Category: Book Review

Bible, Book Review, Books, Christian blog, Christian publishing, Christian Writer, Faith, Kingdom books

BOOK REVIEW: BLESS THE WORK OF OUR HANDS

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BLESS THE WORK OF OUR HANDS Prayers and Reflections for Creatives

Author: Jane Walters

Published by: BRF ISBN 978-1800394186 RRP £9.99 – £12.99 144pp

Image of the front cover of the book, with the title and sub-title in gold on a dark green background, surrounded by gold leaves

BLURB

Pausing to think, pray and yield to God at every stage is a natural, vital element of the creative process. Bless the Work of Our Hands offers prayers, reflections, and biblical character studies to encourage Christian creatives to commit themselves and their projects to God. Written for hobbyists and paid professionals alike, playing and working in every genre, it encourages an honest, open-handed and open-hearted approach, in order that all we produce and all that we become from our creative toil may bring glory to God.

MY REVIEW

My first impression as I unwrapped my copy of Bless the Work of Our Hands was just how lovely the cover was, and what a handy size the book came in! I was excited to look inside and was not disappointed. This truly is a beautiful little book!

I am a creative, as are all of us, in some way or other. That is no surprise, as we are made in the image of a creator God (Genesis 1:27). The drive to create and produce things of beauty and worth is there inside of us, but its outworking comes in many different ways. I love to write creatively, but I also crochet, and bake, and occasionally make things out of paper. My husband takes photos, does DIY, and designs his garden. What I love about Jane’s resource is that is for everyone – however you express your creativity, and whether you do it as a paid job, or as a pastime.

Bless the Work of Our Hands comprises of a series of beautiful prayers and reflections, underpinned by relevant scriptures and the occasional biblical character study. It addresses all of the issues we might come across as we approach a creative project – from getting started, through the messy middle and to the end, with additional thoughts on helpful topics such as; yielding to the Maker, purity of motives and dealing with failure and loneliness. Whatever stage you are at in your creative journey there is encouragement for you here, an invitation to work in partnership with God, even a challenge in places.

Several of the prayers spoke to me very personally. They are written by someone who understands, who has experience, and whose heart is to bless others. One of the overriding themes of the book, which I found useful to remember, is that our creative work mirrors the work of God in our own lives. As we strive to create something of beauty, so He is at works in us – we are His masterpieces ( Ephesians 2:10).

Here is an image of one of many prayers that blessed me…

Image of a poem from the book

I love this book – and I can see me using it over and over again. It is just the right size to slip into my craft bag or laptop case! It offers a place to pause, mid project, to re-centre ourselves and remember that God wants to work with us, and through us, to His glory. Perhaps you know a creative who would love this book as a gift? Perhaps that creative is you! I highly recommend you get yourself a copy! It is a real treasure trove.

Image of the author holding a copy of the book

Available from Amazon, Eden, Waterstones, Aslan and direct from the Publisher

Jane Walters is chair of the Association of Christian Writers and enjoys supporting emerging talent through leading workshops and retreats. Her twin loves are being creative as a musician, skilled textile craftworker, and qualified interior designer, and drawing on her love and understanding of scripture, communicating it honestly and accessibly. You can find out more about her here www.janewyattwalters.com

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power.

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

The Healing
The Pilgrim
The Bride
The Stranger
Christ Illuminated, an advent devotional
Because of the cross: a lent devotional
Blog Tour, Book Review, Books, Christian Writer, Kingdom books

BOOK REVIEW: THE FLOWERS OF BAY C, by E.M.CARTER

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The Flowers of Bay C (Adult Contemporary Fiction)

Author: E. M. Carter

ISBN: 978-1915981363 RRP £10.99 Paperback (336pp) £2.99 Kindle

Image of the front cover of 'The Flowers of Bay C'.

THE BLURB

Six women. One hospital ward. A last wish that could change everything. When life has worn you thin, sometimes the most unexpected friendships can make you bloom again.

Penny Fielding is done: with illness, with being a people pleaser while feeling like a burden. But when she’s admitted to hospital, she finds herself surrounded by five unforgettable women: Barbara, eighty-seven and desperate to see the sea one last time; Jodie, all laughter and hidden pain; Kat, the tattooed vicar who never puts herself first; Violet, proud and prickly; and gentle Amina, who sees the truth in everyone else.

As friendships spark and secrets surface, an impulsive plan to grant Barbara’s dying wish turns into something far bigger — a wild, life-affirming adventure that might just save them all.

