Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: ♥♥♥ Three and a half out of five hearts= good
A Victorian Ladies novel
About:
This is not the only thing weighing on Eleanor's mind, however. With her father gone and her uncle's health declining, she is the only one of her family left to manage Sheffield Brothers, and it seems as if their business is being targeted. And then there are the bill collectors, who keep coming to call...
Eleanor's life has suddenly become very complicated.
My Review:
Definitely a well-researched historical novel! Sandra Byrd has done her work with Lady of a Thousand Treasures, and it was really interesting for me to be introduced to the world of antiquities in the 1800's (a man's profession at that time). She is a master at introducing and pulling you in to a world from the past that you knew nothing about. I'm no Einstein when it comes to England's Victorian period so I may be wrong, but the facts seemed reliable and from the author's note at the end, it seemed that there was a lot of research involved.
The book (set in first-person, and only viewed through Eleanor's eyes, so you are uncertain whom to trust) also was good at keeping you on your toes. You may have an idea of who (if anybody) Eleanor will end up with at the conclusion, but as for me, I was never entirely sure. Just as the heroine must ask questions and try to figure out who is right, who is the true person in her life (like she does with the antiquities she examines and evaluates), you must also go with her on her journey and learn along with her the clues that will lead up to the ending.
Like I mentioned before, though, the book was set in first person. Which I've never totally been a fan of, but am slowly warming up to, if used right. It was used correctly here, to some degree, and made you unsure of the ending, pulled you into Ellie's mind and world. That also was a bad thing, though, because the dirty London streets, the Sheffield family's declining wealth and approaching doom coupled with the first person made me a bit depressed and claustrophobic at times and made me want to finish the book and move on to something else (call me weird, but that's how it was for me). Several scenes also tended to feel a bit slow as well.
In the end, no one can deny that Mrs. Byrd is a good writer, and you'll gain knowledge if you do decide to purchase and read this novel. It had its inspiring moments, and Eleanor Sheffield is a heroine you can admire.
Note: I got this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Description:
Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan’s great-grandmother was a guest at banker Howard Dawkins’ palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie’s great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage–and the fortune that might be hers.
When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate’s private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .
Description from lizjohnsonbooks.com
My Review:
This book combines several different elements I've always enjoyed in a book- a love for history, an old, historic setting, and a treasure hunt. Whether or not the so-called treasure Millie and Ben so desperately need is a real thing, or just the thoughts of an elderly lady whose mind is slipping, is called into question several times in the story. How can they know if it is even real? And can it even be found?
Millie and Ben's down-to-earth, relatable stories and lives are something I think most can relate to. They struggle to pay the bills, have cars that aren't always reliable and sometimes have trouble in believing in happy endings and love. And they just so happen to be on a treasure hunt- probably not something you will ever be able to do (sadly) but still, a fairly realistic treasure hunt all the same. It's also a motivating page-turner, making you want to read more and find out if all their hard work will pay off and a treasure be found. Pages from Millie's great-grandmother's journal, written in the 1930s, is also compelling motivation to keep reading. I really was rooting for all of the characters in the story, and reading the journal pages pulled me in even more. You can't help but hope for a happy ending, even if Millie isn't always sure she believes in one.
Liz Johnson always pulls a heartwarming contemporary tale, and this time is no different. Not everything that happens may be entirely something that you'd encounter in real life, the ending may be a bit too much of a sugar-sweet ending, but I'm a sucker for those.
Note: I got this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Note: I got this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Via Google Images
Several years ago, Go Teen Writers by Jill Williamson and Stephanie Morill was published. Now they are revising this awesome guide and republishing it, complete with a new cover!
I'm a little late to the game, but I thought it would be fun to participate in their cover reveal.
So here we go!
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I love the artsy, writer-ish look!
I'm no book writer, and I'm certainly not looking to get published at all (unless it's my illustrations in a children's book or something), but I've read most of my sister's copy of the original version of Go Teen Writers, and I found it really helpful in understanding the publishing world, as well as writing in general. It honestly was a big help as I critiqued my sister's novel, and also now as she tries to publish it. I can understand her techniques, the "rules" of publishing, how she plans on marketing her book and how I can help, etc. So I can honestly say, if you're a writer or just want to understand the publishing world, this is the perfect book for you! Seriously. It will help so much, especially if your goal is publication.
