Tag Archive | Thomas Nelson

Romanov by Nadine Brandes

Jan30

Legacies

Romanov by Nadine Brandes is a YA historical fantasy which I thoroughly enjoyed.

As the title suggests, this is about the last days of Czar Nicholas II and his family. The action takes place over a few fateful weeks in 1918.

The novel is grounded in facts that the historian will recognize, plus there is a fantasy element woven throughout.

All the action is seen through the eyes of Anastasia and is in the first person. We get to know her and her family intimately.

Czar Nicholas II was a family man. He instilled the values of love, care and compassion into his family. It was not just enough to love the lovable, he called his family to love their enemies and to practice forgiveness. There was a close family bond.

Faith in Jesus helped to see his family through very dark days. “We must show kindness to the soldiers… Show them forgiveness. We are a reflection of Iisus… Love. Forgive.” When forgiveness and not bitterness lives in hearts, then we are truly free even if our bodies are in captivity.

Continue reading →

Fawkes by Nadine Brandes

Dec31

Seeking His Voice

Fawkes by Nadine Brandes is a Christian Young Adult historical fantasy that has its’ roots in fact as we follow those plotting for King James I downfall.

Society is divided into two. There is hatred, prejudice and fear everywhere. It is not enough to just be for or against anything. Personal principles and beliefs should be put aside and the truth should be sought.

Life is a spiritual battle. We need to make sure we are listening to the voice that speaks truth and life, and not be deceived by the lies of the enemy.

There are those who claim to speak the truth but they are deceivers. We need to tune into the voice of God.

We see that racial prejudice was all around. A character has to hide her true self behind gloves and a mask. Only when she recognizes a pure heart will she unmask herself.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →