CROSS MY HEART by ROBIN LEE HATCHER

Publication date 25/6/19.
CROSS MY HEART is the second book in the Legacy of Faith series by ROBIN LEE HATCHER, but it can be read as a stand alone. I really enjoy this author's novels - she has such a way with describing the emotional struggles of her characters, and the growth of their faith in the Lord. In fact the Christian message is very prominent in her stories.
As in the first book in the series, Who I Am With You, where we are introduced to the Henning family, Andrew Henning's bible plays an important part. It has now been given to Ben, by his cousin Jessica, at an interesting time in his life. He is back at the family farm, which he is about to turn into "Harmony Barn", a place where equine therapy will be offered to those who need it, and where abused horses will be nursed back to health.
Ashley Showalter catches Ben's vision, as she loves horses, in many ways preferring them to people! She deals mostly with horses that have been abused and starved, and helps Ben find horses for his programme.
Running in the background to this story is that of Andrew and Helen Henning and their family, who lived on the farm during the Second World War. At this difficult time, with two of their sons serving in the military, Andrew holds closely to the Lord, and leans on His promises, especially those in the book of Joshua.
Drug and alcohol abuse and the toll this takes on the families involved, forgiveness and second chances, are all themes in the book. I especially love the part that horses play in the restoration of the characters.
It is an inspirational and enjoyable read and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I am looking forward to the third book in the series.





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THE STREET SINGER by KATHLEEN NEELY

THE STREET SINGER by KATHLEEN NEELY is a beautiful book. The story is bittersweet, with unforgettable characters, and it is one that will really stay with you. It is an emotional read, with a good Christian message, and a theme of restoration and "remembering" running throughout. I feel it brings to mind the story of the Good Samaritan and also the love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13.
Adda Mae and Trisha Mills have quite a bit in common. Both carry deep sorrow and loneliness from their past, and both are seen as socially inferior by the men in their lives. Ernie used Adda's talent and then left her penniless and alone, and Grant Ramsey, Trisha's fiancé, who comes from a moneyed and socially superior background, does not want the woman he is about to marry to sully the Ramsay name by associating with a poor street singer!
Enter attorney, Rusty Bergstrom, and life takes on new meaning for both Trisha and Adda. I am not going to tell you any more excepting to say that I cannot recommend the book highly enough.


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FAR SIDE OF THE SEA by KATE BRESLIN

FAR SIDE OF THE SEA by KATE BRESLIN is a beautiful love story told against the backdrop of the First World War. There is no doubt that it was one of the most horrific times in history and we are made aware of the widespread effect of war on the countries and individuals involved.
It is in Hastings that we meet up with Lieutenant Colin Mabry, who we last saw as a returning war hero in Not by Sight. Colin has to manage with a prosthetic hand, which, together with recurring nightmares, fear of being closed up in small spaces and guilt from unwittingly drinking the last of the water leading to a man's death, makes for a complicated character. He has, however, a strong sense of duty, and commitment to the promise he made to Jewel, a young French woman who saved his life.
The story moves to France where we meet Johanna Reyer, Jewel's half sister, who also has issues from the past.
The story moves through France and into Spain, with just the right amount of description of the scenery. I love the introduction of the carrier pigeons, whose bravery played such a big part in the war, and in the story. It actually brings a feeling of peace amid the storm, which is also strongly brought out in Colin's faith in the God of miracles. We are reminded of the fact that, as children of God, we don't need to be defined by our past or our circumstances, or the opinions of others.
The plot is so well developed that we are kept guessing right to the end. Surrounded by spies, it is hard for Colin and Jo to know whom to trust as they set off to find Jewel.
The characters are very real, the story captivating and rather mysterious, and it is altogether a most enjoyable read. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.


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BEAUTY IN HIDING by ROBIN PATCHEN

BEAUTY IN HIDING is the second book in the BEAUTY IN FLIGHT series by ROBIN PATCHEN. It is an exciting read, fast paced, with a good Christian message and a budding romance. It is altogether most enjoyable and impossible to put down. I really recommend reading the novels in sequence and cannot wait for Beauty in Battle, which I believe is coming out in April.
The story starts with Harper and Red arriving in Nutfield, after running away from Red's-grandson, Derrick, who had tried to poison his grandfather in order to inherit his money.
Harper, after the life she has led, including a two year stint in prison, is not used to being shown kindness without something being expected from her in return, and she is wary of their landlord, Jack, who showers the two of them with kindness.
When Harper's secrets are out will she run again or will she trust that the truth will indeed set her free?
I am not going to tell you any more, except to say that I really enjoyed the book and recommend it highly.


