THE LIFEBOAT GIRLS AT WAR is the first novel I have read by RACHEL SWEASEY, and it most certainly will not be the last. The strength of character, courage and faith of those left in Poole to cope while their husbands, brothers and friends are fighting at the front during WW1, is well described, together with the emotions of the men in the trenches. Friendship and unconditional love is shown as the women, both old and young, step in to run the lifeboat, nurse the injured soldiers, look after children and work in the cordite factory, sharing in one anothers’ joys and sadness……

I highly recommend this well written and well researched book, with its underlying Christian message of hope.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Boldwood Books. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

WAR-TORN LOVE by ANGELA K COUCH

 WAR-TORN LOVE by ANGELA K COUCH is a well written post war romance with a great deal of depth and a strong Christian message of forgiveness and repentance, as we see Evelyn Watson’s disappointment when her fiance, Gabe Bailey, comes home from war with a secret. The town’s gossip mongers are quick to judge Pastor Bailey’s prodigal son. The scripture verse in the front of the book is from 1 Samuel 16:7 and reminds us that “…the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” Man may be quick to condemn but with the Lord there is always hope…..

The story is heart-stirring as we follow their emotions, especially when an innocent baby boy is brought into the mix……

I cannot recommend this inspirational read strongly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

A LOVE BEYOND PERSUASION by JOANNE BISCHOF DEWITT

  A LOVE BEYOND PERSUASION by JOANNE BISCHOF DEWITT is a beautifully written Christian, historical, second chance romance, which takes place in the late 1800’s, which is strongly reminiscent of Jane Austen’s “Persuasion.”The characters are well portrayed and the story has many ups and downs. It is altogether a most enjoyable and inspirational read, and one that will stay with me a long time.

Alice Elliot has lost her beloved mother and is left with her overbearing and unkind father, who continually berates her for her inability to read, and sees her as utterly useless, in spite of the fact that she works hard to keep the family afloat. The scripture she holds on to, which is one her mother taught her, is 

Psalm 61:1 “Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer,”which has become her cry for help. ……

Captain Frederich Wycliff is working towards becoming the Commodore of a fleet like his beloved grandfather, who has taken care of him since his parents died shortly after he was born. A scripture that he hears in church, and which he decides he needs to follow instead of making his own plans without first hearing from the Lord, is Proverbs 16:7, “A man’s heart diviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps.” ……

It is is good to see how these two people grow closer to the Lord and to one another…..

I cannot recommend this lovely book  strongly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

POINT OF REVENGE by DIANN MILLS

 POINT OF REVENGE by DIANN MILLS is a thriling murder mystery with a strong Christian message flowing naturally through the novel, as the autho takes us through the characters’ emotions. The story is very exciting, with many twists and turns which kept me riveted until the end.

Arson investigator, Landon Kraft, has divorced his wife Julia over twenty years ago in order to keep her and their unborn daughter Mia safe,  after a fire destroyed their home, nearly burning them alive.  He had been getting anonymous warnings and felt he was doing the right thing. However, although he knows God has forgiven him, he finds it hard to forgive himself for abandoning his family, especially when Julia is murdered and Mia has disappeared…….

Suzanne Barton, a member of the Houston SWAT team, is horrified to find Julia, her best friend, lying in a pool of blood in her home. She has to work with Landon, a man she despises for leaving his wife and daughter, in order to find Mia, and see justice done for Julia…….

Landon doesn’t know what to think of Porter, Mia’s ex-boyfriend, the brother of a criminal who was convicted due to Landon’s testimony, especially when he offers to help them find Mia……

Of course all kinds of rumours abound, the worst being that Mia ran away after murdering her mother……

I cannot recommend this most enjoyable and inspirational read strongly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

THRONE OF THE HEAVENS by CONNILYN COSSETTE

 THRONE OF THE HEAVENS is the fourth and final novel in the King’s Men series by CONNILYN COSSETTE. As it is with all her novels, the book is based on Scripture, in this case,1 Samuel 15:34-35, which speaks of Saul’s fall from grace. In fact I suggest that you read the whole chapter to fill in the background.

She has a wonderful gift of revealing Scriptural truth through using well developed fictional characters to reveal, not only the history of the time period, but also the truth of God’s Word. Her novels are the product of a great deal of historical and biblical research, but also strong faith in Yahweh, the One True God, and a love for the Jews, His chosen people. Her character analysis is also excellent.

I like to see how Mattaniel, even when he is still a slave in the king of Tyre’s court, has prophetic dreams which come from his upbringinging under Samuel’s teaching, even though he cannot remember who he is or where he came from……..

We learn so much about the treachery of the Sidonians and Philistines and their hatred of the Hebrews, the Shardan people with their strange language and their friendship with Mattaniel, life in the court of Tyre where everyone bows the knee to King Abibaal and also to the false gods they worship. We also see what Saul’s court has become due to his disobedience and arrogance……

There is treachery, intrigue and danger, but there is also hope, brotherly love and a beautiful and impossible romance, as Yahweh works through a young man who finds out who he is and moves into God’s purpose for his life.

The message in this beautiful and exciting story really spoke to me and I cannot recommend Throne of the Heavens, and the whole series, strongly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

FORGET WHAT YOU KNOW by KRISTINE DELANO

 FORGET WHAT YOU KNOW by KRISTINE DELANO is an emotional and exciting novel that takes place in the New York financial world. The characters and the Wall Street vibe are well portrayed, and the author’s Christian beliefs feature strongly in the book……

Two brilliant sisters, Paige and Vivian Walsh, after years of estrangement due to growing up in a toxic family situation, have a difficult decision to make. Will they be able to work together to uncover corruption that could destroy one of them, or is the price too high? …….

I like the split timeline that the author uses to introduce us to each of them, and to show us their emotions and struggles……

There are many twists and turns, with betrayal, murder and shifting loyalties, keeping us guessing right to the end.

I highly recommend this exciting, emotional and inspirational read.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE EAST END GIRLS by JEAN FULLERTON

 CHRISTMAS WITH THE EAST END GIRLS is the third novel in the East End Girls series by JEAN FULLERTON, but it can easily stand alone. It is a delightful story of unconditional love and second chances against the backdrop of  war torn East End London in 1943.  There is also a great message of Christ’s unfailing love and forgiveness, as two sad and broken people meet at Christmas time. …….

Their first meeting is in a pub, where the disillusioned Georgina St-John Smythe, who mans the barrage balloon near his church, finds that the dashing Captain Moncrieff, who she has kissed passionately, is actually Father Guy Moncrieff and the new vicar!  She feels guilty and ashamed, but he also feels ashamed of  his behaviour and of voicing his anger towards God………

I love the close friendships amongst the balloon girls and the lack of class distinction amongst them.

I highly recommend this heartwarming, exciting and inspirational WW11 novel to anyone who enjoys rhis genre.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley by Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.