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The House Of Light & Shadows by Lauren Westwood

Feb22

Waiting For Kintsugi

The House Of Light And Shadows by Lauren Westwood is a powerful contemporary novel that consumed me from the start.

The novel is set in two time periods – present day and the late nineteenth century as we ‘hear’ via a voice in the past what has happened.

An old house links the two time periods, as does a character trapped in time and space. The past is gone but lives on in hearts full of guilt and regret.

In both time periods there are estranged sisters. Words spoken in hurt and anger have done irreparable damage. Characters need to put aside their differences and unite in love before it is too late.

A character is re-living the past, preventing her from living in the present. “The past can’t be recovered… But don’t lose any more time. Stop hurting and start living.”

A phone call out of the blue offers a second chance – but is it too little, too late?

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The Paris Dancer by Nicola Rayner

Feb11

Across The Years

The Paris Dancer by Nicola Rayner is a fabulous dual timeline novel that I really enjoyed.

The action is set in Paris during World War II and in New York City in 2012. We hear the war years through the voice of a young girl and in the first person. In 2012 the action is seen through a great niece clearing out her great aunt’s apartment. It is in the third person. The chapters alternate. We hear the great aunt’s experiences through a notebook.

The novel is about loss. “The grief… feels as if it could drown her.” With loss comes guilt. Both lead characters are consumed. They need to learn to forgive themselves. “What if I don’t deserve to be forgiven?” Everyone deserves forgiveness. “We’re always toughest on ourselves… It’s easier to be nice to other people.” We need to extend grace to ourselves as well as others.

Some friendships bring out the best in each other. “My friendship… made me believe anything was possible.” Some people just spread joy wherever they go. “If you want to change the world… just make it a little more beautiful.”

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The Secret Midwife by Soraya M Lane

Feb3

Mothers, Babies & Bravery

The Secret Midwife by Soraya M Lane is a powerful dual timeline novel that consumed me.

The action is set in Poland during World War II from 1942 onwards; and also, in 1995 in London. The two time periods are linked by the secret midwife. For fifty years since the liberation of Auschwitz she has kept quiet, now is the time to speak up.

To be a midwife was both a calling and a gift. She vowed to do no harm. She was tasked with looking after the pregnant women in Auschwitz after she was sent there for helping Jewish mothers-to-be in hiding. It was an impossible task, with no fresh water, tools or hygiene. And with Dr Mengele always breathing down her neck.

The secret midwife meets another doctor in Auschwitz who is also imprisoned for helping Jewish people. He, too, had vowed to do no harm. Together, they tried to help where they could. They put aside their personal safety in order to do what needed to be done. Sometimes there were hard choices to make. Outside of Auschwitz, different paths would be chosen. Inside Auschwitz there were other factors to consider as moral lines were blurred.

The third lead character was a young girl who worked in Canada in Auschwitz. She, also did what she could to help. The three formed a unit, helping where they could. They gave each other hope to survive – until one dreadful event.

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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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