Archive | March 2024

A Room Full Of Chocolate by Jane Elson

Mar27

Family, Love & A Pot-Bellied Pig

A Room Full Of Chocolate by Jane Elson is a powerful, contemporary novel that I just could not put down. It is perfect for ages ten years and over.

We see the action through the eyes of ten year old Grace. It is written in the first person and we have glimpses into her special blue book.

We learn about family, love and care. Family are not just blood related but those who love us along the way – including pot-bellied pigs!

We see that even estranged family matters as Grace is sent from London to Yorkshire to live with a grumpy grandad, whom she has never met. Beneath the gruff exterior beats a heart of gold who has to learn to love again.

There is the difficult topic of breast cancer. We see how Grace is shielded but she would rather know the truth. She deeply loves her Mum but her frustration and upset can erupt into words of anger, that she later regrets.

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Father’s Friend by Rhonda Hanson

Mar27

Walking With God

Father’s Friend by Rhonda Hanson is a powerful contemporary Christian novel and the fourth book in the Father series. This is the back story of lead character Meredith and can be read as either the first or final book. I read it last, as recommended by the author.

We hear of the time starting from Meredith aged nineteen when she knew about God but didn’t actually know Him. We see the beginning of her friendship with God. We ‘hear’ their conversations. “When you just want to sit and visit with Me. That’s My favourite kind of prayer, because it means you just want to spend time with Me.” God delights when we just want to sit at His feet. As Meredith grows in her faith, she wants to spend time with God. “If He wants to talk to me, I want to listen.” Meredith realizes the importance of listening when God speaks.

When we have decisions to make, it is wise to consult God in prayer. “Can I pray about it?”

God gives us gifts. Our gifts bless us and we, in turn, bless others. “God had given music to her to be used for Him and to bless others.” God uses music to speak to hearts. “God was speaking to them through her music.”

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Father’s Song by Rhonda Hanson

Mar27

Power In Worship

Father’s Song by Rhonda Hanson is a powerful contemporary Christian novel and the third book in the Father series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the previous books first. This will give you maximum enjoyment and enable you to track the character progression.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces and witnessing faith and love in action. God the Father is at the heart of the novel as well as in the hearts of the characters. “A vessel of God, carrying all that had been placed within her.” God places His treasures within us, and He longs for us to share His gifts with others.

Within the novel we follow characters who have the gift of song. “She sang to Him from the alter of her heart.” Worship draws us closer to the heart of the Father. There is power in songs.

Prayer is important. “Prayer should always be our first go-to.” We should pray as easily as breathing. Prayer connects us to the heart of God.

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The Vanishing At Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright

Mar26

All The Broken Pieces

The Vanishing At Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright is a fabulous dual timeline novel that totally consumed me. I always love Jaime Jo Wright’s books. They entertain me and always leave me wanting more.

The action is set in present day, 1870 and 1801. We slip seamlessly between the three periods. 1870 and present day have parallel action and themes. 1801 sets the scene.

Castle Moreau has been in a family for a couple of centuries. It has always had an air of mystery. It is a place of foreboding that the locals avoid. What goes on behind closed doors, remains there. Secrets are contained within the very bricks and mortar.

We see the bonds between grandparents and their grandchildren. The bonds are there to protect and to nurture.

There is the theme of nature versus nurture. Are we destined to repeat the sins of our ancestors? If they were monsters, do we have monsters lurking within?

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