It will release November 2, but you don't have to wait until then to begin reading. Click the link to download three chapters, completely free!
Back Cover Description:
You know your first draft has problems, but what’s the best way to fix them? How do you know where to start editing? Or for many writers the bigger question becomes, “How do I know when I’m done?”
Popular bloggers Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson have been where you are, and they want to help you understand, and even come to love—yes, love—the editing process.
In this revised and updated edition of Go Teen Writers: Edit Your Novel, you’ll learn:
· Methods for efficiently editing your novel.
· What problems to look for in your manuscript and how to solve them.
· Where to start editing, and how to know when you’re done.
· How to keep track of your story’s character, storyworld, and setting details.
· How a critique group can help you.
· The pros and cons of traditional and self-publishing.
· An overview of pitching your novel and making writing your career.
· And much more!
Teaching yourself how to edit a first draft can feel hard, discouraging, and isolating. But using this guide, you’ll feel as encouraged, empowered, and capable—as if you had a writing coach sitting alongside you.
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What I've Been Up To AND Review: Hope Your Heart Needs by Holley Gerth
Tuesday, October 09, 2018
Looking back over my latest posts, I realize haven't blogged about anything for awhile, and I apologize. Life got crazy busy during the past month! I got a job at a popular fast-food restaurant and learning how everything works has been stressful and time-consuming, to say the least. Hopefully soon I'll have enough money, though, to start college courses! That's one of the main goals and reasons for this job. Plus there's the usual start of school for my siblings, and the usual day-to-day things that tend to get lost in the rush whenever things are busy.
So that's what I've been up to lately, and the reason for my absence. Hopefully soon I'll be more comfortable with work and everything and I'll have more time for things like this! But in the meantime, here are my thoughts on the awesome book I've been reading lately.
So that's what I've been up to lately, and the reason for my absence. Hopefully soon I'll be more comfortable with work and everything and I'll have more time for things like this! But in the meantime, here are my thoughts on the awesome book I've been reading lately.
Hope Your Heart Needs by Holley Gerth
All pictures via Holley Gerth's website
Genre: Non-Fiction
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ Five out of five hearts= Awesome!
About:
Are you longing for a someone who's stronger than you to fight for and care for you? Let Gerth introduce you to the Lover of your soul! Sharing 52 inspiring devotions, she reveals God's powerful yet tenderhearted nature through his many names. Meet the bread of life, tear-catcher, provider, potter, forgiver, and more.
Description from Christianbook.com
My Review:
Have you ever read that short devotional book that makes some good points, but you feel as if it's so short it didn't get as deep as you would like? Like the author only scratched the surface, and repeated things you already knew. Not Holley Gerth! I love the beautiful, lyrical way she puts things. Take this, for instance-
The God who scattered stars like diamonds across the velvet of the universe, the keeper of every sparrow, the maker of us all is inviting us to draw closer to Him. He is the place where our hearts can go on the hard days and the happy ones, in the highs and lows, when we are sad or frustrated or downright giddy. He is what we have been searching for all along.
(Excerpt via HolleyGerth.com)
Hope Your Heart Needs- the title really is appropriate for Mrs. Gerth's encouraging and heartfelt words, and the stories she shares. I love that she adds little bits from her life that remind her of God's different names, and it helps me see it in my own life. Each devotion is based on one of the names of God from the Bible, and has the verse she got it from, which I appreciated. The subject in and of itself was one I liked and was interested in reading about from the start.
Also, the cover is really cute, wouldn't you agree? It puts me in mind of sitting down to a quiet, inspirational chat and cup of tea (or coffee, my personal preference) with the author. Holley Gerth is good at that- making you feel as if, just by reading her book, you're already a good friend and have enjoyed several pleasant conversations.
Note: I got this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I had no idea The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, apparently a classic, even existed until I got lucky one day in our small local library. Scanning, once again, through the mostly speculative, vampire and raunchy-looking titles, I pulled apart two novels and found a smaller, unfamiliar one tucked in between them, out of sight. I never usually just pick up a book like that, one I know nothing about and decide to try it, but the plot sounded good and I figured if it was published in the '60s, it couldn't be that bad, right?
