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Christmas for Beginners

Carole Matthews

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The latest festive and feel-good Christmas read from Sunday Times bestselling Carole Matthews 'Full...

Hazel (1853 KP) rated Into the Dim (Into the Dim, #1) in Books

Dec 17, 2018

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Into The Dim by Janet B. Taylor begins with an empty coffin. Fragile sixteen year old Hope is at her mother’s memorial service after her mother’s body was unrecovered after a horrific earthquake. Despite the opinion of her stepfather’s family, Hope is convinced that her mother is still alive. However she has not time to convince anyone before she is shipped off to the Scottish Highlands to spend time with her mother’s sister, Lady Lucinda Carlyle.

Hope finds herself at Christopher Manor, a forbidding ancient mansion that reminds her of Hogwarts (I love that Harry Potter is easily mentioned in many contemporary novels these days! There is also a Doctor Who reference in this book). Despite the old-fashioned setting, the inhabitants are the complete opposite. Firstly there is Phoebe, a bubbly blue-haired girl who is excited about Hope’s arrival at the manor. Phoebe’s brother, Collum, on the other hand, has a contrasting personality. Then there is Lu, who, despite her title, is younger than some may initially imagine her to be.

Through these new characters, Hope learns that her mother is indeed still alive, but trapped somewhere beyond all logic and reason. What is worse, Hope, who is practically scared of her own shadow, along with Phoebe and Collum are the only people who can rescue her. So begins their dangerous but exciting adventure.

Into The Dim is both a contemporary and historical novel, with the science fiction element of time travel thrown in. Time travel is nothing new in fiction, and Taylor’s idea is even based upon the scientist, Nikola Tesla’s discoveries. The storyline itself is a bit of fun with witty characters and humorous banter, yet there is so much more to it than that. Taylor has concocted enough research to help readers to learn something new. Firstly there is Tesla, as already mentioned, and then there is the knowledge and detail of twelfth century London, in particularly involving Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Although the main characters are in their late teens, younger teenagers can also enjoy Into The Dim. There is the occasional reference to mature content, but this is within the context of a historical period, in which younger readers should probably be aware of already from their school history lessons. If you love this book, look out for the sequel next year!

Kudos

Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Gift Of Christmas Past in Books

Feb 27, 2019

As a long time fan of Cindy Woodsmall, I was excited to see what she what co wrote with her DIL. It was a book that I wouldn't be used to by her, as she's a wonderful Amish fiction novelist, and this is a contemporary novel. But, I was pleasantly surprised with this collaboration by these wonderful ladies!

I am a person who sometimes, unintentionally, holds on to the past and that can hinder me with my here and now. That's what this book is like. Hanging on to the past, and not being able to full move on or forgive. Hadley and Monroe are beautifully chiseled and have been through so much in their lives. My heart truly ached for their early years. But, both Cindy and Erin pieced together a beautiful story of hope, forgiveness and tenderness and gave readers an unforgettable Christmas story.

This is definitely worthy of 4 stars and keeping on the shelf! Both ladies are talented and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collaboration. I highly recommend this Christmas read to all and look forward to more of these great stories! Well done, ladies!

*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Blog Tours and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*