Books, movies reviews

I love reading good books.

In these particular books that I’m about to describe over the next few weeks, I find an atmosphere of love, comfort and peace, especially in this one called River of Peace.

In Janelle Burnham Schneider’s River of Peace, we meet Ida Thomas, a beautiful God-fearing woman who moves forty-five miles northwest of her home, to start her new job as a school teacher in 1930’s Dawson Creek. She has to face a number of uncertainties, just as anyone would, who has to move to a new place, to more or less start over. These weren’t the only things confronting Ms. Thomas. She had recently lost her mother only a few months ago. In the face of such loss, Ms. Thomas gathers strength and resolve to move forward, relying on God and the comfort of His word to make it through difficult seasons in this new beginning of her life. I remember the feeling of peace and warmth that I felt as I flipped through the pages of this book during the Christmas season, and I remember thinking to myself, the title of this book is so fitting, River of Peace. To me, it was in no way a misnomer. As the book continues through the season of Christmas, Ida encounters the loving friendship of Mrs. Barry, the older lady whose house she comes to reside in; charming Mr. Danielson and mysterious Timothy McEvan, who wins her heart with his compassion and kindness. She triumphs over the obstacles presented to her at her new job and forges ahead with wisdom and strength of character while forming unsuspecting friendships along the way.

It’s so amazing - the warmth that reading the words off these pages, gives me. I for one, am thankful to have read this book. I also hope that other readers of this novel encounter a similar feeling of peace, of comfort and of love.

This is one book that I think I would enjoy reading over again (maybe during another Christmas season) and that I don’t mind sharing on.


Book reference:

Schneider, Janelle Burnham. River of Peace. Uhrichsville, Ohio: Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Approximately two weeks ago, you heard about Janelle Burnham Schneider's River of Peace. Today, I'd like to introduce you to another book called Journey of the Heart by Judith Bronte, a prequel to Abigail's Journey and the first in the Journey series. 

When I first read this book, I was taken aback by how short it seemed, yet I loved it.

Izumi Mizukio, a young Japanese girl goes with her mother to live in America after the passing of her father. They settle down in a beautifully described area called Three Mile Bay. Upon first arriving to the country, she meets a young upstanding Christian man who is overwhelmed by the deep loneliness he sees in her. Beautiful Izumi finds a friend in John Johannes, who leads her to Christ at a time when she is in great distress. Izumi takes refuge in the love and word of God, and experiences happiness, hope, love and a new beginning.

Citation:

Bronte, Judith. Journey of the Heart. http://judithbronte.com/journey/Chapter_1.html 

If you liked Journey of the Heart, then you'll probably like Abigail's Journey. Abigail's Journey is the sequel to Judith Bronte's Journey of the Heart and is easily one of my favourite novels. 

It's witty and romantic, captivating and inspiring.

The writing style of the author was intriguing as was the plot of the book. Jake Murphy is young Christian man, a kind of loner, who was convicted of second-degree murder. He's out on parole for good behaviour. Jake is strange in that he can't stand physical contact. Abigail Johannes, the daughter of Izumi and John, just 18 years of age, is a young Christian woman who embodies the strength and confidence of being shaped by her loving family. Strange enough, Abigail wasn't interested in showing affection, or romance, in the slightest. Through a plot wielding twist, we see Jake Murphy overcome his painful past and Abigail learn to show compassion.

It was unexpected. It was beautiful. And throughout this journey, readers get a sense of comfort, love, peace and joy.

Give it a read! You can find it here:

Bronte, Judith. Abigail's Journey. http://judithbronte.com/abigail/A_1.html