Amazon.com gives the book this description: No one ever said life was easy. But Ponyboy is pretty sure that he's got things figured out. He knows that he can count on his brothers, Darry and Sodapop. And he knows that he can count on his friends—true friends who would do anything for him, like Johnny and Two-Bit. But not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up on “greasers” like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect—until the night someone takes things too far.
I'm not sure how good my logic (where I was pretty sure the book would be clean) was, but I did end up borrowing and reading the novel, and found that it had a depth and interest that surprised me. I loved it, to be honest. It's not squeaky-clean in terms of content, but being about street-smart gang members, I guess you can't expect much less and I thought it was definitely cleaner than expected. I mean, I'd imagine it's kind of hard to portray that kind of life accurately without some content, and I appreciated the moments when "he cussed" or something like that came under my eye, instead of the actual cuss word itself.
There was just a depth I wasn't expecting tucked into those 180 pages of fairly-short novel. There is desperation in the greaser's lives, but Ponyboy, our main character, knows that things are still not hopeless and wants to aim for a life above robberies and gang fights. I also loved the bond between Ponyboy and his brothers, Darrel and Sodapop. Their family is far from perfect, but they're just your average brothers, despite being greasers, and they love and care for each other. The type of family they form with the rest of the gang was also a favorite aspect of mine. If one of them gets in trouble, the rest have his back.
And the movie.
I don't think I'd watch this one a whole lot- one of those once-in-a-while things because of content and also subject matter (never realized how violent the book was until I was seeing it in front of me...). I mean, it's about greasers (or hoods) and I guess you're going to have that stuff in it (not excusing it at all, just saying), so if you decide to watch it definitely expect it and look at the parental guidance beforehand (Here's the link to a good site- IMDB parental guide). I'm not sure why it was rated PG, it definitely should have been PG-13. But aside from all that, it was a good companion to the book.
It definitely skimped on some vital parts, and my mom, who didn't read the book, was kind of confused during certain scenes and especially during the beginning and end (apparently the extended director's cut was the one to see). The original version definitely bombed the end. But overall, as a reader and lover of the book, the movie brought to life the characters and locations I'd only imagined previously, and I liked seeing the book basically come to life in front of my eyes (minus the beginning and end, of course). Reading the book before watching the movie is definitely the way to go, in my opinion, because as good as the movie was, in this case, the book was still better.
But the story... I'm not sure why these kind of stories affect me so much. Maybe it's the outcast-brotherhood-never belonging thing, I seem to somehow like those stories above all others. I just really liked The Outsider's message of a better way of life, of love and sacrifice and staying gold.
It was also interesting to see so many now-famous actors like Tom Cruise, Rob Lowe and Matt Dillon in one of their beginning roles. They did their job excellently!
Of the movie I kind of have mixed feelings and while I liked it I can't actually recommend it to you without warning you to check the parental guide- it's definitely got some cautionary content. However, the book I can and will definitely recommend. Ponyboy's tale is definitely worth being a classic (and I will probably always get NeedtoBreath in my head singing "we are the outsiders" whenever I think of the book's title. Anybody else with me? ;) ).
So, tell me your thoughts! Have you seen the movie or read the book? How do you determine your watching choices if there's content but the message is good?
Pictures via Pinterest and Google Images
via google images
I'm a big fan of Jill Williamson's, so as you can imagine, I'm really excited to be participating in her cover reveal today! It's for the last book in her action-packed Mission League series, The Profile Match, which releases October 15. Are you ready?
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here we go.........
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Back-Cover Description:
When Spencer Garmond’s friend is kidnapped, the young Mission League agent-in-training decides he’s had enough. Determined to stop the criminals he suspects are responsible, he petitions the Los Angeles Field Office to give him the lead on the case. Now he’s investigating his favorite actress, the movie director who pretended to be his dad, and even his own uncle. Weird much?
As he struggles to find the connections between this unlikely group of suspects, he uncovers a clue that could create a worldwide scandal. When the Field Office steps in, Spencer realizes he’s not really in control of the investigation at all. Can Spencer trust God to bring about justice, or will his need to be in control jeopardize the very people he's trying so hard to protect?
Don’t miss this final installment in the award-winning Mission League series by author Jill Williamson.
I've gotta say, it looks, and sounds, like a pretty exciting ending for the series. The cover is definitely as awesome-looking as the description implies, isn't it? My younger brother has been enjoying some of the first books, so now he'll have to catch up on his reading so he can get to this new installment!
