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Christian Novel Review

Having always been an avid reader, since becoming a Christian I have found a wealth of reading material in Christian bookshops and in various second hand bookshops. I have found that in Christian novels one often finds truths that help in one’s Christian walk. I enjoy reading about how the various characters deal with life, and I also find I am the richer for reading a really good Christian novel. Certain authors, through their books, give you a real insight into their joys and struggles, which I find very interesting. The books which I am going to review are those which I have really enjoyed, and have read at least twice – some books, for example the “Mark of the Lion “ series by Francine Rivers, I have read at least five times each. The first books that I am going to talk about are the latest two novels by Francine Rivers,


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Monday 24 September 2018

OF FIRE AND LIONS by MESU ANDREWS

Publication date 5/3/19
MESU ANDPREWS has done it again! OF FIRE AND LIONS is a beautifully told story, based on the book of Daniel, the first Babylonian exile and the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and ending with Cyrus' decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem, according to prophecy. I love the way this author writes, with the fictitious characters fleshing out the story, without in any way taking away from the biblical account.
I also love the way she treats the biblical characters. We see Daniel, who from a young age has served his God and who is blessed with incredible wisdom. He has the ability to interpret dreams and understand prophecy, and yet we see him here as a man of normal emotions and fears. He is courageous in his faith and wholeheartedly loyal to Yahweh. When we see how the Lord comes through for him, we are encouraged to trust Him to deliver us when we face difficult circumstances in our own lives.
The story is told by a young Hebrew girl, Abigail, who is given the name Belili when she is captured and taken to Babylon. In Babylon she becomes Daniel's chambermaid until she is forced to flee for her life, ending up as a temple priestess in Achmetha.
I am not going to tell you any more as I don't want to spoil anything for you. It is a most exciting and inspirational read and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is a story of courage, of broken relationships, of loyalty, of forgiveness and reconciliation, and above all it is a story of Yahweh's almighty power to deliver His servants.

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Friday 21 September 2018

MILES FROM WHERE WE STARTED by CYNTHIA RUCHTI

Publication date16/10/18
In MILES FROM WHERE WE STARTED, CYNTHIA RUCHTI tells the story of a marriage and a fifteen year old boy that both need rescuing. It is a delightful read, very emotional but relieved with a good dose of humour.
Connor and Mallory Duncan haven't even been married for a year and their marriage seems to be over. They are about to go their separate ways when, because Connor's partner, Nathan, can't get out of jury duty, they end up embarking on a three week road trip in a very small camper, in order to make sure that their firm gets the RoadSave account. Add Nathan's troubled foster son, Judah, and things really get interesting!
It is a beautifully told story of courage, redemption and restoration, as we see God's grace at work in their hearts. I especially love the way the people they meet on the way have such input in their lives. It is not only RoadSave that is organizing their route - God Himself definitely has a hand in it!



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Thursday 13 September 2018

LEGACY OF MERCY by LYNN AUSTIN

Publication date 2/10/18.
LYNN AUSTIN'S novels are always worth waiting for, and LEGACY OF MERCY is no exception. Although it is the sequel to Waves of Mercy, it can stand alone, but I am glad I read the books in sequence.
It is a truly inspirational novel, rich in Christian content, with characters that stay with you long after you have finished reading.
Anna Nicholson is engaged to be married to William Wilkinson, one of the the most eligible bachelor in Chicago. She has recently had an encounter with the Lord, and desperately wants to live a life that is pleasing to Him. William is not interested in what he sees as her religious fanaticism, and in he downright forbids her to get involved with helping the poor. It hurts her to realize that he isn't interested in that which really interests her. Although she loves her parents and is fond of William, she feels that the society life they all live is meaningless when there are so many people struggling to make ends meet. She is determined, though, to not compromise her faith, no matter what it costs. Her struggles are very real, especially when she finds out more about her biological parents, and becomes the subject of scandal. In those days even being adopted was frowned upon by society, and now the legitimacy of her birth is the subject of hateful gossip!
Anna's grandmother, Geesje, is a delightful character, strong in the Lord and not giving up, even when she comes up against the most difficult people. Anna feels relieved when she is with Oma Geesje, who is so full of Godly wisdom and lives a simple life of service to her Lord.
This novel is a real classic and a delightful read. I cannot recommend it highly enough.




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Friday 7 September 2018

SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH by CONNILYN COSSETTE

Publication date 2/10/18.
SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH is the second book in the CITIES OF REFUGE series by CONNILYN COSSETTE. Although it can be read as a stand alone, I would recommend that you read the first book, A LIGHT ON THE HILL, as well, as it is a really worthwhile read.
The story starts in Sicily in 1388 with Sofea, the daughter of a pagan high priest, and her cousin Prezi, being attacked and captured, ending up in Kedesh, one of the Hebrew cities of refuge.
It is a truly beautiful book, with an exciting plot, a lot of suspense, and a really excellent Biblical message. In fact, the author brings a feeling of peace in spite of the very real danger in which the characters find themselves; truly the peace that comes from being in the shelter of the Most High!
I like the way Moriyah, Darek and Eitan, treat the young foreign girls, showing them Yahweh's love, mercy and acceptance, which contrasts strongly with the treatment they received from Sofea's wicked and ungodly father.
This period of history is so interesting, as it is about twenty years since the Israelites came out of Egypt into the Promised Land. We see some results of their disobedience in not keeping separate from the Canaanites and their pagan beliefs.
I particularly like the descriptions of Shiloh, the Jewish festivals, and the High Priest, Eleazar. This is a must read for everyone who has a love for the Jewish people and who worships Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

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Monday 3 September 2018

WHO I AM WITH YOU by ROBIN LEE HATCHER

Publication date 11/12/18.
WHO I AM WITH YOU by ROBIN LEE HATCHER is an emotional read, which deals with two sets of people in two different timelines, all of whom are trying to overcome betrayal of some sort.
In present time, Ridley Chesterfield comes to the small town of Hope Springs in order to escape a political scandal in which he was falsely accused. He is staying in his parents' holiday home, where they hope to retire one day, right next door to Jessica Mason, a young pregnant widow, who is trying to get over her husband's betrayal and her daughter's death.
The parallel timeline starts in 1929 with the marriage of Andrew Henning and Helen Grayson and goes on through the depression.
In both cases there is betrayal, unforgiveness, and even a false sense of guilt to overcome, and we see how the Lord works in each of the situations. The novel is largely based on Romans chapter eight, verses twenty-six to twenty-eight, and we do indeed see how good comes out of each situation. I like the way Andrew Henning's bible, which ends up being left to Jessica by her grandmother, Frani, plays a big part in the story.
It is a sensitively told story with a really good Christian message.



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Saturday 1 September 2018

TELL HER NO LIES by KELLY IRVIN

Publication date 13/11/18.
TELL HER NO LIES by KELLY IRVIN is a fast paced thriller with an excellent Christian message. There is also a good dose of romance. The book deals with such things as homelessness, parenting, foster care and adoption, addiction, the importance of forgiveness and acknowledging that God is the only perfect Father.
Nina and Jan Fischer were adopted by their uncle Geoffrey Fischer, who was a successful and well thought of judge. He and his wife Grace saved them from foster care when they were abandoned by their mother.
When Nina finds her dad murdered in his home office, things really go from bad to worse, first with her being a suspect, and then with secrets that she and her friend, Aaron McClure, uncover about the judge. She feels badly let down and wants to uncover the truth, but loved her dad and wants to save his good name.
The characters are very real and we are made to feel what they are going through. It is Christian suspense at its best. I can highly recommend it as a most enjoyable read.




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