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BEAUTY IN FLIGHT by ROBIN PATCHEN

BEAUTY IN FLIGHT is the first novel in a new series by ROBIN PATCHEN. It is a spine chilling thriller which will keep you guessing until the end of the series!
The story starts with ex con Harper Cloud working as a nurse's assistant at an old people's home. She gets the opportunity to work for her boyfriend, Derrick's, grandfather and sees her life improving as she lives with Red as his nurse. Red is a Christian, like her old friend Estelle was, and Harper is drawn to reading the bible and asking faith related questions.She is really amazed that Jesus died to save someone like her who has done so many bad things.
Never a good judge of men, having been badly let down by her first two boyfriends, she is not sure what to make of Derrick.
There is a huge twist in the story and I will leave it there, not wanting to spoil the read for you.
Altogether it is an exciting and well written book with a good Christian message.



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THE SKY ABOVE US by SARAH SUNDIN

THE SKY ABOVE US is the second book in the SUNRISE AT NORMANDY series by SARAH SUNDIN. Although it is always better to read a series in sequence, it can be read as a stand alone. Sarah Sundin is one of my most favourite authors. I really enjoy her stories that take place during the Second World War, with realistic characters who courageously try not to bend under the pressure.
This is Adler Paxton's story. In The Sea Before Us we see how he runs away from his parents and his brothers after a terrible accident where his fiancée is killed. He feels it is his fault and hates himself for the way he behaved afterwards and hasn't been in contact with his family for three years. He is afraid that his family members will never forgive him and that his brothers will carry out their threat to kill him. He knows the truth about Christianity but is pretty much backslidden.
Violet Lindstrom joins the Red Cross where she is hoping to work with children because she is a teacher. She wants to follow in her great aunt Violet's footsteps and become a missionary in Africa. She was also engaged, but broke off the engagement when her fiancé changed his mind about following her into the mission field. She is a committed Christian, with a great deal of compassion and empathy for those who are hurting. She is horrified, however, when the Lord convicts her of her judgmental attitude.
Neither Adler nor Violet are assigned the jobs they want - he wants the chance to become an ace and is made wingman, and she wants to work with children and is put in charge of an aero club where she and her friend Kitty will be providing snacks and recreation for the men of the 358th.
It is interesting to see how the Lord works in each of their lives and how the situations in which they find themselves eventually bring out the best in them.
It is a story about dealing with the past, forgiveness, especially of one's self, redemption, courage and generally getting down to the job in hand.
The author is so knowledgeable about the war years and has given us another great story taking place in that time of history. This is intertwined with a lovely Christian message. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
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AMERICAN OMENS by TRAVIS THRASHER

Publication date 12/2/19
AMERICAN OMENS by TRAVIS THRASHER is a book in which the author deals with corruption in high places, and we see an escalation of wickedness in a country (America in 2038) where godlessness is rife and technology has been pushed to frightening extremes. There is neither peace not privacy as wicked men use technology to not only infiltrate people's lives but also to control everything about them.
The story starts in Chicago, a city which is compared to Sodom and Gomorrah. It is in this city that a man who goes by the name Reckoner, a modern day prophet, and a group of Christians, use this technology to get God's message across to the people. This takes faith and courage as Christianity and Christian morality have been banned as "hate speech" and judgmentalism, and the men and women who stand for the truth of God's word are in very real danger of being murdered. Will this message be enough to turn the population back to God before it is too late?
I like the characters - both the good and bad are well portrayed. The book is an excellent study of human nature.
The author shows the dangers of complacency and spreading a merely social gospel. There are many quotes from Scripture, especially from the book of Zephaniah, which are very apt for the situation in the world today.
This book is a wake up call for believers and I feel it is a "must read" for anyone who is serious in his or her commitment to the Lord. Obedience to the call of the Holy Spirit is the key.


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