What’s going on in the world?
I’ve been thinking about Jesus’s promise to his followers: My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:10) To whom does that apply? And where are the people who enjoy this rich and satisfying life?
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Will their stars bring them to Eden?
Find me in the Stars, by Jules Larimore Another fascinating tale set among the tensions between the Catholic authorities and the Huguenot recluses in southern France during the seventeenth century reign of the Sun King Louis XIV. This second book in the The Huguenot Trilogy introduces new aspects: romance and the dangers and vicissitudes of…
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History through the eyes of New World settlers
“Call of Freedom” by Paul C. Monk continues the saga of the Huguenot family Delpech. Having fled the oppressive dragonnade in France to find refuge in Ireland, in 1699 the family decides to brave a dangerous sea crossing and seek a new life in New York.
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Female tenacity facing injustice
Wheel of Fortune, by C F Dunn As a child, Isobel looks on in horror as the Earl, Lord Langton, executes his father’s murderer in the yard of her father’s manor. At least, he reluctantly spares the traitor’s nephew, Thomas Lacey, whom Isobel recognises as her friend and intended husband. In fifteenth century Yorkshire, landed…
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“Mine was a very happy childhood”
Road to the Dales: The Story of a Yorkshire Lad by Gervase Phinn In his inimitably prosaic manner, Phinn recounts the life of an ordinary boy, who met some extraordinary people, and the journey he was able to embark on as a result of the many doors opened for him in his early life.
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My alias’ favourite reads of 2023
Have a look at other people’s favourites at Shepherd.com.
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Lost child in the chaos of war
City of Tears, by Kate Mosse The assassin crouched in the tangled undergrowth, his finger and thumb stiff in position around the wheel-lock pistol. His gaze was fixed upon the highest point of the castle. He was ready, had been so since first light. He had made his confession and prayed for deliverance. He had…
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How can one be so nasty?
Cuckoo in the Nest, by Fran Hill Fourteen-year-old Jacky barely survives under the ‘care’ of her dissolute alcoholic father. So Social Services move her to a first-time foster family. Their daughter, Amanda, of similar age, resents her presence and does her level best to get rid of her.
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Unravelled mysteries
The Atlas Legacy by Colin Newton A small group of archaeologists of questionable qualification investigate Plato’s account of the advanced island state of Atlantis and its disappearance under the waves. Their research trips take them to Bolzano in Italy, Cornwall, Crete and Malta. In each location they find mysteriously linked artefacts, but soon discover that a…
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Who is this God of many facets?
A Modern Psalm (expanded) O Lord, my Lord, I see You as a Crystal,Reflecting varied facets of Your light.I marvel at Creation, then am dazzledBy seeming shifts between Your love and might.
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Feminine audacity and spiritual depth
Once on a Hill in Tuscany by Alison Taylor-Brown This collection of eleven short stories fascinated me and my wife as I read them aloud evening by evening. The cocky but sensitive Giulia is always good for some unexpected twist of events. The beautiful language and delightful use of simile drew me into the scenes. But…
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Brave admission
Honesty Over Silence by Patrick Regan It’s OK Not To Be OK Suffering – whether it’s physical or emotional – is never easy. It’s particularly difficult to accept and understand as a Christian, when one knows God as a caring Father. Why does He let it happen? Why doesn’t He answer our prayers?