Heartfelt and tender, The Flowers of Bay C is a story about second chances, fierce resilience, and choosing joy even when the odds are stacked against you.

THE REVIEW

I write from my own experience, I believe most writers do. Sometimes an author does that so honestly that it makes you stop and pause, as you realise that they have poured themselves into a book, drawing on real and painful realities, and as a result the story is all the more powerful, all the more moving. E M Carter has done that so well with her first contemporary fiction novel.

Blossoming friendships

The Flowers of Bay C centres around a group of women who find themselves as hospital inpatients all at the same time. It tells the story from Penny’s perspective, a woman who has long been enslaved to a debilitating and life-limiting chronic lung condition. She has spent so much time in and out of hospital that she is more knowledgeable about her disease and its treatment than many of the medics. Her experiences are retold in raw detail; you are drawn into her pain both physical and emotional.

Broken and beaten, self-depreciating and apologetic, Penny finds unexpected camaraderie with her fellow patients. This blossoms into a group friendship that will change her life . We are introduced to bubbly, forthright Jodie, who instigates everything. Quiet Kate, the less than traditional vicar. Barbara, who is quietly nearing the end of her days. And gentle Amina who prefers her own company and that of her family. Violet brings the contrast – judgemental and critical and yet as needy as any of them for human connection. An unlikely variety of ‘flowers’, they will ultimately come to share the closest of bonds.

Image has the words, 'when life has worn you thin, sometimes the most unexpected friendships can make you bloom again', against a bright blue background surrounded by brightly coloured flowers.

Bittersweet yet heartwarming

This is a bittersweet, heartwarming tale of the power of friendship, but it also explores themes of self-forgiveness, self-worth and the power of quiet kindness to break down bigotry. The not so subtle power of fear to control and alter our behaviour is also explored very sensitively. There is reference to abusive relationships, betrayal, heartbreaking loss and past pains deeply buried. But this is a redemptive story, and I was engrossed from the start, willing Penny and her compatriots to find healing. Laughing, and crying too, at their hare-brained scheme to escape the confines of the ward in the middle of winter. And marvelling at the results of that excursion, both good and bad.

Poignant and gentle, a beautiful book

This is a lovely book. Poignant, gentle and yet hard-hitting in places. I could relate so well to the characters, empathise with them all, and cheer them on. As an ex-nurse I could also picture the hospital setting as it is described with such insightful detail. The message of the Kingdom is there – the power of love and hope and forgiveness – but it is subtly done. A beautifully written book, I can highly recommend it.

Photograph of the author, E.M. Carter

This book review is part of a Blog Tour celebrating the publication of ‘The Flowers of Bay C’ on 28th November, 2025. Copies of the book can be purchased online at Amazon and via Waterstones. To find out more about the author, here is her website

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power.

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

The Healing
The Pilgrim
The Bride
The Stranger
Christ Illuminated, an advent devotional
Because of the cross: a lent devotional
Book Review, Books, Children's fiction, Christian publishing, Christian Writer, Jesus, Kingdom books

BOOK REVIEW: The Place of Endless Lights, by Katy Hollamby

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‘The Place of Endless Lights’ (For ages 7-12yrs, Christian Fiction, colour illustrations)

Author: Katy Hollamby

ISBN: 978-1915034526 RRP £14.99 (Paperback pp269)

Front cover image of the book with the text The Place of Endless Lights in gold, on a background of a dark night sky, with a hand painted illustration of children running along a roof top.

THE BLURB

Aria Nightingale knows one thing for certain: she can never stop running.

Sharp-clawed tunnellers have seized her town, imprisoning everyone in a fear-filled sleep. Desperate to keep her little brother safe, Aria flees.

While her brother dreams of finding the fabled Place of Endless Lights, Aria’s not sure it exists. But when desperate events force them to accept the help of the mysterious Trailmaker and a collection of talking animals, everything Aria knows unravels. The Trailmaker promises a way out, but can he be trusted? Is there truly a place where fear loses its power?

Perfect for readers aged 8-11, The Place of Endless Lights takes readers on a beautifully illustrated, faith-inspired adventure to find courage, kindness and the lights that never go out.

THE REVIEW

You know when you have been waiting a long time with great expectancy for a book to be published? You have seen it advertised, heard it spoken about, got excited to read it for yourself? That feeling is even more pronounced when you have met the author and got to know her heart, when you have seen the beautifully evocative artwork that she produces. I couldn’t wait for Katy Hollamby’s The Place of Endless Lights to be available and I was so thrilled to get a copy as soon as it was!

