WoW #44: A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd
Series: Whispers on the Moors, #3

Thomas Nelson, October 2014

About
Willowgrove Hall is full of secrets, but soon everything hidden is brought to light.

Cecily Faire has a secret—and she intends to keep it. But when she arrives at Willowgrove Hall to serve as a lady’s companion, she comes face-to-face with the only person who knows the truth about her past.

As the steward of Willowgrove Hall, Nathaniel Stanton is dedicated to serving those around him. Nothing escapes his notice—including the beautiful new lady’s companion. He is certain the lovely Miss Faire is hiding something, and he determines to uncover it. But Nathaniel has a secret of his own: he is the illegitimate son of Willowgrove’s former master. Falling in love was not part of his plans . . . until he meets Cecily Faire.

When Willowgrove’s mistress dies, everything changes. Fear of exposure forces Cecily to leave under the cover of darkness, embarking on a journey to finally find her long-lost sister. When the will is read, Nathaniel’s inheritance makes him question his future plans. Cecily and Nathaniel are forced to make decisions that will change the course of their lives. Is their love strong enough to survive?

Why I want to read it

I read the first book in the series, The Heiress of Winterwood and enjoyed it. That book is the author's debut novel so I'm looking forward to seeing how she's progressed as a writer. Book two in the series has been on my TBR and now this one is joining it on the list. Plus the mystery is quite intriguing.

Pre-order it:

Amazon ($11.95 / $9.99) and ChristianBooks ($11.99 / $9.99) and Barnes and Noble ($11.95 / $9.99)
Prices are good as of June 4, 2014 for pre-ordering the paperback/ebook edition. Please double check for yourself.

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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 Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen. Bethany House, 2014. 419p. (9780764210709)

Even though it started out slow this is another enjoyable Regency tale from Ms. Klassen. I was expecting it to be like The Tutor’s Daughter or some of her other books in that it drew heavily from Austen or the Brontes, but it didn’t as far as I could tell.

Goodreads Summary:
Finding himself the man of the family, London dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire, hoping to start over. But he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing, for reasons buried deep in her past.

Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch's daughter. Though he's initially wary of Julia Midwinter's reckless flirtation, he comes to realize her bold exterior disguises a vulnerable soul--and hidden sorrows of her own.

Julia is quickly attracted to the handsome dancing master--a man her mother would never approve of--but she cannot imagine why Mr. Valcourt would leave London, or why he evades questions about his past. With Alec's help, can Julia uncover old secrets and restore life to her somber village. . .and to her mother's tattered heart?

Filled with mystery and romance, The Dancing Master brings to life the intriguing profession of those who taught essential social graces for ladies and gentlemen hoping to make a "good match" in Regency England.

My Review:
The first half of the book was rather slow going and it took me several days to get through the book – it’s rather long at 419 pages. But at the end events were moving quicker, village and manor secrets were finally being reveled and explained the unofficial rule against dancing.

I liked Alec and his determination to look after his mom and sister and yet try to use his talent for teaching dancing and fencing. Though I thought he made some poor choices in where he practiced his dance steps and how he interacted with Julia. It didn’t make much sense for him to like her as much as he did.

Julia could be a Lydia Bennet in the way she went after what she wanted and didn’t care about societies rules. It took a while for me to like her but she did a lot of growing up over the course of the book and that was well written.

There was a fair amount of kissing, nothing more though; quite a bit of deceiving parents, but also chivalrous behavior (I especially liked the parts with Walter and Tess), the desire to right the wrongs of the past and a sense of fun about the young people that the story revolves around.

3 stars simply because I probably won’t reread it or parts of it (which is what 4 stars means)

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon ($11.26); Buy it from ChristianBooks.com ($9.99) ; Buy it from Barnes & Noble ($11.26)
(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.

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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.

Fortress of Mist by Sigmund Brouwer (Book Cover Bingo - Fog)

Fortress of Mist by Sigmund Brouwer. WaterBrook Press, 2013. 217p. (9781400071555) Series: Merlin’s Immortals, #2

Almost a year ago I read book one in this series, The Orphan King. That book ends rather abruptly and you know there’s a lot more to the story. The same almost happens with this book, it leaves you waiting for book three. Which fortunately is in the library, so I don’t have to wait. :-)

This series is a revised and expanded version of The Winds of Light series which has 4+ average ratings on Goodreads. I haven’t read that series but my sister did and when she started reading this series she recognized the story and stopped reading (in favor of something she hadn't read before). So if you think the story sounds familiar that might be why.

Goodreads Summary:

Following Thomas' conquest of Magnus, the young ruler must now lead his people into a new era - one which is sure to reveal dark forces at work behind the evil undercurrent that controlled Thomas' kingdom for so long. Who will stand with Thomas to fight against the mysterious Druids? After being abandoned by Sir William, of his remaining "adopted family," who can he trust? Can he trust either Katherine or Isabelle with his secrets-or his heart?

My Review:

Thomas has grown up quite a bit now that he has to rule Magnus and look after the populace all while trying to solve the mystery of Magnus. He also needs to figure out who the people of the Symbol are, what they want, and why the cloaked man opposes them and figure out what he wants.

Bodiam Castle is the castle image used on the cover of the book even though it was built after the story takes place and is located in Southeastern England
It's a lovely old castle and moat though.
(Image from Wikipedia)

There’s lots of mystery but the reader knows who to cheer for even if we don’t know why exactly either group is so interested in Thomas and Magnus. We do get to see more of the workings of the two group members but that only serves to arouse the reader’s curiosity and makes one anxious for Thomas to make the right choices.

I liked the drama with the Earl of York and the campaign against the Scots. While it took the story away from Magnus, Thomas was still surrounded by the mystery of the Symbol and the opposing group.

I think that teens would enjoy this series; some of the themes might be too complex for preteens and having some early British history would help place the time period and way of life in a clearer context. I would also recommend reading the books in order.

If you like adventure and mystery, especially if it’s set in 1300s England then this is a tale for you.

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 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.

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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.

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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.

WoW #36 : The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

Bethany House January 2014

About
Leaving London, dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire--but is stunned to discover that dancing is prohibited! He finds an unlikely ally in Miss Julia Midwinter, but her questions about his past are becoming harder to evade. Together, can they bring new life to this quiet village--and heal long-kept-secret scars?

Why I want to read it

Julie Klassen writes great historical fiction inspired by Austen and the Bronte sisters. I can't wait to find out which story snippets she wove into this tale!

Pre-order it:

Amazon and ChristianBooks and Barnes and Noble

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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.

Book Cover Bingo: Candle - The Merchant's Daughter

The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson. Zondervan, 2011. 272p. (9780310727613)

I reread this last week as part of the Book Cover Bingo game I’m participating in the Goodreads group Christian Fiction Bloggers. The book had to have a candle on the cover and if you look closely there are six candles on the shelf behind her.

This book is actually the first book I reviewed for this blog, you can read my first impressions here. And I obviously enjoyed it so much I decided to reread it. More particularly because Melanie’s newest book, The Captive Maiden, releases this month.

Goodreads Summary:

An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice. Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf's bailiff---a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past. Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

My Review:

What new thoughts can I share about this book? Last time I was struck by all the Beauty and the Beast tie-ins. Those are obviously still there, but this time I think I simply enjoyed the story of a young woman who is trying to do the right thing despite her family’s laziness and put-on airs.

Annabel also is doing her best to avoid and discourage unwanted attention from a man old enough to be her father. In the time that this story takes place, England in 1352, women couldn’t exactly sue because of sexual harassment. Then as sadly even now people often say that the girl bears some blame if she is raped (doesn’t happen in this story!) or harassed. Which is why Annabel’s plight is so precarious and she isn’t sure whom she can or should trust.

This book is more than just a classic fairy tale retelling and an excellent one at that; it speaks to the plight of women, glories in the joy of getting a chance to read the Holy Scriptures (especially in a time when books were rare and very expensive), and draws you into life at medieval manor house under construction.

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 from the library. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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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.

WoW #32: The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd
Series: Whispers on the Moors, #2

Thomas Nelson Dec 2013 or Jan 2014

About
Bright, sensible Patience knows what is expected of her. At twenty-five, her opportunity for a family of her own has passed, so she finds contentment teaching at her father's school for girls. When her father dies suddenly and her brother moves away to London, she is determined to keep her father's dream alive.

