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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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Letters From Lebanon by Wendy Davies

Dec30

The Lord Will Provide

Letters From Lebanon by Wendy Davies is a comprehensive account of the author’s time in Lebanon during the 1970’s.

We see the faithfulness of God to provide and learn that His timing is always perfect. He is always with us, giving us a peace that passes all understanding despite our circumstances.

The author answered God’s call to go to Lebanon and to be a part of a new school for small children in 1973. In preparation Wendy Davies had “prayed, planned and prepared… [as we] ventured forward in faith.” When God is with our plans, we know they will not fail.

Many children did not speak English, nor were they Christians. There were translators and much love for all the children. “We were seeking to inculcate an excitement in learning… to create a joyful atmosphere… and… a sense of belonging.” The teachers were forward thinking in their attitude to learning as it was tailored to the children’s individual needs.

God’s love was shown to the children and they learnt about Him through stories and song. The children would in turn, tell their parents and grandparents about the love of Jesus.

Lebanon was a volatile area which erupted into civil war. There were times when the author had to return to England for her own safety but she always returned to Lebanon when God paved the way. She felt the pull of Lebanon and the people in her heart whenever she was away.

Whenever there was doubt about what to do, Wendy Davies sought God in prayer. “I had God’s inner peace and assurance about the whole matter.” God doesn’t always calm the storm around us but He gets in our boat and gives us peace.

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The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood

Dec21

Symbols Of Resistance

The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood is a powerful historical novel. It is a tale of courage, resistance and hope. Even in the darkest pit it is possible for light to shine.

The reader witnesses the bravery in a time of complete and utter horror. Ellie Midwood focuses in on two characters who do what they can in order to tell the world their stories. “You … will need to survive to avenge those people who perished.” Many went straight to their deaths, those who didn’t must tell the world of the evil.

Hope kept people going. Without hope the people perish. “He was the only person who gave her hope in this hell. Without him life lost all meaning.” In the depths of hell, people needed hope to believe that there were better times ahead.

There were many ways to resist. “Survival was the biggest form of resistance.” To keep going and to hold heads high when the Nazis wanted to brow beat everyone, offered hope to all who witnessed.

Auschwitz had guard towers. “Guard towers … to ensure that we won’t escape to tell our stories.” 

As the war drew to a close, the Nazis tried to destroy all the evidence in the camps. “They’ll slaughter us all … No one wants us to walk out of here and start telling our stories.” – But people did survive and told the stories of those who perished.

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Hear The Bells Ring by Scott R Rezer

Dec19

One Ring

Hear The Bells Ring by Scott R Rezer is the most charming Christian Christmas dual timeline novel that I absolutely adored. It is the third book in A Festival Of Carols series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The action is set in 2019 and during the American Civil War. It is linked by location and the lead character in both time periods as they are directly related.

There is a mystery to solve after an attic search reveals a diary from 1861 and an old ring with an inscription. We see that the power of love transcends space and time. Christmas may just be a time for miracles.

The greatest love of all is God’s love for us all. It is an everlasting love. Some may reject Him but God will never reject us. “You may not bother with Him, but He will never leave you alone… He knows how desperately you need Him.” God knows us better than we know ourselves.

We need God, whether we acknowledge that or not. “He’d seen the power of God in his life… He prayed… his reliance on God increase and strengthen.” As we press into God, He will draw near to us. God is a gentleman and will never force himself onto us. God is as close to us as we want Him to be.

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