. We need to call on Him at all times. “Lexi wouldn’t consider herself a particularly religious person… but… she felt like she needed God’s help to get through this.” God hears all our cries. His ability to act does not depend on our level of faith.

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Hooked On You by Kathleen Fuller

May20

Coming Home

Hooked On You by Kathleen Fuller is the most delightful contemporary Christian novel that will warm your heart. It is the first book in the Maple Falls series.

The novel is about love and family. We are reminded that we are all adopted into God’s family. Within the story there are groups of women who support each other, offering love and care. When they see a need it is met. Sometimes tough love is needed.

The leading lady is vulnerable, still feeling like the abandoned teen. In order to protect herself she erects barriers around her heart, pulling up the drawbridge if anyone gets too close. She thinks she is protecting herself but she is living in isolation and hurt.

There are some huge hearts within the novel, pouring out love and care. Grandmother Mimi has a love that radiates beyond the pages. She is also rather funny in her forthright opinions.

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Stubborn Love by Jennifer Rodewald

May18

Grounded In The Promises Of God

Stubborn Love by Jennifer Rodewald is a delightful contemporary Christian novel and the fifth book in the Murphy Brothers series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I enjoyed catching up with familiar faces.

This book reveals the importance of trusting God completely. In the good times we praise Him. In the bad times we praise Him because God is good and can be trusted even when life is bad.

God walks beside us in all the seasons of life. In our anger and our pain we may not see Him but that does not mean He left us alone for He promised to never leave us nor forsake us.

There is the theme of courage. Courage is often just doing it afraid.

There are some who seem fearless. Sometimes fearless equates to reckless with disastrous consequences.

We all have dreams. When life throws us curve balls, sometimes our dreams must change.

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