Weird and wonderful

With all that excited anticipation, I was not disappointed by this book. Far from it. Written for 7-12 year olds it is an imaginary tale with lots of the weird and wonderful that small children love. Think CS Lewis, or Roald Dahl! But this is more than an exciting adventure story, it is an allegory with a deep meaning, a beautiful exploration of what it means to be trapped by fear, to run and not know where you are heading. About how the smallest glimmers of hope can speak to your heart, and about finding that place of peace and joy with the One who has all the answers. I know this book was inspired by some of the author’s own experiences and is more meaningful as a result.

Vivid and compelling

The text is beautifully written, the descriptions vivid and compelling, the characters believable. Added to that are the illustrations. They are stunning. I purchased a pre-order copy with colour illustrations, and I am so glad I did! The story draws you in as you journey with the group of travellers (children and talking animals) as they try escape the encroaching darkness threatening them, as they meet the mysterious Trailmaker and learn to trust him. I loved the gentle portrayal of the Trailmaker  – it was definitely Holy Spirit inspired. I won’t give away any spoilers, but there is a happy ending, a beautiful, satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion that I found deeply moving. Although I for one hope this isn’t the end – Katy definitely needs to write more!

Hand painted illustration of children sitting around a fire with a man, squirrel and hedgehog. Tall trees and a starlit dark sky surround them.

A beautiful book for children

I do really hope this book does well. If you have small children in your life, or even if you don’t, I think you should buy it. I can’t recommend it highly enough. If they enjoyed the Narnia stories, they will love this.

You can get a copy of The Place of Endless Lights direct from Katy’s publisher, and this is the only place you can get a copy with the coloured illustrations

The Place of Endless Lights
Photo of the author, Katy Hollamby

Can I also encourage you to check out Katy’s website to see and maybe even purchase her artwork, and read a bit more about her

https://www.katyhollamby.com

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power.

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

The Healing
The Pilgrim
The Bride
The Stranger
Christ Illuminated, an advent devotional
Because of the cross: a lent devotional
Front cover of Releasing Janet by Alex Banwell
Book Review, Books, christian fiction, Christian publishing, Christian Writer, Kingdom books

BOOK REVIEW: Releasing Janet, by Alex Banwell

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‘Releasing Janet: can the truth set her free?’ (Benny Series Book 2)

Author: Alex Banwell

ISBN: 978-1915034649 RRP £12.99 (Paperback pp283)

THE BLURB

Janet’s identity is drawn from her role as Benny’s mother. Her epileptic son has needed her all his life, to the detriment of Janet’s own needs. Yet, she lives in the shadow of a childhood secret that her family never speak about. Not her distant parents, nor her rarely seen older brothers. Her husband and children? They don’t even know she holds it.

When Benny’s blossoming independence creates a chasm in Janet’s heart, it’s time for the secret to come out. Will she find the reasons for her parents’ rejection so many years ago? Is there hope for healing – for her to be more than Benny’s mother?

MY REVIEW

Secrets, we all have them. Some things we keep secret by choice, because of shame, or guilt, or perhaps because of the fear that, if revealed, that secret knowledge could harm us, or hurt someone we care about.

What if we carried a secret so huge, so painful, that although buried deep it affects our whole lives?  It holds us captive, without us even realising. This is the theme that the beautifully told story in Releasing Janet explores.

Engaging Characters

Alex Banwell writes so insightfully, creating characters with thoughts and feelings that we can easily relate to. These characters draw you into their stories and it becomes hard to put the book down, as you journey with them. The author uses her own experiences to inform her writing, particularly in the area of disability, and how that can affect both an individual and their families. She introduced us to Benny in her first novel, Just Benny. Plagued by severe epilepsy since birth, he has been coddled, smothered and spoilt by his over-protective, sometimes over-bearing mother, Janet.

Releasing Janet reveals the truth of why she is this way. The devastating family secret that Janet only has a child’s perspective of, and yet affects every relationship in her life. Her obsession with protecting Benny drives a wedge between her and her husband, Ola. It also adversely affects her relationship with her daughter, Emma. She lives estranged from her own parents and siblings. Beneath it all is an unspoken fear. And fear has the power to control our lives, affect how we view ourselves and those we love. Hers is a broken family, one that needs healing, one where only facing the truth will set them free.

