Romance? Check. Minimal drama? Check. Christmas? Check.

Need I say more? Mary-Anne O’Connor has written my perfect novel!

Christmas Joy introduces us to a young woman, Miss Joy Parker, who has a vibrant, contagious love for life. 

Everywhere she goes, Joy exudes kindness and generosity and suffice to say, when Christmas time comes around it lifts her spirits even higher.

While she may not have much in the way of material possessions and wealth, and even though her employer seems determined to try and steal her sparkle, Joy doesn’t let that get her down as she continues to care for those less fortunate than herself.

Things take a turn for Joy when she is introduced to the new Earl of the village, and she finds herself pulled into the world of debutante balls, gossip, and scandal.

Will Joy be able to stay true to herself and her family values, or will she be caught up in the drama of high-end society and royalty, especially when the heart gets involved?

In a world where discouragement can easily creep in, having something festive and wholesome to get lost in is very important, and Mary-Anne O’Connor gives us that gift within these pages.

I highly recommend adding this to your Christmas reading list, or gift it to someone you know who loves getting lost in all-things-romance! It is an easy read that will leave you encouraged to step out and give to others, whilst taking note of all the wonderful things happening around you.

Psalm 118:24 (ESV) – This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

For combining all the elements I love in one package, I give this book 5 stars.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Publicity Image Used With Permission

“I see for the first time that for all the mystery and luck in a game of cards, there are things that I can learn to increase my chances of winning. I realised Gami isn’t just lucky or talented. She’s trained her brain. And I can too.”

Source Code; My Beginnings is the story of a young boy who doesn’t see the limitations and barriers that come with being a child in a grown-up’s world, but rather he gives everything a try and remains self-aware through all the experiences.

Is this interesting? No. Will it help him get closer to achieving his goals? No. is there anything he can learn from it? Yes!

The first half of Bill Gate’s Source Code focuses mainly on Bill and his upbringing, his family dynamics and influence, and the development of his love for all things computer and code. 

The second half of the book, however, is for a more specific audience. 

The computer lingo increases drastically, there is less family and friend discussion, and unless it’s something you have an interest in, some parts can be a mission to get through.

It is worth reading the whole thing though, as there are formative events that occur throughout his story that greatly influence his view of the world and the paths he takes.

I think it’s also important to note that, even though opportunities seemed to fall into Bill’s lap, whether it be through the influence of his parents or his simple inability to accept resistance, not everyone will have the same opportunities presented to them.

It won’t be so easy for some children to pursue their dreams due to the realities of their specific situation, maybe their parents don’t have the same sized bank account or circle of friends – and that is ok.

Scriptures such as Psalm 37:4-5 remind us to “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” 

In Christ, we have access to everything we could ever need, and we must remember that He can open any door He wants; propelling us into a position we had only dreamed of.

Main Take Aways

My main take-aways from this book were:

Education Matters

It is crucial to be well-read, pursue good education and self-improvement.

Friends Matters

Surround yourself with people who are moving in the same direction as you, who can encourage and challenge you along the way.

Flexibility Matters

A one-size fits all approach doesn’t work when raising children – just because your child isn’t conforming to the status quo of the mainstream classroom doesn’t mean they won’t go on to achieve great things.

Encouragement Matters

Give children the space and encouragement to pursue their own interests and dreams, helping them as much as you can.

Failure Matters

“The axiom that you learn more from your failures than your successes is trite but absolutely true”.

While this book is very well written and informative, giving us a glimpse into the beginnings of this world-renowned businessman and philanthropist, I feel it is best enjoyed by a very specific audience therefore I give this book 3.5 stars.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Canva

“Sixteen years ago she was forced to give up her baby for adoption. Now she’s in a race to track her child down before it’s too late.”

Content warning: this review contains information which may be upsetting for some readers. Please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 if you need to talk to someone.

In her latest novel ‘Three Juliets’, Minnie Darke has brought her readers a story that simultaneously wraps them in the love story of Motherhood, whilst highlighting the strength of the bond between mother and daughter, against all odds.

This novel follows the story of Claudie Miller, who was forced to give her baby up for adoption in the 1960’s.

While ‘Three Juliets’ is a work of fiction, the issue of forced adoptions in Australia between the 1950’s and 1970’s is profound and heartbreaking.

Young, unwed women (some of whom were merely children themselves) who found themselves pregnant, were forced to hide away for the duration of their pregnancies. 

With pain and suffering, alongside the use of drugs being administered without their consent, they had to give birth in traumatic situations, with little to no family support.

Thousands of these women never laid eyes on their children before they were taken away and adopted out to an ‘appropriate’ family.

After all of this, the women are returned to their homes, and told to slip back into their normal life as if nothing had happened – it’s all about keeping up appearances!

Her whole life, everything Claudie Miller has worked towards and achieved has been with her child in mind…

How old are they now? 

Where do they live? 

What do they like to play with?

But as situations unfold, she is forced to confront her past and take action… now.

Minnie’s writing is charming, poetic and heartwarming, and while it touches on a heavy topic, ‘Three Juliets’ is a beautiful story that you could share with your own mother once you’re finished!

You can find out more about Minnie Darke and her works at minniedarke.com.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Publicity Image Used with Permission