A PIECE OF THE MOON by CHRIS FABRY

Publication date 6/4/21
A PIECE OF THE MOON by CHRIS FABRY is an inspirational read with a really interesting message.
The author has a deep understanding of human nature and of the Word of God which he uses to tell us about the treasure hunt set in motion by Gideon Quidley. The rather eccentric Gideon wants people, especially his son Milton, to follow the biblical clues, thus drawing closer to God.
Some people, like pastor Robby Gardner, make a detailed study of the clues, and others just dig all over. Many get hurt in the madness. The words of Jesus in Mark 8:36, " For what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" underline the story. I see it as a modern day parable.
There are some really interesting characters - I especially love Waite Evers, who shepherds his little flock of "dropouts" at Country 16, the local radio station that is almost the lifeblood of the small town of Emmaus. With strong faith, love and humour he is in the business of encouragement and of giving people a second chance.
I am not going to tell you any more about the story, nor am I going to tell you how the title fits into it! You will have to read the book to find out!
I highly recommend A Piece of the Moon as a most enjoyable and thought provoking read.
I was given an ARC copy of the book by Tyndale House Publishers from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.



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THE DAY OF EZEKIAL'S HOPE by DONNA VANLIERE

Publication date 16/3/21
I have been looking forward to getting a copy of THE DAY OF EZEKIAL'S HOPE by DONNA VANLIERE ever since reading the first book in the series, The Time of Jacob's Trouble, and am definitely not disappointed. The story carries on after the disappearances with Emma and her small group of believers scavenging for food and saving as many children as they can from being sold into sex trafficking. Elliott, a Jewish believer, who has been sealed by God, preaches the Gospel in America, and Zerah, also one of the sealed witnesses, does the same in Israel. I feel this is what the author is doing in this novel, warning her readers to turn to the Lord before it is too late. In her description of the first part of the Tribulation period she brings the truth of Revelations, and in fact the whole Bible, to light in a way that we can understand. I particularly like the "Where in the Word" chapters at the end which attest to the writer's knowledge of Bible prophecy.
With the world suffering from the effects of the Covid-19 epidemic, I really feel the truths in this book will stir many people up to seek the Lord and study His Word.
I really cannot recommend this book highly enough and am looking forward to the third and final novel in the series.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Harvest House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.


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TO DWELL AMONG CEDARS by CONNILYN COSSETTE

Publication date 1/12/20
TO DWELL AMONG CEDARS is the first novel in the Covenant House series by CONNILYN COSSETTE. I have read and loved all this author's books, and have been looking forward to reading this one for some time. I am definitely not disappointed. What a truly lovely story of redemption and restoration in which we get a taste of the awesome Presence and holiness of God in His interaction with His people.
With the two Philistine children, we follow the Ark of the Covenant to its resting place among the cedars at Kiryat-Yearim. The children are adopted by Elazar, the Levite who is in charge of guarding the Ark, and his wife Yoela, and treated as part of their large and loving family. Arisa, or Eliora as she is now called, has adopted the Hebrew faith and loves Yahweh and the Ark, which the Hebrew slave, Azuvah, who helped them escape Ashdod, told them to follow. She loves all her brothers and sisters, especially her brother Lukio, or Natan as he is now called, for whom she has felt responsible since their mother died in childbirth and their father abandoned them.
In 1062 BC Ronen, an apprentice Levite, comes to Kiryat-Yearim with a group of Levitical musicians to celebrate Yom Teruah, and finds that the young Philistine girl who he carried up the mountain eight years before has turned into a beautiful woman. They have a lot in common, in spite of the fact that he seems to have lost his faith in the miraculous and is hiding a deadly secret - they both feel beholden to the people who have adopted them into their families.
There is intrigue, jealousy, violent disagreement and even idol worship amongst the priesthood. We come across Samuel, the great man of God, with his words of warning and prophetic direction. We are also strongly reminded of the danger of running ahead of the Lord and following man made plans, trying to do things in our own strength.
The novel follows the Bible closely and the fictional characters flesh out the story beautifully, giving us an idea of life at that time for both Hebrew and Philistine through the author's solid research
I do not want to tell you any more for fear of spoiling the read for you.
I highly recommend To Dwell Among Cedars to anyone who enjoys Biblical fiction. It is a most enjoyable and inspirational read and I am looking forward to the next novel in the series.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

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BEAUTY AMONG RUINS by J'NELL CIESIELSKI

Publication date 12/1/21
BEAUTY AMONG RUINS by J'NELL CIESIELSKI is a really lovely historical romance novel which takes place in Scotland during the first world war. It is beautifully written, with unforgettable characters and a good bit of humour.
It is a story threaded with heartache and hope and one that really makes a person think.
There are enemies on all sides, not just the Germans who are responsible for the broken soldiers being treated at the convalescent home at Kinclavoch, but also those who would destroy everything in the way of their selfish ambitions.
The delightful Lily Durham is banished to England for a time by her parents with the hope that she will come into line with their plans for her life. They see her as cheeky and disrespectful and want to quench her friendly and optimistic spirit.
I love to see her kindness towards the Tommies in her care and also towards Viola, Lord Strathem's sister, and her gradual understanding of the grouchy Alec MacGregor, Lord Strathem.
The setting is so well described, with the ruggedness of Scotland and her wild weather playing a part in the story.
There is romance, suspense, inspiration and a feeling of restoration of that which is broken running through the book, and I cannot recommend Beauty Among Ruins highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
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THE THIEF OF BLACKFRIARS LANE by MICHELLE GRIEP

Publication date 1/1/21
THE THIEF OF BLACKFRIARS LANE by MICHELLE GRIEP is a really great historical romance novel with a definite Dickensian flavour.
The story takes place in 1885 in the seedier parts of Victorian London, with unforgettable characters and a great deal of suspense.
Jackson Forge is a very new constable at the Old Jewry, serving under Sergeant Graybone, who is always threatening to fire Jackson whose enthusiasm to set the world aright leads him to make some serious mistakes. When Jackson takes it upon himself to find the missing hackney driver, Joe Card, he and the feisty trickster, Kit Turner, join forces to find the man who took her in off the streets when she was a child.
I am not going to tell you any more except to say that the story gripped me from start to finish. There is also a good Christian message of hope and trusting God to bring good out of even the worst situations. I cannot recommend the book highly enough.
I was given a free copy by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
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