This is my review for the Book Blog Tour 28th June - 4th July.

 This the second book in a series The Chronicles of Elabi.

First of all I have to admit that I have not read the first book, “The Walled City” so I came  to this series without pre conceived expectations.

This is the story of Macia, a young girl living in a society where displays of emotion are frowned upon. The members of this society engage in behaviours which ridicule those of lower status and forbids the reading of certain materials. However Macia loves Elabi and tries hard to achiever her best in life. When a so called friend alerts her to a forbidden book, (The Bible), then she finds her priorities and beliefs deeply challenged.  

For Macia the decision to investigate this mysterious book leads her to question all she has known and brings her to  faith. It also has consequences for her family which turns their circumstances upside down. This turmoil challenges Macia to hold to her new found faith. There is something for all of us to take from her struggle to hold tight to faith, even in the darkest moments. This novel describes a journey to faith from a world  where individuals are tightly bound by conventions with no ability to share joys and sorrows. This world is bleak. It is a picture of many of us caught up in worldly conventions and laws which imprison our real selves and suck the joy from life.

Macia finds hope and joy, but it comes at a price. Her journey is one told through her thoughts and feelings. She can see the difference between Elabi and the life Beyond the Hills. There are lessons for each of us.

 I will definitely read the first book now. I hope you will join me in reading both.

Viking Ferry

If you enjoy all things Viking and thought you were an expert, then this the book for you. 

We follow the adventures of the heroine Marieke who is travelling back home to the Netherlands to spend time with her family.She falls asleep on the ferry and wakes up in a different world. Marieke is captured by Vikings, yes, Vikings! We follow her into captivity and her escape. 

Marieke takes us on a journey to forgiveness. A feel good story, perfect for reading on journeys. Just don’t fall asleep!

This book is a journey into Viking territory, well researched and an excellent read. I highly recommend this.

Leah

 

The story of  Leah and Rachel the wives of the biblical Jacob are easy to overlook. Rachel takes centre place because she is the one loved by her husband. 

This book takes up Leah’s story. It is a fascinating read .We see through the eyes of Leah. Anyone who has felt unwanted, unwelcome or out of place will resonate with this. It is a journey of hope, faith and  to find her own worth. The needless jealousy between the sisters is one we can all identify with, and the pain it causes. 

We will all recognise ourselves along with Leah on her journey to transforming faith. In a way, it is the journey we all take through life and hopefully into a brighter future. 

I recommend this thought provoking book. It is well written and brings an overlooked Bible story into the spotlight.Everyone had something to share, unique talents, and gifts and Themselves. Find yourself in Leah’s story.  You won’t regret it.

BOOK-BARREL

 Welcome to Book-Barrel. 

First post out of the barrel. So where to start? I love Kindle and my Kindle Fire is my best friend. 

My first Author has to be Amanda Prowse.

 I discovered this writer on Amazon when the Covid Pandemic sent us all home to work. Within a few weeks I had exhausted every physical book in the To Be Read pile and everything waiting on my Kindle.

I signed up for Kindle unlimited which is a subscription lending service. I liked the look of her books and jumped right in.

I have never looked back. her books never disappoint and are an excellent read.

When Keith loses his wife ,and is left alone with a teenage son. He realises just how fragile happiness is. The story of how he navigates his loss and 

comes to find happiness again is raw. . It is a story of  loss and new beginnings, and how to live through the emotional turmoil as a lone parent.

His wife, Kerry was his childhood sweetheart. Keith has to search for the answers in  his deepest grief. He can start again but how does he do that 

without alienating everyone, especially his son Olly.This is a story we can all relate too.

A story of second chances and transition healing.