Tag Archive | Thomas Nelson

Tidings Of Comfort And Joy by Davis Bunn

Dec9

Unlocked By Love

Tidings Of Comfort And Joy by Davis Bunn is the most delightful, heartwarming Christian Christmas novel that I just could not put down. If you only read one festive book this year – make sure it is this one!

I intend to re-visit this book again and again. I do not need to wait for December in order to read this book, its message is relevant all year round.

Within the novel we see love in action. Jesus calls us not to go to church but to be the church. Love needs to have arms, legs and hearts.

The novel is set over two time periods – present day and just after the end of World War II as a granddaughter and grandmother bond over events from both time periods.

After World War II there were many displaced persons. A small village in Oxfordshire has an old country house that is home to 300 orphans. Their care and survival is undertaken by the whole village. We see how fearful the orphans are in their silence. Hearts need to be unlocked by love.

There is the theme of loss. We understand a characters’ anger. “How dare he go off without me and leave me here by myself” (following the death of her husband). Anger, loss and fear are inextricably linked.

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Make You Feel My Love by Robin Lee Hatcher

Jul16

Beauty From Ashes

Make You Feel My Love by Robin Lee Hatcher is a charming Christian dual timeline that will warm your heart and soul.

The action alternates between present day and late nineteenth century as we follow stories linked by ancestry. Both stories have themes echoing each other. Both stories tell of God who is faithful, urging us to choose faith not fear.

There is the theme of forgiveness. It is not always easy to do but it is vital for our well-being.

In both tales there is the theme of domestic abuse. It takes many forms, not just physical but verbal too. “Chelsea covered her ears … trying to shut out the voices from the past.” We need to silence the hateful words from the enemy and listen to the life-affirming voice of God.

When life is hard, we see that God is still faithful. “Nothing we go through is wasted in God’s economy.” We learn our greatest lessons at times of greatest trial.

“I wasn’t looking for God.” We do not need to be looking for God in order to be found by Him. When He comes knocking on the door of our hearts, we need to invite Him in.

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Hooked On You by Kathleen Fuller

May20

Coming Home

Hooked On You by Kathleen Fuller is the most delightful contemporary Christian novel that will warm your heart. It is the first book in the Maple Falls series.

The novel is about love and family. We are reminded that we are all adopted into God’s family. Within the story there are groups of women who support each other, offering love and care. When they see a need it is met. Sometimes tough love is needed.

The leading lady is vulnerable, still feeling like the abandoned teen. In order to protect herself she erects barriers around her heart, pulling up the drawbridge if anyone gets too close. She thinks she is protecting herself but she is living in isolation and hurt.

There are some huge hearts within the novel, pouring out love and care. Grandmother Mimi has a love that radiates beyond the pages. She is also rather funny in her forthright opinions.

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Aftermath by Terri Blackstock

May11

Thrilling

Aftermath by Terri Blackstock is an exciting Christian contemporary crime suspense that will have you glued from the start.

The action surrounds a terrorist attack. The reader ‘sees’ the events through the eyes of a victim, a man who has been set up, and his long-term friend and lawyer. The reader has varying emotional responses as the chapters alternate.

There is the theme of survivor’s guilt which then exacerbates a pre-existing condition of OCD. The world seems to be closing in and crushing a life under a series of ‘what-if’s’ and ‘why didn’t I?’

Another life has been floundering since the loss of parents when he was just six years old. No one believed in him until he met the nine year old girl living next door to his aunt when he was thirteen years old. A deep friendship began but still he felt unworthy.

And the third main character is still recovering from a disastrous marriage and the loss of her drug-addicted husband. Everyone is fighting a battle no one else knows about.

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