THE WHITE CITY by GRACE HITCHCOCK

Publication date 1/3/19

THE WHITE CITY by GRACE HITCHCOCK is a really delightful read. The story takes place in 1893 in Chicago at the time of the White City fair. The novel has a bit of everything - romance, intrigue, humour, murder, and a good Christian message running throughout. I know it is Grace Hitchcock's debut novel and I certainly hope she writes many more of the same caliber!
I love the quotations at the beginning of each chapter, from well loved authors from long ago.
Winifred Wylde is police Inspector Wylde's daughter and seems to want to follow in her father's footsteps. She is not interested in the never ending social engagements that her aunt insists she takes part in, nor in the suitors that she is encouraged to spend time with, as her aunt is afraid of her becoming an old maid. She wants to do something worthwhile with her life. She is an avid reader of romantic suspense, and when she sees a woman being manhandled by a man at the fair grounds she is convinced that he is the White City kidnapper.
I am not going to tell you any more in case I spoil the read for you, except to say that I really loved this book and can highly recommend it.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

THE BAGGAGE HANDLER by DAVID RAWLINGS

Publication date 5/3/19.
THE BAGGAGE HANDLER by DAVID RAWLINGS is a very cleverly written book in which David, Michael and Gillian, after having picked up the wrong baggage off the carousel at the airport, each have an encounter with the Baggage Handler. Here they see, for the first time, the baggage they are carrying around, and have the choice as to whether they want to get rid of it or continue to carry it.
It is a book I think everyone should read, letting the Baggage Handler, who is to me a type of the Holy Spirit, deal with the baggage in our lives. It is, in fact, a modern day parable.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. My favourite quote is found at the beginning of the book and reads "What weighs us down is not our baggage, but our decision to keep carrying it."



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

CASTLE ON THE RISE by KRISTY CAMBRON

Publication date 5/2/19
CASTLE ON THE RISE by KRISTY CAMBRON is a novel that takes place in three time frames, all tied to the ruins of Castle Chryn and Ashford Manor in County Wicklow, Ireland, namely 1797, 1915/16 and the present day. The author has obviously done a great deal of research into Ireland's history and has cleverly mixed fictional characters with historical facts.
It is a beautifully written book with truly memorable characters who draw us into their joys and sorrows, making us really relate to them. We see how Laine and Cormac deal with their individual brokenness, determined to rise above the past. All the main characters show tremendous fortitude in fighting against circumstances that could easily have destroyed them. This is against the backdrop of the people of Ireland's fight for freedom from tyranny.
The novel starts with a quotation from Isaiah 43:2, which is God's promise to never leave nor forsake His people and to be with them in every trouble. I love how this truth is understood and taken hold of by those who are fighting for freedom, for their country, but also for themselves.
I would actually call this novel an epic story and can highly recommend it.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

THE LIEUTENANT'S BARGAIN by REGINA JENNINGS

THE LIEUTENANT'S BARGAIN is the first novel I have read by REGINA JENNINGS and it most certainly will not be the last! What a truly delightful love story - it is serious and amusing at the same time. I love the characters, they are so real, and their actions and speech make us know what they are feeling and thinking. It is a cleverly written book that keeps one's interest right to the last page.
The story takes place in 1885 in Indian Territory with Hattie Walker being rescued by some Arapaho Indians after the stage coach she is traveling in is attacked by bandits. She is on her way to Denver to make a name for herself as an artist. When Lieutenant Jack Hennessy, who is posted at the nearby fort, goes to fetch her from the Indians, he cannot believe that the girl he had such a crush on at school seems to have dropped into his life again in the strangest of circumstances. By trying to impress this woman he has loved all his life, he sets something in motion, due to his less than perfect understanding of the Arapaho language, which could affect his job at the fort and his work amongst the Indians and could cost Hattie her dream.
Jack is very committed to the Arapaho Indians and especially to the school in Darlington and the children's education. He is shocked by the disrespect shown towards the Indians in so many cases, especially as far as their traditions are concerned.
Hattie, after being very brave during her ordeal, is terrified of being alone, especially as she is the only living witness of the attack.
It is interesting to see the change in both these characters as they let go and let God work in their lives.
It is a lovely read and I can highly recommend it.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad