The Bravest Princess by E.D. Baker

The Bravest Princess by E.D. Baker. Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 2014. 263p. (9781619631366) Series: Wide-Awake Princess, #3

I really enjoyed the first two books in the series, The Wide-AwakePrincess and Unlocking the Spell, but it’s been so long since I read them that I’ve forgotten the details of the story, including how Princess Annie and Prince Liam met. Which is rather important since they are engaged.

Goodreads Summary:

Sleeping Beauty's younger, non-magical sister, Annie, still can't rest while trouble in the [neighboring] kingdom threatens her good friend, Snow White. Snow White's evil stepmother has disappeared, and her father wants her married off right away--but who should she choose? How can she tell which prince is best? It's Annie and her good friend Liam to the rescue! A hilarious and and fantastical romp through a fairy tale landscape from beloved author E D Baker.

My Review:

The first 50-100 pages or so were a bit slow as the story focus mainly on Princess Gwendolyn’s wedding and then locking up Granny Bentbone who had been captured in the previous book (I assume). But once Annie and Liam got close to Snow White’s castle things got a lot more interesting.

The reason I enjoyed the first two books so much is the way so many fairytales were re-imagined and woven into the story. Sadly, that wasn’t the case with this one. Sure there were the several characters from different fairy tales but it lacked the creativity and charm of the previous books.

The adventure was interesting though and the reader is kept wondering where the wicked witch is hiding and who she might be disguised as. The 

Fairy tales very often have a simplistic and idealist view of love and marriage. I liked that the Snow White looked for more than a handsome face and a brave knight when choosing a prince. And that Annie and Liam were learning that love involves caring for the other more than oneself (and recognizing that in the other) and having the freedom to be themselves. Annie and Liam’s relationship was enjoyable and since this is a children’s book and the two are engaged there were a few times they kissed but that’s all that was said about it.

If you enjoy fairy tale retellings then you should read this series. If you enjoy children’s adventure and romance then this is also a book for you.

(View my rating system)

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon ($13.59 / $9.99); Buy it from Barnes & Noble ($13.86 / $10.49); Buy it from an Independent Bookstore near you 

(Hardback / Ebook Prices good as of October 24, 2014 always double check for yourself)

Disclosure: I borrowed this from the library (after purchasing it for the library). The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com or Independent Bookstores use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff

Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff. Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2013. 272p. (9780307977939)

Interest Level: 3-6 grade ; Reading level: 4.1

I saw this book this spring on another blog somewhere and thought it looked interesting and something that might appeal to the students at my school. The bonus was that I enjoyed it as well and it made a flight across the US pass by quicker.

Goodreads Summary:

In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse.

To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.

A Texas Bluebonnet Master List Selection, Rump is perfect for fans of Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted or Adam Gidwitz's A Tale Dark and Grimm.

My Review:

A fun middle grade story. At the beginning there were some phrases I thought didn’t flow, but either I got used to the author’s writing style or there were just two unfortunate editorial mishaps at the beginning.

The story kept me wondering how it would unfold and how Rump could untangle himself from the mess. Even though I know the classic story.

Very imaginative, enjoyable story. There are some jokes about Rump’s name that middle schoolers would find funny, but the author never let it go too far. This is one I’ll be buying for my school’s library and might consider as a read aloud for 3rd or 4th grade. 3.75 stars

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon ($14.04 hb / $5.06 pb / $4.81 eb); Buy it from Barnes & Noble ($6.99 pb / $6.99 eb); Buy it from an Independent Bookstore near you 

(Prices good as of June 26, 2014 always double check for yourself)

Disclosure: I borrowed this book from the library. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com or Independent Bookstores use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Surrender Bay by Denise Hunter

Surrender Bay by Denise Hunter. ThomasNelson, 2007. 298p. (9781595542571) Series: Nantucket, #1

I’ve read the other books in this series and finally got a chance to read the first book. You don’t have to read them in order as the characters don’t overlap. Just the setting, Nantucket island, is the same.

