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| Shadowed in Silk |
Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
~5 stars~*****
I found Shadowed in Silk to be a
fascinating and extremely compelling story that had me engrossed right from the
onset and throughout this captivating tale until the very end! Set in India
during a time of great political unrest during the British Raj (rule), this
story is written with such realism you’ll experience first-hand the tension,
vulnerability, and danger as the British attempt to suppress the growing tide
of insurgence from the natives of India. The treatment of the Indian people
from the British will cause you to balk as you observe them being dealt with
immense disdain and condescension.
However, despite the drama that
unfolds in this outstanding novel, you’ll also be swept away to a culture
that’s exotic, colorful, and fascinating. A place that’s teeming with people
everywhere you turn with a kaleidoscope of color from the women’s silk saris,
skirts and hair ornaments. You’ll imagine yourself hearing the thousands of
voices assailing you during the day; the screeching of the colorful parrots; and
through the night, the howling jackals and chirping crickets. The smells from
the frequent clouds of dust and spices will simultaneously invade your senses.
After a whirlwind courtship, Abby
had married army man Nick Fraser after only knowing him for a few weeks. Nick
was about to shipped to India to rejoin his regiment there and therefore
convinced Abby he wanted to make her his wife right away. After four years of
barely hearing from him and with the war ending that Nick was fighting in, Abby
has decided to join him in India. Their three year old son Cam whom Nick has
never met is with her. Abby feels a little jittery about seeing him and being
his wife again but is not prepared for him to not be there waiting at the
quayside for them. After four long years of not being together, what could
possibly keep Nick from being there to welcome his wife and son?
When Abby finally meets up with
him, will she be swept off her feet again by this handsome Lieutenant or will
she discover there’s another whole side to this man that she didn’t know?
Major Geoff Richards along with
his troops that had survived the war returns home to India on the same ship
that Abby and Cam had arrived on. During the voyage, Geoff who is a widower and
young Cam develop a special friendship. When Geoff sees Cam and his mother
alone and waiting on the pier, he helps them to get to their new home in the
British civil lines, a cordoned-off part of the British empire in India. Strong
and commanding yet thoughtful and quiet, Geoff himself has been scarred by the
war and suffers from a hand tremor and large scar near his temple. It is easy
to be drawn to this hero but you feel for his helplessness not only where Abby
is concerned but also the injustice against the Indians.
After Geoff had settled back into
duty, he needs to discover the Russian spy in their midst before it is too
late. He knows this spy is endeavoring to cause unrest among the Indian natives
and is involved in selling weapons. Abby and Cam become caught up in in this
alarming situation and so with lives being in jeopardy and tensions all around
escalating to boiling point, can Abby remain safe and shadowed in silk?
Christine Lindsay’s story is one
of the those rare and beautiful gems that provokes such beautiful deep imagery
while also gifting the reader with perfectly layered characters and a stirring
and mesmerizing story that is almost impossible to put down. It was through
these rich characters that the issues of love, loss, abuse, and varying levels
of faith in God, are explored and thoughtfully embraced. I highly recommend this
exciting and exceptional historical fiction ‘Shadowed in Silk’ to all readers!
GIVEAWAY: Christine has graciously offered to give away a copy
of winner's choice of one of her books—choice of format. Answer the question and leave your email to be entered in the contest.
QUESTION: Have you
ever seen any persecution to minorities or been persecuted as a Christian
yourself?
As always a great review, Noela!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marian! All the best with your busy day!! :)
DeleteThank you Noela, for such a breaktakingly wonderful review. How lovely. Man, you are a writer. It is truly an honor for me to be featured on this site. I love both Carrie and Diana, and now I'm getting to know you. You really make my day. Now I'm off to work, but I will check in later this evening. Hugs to all. Hope you all win. And I wish I could give out all my books for free. I truly love writing these stories. I pray they encourage you in your faith, and give you some fun as well.
DeleteThank you CHRISTINE, what sweet words!! We are honoured to have you on OWG and thank you so much for taking the time to interact with everyone! I think I speak for both CARRIE and DIANA in saying, we'll be very happy to have you back anytime!!
DeleteWe're so glad you love writing your stories too because we sure do love reading them Christine!! :)
Q: Have you ever seen any persecution to minorities or been persecuted as a Christian yourself?
