Rob Seabrook

Rob Seabrook

Author of Beneath the Tamarisk Tree

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Category: Recent Reads

Sins of Fathers – Michael Emmett

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Michael while we were both guests on the same podcast, Things Unseen, talking about…

The Language of Rivers and Stars – Seth Lewis

Seth rightly points out that for many people, being in the natural world, surrounded by beauty, is often a way for us to feel…

The Veil – Blake Healy

This is a book that is so far from anything I have read before, so profoundly revelatory, that it brings about a complete change…

Where the Light Fell – Philip Yancey

Philip’s book, What’s So Amazing About Grace, is one of the first Christian books I read. A classic that opens up truths about the…

Understanding Trauma – Dr Steve Midgley

With the particular focus on helping us as churches to understand how trauma can affect individuals, this is a practical resource that will help…

Just Benny – Alex Banwell

Just Benny is a story of reconciliation, and how the power of love can break in to repair brokenness, especially in relationships. Initially the…

Bound by Blood – Shawn D Brink

Firstly, let me address the issue of the genre that this book finds itself in, that of ‘Christian horror’, as I am not sure…

The Folded Lie – Mary Graf

Fraud and scams can happen to anyone, whoever we are, whatever our beliefs and however clever or educated we think we are, and it…

Finding Jesus in the Wilderness – Rachel Yarworth

For those who find themselves in the midst of a wilderness season, who need a dose of friendly encouragement, some truths spoken over them…

Keep On Keeping On – Mark Rutland

“This book is not for the young,” Mark Rutland declares, jokingly. He is right, kind of. It is for the older generation to read…

Nun’s Drift – Sheila Jacobs

A delightful novel, set in the typically English village of Nun’s Drift. It follows the stories of four individuals, across a year in village…

The Grace Note – Jaqi Anderson

This is a delightfully written book, following the story of five main characters whose lives are unknowingly intertwined, but brought together by circumstances and…

And the Truth Shall Set You Free – Nikki Nhyira

The point of this book is to help others. To share on a subject that is so important for us to be educated about….

The Stranger – Joy Margetts

Once again, Joy delights the reader with some great storytelling, immersing us in the medieval world of monasteries and monks. Although this novel is…

The Songs of a Sinner – Norm Cairns

This is a short collection of poems, mostly written in the form of sonnets, inspired by the author’s faith. Some is based on Biblical…

The Perfect Companion – Jo Sheringham

No one has an ordinary life. What from the outside may look like a mundane existence or an uneventful life, discounts the individual. It…

Untaken Too – C O Wyler

Untaken Too is the sequel to Untaken, which I reviewed here at the start of last yar. This instalment now follows the next 12…

Deep Roots, Good Fruit – Kristin Elizabeth Couch

In the Bible, the book of Galatians has that well known passage “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,…

The Supernaturals and the Miracle Dream – Andy Robb

This is a book that will encourage children, probably in Christian families, that life as a Christian, following Jesus, is a life full of…

He Is Faithful in Every Season – Julia Rose

A lovely selection of uplifting poems, with each one encouraging the reader to reach into a deeper relationship with God. Some are like Psalms,…

Light Through the Cracks – Joanna Watson

Light Through the Cracks is a compilation of ten true stories, from ordinary people who have seen the miraculous touch of God working through…

The Pale-Faced Girl – Cath Hensby Worboys

With the guidance of the pale-faced girl, Jack finds himself on a quest to uncover the dark forces that threaten to bring danger to…

Polished Arrows – Jenny Sanders

Polished Arrows poses the question “what does it take to become a ready arrow in God’s hands?” An arrow that is intentionally formed and…

Vice Cop To Vicar – Derrick and Ann Wilks

This is the extraordinary story of Derrick’s career and family life, detailing his time in the UK police force, exposure to some of the…

Highway 35 – Chris and Denise Arthey

With a move to Texas, Chris and Denise had the chance to fulfil a lifelong dream – a motorcycle road trip across the USA….

