Book Review: A Promise to Believe In.

Image Credit: Bethany House

Title: A Promise to Believe in

Author: Tracie Peterson

My Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis: 
The Gallatin sisters have only just started to settle in to Gallatin House when tragedy strikes the family, again. With death seeming to follow the sisters everywhere they go, the eldest of the three sisters, Gwen is sure that she is cursed.
All alone and still in mourning, Gwen and her sisters, Beth and Lacy band together and work hard to manage their family's roadhouse. But with the next stagecoach arrival comes more heartache for Gwen when a stranger alights with a revelation which threatens to unravel past secrets. Hurt and humiliated Gwen begins to question whether those closest to her would be better off living away from her, posing the ultimate question can she move past the lies or will she continue to allow it to determine her future?



My thoughts:
I snapped up the three books in this series on a whim after finding them on (super) sale, not having heard of the series I bought them purely because I have nothing but the best to say for author Tracie Peterson- and she did not let me down! This book is filled with unique and loveable characters, humour, adventure and romance all woven together with a subtle yet beautiful message.
All of the three Gallatin sisters are charming individuals who united together are a most formidable force. The younger sister's (Beth and Lacy's) antics make for some amusing reading and the minor characters are quick to steal your heart. And I cannot help but hope to see them feature as major characters in the next two books of the series.  

Book Review: When Calls the Heart

Image credit: Goodreads

Title: When Calls the Heart (Canadian West Series Book #1)

Author: Janette Oke

My Rating: 4/5

What is it about?
Elizabeth Thatcher has enjoyed a cultured Eastern upbringing with a loving family yet her spirit is restless. When an opportunity for a teaching position in the Canadian West is presented to her she begins to believe it is an answer to her prayers. Upon arriving a twist of events forces her further away from the only life she knows but she is determined not to let it get in her way.
As she attempts to win the hearts of the schoolchildren and the local families she slowly begins to lose her own heart to a dashing young member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

My Thoughts: 
With the upcoming film adaptations of the first two books in this series I thought it would be a perfect time to begin re-reading the series. This first book was everything I had remembered it to be; charming and full of characters who came to life with each turn of a page. Unfortunately it was also just as slow to start as I remembered too. The first handful of chapters, although they set the scene for the whole series, seem to drag on and fall into (I feel so terrible for saying this) the dangerous territory of borderline boredom.
But I assure you it does get better, much better. As the story progresses there is a slight shift in the story and I found I couldn't keep turning the pages fast enough. I wouldn't call this story adventurous or fast-paced as such but it's a beautiful story that is heartwarming and has the ability to make you both smile and tear-up as you follow the journey Elizabeth takes.

Book Review: Masquerade

Image Credit: Barnes & Noble

Title: Masquerade

Author: Nancy Moser

My Rating: 2/5

What is it about?
It's 1886 and Charlotte Gleason, the only child of one of England's finest families embarks on a voyage to America to marry a wealthy heir to secure her future amid a family crisis. Never having met the man intended for her, and desiring a life of adventure and love Charlotte persuades her only friend- her maid, Dora to switch places with her.
While Dora enjoys the fairytale lifestyle she has only ever dreamed of- with ballgowns, suitors and mansions. Charlotte's world comes crashing down around her, her social standing and her wealthy upbringing hasn't prepared her for a world where she is forced to live as a pauper.




My thoughts: I opened this book with high hopes due to the intriguing maid/lady role reversal but as I steadily moved through it I was quite disappointed, which makes for a hard time writing a review. Unfortunately as a narrative I felt that it never quite lifted off. The author seemed more invested in detailing the fashion and the economic and social issues of the period than the characters and their development. What could have made for an interesting riches-to-rags (and visa versa) became more of a slow progressing historical piece that was teetering on the edge of boring.
The main characters both lacked proper character development, and by the end of the novel any moral was found wanting. I was also disappointed by the rushed ending which attempted to tidy up all the remaining issues without properly 'fixing' anything or showing any sort of consequences relating to the actions of the main characters. However there were several secondary characters introduced throughout the novel whom I found quite likable. These characters throughout the course of the novel slowly opened up and gave me a glimpse of the hidden potential of the story. However despite these minor character's progress I was disappointed to find that they had come so far only to be- in a matter of speaking 'burnt' in the last pages and then never heard of again.
I feel terrible writing a review of this nature, I did really want to like this novel but I simply cannot get past the fact that after reading this I didn't care a single bit about either of the main characters or wonder about what happened to them beyond the last page. Both of which I find are extremely important factors to me.   

