The Lamplighter’s Bookshop by Sophie Austin

Mar2

Show Me

The Lamplighter’s Bookshop by Sophie Austin is a marvellous historical novel that I read in just two sittings.

The action is set in York in 1899. The world is on the brink of change but young women were still expected to sit at home and make marriage alliances.

The leading lady is a modern miss, through necessity, and by choice, she takes a job in the lamplighter’s bookshop. She is very good at it. With her independence gained, she must keep it a secret from her mother.

There are others keeping secrets and lies. Some are outright crooks and gamblers; others are just kind hearts who cannot say ‘no!’ We witness a loan spiraling out of control due to unscrupulous money lenders who prey on those less fortunate.

The path to true love doesn’t always run smoothly. There are bumps and misunderstandings along the way. Hearts need to be brave and say how they really feel. Characters need to show their love to others.

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The Lost Orphan by Pam Weaver

Mar2

Entertaining & Engrossing

The Lost Orphan by Pam Weaver is a powerful historical novel That I thoroughly enjoyed.

The action begins in Worthing in December 1941 and continues throughout the war. We follow two half French sisters who are searching for their younger sister. All three were orphans but unscrupulous lies see them separated.

Within a character, the past has consumed her. Shocking events from her childhood continue to haunt her. Facing her fears and sharing her past, has disastrous consequences, leaving her even more isolated. Love and kindness are needed for her to bud and blossom.

War sees everyone doing their bit. One sister is training to become a nurse. The other joins the S.O.E. and is posted to France, wanting to do her bit to liberate her mother country.

Life leaves scars. War leaves scars. “I have scars too. The only difference between us is that you can’t see mine.” Scars need love as a balm. When love blossoms, scars fade.

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Across The Ages by Gabrielle Meyer

Mar2

Amazing Grace

Across The Ages by Gabrielle Meyer is a wonderful dual timeline Christian historical novel. It is the fourth book in the Timeless series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The action is set in 1727 and 1927. Both periods have their challenges – piracy in the earlier period, and prohibition and bootleggers in the latter date. Some characters and situations are drawn from real life.

We see the theme of the prodigals returning home – physically and spiritually. Earthly characters rejoice. How much greater will the party in heaven be when the prodigal returns?

God is steadfast. “God’s Word is eternal. He doesn’t change just because society changes.” Situations, fashions and circumstances come and go but God is eternal and His character is always love.

Prayer is important. Prayer links us to God. “I… had to believe that He was for me, and I could go to Him in prayer.” God is literally just a prayer away. “I wanted to pray, but I wasn’t sure that God would listen.” God always listens when we pray. Our doubts are not the opposite of faith. Our doubts can be the springboard to believing.

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Last Stop Auschwitz by Eddy de Wind

Feb26

The Powerful Spirit

Last Stop Auschwitz by Eddy de Wind is a powerful account of the author’s time in Auschwitz until the end of the war.

The book was actually penned whilst the author was in Auschwitz. We get a first-hand account of daily life in which Eddy de Wind pulls no punches. All his memories were still in tact as he was still in the camp.

We witness the cruelty of the Nazi war machine. Like most bullies, the guards fled as the Soviets approached. Those who valued their lives were “keeping hope alive.” Without hope the people will perish.

In Auschwitz, morals were abandoned due to starvation and desperation. There were those who worked for the good of others but they are overshadowed by those who looked out for themselves.

As well as needing hope, luck was needed too. People needed to keep their wits about them and try hard not to be noticed, as the guards needed no excuse to end a life.

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