REVIEW: Beautiful Bandit by Loree Lough

Series: Lone Star Legends #1
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Pub Date: August 2010, Whitaker House
Format: eBook (Kindle)
Source: Purchased from Amazon.com

Joshua Neville is a quiet, even-keeled rancher who was just minding his own business when he witnessed a brazen bank robbery in San Antonio, Texas, that leaves three men dead. Even more shocking than the heist itself is that the ringleader looked like a woman! Weeks later, when Josh is on the trail, a lost and confused woman stumbles upon his campsite. He agrees to take "Dinah" to Mexico, but soon their journey is hampered by harsh weather and wild animals. When Dinah breaks her ankle, Josh takes her to his ranch to heal.As the two grow closer, Josh realizes he's fallen in love, even as he learns the truth about Dinah. But does he know the whole story? And, after the truth comes out, will he put his life at risk to keep her with him?

MY THOUGHTS
Beautiful Banditi is the first book I have read by Loree Lough. I'll admit it's been sitting on my e-reader for awhile, probably because though I found the synopsis intriguing, that cover is a bit of a turn-off. And now that I've read the book, I just don't think that image suits "Dinah" (a.k.a. Kate Wellington) at all, not to mention that it just looks too modern, given that this is supposed to be fiction set in the Western frontier. But here we have a classic example of the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover."

So that said, my advice to you (assuming you like to read Christian historical romances) is to ignore the cover and just dive right in! Though this story might not have pulled at my heart quite as strongly as some other Christian and/or historical romances have, I did think it was a good inspirational read and it kept me turning the pages to find out how everything finally resolved itself. I have to confess that I was really afraid that I was going to be annoyed by how Josh reacted when the truth about Kate/Dinah came to light. Thankfully, Lough did not choose to go the route of mutual misunderstandings, trumped-up, imagined hurt feelings, and/or false assumptions that I just find beyond irritating in historical romances. Sometimes it is nice to keep the drama at a minimum!

Lough's writing is fast-paced and she keeps the story moving along with every page. Though the outcome is admittedly predictable (but you know I love my happy endings!), Lough tells the story in such a way that it keeps you engaged and rooting for Kate and Josh. Though the story focuses heavily on the two of them, we also meet a lot of Josh's extended family and I expect you will love his "Mee-Maw" just as much as if she were your own grandmother. And while there is a sad side-plot in Beautiful Bandit, the overall story is touching, with Christian undertones that were just right for my tastes. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more by Loree Lough and adding her to my rotation of Christian fiction authors!


Read this book...

• If you enjoy Christian historical fiction set in the Western frontier (think: Tamera Alexander and Janette Oke)
• If you liked Love in Disguise by Carol Cox

Links:

• Website
• Facebook Fan Page
• Twitter: @LoreeALough

REVIEW: Deep in the Heart by Staci Stallings

Genre: Christian Romance
Pub Date: September 2011, Spirit Light
Format: eBook (Nook)
Source: Purchased from Amazon.com

Just out of college and completely alone in the world, Maggie Montgomery has one shot left to save her life from an abyss of poverty and hopelessness. Clinging to the last shred of fuel and hope, she arrives at the mansion of Texas billionaire Conrad Ayers. Although Maggie is clearly not what Mr. Ayers and his wife have in mind for a nanny, they agree to hire her temporarily until they can find someone more appropriate to fill the position. However, Maggie’s whole world is about to be up-ended by two way-over-scheduled children and one incredibly handsome hired hand. As she struggles to fit into a world she was never made to fit in, Maggie wonders if she can ever learn to become a perfect version of herself so she can keep the job, or is she doomed to always be searching for a life she can never quite grasp?

MY THOUGHTS
Though I generally prefer Christian historical fiction, every once in awhile I will go for a contemporary romance. This one caught my eye, not only because I really liked the cover, but I also have a penchant for stories set in the West. While Stallings is less subtle in her use of Christian themes, prayer, and Biblical passages than a lot of the Christian fiction I read, those elements were not too over the top for my tastes. Overall, I thought Deep In The Heart had an interesting plot and Stallings was very adept at developing the storyline and keeping the pace moving right along.