Goodreads Summary:

On the beautiful island of Nantucket, salt and roses scent the air, waves sparkle over hidden currents, and a storm-tossed soul seeks safe harbor.

When Samantha Owen's estranged stepfather dies, she inherits his cottage in Nantucket--a place she left years ago, never planning to return. As a single mom, Sam can't afford to pass up on a financial windfall like ocean-front property. So she travels home to fix up the house and sell it . . . never suspecting that Landon Reed still lives two doors down. As their long-dormant romance begins to bud again, Sam must face the fact that Landon still doesn't know why she left the island. Will the secrets she's hidden all these years tear them apart . . . or is Landon's love really as unconditional as he claims?

Denise Hunter weaves a heart-tugging tale of shattered trust and enduring love . . . all in a romantic seaside setting.

My Review:

For a good part of the book I was wondering if the author had decided to branch out into non-Christian fiction. The characters didn’t have active faiths if they had one at all, there was no mention of church or praying or anything you usually expect.

Nearing the end I realized that she was giving us a picture of what persistent, unconditional love looks like. So it’s a cool visualization of what Christ’s love is like, but if anyone misses the allegory I don’t think it’s a realistic portrayal of human love. Landon was too perfect.

I did enjoy the story though and was reminded that the life of a single mother is a difficult one – a good reminder to pray for the single mothers I know. Samantha who goes by Sam, was nicely written and as with all the books in this series, now I want to visit Nantucket.

There are a number of kisses and once when Sam gets drunk she makes some stupid decisions and goes home with a man. They get interrupted though and there aren’t a whole lot of descriptive details, but still I’d say this is for older teens and up.

Rating: I didn't like enough to say 4 butterflies (i.e. worth the read and reread) but it's not exactly a fluff book either...so, 3.5 butterflies

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon ($9.99 / $13.14 or $7.19); Buy it from ChristianBooks.com ($9.99 / $11.99 or $6.29); Buy it from Barnes & Noble ($9.99 / $7.99) 

(E-book / paperback prices good as of May 13, 2014 always double check for yourself. The second pb is the value edition.)

Disclosure: I borrowed this book from the library. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

A February Bride by Betsy St. Amant

A February Bride by Betsy St. Amant. Zondervan, 2014. 120p. ebook (9780310338291) Series: A Year of Weddings, #3

Another lovely cover and cute story in this year of weddings series!

Goodreads Summary:

Happily ever after guaranteed. Allie left the love of her life at the altar—to save him from a lifetime of heartbreak. When a Valentine’s Day wedding brings them back together, she struggles against her family’s destructive history. Can Allie ever realize that a marriage is so much more than a wedding dress?

History repeats itself when Allie Andrews escapes the church on her wedding day—in the same dress passed down for generations and worn by all the women in her family—women with a long history of failed marriages. Allie loves Marcus, but fears she’s destined to repeat her family’s mistakes. She can’t bear to hurt Marcus worse.

Marcus Hall never stopped loving Allie and can only think of one reason she left him at the altar—him. When the two are thrown together for his sister’s Valentine’s Day wedding, he discovers the truth and realizes their story might be far from over.

Can Allie shuck expectation and discover who she is as a bride and in the Bride of Christ? And if she ever walks down the aisle, what dress will she wear?

My Review:

This was a fun read but it doesn’t stick in my memory as much as the previous two books in the series do. It was easy to empathize with Allie but I also wanted to talk some sense into her. Fortunately her best friend, Hannah, and Hannah’s mom are there to do just that.

In a neat twist it is Hannah’s brother that Allie loves and has dumped. Which of course means that it is her once future mother-in-law to be that is showing love and sharing good advice. I enjoyed this novella and look forward to reading some of Betsy St. Amant’s other books.