Great scene setting

Alex expertly divides the narrative between Janet and her family’s present reality and flashback memories into Janet’s childhood. Both time periods are well imagined with period detail added to authenticate the settings. The book is set around Christmas, so is a great book to read at this time of year.

A faith-building read

It is a gently told tale but so powerful, and Jesus is there throughout. Benny’s own growing faith stirs a distant memory in Janet of her own once easy, childlike relationship with God. We meet other godly characters whose influence on Janet is profound. Bit by bit, as the truth comes to the surface, as past hurt is remembered and dealt with, Janet comes to a place of peace, healing and freedom. And Jesus is right there with her in it all.

Releasing Janet is Alex Banwell’s second novel featuring the Wellander family, but it can be read as a standalone story. I was pleased to be asked to take part in the Blog Tour for Releasing Janet, and can heartily recommend it as a really lovely, encouraging and faith-building read. It would also make a great gift to give to someone who is exploring faith, or who is wounded by their own past.

Phot pf the author, Alex banwell.

Releasing Janet can be purchased in paperback or kindle edition via Amazon, in paperback or special edition hardback from the publisher, Broadplace Publishing.

For more information on Alex Banwell and her writing, do visit her author website at www.alexbanwellauthor.com

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. ‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel was published 22 November 2024 by Broad Place Publishing and her second non-fiction book, a Lent Devotional, ‘Because of the Cross‘ was published in February 2025

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Book Review, Books, Christian publishing, Christian Writer, Kingdom books, The Word of God

BOOK REVIEW: The Wanderer’s Legacy, by Natasha Woodcraft

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The Wanderer’s Legacy. Book 3 in ‘The Wanderer Series’

Author: Natasha Woodcraft

ISBN: 978-1915034953 RRP £16.99 (Paperback pp533)

THE BLURB

Adah lives trapped between the life she longed for and the life she chose. She’s failed to produce an heir for her once devoted husband. As Lamech becomes increasingly unpredictable and domineering, Adah seeks refuge in legends about the mysterious Wanderer.

Then Lamech takes another wife. Adah flees to her family home, where freedom causes hope to rise once more. But her body hides a secret that will propel her back into danger. Can a legend come to her rescue? Or does someone else hold the power to help her dwell in safety?

The Wanderer’s Legacy is a standalone story in The Wanderer Series, exploring the tale of Lamech and his two wives from Genesis 4 in Biblical Historical Fiction. If you love fresh spins on ancient Bible stories and diving deep into the human condition, then you’ll love The Wanderer’s Legacy.

MY REVIEW

How do you live a good life in a world that is becoming increasingly godless? How do you see hope for anything better, when culture is full of corruption and people all around you are being pulled into a way of life that is increasingly cruel and depraved? What if that advancing evil threatens to pull you in and overtake you, if the only way to make a stand for what is good, true and life-giving, is to risk abuse and personal persecution?

The Wanderer’s Legacy, the third and latest book in Natasha Woodcraft’s Wanderer Series, explores all these themes. Although set in ancient times and based on the lives of some of the earliest inhabitants of earth, it explores issues that are surprisingly relevant to us today. We meet Adah, one of the wives of Lamech (mentioned only once in scripture) and through Natasha’s imagination we are taken on a journey with her as she lives her life through increasingly dark and dangerous times.

The characterisation is so good that we are drawn into Adah’s world, we grieve with her, we flinch at every blow she suffers. We wonder, with her, if the heroic stranger, her ancestor Kayin (Cain), or ‘The Wanderer’, still follows after Yahweh, Elohim, the creator God. If he, and those struggling to hold onto the faith of their ancestors, carry the only hope that she has of escaping the life that has imprisoned her.

The author has proved in this series that she can take a small and obscure bible reference and with her God-given imagination create a story around it that loses none of the intent, or the truth, of the Word of God. It is biblical fiction at its best. The Wanderer’s Legacy paints a vivid and realistic picture of a pre-flood world, where the worship of gods other than Yahweh is already taking hold. Where His standards for living are already being chipped away at. Where men are choosing to break the covenant bond of marriage to take second wives… I found Natasha’s descriptions compelling and believable. Her handling of what life in that time might have looked like well imagined.