Book Review: A Modern Day Persuasion

Title: A Modern Day Persuasion


Author: Kaitlin Saunders


My Rating: 9/10

I tend to be very picky when it comes to adaptations of Jane Austen's work simply because I love the orginals so much. Everytime I pass a copy of "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" I feel I can almost hear Jane spinning in her grave (thats my personal opinion). I have however, no reservations what-so-ever when it comes to this newest adaptation, A Modern Day Persuasion.



Synopsis:

Nearly eight years ago, Anne’s family, specifically her father, convinced her that she was too young to wed and insinuated that her fiancé Rick was solely interested in her wealth and status. Against her better judgment, Anne agreed to postpone the marriage, only to watch the love of her life walk away, never to be heard from again. Since then, time has not been kind, and with the family fortune now gone and Anne unable to move on with her life romantically, she struggles to make a name for herself as a greeting card designer. However, a series of serendipitous events causes Rick to re-enter her life, and at the same time a new beau seeks to claim her affections. The question that needs answering, however, remains the same: Can Anne recover from her previous rejection and love again?


My Opinion:

I loved this book. It was beautifully written and did not resemble any of the rather cheesy modern-day Austen adaptations, which seem to be showing up in the cinemas.  From the very first page I was drawn into the Anne's world - a world I which I felt could identify with. As I turned the first pages, I ever the sceptic continued to read cautiously almost as if I were looking for a fault- I never found one.

Kaitlin Saunders is a wonderful, talented author, with this novel she has brought Persuasion into the 21st Century without compromising the characters or the events. Adapting a classic novel into a modern-day story is not an easy task, making the events all fit together in an entirely new setting is challenging in itself but much care is also needed to make sure it doesn't feel forced or too cheesy. Kaitlin made this seem effortless, during some chapters I would wonder "How is that event going to be adapted into modern-day, it will seem so weird" but sure enough Kaitlin was able to include it in a way I would never had thought.
And I must say that this novel is one of the few adaptations in which I have not had to immediately grab out a copy of the original and read it to get the horrible memory out of my head.

The relationship between Rick (Capt. Frederick Wentworth) and Anne is as beautiful as the orginal and reflected in the same way. I love how even in modern times their love and the horrible events surrounding their relationship breakdown is still something that can be translated and adapted over the years- I think it shows us that not all that much has changed and that indeed Jane Austen is still relevant today.

I found this book to one I could not put down, I had it completed in the one night. It was as if I were reading the story fresh, I had to make sure Rick and Anne would get together. And I had to make it to the famous scene- where Anne reads the letter!

If you are an Austen fan I would definitely recommend this book. I would also encourage anyone who hasn't read any of Jane Austen's work to read it, particularly if you have avoided her work because you feel the language is to hard to understand.


Much Love, as always

Mel xx

Book Review: A Gown of Spanish Lace

Title: A Gown of Spanish Lace

Author: Janette Oke

My Rating: 5/5

What is it about?
16 year old Ariana lives in a small western town with her loving parents. She has a relatively normal life working as the local schoolteacher- a job she enjoys immensely. Until one snowy day after classes have finished Ariana's life is turned upside down and she is abducted by two burly outlaws. With no idea why she has been taken prisoner Ariana spends her days in a locked up shoddy cabin in a camp full of men fearing for her life, only finding solace in her Bible.
Charged with guarding the prisoner, Laramie is the son of the outlaw leader.  Disturbed and worried when his father brings a young girl into the camp, he suddenly finds himself in an unlikely position.


My Thoughts:
This book is my favourite Janette Oke book so please bear with me as I have a little rant about it. Firstly I love this novel, Ariana is kind, sweet and so inspiring. In Ariana, Janette has built a strong but vulnerable character, she reacts to the frightening situation that she is in just as any 16 year old would be expected too. I love that Ariana cries and that she has normal fears. She is a great heroine who develops and matures throughout the novel.
Laramie is handsome, strong, kind and caring. He is a such a great hero, his compassion for people can be seen from the start however throughout the novel with God and Ariana's help he is able to break the ties that keep him down and truly become the man he was destined to be. Laramie is also a man of great honor- he is just wonderful.

The storyline is one of the best I have read, it surprised me and I really didn't see what was coming. I enjoyed it so much I literally could not put it down- I stayed up most of the night to finish it. The book has a real "Lorna Doone" feel to it especially within the camp of the outlaws. The only problem that I have with the novel is the ending, I can't quite put my finger on what I didn't like- perhaps I felt it was too rushed. Also I cannot help but wish that the novel was longer.

This book really is my favourite book of Janette's and is must read for any of her fans.

UPDATE (27/09/2012):  Also if your interested in this book you may want to check out the post I wrote detailing the movie adaptation of this book here.

Much Love,

Mel xx

Book Review: Under the Greenwood Tree

Title: Under the Greenwood Tree

Author: Thomas Hardy

My Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis: Dick Dewy is an honest, hard working countryman whom is actively involved in the local parish choir. One Christmas night when he goes carolling he glimpses the beautiful new school mistress, Fancy Day and falls in love at first sight. Determined to make Fancy his wife Dick sets about to win her heart but unfortunately Fancy and her beauty, has gained the attention of many young eligible and rich suitors. 

My Thoughts: Most often when I hear people speak of their favourite classic novelists the first names to reach my ears are Austen and Dickens followed almost instantaneously by Tolstoy, Twain, Bronte, Wilde and even on ocassion Elliot. And while all these authors are wonderful 19th Century English novelists and deserve much recognition, I am always disappointed of the omission of a particular favourite of mine, Thomas Hardy. Thomas Hardy is best known for his novels Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Far from the Madding Crowd. And is particularly recognised for the way in which he wrote with such ferver of the social contraints of the 19th century.

I love reading Under the Greenwood Tree, because I love Dick Dewy and how he never gives up. His perseverance despite Fancy being vain, selfish and so susceptible to flattery, is so inspiring. I also love the characters, everytime I finish the novel I am always amazed at how well I understand the characters and how that there is not one true villain, but rather a group of real human beings who all have faults, dreams, hopes and aspirations.
If you are interesting in reading a Hardy novel Under the Greenwood Tree is a great place to start, it gives you a great feel for the themes and the style of writing Hardy uses which is exhibited in all his novels. It is also considered the happiest of his novels, and I would definitely agree, this by no means infers the novel is all "sunshine and rainbows" but the overall feeling at the end of the book is much happier than his other titles.

If you have seen and enjoyed the 2005 made for TV adaptation of the novel, starring Keeley Hawes and James Murray I encourage you to read the novel. Although the movie is lovely, as with most book-to-movie adaptations the novel is significantly superior and well worth the effort.

Book Review; A Lady of Hidden Intent

Title: A Lady of Hidden Intent

Author: Tracie Peterson

Series: Ladies of Liberty

Catherine Newbury is a beautiful young woman, her life has revolved around hosting ball's and being admired by swarms of suitors. That is until one night when her world comes crashing down and her beloved father is falsely accused and imprisoned and she is forced to leave England for America that very night.
Catherine embarks on a new life with a new identity as a seamstress and her designs become sought after by all of Philidelphia. But with this success comes a reminder of her past when Carter Danby accompanies his mother and sister to a design consultation. Will Carter recognise Catherine fromthe time they met in England? Will he reveal her identity and jeopardize everything she has worked so hard for? 


I really enjoyed this book, Tracie Peterson is a fantastic author and really knows how to keep the reader's attention. Her detailed descriptions of the fashion of the time were simply lovely! After reading this book I now really want to go to a masquerade party/ ball!

Book Review; The Proposal

Title: The Proposal

Author: Lori Wick

Series: The English Garden Series: Book One

A moving story of Christ's love at work in the most stubborn of hearts.

William Jennings is a handsome, successful, wealthy bachelor and is quite happy caring for only himself. He has never desired marriage, although he longs to have a son of his own. When a relative of his dies leaving him the guardian of two young boys and a little girl, he believes all of his dreams have come true- and all without the hassle of a wife!
However Jennings soon finds after a terrible oversight which jepardises the safety the little girl, that he is ill-equipt to deal with turns to his sister for help.
After spending time with his sister, Lydia and meeting her best friend - a beautiful young woman named Marianne, Jennings begins to see that perhaps there is more to life than what he thought and that maybe he does need God in his life.

This novel is set in 1810, London, England and has a decidedly Jane Austen feel about it. It is a wonderful beginning to the series and although sometimes it hard to keep up with whos-who in the characters, you quickly become aquainted with some truly inspiring characters. This is a book I would recommend as a pre-cursor to young readers before reading Jane Austen. I love this series particularly because it has so much Christian content and as the characters developed in their faith I to felt I grew in the same way.

The only criticism I would give on this book is, I didn't mind, at first that a few of the characters had very Austen-ish names, for example there is a Mr Collins, the Palmers, the Jennings but when the names like Bates, Knightely, Dashwood and Augusta popped up, not to mention Marianne having a sister named Elinore and Marianne at one stage spraining her ankle- I confess it was a little too much. However I am willing to believe that perhaps Lori Wick is an Austen fan and wanted to represent that in her work- I cannot blame her for that.

If you get the chance to read this book, I highly recomend it- its quite easy to read and although it is predictable its a sweet story.

Upcoming Book Review: Lori Wick's "The English Garden Series"

A little while ago I read a lovely series by Christian author Lori Wick. I have read a lot of her books but since I was lately given the last book to the series I am going to re-read them and post up a review. The books are from "The English Garden Series"

Here are the four books in the series:

Have you read these books? Have you read any of Lori Wick's books? I would love to hear what you thought of them

Book Review; The Measure of a Heart

Title: The Measure of a Heart

Author: Janette Oke

Series: Women of the West (book 6)

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

“Anna Trent felt fortunate to finish the eighth grade with first-class honors. Already past her sixteenth birthday, most of the girls her age had been forced long ago to drop out to help at home. She loved school loved to learn, loved the excitement of new discoveries, loved the quickening of her pulse as she shared some great adventure in the pages of a book. And now that is over.

The oldest child in a farming family with six young brothers, Anna is shy, sensitive and a bit self-conscious. But when Austin Barker comes to their church to fill the pastorate for the summer months, the young seminarian is captured by Anna's admirable qualities, especially her intense desire to learn. Through his books and correspondence, Anna's education continues to expand, and the sweet country girl grows into a lovely woman.

When they meet again, will she be able to believe that Austin's words are sincere? Despite the compassion and grace she so effectively lives, and despite her selfless commitment to God and His Word, what can she do when time does not erase the inadequacy she feels or her struggles with the standard that measures her heart? Will she ever be able to see herself as others do?

If only the feelings of guilt and inadequacy would go away-”

I really loved this book and it was so easy to identify with the insecurities and self conscious nature of Anna, especially when it came to topics of faith. Anna to me portrayed everything that a true Christian is and should be without being distant and self righteous. As the story progress and Anna’s faith grew and was tested so was mine.  I am always really challenged by Janette’s books but this one in particular really helped me to see myself as God sees me, not as the inadequate, ugly, second-rate person I feel that I am.

Before I read this book I was feeling very inadequate to serve the Lord, in the sense of ministering in their lives. And Anna’s journey through the book really helped me with this.

 I just wanted to share one of the pastor Austin Barker’s lines from the book that I thought was really nice:

“It all depends on the Lord. It has all along. My inadequacies, my lack of talent, of wisdom, that is no matter to the Lord. Scripture says the He can use the weak, the small, the inadequate. Me”

Have you read this book? What did you think about it?

God Bless,

xx