ReplyDeleteA: I have not witnessed persecution, but see people disrespected and treated unfairly.
This book sounds so good. Thank you for the thorough review and the opportunity to win a copy! Please enter me. :)
nicnac63 AT hotmail DOT com
Thank you CHERYL, and thank you for popping in to read the review!
DeleteYou're right about people being treated disrespectfully and unfairly, and sadly it's far too common.
Cheryl, you are entered in the draw and I wish you all the best in winning a copy of this fabulous book!!
Cheryl, I so agree with you. In fact I believe persecution goes on all sorts of levels. In Shadowed in Silk you see this in a domestic sense as Abby struggles with an abusive husband, and in a national sense for the Indian people against the British imperialism. It's my hope that this parallel will be seen in the book. The whole metaphor of the silk covering represents not only the women in this novel, but the whole country of India. We may feel invisible, and the fact we have been treated unfairly may not be noticed by some. But it is noticed by God. He sees all that is hidden beneath the silk.
DeleteCHRISTINE I just love that whole metaphor about being shadowed or hidden beneath the silk and that God sees us even if others don't..
DeleteI've experienced only a little persecution as a Christian but which is nothing compared to what some experience, however I have endured a great deal of 'unfairness' and it truly is a comfort to know that God sees everything and cares so much for us!
Hi, NOELA! An awesome review to go right along with an awesome book! My very first reading experience on my Kindle was ever so wonderful (I wasn't sure if I would like it over a paperback), b/c the very first book I ever read on it was Shadowed in Silk! CHRISTINE is a great talent and I love her books!
ReplyDeleteHey DIANA, Shadowed in Silk surely must of stood out... I can't remember my first Kindle book so I guess it wasn't as awesome, but I do remember my first paperback which was pretty special! I couldn't agree with you more - CHRISTINE is an incredible talent and I honestly feel blessed to have read Shadowed in Silk, it really was an experience! Hanging out to read Captured by Moonlight next!!!
DeleteI love Ereaders. I hope lots of people get them. For me as an author, it's a chance for my books to get to far off lands to international readers because shipping books is so expensive. Ereaders are good for authors.
DeleteI feel persecuted as a Christian through social media all the time. But not directly, personally -- well except for one person who as a fellow Catholic has very extreme views and I do not, and she was seeking to reform me. I had to block her from my FB profile, and I had known her for 30 years so that was pretty awful. Religious tolerance can go a long way - especially within your own denominations.
ReplyDeleteTHX for the giveaway marieburton2004 at yahoo dot com
MARIE, thanks for stopping by to read about Christine's book! And all the best with the giveaway!
DeleteI wholeheartedly agree with you about Social Media!! It can be absolutely vicious on any social media sites to stand up as a Christian and express your Christian views these days. And I'm so sorry about your Catholic friend, I can imagine how difficult that would have been having known her for 30 years! Sometimes though we do need to make these tough decisions. God bless you!
Oh Marie, I feel so badly that you've been mistreated by others on FB. That is so wrong on so many levels. That's one of the things I wanted to share in Shadowed in Silk, that this is not the way Jesus wants us to treat others.
DeleteI have seen people disrespected because of their beliefs. I can't say that I have actually been persecuted because of my faith.
ReplyDeleteI love Christine's writing and would love to win any of her books.
Hi, TERRI! I have...by unsaved loved ones, but nothing extreme as in foreign countries. Just withdrawal mostly, unless they need prayer. lol
DeleteHi Terri. I've never been persecuted for my faith either, but certainly have had people treat me like I'm crazy for believing in God and His son, Jesus. One of my former bosses said my faith was a cruth. LOL Well maybe, but all I know is when I walk with Christ, and be His obedient child and servant, the Lord opens up the world like an oyster.
DeleteBlessings on all who stop by today. I have to go to work at my dayjob. I'd like to complain, and say I'd rather stay here and chat and visit you you all. But that wouldn't be right. God provided this job for me, it helps pay the bills. And I can worship Him by doing that job there. "Whatever our hand finds to do, do it with all our might." And all for the glory of God. Blessings on everyone. Have a great day. I'll check in later to reply to comments. So go ahead---ask me questions, I would love to answer them this evening.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a blessing, CHRISTINE, and a very classy lady, too. I told NOELA she should be a writer. Maybe coming from you (another author) she'll listen! :)
DeleteI second those sentiments towards CHRISTINE, DIANA!! As for me being a writer, I think firstly I might need the Author and Finisher of Life to also tell me, lol, AND then to give me the inspiration and skill to accomplish it!! :)
DeleteAs a lifelong resident of the United States, I have never witnessed any persecution to minorities. I know it existed in the past because of the Jim Crow laws, but thankfully those bad laws were taken off the books!