The other characters are also well drawn. Lamech especially, as we see an ordinary man enticed by the lure of power and influence, into a life of godlessness and idolatry. We meet his second wife Tzillah, his henchman Azurak, and evil brother-in-law Barsabas. We also meet Adah’s faithful, and faith- filled friends, the kind elder statesman Chanoch (Kayin’s son), and Eliana and Ruhamah.

But it is Adah’s personal story that keeps you reading, and it isn’t a short book! It should be a dark and depressing read, but it isn’t. All through the book there are glimmers of light in the darkness – laughter, kindness, the joy of children, finding friends in unexpected places, love even. And the redemptive arc plays out beautifully with a well written and deeply satisfying end (no spoilers!).

The Wanderer’s legacy is a beautiful piece of writing, and probably my favourite of all of Natasha’s books. I struggled to put it down, wanting so much for Adah to meet the Wanderer, to have her questions answered, and ultimately to meet Yahweh for herself. It’s not a spoiler to tell you that she gets all that she has hoped for, and in God’s great mercy, much more besides. A highly recommended read!

The Wanderer’s Legacy is available direct from the author at natashawoodcraft.com, via the publisher at broadplacepublishing.co.uk or from Amazon in paperback and kindle versions.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel was published 22 November 2024 by Broad Place Publishing.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Blog Tour, Book Review, Books, Christian publishing, Jesus, Kingdom books, The Word of God

BOOK REVIEW: Finding Jesus in the Wilderness, by Rachel Yarworth

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It is my absolute privilege to be able to kick off the Blog Tour for this incredible book!

Finding Jesus in the Wilderness: 40 reflections for dry and difficult times

Author: Rachel Yarworth ISBN: 978-1739257743 RRP £10.99

Image of the front cover of Finding Jesus in the wilderness

THE BLURB

Wilderness seasons come to us all: those spiritually dry and difficult times when God feels far away and the temptation to quit is everywhere. But it’s not all bad. There are treasures hidden among the difficulties that God has brought you here to find.
This book offers companionship to those who find themselves in a wilderness season – a hand to hold and a voice to encourage you to keep going. There is hope here after all. Also suitable as a Lenten devotional, where reading a reflection every day will help you to identify with Jesus’ own journey through the wilderness.

MY REVIEW

One of the really thrilling things about being in a community with like-minded Christian writers is that you get to be involved with seeing some incredible books be produced and released into the world. I was so  privileged to be able to read an early version of this book when it was still in manuscript form, and it blew me away. I was so excited by it, that I wanted to endorse it, which I did, and recommend it to everyone and anyone.

Have you ever been in a spiritual wilderness season? Perhaps you are in one now? Have you ever wondered why you are there? Or where God is in all of it? Or if you will ever come out the other side?

I think most of us can associate with those thoughts and questions. Loss, long term illness, broken relationships; there are a myriad reasons why we can find ourselves struggling to connect with God. Seasons where we feel lonely, misunderstood, weary and dry.

Written from the Wilderness

Image of the author, Rachel Yarworth

This special book was written from the wilderness place; Rachel knows all about it. This isn’t an ‘I got through the other side and now I can see everything clearly’ book, it is real and raw about how it feels to be in that season. Yet it also brims over with hope.

Every chapter is full of truth and treasure, based soundly on the written word of God, and also incorporating some personal Holy Spirit inspired words of encouragement. Written as a 40- day devotional, each day tackles a different aspect of the wilderness experience. Rachel has chosen to alternate these so that alongside every perceived difficulty there is a chapter of hope. So although the wilderness might be a place of desperation, loneliness and fear, is can also be a place of romance, connection and preparation.

Get yourself a copy!

I love this book! Can you tell? It is perfect for Lent, but equally as good at any other time. I am currently reading through it a second time and it is helping me immensely. God is speaking deep words of encouragement to my soul as I face my own challenging season.

I cannot recommend Finding Jesus in the Wilderness highly enough. Go get yourself a copy – buy two and give one away! I truly believe this is going to be a life-changing book for many.

Finding Jesus in the Wilderness is available direct from Rachel at www.rachelyarworthwriter.uk, through Amazon in paperback and eBook form, and wherever good Christian books are sold.

If you want to go even deeper with this book, Rachel has also produced a helpful companion Prayer Journal, also available via her website.

