Kingdom books Archives - Joy Margetts

Book Review, Books, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian publishing, Christian Writer, Jesus, Kingdom books, Lessons from life

MY JOINT BANK ACCOUNT WITH JESUS

August 22, 2026August 21, 2026 joymargetts

Money isn’t something Christians talk about much. Generally. Unless there is a sermon on tithing when the church is running short of funds. Or an appeal for giving when there are people in need, or a building in need. We tend to skirt around the subject of finances – they are personal after all, aren’t they? What we do with our money is our business, surely?

Well yes, and no. Because as Joy Vee argues, in her challenging new book My Joint Bank Account with Jesus, there is Someone besides us who should be having a say in how we use our money. After all He gave it all to us in the first place!

A Living Relationship

I have read books and heard sermons before on good stewardship, and on generosity. You know the ones that you come away from feeling guilt ridden and ready to give it all away to the first person in need you come across. Joy’s book isn’t that. Instead, it is a gentle invitation to invite Jesus into everything, every decision, whether it be money, business, or the thousand other choices we have to make as we go through life. It is about having a living relationship with Him that flows into every part of our lives. One where we can prove His wisdom, His provision, His faithfulness to us, and find joy in it all. Even the giving!

What impacted me most as I read this book, was that every point Joy makes is based on her and her family’s lived experience. She gives really practical ideas of how to practice inviting Jesus into our everyday decisions and then backs those up with stories of God’s often miraculous provision. You can trust that she knows what she is writing about. And everything is backed up with scripture.

Easy to read?

In one sense it is a very easy to read book. It is divided up into short, themed sections, and beautifully illustrated by Anna Hewett-Rakthanee. There are questions to ponder and helpful suggestions. There is also a section at the back with questions that could be used in a small group setting.

In another sense it is not an easy book to read. It is thought provoking and challenging. It invites you to look at your life and how you manage money, to best glorify God and help build His kingdom, but not in a condemning way. As it promises – it describes a fresh way of looking at our finances with an invitation to practise the presence of Jesus in every area of our lives. That there is an adventure to be had with Jesus in everything.

I highly recommend this book to you, and not just because I know the author, and have seen the authenticity of what the book describes displayed in her life. I think it is a little book that could change lives – perhaps even mine!

MY JOINT BANK ACCOUNT WITH JESUS by JOY VEE is published by Broad Place Publishing.

RRP £6.99 – £7.99 ISBN B0HBWD55K2 85PP

Available to purchase from the Publisher here

Amazon Link here

You can find out more about the author, Joy Vee at www.joyvee.org

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her heart is to share God’s heart for the broken; His love that pursues us, truth that frees us and hope that heals us. Her novels are set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, and tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. She has also published two devotionals based on the person and work of Jesus.

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

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

BOOK REVIEW: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LIGHT

May 29, 2026May 20, 2026 joymargetts

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LIGHT : How to Find God in Tough Times

Author: Joanna Watson (Foreword by J.John)

Published by: Malcom Down , 29th May 2026

ISBN: 978-1917455572755 (Paperback)

RRP: £10.99/£11.99

THE BLURB (extract)

You know what it’s like: the unexpected phone call, the unwelcome diagnosis, the relationship at breaking point, or finances under strain. Life is full of challenges. When you face tough times, God longs to dispel your darkness. But will you invite him to break in? Will you make wise choices?
In It’s All About the Light, Joanna draws on learning from the modern-day miracle stories contained in her first book, Light Through the Cracks, to guide you through six life-changing choices for finding God when we face tough times.

MY REVIEW

Anyone who has lived through hard times, or who has watched a loved one suffer, will find help, comfort and guidance in the pages of this wonderful book.

It’s all about the Light: how to find God in tough times is a meaty, truth-filled, deep-dive into scripture on the subject of inviting God into our places of suffering. God wants to meet us in those times, to be the Light in our darkness. Sometimes He has a miracle for us, or a redemptive ending. Always He has strength, comfort and peace on offer.

Joanna has sub-tiled her book, ‘Six life-changing choices’. This book isn’t a formula for miracles, more an instruction manual to help us navigate our tough times. It contains truths that can bring hope, build faith for the impossible, and provide a blueprint for victorious Kingdom living. Each chapter in the book focuses on one of these six themes– Listen (for God’s voice), Lean in (on others), Let go (of spiritual hindrances), Solidify (be aware of the spiritual battle), Glorify (God, no matter what), Testify (of what God has done). Each point is carefully explained and backed up with stories from the Gospels, beautifully retold in a really relatable way.

Joanna has taken inspiration from the true-life stories recorded in her first book, Light Through the Cracks, and used extracts from these stories to illustrate each point. It is not necessary to read the first book to benefit from the message of this one, but I would recommend it if possible. It is an incredible account of ten true stories, each a completely different situation, where God broke in in incredible ways.

