Archive | April 2023

The Landlord Of Hummingbird House by Jane Harvey

Apr18

Delightful

The Landlord Of Hummingbird House by Jane Harvey is a positively delightful contemporary novel and the first book in the Hummingbird House series. I cannot wait for the subsequent books.

Hummingbird House is a place where hurting souls go to heal. It is a place of welcome, love and safety. A place where you feel at home and a place where help is just a call away.

The residents are an eclectic mix, all totally realistic and lovable. There is a beautiful bond between the tenants. Many are hiding from life after being hurt previously. All of whom have huge hearts.

As the novel unfolds, the reader glimpses the love and care, and unbreakable bonds formed over misfortune. Sometimes nothing needs to be said, a character just needs to be held, to know that they matter.

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The Girl Across The Wire Fence by Imogen Matthews

Apr18

Powerful

The Girl Across The Wire Fence by Imogen Matthews is a powerful historical novel that is an all-consuming read.

The action is set in Holland towards the end of World War II in the camp at Amersfoort and the surrounding areas.

We witness both the incredible bravery of some and the horrendous cruelty of others. There are those who stand up for what is right and are determined to make a difference. Extraordinary feats of bravery are performed by ordinary people, some as young as sixteen years old. A crust of bread makes a huge difference to those who are starving.

All the characters were well drawn and realistic. We see the action from alternating points of view.

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The Really Radical Book For Kids by Champ Thornton

Apr17

Educating & Entertaining

The Really Radical Book For Kids by Champ Thornton is a marvellous book for children aged eight years and over. It is a book looking at various aspects of the Christian life and the Bible to help our children grow their faith in God. I think it is a book that is relevant for any age especially if you are a new Christian.

This book is accessible for all. For young children, you will need to read it for them. To be honest, I recommend reading this book alongside your children so that you can discuss the content. It is a perfect book for Sunday schools and also for connect groups to work through.

The book is brightly coloured, making the pages inviting. We want to read and explore the content which is vast and rich.

We learn about prominent figures and how they lived good Christian lives – Pandita Ramabbai, Hannah More, Eric Liddell to name but a few. I was educated as I read.

The author tells us that the Bible is like a window – we look outside beyond the stories. It is like stained glass and we look into the stories. And it is like a mirror – we can see ourselves within the stories. All three concepts will help us to see God’s Word clearly.

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The Wonderland Murders by Millie Ravensworth

Apr17

Entertaining

The Wonderland Murders by Mille Ravensworth is a delightfully fun contemporary novel and the first book in A Cosy Craft Mystery series.

The tone is light-hearted – think Midsomer Murders meets Death In Paradise – and it is set in a quintessential English town. I pictured it like the Shambles in York. All is calm and friendly until two murders happen in quick succession.

The granddaughters who are running the sewing craft shop are intrigued as they put on their best amateur super sleuthing hats and try to solve the murders. They bounce ideas off each other whilst also outfitting the local children in book characters for £5 for World Book Day.

There are some absolutely hilarious and rather bizarre moments – including fitting Arabella the pig for a waistcoat whilst reading poetry!

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