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Check it out!
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: Five out of Five hearts ♥♥♥♥♥
About:
When Tressa Harlowe's father dies unexpectedly, she and her mother are left wondering where the vast fortune he left is hidden. But they aren't the only ones looking for it- fortune hunters, even family members are keen to get it before anyone else. And Tressa isn't sure what to think about the unusual, yet dashing new vinery manager. Is he friend or foe?
My Thoughts:
Prepare for a romantic, slightly gothic tale whenever you read a Joanna Davidson Politano novel! She leads you on a mysterious journey through old England where the scenic is foggy and you don't know what will happen next. Needless to say, this was a good read.
Picture via Pinterest
Note: I got this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Biblical Adventure and Redemption: Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: ♥♥♥♥ Four and a half out of five hearts = excellent
About:
Ariadne has never known her mother's love and approval. It seems as though all she can do is gain her mother and grandfather's displeasure, and so when they try to pledge her hand to an abusive suitor, it is no hardship to leave them and escape to Corinth, the city of her father's residence.
It is only when she is here that Ariadne learns the secret that tore her family apart and sent her father to Corinth- he is the infamous Gentleman Thief of the city, who steals from rich citizens. Not long after, she finds herself mixed up in his escapades, and discovers that her amazing athletic ability greatly aides her and her father in their exploits.
However, it is the arrival of the apostle Paul that really shakes their household, and challenges what they've always believed. Could there be such a thing as a loving God who forgives all and only requires your obedience and love? After all Ariadne has known since childhood about the fragility of a parent's approval, how can she accept this new and life-changing teaching?
My Review:
Biblical fiction is a new genre for me, but I found that I liked the break from what I normally read. Tessa Afshar takes you on a journey into Ariadne's life and soon you're rooting for her to succeed- to help her father in their adventurous exploits (loved all their tumbles and escapes!), sort through relationship struggles and stay out of trouble.
What first intrigued me about the book was the cover. Caught in the midst of what looks like a rooftop escape, it captured my interest and really does look awesome. It fit the theme and content of the book really well.
The story is set in first-person, which, for once, was fine with me. I enjoyed learning about Corinth and Aridne's adventures from that point of view. She was an interesting character to dive into- from her love of running and her special ability with athletics, to her struggles with finding acceptance. The same goes for the other characters as well- their words and actions were realistic and engrossing and accurately historical, while also being relatable.
Paul's arrival in Corinth was fairly realistic, in light of what I know about him from the Bible. Not exactly as I imagine him, but all, I think, pulled from what you read about him in the New Testament. I will say he was a bit more mentor than anything else, so sometimes he did not feel like a real person, but it's always hard to put a real historical figure in a book and portray them properly.
I'd say the book was just about perfect- the only problems I'd mention are the one about Paul I spoke of earlier and also the fact that it seemed to get a little slower and less interesting as I got into the second half of the book.
Mrs. Afshar has led me on a culture-accurate journey through Bible times that I'm glad I got to be a part of. Thief of Corinth put a nice background for the Corinthians that I formerly knew hardly anything about and gave me a bit of insight into their world.
Picture via Pinterest
Note: I got this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Genre: Historical Romance
Book one in the Patchwork Family series
Rating: ♥♥♥♥ Four out of five hearts
Description:
Born an anomaly- one eye blue, the other brown- who would ever want Evangeline Hamilton? So whenever she's thrown together with two other unwanted fellow orphans, they become the kind of family they've been looking for.
It's years later, and Logan Fowler is on the path for justice. He's determined to make Zacharias Hamilton, the man who ruined his family's life, pay.... he's just not expecting the man to have such an irresistible younger sister. Her mismatched eyes put her apart from the crowd, it's true, but it's her unquenchable spirit and joy for life that really draw him in. How can he extract his version of justice without hurting her as well?
My Review:
No joke, I've been looking forward this book's release for months. Karen Witemeyer's novels never fail to make me smile, take me on an adventure and sigh with happiness at the end.
Evie Hamilton is an inspiring and unique character. I loved her energy, her zest for life, and the special connection she had with her adopted brothers. I love the idea of a patchwork family, and although Evie and her 'hero' brothers are far from perfect and aren't the best of families at times, their connection and love for each other makes up for it and holds them together. Logan is, basically, an intruder to all of that and I didn't like him too much at the beginning. His less-than-honorable motives near the start of the story made it hard for me to like him throughout the rest of it, actually. Evie and her brothers' prologue was perfection, and I think I could have related to Logan much more had he also had a prologue, showing a younger version of him and why things in his life affected him so.