Confirmed bachelor William Sterling also knows what is expected of him, but mistake after mistake has left him teetering on ruin's edge. As master of Eastmore Hall he owns a great deal of land but possesses little money to manage the upkeep. He is desperate to find a new source of income, including the sacrifice of land connected to Rosemere.

When her brother returns with a new wife to take over management of the school, Patience is heartbroken to no longer be responsible for her beloved school and is forced to reassess God's purpose for her life.

Why I want to read it

There's more to the description but I felt it gave away too much of the story. I admit it's a fairly predictable sounding plot, but it still sounds interesting and the cover has an air of mystery about it. Plus, I did read book one in the series The Heiress of Winterwood and enjoyed it.

Pre-order it:

Amazon and ChristianBooks and Barnes and Noble

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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.

WoW #30: The Governess of Highland Hall

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky
Series: Edwardian Brides, #1

Multnomah Books October 2013

About
Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help?

Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.

Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.

While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?

Why I want to read it

It's not often that you read fiction with missionaries (or former missionaries) in it. Also governess stories are usually a lot of fun.

Pre-order it:

Amazon and ChristianBooks and Barnes and Noble

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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.

WoW #27: A Reluctant Courtship by Laurie Alice Eakes

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

A Reluctant Courtship by Laurie Alice Eakes
Series: The Daughters of Bainbridge House, #3

Baker - October 2013

About
A woman without a prospect. A man without a homeland. Can love give them a future

Honore Bainbridge has been courted by two men, one of whom turned out to be a traitor, the other a murderer. Banished to her family's country estate, where she will hopefully stay out of trouble, she finally meets the man she is sure is exactly right for her: Lord Ashmoor. Tall, dark, and handsome--what more could a girl ask for?

But he too is under suspicion because of his American upbringing and accusations that he has helped French prisoners escape from Dartmoor Prison. If he's to keep out of a British prison himself and secure his place in British society, Lord Ashmoor needs a wife beyond reproach--something the vexingly beautiful Honore certainly is not. Though they find themselves drawn to each other, family obligations may conspire to keep them apart forever.

For the sake of her heart, Honore determines to prove Ashmoor's innocence--even if doing so risks her own life.

From the first sentence, award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes thrusts you into high drama amid the rocky cliffs of Devonshire, England, and keeps you suspended there until the final page.

Why I want to read it

Books one and two, Necessary Deception and Flight of Fancy looked quite interesting and Flight had a memorable cover. Both are on my TBR list and this one will certainly join them. This doesn't sound like a dull tale and now I'm curious how the author works everything out.

Where you can find it

Amazon and ChristianBooks and Barnes & Noble

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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 Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah E. Ladd

The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah E. Ladd. Thomas Nelson, 2013. 320p. (9781401688356) Series: Whispers on the Moors #1

Quite the adventure! I’d forgotten any details from the summary when I started reading this and was not expecting all the turmoil and danger that ensued.

Goodreads Summary:

Pride goes before the fall . . . but what comes after?

Darbury, England, 1814

Amelia Barrett, heiress to an ancestral estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend’s infant baby. She'll risk everything to keep her word—even to the point of proposing to the child’s father, Graham, a sea captain she’s never met.

Tragedy strikes when the child vanishes with little more than a sketchy ransom note hinting to her whereabouts. Fear for the child’s safety drives Amelia and Graham to test the boundaries of their love for this infant.

Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she examines her soul and must face her one weakness: pride.

Graham’s strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline.

Both must learn to accept God’s sovereignty and relinquish control so they can grasp the future He has for planned for them.

My Review:

What seemed to start out as a potential marriage-of-convenience story turned into a tale of two people learning to let go and accept God’s plan, guidance and forgiveness. I really enjoyed the spiritual development of both Amelia and Graham.  

Amelia Barrett has lost many loved ones and is determined to do everything in her power not to lose little Lucy. At times it was hard to reconcile her independence and even defiance of her uncle and fiancé with my general impression of women of that era and also with Amelia herself. I really enjoyed her but at times things seemed a bit off.