ReplyDeletebodner dot rachel at gmail dot com
SOPHIE, thank you so much for dropping by OWG! I leave in the deep South and do not witness it here either. We all get along as one and I'm so thankful. The US has come a long way!
DeleteRight you are Sophie. We don't see too much persecution, but I have seen a lot of racial bigotry up here in Canada. Man it really frosts my mango when I hear people putting down First Nations people or others from other countries.
DeleteI began teaching in North Carolina in the 1960's when integration was just beginning. My husband was in the military so I taught where we were stationed, and the only thing that was integrated in the elementary school where I taught was the staff. All the students were black. I had grown up in southern California of Canadian parents and had always been taught to be very accepting of other races. So to see some of the things that were so discriminatory was a real eye opener. My biggest shock was when we drove to a nearby large town and passed a large billboard that said this is Ku Klux Klan Country!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your interview and I have this book on my to-read list.
Lpertelt@aol.com
I have to say living here in the South for almost 25 yrs I have not witnessed it in my lifetime. I'm so sorry you had to see something that awful, LORAINE, but I am so thankful we have come a long way. My neighbors all help one another and do nice things for each other...no matter what the race. I'm sure there are still a few stinkpots around, but thankfully I don't see them! Lots of luck in the giveaway and thank you so much for sharing. :)
DeleteWow, Loraine, what an eyeopener that was. And what a terrible time for people. I sure hope things are better now in those areas.
DeleteGreat review, sounds very good.
ReplyDeleteI have witnessed a huge injustice concerning a minority. On a street I used to live on, there was a huge house on the corner. The city wanted to use this house to put up a group of mentally challenged people. When our block found out about it, they started a petition to keep 'them' from coming into our neighborhood. I refused to sign the petition and even voiced my opinion about it...but the neighbors prevailed and the city caved. I learned a lot about my neighbors that day.
God bless.
debsbunch5[at]jesusanswers[dot]com
Hi DEBBIE, lovely to see you!! Thanks, and this books certainly is VERY good, you would definitely love it Debbie!
DeleteThat is quite sad that the neighbours prevailed with their rejection of this venture. The mentally challenged people are a group of people we don't often think about being persecuted but persecution comes in many forms and these dear people must deal with so much contempt and dismissal at times. I wonder if it is the fear of things different that made your neighbours do this, as often this is the case.
Bless you for making a stand however DEBBIE, because though you might not have 'won', your stance was a great testimony!
Oh my goodness, Debbie. So sad, and how utterly awful that these people who need to be shown love and acceptance were treated in such a way.
DeleteThe people who were going to run the house even offered to put up a tall fence all around the house, but the neighbors' didn't like the fact that there was a possibility that 'they' would get out and walk the streets. I felt such shame on behalf of my neighbors. :-(
DeleteWow what did they think was going to happen! I feel your shame Debbie for the neighbours. Very sad!
DeleteI don't know what they thought would happen. I was so upset, I remember standing on my front lawn, yelling at the neighbor who was trying to get me to sign the petition.
DeleteI have not witnessed any injustices recently, thank the Lord. I used to work with developmentally disabled adults, and when we would go in public, they would frequently be ridiculed and made fun of. It puts a whole different light on loving your neighbor, when people act like that.
ReplyDeleteGod bless, Betti
bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for stopping by to read about CHRISTINE'S book BETZ and for sharing your comment!
DeleteIt was interesting seeing your comment after reading DEBBIE'S just above. It really makes me so sad and a little angry to hear about people ridiculing and making fun of the disabled. My son has Asperger's and while I'm grateful he hasn't been made fun of since he was 5 yrs old and back in grade 1, I would be devastated if it was still happening!