Via Pinterest
The story in and of itself didn't pull me in so much, either. It felt more cliche and contrived than I'm used to seeing with the author. I absolutely loved the idea of the book- patchwork family, mismatched eyes, protective older brothers and mischievous younger sister.... and then what happens when said younger sister falls in love? Older brothers get even more protective, of course. I love stories like that, and I still loved those elements in the story and found parts of it endearing, but I couldn't enjoy the plot or adventure quite as much when it just kind of felt like it had been done before. I wasn't feeling the danger, the suspense- the stakes didn't feel very high.
This isn't going to stop me from eagerly anticipating the next book in the series (will it be about Zach? I'm hoping...)- I'm always going to love and look forward to the release of Karen Witemeyer's novels. I just wish the pace and plot had had a little something extra in it.
Note: I got this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Story Within the Fairytale: Lost in a Book, by Jennifer Donnelly
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Genre: YA fiction
Rating: ♥♥♥♥ Four out of five hearts= very good
About:
Everyone knows the story of Belle and her time in the Beast's castle- how she fell in love before the last petal fell, and found her own happily-ever-after. Based on the 2017 live-action Disney movie, this book tells the story of something that happened in between her capture by the beast and "the end". It's a hidden chapter, so to speak, of one of her unknown adventures in the Beast's castle.
Belle can't resist a good story. Books capture her and make her world a more special place- something she especially needs now that her life has been drastically altered by a mysterious Beast. Nothing is the same anymore, and she misses her father terribly. When the Beast gives her his library in an effort to cheer her, she's in awe of this wonderful room. Left by herself, however, she discovers a portal to a magical world inside a book, called "Nevermore". Will what she finds inside give her the freedom she craves- or bind her forever?
My Review:
I've always been in love with Disney's classic tale; the story of true love- not based on appearances, but on what really matters. So I just had to read Jennifer Donnelly's novel when I discovered it in our small local library- I mean, it's Disney, and is also very different from the romantic fiction I usually read.
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LOVE IS NOT FOR COWARDS.
-Agathe
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The characters are the same as you remember from the fairly recent 2017 live-action movie- witty, fun, and as always, extremely lovable and engaging. I really loved getting some "deleted scenes", in a way, of things that happened that weren't in the movie. There were some laugh-out-loud moments, sad ones, and heartwarming ones that make all good books what they are.
The Beast is the same as ever- he's been hurt and struggles with his anger, but his humor is still there somewhere. You can tell he's meant to be human, that he's a man on the inside, and his affection for Belle- not love just yet- is sweet.
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"You may not be a 'perfect friend', but you're a real one. And I'm lucky to have you."
- Belle
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Belle is also just about the same as the 2017 movie portrayed her, only a little deeper, I felt. She had a depth and heart the movie failed to portray.
Cogsworth, Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, Chip- they're all there too. I think all of your castle favorites made it into the story, although some of the original town characters were missing (rightly so, since this was about a missing chapter during Belle's time in the Beast's castle). There's also some new evil villains and eccentric, but awesome characters that did not appear in the original. I feel as though all this new material did not take away from the movie or original story (as I worried beforehand), but instead added layers to it, giving it more depth.
I was also surprised to find how many insights this book had. I wrote down all my favorite quotes to use in my review and discovered that I ended up with about ten, all extremely good ones. Whenever I first picked up the book, insight was not what I was expecting from a Disney novel, but that's what I got. I could include all of the "thoughts of wisdom" in this review, but I'll leave some for you all to find in case you ever decide to read the novel. I can't resist leaving a few, though...
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"We all make mistakes. The danger lies in letting those mistakes make us."
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I found that a lot of spiritual truths that the Bible teaches were strongly and positively portrayed and mentioned by several of the characters. Rare, I've found, especially for secular YA or Disney fiction. Some quotes even sounded as if they'd been directly paraphrased from Bible verses.
Love, true friendship and choosing the real world over those found in books (think, "The world is not in your books and maps "....) were three of the main themes I found while reading.
