en-US Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:49:32 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Review7512385808 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:49:32 -0700 /review/show/7512385808 Deborah gave 5 stars to Dirty Geese (Kindle Edition) by Lou Gilmond
I enjoy watching thrillers but rarely read them as I've found the pace/plot trajectory can come at the expense of effective characterisation. What I loved about this author's writing was the combination of a page-turning plot and intriguing characters I wanted to know more about. The AI theme is believable and ultimately terrifying. A thriller based on a contemporary issue, interesting characters and great writing - this was a rare and perfect read in this genre for me . ]]> AuthorFollowing108716053 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:48:53 -0700 Review7424342184 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 04:08:34 -0700 /review/show/7424342184 Deborah gave 5 stars to The Further Adventures of Isabella M Smugge (Kindle Edition) by Ruth Leigh
Issy Smugge never fails to make me smile. With her trademark warmth, humour and perception, Ruth Leigh draws the reader into the fourth book about her heroine's unique world with a flourish. Issy's simplistic, often naive way of looking at life is morphing into a new faith, both in God and the new self experience has thrust upon her. It is an intriguing, sometimes painful, at times hilarious journey. The interesting thing is how relatable these books are. I am not a rich, poised 'mumfluencer' yet there is so much that I smile and nod along to in the books - the sign of an accomplished author. If you haven't met Issy Smugge, you need her in your life! ]]> Review7035636748 Tue, 26 Nov 2024 09:29:43 -0800 /review/show/7035636748 Deborah gave 5 stars to The Art of Life (Kindle Edition) by S.L. Russell
]]> Review6909641731 Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:49:55 -0700 /review/show/6909641731 Deborah gave 5 stars to Of Stone and Sky (Kindle Edition) by Merryn Glover
]]> Review6543740176 Wed, 29 May 2024 10:52:28 -0700 /review/show/6543740176 Deborah gave 4 stars to Funnily Enough (Paperback) by Sophie Neville
I've been meaning to read this book for a while and am so glad I did. A memoir of the author's experiences of ME, it's honest, engaging, humorous and wise. I loved the domestic details of her very unique family life and the animals they had as well as her thoughts about health and wholeness. The insights into her friendships and the hilarious things they all get up to make this, despite its subject matter, quite a 'cosy read'. Gerald Durrell meets Adrian Plass (or similar). I'm from Gloucestershire myself so that made it even more relatable.

For me, Sophie's faith, fortitude and reflections on her illness and on the major life changes needed as a result, are inspiring and thought-provoking.

I found it a gentle, inspiring read and would heartily recommend it. ]]> Review6484819653 Mon, 06 May 2024 07:36:45 -0700 /review/show/6484819653 Deborah gave 5 stars to Holding onto Hope: 40 days of God’s encouragement through art and reflection (Hardcover) by Amy Boucher Pye
This is a beautifully written, inspiring and gently challenging series of devotionals that I loved so much, I read it twice. I bought the book well before Lent in preparation for the season but ended up starting it early, drawn in by the beautiful art work and imagery mentioned in the blurb. It was such a powerful, life-giving read that when I finished, in the middle of Lent, I went back to the beginning and started again.

Amy writes with such clarity and insight and yet in a way that always lifts and encourages, using her understanding of biblical truths to enable the reader to feel spiritually stronger and more hopeful.

A wonderful, insightful book which I will return to again and again. ]]> Review6370491509 Sun, 24 Mar 2024 09:34:52 -0700 /review/show/6370491509 Deborah gave 5 stars to Mother Sea (Hardcover) by Lorraine Wilson
A beautifully written, moving story about the threat to a way of life and the effects of climate change on a small population whose future is being determined by others.

I found the story fascinating. As a person of faith myself, who does not see a contradiction between faith and science, I enjoyed piecing together the experiences of Lorraine Wilson's superbly drawn characters to understand how these kinds of issues affected them.

Wilson writes like a dream. '...a frigatebird hung in the air like a miracle made angular and black' was one thing I highlighted. '...her low voice slipping in-between story rhythms and brevity like a moth,' was another. There were many more.

If you enjoy books which combine beautiful writing with an urgent message, strong characters and a poignant plot, you will love Mother Sea.
]]> Review6326650875 Fri, 08 Mar 2024 03:13:55 -0800 /review/show/6326650875 Deborah gave 5 stars to Travelling in the Dark (Paperback) by Emma Timpany
I loved this clever, evocative read and was quickly invested in its believable characters and immersive plot. The author writes beautifully in vivid prose, conjuring vivid images of New Zealand with its wild beauty and contrasting landscapes. I enjoyed the back-and-forward glimpses into the protagonist's childhood and relationships, pulled into her world without a backward glance.

References to Sarah's son as 'the child' were intriguing and for me, this added a certain emotional depth to the story, emphasising that this is Sarah's journey, one which she absolutely needs to make at all costs. She is devoted to him but the fact that he is there is simply because she has no choice in the matter. The journey must be made however inconvenient.

The plot unravels at just the right speed, fragments of the past revealed to maintain interest and pique curiosity. I found the book hard to put down and read it in a couple of sittings.

If you enjoy well told stories about love, loss and the enduring power of memory, you will love this short but beautifully crafted read. ]]> Review6313004669 Sun, 03 Mar 2024 08:48:13 -0800 /review/show/6313004669 Deborah gave 4 stars to Unashamed: Discover the Healing Power of God's Love for your Wounded Soul (Paperback) by Tracy Williamson
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