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Rachel Reviews: Ordinatus by C.S. Crane
The Church, whether Catholic or Protestant, has always been a hotbed for speculation and questioning through the ages, not just in our modern times, and Crane has written a timely thriller which combines a gentle exploration of one man's faith, Robert Hescott, with the difficulties his beloved Church is facing from a force attempting to dismantle it.
By Rachel Deemingabout 9 hours ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: Lakefront Wolves by Joseph Deegan
Meet Finn. He's an 18 year old kid who has potential. He's bright with great school scores and he's also an athlete, a footballer of some prowess. He has it all going for him, it would seem, and yet, he's determined to send what could be a well-planned, stable existence firmly off the rails. He drinks, he smokes, he takes drugs, he has violent tendencies and he's in danger of losing not only his mind but all that he holds dear.
By Rachel Deeming2 days ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: The First Call was Mine by Kay Blake
Kay Blake's memoir has everything that I like about a real life recount. It has the confrontation of the past and the troubles that the person has faced; it has candour in its examination of the experiences and the resolutions reached, if that applies; it has humour, recognition, a humbleness to it and an appreciation of where that person is now and a true acknowledgement of the things that shaped them.
By Rachel Deeming11 days ago in BookClub
Draft Deleting? Don't Do It!. Top Story - February 2026.
Today, I had a little time. I decided that I would have a look at the drafts that I have on Vocal. This is part of a long-term wish to have everything I've written on paper rather than virtually. I've not looked at them for weeks and something drew me to them, just to browse and see what was there.
By Rachel Deeming16 days ago in Writers
Rachel Reviews: His Eyes: A Novel of Hope from Tragedy by Mark Charles Powers
I really enjoyed Mark Powers' novel which is an uplifting tale to guide and reassure those readers who, having experienced a tragedy of their own, may need to have their faith bolstered and re-centred. But if you're not of a religious bent, don't be put off by its references to God as Powers' mentions of faith are gentle and part of the story. This is not a didactic story, preaching at you - this is a tale of people, doing right by others and looking out for those in need, using the strength that they receive from God's word to act as a spur.
By Rachel Deeming21 days ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: Lunch Tales: Teagan by Lucille Guarino. Top Story - February 2026.
Well, I did enjoy this! Sometimes, all you need is just great storytelling and this is what Lucille Guarino delivers here. There's no big message to this book; it's just about folks and families, living their lives and coping with everything that's being thrown at them and finding their way. But when it's done well, like it is here, then you have characters to whom you can relate, tension which leaves you rooting for a better outcome, attraction which has your heart racing and an urge, as a reader, to see the characters happy with the people with whom they belong.
By Rachel Deeming24 days ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: My Twelve-Year-Old Wife: Erased Memories by Dan Uselton
I do like a time-travel tale and Dan Uselton has created one in this book which manages to deliver tension in spades. Characters try and combat their present without altering their futures irreparably and survive while doing it. It's a tricky thing all in all but I think that Uselton has carried it off.
By Rachel Deeming25 days ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: Paradise Cove - They Escaped the Cuckoo's Nest by Pini Dunner
On starting Pini Dunner's book, I was grateful for the thorough history that is provided at the start. This gives a much-needed context in order to enjoy the subsequent letters contained therein. The letters belong to George Nagel, an octagenarian pursuing a psychology degree which in itself would be remarkable; however, it is soon clear that this is just one remarkable thing in a life full of them.
By Rachel Deemingabout a month ago in BookClub