The Fall of Lucifer – Wendy Alec

This is not my usual sort of read, but I had been told a while ago that some of my own writing reminded the…

Thank God it’s Monday – Mark Greene

The topic of work – how we see it, how we can use it, how we can be a part of God’s Kingdom and…

Braver – Deborah Jenkins

This is lovely, gritty novel, focusing on characters who experience tough circumstances and difficult lives. It is well written, switching between the stories of…

Practicing the Way – John Mark Comer

Discipleship means different things to different people, often with unhelpful connotations. But stay with me. This book is about being a disciple, which John…

The Divine Proverb of Streusel – Sara Brunsvold

Another delightful novel from Sara Brunsvold. This is a story of Nikki, who suffers what can be best described as a relationship crisis –…

Those Who Show Up – Andy Flannagan

At different times in my life, at local and national elections, I have voted for all three main UK political parties as well as…

Maggie – Charles Martin

Thankfully I read the last few chapters of this book on my own, considering how much I wept! Packed with emotion, this sequel to…

Forgotten Followers – Elaine Ricker Kelly

The focus of this book is to paint a picture of Biblical times through the eyes of a few of the key women around…

And Their Numbers Grew – Naomi Craig and Donna E Lane

This is a series of four intertwined short novels about the early Church, creating an effective way to build a deeper understanding of what…

Still Crazy – Adrian Plass

This seems to be a book about everything and nothing. But what on the surface may seem like random ramblings, in fact are observations…

The Advent of Glory – R C Sproul

R C Sproul was a much respected Bible teacher, writer and broadcaster whose legacy lives on in the work of Ligonier Ministries that he…

Christmas Uncut – Carl Laferton

Christmas Uncut presents a less sugar-coated version of the Christmas story than we might normally see or hear, explaining what actually happened when Jesus…

The Bride – Joy Margetts

The Bride is an opportunity to once again jump back into medieval Wales, to discover a little more of the story that was told…

The Jesse Tree Anthology – Rachel Yarworth

Firstly, a confession … I had the honour of contributing a chapter to this book. And I am so glad to have had that…

Rain – Dana McNeely

The story of Elijah is one of my favourites. Full of high drama, incredible faithfulness, the highs and lows of a ministry. Although this…

God’s Big Promises – Carl Laferton

Ideal for younger children, this book takes 92 stories from the Bible and presents them in an enjoyable, fun way, easily understandable, sensitively presented…

The Dead Don’t Dance – Charles Martin

I only got halfway through this novel before I placed an order for the sequel. Charles Martin writes so well and I knew it…

The Artist’s Page – Debra Rufini

For all creatives, whether artists, writers or performers, it is so encouraging to have others adore our works. It may not be the reason…

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs Kip – Sara Brunsvold

Facing death can present Christians with difficulties. It is an inevitability, as it is for everyone, accompanied by grief, pain and loss. But if…

Nourishing Narratives – Jennifer L. Holberg

This is a well-written collection of thoughts on why words, language and stories are so central to our own narrative. I believe that creativity…

Eye Can Write – Jonathan Bryan

Every so often a book comes along that is truly astonishing. This is one of them. The introduction, written by Jonathan’s mum, shows the…

Nobody’s Child – John Robinson

This is a truly amazing and inspirational story. John’s childhood experiences of deep rejection, that framed his early years and led him down a…

The First Phone Call from Heaven – Mitch Albom

What a fascinating concept … this story is of a few residents of a small, uninspiring and unsuspecting town, begin to receive regular brief…

Wake up to Wonder – Karen Wright Marsh

An unusual devotional, taking an aspect of influence from significant people of faith through history, theologians and thinkers, and applying modern day examples of…

The Persistent Road – Tim Bishop

Through a series of life changing circumstances and loss, Doug, our main protagonist in this novel, is led to a point where he needs…

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Recent Reads

  • Sins of Fathers – Michael Emmett
  • The Language of Rivers and Stars – Seth Lewis
  • The Veil – Blake Healy
  • Where the Light Fell – Philip Yancey
  • Understanding Trauma – Dr Steve Midgley
  • Just Benny – Alex Banwell
  • Bound by Blood – Shawn D Brink
  • The Folded Lie – Mary Graf
  • Finding Jesus in the Wilderness – Rachel Yarworth
  • Keep On Keeping On – Mark Rutland

rob_seabrook

Author of Beneath the Tamarisk Tree, a fictional take on the miraculous story of the Penitent Thief. Christian book reviews.