3.75 stars

Go read it! Buy it from Amazon ($3.79); Buy it from ChristianBooks.com ($3.69); Buy it from Barnes & Noble ($3.99)

(Prices good as of March 23, 2014 always double check for yourself)

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes (Book Cover Bingo - Mask)

A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes. Revell, 2011. 351p. (9780800734664) Series: The Daughters of Bainbridge House, #1

This book has been waiting on my Kindle for quite a while and since I needed a book with a mask on the cover for the Book Cover Bingo game I finally read it.

Goodreads Summary:

When young widow Lady Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreamed he would turn up in her parlor. But just as the London Season is getting under way, there he is, along with a few other questionable personages. While she should be focused on helping her headstrong younger sister prepare for her entrance at her debutante ball.

Readers will enjoy being drawn into this world of elegance and intrigue, balls and masquerades. Author Laurie Alice Eakes whisks readers through the drawing rooms of London amid the sound of rustling gowns on this exciting quest to let the past stay in the past and let love guide the future.

My Review:

Overall this was an enjoyable read and the mystery kept me guessing. The reader knows just as much as Lydia in regards to who is trying to deceive her and who is on her side. The events leading up to the conclusion to the mystery seemed a bit farfetched, but it was interesting and quite exciting.

I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the life of upper society in London in 1812. The author did a great job explaining the expectations of society and the work that was involved in getting ready for all those events. Yes, it would be fun to wear some of those gowns but they also required a lot of work and were rather cumbersome.

Lydia’s younger sisters play important parts in this book which sets up later books in the series quite well. When Cassandra started to take an interest in hot air balloons I knew immediately that A Flight of Fancy was in this series. Always did admire that cover so now I have another reason to read it.

If you enjoy mystery with a dash of romance set in early Regency England, then this is a book for you.

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Buy it from ChristianBooks.com (only $2.99 as of 1/18/14); Buy it from Barnes & Noble

Disclosure: I own this ebook. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

An Untamed Heart by Lauraine Snelling

An Untamed Heart by Lauraine Snelling. Bethany House, 2013. 348p. (9780764202032) Series: Red River of the North, Prequel

When I was done I jotted down a few quick thoughts before turning out my light and one of those thoughts was it’s “almost as if this was a prequel telling us Ingeborg’s story.” And I was completely right, I just didn’t know it.

Make sure you understand that this is a prequel before starting the book, because otherwise it’ll really drag and you’ll dislike the ending – it’s such an abnormal romance novel ending. But if you’re familiar with the series then I suspect you know what happens.

Goodreads Summary:

Twenty-year-old Ingeborg Strand is certain she is destined to be an old maid. She's had several suitors but none she deemed worthy of spending her life with. That is, until she meets a university student from Oslo, and feelings stronger than friendship begin to develop between them. But tragedy strikes, and the future begins to look bleaker than ever.

Grief settles heavily over Ingeborg, and her mother suggests that she leave Norway and start afresh in America, as so many others have done before her. But how will she accomplish that with little money and no one to accompany her?

It isn't long before she meets Roald Bjorklund, a widower who has been planning to go to America for some time, lured by the promise of free land. He's a good man, a hard-working man--and he has a young son who desperately needs a mother. He's clearly interested in Ingeborg, but is he the answer to her prayers? And what about love? This isn't how she's always imagined it.

Ingeborg Strand has a heartrending decision to make...

My Review:

I have not read the Red River of the North series, I’m not familiar with them at all actually. Each book has a 4+ average rating on Goodreads, so they must be good. All that to say I think it’d be better if you were familiar with the series before reading this book.

I thought the pace of the overall story was slow and steady except for Nils’ accidents, but the speed of time passing varied quite a bit. The author lingered over the first summer up at the seter and then the rest of year passed fairly quickly until the next summer and that one flew by in a few paragraphs. And the conclusion felt rather sudden and some things never were resolved. (Example: Why did her mom seem to dislike her? I thought Ingeborg was making too big a deal over that at times, but the author kept bringing it up.)

When I started the book it’d been a while since I read a summary or another blogger’s review but my vague idea of what the book was about – Ingeborg possibly having to marry a widower with a baby and go to America was very misleading. That choice doesn’t arrive until the last few chapters and in the mean time we learn a ton about Norwegian farming practices.

Image source: A real seter

Which was quite interesting but not what I was expecting. The explanations of cheese making and life up at the seter were a bit too much in depth but it does give you a very good idea of a farmer’s family’s life in Norway in the late 1800s. In case you’re wondering, a seter is a cabin up in the mountains with fields nearby for the sheep and cows to graze and the teens and kids live up there alone all summer making cheese, sheering sheep, carding, spinning and weaving the wool, making hay, and doing all the farm chores necessary to care for the sheep and themselves. It reminded me of Heidi’s grandfather’s home in the Alps in a way.

If you love the Red River series then I’m guessing you’ll want to read this book, and if you want to learn more about rural life in Norway in the 1800s this would be a good choice.

3.5 stars

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Buy it from ChristianBooks.com; Buy it from Barnes & Noble

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley

Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley. Thomas Nelson, 2013. 327p. (9781595549723) Series: The Brides of Last Chance Ranch, #3

I featured this book on a Waiting for Wednesday post. The cover is what caught my eye first. How many ladies pour tea while holding a revolver behind their back?  This is the third book in a series and I haven’t read the first two, though they are on my TBR list. I didn’t have any trouble reading this as a standalone book.

Goodreads Summary:

In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life.

When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom – an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch.

But she isn’t the only one there with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggert is working the scene undercover as well. And although their true identities are a secret, it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the spark that flares between them.

But neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn’t removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they come to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets – and no one on the ranch is safe.

But neither are their hearts – the longer Miranda and Jeremy spends working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers – and their lives – depend on solving this case. Love will have to wait.

My Review:

I enjoyed this story but as evidence by the fact that I finished the book probably a month ago and am just now getting around to writing the review, I didn’t completely love it. Problem is I don’t know why.

The plot moved along at a good pace and certainly started off exciting. A dead person gets shot during his memorial service. The excitement continues with a train robbery and a very feisty old lady. Not to mention the mystery that Miranda is trying to solve.

The characters are fun. Especially Miss Walker. I hope she’s in the first two books because I’d love to get to know her better! The interactions between Miranda and Jeremy were very enjoyable and I certainly laughed several times. The few people we got to know in town were also well written. Again, I hope some of them are in the first two books.

The plot is good, the mystery keeps you turning the pages and the characters are fun. As of my writing this the book has a 4.43 star average from 58 ratings on Goodreads so plenty of people have loved this book, but it didn’t quite capture my interest. Though I’ll still read the other books in this series at some point.

If you like western detective stories, especially ones involving female sleuths and the Pinkerton Detective Agency then take a look at this book.

3.5 stars

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Buy it from ChristianBooks; Buy it from Barnes and Noble

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears

Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears. Bethany House, 2013. 336p. (9780764211683) Series: A Bride for Keeps, #1

A debut novel that I enjoyed but also didn’t quite like something about. Took me a quite a while to figure out what that was too. But I’m still looking forward to the author’s future work since just about everybody improves over time.

Goodreads Summary:

Although Everett Cline can hardly keep up with the demands of his homestead, he won't humiliate himself by looking for a helpmate ever again--not after being jilted by three mail-order brides. When a well-meaning neighbor goes behind his back to bring yet another mail-order bride to town, he has good reason to doubt it will work, especially after getting a glimpse at the woman in question. She's the prettiest woman he's ever seen, and it's just not possible she's there to marry a simple homesteader like him.

Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiancé. Having finally worked up the courage to leave her life in Massachusetts, she's determined to find a place where people will value her for more than her looks. Having run out of all other options, Julia resorts to a mail-order marriage in far-away Kansas.

Everett is skeptical a cultured woman like Julia could be happy in a life on the plains, while Julia, deeply wounded by a past relationship, is skittish at the idea of marriage at all. When, despite their hesitations, they agree to a marriage in name only, neither one is prepared for the feelings that soon arise to complicate their arrangement. Can two people accustomed to keeping their distance let the barricades around their hearts down long enough to fall in love?

