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Absolution by Murder : A Sister Fidelma Mystery
by Peter Tremayne
In 664 religious delegates meet at the Synod of Whitby to debate which branch of the church is correct. When a leading member of the Irish church is murdered Sister Fidelma and brother Eadulf must investigate the crime in order to prevent civil war and a breach in the church. The first in a series, this historical mystery is richly detailed with the religion and history of the period, featuring real personalities of the time as supporting. The writing is descriptive, with a good sense of time and place, and just maybe a budding romance between the two central characters.
Kylie at Chartwell |
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In perfect time
by Sarah Sundin
Two Hearts are about to learn the rhythm of love. Bold, sophisticated, and coy, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her. Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer. Can they overcome the fears and misunderstandings of the past to take hold of the future?“In perfect time” is the third book of the “Wings of the Nightingale” series. But it is a stand-alone Christian Historical Romance. The main characters are flawed and likeable (character driven). Through the story developing we can see the changes of the main characters through faith and the story is intricately plotted and full of descriptions. The story line is full of love, laughter, danger, suspense and faith. The tone of the story is moving, heart-warming and romantic. It is recommended to any historical Romance lovers and to any reader who loves World War Two stories and to all Christian readers and people who do not mind biblical references in their reads.
Lucy at Hillcrest |
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Take me in
by Sabine Durrant
A stranger saves a young boy from drowning while on holiday and this traumatic event is the catalyst that begins a tense and gripping journey for the reader. Despite the immense gratitude that parents Tessa and Marcus feel towards the rescuer Dave, there is something about him that makes them uneasy. When they return home he is everywhere, at their office, intruding at work events, in their street and even in their home. His menacing behaviour drives a wedge between them and makes them challenge their own values and beliefs and confront issues they would rather remain hidden. Tessa and Marcus narrate alternate chapters and in doing so the author is able to reveal a lot about each character but also what they think of each other. As she does in her other books the author uses everyday people with everyday lives to create plausible characters and situations that we can recognise and identify with. The credibility of the characters and the ordinariness of their lives makes the plot even more disturbing. Momentum builds with each turn of the page and plenty of misdirection culminates in an ending you won’t see coming. This is a fast paced, suspenseful, psychological thriller that should satisfy those who want an absorbing read.
Sue at Chartwell |
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Boy underwater
by Adam Baron
Cymbeline Igloo is 9 years old and has never been swimming. After an accident at the pool leads his mother to a breakdown, Cymbeline must solve the mystery of why his mother has always kept him from the water. With the help of an enemy turned ally, his crush, and a host of others, he must plunge into the unknown to find the truth. The writing style is humorous and observant, the story is told through the eyes of a child without being condescending. Fast-paced with hard hitting emotion. Lots of jokes for older readers. Deeply moving, the story touches on important subjects like mental health, honesty, bullying and friendship.
Elaine at Chartwell |
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Lion : a long way home
by Saroo Brierley
When Saroo Brierley used Google Earth to find his long-lost home town half a world away, he made global headlines. Saroo had become lost on a train in India at the age of five. Not knowing the name of his family or where he was from, he survived for weeks on the streets of Kolkata, before being taken into an orphanage and adopted by a couple in Australia. Despite being happy in his new family, Saroo always wondered about his origins. He spent hours staring at the map of India on his bedroom wall. When he was a young man the advent of Google Earth led him to pore over satellite images of the country for landmarks he recognised. And one day, after years of searching, he miraculously found what he was looking for. Then he set off on a journey to find his mother. This is the true story of Saroo (Autobiography). Saroo’s long journey home has been depicted vividly and detailed described. The tone is quite heart broken and heart-warming. The character has strong will and determination to achieve his goal (character driven).This book was originally titled “A Long Way Home: A Memoir,” and was reissued as “Lion” as a tie-in with the movie. Although he didn’t know this until his search was complete, Saroo’s given name was actually Sheru, which, in Hindu, means “Lion,” – and that became the name of the movie.
Lucy at Chartwell |
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The boy in the dress
by David Walliams
Dennis is a young boy who lives with his father and brother. They live in a ordinary house with a ordinary car and he goes to school like every other ordinary child. Expect Dennis doesn’t have a mother round like everyone else. In some ways, he wishes things were different or could he do something about himself. Dennis makes friends with the hottest girl in school, who soon helps Dennis to have a little fun, until that fun went too far. Can Dennis change his home life and still be Dennis. If you enjoy fast paced, heart felt/warming, easy read, The Boy in the Dress is the read for you. Children age 10 years and older would love David Walliams books.
Jessica at Central |
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Do polar bears get lonely? : and answers to 100 other weird and wacky questions about how the world works
by Mick O'Hare
This book details many outrageous and interesting questions which are often asked, but rarely answered. It is designed to be like the ‘Last Word’ column which features in the magazine, and features questions and answers from their online blog. The answers to the questions may make you laugh, cry or angry, but that is what makes the book so fun. With an issue-oriented storyline underpinning the book, it allows readers to explore answers to the important and ridiculous questions about life and view various perspectives on the issues. It’s amusing tone gives the serious questions an edge of humour and its attention-grabbing writing style keeps readers interested to the very end.
Sophie at Central |
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