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.

THREE STEPS BEHIND by DANI PETTREY

 THREE STEPS BEHIND is the rhird novel in the Jeopardy Falls series by DANI PETTREY and I can’t wait for the fourth book! What a truly thrilling read, with interesting characters and a strong Christian message of trusting in the Lord and in His redemptive power. 

The story starts with FBI agent, Harper, who has been captured whilst on a humanitarian mission in the Syrian hill country, escaping to Jordan. After her debriefing in the States, battered and broken, she makes straight for Deckard at Second Chances Ranch in Jeopardy Falls. Deckard and his family have had a brutal upbringing with their  con-men  parents, having been forced to work for them from early childhood. All except his oldest sister Bristol, who is still plying the trade, have come to know the Lord, and are working together to bring about justice. I really like the way the author describes her characters emotions.

There are two great romances, one of which I expect will be carried over to the next book…….

This is a thrilling murder mystery in which such things as sex trafficking and child and wife abuse, are delved into with great depth. I cannot recommend it strongly enough to anyone who enjoys this genre.

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

THE CHRISTMAS COURIER by ROSEANNA M WHITE

 THE CHRISTMAS COURIER by ROSEANNA M WHITE is a well written WW11 novella which has a strong Christian message of hope as seen in the Christmas story.

The story takes place in Lyon in 1943. Madeleine Perrin has been in love with her one time neighbour Daniel Raymond, who she only sees occasionally now when he comes around to his former home to collect papers to deliver for the Resistance, of which she and her family are all members. Daniel is a wanted man because he is half Jewish…….

I love to see the closeness of the Perrin family and their devotion to Jesus.

When Daniel finally realises his love for Madeleine, he is betrayed and imprisoned, awaiting torture and execution. Madeleine, a history enthusiast, comes up with an ancient law that just might save the man she loves……

The author, whose research is always so good, has based the novella on a true story.

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.

THE PROMISED LAND by ELIZABETH MUSSER

 THE PROMISED LAND by ELIZABETH MUSSER tells the story of four people with varying problems who do the Camino pilgrimage together. It is a really inspirational book which brings to mind the words of Jesus in John chapter eight: "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.", in that they are set free on two levels - coming to know the truth about themselves as well as the truth that the Lord is always with them.

It is a sensitively written book, and as we go on the journey with Abbie, Bobby, Rasa and Caro, there are things we not only learn about each of them, but also things that could be applicable in our own lives.
Abbie, the control freak who has literally driven her husband away and cannot seem to help interfering in her sons' lives, Bobby, who is too ready to carry everyone's burdens and is getting over a terrible tragedy, Rasa, the refugee who has panic attacks and tends to take on too much as well, and Caro with her self destructive and tragic past, are an unlikely group of people, and it is interesting to see how the Lord uses them in each others' lives.
It is a really lovely book and one I can highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. the opinions in this review are completely my own.

THE SWAN HOUSE by ELiZABeTH MUSSER

 THE SWAN HOUSE by ELIZABETH MUSSER is a beaurifully written novel, full of truth, with a strong Christian message of love and acceptance, as some hard subjects are tackled by the author. It is not a book that can be read quickly, nor will it be easily forgotten. It is an emotional story of salvation and redemption which is firmly based on God’s word.

When tragedy hits the Middleton family, deep-seated family secrets are uncovered, and life changes for them all, especially for Mary Swan, who relentlessly works to uncover the truth about her beautiful, artistic mother. On her journey of self discovery, Swan battles with the prejudice and hatred against those of a different colour or religion, and gets involved in helping the poor black people of the Mt Carmel church, befriending Carl and his family and learning what being a real Christian is all about from them and Miss Abigail. The family’s beloved servant, Ella Mae, hopes that helping others less fortunate than herself will help Swan in her grief. …..

I cannot recommend this inspirational novel strongly enough, and  I don’t want to analyse it too much and spoil your read. 

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