Captain Graham Sterling was a great hero, full of flaws, wanting to do right. The spark between him and Amelia was fun to read. I wish we could have learned more about his childhood, I think that would have helped explain his brother’s behavior and the tension between the two men.

I also wish Helena, Amelia’s cousin, had been further developed. She didn’t seem to be the same person at the beginning and the end (and that’s not due to any character development, she just suddenly seemed to be someone else). For all that it still is an enjoyable read.

This is a debut novel that came about after the author won the Historical Romance category of the Genesis contest in 2011. The Genesis contest held by ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) is for unpublished Christian fiction authors. Quite glad she won and it appears as though this is the beginning of a series.

(Not sure if it's worth a re-read, but it's an enjoyable story with some good lessons)

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

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher through 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. 

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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 Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen

The Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen. Bethany House, 2013. 412p. (9780764210693)

I have greatly enjoyed Julie Klassen’s books, especially The Maid of Fairbourne Hall. This one is a delightful mix of Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters; all very intentional on the author’s part.

Goodreads Summary:

Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father regain his spirits when his academy fails, agrees to travel with him to the distant Cornwall coast, to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But after they arrive and begin teaching the younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen and danger mounts. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte, only to find the music room empty? Who sneaks into her room at night? Who rips a page from her journal, only to return it with a chilling illustration?

The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember Emma Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. She had been an awkward, studious girl. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her.

When the suspicious acts escalate, can the clever tutor's daughter figure out which brother to blame... and which brother to trust with her heart?

My review:

It’s been a while since I’ve read Northanger Abbey and I’ve never read Jane Eyre (though I’ve seen a movie version), it was lots of fun realizing I remembered ideas, scenes and settings from those books and Sense and Sensibility. As well as Emma (the main character’s name afterall…) and of course Jane Austen’s most famous work (which by the way was published 200 years ago on January 28^th).

Despite the fact that the story is heavily influenced by regency classics it is still its own story with its own plot twists and characters. Things wrapped up rather quickly at the end but the rest of the story was set up and played out very nicely.

Other than Emma and her father, the characters develop slowly – this is a good thing. It’s mainly the Weston boys and Lizzie that we get to know slowly and that drives the plot. Fathers should be involved in their sons’ lives. You never know what they might become if the dad is absent or disengaged.

I really enjoyed the story and if what I’ve written isn’t full of glowing praise it’s because reading this book was more like meeting someone new yet it seems like you’ve known them forever or visiting a new but yet familiar and comfortable place. And you’re just content. That’s a good word to describe the reading experience – contentedness.

Though really I'd say 4.5

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

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher through 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.

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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.

Ranger's Apprentice Series books 1-3

The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan. Puffin, 2006. 249p. (9780142406632) Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice, #1

The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan. Puffin, 2006. 262p. (9780399244551) Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice, #2

The Icebound Land by John Flanagan. Puffin, 2007. 266p. (9780399244568) Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice, #3

Several middle school boys at my school asked repeatedly if we had the rest of the series and over Christmas I finally had the opportunity to buy books five through eleven. Also since some sixth graders wanted this to be the next read aloud I decided to read book one for myself. And I was hooked. I’ve read the first three books in three days and the only reason I’m not reading book four right now is because it’s checked out.

Goodreads Summaries:

The Ruins of Gorlan

They have always scared him in the past — the Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now 15-year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger's apprentice. What he doesn't yet realize is that the Rangers are the protectors of the kingdom. Highly trained in the skills of battle and surveillance, they fight the battles before the battles reach the people. And as Will is about to learn, there is a large battle brewing. The exiled Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, is gathering his forces for an attack on the kingdom. This time, he will not be denied....

The Burning Bridge

Bracing for a final clash with the evil warlord Morgarath, the Rangers rally the kingdom's allies, and Will is chosen, along with his friend Horace, as special envoys to nearby Celtica. But the simple mission soon takes an unsettling turn - the Celticans have disappeared, their town abandoned. The scheming hand of Morgarath, it seems, has been far from idle. He has found a way to bring his legions over the once impassible eastern mountains and is planning to ambush the king's army in a rout. Now with help many miles away, Will and Horace are the only ones standing in the way of the dark lord's plans. They have shown great skill and courage in their training, but how will they fare in the face of true evil?

