Relative Silence - Carrie Stuart Parks

Christy Awards 2021 Winner:

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

When Piper Boone’s 3-year-old daughter Dove is drowned Piper’s world stops turning.

Fifteen years later Piper is caught up in a shooting tragedy which would’ve cost her life if not for the heroic actions of Tucker Landry.  It soon becomes clear that Piper was the intended target, and when her neighbour also goes missing it’s just the start of the road to find out the truth.  Or truths. What has happened to her neighbour? What really happened to Dove? Is Tucker who he seems? And is one or more of Piper’s narcissistic family really a killer?

 

This is a superb book for anyone who likes a gripping thriller.  The characters are brilliantly written, including the entire cast of Piper’s generally unlikeable family, and the story has plenty of twists and turns.  I guessed a key element very early on – maybe I’ve read too many suspense novels – but it didn’t in any way diminish the story.  This is a book quite light on the faith input, although it’s clearly there. I will definitely be looking out for other books by this author.

FBI-certified forensic artist Carrie Stuart Parks combines her knowledge of art and forensics in this case of family secrets and deception.

                               

9780785226185, HarperCollins UK, out now

Note: for transparency, I was sent an advance copy of this book, but I was not required to write any specific or favourable review. All views herein are my own.

Like Him - Julia Stevens

 

Like Him is full of inspiration, prayers, poems, encouragement and spiritual experiences to help you seek His Kingdom first. This warm and loving book is a devotional of exploration into identity.

'May our Father in heaven give you the Spirit of Wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better.'
Ephesians 1:17

* * * * * * *

As a young child Julia Stevens saw her severely depressed mother's life transformed by faith.  In time she followed her mum's path and discovered her own faith. A faith which has certainly been transformational in her own life.

Early in the book Julia says 'When you know the Lord, you know more who you are and who the Lord has called you to be'. She has come a very long way from the young girl with anxiety and OCD she used to be. Her immersive faith has given her strength and self-worth and it's very clear that she has a calling and deep commitment to helping others to both understand who Jesus is, and to understand just how important they are to Him.

Although there are many biographical elements, this is primarily a devotional and teaching book, split into twelve chapters, each studying a different theme. 

My own experience of day-to-day faith is very different to Julia's, and yet there is still much with which I connected in this book, in particular in the chapter In the Beginning, You Were Made in His Likeness.  The following phrases are marked in my copy:

'His Kingdom accepts those who are weak because your life is strong when it is dependent on His strength and not your own. He knows that you are on a journey of being transformed into His likeness.'

'You can decide not to be defined by your own feelings or perception about yourself; but be defined instead by what He says about you.'

and:

'Ask God to help you see yourself how He sees you.'

Later sections of the book talk further about the choices we make ourselves, day by day, to be more aware of God - and the importance of doing this as an ongoing part of life, during work, rest, and worship.

Chapter headings are:

Where I've Been

The I AM - I Am Like Him

In the Beginning, You Were Made in His Likeness

When We See Him, We Become Like Him

Ruling and Reigning in His Love

Sanctuary

Menorah

Be Continually Filled 

Adam and Ishah

Sons and Daughters, Kings and Priests

You Are A House of Prayer

Who I am, a Testimony

Each chapter contains something which is likely to resonate with or challenge the reader.  This is a book which is ideal for picking up and reading a chapter at a time, and then giving your mind and spirit time and space to reflect on the elements which have stood out for you.

You will find Julia Stevens up to something creative most days, whether it is making glass mosaics, singing with a harp or writing a line on the blog: treeoflife195@wordpress.com Julia has a degree in creative writing from Chichester University; she and her husband run a small business, have two adult children and are part of their local church family.

There is a place where love does dwell.

There is a name: Immanuel

He dwells inside,

He dwells within,

In unseen realm so real, to true.

The King of all, He dwells in you.

(Song by Julia Stevens)

Available on Kindle: Kindle Edition

In print on Julia's website: Print Edition

Note: for transparency, I was sent an advance copy of this book, but I was not required to write any specific or favourable review. All views herein are my own.

A Portrait of Loyalty - Roseanna M White

Christy Award 2021 Winner:

Historical Romance

The third and final book in The Codebreakers series, this can easily be read as a stand alone novel, but I’ve enjoyed all three in the series.  In this book we meet expert Russian cryptographer Rivon Marin. Forced to flee Russia he’s determined to offer his help to the British in the hope this in turn will help his country. He meets Lily Blackwell who works in British Intelligence as a photographer involved in propaganda and their friendship begins to blossom. But is he as trustworthy as he seems? And what about his Bolshevik brother, also heading for England? 

 

As always with Roseanna White’s books, this is a fast-paced story with an excellent plot and sub-plot, interesting characters, and plenty of tension.  What lets it down a bit for a British reader is the far too casual approach to the secrecy involved in Room 40 and the Intelligence Services in general.  People just would not have spoken about the work they were doing, even within their families.

 

On the upside, Lily’s photography work, especially the re-touching for propaganda purposes is interesting and the way her world is described through her eyes makes it very personal for the reader.  The plot is gripping and makes the reader want to keep turning the pages! 

 

This is another book which doesn’t ignore harsh realities: there is heartbreak in places, but that helps to keep the feel of the book more grounded. The sense of place and time is generally very well written, and this is another story where the faith is woven seamlessly throughout.

You can read an excerpt here.

9780764231834, Bethany House, out now

Note: for transparency, I was sent an advance copy of this book, but I was not required to write any specific or favourable review. All views herein are my own.

Stay With Me - Becky Wade

Christy Awards 2021 Winner: 

Contemporary Romance

Genevieve Woodward is very well known as an author of Bible studies. What is less known is that she’s on the edge of burnout and struggling with an addiction to prescription painkillers. When she receives a threatening letter she sets off to visit her parents and get to the truth of the past. But she doesn’t make it. Or at least, not before she’s found asleep in the holiday cabin belonging to Sam Turner – a man who has his own secrets and isn’t impressed AT ALL with Gen. Despite this, he agrees to help her, a decision which will change both their lives.

Becky Wade is a polished author of contemporary romance novels, and her skill in storytelling is well demonstrated here.  The story is intriguing from the first sentence and maintains its pace throughout.  The romance is gently built, and the mystery is enjoyable.  I do like romances to be about more than just the romance! 

 

Although an easy read, this isn’t a ‘fluffy’ book. It deals with tough issues including the impact of secrets kept, the problems around addiction and the very tough process of fighting it, the world and pressures of Christian celebrities, and above all redemption and grace.  This is a Christian novel which is full of faith elements, but never awkward or preachy. Highly recommended for anyone who’s looking for a compelling read, superb storytelling, and characters you may not immediately warm to, but find you connect with deeply as the story unfolds.

9780764235603, Bethany House, out now

Note: for transparency, I was sent an advance copy of this book, but I was not required to write any specific or favourable review. All views herein are my own.