Maggie's life story and her position in the Ayer household made for an intriguing story -- thanks in large part to the strangeness of the Ayer household! In addition to an adeptly written plot, Stallings provided a lot of strong character development, both with the focal characters (Maggie and Keith), and with some of the more minor characters (Conrad and his wife, among others). There's also the obligatory shrew, but I really can't say more than that without giving away a major part of the plot that isn't included in the synopsis, and you know how I hate to give spoilers! Just know there is a lot more to this story than you're led to believe when you read the blurb, and because of that, anticipation will keep you turning the pages until you reach the end.

In the end, the biggest flaw with this book is the writing. It wasn't so much a case of typos, but more along the lines of occasional awkward phrasing. Additionally, the dialogues needed to be improved with more descriptors used so that the reader would be clear as to who was speaking. I had to re-read a couple of different passages to make sure I knew who was saying what to make sense of what was going on. One more round of editing would have helped to eliminate these issues and really tighten up the writing. Even so, Deep In The Heart was a relatively quick read that was generally engaging and had a satisfying conclusion.

Read this book...

• If you enjoy contemporary Christian Fiction/Romance
• If you liked My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade (This one isn't quite as good, but I don't have a lot of contemporary Christian fiction to compare it to -- I usually go for historical fiction.)

Links:

• Website
• Twitter: @StaciStallings
• Goodreads Author Page

REVIEW: To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Pub Date: May 2011, Bethany House
Format: eBook (Nook)
Source: Purchased from BN.com

Having completed his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father's knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past. But small towns leave little room for secrets...

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she steels herself against the attraction he provokes. His halting speech and hesitant manner leave her doubting his intelligence. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Levi's renewed commitment to his faith leads Eden to believe she's finally found a man of honor and integrity, a man worthy of her love. But when the truth about his prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections?

MY THOUGHTS
Well, it would seem that Karen Witemeyer is quickly becoming a new favorite Christian fiction author of mine. I loved Short-Straw Bride when I read it last month and I enjoyed To Win Her Heart just as much, if not more! Witemeyer has a gift for telling a breathtaking story with a definite Christian theme, but without preaching to the reader via the oft-used method of one character seemingly preaching to another or trying to change the other person. I read this book in one sitting -- I absolutely couldn't put it down until I read the last pages and yes, I even got a little teary at the end. Thankfully, they were tears of joy and satisfaction, because you know how I can't stand to read a sad story!

Can I tell you how much I loved Levi Grant? I'll admit I wasn't particularly crazy about Eden Spencer, but then I suspect that Witemeyer wrote her character a little less favorably on purpose. Not only has Levi come a long way in his own life and faith, but Eden learns a few lessons along the way and transforms herself, as well, by the end of the book. But without a doubt, it is Levi who steals the story (along with the heart of the person reading it). As I read, I anxiously awaited the moment when Levi's past would catch up with him and without giving too much away, I'll just say that Witemeyer gives him a bit of a double whammy when it finally happens. There are interesting side plots that definitely helped to round out the story and develop both Eden's and Levi's characters -- not to mention providing some excitement near the end of the book.

But it is the final chapter and epilogue that will leave you deliciously satisfied and certainly filled me with emotion. The end of the story is beautifully written and I thought that Witemeyer closed the book perfectly. I can't wait to get my hands on every other book she has written and if you enjoy Christian historical fiction (particularly that set in the early Western United States), then you will want to give this book a try and see if you don't feel the same way.


Read this book...

~ If you like any of Karen Witemeyer's other books
~ If you enjoy Christian Historical fiction in a Western frontier setting
~ If you love books by Tamera Alexander, Janette Oke, Colleen Coble, Kelly Eileen Hake, etc.

REVIEW: My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Release Date:
Format: eBook (Nook)
Source: Purchased from BN.com

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance, takes a leave of absence from her job as a social worker, and the two of them set off.

