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4 August 2011

Book Review Streets on a Map by Dale Harcombe



Book Description:
Every choice carries a price as Abby discovers when she marries Joel. If she had known when Joel first walked into Clancy's what lay in store, she would have stopped the relationship before it got started. However, by the time she found out it was too late. The choice was made. Or so she thought.

But then between her and her one friend in Astley, Laila, they arrive at solution that could benefit Abby and the small county town. A deliberately lit fire and an unplanned pregnancy threaten to bring their carefully laid plans and Abby's dreams undone. Problems of some newcomers to the town impinge on Abby's life too, but it is the arrival of an old resident of Astley that could end up destroying everything and not just for Abby.

Who else's lives will be affected and changed forever. Will the unwelcome arrivals in Astley destroy everything Abby and Laila have worked to achieve? What is the secret that will have all of Astley reeling?



Book Review:
This is another good Aussie book. In this book we see a city girl who has moved to the country and a small country town at that. Astley is a small country town where everyone know everyone and any new comers are notice. Abby has made friends with Laila and they end up working on a plan together. Add some new other newcomers including Shannon and the Zoe. Laila's sister also comes back to the town and this will affect Laila. The story was interesting getting to know the different characters and and the different storylines. We also learn about forgiveness when something happens which many think is unforgivable. We also see how 2 people can live in the one house but there memories of events are so different. The other issue we see is how we can see ourselves one way and then we meet someone and suddenly we see things in a new way and learn new things about ourselves. This happened at times in this book.
This is a christian book and there are Christian values in the book albeit subtle, but I was a little disappointed that the main characters were still not christians at the end of the book or had an encounter where they realise they need God in there lives. 

6 comments:

Paula Vince said...

I enjoyed this one too. The characters were very real and transparent.

Dale Harcombe said...

Thanks Jenny for your comments and glad you enjoyed it. I was a interested in your last point, for to me the two main characters are Abby and Laila. Laila is very definitely one whose faith in God underpins her actions. That Abby has not to this point come to faith is a reality of life. Often despite out best efforts those we love resist or take longer to reach that point that Christians might hope.It may yet be covered in a sequel which many people have asked for.

Ausjenny said...

Dale, I guess I am use to romance books where it's a hero and heroine but now you mention it I could tell Laila was a christian. As I would love to see a second book. Coming from reading more romance books I was looking it from a different angle where as others wouldn't felt like I did. I think this shows how different reader perceive things and I am glad you pointed this out to me as I Loved Laila and her example.

Dale Harcombe said...

Thanks for your gracious answer,Jenny. Interestingly Laila seems to be everyone's favourite character, even people who are not Christian which was originally the market I was aiming at -to get people to think about where they stand with God.

Footprints Australia said...

I don't know where my head has been at these past few months - I didn't realise this book was adult fiction! (I know Dale's usual genre is poetry or writing for children.) Well, now I know I am going to make a point of getting myself a copy of this book. Can't wait to read it!

Ausjenny said...

Hi Footprints (sorry dont know your name) Yes its a good fiction book and I did enjoy it.

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