BOOK REVIEW - Sins of Fathers by @michaelemmettoff BOOK REVIEW - Sins of Fathers by @michaelemmettofficial 

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Michael while we were both guests on the same podcast, Things Unseen, talking about the Penitent Thief. Having met him and heard just a small part of his story then, I just had to read his book to find out more...

Through his childhood, Michael wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps in the family trade - the dangerous world of organised crime. As a young adult, Michael’s criminal activities were funding a reckless lifestyle of drugs, sex and violence. However, by 1993, alongside his father, he was arrested for being involved in a £13m drug smuggling operation, ultimately receiving a 12 year sentence.

It was whilst in HMP Exeter that Michael discovered something he was not expecting. A spiritual encounter in the prison chapel led to a new direction for his life.

To say his background is colourful is an understatement. From a very young age he followed he became embroiled in a culture of drug abuse, promiscuity and violence. He was a victim though. Yes, a victim of sexual abuse that haunted him and led him down a path towards self-destruction. But also a victim of circumstances and upbringing that presented him with an outlet to further his addictions....

...It is the second half of the book that is key here. It is not about glamourising the life of crime. It is about how a life, so broken, can be wholly changed and redeemed by finding faith, in this case whilst in a prison.

The work of prison ministries is to be honoured for the amazing work they do, in this case the prison Alpha course run by Holy Trinity Brompton Church in London. These ministries reach people who are desperate for the slightest chink of light to break into their darkness.

Michael's repentance is genuine and heartfelt...

Read the full review at www.robseabrook.com (link in Bio).

#bookstagram #bookreview #bookblogger #newbooks #christianbookstagram #instareads #christianbooks #newchristianbooks #christian @alphacourse @alphacourseuk @ctvc.ltd @htbchurch @bishopgloucester @harperinspire
BOOK REVIEW - The Language of Rivers and Stars by BOOK REVIEW - The Language of Rivers and Stars by @sethlewis.ie 

Seth rightly points out that for many people, being in the natural world, surrounded by beauty, is often a way for us to feel a peace and connection to God, the Creator. So his aim in this book is to help the reader experience the beauty of creation in a deeper way, offering a biblical understanding of what God is saying to us through the world He has created.

Seth has a poetic style of writing that glides along, effortlessly explaining and unfolding the logic and theology, highlighting the beauty of the created world and the reason why we inherently relate to it. He describes the created world as God's language, His equivalent to words, written for us like beautiful prose or perfect poetry.

He weaves in Scripture to highlight that God's words, Scripture, and nature share a common language.

Seth has a lovely use of language, his words paint pictures of the beauty of creation, showing us why we are inspired by all that God has created for us to enjoy. The language of creation speaks loudly to us, telling us how much God wants us to be in relationship with Him. That is the purpose. So that we will draw near, lean in and embrace. So that we will know Him close.

One section of the book offers a chapter on each of the seven days of the Genesis creation account, which could also work well to be read as a daily devotional or even a study series for a home group or discussion group.

See www.robseabrook.com for more reviews of Christian books (link in Bio).

#bookstagram #bookreview #bookblogger #newbooks #christianbookstagram #instareads #christianbooks #newchristianbooks #christian #biblical #christianbooksstore #recentreads #christianbookclubs @thegoodbookcompanyuk @thegoodbookcompanyusa @thegoodbookau 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no pressure to provide a favourable review.
BOOK REVIEW - The Veil by @blakekhealy This is a BOOK REVIEW - The Veil by @blakekhealy 

This is a book that is so far from anything I have read before, so profoundly revelatory, that it brings about a complete change of perspective. This makes it sound like a book everyone should read ... I am not so sure.

Blake talks in detail and openly about the spiritual gift he has been blessed with. His story goes that for as long as he can remember he has seen angels and demons, as clearly as he would see people stood right in front of him. He describes how he has matured in this gifting, whilst understandably having to overcome the fear and confusion of what he saw.