It’s All About the Light is an immensely practical book, with places to pause and reflect, answer probing questions, and respond to the truth with action. It has been designed thoughtfully to be ideal for both individual and group use. I can highly recommend it as a treasure trove of godly wisdom, a place of refuge, and a call to be ready to stand in faith.

It’s All About the Light will be published by Malcolm Down on 29^th May, 2026. It is available in both paperback and kindle edition.

Signed copies are available now direct from the author’s website, and after publication where all good books are sold.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joanna Watson is an inspirational Christian author and speaker, with a passion to see ordinary people encountering God in extraordinary ways. In a world filled with darkness, she seeks to share stories and reflections that show how God’s light, hope and miraculous power break in through the cracks.

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

Book Review, Books, Children's fiction, Christian faith, christian fiction, Christian publishing, Christian Writer, Faith, Jesus, Kingdom books

BOOK REVIEW: AWAKENING THE LIGHT

April 24, 2026May 20, 2026 joymargetts

AWAKENING THE LIGHT : (THE STRONGHOLD OF ENJANAN SERIES, BOOK 1)

Author: Natasha Woodcraft

Published by: Broadplace Publishing , 24th April 2026

ISBN: 978-1915034755

RRP: £12.99

THE BLURB:

In a world that spins around the Eternal Light, Shay’s people are in peril. The mysterious Nahil are seducing the four kingdoms with promises of prosperity, bringing chaos and darkness with them.

Shay has always felt invisible – a dependable son overshadowed by his brilliant siblings. But when Shay’s formidable sister falls victim to the Nahil’s schemes, it’s time for his dormant gifts to awaken, and his faith to be tested.

Will Shay embrace the light, or lose everyone he loves to the shadows?

Awakening the Light is the first book in The Stronghold of Enjanan – A Coming of Age fantasy series for Young Adult readers navigating a world of seductive quick fixes and pressure to conform, ready to discover that grace breaks through even the deepest shadows.

MY REVIEW:

Fantasy is not a genre I would usually choose. But when the author is someone who I know has an amazing imagination, and a gift for storytelling, and whose earlier books have blessed and encouraged me, I thought ‘Awakening the Light’ was worth my attention.

I am also not a teenager – the audience this book is aimed at. But just as I could, as an adult, lose myself in CS Lewis’ Narnia books and find inspiration, revelation and encouragement for my faith within them, so I found the same here.

Light versus Darkness

Natasha Woodcraft has done something extra-ordinary. She has created a fantasy world, different from our own, but so achingly familiar. Within that world she had created forces of good and evil, light and dark. She has created a family of characters who are well drawn and easy to relate to. She has described their growing turmoil as they try to hold on to what is good, and right – governed by the great light (Fa-cel) that sustains the world they live in – in the face of the creeping darkness that is subtlety infiltrating the society around them.

Her story centres on Shay – an ordinary teenage boy who carries a hidden gift – his father, mother, siblings and adopted siblings. Their lives have always been centred on stories of old, the faith of their ancestors and their own awareness of the One who guides them, protects them and provides for them. But when they are called to make a stand, to follow where Fa-cel has asked them to go, to physically fight the forces of darkness, they are forced to count the cost. Being different requires courage, faith and self-sacrifice.

A life-giving message

I know that the author’s intention was to write a fantasy book that was different to much of what fills the shelves for teenage readers today. She wanted to write a page-turning, action filled compelling story with enough adventure to hook you in but also wanted to feature characters that wrestled with real temptations and chose to live for what is right. In writing Awakening the Light, she not only drew on her God-given imagination, but on her own understanding of the challenges life can throw at those who seek to live for God in a fallen world. There are lessons about grace, about self-sacrificial love, about faith under trial, and about believing the truth when everything seems to be conspiring against it. This is a kingdom book, through and through, with a life-giving message.

‘I want to equip young people — and older ones — with a modern allegory that makes them long to be present with Jesus, the Light of the World.’ Natasha Woodcraft

Awakening the Light has a dramatic and satisfying ending – but it also leaves much unresolved. That is because it is the first in a series: The Stronghold of Enjanen. I for one cannot wait for the next book – I am invested in the characters and their individual stories. I am sure that the final resolution, when it comes, will be complete and glorious.

Awakening the Light is released today and available to purchase from the publisher or via Amazon.

THE AUTHOR

Natasha Woodcraft lives in a slightly crumbling farmhouse in Lincolnshire, England, with her husband, two teenage sons, two younger sons and a menagerie of animals including goats, chickens, quail and the usual suspects – a dog and two cats. Natasha passionately believes that stories have power to communicate deep truth and transform lives. She researches ancient worlds and dreams up fantasy ones, writing into the places time forgot and the places no one has imagined yet. Her published novels explore God’s redemptive purposes for ordinary, messy people just like her.