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man her grandmother has hired to renovate the house. From the first moment she meets Matt, Kate can't help but be attracted to him--he's got a combination of good looks and charisma that draw and tug at her. But she knows there's zero chance of a romance between them. Matt's in love with his dead wife, and even if he weren't, Kate realizes that she's way too ordinary for him. For Matt Jarreau is no ordinary guy. Kate discovers that he was once a great NHL hockey player who left the sport when his wife--an honest-to-goodness former Miss America--was diagnosed with brain cancer. Matt's been hiding from people, from God, and from his past ever since. Yet Kate is absolutely determined to befriend him, to try to reach him, to help him in some small way.

No, Kate's not looking for love. She knows better than that by now. But when the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?

MY THOUGHTS
So this is another ebook freebie I have had for awhile and hadn't really thought much about reading. Then I happened to use the cover for one of my daily photos on Instagram (the prompt was "heart") and received a comment from someone who LOVED the book. I thought, why not just go ahead and try it out? I'm usually more interested in historical fiction -- the overwhelming majority of Christian fiction that I read is historical -- and I have to be in the right mood for contemporary fiction (don't ask me what exactly that mood is, I just know I have to be in it).

Oh my goodness, I cannot get over how much I loved this book. I'm not usually into emotionally wrenching stories -- probably because they frequently have sad endings and I'm sorry, but I hate reading sad books. I just can't do it. But this book has a happy ending (sorry, I suppose that was a spoiler) and even though I had tears in my eyes at many points, the story was just SO emotionally raw, intense and gripping, I could not put it down. I finally had to give up on finishing in one night because I just couldn't keep my eyes open (it was after 1:00am and I had nearly half the book left) but I picked it up and finished the remainder first thing the following morning.

One of the aspects I liked was that the story felt so real -- between the characters, the storyline, and Becky Wade's crisp, no-nonsense, yet detailed writing style, this book just worked on all levels for me. And I have to admit I did enjoy reading Christian fiction that was set in the present day for a change. The story definitely had a different feel, probably in that it was more relatable due to the time period. And while I couldn't personally relate to some of the more tragic aspects of the story, there were many poignant moments that did resonate. Bottom line, I thought this was a fantastic debut for Wade and I can't wait to read more of her books!


Read this book...

~ If you like clean romances that fall in the Christian Fiction genre
~ If you like contemporary fiction/romance
~ Enjoy emotionally impactful stories (that have happy endings)

**This is my seventh book towards the #TakeControl March 2013 TBR Challenge.

REVIEW: Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: June 2012, Bethany House
Format: eBook (Nook)
Source: Purchased from BN.com

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?

MY THOUGHTS
I've had this ebook for a few months -- I had downloaded it as a freebie, I believe -- and only just now got around to reading it, prompted by several glowing reviews I had read. I'm so glad I did -- it was such a fun read, nothing too over the top and far from preachy. But, yes, this is a work of  Christian fiction and while those overtones are there, I did not think they were oppressive or offensive. And we already established a few reviews back that I do love my cowboy romances!

The characters in this story are enjoyable to read about. The Archers are a rather quirky bunch -- after all, confining yourself to your own and and never leaving does tend to make you a bit reclusive and, well, different. Meredith is spunky and just the type of female heroine I enjoy reading about. Certainly, she and Travis have their share of misunderstandings, but in general I wasn't too annoyed by them, I think because they weren't as cliched as they tend to be in Christian Fiction, and even romances, in general.

It is amusing and occasionally frustrating to watch Meredith and Travis's relationship develop, but Witemeyer expertly weaves the story, giving you just a little taste of what is eventually to come and leaving you wanting. That's why I had to keep turning the pages to see how it all played out. I felt thoroughly invested in the outcome of the story, and that's always a sign of a great read for me. I'm looking forward to reading other books by Witemeyer soon!

Read this book...

- If you enjoy Christian Historical romances that are clean reads
- If you like your Historical Fiction with a Western frontier setting

*This is my sixth book towards the #TakeControl March 2013 TBR Challenge.

REVIEW: Safe in His Arms by Colleen Coble

Series: Under Texas Stars #2
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Release Date: January 2013, Thomas Nelson Publishers
Format: eBook (Kindle)
Source: Downloaded as a freebie from Amazon.com

Sometimes it takes a stranger to see you as you really are.

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 THOUGHTS
I'm a sucker for Western historical fiction, there's no doubt about it. I love romances with cowboys -- always have! Even though I've not read the first book in Coble's Under Texas Stars series, as with many Christian fiction series, this book works well as a stand-alone read -- more so than many other series I've read, in fact. Coble's writing is engaging and easy to read, and in addition to the love story, there is a bit of mystery to this novel, as well.

I will admit this is one of those rare instances that I wish I still gave ratings in half-star increments. I probably would actually give this 3.5 stars instead of 4 stars -- 3 stars seemed too low since I did enjoy most of the story. I liked the feeling of satisfaction and contentment that I felt by the time I finished the book, but the romance was perhaps just a teeny bit too formulaic -- the handsome cowboy falls in love with a plain Jane who just can't understand why he would. I don't mind that storyline, but it is often hard to make it feel fresh with so many stories out there along those lines. And then you've got the action-packed last third of the book... Multiple incredible events occur so rapidly in such a short span of time, it is really just a bit too unbelievable -- exciting, but perhaps a little ridiculous, as well.

With all Christian fiction, my basic requirement is that I don't want to be preached to. I suppose you could say, well, after all it is Christian fiction so what do you expect?  Nevertheless, it is possible to write an inspiring story without preaching. Thankfully, it seems fewer authors choose to preach and instead focus more on actual story-telling, but with definite Christian overtones and themes. Coble falls into the non-preachy category, so on that basis alone it was likely I would enjoy this book!

Read this book if you like...
- Christian fiction that isn't too preachy
- Historical fiction set in the early Western frontier
- Books by Tamera Alexander, Kelly Eileen Hake, Janette Oke (and other authors whose books tend towards Western inspirational fiction)

* Originally read in February 2013.

Review: A Light in the Window by Julie Lessman

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Release Date: November 2012, Ten Talents Press
Format: eBook (Nook)
Source: Purchased from BN.com

One Woman.

Two Men.

One stirs her pulse and the other her faith.

But who will win her heart?

Marceline Murphy is a gentle beauty with a well-founded aversion to rogues. But when two of Boston's most notorious pursue her, she encounters a tug-of-war of the heart she isn’t expecting. Sam O’Rourke is the childhood hero she’s pined for, the brother of her best friend and a member of the large, boisterous family to which she longs to be a part. So when his best friend Patrick O’Connor joins in pursuit of her affections, the choice seems all too clear. Sam is from a family of faith and Patrick is not, two rogues whose wild ways clash head-on with Marcy’s—both in her faith and in her heart.

While overseeing the Christmas play fundraiser for the St. Mary’s parish soup kitchen—A Light in the Window—Marcy not only wrestles with her attraction to both men, but with her concern for their spiritual welfare. The play is based on the Irish custom of placing a candle in the window on Christmas Eve to welcome the Holy Family, and for Marcy, its message becomes deeply personal. Her grandmother Mima cautions her to guard her heart for the type of man who will respond to the "light in the window," meaning the message of Christ in her heart. But when disaster strikes during the play, Marcy is destined to discover the truth of the play’s message first-hand when it becomes clear that although two men have professed their undying love, only one has truly responded to “the light in the window.”

MY THOUGHTS
Julie Lessman is the author who really solidified my love of Christian Fiction. After going through many inspirational fiction stories that left me with a bad taste in my mouth, her books gave me hope that there were books out there that weren't trying to preach at me or convert me to a specific way of thinking or practicing Christianity, and at the same time read like a work of epic fiction that I didn't want to put down. While Lessman's books are perhaps more heavily influenced by faith and Christianity than some other authors' books I enjoy, I don't feel like she is preaching at me. As she refers to her books, they are about "passion with a purpose."

With A Light in the Window, we finally get to read the story about the couple at the heart of the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series (and I'm not naming names for those of you who haven't read any of the books yet). I really enjoyed the Daughters of Boston books, but have yet to finish the Winds of Change series. So yes, this book is a prequel novel and in my opinion, if you haven't read any of Lessman's other books yet, I highly, HIGHLY encourage you to start with this one!

I found that my enjoyment of this book was tempered a bit by the fact that I already knew who Marcy would choose and I really just wanted to hurry up and see how it all happened. It is probably just as well that this book is not as chunky as her other books are, since I'm not sure I would have had the patience to work through one of that length. That said, I still enjoyed the story that started it all, so to speak. I will say, though, that I found the ending to be a little confusing -- I had to go back and see if I accidentally skipped some pages on my Nook, tapping the screen too many times. But no, for me it just seemed to skip ahead a little awkwardly from the question of who Marcy would end up with to a scene of them already together. Even so, I loved finally getting to see Marcy's story play out!

Read this book... - if you enjoyed any of Julie Lessman's books - if you like Christian/Inspirational fiction - if you haven't yet read Lessman's books but want to give them a try. And seriously, start with this one!

The Sunday Salon: Review: Heiress

Heiress by Susan May Warren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Happy Sunday, fellow Saloners! I really must get back into the habit of writing a true Sunday Salon post, but this week I will test the waters with a simple book review...

I had a very difficult time deciding how to rate Heiress by Susan May Warren. I read it practically within one sitting and was desperate to know how it ended. But in reality, that desperation stemmed from just wanting to get it over with and be able to move on. I liked the story--sort of--but good lord, if not for the scattered references to God and the Bible, you almost wouldn't know Heiress is considered Christian fiction--it reads just like a soap opera and is filled with scandal!

Seriously, I was worn out by the time I finished this book. While certainly captivating, it was rather draining to read and the desire to finish it wasn't due to pure, unadulterated enjoyment on my part. Oh, there were aspects I liked and I did enjoy Esme's character... but I simply needed the drama to be over and really, I wasn't feeling terribly inspired by the end of it, like I do with most Christian/Inspirational Fiction. The fact that Warren had me hooked from the first page of the book is the only reason I feel I can rate this fairly at 3 stars. Certainly, her writing is good, as is her storytelling, but (at least, for me) that just couldn't make up for the way the story actually made me feel by the end of it... a little horrified, exhausted, and even rather down.

I expect that most readers who enjoy Christian fiction that is edgier and not so preachy will probably like this series, but I'm don't think I'm even going to be able to bring myself to read the second book, which I already happen to have because it was a great deal on Amazon for the Kindle. I hate to pass up reading a book I've bought -- it feels a bit like throwing away food that someone else could eat -- but at least I didn't spend a lot on it!

*Review originally posted at Goodreads. View all my reviews

Next week I'll try to write something more about my recent reading habits/trends, in general. Since I'm off to a pretty good start in 2013, having already finished 27 books (I'm pretty shocked by that number, myself, honestly), I ought to be able to come up with a little something! :-) Happy Reading!

REVIEW: Rugged and Relentless

Rugged and Relentless by Kelly Eileen Hake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I'm always on the hunt for new Christian Historical Fiction authors I enjoy, but because I do not care to be preached to, it is often hard to find books in this genre that I truly love. Rugged and Relentless is the first book I have read by Kelly Eileen Hake and it most definitely will not be my last! It's been a LONG time since I've discovered a "new-to-me" Christian Fiction author who made me want to immediately go and buy more of their books. Guess it's a good thing I primarily read eBooks these days, so it will be easy to do just that!

This book just worked for me on so many levels. I greatly enjoyed Hake's writing -- full of wit and amusing turns of phrase with fun, memorable characters to set the tone. One aspect that may seem minor but really hit home was the game the four ladies had of coming up with the "worst pun" at various times throughout the story. As someone who has a similar habit of making jokes with puns, that little trick really resonated with me. Additionally, Hake did a fantastic job of creating characters who were varied and full of life -- when I read this book I felt like I could see it all playing out right in front of me, which for me is always a sign of a great read.

Truth be told, my enjoyment of this story may also have been due to the fact that I found the main character, Evie, to be very relatable on a more personal level. Happily, there was no pretense of simpering perfection with her or any of the other women in the story; these were people you could probably picture in your own life. Thankfully, Hake also did not choose to employ any of the cliched themes that are SO overused in Christian romances--couples that completely (and to me, incomprehensibly) misinterpret one another's feelings and actions, which generally causes them to behave stupidly, or one half of the couple feels the need to convert the other in order to be together, etc.

