Archives

To Treasure An Heiress by Roseanna M White

Feb16

A Pearl Of Great Price

To Treasure An Heiress by Roseanna M White is an enthralling Christian historical adventure which I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the second book in The Secrets Of The Isles series, and though it can be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading book one first.

The novel is set in 1906 on the Scilly Isles and follows on immediately where book one finished

All the familiar characters are in the tale but the focus is on a different lead pair. There is a delightful light-hearted and amusing banter between the two which highly entertains the reader.

We see that first impressions are not always correct. Some are charming at first but turn out to be wolves in sheep’s clothing, and the flock need to beware. Others seem abrasive at first but turn out to be true gentlemen.

Being a gentleman has nothing to do with class and everything to do with character.

God looks after His children. The characters are seeking buried treasure. True treasure is not found in the ground but in the hearts of people. When we sin, we are like buried treasure – we are dirty and need washing with the blood of Jesus. Within the hearts of the children of God is where true treasure is found.

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The Nature Of A Lady by Roseanna M White

Feb15

An Adventurous Spirit

The Nature Of A Lady by Roseanna M White is a fabulous Christian historical adventure suspense that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the first book in The Secrets Of The Isles series which promises to be fantastic.

The action is set in 1906 on the Scilly Isles. It is a wild and rugged landscape full of secrets and mysteries. It is a place where everyone knows your name. We are reminded that God knows our name too, and He calls us to Him.

God will never leave us to face life alone. “You’re never alone… She knew… that he meant God.” God walks beside us, even if we do not acknowledge Him. “She wanted to believe… Is it enough… to believe that He knows you?” A character has been brought up on religion and not relationship. God longs for each one of us to know Him intimately.

We build relationship with God through prayer. “God? It seemed silly to pray for a cat… she finished her silent request.” We need to feel so comfortable with God that we can ask Him anything – big or small. God knows that if it bothers us, it bothers Him because He is our loving Heavenly Father.

God is ever present in times of need. “Help me, Father God. You’re the only one I have to turn to.” God always hears the cries of our hearts and will never leave us.

Within the book we have both science and God. They are not ‘either’/’or’ but both. “Science and faith do not need to be at odds.” We learn that “God was bigger than man’s finite understanding of Him.” We must be careful not to limit God. How big is your God?

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Romanov by Nadine Brandes

Jan30

Legacies

Romanov by Nadine Brandes is a YA historical fantasy which I thoroughly enjoyed.

As the title suggests, this is about the last days of Czar Nicholas II and his family. The action takes place over a few fateful weeks in 1918.

The novel is grounded in facts that the historian will recognize, plus there is a fantasy element woven throughout.

All the action is seen through the eyes of Anastasia and is in the first person. We get to know her and her family intimately.

Czar Nicholas II was a family man. He instilled the values of love, care and compassion into his family. It was not just enough to love the lovable, he called his family to love their enemies and to practice forgiveness. There was a close family bond.

Faith in Jesus helped to see his family through very dark days. “We must show kindness to the soldiers… Show them forgiveness. We are a reflection of Iisus… Love. Forgive.” When forgiveness and not bitterness lives in hearts, then we are truly free even if our bodies are in captivity.

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For A Lifetime by Gabrielle Meyer

Jan26

Trust Him

For A Lifetime by Gabrielle Meyer is an engrossing Christian timeslip novel that I loved. It is the third book in the Timeless series but can be read as a stand-alone. I, however, recommend reading the books in order so that there is continuity of character and an understanding of the backstories of those relatives who are mentioned in passing. The leading ladies here, made an appearance in book two.

All the action takes place in Salem in 1692 and in New York City in 1912. Historians will recognize the key dates and places. 1692 was the height of the witch trials in Salem. New York in 1912 was the destination of the ill-fated Titanic. The author has woven these key events into her story, along with actual historical figures, although the major players are fictional.

All the characters were well drawn and very believable. They were easy to empathise with.

The early twentieth century saw the dawn of aviation.  This features heavily in the book as we follow a female aviator in both America and across the sea to France in 1912.

There are hearts that help the marginalised. “If I can make a difference in the lives of the people who do not have a voice, then it is worth the risk.” Lives are placed on the line as every ounce of courage is needed and fears are faced.

We know that God is with us in our fears. “Let God take care of her… He always has and He always will.” Nothing that happens is outside of God’s control. “God has a plan… He doesn’t make mistakes – even if His decisions don’t make sense to us.” When life makes no sense, God is still on the throne. We can trust His leading.

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