Tag Archive | Just Read Tours

The Legacy Of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky

Oct16

Heaven Sent

The Legacy Of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky is a most delightful Christian dual timeline novel that is extremely powerful and has lessons for us all.

The time periods of 1912 and 2012 are linked by Longdale Manor and the location of Keswick. Both time periods have similar themes too.

A major theme is that of forgiveness. We need to forgive because we are forgiven. If we fail to forgive, we risk becoming bitter. Forgiveness is not excusing the sin but it is freeing us and leaving any judgment to God.

In both time periods we see the damage of separation and witness the theme of the prodigal son. Sometimes the separation is not our fault but the fault of our parents. We are not destined to repeat their sins. There is power in reconciliation and much rejoicing when the prodigal returns home.

We see the importance of trusting. “Trusting God through the good times and bad.”. He is our good Father and can be trusted even if our earthly fathers fail us.

God is still at work even when He is silent. “God didn’t seem to care what happened to them.” God does care and God does love throughout all the seasons of our lives. “Facing challenging circumstances did not mean God was not in control.” God is always in control, even when our circumstances seem out of control.

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Bentonsport: A New Chapter by Lisa Schnedler

Oct7

Absolutely Charming

Bentonsport: A New Chapter by Lisa Schnedler is an absolutely charming Christian historical novel. It continues the story begun in Bentonsport: A Christmas Story which I definitely recommend reading first.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces as the leading lady starts life in Bentonsport in 1869. We follow her as she adjusts to life, one hundred and fifty years earlier than she is used to (now you can see why it is a good idea to read the previous book first!)

Bentonsport is still a delightful small town. Many are friendly but one sees her as a rival to her personal plans. Enmity is met with a smile and a friendly word as barriers are broken down.

We see that God’s plans are the best. We do not always know why things happen but if we rest in His arms, we can trust His guiding.

We never know what burdens people are carrying. “Any burden that is too big for you to carry is just the right size for God.” We must hand our burdens over to God and let Him see us through.

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Fraser by Susan May Warren

Feb21

You Are Mine

Fraser by Susan May Warren is a marvelous Christian suspense and the first book in a brand new series, The Minnesota Marshalls.

As a fan of the author, it was wonderful to meet up with old faces in this new series.

We see characters who are consumed by guilt over past events, worrying about what they cannot change. They are determined to do better and operate a policy of ‘not on my watch.’ They feel as if they have to be continually on duty. They have forgotten that when they know God, they are not alone. Life is a partnership with Him. It “is His way of showing you that you need Him more than you need a grand purpose.” God wants to be needed by us – not for His sake but for ours.

Trust is a major theme. God wants us to let go of the tight grip that we have on life, and to trust Him. When we cannot see the way, we need to lean into Him.

Prayer is important. We need to pray at all times and be sure to listen for the answers. “He couldn’t hear Him. Or maybe he was just out of practice listening.” As we pray more and listen more, we will learn to recognize God’s voice. Sometimes when we do not hear God, we fear God has forgotten us. “God hasn’t forgotten you.” God is always beside us.

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Songs For A Sunday by Heather Norman Smith

Feb6

Amazing Grace

Songs For A Sunday by Heather Norman Smith is a most charming Christian dual timeline that I adored.

The novel is the heartbeat of God for His children. His love for us is palpable, and the love of the characters for each other is vast. We belong to our earthly family and we are children of God.

Life can be hard but we do not do life alone. “You don’t have to figure it out alone… I’m here. And the Lord is too.” God walks beside us every step of the way. We do not need to see the whole staircase as God illuminates one step at a time. We can trust Him.

When life is hard – pray. When life is good – pray. When you are at a crossroads – pray. “Pray and do whatever you think He’s [God] telling you to do.” Listen for God’s voice in your heart. He will not let you down.

We see characters who have walked away from God because they felt judged by other Christians. “He [God] didn’t turn His back on you… You can’t let the mistakes of some church folks steal your joy in Him.” Sometimes we make the mistake of placing human characteristics on God. God is not human. God is God and His character is love.

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