Betz and Noella, I'm so glad you were both in the lives of these special people to protect them. Betz in working with the mentally disabled, and Noella in caring for you son. I am pleased these days to see more and more advertising---at least up here---in a positive way about the disabled. They are a contributing part of our community because they are part of it.
DeleteGreat review!!
ReplyDeleteI've been fortunate to not have witnessed any, nor been a victim of, persecution.
Thanks for the chance to enter this contest.
cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks so much CINDI!! :) I wish you all the best in the chance to win one of Christine's books!
DeleteI'm so glad you haven't been a victim of or seen any persecution! Unfortunately it is horribly only too rife in hundreds of other countries like North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and others, and worse than we could even imagine. But at least we can pray for them, as they long for us to do!
I have not witnessed persecution. The review of the book made me want to go get the book right away. It has been added to my TBR pile.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
ldwrncpn@comcast.net
Thanks so much LORI! I always loove to hear my review has been an influence!! :) I'm so glad it's added to your TBR pile because you are just going to LOVE it!!
DeleteGood to hear you haven't witnessed persecution either - that's a good thing!
Thank you Lori. I really hope you like Shadowed in Silk. The story does touch on persecution, but also on several other issues, such as domestic violence and violence on a national scale. But don't let that scare you, it's not all blood and gore. :o) I hope the spiritual metaphors encourage you.
DeleteI spent several months in South Africa last year. I didn't see major persecution, but the racial tension was definite. Apartheid has left both sides (truly there are multiple people groups involved)with wounds and prejudices. Most churches were totally separated into Afrikaners, or coloreds, or Rhodesian, etc. I did experience one special church get-together where several people groups came together in fellowship and worship.
ReplyDeletebskaggs(at)zoominternet(dot)net
Wow TEDDY, I had no idea there were so many groups of people separated by racial tensions in South Africa. And thank the Lord for that one special church you experienced where everybody came together... I pray they'll be a great witness to other churches!!
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by and sharing. All the best in the draw!
Good example. We would still see some of that old way of thinking in parts of Africa today.
DeleteI'm very pleased to say that I have never been persecuted or witnessed others being persecuted.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
That's great MARY, because it's certainly not fun! Unfortunately though it is a very real situation for thousands or even millions of people over the world, but we can all do our part by praying for them! Thanks for stopping by MARY!!
DeleteThe answer to your question "Have you ever seen any persecution to minorities or been persecuted as a Christian yourself?" My answer would be "Yes" I had a whole Church come against me because I made a choice to take a stand for the things of God .The things that were said about me were lies and to me were mean and hurtful BUT God is awesome I came through it stronger in my faith and trust In Him .Blessings ,Dana
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that DANA, I can imagine how painful that would've been for you. I'm happy for you however, that it has made you a stronger person in your faith and trust in God! Keep looking to Him Dana and may God bless you!
DeleteWow Dana, that took a lot of bravery. Like Noela says, keep looking to the Lord. I'm sure He gave you the strength you needed for that particular trial.
DeleteI remembered when I was a teenager in Ok. in the 40s that blacks weren't allowed to get off of the bus, when it stopped at a restaurant for food and the whites went inside and the driver went in and got sandwiches for the blacks. I tho't that was bad. Right now. i feel that christians are being persecuted, when we are having more and more of not being able to talk about GOD in some public places including schools and chaplains are being told they can't pray with our servicemen and women. And, lots of the crosses are being taken down from places they have been for years, just because a few don't like it. But think it will get worse. Also, when i was in school blacks were not allowed at the same schools. Was glad when these things changed for them. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMy gosh, they would be some pretty powerful memories for you MAXIE! I imagine you saw quite a bit of persecution around that time. Do you remember having a similar sense of how wrong it was the way they were treated as you do now? How true it is in regards to the persecution of Christians and Christianity these days. Quite often it's in a silent and sly form but just as controlling.
DeleteThanks for dropping in MAXIE, I hope you enjoyed reading about Christine's book. God bless you!!
It's terrible to think that Christians are starting to be persecuted in our own country. It's not blantant, but it's subtle. But it's real. Thank you Maxie, for bringing that to the light. Something is very wrong that the cross is being removed from places it has been for years, and that even you as a chaplain cannont pray for serviceman freely and openly.
DeleteI'm off to work again today, and cannot be around to respond to this fantastic conversation. I'll be thinking of you as I work. And if anyone has a question or a commnent, I will reply to all of them later this evening. Blessings on your day everyone. I pray that Shadowed in Silk and Captured by Moonlight will entertain you, but also inspire you and strengthen you in your faith.
ReplyDeleteHope you've had a wonderful day CHRISTINE!! I hope everyone who doesn't win one of your books will get to read your books because they truly are very entertaining and inspiring... and a real treat to read!! God bless.
DeleteI have never been persecuted for my faith. Not really. I have had people think I am nuts, and may say a few unkind words about it, but I hardly call that persecution. I think that those of us who live in America forget just how blessed we are sometimes. People may not like Christians, but we do not really have to worry about being killed or thrown in jail for our Christian beliefs. Who knows how long that will go on for though…
ReplyDeleteThanks for offering this giveaway!
emmamalissa(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for your comment EMMA! And you are so right... Compared to what many go through for their faith - prison, torture, and death, it IS hard to call whatever we go through 'persecution'..
DeleteI wish you all the best with your entry, thanks for stopping by!
NOELA what a great review, Christine's books are so beautiful. :)
ReplyDeleteI remember as a young girl when we would leave for Church the kids in our neighborhood would throw eggs at our or write on the house things like "satan was here". We lived in a very small neighborhood and the houses were close together so when my mom would pray everyone could hear her. I suppose those kids didn't like it. I so wish they could had listened to God's calling instead of acting like that, but they didn't have parents that cared about them to show them the way. Three out of the four died horrible deaths before they were out of their teens. So sad!
Hi TERESA, thanks and I couldn't agree with you more how beautiful CHRISTINE'S stories are!!
DeleteGosh, that would have been frightening for you as a child! I'm proud of your mum however, praying even when she knew the effects it might have. Devastating to hear that three of those kids died when still teenagers. So very, very tragic. And you never know, maybe your family's witness made some type of impact on them in their hearts..
I haven't been persecuted or seen persecution. Some may think I'm a religious girl, but I've not endured anything that can count as persecution.
ReplyDeleteoops forgot my email: mandaandtom(at)gmail(dot)com
DeleteThanks for coming by to read the review and to leave a comment AMANDA! I believe there are all levels and types of persecution, but I think we all know there are those that are so horrifically persecuted and so it's not easy to call any opposition we face as persecution. God bless you and all the best with your entry!!
DeleteAmanda, really great that you dropped by today. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you.
DeleteGreat review, Noela. How can I not read Christine's book after such a glowing response? ;)
ReplyDeleteI remember sharing printed invitations to a special church service at a market one Saturday morning. I would have been about 18, and a lady shopper didn't like it that someone younger offered her something 'religious.' She asked me what I could possible know more than a woman of her age. She was nasty and moved off once she'd sent her insults my way. This is the closest I've come to being scorned for sharing my faith. By no means persecution. But I did taste the hatred of someone who despised me and what I stood for. Humbling and eye opening.
Blessings for a wonderful weekend,
Dotti :)
The answer is really quite simple DOTTI... You can't! ;) But I can promise you one thing, you will thoroughly enjoy it and be very glad you read it! :)
DeleteThanks so much for sharing your experience Dotti... it's certainly not a pleasant 'taste' to experience such bitterness... even though we are to 'rejoice' because Christ suffered the same rejection and worse. I do feel sorry for this woman though and hope she has since found the Lord!
Blessings on your weekend too Dotti! :)
Ooh, now I must know how the book ends! Great way to draw me in. :) As for persecution, nothing too big since I live in the "bible belt" of Michigan. Sure there are the "haters" here as in any part of the world. I do see way more of minority persecution around these parts.
ReplyDeleteSusan
farmygirl at hotmail dot com
I so want to read this book now!!! I haven't really seen much for persecution beyond the typical bullies. Things stay quiet in my little section of Montana, mostly just political arguments that don't mean much. I am sure there is both persecution of religion and minorities but I really haven't seen much of it.
ReplyDeleteJasmine A.
I'd have to say I haven't seen any persecution or been the brunt of it because of my faith. I'm very lucky. This book sounds amazing. shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI haven't witnessed in person any persecution but have heard stories. Reminds me how blessed we are!
ReplyDeleteKim LitlePokie@aol.com