Category: Blog

Posted in Blog, Reviews

Review: A Man in Winter by Katie Marie

Posted on by Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

A Man in Winter is about Arthur, an older man whose wife was brutally murdered. Arthur is diagnosed with dementia and moves into a retirement home where his dead wife returns, asking for help.

The book is written from Arthur’s point of view, which worked well for his story. We only knew what he knew and, because of his dementia, what he forgot. I sometimes wondered if what he thought transpired did or if it was part of his dementia. Exploring this difficult topic through a murder mystery was intriguing and gave me (as the reader) a different viewpoint.

I felt for Arthur as he tried desperately to help his wife. He knew she was a ghost, but love knows no bounds. The ending was fitting and satisfying (which doesn’t always happen in these types of books).

Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

Get your copy here (affiliate link)

Posted in Blog, Reviews

Review: Reflection by Brandon Hargraves

Posted on by Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

Reflection follows Dawn after she watches the destruction of her home and the only life she ever knew. Luckily, she meets others who become her new family. 

I enjoyed the characters and their unique qualities. Each main character has a very distinct backstory and opinions. They form a bond built on trust that helps them through the trials they face throughout the book. What I found interesting is the other relationships that develop. They don’t last for the entirety of the novel (though perhaps they will circle back in future books). Much like life, we form various relationships that are important for a period of time but don’t always stay with us forever. 

Other significant themes explored include self-doubt and loss/grief. We all struggle with self-doubt from time to time, and I loved exploring this concept in an interesting way (no spoilers!). 

This is a great read for the young and old (not that I am old).

Get your copy here (affiliate link – thanks for the support). 

Posted in Blog, Reviews

Review: Daughter of Hades by Mack Little

Posted on by Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

Daughter of Hades is a historical fiction set in the 17th century. We follow Dinny and her brother as they escape slavery aboard a pirate ship. They both try to find their place in the world, but Dinny’s previous owner wants revenge.

Daughter of Hades keeps the reader entranced within the story as the plot unfolds. Just as we think all is well, we are hit with a twist. I grew attached to certain characters, which made some outcomes less than desired. That doesn’t mean it didn’t fit the story. The author did a fantastic job of bringing emotions into the mix.

Through dialogue, Mack Little shows the readers that the characters are from various parts of the world and have different educational levels. It matched perfectly with the varying characters throughout the book.

This book has adult content and could be triggering for some people. However, I absolutely loved the book!

 

Posted in Blog, Reviews

Review: Life Between Seconds by Douglas Weissman

Posted on by Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

Peter and Sophia have both run from traumatic experiences in their lives. Life Between Seconds brings them together and pushes them to understand their past and hopefully find their future.

This is a slow read with big emotions. Human experiences are some of the hardest to put onto paper in a fictional setting, but Douglas Weissman hits all the emotional buttons. The present day is interspersed with memories of the past. Pleasant memories, along with the devastating memories that brought the characters to their present.

I particularly enjoyed the past memories. These helped to clarify why the characters were the way they were. The heartache must have been unbearable, yet they managed to continue going even with their lives in utter ruin.

The saying “It is better to have loved and to have lost than to have never loved at all” rings through this book.

If you enjoy a heartfelt story of love, loss, and acceptance, this book is for you.

Get your copy here (affiliate link).

Posted in Blog, Reviews

Review: Heaven’s Joy: The Seeking and Saving of a Runaway Psychic by Susan McCeldry

Posted on by Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

When I read the title of this book, I wondered what a runaway psychic could be. Author, Susan McCeldry, shares her story of being inwardly focused, following the occult, breaking and finding the Lord.

Heaven's Joy: The Seeking and Saving of a Runaway Psychic by [Susan McCeldry]

This was an easy read, and I connected with much of what the author shared—wanting to control things out of our control. Susan struggled with finding herself and giving away her control. As I read her story, I wanted to know more, especially as she spoke about falling into the occult practice and having psychic abilities.

When she wrote about looking in the mirror and what happened afterward (sorry, no spoilers), I was shocked and couldn’t put the book down. I would have liked to read more about that period.

As the story progressed and Susan learned more about Jesus, the writing felt lighter. It could be that it was the beginning of a new life for Susan?

This is a book about transformation and that it is never too late. It reminded me of Carol Kent’s books (which I loved).

Get your copy here (affiliate link).