Image of front cover of Finding Jesus in the Wilderness Prayer Journal.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel was published 22 November 2024 by Broad Place Publishing.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Book Review, Books, Christian faith, Christian publishing, Christian Writer, The Word of God

BOOK REVIEW: The Wardrobe by Alan Hoare

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The Wardrobe: Encountering the Kingdom of Heaven through the Bible, by Alan Hoare. Published by Broadplace Publishing, July 2024. RRP £12.99 ISBN 978-1915034915

Image of front cover of The Wardrobe, showing an open Bible against a faded out background of wooden doors/

THE BLURB

Lucy’s journey into the Land of Narnia via a wardrobe mirrors our invitation to explore the Kingdom of God through the Bible. But how did this sacred text come to us? Can we rely on its authenticity? Why are there numerous translations? What overarching narrative does it convey? Where do we start when reading and studying it? Seasoned Bible teacher Alan Hoare delves into these questions and more in his meticulously researched book. He offers a wealth of insight from his personal relationship with the Bible, explores the sweeping arc of Biblical history and invites us to discover both the sacred text and the God who inspired it. If you’re passionate about your Christian growth, enter The Wardrobe today.

THE REVIEW

I am an unashamed lover of the Word of God. My passion for the Bible has not always been what it is now, for years I found it hard to read and comprehend, difficult to make time for in my busy life. But I have come to see that it is so much more than a book. The Bible is God’s living, breathing Word. It is essential for our life, health and growth as Christians, and in this season of my life has become even more so for me . I go to it every day, to hear God’s whisper of love, and to gain strength: spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Passion for the Word

Alan Hoare shares my passion for the Bible, and it is evident on every page of his book. He takes his inspiration from the works of C S Lewis. Just like the Professor’s wardrobe, made from Narnian wood, gave the Pevensie children a doorway into another realm, so the Bible, Alan argues, connects us with another, more real, more powerful world: the Kingdom of Heaven. His heart is to encourage us to read, study, believe and learn from the Bible. To hear the voice of God through it, and experience insights into His Kingdom. The Bible is God’s gift to us – the expression of His very heart. Every Christian should love and know the Book, and meet its Author through it.

Well written and easy to read

The Wardrobe is very well written. The author’s years of knowledge and experience shine through. It is scholarly in its content but easy to read – Sunday afternoon easy to read. It carries a deep wealth of insights, information and helpful suggestions in an easily accessible format. It is a book to return to, think on, and digest over time.

The first few chapters are mostly concerned with explaining the historical accuracy of the Bible, where it came from, how it was written and translated, and how we come to have it so widely available today. As a history lover I found this part fascinating, as a Christian I found it encouraging and faith building. Later in the book, Alan goes on to give us a really helpful overview of how the Bible hangs together.

The challenge

The really challenging part of The Wardrobe comes in the last few chapters. Here the author explains his ideas on how best to read, study and meet God through the Bible. There are some really good suggestions here, but I did also find it a little prescriptive at times. We are all different, and how we interact with the Scriptures varies according to how best suits us. I was a little confused with his recommendation to start with putting 20 minutes aside a day to read the Word (good), and to read several chapters a day, slowly and meditatively (also good. But the two don’t line up!). Alan also recommends a lot of books to help with Bible Study. Again, whilst I agree other people’s work and interpretations of Scripture can help, I don’t believe these are completely necessary. There was also no mention of the lots of free online resources now available for help with Bible Study.

A book I can highly recommend

Image of the back cover of The Wardrobe showing the blurb and an image of the author

However, these small niggles did not detract from the overall positive response I had to The Wardrobe. It has been well put together and expertly produced by its publishers. I really enjoyed it!

I would highly recommended it – particularly to those young in the faith, or those just young in age and eager to learn about the Bible. It answers many of the questions people ask about the Word of God and its place in our modern day lives. I believe The Wardrobe will be a valuable resource for any person wanting to know the Bible better or seeking to fall in love with it again.

The Wardrobe, by Alan Hoare, available to purchase direct from the publisher, via Amazon, or by request from booksellers nationwide.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel is coming soon! Due for publication November 2024.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Blog Tour, Book Review, Books, christian fiction, Christian Writer, Kingdom books

BOOK REVIEW: DOWNSTREAM by Maressa Mortimer

joymargetts

I was thrilled to be invited to be part of the Blog Tour for Downstream by Maressa Mortimer.

Image shows front cover of the book 'Downstream'. It depicts the outline of the back of a young man's head and shoulders against a watercolour blue background, with the title in white.

BLURB

Radio signals have been picked up that might reveal the location of Downstream. Macia longs to find her mother there and tries to persuade her friends Gax and Caecilia to join her in the search. But is it a dangerous mistake or a mission from God? Many difficulties await them and they will need to trust God as they encounter darkness and danger, reaching out with the Light.