You can find out more about Natasha and her writing here NatashaWoodcraft.com

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

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

BOOK REVIEW: BLESS THE WORK OF OUR HANDS

February 26, 2026April 3, 2026 joymargetts

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…

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

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

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

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

December 2, 2025November 28, 2025 joymargetts

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.

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

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

Book Review, Books, Children's fiction, Christian publishing, Christian Writer, Jesus, Kingdom books

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

November 15, 2025November 14, 2025 joymargetts

‘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

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

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

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

October 11, 2025October 11, 2025 joymargetts

‘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.

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

August 25, 2025August 23, 2025 joymargetts

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.

‘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

January 27, 2025January 24, 2025 joymargetts

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

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.

‘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

christian fiction, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Kingdom books, Lessons from life, The Word of God

‘ER AR OO?’

November 28, 2024November 24, 2024 joymargetts

A couple of weeks ago we had the joy of going away for a few days with the children and grandchildren. All weekend the son-on-law was quipping about things he was doing, or we were discussing, ending up in my blog. He was right, but this one isn’t about him. I’m not sure if he will be pleased or disappointed about that! His time will come. My family are a source of endless inspiration for my blog it seems.

Photo of a small boy and small girl sitting on the fender of an old railway engine

No Escape

Being with two small people 24 hours a day is great fun but also exhausting. It was tiring enough when we were fit young parents. Now that we are not so fit and not so young, it is doubly exhausting. And there is no escape. We had forgotten that. No room is off limits to inquisitive toddlers – not our bedroom at 7 am in the morning, or the bathroom it seems.

‘Er ar oo?’

‘Nana, ‘er ar oo?’ the little one called from behind the locked bathroom door. ‘I’m here!’ I replied, hastening to finish what I had gone in there to do. There was a pause of quite a few seconds, in which I though she had given up and gone away. In fact she had gone for reinforcements – her brother – and then there was a crash of toy diggers against the door, and the repeated refrain, a little louder this time. ‘Nana, ‘er ar oo?’ .

‘I’m here’, I said, also a little louder, and resigned myself to the fact that I had been discovered in my temporary hiding place. I paused before opening the door – it was necessary, to save everyone embarrassment – and in the moments it took for me to make myself relatively decent, the voice came once more, and even more insistently. ‘NANA, ‘ER AR OO?’

Just behind the door

I love my grandchildren with a fierce intensity. I love that they want to be with me, and that a closed door is no barrier when they decide to find me. We will remember that sweet little question for a long time. It made my heart swell to hear it. I wondered afterwards if she asked the question repeatedly because she couldn’t hear my reply through the locked door. Or was she just making sure that she had my attention – making sure I knew she was there and looking for me? Wanting me to come out and love on her … and play toys.

Where are You God?’

I wonder if there are times when you go to our Heavenly Father, and call out to Him. Repeatedly perhaps. Have you ever felt that there is a locked shut door between you and Him? Or perhaps you have been listening out for His answer and not hearing it? I have experienced that. When life gets tough sometimes we become more aware of God’s presence and peace. But sometimes in those difficult times, it actually feels like He has hidden Himself away. We knock and knock, but He doesn’t seem to be listening.

I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

The Stranger

My latest book, The Stranger, was inspired by a time in my life where I felt I had lost contact with the God who had always been there for me. I couldn’t feel His presence, I couldn’t hear His voice. There seemed to be a barrier between us, and it was awful. Despair came calling and the temptation to abandon all that I have ever believed in was very real. Where are You, God? I called. Why aren’t you stopping this pain? Why have you left me here in this pit? Do You even care?

Just behind the door

I wrote The Stranger because I want to spread hope. The central character, Silas, goes on the same journey as I did all those years ago. God might have seemed silent and distant at the time, but I think now that He was answering my cries and I just couldn’t hear Him. Or wouldn’t hear Him. There was a huge solid wall between us. One that I had built. A seemingly closed door made up of accusation, fear, doubt, disappointment, anger and grief. When I stopped banging and yelling. When I repented for the case I had built against Him, then gently the door began to open. I began to hear Him again. First through the words of loving friends, then through the truth of His Word, and finally in the depths of my being – that still small voice that I long remembered and held dear.

I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matt 28:20

He had never abandoned me. He was just the other side of the door calling out, ‘I’m here, beloved, I’m here’.

If you would like to read Silas’ story in The Stranger, you can now buy a copy where all good books are sold, in the UK and the US. Or via my website at www.joymargetts.com.

‘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