My Review:
When I read the summary I wanted to read this because ever since reading the Love Comes Softly series I have loved mail-order bride and marriage of convenience stories. I was expecting this to be similar to many that I’ve read. Woman needs home, man needs help with home. 

What I wasn’t expecting was the intense physical attraction Everett felt for Julia. Guess it makes sense for someone who has had to wait eighteen years to finally marry and whose wife is quite beautiful. But while he managed to squelch those feelings and turn away (most of the time), I felt like it detracted from the story a bit. To me it didn’t feel like he was loving, just lusting, even though his actions were considerate and he kept his distance. But then, they were married and physical attraction is certainly a good thing in marriage.

Image from http://www.log-cabin-adventures.com

I guess what it boils down to is his incredibly terrible timing. I mean, kissing her on the roof? Really, how dangerous is that. Course that does lead to an important plot twist… But then there’s when he kisses her after she prays. I know, I know. You’re thinking ‘well what’s so wrong with that?’ Nothing really, except for his behavior towards her leading up to that point made it seem like he was taking advantage of the situation.

Even though he wasn’t exactly, his heart and attitude toward her had changed and become way more caring, forgiving and loving. I wish we could have gotten to watch the change during those weeks after the accident rather than be told about it in hindsight. And come to think of it he showed admirable restraint during that whole time.

On the flipside, I did like the storyline of Julia having to overcome her belief that the only reason any man and even God would want her is because of her good looks. (I know, I can’t really have it both ways can I.) Julia’s plucky spirit, determination to work hard and willingness to learn make her a very engaging character. It makes the reader root for her to overcome her past and for Everett to quit being such a quiet fool.

And I think I just figured out why I didn’t like this book as much as I thought I would (high expectations are a lousy thing). I wanted to like Everett more than I did. I wanted to love him. I loved Julia and all the other characters. I even like what the despicable neighbor contributed to the plot. Now mind you, I don’t like him, but he does add to the story.

But I just didn’t completely love Everett. You know he’s a good guy; funny, hard working, caring. And you also know that he’s had a rough time finding a bride and is a little distrustful (ok, that’s an understatement) of mail order brides. You know he’s good looking and is an excellent nurse. But for all that, I still only ended up liking him and not loving him.

So there you have it. I loved the girl and the cast, enjoyed the story, but only liked the guy. It’s an enjoyable read while still dealing with some heavy issues. A clean romance even though there are a few kisses and more is clearly desired. If you enjoy mail-order bride stories, fiction set on the 1870s Kansas prairie or stories about forgiveness and overcoming mistrust, then you just might like this one.

3.75 stars 

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Buy it from ChristianBooks.com; Buy it from Barnes and Noble
And be sure to check out Melissa Jagears' website and pinterest boards. Both are full of great information.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Safe in His Arms by Colleen Coble

 Safe in His Arms by Colleen Coble. ThomasNelson, 2013. 320p. (9781595549143) Series: Under Texas Stars, #2

Last year I read book one in this series, Blue Moon Promise, and while I didn’t love book one, I did enjoy it enough to want to find out what happens to other characters in the story.

Goodreads Summary:

Born and raised on sprawling Texas land, Margaret O’Brien prides herself on her competence as a rancher. But her father believes she’s made for more than just dawn-to-dusk work. He wants her to have the love of a good man, to raise children, to build a life. But Margaret gave up such dreams years ago. She’s convinced no man would have her, that the ranch is her life now.

So when Margaret’s father hires Daniel Cutler as a new foreman, she’s frustrated and suspicious. Then an overheard conversation links him with a gang of bank robbers, and she’s downright worried. Daniel swears he’s not involved, but Margaret’s not convinced. She knows the man still has secrets. But would a criminal be so kind and talk so convincingly of his faith? As a series of tragic “accidents” threatens all she holds dear, Margaret must decide what to trust: her own ears, her best judgment . . . or what her heart keeps telling her.