Downstream is the third book in the series of the Elabi Chronicles, fiction aimed at young adults but suitable for anyone teen and above.

REVIEW

The first book Walled City introduced us to Elabi, a dystopian world set sometime in the future, where society is strictly controlled, emotions are frowned upon, and faith actively prohibited. Gax, a young man on a mission to share his faith, infiltrates the city for a time and becomes frustrated at how little he can seemingly do to make a difference. But he has made a difference – to at least one young girl’s life. When Gax is forced to leave Elabi, he takes Caecelia with him.

The second book in the series, Beyond the Hills, shows just how much a legacy Gax actually left. In the form of a few thin pages torn out of an ancient book. Macia, the daughter of a council member is aiming for the highest class status she can achieve, but inwardly she is struggling. She finds a letter containing a bundle of thin pages from a now barred book. Reading those life-giving words changes her heart, but also sets her out on a dangerous path.

DOWNSTREAM

In Downstream we are re-introduced to Gax, Caecelia and Macia. Now safely away from Elabi they are free to explore and grow in their faith. But there are people they have left behind that they just cannot forget. When a friend picks up a radio signal from a place called Downstream, Macia knows she has to go and find the source. Downstream is a foreboding place – a place where those deemed no longer useful in Elabi are sent – never to be seen again. And it is where Macia’s mother and baby brother went when she was a small child. Overwhelmed with the urge to seek out her mother, she determines to find her way to Downstream, and Gax and Caecelia offer to go with her.

The journey is not easy. They have to travel through difficult terrain, fight off wild animals, and escape evil in the form of sinister masked men and the looming dark waters of the stream. But they also carry the Book with them, and the Breath of Life within them, and they experience God’s protection and deliverance, as well as making true friends along the way.

The end of their journey is not what they hoped for, but amidst the pain and disappointment they  see God do the miraculous. And it is more than their own lives that are changed for the better,

A KINGDOM STORY

I did enjoy Downstream. It did help that I had read Walled City and Beyond the Hills first, but it does stand alone as a very readable and compelling story. I found myself drawn into the journey which, as it is told in the first person is fast paced and immediate. There were some sections, particularly in the jungle setting, that I found a little confusing and repetitive, but the character portrayals and the sense of danger were well done.

I particularly loved the ending. The power of the Breath of Life to overcome evil and to restore and redeem was beautifully demonstrated. This is a Kingdom Story with Jesus very much at the centre.

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AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Maressa grew up in the Netherlands, and moved to England soon after finishing teaching training college. Married to Pastor Richard Mortimer they live in a Cotswold village with their four children. She is a homeschool mum, enjoying the time spent with family, travelling, reading and turning life into stories, she wants to use her stories to show practical Christian living in a fallen world.

You can find out more about Maressa and her writing here:

Website

http://www.vicarioushome.com/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/vicarioush.ome

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Blog Tour, Book Review, Books, Christian publishing, Christian Writer, Faith, Kingdom books

BOOK REVIEW: POLISHED ARROWS by Jenny Sanders

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Being a writer of Medieval fiction you would think that I might know a thing or two about the crafts of fletchers, bowyers and arrow smiths. I thought I did too, until I read Jenny Sander’s new book, Polished Arrows.

Front Cover Image of the book, Polished Arrows, showing an archer with a bow and arrow primed to shoot.

But Polished Arrows isn’t a book solely describing the art of arrow making. Jenny has done her research and it is thorough; every step of the transformation of a stick to a lethal weapon is described in detail. But not as a research aid to history writers! Instead she carefully and cleverly uses each step of the process as a framework to describe the redemptive, refining processes that God wants to take each one of His followers through. In order that we might be as effective as possible for Him.

Maximum Impact

The question the book asks is this – as Christian people, how do we have maximum impact in a world that needs to see that God is alive and well? Jenny takes as her inspiration this verse from Isaiah 49:2

He made my mouth like a sharp sword;
    in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow;
    in his quiver he hid me away. ESV

Our expert arrow maker is a God who loves us, wants the best for us, and has so much grace available for us, that we too can become as polished arrows in His quiver. The process is not easy, and there are no short cuts. From coppicing to stripping, removing of knots and imperfections, to being polished and fitted with flight and arrowhead. Each arrow making stage corresponds to a different stage of the formation of our Christian character, under His skilful hands

Image of full cover of Polished Arrows

Biblical Examples

Each step of the process is given its own chapter, and further illustrated by a biblical example of men and women who God took and moulded for Himself. Chapter one, for example, talks of Coppicing, the process by which sticks are chosen for their potential and cut and taken. For her biblical example Jenny takes the Apostle Paul, whom God chose and called when he was still Saul the persecutor. The most unlikely choice from our human perspective. But God knew what Saul/Paul would become in His hands. He saw his potential as a formidable weapon for the Kingdom.