Some will find it just plain weird and unconnected with anything they have learned before of the Christian faith. Others, like me, will find it challenging to the core and will open their eyes to a new way of understanding spiritual things.

I am not sure that the sort of gifting that Blake has is one I would like. It comes with a heavy weight of responsibility to handle it well, without it driving you to the brink of insanity. Ultimately though, the core message is that whatever is going on in spiritual realms, seen or unseen, and whatever is seen or prophesied, the only important element is that it works towards forming and maintaining a stronger relationship with the Father. That is all. We do not worship the signs and wonders, we worship the Father whose presence brings them into being...

Read the full review at www.robseabrook.com (link in Bio)

#bookstagram #bookreview #bookblogger #christianbookstagram #instareads #christianbooks #christian #biblical #christianbooksstore #recentreads #christianbookclubs @charismahousebooks
BOOK REVIEW - Where the Light Fell by @philipyance BOOK REVIEW - Where the Light Fell by @philipyanceyofficial 

Philip's book, What's So Amazing About Grace, is one of the first Christian books I read. A classic that opens up truths about the love of God and His immense and abundant grace.

Reading now about Philip's childhood and upbringing, it seems to me to be truly miraculous that he even made it through, let alone being able to write such depths of faith. It makes that book even more poignant and powerful.

The Christian fundamentalism that surrounded his childhood and teenage years I find frightening. The institutionalised racism, misogyny and basic lack of love, on the surface at least, appears abhorrent when judged by our current attitudes and standards. Maybe this is an unfair judgement to make? However, it seemed to lead to disfunction in the family, emotional abuse and a pushing away from faith (sadly faith getting mixed up with religion).

You could argue that the fundamentalism resulted in Philip being intellectually challenged, and without this challenge and working out the truths about God, we may never have gained from his wisdom. To say that God works for good in all circumstances I hope is not cold comfort, because the physical and emotional pain was real and harsh, and should not be belittled.

This book will help us to see through the clutter, falsehoods and religiosity that can work to keep us from God's truths. I pray you read it so that it will also help you to question and seek truths for yourself. And don’t miss Philip’s other great writing too.

Reading this book also makes me question our (society's) attitude to the importance of parenting. So often, psychologists, psychiatrists, councillors and even faith healers will, for the right reasons, dissect someone’s childhood as being the root cause of so many issues. So often people survive life despite their upbringing, rather than because of it...

Read the full review at www.robseabrook.com (link in Bio).

#bookstagram #bookreview #bookblogger #christianbookstagram #instareads #christianbooks #christian #christianbooksstore #recentreads #christianbookclubs @hodderstoughton
I had the pleasure of taking part in the recording I had the pleasure of taking part in the recording of a podcast for the lovely team at @ctvc.ltd , discussing the topic of repentance, inspired by the story of St Dismas (The Penitent Thief) who was crucified next to Jesus.

He was the inspiration behind me writing my novel Beneath The Tamarisk Tree - more details on the novel at www.robseabrook.com

We had a lovely discussion about how redemption plays out in our lives and how the thief’s story of repentance can inspire those in search of hope and transformation.

Do have a listen to the podcast at www.thingsunseen.co.uk or search for the Things Unseen podcast on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.

#christian #biblical @mdpublishing @michaelemmettofficial @dismasministry
BOOK REVIEW - Understanding Trauma by Dr Steve Mid BOOK REVIEW - Understanding Trauma by Dr Steve Midgley

With the particular focus on helping us as churches to understand how trauma can affect individuals, this is a practical resource that will help us to see how we can support sufferers.

It is especially ideal for pastors, elders, leaders and those in ministry, as it will help them to understand what trauma is and how it affects people, including their experience of church, so that we can lovingly support them.

The author, Dr Steve Midgley, trained as a psychiatrist before later being ordained and serving as a vicar, as well as being an experienced Counsellor, allowing him to offer both a professional and a Biblical perspective on the topic.

