Archive | December 2024

Wishing For Mistletoe by Robin Lee Hatcher

Dec18

A Heart Full Of Christmas

Wishing For Mistletoe by Robin Lee Hatcher is the most charming Christmas Christian contemporary novel that will warm the reader’s heart and make you smile. It is the sixth book in Love On Sanctuary Shores but can be read as a stand-alone. All the books in the series are written by different authors and I cannot wait to dip into them.

This is a book about deep love. Love comes in many forms. We love because Jesus first loved us. Love is a verb. “Love was shown by what a person did.” There is the love of God for us; our love for Him; and family, friendship and new love. This love puts others above self. It is beautiful to witness love in action.

We see the importance of building a relationship with God. The Bible is God’s love letter to us. We need to open it, read it, and digest the words. “She discovered a little [Bible reading] wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy her hunger. She needed more and more.” We all want to be hungry for the word of God.

God calls us into His presence. “When was the last time she’d simply sat in God’s presence?… When was the last time she’d been content to be and not to do?” A relationship builds as we spend time together – whether that is with God or with other people.

Characters have been hurt by loss. There is the temptation to keep our hearts safe by withdrawing from life – but then we are merely existing and not living. “Don’t stop living just because there might be some pain around the corner.” God wants us to live an abundant life. We can trust His leading. “Faith demanded he trust God for what was best.” When we put God first, things will work out in His timing and His plans. “Put God first in all things, and the rest would work itself out.”

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Silent Night by Jack Sheffield

Dec12

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Silent Night: The Alternative School Logbook by Jack Sheffield is a delightfully fun and light-hearted read that I loved and read in just one sitting. It is the eighth book in the Teacher series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The reader follows the primary school at Ragley in North Yorkshire through an eventful school year 1984-1985. At the time the novel is set, I was finishing my degree so I am old enough to remember all the cultural references. It was a most charming trip down memory lane.

The school is at the heart of the village. “Our school was a focal point of the village, a centre of the community.” As a small rural school head, Mr Sheffield knows each one of his pupils. He takes an interest in their lives, nurturing the minds of the future. “All children have talent… It is up to you to identify that talent and nurture it.” Mr Sheffield brings out the best in the children as he makes learning fun.

Young children are absolutely hilarious with their observations. “What do you call someone who keeps on talking when other people aren’t listening?” asks the teacher of a pupil. The pupil’s reply, “A teacher.”

The dead pan humor of the young and old alike causes much hilarity as the reader works through the book. “The optician pointed… ‘And can you read this line?’ she asked, ‘Yes, thank you,’ said Zoe politely.”

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Veiled In Smoke by Jocelyn Green

Dec12

Rising From The Ashes

Veiled In Smoke by Jocelyn Green is a powerful Christian historical novel that totally consumed me. It is the first book in The Windy City Saga which promises to be fabulous.

Whilst this is a fictional tale, it is grounded in fact as it is based on the devastating Chicago fire of 1871 which destroyed much of the city, leaving many homeless. Locations and some actual people are real (as we find out in the author’s notes at the back of the book.)

Fire destroys but fire also cleanses and renews. The reader is reminded that Jesus walked beside Daniel and his friends in the firey furnace, and Jesus walks beside us. “She must trust Him for what she could not see.” We cannot always feel or see Jesus but He is beside us. “Had to believe God remained in control even when His children were not.” God sees the end from the beginning. We can trust His leading.

Within the novel the two sisters own a bookstore and are passionate about books. They quote from popular novels of the day, including the Bronte sisters, Louisa May Alcott, Shakespeare and more. The reader can see parallels between one lead character and the fictional Mr Rochester in Jane Eyre. Fire destroys and both have to re-learn how to do things differently.

Within the novel a character has to learn to look at things from a different perspective as the subjects of her paintings change from portraits to landscapes after the fire. “The rich and the poor connect… You are compassion, he is resilience. Both of you are Chicago.” At the heart of Chicago are the people and not the buildings. Buildings can be re-built.

Everyone faces storms. I loved the quote included by the fictional Amy March, “I’m not afraid of storms for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” As we navigate choppy waters, we need to focus on Jesus. “The One who made the sea is in my boat with me.” Jesus will never leave us. “Avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.” We need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. He will navigate the seas of life with us.

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The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

Dec11

Wonderfully Warm & Welcoming

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson is the most charming contemporary Christian Christmas novel which I absolutely loved.

I always look forward to the Christmas novel from Melody Carlson. When it drops through my door, I know that Christmas is not that far away.

The Christmas Tree Farm is a wonderful, warm read. It is serenely beautiful and is the essence of Christmas within a book.

We see that families are complicated affairs. Not everybody pulls in the same direction. When different things are sought, compromises must be made. Ultimately family loves. Family is not just blood related but those who love us.

Hurting people hurt people. We need to understand why people lash out and help them to heal.

Traditions are important. Memories are attached to them as we remember those who are no longer here.

All the characters were wonderfully drawn. They offered a warm welcome to the reader. They were an eclectic mix falling into two categories – those who felt happy in the mall, and those who preferred the green open spaces.

There was a charming relationship between the leading lady, Madison, and eleven-year-old Lily who lived next door. Lily had lost her mother but bonds with Madison after a shaky start. Lily brings out the best in Madison and vice versa. They teach each other new skills and work together to make a success of the Christmas Tree Farm.

A smattering of snow, a dash of romance and good wholesome characters. All can be found within the pages.

I absolutely loved The Christmas Tree Farm and am sorry that it is ended. It was wonderfully warm and welcoming. I can highly recommend it.

I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON