Book Review: The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow/3 Stars

About the book:

Charlotte Farrow, maid in the wealthy Banning household on Chicago's opulent Prairie Avenue, has kept her baby boy a secret from her employers for nearly a year. But when the woman who has been caring for her son abruptly returns him, Charlotte must decide whether to come clean and face dismissal or keep her secret while the Bannings decide the child's fate. Can she face the truth of her own past and open her heart to a future of her own? Or will life's tragedies determine the future for her? 

This compelling story set against the glittering backdrop of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition captures the tension between the wealthy class and the hardworking servants who made their lives comfortable. Author Olivia Newport expertly portays social classes while creating a story of courage, strength, and tender romance.

My thoughts:

After reading Olivia Newport's exceptional debut novel, The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, I was oh-so-eager to return to Prairie Avenue to catch the latest happenings in the Banning household.  While Lucy's story had a definite taste of the rich and cultured "upstairs" life, Charlotte's story was all about the "downstairs" life of service.

The story started out great, but before too long, I grew bored.  Believe me, I didn't want to.  The arrival of Henry at the house, and the reasons why he was there, seemed contrived and not believable.  The lack of romance also played a factor in my disappointment.  Archie's attraction to Charlotte never appeared to be fully explored initially, and her reluctance to entertain a relationship with him lingered too long.  And like the first book, the spiritual elements were lacking again.

But on the flip side, the continuance of the Chicago World's Fair and the history of their mayor were thoroughly enjoyable.  The addition of the anarchist movement, while not mentioned at great detail, was a perfect element to include and showed the early beginnings of what we now know as the eight-hour workday.

I do wish to finish the series, and am curious as to which heroine will be the focus of the third and final book.

3 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Review: The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad/3.5 Stars

About the book: 

The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years ago, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-laws' home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa. However, her in-laws find that life utterly unsuitable for their grandson, and when a row ensues, a handsome stranger--who designs roller coasters, of all things--intercedes on her behalf. Still, Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky (though charismatic) gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.Filled with delightful characters and the romance of summer, The Ride of Her Life is another supremely entertaining story from the witty Lorna Seilstad. Readers will laugh out loud and sigh contentedly as they spend the summer of 1906 in Lake Manawa.

My thoughts:

While I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two book offerings by up-and-coming CHF author Lorna Seilstad, her latest book, unfortunately, left me wanting.  The heroines from her first two books had oodles of spunk, sass, and no-nonsense personalities that I was itching to meet another one in The Ride of Her Life.  In spite of this one qualm, Lorna still managed to create an exciting story with a great message at it's core--that "God has not given us a spirit of fear..."  Now that the Lake Manawa series has come to a close, I'm curious to see what Lorna will think up next.  Just give me a spunky heroine and a handsome hero and there's no doubt I'll be one happy reader!

3.5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.

 

Book Review: Need You Now by Beth Wiseman/3 Stars

About the book:


When big-city life threatens the safety of one of their children, Brad and Darlene Henderson move with their three teenagers from Houston to the tiny town of Round Top, Texas.

Adjusting to small-town life is difficult for the kids, especially fifteen-year-old Grace who is coping in a dangerous way.

Married life hasn't always been bliss, but their strong faith has carried them through the difficult times. When Darlene takes a job outside the home for the first time in their marriage, the domestic tension rises.

While working with special needs children at her new job, the widowed father of one of Darlene's students starts paying more attention to her than is appropriate. Problem is, she feels like someone is listening to her for the first time in a long time. If Darlene ever needed God . . . it's now.

My thoughts:

I have been a fan of Beth Wiseman's books since the very beginning.  Her Amish novels have this irresistible quality about them.  I start one, and before I know it, three hours have passed and I've devoured one!  Because she hasn't disappointed me yet, I've been anxious to see how she'll make the transition into the contemporary genre.

For the most part, I enjoyed it.  The overall tone had some of the simplistic styling that I'm accustomed to reading in Beth's Amish novels.  But to counteract that simplicity, the subject matter was complex and realistic.  It was dramatic and relevant.  There were questions posed that all of us have asked ourselves at one time or another.  There were situations that the characters found themselves in that most of us hope to never relive.  However, several story lines and POV's were used, and I think maybe one or two less might have helped to make the overall story tighter.

In my opinion, Beth has great strength with romantic story lines.  That is one feature that I always enjoy from her Amish novels.  I think, perhaps, if her future contemporary novels are more romantic in nature as opposed to strictly women's fiction, or maybe even a mix of both, I'll be more inclined to read them.

Without a doubt, though, I will continue to read her Amish novels.  She has been one of my favorites for so long now that I mention her in the same sentence with Cindy Woodsmall as a must-read Amish fiction author.  I'm glad to know that even with her new foray into the contemporary genre that Beth will continue to write Amish fiction.

3 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to the B&B Media Group for providing a copy for review.


 

Not What I Would Consider Historical, but Still a Riveting Read - From This Day Forward by Margaret Daley/3 Stars

I really, really wanted to give this book more than 3 stars, but in good conscience, I just couldn't. The story on it's own was riveting beyond belief, but I struggled to believe it was a historical novel, especially one set in the early 1800's. Sure, they had no electricity, they farmed their land, they got hot in the summertime because of no air conditioning, but nothing really transported me almost 200 years back in time. I was also easily bored with all the wishy-washy mentions of Rachel returning to England, as well as Nathan thinking that was the best plan for her, too. One other thing that just niggled at me was the overuse of the word "pivot." I know that's small, but when a word that's not used often in every-day conversation is used so much in the span of 300 pages, it becomes noticeable.

Truly, though, I loved the story itself--a stubborn woman with almost nothing to her name determined to make a life for herself and her newborn daughter. Throw in a couple of surprise young'uns that were spitfires at first, then sweethearts shortly thereafter, along with a half-way decent mystery, and it was a mostly pleasing read. However, when I read a historical novel, I long for it to take me back to that distant time and place so I can feel apart of it. That was missing here, and it was too difficult to overlook.

3 Stars

Southern?  Yes, set in South Carolina
Sass?  No

Summary of From This Day Forward:

Penniless, pregnant, and newly widowed immigrant Rachel Gordon doesn’t believe her situation could get any worse...until she meets her new neighbors.  Shortly after the War of 1812, Rachel and her husband set out from England for a plantation in South Carolina, which he had purchased sight unseen. However, while en route, Tom Gordon fell overboard and drowned, leaving Rachel, frightened and alone, to make a home for her and her newborn.

Can a battle-scarred American physician who comes to her rescue also heal her wounded heart?

**Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.

CFBA Blog Tour and Brief Review: Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Song of My Heart Bethany House (February 1, 2012) by Kim Vogel Sawyer



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and numerous grandchildren.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job.

Thad McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.

Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Song of My Heart, go HERE.

Brief thoughts:

Normally, I can't get enough of Kim's books, but this one was not one of my favorites.  The story was very sweet, but there wasn't enough momentum throughout the story to keep me interested and engaged.  The characters were fully-fleshed, but again, not interesting.  For fans that enjoy sweet historical romances, I would recommend that they read some of Kim's other novels, particularly Courting Miss Amsel...one of her best.

3 Stars

Southern?  No
Sassy?  No

**Many thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: A Time for Peace by Barbara Cameron/3 Stars

About the book:

After Years of Hardship, Jenny’s Life Appears Perfect. So Why Does Something Seem to Be Missing?

Jenny Bontrager finally feels loved and cherished by her husband, Matthew, and his children. Life seems golden with both her family and career as a writer.

Then one day her grandmother, Phoebe, falls ill, and Jenny cares for her. As she reaches into Phoebe’s closet for a robe, Jenny finds a letter from her father dated the summer when she was nearly eighteen.

As she struggles to understand her father’s words, Jenny’s love for him, and her recently renewed faith and trust in God are thrown into question again. And without warning, her perfect life is thrown into question . . .

My thoughts:

As someone who reads a lot of Amish fiction, I was eager to read a book by a fairly new Amish author, Barbara Cameron.  Several reviewers have had wonderful things to say about her books, and I was curious to see if I would enjoy them for myself.

In my opinion, fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Shelley Shepard Gray would enjoy Barbara's stories and writing style because neither was really a fit for me with this book.  Without going into a lot of detail lest I spoil the experience for someone else, there were several areas that seemed to need some improvement.  For example, the first 60-70 pages were used to set up the story, and it could've been done in about 30-40 without the repetition that was present.  Also, the faith aspect of the book was watered down and almost non-existant. I expected there to be at least one mention of them going to church, or a visit with the bishop about spiritual matters, but neither was a part of this book.  Knowing that the Amish have a faith and belief system that is very important to them, it was a big surprise to see that it wasn't included.

Now, I've not read either of the previous books in this series, but that wasn't a problem.  This book was great as a stand-alone, and I had no trouble following along with some of the other characters from those previous novels.  Another bonus from this book was all the content in the back--a glossary (which is always helpful for those words you think you know, but don't), discussion questions (don't read them until the end because there are spoilers), and lots of yummy recipes (potato soup, here I come).

Even though it wasn't my favorite book, I do plan to read another of Barbara's novels in the future because I've always been a firm believer in giving an author a second chance.  There's no telling sometimes when they'll surprise us!

3 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  Phoebe had just a touch of it...ornery old coot.  :o)

**Many thanks to Maegan Roper and Netgalley for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: A Vote of Confidence by Robin Lee Hatcher

About the book:

In A Vote of Confidence, the stage is set for some intriguing insight into what it was like during 1915 to be a woman in a “man’s world.”

Guinevere Arlington is a beautiful young woman determined to remain in charge of her own life. For seven years, Gwen has carved out a full life in the bustling town of Bethlehem Springs, Idaho, where she teaches piano and writes for the local newspaper. Her passion for the town, its people, and the surrounding land prompt Gwen to run for mayor. After all, who says a woman can’t do a man’s job?

But stepping outside the boundaries of convention can get messy. A shady lawyer backs Gwen, believing he can control her once she’s in office. A wealthy newcomer throws his hat into the ring in an effort to overcome opposition to the health resort he’s building north of town. When the opponents fall in love, everything changes, forcing Gwen to face what she may have to lose in order to win.

My thoughts:

It’s been awhile since I’ve had the opportunity to read a historical novel by one of my favorite authors. A Vote of Confidence recently gave me that opportunity. Hatcher has written some great historical novels (i.e. the Coming to America series), but unfortunately, I thought that this one was a little flat.

There is no doubt that Hatcher can create very likable characters, as well as conjure up a great story. However, as much as I tried to enjoy the story, I found that it really had no originality. In fact, I struggled at times to get through the book because I knew how it would all turn out in the end.

In my opinion, some of Hatcher’s best works (besides the previously mentioned historical series) are her contemporary novels that deal with real issues (abortion, alcoholism, etc.). Most of her novels that I have read recently have just been fluff, and not what originally endeared me to this great author.

3 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  Yes

Book Review: The Trophy Wives Club by Kristin Billerbeck/3 Stars

About the book:

Haley Cutler is the consummate trophy wife. Perhaps was is the more accurate term. Haley married Prince Charming when she was only twenty—back in the day when highlights came from an afternoon at the beach, not three hours in the salon.

Unfortunately, after seven years as Jay Cutler's wife, a role that provided significance and what she thought was love, Jay walks out, and Haley finds herself with few life skills that translate to the real world, not to mention a sense of amnesia about who she used to be. But before Haley can find her way, she must meet with Jay's lawyer, the strikingly handsome Hamilton Lowe. Although she can't stand his self-righteous contempt for her divorce, she takes his suggestion to attend a group at his church called "The Trophy Wives Club," a Bible study composed of women who have been dealt a raw deal. Haley's never been into the whole Jesus thing but could really use some friends to walk her through this phase (how do you apply for a credit card anyway?).

As Haley begins to realize that she really can stand on her own two feet, she also learns that sometimes in losing we find the real reward . . .

My thoughts:

This is my third experience reading Kristin Billerbeck's books, and I can always count on her books to give me a good laugh. And while there's a good dose of humor in this book, The Trophy Wives Club deals with a very difficult topic: divorce. I cannot imagine being blindsided with a divorce after being married to a man I thought loved me, but apparently, never did. This is exactly what Haley Cutler experiences, and this book follows her journey of self-discovery.

Personally, I know I would've immediately reached for the tub of chocolate frosting as well as had a TV marathon with Maury and Judge Judy just like Haley did. But I also know that after a few days of doing that, I would realize that it's time to try to turn my life around. The good news for Haley is that she has a wonderful new group of friends from a local church--The Trophy Wives Club--who have experienced everything that she is just now getting a taste of. Through these great friends, Haley turns her life around dramatically, and has a few things handed to her that I thought weren't very realistic. Honestly, how many people do you know that have million-dollar condos that they don't live in, and will let you live there rent free? Not to mention, friends that have connections in the film industry, and just happen to have a job waiting for you?

Overall, I liked the premise of the story, and I definitely had a good laugh (blondes walking into walls is a hilarious mental image). But as I kept reading, this book slowly kept going downhill. In addition to the things I just mentioned, I have to admit that the ending ruined the book for me. I already knew how it would end, but I was so hoping for something different from everything else out there.

The Trophy Wives Club by Kristin Billerbeck was published by Avon Inspire and was released in 2007.

3 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  A little

Book Review: The Shack by William P. Young/3 Stars

About the book:

Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever.

In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant "The Shack" wrestles with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?" The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone you know to read this book!

My thoughts:

After reading this book, I can now see why it is so controversial. While I don't have the same opinions of it as some, I found the majority of the storyline to be completely relevant to the times we're living in today. There were times when I was reading and I just had to stop for awhile to let what I had just read soak in. What spoke to my heart the most was how much I, as a Christian, pass judgment on other people. It's been several days since I read the chapter that deals with that, and it's still not letting me go.

Two things I didn't care for.... 1) I'll admit that I did a double take when I read that God was a woman, but I understood why the author presented God in that way. And 2) I think it was completely unnecessary for swearing to be included in this book. There wasn't a lot, but it was more than I am comfortable reading when a book is labeled as "Christian fiction."

3 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

Book Review: Ruby Among Us by Tina Ann Forkner/4 Stars

About the book:

Lucy DiCamillo is safely surrounded by her books, music, and art–but none of these reclusive comforts or even the protective efforts of her grandmother, Kitty, can shield her thoughts from the mother she can barely recall. Lucy senses her grandmother holds the key, but Kitty seems as eager to hide the past as Lucy is eager to find it.

From the streets of San Francisco and Sacramento to the lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley, Lucy follows the thread of memory in search of a heritage that seems long-buried with her mother, Ruby.

What she finds is as enigmatic and stirring as it is startling in this redemptive tale about the power of faith and mother-daughter love.

My thoughts:

I generally shy away from reading books by a brand new author, but I was glad I made an exception in this case. Ruby Among Us is a positively beautiful story! I loved the vivid descriptions throughout the book of the gardens, the vineyards, and the town of La Roseleda itself. The author kept me turning the pages waiting to discover secrets that had been kept in this family for many years.

The only thing I thought lacking in this book was the Christian message, which was just far too subtle for my tastes. I noticed the themes of grace and forgiveness, but there was very little shared about personal relationships with Christ.

3 Stars

Southern? No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.