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Christian Novel Review

Having always been an avid reader, since becoming a Christian I have found a wealth of reading material in Christian bookshops and in various second hand bookshops. I have found that in Christian novels one often finds truths that help in one’s Christian walk. I enjoy reading about how the various characters deal with life, and I also find I am the richer for reading a really good Christian novel. Certain authors, through their books, give you a real insight into their joys and struggles, which I find very interesting. The books which I am going to review are those which I have really enjoyed, and have read at least twice – some books, for example the “Mark of the Lion “ series by Francine Rivers, I have read at least five times each. The first books that I am going to talk about are the latest two novels by Francine Rivers,


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Monday 24 November 2014

COLLATERAL DAMAGE by HANNAH ALEXANDER

COLLATERAL DAMAGE by HANNAH ALEXANDER is an exciting and worthwhile read wih liberal doses of suspense, romance and biblical truth.
The little town of Jolly Mill has become unsafe, especially to the Russell and Tyler families. Is there a serial killer on the loose or were people simply in the wrong place at the wrong time? This is what sixteen year old Emma Russell sets off to find out, much to Sarah Russell's dismay, as she fears that the secret she has hidden for sixteen years is about to come out into the open and that this will disrupt the lives of those she loves. She also fears for Emma's life seeing that her grandparents' deaths no longer seem to have been accidental.
In a small community like Jolly Mill, one would think it would be hard for a killer to hide, and speculation is rife. Could it be one of the people that Gerard and Megan are looking after at their shelter? Or could it be Nora who everyone knows has killed before? Or could the killer be against men and women in the ministry? As the story unfolds and the truth is uncovered, we see how jealousy, bitterness and unforgiveness can lead to downright hatred in a person's heart.
Nick Tyler is looking into the suspected murders, especially because his mother was killed with the Russells. Nick and Sarah were always the best of friends, having grown up together, and they seem to take on where they left off so many years ago - with their studies, Nick's disastrous marriage and divorce, and Sarah's secret having kept them apart for years.
Collateral damage can also be caused by hiding the truth and the choices we make, and there are always consequences. However, with the Lord we can put the past behind us, no matter what has happened, as He turns things around and gives us hope for the future.
It is a beautifully told story, with believable characters. We see how different people react to their situations and circumstances, and also, most importantly, we see how their spiritual lives are affected by all that they experience.
I really enjoy this author. She reveals so much biblical truth as she uncovers the human heart with all its fears, doubts and feelings of inadequacy, showing how a compassionate God really does "work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose".



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Monday 17 November 2014

OLD FASHIONED by RENE GUTTERIDGE

OLD FASHIONED by RENE GUTTERIDGE is a delightful read. This contemporary novel, from the screenplay of Rik Swartzwelder, is full of age old truths, is sensitively written, and the characters are well portrayed.
When Clay Walsh meets his tenant, Amber Hewson, his carefully constructed list of rules takes quite a lot of strain! For nine years he has tried to pay for the guilt he feels for the way he lived and especially for the way he treated women, by living an exemplary life. Instead of accepting God's forgiveness and forgiving himself, he tries to live rigidly by the Ten Commandments. He feels responsible for ruining two of his friends' lives until he realizes that the same God who saved him is quite capable of working in their lives as well!Unfortunately this rigidity in his beliefs and lifestyle has not only made people see him as decidedly weird, but it has turned him inward and made him quite self-centered.
Amber is a young woman with quite a lot of baggage as well, but she is outgoing and friendly. She desperately wants to be loved and feel attractive.
There is definite chemistry between them, and whilst Clay keeps to his rules Amber is constantly trying to crack through his self-control. She is willing to play along with his "marriage preparation", as behind it all she sees glimpses of the real Clay.
This is a love story with a difference, played out against the background of Clay's antique shop, where he repairs broken things, Amber's job at the florist shop, and their very different friends.
The dialogue is very amusing at times and there is a strong Christian message that flows through the book. I cannot wait to see the film, as I love this story!



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Friday 14 November 2014

THE RECONCILED HEARTS TRILOGY by DORIS ELAINE FELL

THE RECONCILED HEARTS TRILOGY by DORIS ELAINE FELL consists of three novels from her SAGAS OF A KINDRED HEART SERIES, consisting of BLUE MIST ON THE DANUBE, WILLOWS ON THE WINDRUSH and SUNRISE ON STRADBURY SQUARE, the story carrying through all three novels, taking us on a journey through Europe, America and England. I really enjoy this author - her stories are beautifully told, her characters and their struggles well portrayed and the settings in the different places to which she takes us really come alive. There is also a strong Christian message.
Sacrificial love, adoption, marriage, family relationships, guilt and forgiveness are some of the issues dealt with in these novels, together with the redemptive power of the cross of Jesus Christ. The theme of the Prodigal Son coming home and the importance of mercy in relationships runs through all three novels.
There is romance, intrigue, art theft, the tragedy of war, and more, to make an exciting and enjoyable read which I can highly recommend.  Although each of the novels can be obtained and read separately, I think this trilogy is very good value and the novels are well worth reading in sequence.













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