Love, true friendship and choosing the real world over those found in books (think, "The world is not in your books and maps "....) were three of the main themes I found while reading.
One of my only problems with the story was that- yes, it's still secular fiction- God was never really mentioned. You write your own story was the answer in a world that seemed a bit hopeless. I wish this had been different, of course, but still, the book was a lot better and more inspiring than I had initially imagined it would be.
Also, the Gothic feel was a bit against my liking - it was kind of weird at times, honestly.
I'm glad I picked up Lost in a Book, though. It lead me through a sweet but dangerous adventure in Belle's world and gave me a different kind of story to read, for a change. Plus, I now have several lovely new quotes to enjoy.
If you're a Beauty and the Beast fan and decide to try out this novel, tell me what you think! I'd love to know if you enjoyed the book and what your favorite quote was.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: ♥♥♥ three out of five hearts= okay
Book two in the Orphan Train series
About:
Marianne Neumann has a heart for the dirty and hungry orphan children of New York City, partly because she can relate to their story- her past wasn't all flowers and sunshine. Working with a local orphan society, her first placing trip is coming up. She'll be heading towards the West, stopping along the way to find homes for the children in her care. What her employer doesn't know, however, that part of the reason she's looking forward to this trip is to hopefully find for her long-lost sister, Sophie- whose loss Marianne feels responsible for. However, she didn't expect to be making this trip with charming fellow placing agent Andrew Brady.
Born into privilege, southerner Drew Brady hasn't told anyone about the past he's trying to flee. Working as a placing agent may not be the easiest job, but he's good at what he does, and he loves the kids- even the teens who seem bent on refusing his friendship. Plus, the trip will give him the opportunity to get to know the lovely Miss Neumann, whom he seems to feel a connection with.
Sure, Marianne and Drew share a strong attraction, but will it be enough to stand the test of their pasts?
My Review:
Despite the many Jody Hedlund books I've loved over the years, something felt off about this one. Maybe because I didn't read book one and therefore wasn't enmeshed into the Neumann family, which certainly could be part of the problem. It was also hard trying to figure out what had already gone on in the character's lives and how things fit in. Some may not have this problem, but I would recommend reading book one, With You Always, just in case, so you have a more enjoyable read.
As for the characters, I liked Drew's confident personality, and Marianne was fine too, but I still think I would have gotten more out of their characters (Marianne, anyway) if I'd read the previous book. I didn't feel very connected with them, and their problems and successes.
The writing also seemed choppier than Mrs. Hedlund's previous works. Like I said before, I feel as if I would be able to, perhaps, give this novel a better review had I read book one first (which, sadly, I was unable to do). But still, if a book grips me in the middle of a series, I just count that as a very good book. If you start a series from the middle, the book just has to work harder and be very good to get you into the action and characters (just my opinion), and Together Forever failed to do that. Sadly, then, I'm afraid my review hasn't been very positive so far. I wasn't hooked.
Of course, not everything was a disappointment- there were some good points to the novel as well. Drew was charming and energetic (my favorite character, although nothing was wrong with Marianne) and I enjoyed seeing how the orphans were placed out in 1800's America. It's always interesting to see how things were done way back when. And I am curious now to see how the series began, and also how it will end.
Hopefully I'll be able to read book one at some point and maybe then I'll have a different opinion. But as of now, my advice is, read book one before you try this novel. You may be more invested and better able to understand the happenings in the story.
Note: I got this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Girl's Guide to Conquering Life by Erica and Jonathan Catherman
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Genre: Youth-Nonfiction
Rating: Three out of five hearts ♥♥♥
Also available: The Girl's Guide to Conquering Middle School, The Manual to Manhood, The Manual to Middle School
Growing up presents you with so many new experiences, challenges and difficulties to sort through, The Girl's Guide to Life wants to help you along. Inside, you'll find instructions on many things, from how to throw a football to how to create a personal budget. And all the topics, from 'Guys & Dating' to 'Work & Ethics', are categorized so as to be found easily.
My Review:
I've always wanted a how-to guide on essential stuff like this. On growing up and getting older, I feel like Robin Hood BBC's character Much when I say, "There's so much to remember!" because it's true. This stage of life, from ages 13 to adulthood, can be so confusing, challenging, and hard. There are so many essential things to do and figure out, and this book does help you along with some of that. I think it may be especially helpful for those girls out there who maybe don't have parents to help them learn some of the stuff that's contained in this how-to guide, or maybe who do have parents but have conflicting schedules.
