Tag Archive | Book Sirens

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 Knitting Club by Andie Young

Jan7

Supporting Each Other

The Knitting Club by Andie Young is the most delightful contemporary Christian novel that I read in just one sitting.

We see that God has a plan for our lives. He sends people to love, support and encourage each other. We see this clearly in the three main characters. Each one is unique. Apart they flounder. Together they are stronger. We need people in our lives. What unites the three characters is stronger than their differences.

The three leading ladies all have different needs. All are easy to empathise with. There is a twenty-one-year-old, a nearly fifty and a lady in her seventies. Each have different gifts that can help the others. They learn so much from each other.

Prayer is important. It unites us with God. “She included the women in her daily prayers.” We all need friends who pray for us.

God longs for us to come to Him. “She still possessed the strength she’d asked God to provide… Maybe He really was there. All she had to do was ask.” His love is freely given. All we have to do is to ask.

One of the characters has a very strong faith which is lived out. “She planted a seed in their hearts.” We plant the seed of faith and God waters it. Sowing the seeds of faith is a privilege and the greatest gift we can give another.

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Before You Loved Me by Samantha Gregson

Oct20

Neither Time Nor Space

Before You Loved Me by Samantha Gregson is the most beautiful contemporary novel about Maltese The Buddy Dog. I absolutely adored the book. This is a real treat for animal lovers everywhere. The Buddy Dog is based on the author’s own dog.

The story is about being rescued. The Buddy Dog is rescued several times and he is also responsible for the rescues of two humans.

The Buddy Dog had a terrible start in life and then he was rescued. He formed a beautiful bond with eleven year old Sara – and then life intervened.

The Buddy Dog knows all about bad homes and bad owners. He recognizes the badness in others and knows just who needs rescuing – whether it’s another dog, a rabbit or a human. The Buddy Dog has a huge heart, full of compassion. He is looking to give love and to be loved. He still believes in goodness even when he is alone. “Buddy wasn’t broken by his abuse. He learned to trust again.”

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