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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 29 November 2021

COUNT THE NIGHTS BY STARS by MICHELLE SHOCKLEE

Publication date 8/3/22
in COUNT THE NIGHTS BY STARS, MICHELLE SHOCKLEE addresses such subjects as prostitution, class distinction and civil rights, against the backdrop of the Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition in 1897 and the Maxwell House Hotel then, and also in 1961, when Audrey Whitfield and Jason Sumner clear out Miss Nichols’ room, coming across some interesting memorabilia including a scrapbook which shows them that there is a lot people didn’t know about the rather reclusive old lady in room 504. Miss Nichols now in hospital having had a stroke, makes Audrey “keeper of her memories.” When Audrey finally learns the truth about the old lady’s life she is inspired, and, like Priscilla sixty four years previously, comes to reevaluate her priorities.
In 1897 Priscilla Nichols and her parents stay at Nashville’s famous Maxwell House Hotel for the duration of the Exposition. Her parents are wealthy and very conscious of their exalted position in society and are keen for their daughter to marry her childhood friend, Kenton Thornley. They are horrified when she seems to prefer the company of the handsome Italian carriage driver Luca and his sister Gia.There is a great deal of intrigue, suspense and danger, and a poignant romance.
It is a story about sacrificial love, showing compassion for others, forgiving oneself, living life without looking back in regret, and really seeing people as unique and precious, made in God’s image. The author reminds us through Mrs Meyer of “ the God Who Sees” who comforted Hagar in the desert, and we see this seeing people’s needs develop especially in Priscilla and later in Audrey as she is inspired by Miss Nichols’  story and Jason’s decision to become a civil rights lawyer. Her attitude towards her brain damaged brother Emmett also changes.
Count The Nights by Stars is a beautifully written, suspenseful and inspirational read and one I cannot recommend highly 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.

Monday 22 November 2021

TO DISGUISE THE TRUTH by JEN TURANO

Publication date 18/1/22
TO DISGUISE THE TRUTH is another delightful novel by JEN TURANO featuring the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency and the unusual group of agents who are led by Mrs Eunice Holbrooke, disguised by her widow’s weeds and thick veils. 
When Arthur Livingston comes to the agency in order for them to find the:missing Miss Eugenia Howland, he does not have any success in getting them to take his case as the ladies, for some reason, find him arrogant and, except for Judith Donovan who wants to sketch his high cheekbones, seem anxious for him to leave. Eunice is desperate to hide her true identity as she is afraid of being charged with her wealthy grandfather’s murder. She takes an undercover assignment to get Mrs Clement Mills out of the Blackwell Island Insane Asylum,  but finds this is not enough to keep the irritating Arthur Livingstone away. He is determined to find the elusive Miss Howland and honour his promise to her deceased grandfather.
I love the way the book is written and I love the very clever banter amongst the unforgettable characters. The story is fast paced and full of intrigue, with some charming romance, together with a great Christian message on the importance of truth.
I absolutely loved the novel and highly recommend it as a most enjoyable and inspirational 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.



Saturday 20 November 2021

EVER CONSTANT by TRACIE PETERSON and KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE

Publication date 18/1/22
EVER CONSTANT is the third novel in the Treasures of Nome series by TRACIE PETERSON and KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE. Although it can be read as a stand alone, I strongly suggest that you read the books in sequence. The book is well written, with unforgettable characters, some of whom deal with such paralysing emotions as brokenness, loneliness, and guilt, showing how this can lead to addiction in an attempt to forget the past. There is hope, though, as love and prayer play their part.
The story takes place in 1905 in Nome, Alaska, where the three Powell girls, Whitney, Havyn and Madysen, with the husbands of the two younger girls,live with their Grandad Chuck Budrant on his farm. 
This is Whitney, the oldest sister’s, story. Whitney has been going through a lot and has turned her back on the Lord who she blames for her losses. She also is bitter about her father leaving them and feels she cannot forgive him as readily as her other sisters have done. They are a close family, but she feels very much on her own now that her sisters are married and she is no longer in control. This lost feeling leads to her allowing the wealthy Judas Reynolds to court her. Her dogs are her main interest, and she has made a name for herself for breeding and training sled dogs. 
Because of a bad experience she does not easily trust men, but Dr Peter Cameron is a friend she trusts, and, when there is an epidemic at Amkra’s village, she takes him there by dog sled. … I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
There is a strong Christian message of redemption, unconditional love, the importance of forgiveness and of not trying to fix things in one’s own strength, running through the book - and we are reminded that God is the only One who is “ever constant”!
I really enjoyed the novel and recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys Christian romance and adventure.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.




Thursday 18 November 2021

RELATIVE JUSTICE by ROBERT WHITLOW

Publication date 12/4/22
RELATIVE JUSTICE by ROBERT WHITLOW is a really great legal suspense novel with a strong redemptive message and believable characters.
Carter Cobb and his son David are partners in the law firm, Cobb and Cobb. David’s brother Robbie is married to Katelyn Martin-Cobb, who leaves a prestigious law firm and moves with her husband to Wilmington where his family lives. Carter has a brain haemorrhage and has to recuperate, Katelyn goes to work with  David, bringing a great deal of legal expertise to the table. When Carter’s old friend Zeke Caldwell needs legal assistance, David and Kate have different opinions about how to approach the case.
I really like the strong family ties in the Cobb family and the way their faith directs their decisions. I also like the way the Christian message forms an integral part of the story. There is something very evil going on and things are not as they seem….. I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you
The book is exciting and well written and one I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys legal suspense. 
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.




Sunday 7 November 2021

LOVE’S FORTRESS by JENNIFER UHLARIK

Publication date 3/1/22
LOVE’S FORTRESS by JENNIFER UHLARIK is a novel in The Doors to the Past series which takes place in St Augustine, Florida, over two time lines, namely 1875 and the present. The timelines are brought together by a collection of Indian ledger art which Dani Sango comes across in her father, the infamous art forger’s, house after his death. She is helped by Brad Osgood, the acting art curator of Andrew’s museum and the colourful Matty, her father’s best friend and business partner, who runs a biker church whose members go on what they call “goose chases”, following where the Holy Spirit leads. I really like this concept which forms part of the Christian message of redemption and answered prayers running through the book.
The Castillo de San Marcos fort plays an important role in both timelines. This is where the seventy three Plains Indians were brught  in 1875.  White Chief Pratt employed, amongst others, Sally Jo Harris and her beau Luke Worthing, to teach the Indians English and general skills in order for them to fit in with the community. Some of them were also led to faith in the Lord. Broken Bow, who was initially the most antagonistic of the prisoners, became friendly  with Luke and Sally Jo.
This is a very realistic novel in which dysfunctional families, betrayal, lies, discrimination, and bad choices are not concealed.. There are also beautiful love stories in both timelines, cases of sacrificial love and unforgettable characters. 
I found this book a really worthwhile read, It is most inspirational and gives one a great deal of food for thought. I cannot recommend Love’s Fortress highly enough
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.