I often remind myself that everyone has a story, a set of experiences and circumstances that have led to them being the person they are today. The important thing for them to know is that the person they are, warts and all, is known and loved by God. Our role as the church is to reflect that love and wholly accept them, whilst doing all we can to help, heal, nurture and build them up.

The church is in a privileged situation to help people who suffer with trauma. The Church is relational, a community where individuals can rediscover their identity in Christ, know their value and be accepted for who they are. Churches are places of fellowship and community, environments where people can find genuine acceptance without judgement. Or they should be. They need to be.

This book is very much an introduction to the topic, showing how the church can be wholly accepting and able to put in place some practical measures to support those who are experiencing the effects of trauma.

See more reviews of Christian books at www.robseabrook.com

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no pressure to provide a favourable review.

#bookstagram #bookreview #bookblogger #newbooks #christianbookstagram #instareads #christianbooks #newchristianbooks #christian #biblical #recentreads @thegoodbookcompanyuk @thegoodbookcompanyusa @thegoodbookau
BOOK REVIEW - Just Benny by Alex Banwell Just Ben BOOK REVIEW - Just Benny by Alex Banwell

Just Benny is a story of reconciliation, and how the power of love can break in to repair brokenness, especially in relationships. Initially the characters discover love in their own strength, then later on the main character finds a deeper reconciliation driven by relationship with Jesus.

The story is of a boy called Benny, who suffers from epilepsy. He is endlessly protected by his mother, who stifles him with love. His father is disappointed by him, unable to bring himself to accept him or his illness. His sister is the glue who seems to hold them together, despite the impact he has had on her own childhood. And then at school he is an easy target for the bullies, especially when his seizures offer them so much easy ammunition.

Benny has zero self-esteem, immense insecurities and he and all those around him define him by his illness. He sees himself as being wholly unlovable.

But Benny finds strength to persist, perhaps reflecting the in-built urge to find love that is in us all. He finds a way to repair the relationship with his father who ultimately also digs deep to come to terms with the situation. Benny also finds strength and becomes the catalyst in repairing the relationships between his friends and their families, especially through his friendship with an older teenage girl who despises her own difficult circumstances. His developing love for her and her baby daughter is heart-warming to see, and brings healing to her.

It is also a story of innocent romance, with these two seemingly mis-matched characters becoming close, initially due to them both being rejected by their own families. They find that care for each other is so valuable and it grows into a genuine love.

In the end …

Read the full review at www.robseabrook.com (link in Bio).

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but was under no pressure to provide a favourable review.

#bookstagram #bookreview #bookblogger #christianbookstagram #instareads #christianbooks #christian #christianbooksstore #christianfiction #recentreads #christianbookclubs @broadplacepublishing
BOOK REVIEW - Bound by Blood, by @shawn.brink2 F BOOK REVIEW - Bound by Blood, by @shawn.brink2 

Firstly, let me address the issue of the genre that this book finds itself in, that of 'Christian horror', as I am not sure it is truly pitching it right. The book tells the story of a demonic cult who pitch themselves against a Christian church in a battle over the town. A brother goes against his twin, and the angels and demons take their sides.

So yes, it has content about the dark side of spirituality, in the same way that the books of Frank Peretti and Wendy Alec do. But in no way does it glorify that dark side, nor does it aim to entertain the reader with gore, haunting or shock. It uses the dark effectively to show the power of the light. To highlight the victory. It has none of the gratuitous content that one may associate with a “horror” story.

It is fast paced, full of suspense, maybe not a relaxing read but certainly entertaining in the same way that riding a roller-coaster is enormous fun. It is a powerful story of spiritual warfare, in the heart of a typical community that harbours both sides of the spiritual divide.

It is tense, scary, adrenalin inducing and the underlying message highlights the pull that the darker side of life can have, and the desperate lies that are presented to make it seem attractive, but despite the lies that our human nature is drawn to, there is a spiritual dimension that is more powerful.

See more reviews of Christian books at www.robseabrook.com (link in Bio),

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but was under no pressure to provide a favourable review.

#bookstagram #bookreview #bookblogger #newbooks #christianbookstagram #instareads #christianbooks #christian #christianfiction #recentreads #christianbookclubs
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