My Review:

Interesting observation: the girl on the book cover on the Barnes & Noble site has different color hair than on any other site.

First off I need to confess that I read this book back in March and I still haven’t written the review. I know, I’m sure you’re thinking what a terrible prompt reviewer I am. But I guess I just didn’t love this book as much as I was hoping or expecting too and thus just put it off. I did manage to give it 3 stars on Goodreads though.

Which makes it really hard to go back and write the review now. [Takes a break to go skim most of book.] Ok, I’ve read with a tad of skimming 33% and I’ve got to admit I’m hooked again. I remember how some things turn out but can’t remember the details. Guess I’ll be up late tonight reading the rest of it after I post this. :-)

The story draws you in and it’s easy to picture Margaret’s ire with Daniel. The characters are well rounded and biblical truths are gently woven in.

The author is known for suspenseful fiction and this is no exception. There are several mysteries that are waiting to be figured out and most of them swirl around Daniel. It’s nice having his point of view as well. Though that just adds to the mystery.

If you suspenseful, historical, Christian romance then this book and most of the author’s other books are worth checking out.

3.5 stars

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Buy it from ChristianBooks.com; Buy it from Barnes & Noble

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

The House that Love Built by Beth Wiseman

The House that Love Built by Beth Wiseman. Thomas Nelson, 2013. 320p. (9781595548894)

This was a new to me author and I wasn’t quite sure how much I would enjoy the story based on the summary. Happily I had no cause for concern and quite enjoyed Broke and Owen’s story.

Goodreads Summary:

Brooke has only loved one man. Owen's heart is filled with bitterness. Can a mysterious house bring them together for a second chance at love?

In the small town of Smithville, Texas, Brooke Holloway is raising six-year-old Meghan and ten-year-old Spencer on her own two years after her husband's death. Being a single-mom and running the family's local hardware store keep her busy.

While Meghan longs for a daddy, Spencer has threatened to run away if Brooke even goes out on a date. But the last thing on Brooke's mind is falling in love. When a stranger moves to town and buys a house with a mysterious past, Brooke can't contain her curiosity. As she spends time with the new owner, she wonders if maybe God is giving her another chance at happiness.

Owen Saunders fled the big city to start over in a small, rural town famous for baking the world's largest gingerbread man. Then he bought an old house to restore-for all the wrong reasons. If anything needs restoration, it is Owen's heart in the aftermath of his failed marriage. With little hope and lost faith, Owen is tempted by happiness when he meets Brooke, but his heart remains sealed shut.

As they learn more about Owen's house, one thing becomes obvious to both of them: God has put them together for a reason.

My Review:

There were so many stories woven into the plot – yet it wasn’t overwhelming as the stories are woven together quite seamlessly and make the tale a lot richer.

I really liked the mystery surrounding the house and the restoration work that was part of the story; those aspects (and a few other plot twists) kept it from becoming a ‘grieving man meets grieving woman and fall in love while helping heal each other’ story.

While writing this review I ended up rereading most of the books since I originally read this back in the spring. And I enjoyed getting to visit again with Brooke and Owen and Hunter and the rest of the characters. There’s a fair amount of kissing but it’s not described in any swoon-inducing detail, just simply and sweetly stated.

This is Christian fiction but it’s not the preachy kind and I almost wish there had been a little bit more about God and/or the Bible. Both Brooke and Owen are mad at God for various reasons and have let their faith take a back burner so there really isn’t much in the story until the end.

If you enjoy sweet, clean, contemporary romance stories where the characters overcome bitterness and difficult situations in their past then you might enjoy this one.

I'd rate it 3.5 butterflies, but since I haven't added .5's into my scale yet I'll let you figure out what falls in between 'It's a fluff book - no real substance, but a fun read' and 'Worth the read and the re-read'.

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Buy it from ChristianBooks.com; Buy it from Barnes & Noble

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.