Polished Arrows is a challenging read. Deep, thought provoking, and well grounded in scripture. It can be read as it is, or used as study aid for individuals or groups, with helpful discussion questions included. It is a call to spiritual maturity, a reminder that we are called, not only to be different, but to represent God and His truth, and to advance His kingdom. To be weapons of warfare in His hands.

If you look at society and wonder how you can make a difference, how you can be most effective for God, then this book is for you.

Photo of Author, Jenny Sanders
Jenny Sanders

Polished Arrows was published by Instant Apostle on 17th May 2024. RRP £12.99

Available where all good books sold. For more information about Jenny and her writing, go to www.jennysanderswriter.co.uk

If you would like to win a free copy of Polished Arrows then do sign up to my newsletter, and you will automatically be included in this month’s free giveaway draw.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Book Review, Books, Christian Writer, Faith, Kingdom books

BOOK REVIEW: THE PERFECT COMPANION by Jo Sheringham

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Image of front cover of The Perfect Companion, showing a silhouetted figure pushing another figure in a wheelchair, against the outline of a cathedral facade. Colours are muted pinks and greens.

A BEAUTIFUL BOOK

Sometimes a book comes across your path that is just so beautiful, that you feel honoured to be able to read it. And when you get to read it before most other people do, it is even more of an honour. I was asked by my publisher to read and potentially endorse Jo Sheringham’s book, and I was so pleased I said yes. I loved what Jo had created and this is what I wrote to endorse The Perfect Companion.

‘It is a gifted writer who can write a book that is both gentle and soothing and yet also profound and deeply soul stirring. With The Perfect Companion Jo has done just that. Amongst her lyrical descriptions of cathedral spires and nesting falcons are carefully crafted believable character studies.  She takes us inside the minds and hearts of her main protagonists; we live out the challenges to their faith walk with them, we learn from the scriptures they learn from, we see the things God reveals to them, both in the supernatural and the natural, and we share their doubts and uncertainties. This is a beautiful book, about ordinary people bring called by God to live out their faith more openly, to rely on Him more closely, to open up their hearts to those in need around them and to see God respond when they step out. I believe this book is God inspired. It speaks to us all, when we get bogged down in the ordinary, to not forget just how extraordinary we can be in God.’

ORDINARY OR EXTRA-ORDINARY?

It is a quiet kind of book. A story of an ordinary spinster woman, and those whose lives connect with hers. Of a clergyman stuck in his own ordinariness. And of a moment where God breaks in and gives them both a glimpse of something extra-ordinary, that has life-changing implications for both of them. The power of the story is that it is so relatable, and so touching. The characters are so real, you half expect to meet them walking down the street. People like you and me, going about our every day lives, with problems to face, and joys to experience. And yet always with that gentle call to live more aware of what God can do in and through our lives.

Image of back page of book with blurb text

DEEP AND PROFOUND

Although this is a fictional tale, it includes some beautiful passages that share deep and profound truth.  The book is constructed around a familiar liturgical blessing that begins  ‘Go forth into the world in peace’. In the chapter headed ‘Hold fast that which is good,’ Maggie the central character has a revelation. Whilst imaging that goodness (in this world) was something fragile that she had to fight to keep hold of she suddenly saw it differently

‘Goodness was not a trail of fraying fabric, worn out and past its best, but rather a solid handrail, pinned into rock, with practical hand grip-holds; more than enough to climb a mountain or bridge a gap. Goodness would not fail because she did. That which was good in her life was from God.’

This spoke deeply to me. God is good. All good comes from Him. Maggie could trust her handhold on goodness, because God is unfailing in His goodness. It was He she was holding on to.

Photographic image of author.

It is my privilege to highly recommend this book to you.

The Perfect Companion. Published by Instant Apostle on 15 March 2024.

Available where all good books are sold, and direct from the author at https://www.josheringham.co.uk/

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here