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Hope On Hope by Susan Gray

Mar22

Love Wins

Hope On Hope by Susan Gray is the most charming historical novel that I absolutely adored.

The novel is mainly set in the north west of England in 1946. War is over but families are still feeling the effects. There are empty spaces around tables.

We also cross the channel to France to re-connect with family as the war years kept families apart.

War brings secrets. Even after it has ended, a character keeps quiet about her role in the resistance, for fear of reprisals. “She played her part – a small but vital part.”

For so long, fear ruled in even the bravest of hearts, so it isn’t surprising that a character is still cautious. “How long would it take for the memories to fade and the fear to subside?” One never knows just how brave one is until called upon to act without thought to personal safety. “War makes people inventive. It causes them to step outside their comfortable places.”

We see the importance of having hope. “Hope is my lifeline.” Clinging to hope, even in the bleakest of circumstances means a character declares “hope helps me to move forward.” Without hope, the people perish. She “trained herself to never lose hope. Hope was her anchor.”

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A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer

Mar17

Amazing Grace

A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer is a powerful dual timeline Christian historical novel that I read in just one sitting.

The action is set in the early twentieth century and in 1980 as we hear an older woman telling a young woman, her life story.

Running throughout both time periods are the stories of Oz by L Frank Baum. Pilgrims Progress also features highly as well as many other literary works. Songs, old and new, are referenced too. This all helps to give a familiar feel to the book.

The book is also a journey of discovery – how characters move from distrusting God to resting in His arms, knowing that He can be trusted. “The Lord cares for us, even when we ignore Him.” God waits patiently for us to return home.

In the early twentieth century, women were expected to marry and obey men. In 1980 the young woman also has the weight of other people’s expectations on her shoulders. “I can’t live in their box anymore.” Self-awakening sees characters bud and blossom.

A friendship with the author, L Frank Baum, brings a young woman out of her shell. “He encouraged me no differently than his sons to pursue my dreams.”

Laura DeNooyer realizes the importance of dreams. “With him [L Frank Baum] you blossom.” His raisin d’etre is “making children happy and stirring their imaginations.”

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The House Of Second Chances by Lauren Westwood

Feb24

Coming Home

The House Of Second Chances by Lauren Westwood is a compelling contemporary novel that consumed me from the start.

The action is set is in present day and also dipping into 1952 via notes and letters. Everything comes alive due to the comprehensive descriptions from the author.

An old house, crumbling and decrepit takes centre stage. It needs someone to lovingly restore it, and not a local developer to tear it down. Can anyone rescue it from the developer’s clutches?

Within the walls lie secrets. The past echoes all around. Hearts that have hardened need awakening to new possibilities.

All the characters were well drawn and believable. A young estate agent’s passion for literature and the stories of old houses, was enthusiastic and infectious.

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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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