Some of my favorite how-to's were "how to behave during a police stop", "how to interview for a job" (since I had that one coming up in the near future shortly after I received the book) and the section on tools and fix-it, since I want to know some of these things for my own home someday. Mr. and Mrs. Catherman's instructions were clearly written and will, I think, be useful for me. I also liked the illustrations. At the beginning of each how-to, there is an illustration of a girl doing whatever it is you're about to learn. As one who likes to draw and is very visual, I always appreciate it whenever the illustrations are realistic and well-drawn, and I was admiring the way the girls and their different activities were portrayed (this may make no difference to you in whether or not you like a book, but how something looks visually is very important to me personally). Illustrations, if done well, can also help make a book more interesting, and I think these did their job well.
However, all that being said, I felt as if there were more skills I would have liked to have learned about, and felt that some in the book were unnecessary. The book was targeted toward teens, and as such, I felt that instructions such as how to make a bed, wash your hands, wash your hair, etc. were unnecessary. I don't know about all the teens out there, but I've known how to do those things since I was in grade school, and I'm pretty sure the vast majority of those out there have too. I think it would have been useful for some teens to have read about childcare, or some other such helpful things as that. If the unnecessary how-to's had been omitted, there could have been room for more, perhaps useful, things. I'm not saying this book won't be helpful for different people, I just think it could have been more helpful, more informative, if done a bit differently. During a lot of the book I felt as if I already knew a lot of what I was reading- the information was perhaps more appropriate for a middleschooler or young teen, although I did find some things (as I mentioned above) that seemed age-appropriate for a young adult instead. And also, if you're a conservative, you may not appreciate the 'girl power' stance that the authors seem to take.
So personally, I kind of have mixed feelings about this book. While some of the content may be helpful for me, it wasn't quite as nice as I was expecting.
Note: I got this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Journey into the Wild West: The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy
Wednesday, June 06, 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: Four out of five hearts ♥♥♥♥
Book one in the High Sierra Sweethearts series
About:
Trace Riley is the self-appointed watchdog for a wilderness trail, having been the lone survivor of an attack years before. Deborah Harkness now finds herself in a similar position, having been able to rescue only herself, her younger sister, and two small children from a slaughter. With winter just around the corner, they must depend on Trace, whose bachelor cabin is the only shelter around. Together they brave weather, marauders…and face mixed feelings about the day the ladies will leave.
Description from Christianbook.com
My Review:
I'll admit it- the adorable cover is a big reason why I read this book. It's just so irresistibly cute! I love the evening light, the little girl's smiling face, and the fact that the guy's face is turned away from the camera (it seems to add a bit of mystery to him and the way his head is tilted it looks as if he's watching out for her). And when I say the cover was a big reason I read this, I'm serious- I wasn't a fan of Mary Connealy's last Cimarron Legacy series, so I was leery about trying another Mary Connealy book. Suffice it to say, the cover does the story justice. I was not really disappointed in how it all turned out- the characters were funny at times without seeming cheesy, the wild west was shown with perfection (it's been too long since I've read a good western!), there was enough action and adventure, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest of the series will progress (and yes, I'm also really, really looking forward to seeing the next book cover...). Trace was probably my favorite of Mary Connealy's heroes, blending rough western man with sweetness and wanting to protect Deb and her little family. For some reason, however, I wasn't able to get into the characters and situations quite as much as I would have liked to, but oh well.
And I did find the bad guys a little cheesy at times; I wasn't quite in "fear" of them as I'd like to have been. There wasn't really anything that stood them apart from the average villain, and they didn't have much of a motive or backstory for their badness, but I don't mind that once in a while in a book, I suppose.
I also would have liked it if there had been more "Trace and children" scenes, or perhaps even just more "children and ranch hands" parts, but on the whole I was pleasantly pleased with this western tale (despite all the misgivings I had to begin with, and despite all the problems I keep mentioning). Trace's survival tactics and instincts, his love of the outdoors, the Lake Tahoe setting (which I've never seen in person, but we have pictures of my parents there), Deb and her sister's care of their little charges- it all combined to create a tale I can relate to as well as enjoy.
Note: I got this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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