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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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Friday 21 May 2021

BETWEEN THE WILD BRANCHES by CONNILYN COSSETTE

Publication date 6/6/21
BETWEEN THE WILD BRANCHES is the second novel in The Covenant House series by CONNILYN COSSETTE and it was definitely well worth waiting for! I love good biblical fiction and this author is without any doubt a master in the genre, with not only her research and knowledge of the Bible, but also her relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
If you have not already read To Dwell Among Cedars I suggest you do so in order to get the background of this book, but it can also be read as a stand alone.
We find Lukio in Ashdod ten years after leaving Kireat-Yearim and his adoptive family. He has become Devil Eyes, the Champion of Ashdod, with land and riches and Mataro the king's favour, leading to him becoming betrothed to Mariada, the king's daughter, and being made the Master of Games. This all becomes unimportant to him when he comes across Mariada's slave girl, Shoshanna, who he has loved since they were young, and hears her story and that of other Hebrew slaves.
Two of my favourite quotes in the book are "One must use every weapon one has when innocent lives are at stake" and "Oshai constantly reminded those of us who met in the wine cellar that although we could not save everyone, every life was precious, formed in the image of Yahweh Himself".
We see the difference between life in Ashdod, where the Philistines indulge in every kind of debauchery and horrific treatment of those they consider their enemies, as opposed to the simple God-fearing life of the Hebrews who adopted Lukio and his beloved sister Risi into their family in Kireat-Yearim.
It is a story of sacrificial love, extravagant mercy, forgiveness and redemption, as we watch Lukio live out the prophetic word given to him by Samuel, the prophet and great man of God.
I cannot recommend Between The Wild Branches highly enough. It is a wonderfully inspirational novel, full of biblical truth, and one I will read more than once.
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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Tuesday 11 May 2021

TO FIND HER PLACE by SUSAN ANNE MASON

Publication date 1/6/21
TO FIND HER PLACE is the second novel in the Redemption's Lighr series by SUSAN ANNE MASON, but it easily stands alone. It is a sensitively written story of broken people, redemption, unconditional love and second chances, with unforgettable characters.
The story takes place in Toronto during the second world war with Jane Linder, the acting director of the Children's Aid Society, and Garrett Wilder, an independent advisor who is hoping to get the managing director's job now that his war injuries make it impossible for him to work on his father's farm. Jane also badly needs the job as she is divorced and takes care of her elderly mother. In spite of this they need to learn to work together.
Then we have the abandoned children, who are more numerous now due to the harsh wartime economy and the diminishing number of willing foster parents - a heart wrenching dilemma. Both Jane and Garrett believe that each child deserves a loving home in which they can develop their full potential.
There is a great deal more to the novel, which I found most inspirational. There is a strong sense of God's purposes and plans working out in people's lives as they learn to trust Him.
I am not going to tell you any more as I do not want to spoil the read for you.
It is a lovely book and one I 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.




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Tuesday 4 May 2021

POWER PLAY by RACHEL DYLAN

Publication date 1/6/21
POWER PLAY is the third novel in the Capital Intrigue series by RACHEL DYLAN, and, although it can be read as a stand alone, it is great to come across characters from the first two books as we follow Vivian's story. It is a legal thriller and the suspense will grip you right to the last page. There is also some romance and a good Christian message.
Vivian Steele is an attorney in the Office of the Legal Advisor at the State Department. Her best friend, Layla Karam McCoy, works for the CIA. She has other friends who work in various law enforcement agencies.
She meets former Navy SEAL, Jacob Cruz, at a diplomatic dinner in the Washington DC area where Ali Zidan, the Egyptian ambassador, falls down dead and Penelope King, the US ambassador to Belgium, has to be rushed to hospital.
The scene is set and I am not going to tell you anything more!
The book is well written, the characters are real and the plot is exciting and well worked out. I highly recommend Power Play to anyone who enjoys a really good thriller.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad