WHERE WE BELONG by LYNN AUSTIN.

WHERE WE BELONG by LYNN AUSTIN is based on the true story of two Scottish sisters who crossed the desert to Mt Sinai to find ancient Scriptures in the library at St Catherine's monastery to prove the authenticity of the bible. The author has included a fair share of romance and some very interesting characters to her story, which is set in Chicago rather than Scotland.
Top students, fascinated with history and literature, the Hawes sisters, Rebecca and Flora, start their plans for adventure by researching a European trip that they hope to go on with their father when they are fifteen and fourteen respectively. Rebecca is the most adventurous of the two but the sisters are very close, having lost their mother when Flora was born, and Flora is happy to follow Rebecca's lead. Their father, himself fascinated with ancient history and good books, encourages them to think for themselves and also sees to it that they learn languages that really help them on their travels. Through wise investments he has become extremely wealthy, and they have inherited his philanthropic nature.
The novel starts with the most exciting adventure of all - their trip across the desert to St Catherine's monastery at Mt Sinai. This is alluded to throughout the novel as we see the sisters' lives unfold.
Devout Christians, the two women really live their faith, looking after those less fortunate than themselves. Rebecca's passion is ancient history, and they are hoping to find a very old bible to prove to unbelievers that God's word is true.
It is a most enjoyable and interesting book. I love the different characters and the parts they play in the story. The Author, as usual, has done a great deal of research, and she is really good at describing what her characters are feeling.
There is a strong Christian message of wholeheartedly serving the Lord rather than being caught up in the social whirl of the times, and using one's wealth wisely to help those who have nothing. I love Lynn Austin's novels, and this one is certainly well worth reading. I can highly recommend it.


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DANGEROUS ILLUSIONS by IRENE HANNON

DANGEROUS ILLUSIONS by IRENE HANNON is not only a very exciting thriller, but it is also filled with biblical truth.
Trish Bailey has been through a lot with losing her father and husband in a car accident, which eventually led to her injured mother having a stroke. She is living with her mother, looking after her, when her mother dies due to an overdose of her medication. Trish is pretty sure she did not make a mistake with her mother's pills, but she seems to have been doing a lot of strange things lately and feels guilty.
Trish's parents were well off and believed the Scripture "from those to whom much is given, much is expected" and they started a foundation, giving to charities. Matt Parker has been their accountant for about a year and Trish's mother is really fond of him, and pushes him and Trish together shamelessly. He and Trish go out together a couple of times, but Trish is not interested, although Matt is keen.
Whilst there is no chemistry between the two of them it is a very different story when detective Colin Flynn comes on the scene!
With all that has gone on in her life Trish has never lost her faith, although Colin finds it hard to believe in a loving Heavenly Father with his unfortunate childhood. Craig Elliot is altogether another matter! We see evil personified in him and also in the Russian Mafia.
Both Trish and Colin have struggled with loneliness - now that her mother is dead she feels really alone and Colin hopes she will see him as someone she can rely on. His childhood friends, Rick and Kristen, are his only "family".
Matt is very keen to become a trustee for the foundation, and, although he came highly recommended by their pastor, who is a trustee, Trish is not sure about him and insists on signing all the cheques herself.
This is a really good read - I couldn't put it down - and I can really recommend it.


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