The Icebound Land

Kidnapped after the fierce battle with Lord Morgarath, Will and Evanlyn are bound for Skandia as captives aboard a fearsome wolfship. Halt has sworn to rescue Will, and he will do anything to keep his promise. Even defy his King. Expelled from the Rangers he has served so loyally, Halt is joined by Will’s friend Horace as he travels toward Skandia. On their way, they are challenged constantly by freelance knights, but Horace knows a thing or two about combat. Soon he begins to attract the attention of knights and warlords for miles around with his uncanny skill. Even so, will they be in time to rescue Will from a horrific life of slavery?

My Review:

This is a great adventure series for middle school boys and up. As well for any girls who enjoy action and adventure and don’t mind if there are less than five female characters. Plus it helps that Will is very likable fellow. I enjoyed watching Will and his friends grow in their various chosen fields of study and to learn some of the work and dedication it takes to survive battleschool or being a ranger’s apprentice.

On the website for the series there is an interview with the author. To the question, “What are the biggest challenges of writing a series?” John Flanagan replies, “Finding a good spot to break between two books, without having people howl at me, ‘That’s a terrible cliffhanger!’ There has to be a sense of completion, but at the same time a sense that the story will continue.” Judging from the first three book he has mastered finding good breaks. Each book has its own battle or dangerous journey that drives the story but it also sets up the plot for the next book.

There are no romantic scenes, the fighting is not gorily described, and there is a little bit of swearing (mainly the d word) and I noticed especially in book three that God’s name is used in vain. 

Overall I believe this is (at least thus far) a great adventure series for middle school boys who love the stealth of Robin Hood but also the action, battle strength and chivalry of a Sir Richard of the Lee.

Go read it! Book #1: Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon ; Book #2: Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Book #3: Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon'

Disclosure: I borrowed this from the library. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

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Waiting on Wednesday #23: Where Treasure Hides by Johnnie Alexander Donley

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Where Treasure Hides by Johnnie Alexander Donley

Tyndale House Publishers - January 2013

About
Artist Alison Schuyler spends her time working in her family’s renowned art gallery, determined to avoid the curse that has followed the Schuyler clan from the Netherlands to America and back again. She’s certain that true love will only lead to tragedy—that is, until a chance meeting at Waterloo station brings Ian Devlin into her life. Drawn to the bold and compassionate British Army captain, Alison begins to question her fear of love as World War II breaks out, separating the two and drawing each into their own battles. While Ian fights for freedom on the battlefield, Alison works with the Dutch Underground to find a safe haven for Jewish children and priceless pieces of art alike. But safety is a luxury war does not allow. As time, war, and human will struggle to keep them apart, will Alison and Ian have the faith to fight for their love, or is it their fate to be separated forever?

Why I want to read it

I read an art mystery a while ago and enjoyed it, so this caught my eye. Especially since it mixes in World War ii and the Dutch Underground.

Where you can find it

Amazon and ChristianBooks

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Top Ten Tuesday: Eagerly Awaited 2013 Releases

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

There are lots of neat books coming out this year (have to get used to calling 2013 this year). But I only wanted to list those that I really, really can't wait for (well, in some cases it's only one 'really'). This is almost exactly like November 27th list though this prompt includes the word 'debut'. Not entirely sure what that means specifically in this context, so I just stuck with the books I'm most looking forward to.

Top Ten 2013 Debuts I'm Looking Forward To

1. Dragonwitch by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Sequel to Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood, and Starflower

2. Love in the Balance by Regina Jennings

Sequel to Sixty Acres and a Bride

3. Though My Heart is Torn by Joanne Bischof

Sequel to Be Still My Soul

4. Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson

This already came out at the beginning of the month but I’m still looking forward to reading it.
Her other books are The Healer's Apprentice and The Merchant's Daughter


5. Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen

Again, this is also out already, but it’s a 2013 book I want to read.


6. Fortress of Mist by Sigmund Brouwer

This is the sequel to The Orphan King.


7. Get Lost: Your Guide to Finding True Love by Dannah Gresh

Dannah writes great (non fiction) books for teenage girls and moms!

What books can you hardly wait for?

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.