Archives

In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer

Jan21

When You Know, You Know

In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer is a beautiful Christian timeslip novel that I absolutely adored. It is the second book in the Timeless series but can be read as a stand-alone.

This novel is set in 1861, 1941 and 2001. Historians will recognize these dates as the starting point for three wars for America – the American Civil War; Pearl Harbor and World War II; and the war on terror. I read with my heart in my mouth as 9/11 (September)approached and then of course December 1941. Gabrielle Meyer has perfectly captured the horrors of war – particularly Pearl Harbor where the picture she painted is horrific and vivid.

There are choices to be made. Choices always have consequences. The leading lady has a difficult choice to make. She longs for God to make the decision for her – but then she would not be exercising her faith muscle that tells her to lean into God and trust Him. “I could trust God’s plan for my life, even if it didn’t feel like things were under control.” Sometimes life feels like a runaway train but nothing ever happens that surprises God. He sees the end from the beginning.

Within the novel characters have, and do, experience loss. “I prayed… but God didn’t hear me… I knew the only way to survive in this world was to never love again.” That is not living, that is existing. God loves us and He wants us to love others. We were not meant to journey through life alone.

Prayer is important. “I will pray for you, because I know nothing is impossible with God.” We are called to pray for each other. Prayer connects us with God. “Turn my prayers heavenward, hoping God was listening.” God is always listening to our prayers. He does not always give us what we want but He always gives us what we need.

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The Storyteller’s Daughter by Victoria Scott

Jan17

Secrets, Families, Ambitions

The Storyteller’s Daughter by Victoria Scott is a beautiful dual timeline novel that I loved.

The action is set in 1941 and 2008. The periods are united by a family house and woodland as we follow a young woman in 2008 and her aunt in 1941.

Both main characters are similar in personality and circumstances. Both have been pressured by their families, having their personal lives squashed.

In 1941 Nita was expected to marry the man her parents chose for her – but Nita had a strong personality and would not be hemmed in by tradition and circumstances.

In 2008 Beth has always done what her parents wanted and has worked in the family firm. It was never her dream and now she decides to branch out on her own, having been re-united with her aunt on her death bed.

The ambitions of both young women was to be journalists. Now seems the ideal time to pursue these dreams.

Secrets are buried deep in the past. A death bed cryptic clue sends Beth delving into her aunt’s wartime activities – it is amazing what she uncovers.

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The Baker’s Secret by Lelita Baldock

Jan2

Finally Home

The Baker’s Secret by Lelita Baldock is a powerful dual timeline novel that I read in just one sitting.

The action takes place in Riga, Latvia during World War II and also in 2018 in Australia as we follow two sisters and their wartime experiences. The chapters alternate between the pair.

Latvia was a turbulent and dangerous place to be during World War II. Having gained independence after World War; during World War II, first the Soviets marched in, and then the Nazis, and then the Soviets returned to oppress the people until 1990. Latvians were trapped within their own country, always being persecuted by whoever had control.

June 14th 1941 is called The Night Of The Disappeared as 15,000 Latvians were torn from their homes – men, women and children – never to be seen again.

We witness the bravery of the people. One sister is active within the resistance, the other reluctantly helps. Both are proud Latvians.

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Upon The Midnight Clear by Scott R Rezer

Dec30

When A Bell Rings

Upon The Midnight Clear by Scott R Rezer is a beautiful Christian Christmas dual timeline novel that I absolutely loved. It is the fourth book in A Festival Of Carols series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The novel is set in 1969 and 2018 in Philadelphia. The two time periods are linked by the two main characters who are older versions of themselves in 2018.

There are the themes of veterans and homelessness. In 1969 America was involved in the Vietnam war. No one wanted it but still young men were drafted. “A victim of a war nobody wanted.”

In 2018 there are veterans from the war in Afghanistan. War leaves no one unchanged. “They might have come home from the war, but they never left it.” Many left their minds on the battlefields and returned suffering from PTSD and survivor’s guilt.

Re-integration into society was impossible and many brave men and women ended up on the streets, hiding away, invisible to many. They banded together. “The vets who understood the sacrifices of war.”

War changed the vets and they did not feel worthy to return home. “Most people on the street long to return home. They’re often not sure how to do it.” They found it safer to hide away.

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