Streams in the Desert - book review

Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Streams in the Desert is encouraging devotional reading compiled from a wide variety of sources by Mrs. Cowman. The readings range from anecdotal to prayer, all chosen to supply living water to thirsty souls.

Perhaps it is in some ways dated and not all the sentiments expressed reflect the views of generations who have a longer historical perspective on past events, but it's still a treasury of faith and comfort.

I particularly like the peek into the lives of believers who went before us, their struggles, victories and testimonies of courage and how God led and strengthened them.

We've had this book and its sequels in our home for decades. My mother and grandmother read this. My husband and I have been enriched by it.

Dive in! The water's fine.

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On the Beach - Book Review

On the Beach by Nevil Shute
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This review might be a spoiler. I consider it a warning.

In "On the Beach," Nevil Shute describes the last weeks in the land "down under," after the rest of the world has died following a nuclear halocaust. How they choose to spend their final days, facing certain death, is the primary focus.

I read this at age 12 and had recurring nightmares thereafter. In each one, a beloved cousin of mine and I suffered the horrifying symptoms described in the novel. Just as we slipped into death, the dream would start all over again!

No other book has had this kind of impact on me.

As you can see, as a teen, I read freely from the library offerings and the volumes found in the 2 for 1 used book shop.

Perhaps, rereading it as an adult might reveal concepts I overlooked at age 12.  I have no desire to so! 

In Conversation With God

In Conversation with God: Complete Set v. 1-7: Meditations for Each Day of the Year by Francis Fernandez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reading this set is an ongoing process for me. It is a work meant to be read as part of daily prayer and meditation. The richness and depth of its spiritually nourishing content is not absorbable in mass quantity. It must be savored, pondered in one's heart and mind, accepted as a communion of bread and wine, to receive its refreshing and healing properties.

This set is on my "short list" of books and writers who have bottled and administer an infusion of living oil and wine. These range from strongly astringent to the tenderest of offerings. Their common factor is the revelation of Jesus to me, in my life, my own inner being, and in those I encounter along the way.

This list includes:

'My Utmost for His Highest' by Oswald Chambers
Anything by Henry Nouwen
and George MacDonald

There are a few others, but these rank highest on my "stranded on an island" reading material.


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Smouldering Flame, Book Review

A Scottish Laird makes an inn of his castle in order to be able to afford to keep his family land. He is served and assisted by his loyal ghillie, whose family line have served the Laird's family for generations.

Among the groups of guests that stay in his castle, the Laird meets a woman and her young son who are hiding from her abusive ex-husband. The Laird and his lady guest become friends and fall in love, but circumstances complicate their path to romantic bliss.

Some reviewers express dismay at a twist in this tale of love and loyalty. In my opinion, that's what makes the book a genuine exploration of Scottish heritage and not just another pleasant romance novel. Though an avid fan, I've forgotten the story lines of several of Ms. Stevenson's books, but this one still tugs at me, years after I read it. I've been trying to find it for years.