While I've come across some relatively enjoyable Christian romances in the last year, I haven't found one this captivating since I read Julie Lessman's first books. I was awake until the wee hours of the morning because I just had to know how the story was going to end.

Originally posted at Goodreads. View all my reviews

REVIEW: McKenzie

McKenzie by Penny Zeller
My rating: 2 of 5 stars



I wanted to like this book because I usually do love marriage of convenience stories, but quite honestly there was not much I found to like. But let's start with the positive, shall we?

WHAT I LIKED:
~ Asa: He was the only character that had any spark of personality or life. His witty lines were easily the best dialogue in the book.
~ The story concept of a mail order bride: I've always been a sucker for these stories, I guess it's the romantic in me.
~ While there is certainly a strong focus on God, His plan, and Biblical verses, Zeller has managed to convey this without preaching. This, in my mind, is probably her greatest accomplishment with this story.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
~ The vast majority of the characters. I found McKenzie to be absolutely detestable and her transformation didn't sway my opinion much at all. It was just too late at that point and more than anything I just wanted to roll my eyes. I really wanted to like Zach more, but he was just rather dull and uninteresting. The supporting characters were really much more likeable and lifelike than the two main characters were.
~ The writing. The dialogues were so forced and lifeless. I couldn't imagine hearing most of the conversations taking place, with the exception of Asa's lines. He had spark and wit, to be sure.
~ The interludes of McKenzie's daydreams. They simply didn't add anything to the story for me.

To be honest, I found myself skimming much of this book just to get to the parts where the story was being advanced. Clearly, I am in the minority as most rate this book pretty highly, so you can take my review with a grain of salt and I won't be offended. :-)

*This review was originally posted on Goodreads. View all my reviews

Review: Love in Disguise by Carol Cox

Title: Love in Disguise
Author: Carol Cox
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Pub Date: June 2012, Baker Publishing Group
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased from BN.com

Synopsis

Can she solve the crime before they uncover her true identity?

Jobless and down to her last dime, Ellie Moore hears about a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency and believes it's the perfect chance to put her acting skills and costumes to use. Reluctantly, the agency agrees to give her one assignment, one chance to prove herself. Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie travels to Arizona to begin her investigation. When the need arises, she also transforms into the dazzling Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

Mine owner Steven Pierce is going to lose his business if he can't figure out who's stealing his silver shipments. In his wildest dreams, he never expected to receive help from a gray-haired widow...or to fall in love with her beautiful niece.

Then the thieves come after Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn't safe no matter which character she plays! Should she give up and reveal her true identity? What will Steven do when he realizes the woman he's falling in love with doesn't really exist?

My Thoughts

This review is a long time coming, as I read Love in Disguise while we were on vacation last month. I'm not sure why I put this off because I really did enjoy my first read by Carol Cox. I was reasonably sure just from reading the synopsis that this would prove to be a fun book with adventure and romance and I was not disappointed! This is so different from the other Christian/Inspirational fiction I have read, given that Ellie also disguised herself as other characters and took the story in multiple directions.

Overall, I thought that Cox did a great job writing all of the characters. It was fun to see all sides of Ellie and watch her grow as she played the elderly widow Lavinia and the saucy redhead Jessie, though naturally I couldn't wait for her to finally be herself out in Arizona because I was curious to see how the revelation would play out. I was glad to see that Cox didn't blow the revelation out of proportion and everything worked out quite well once Ellie was able to be herself. All too often when identities are revealed, there is a lot of melodrama and seemingly fabricated angst over what is usually a relatively harmless charade and I was glad that Cox didn't treat Ellie's situation this way. Overcoming the shock of her true identity pretty quickly, I appreciated that Steven was able to see Ellie for the person she was.

As for the mystery itself, the story takes some twists and turns and it is not immediately obvious who is behind the theft of the silver. Now, I'll be the first to admit as "historical" fiction goes, this story is not very plausible, but it makes for such a fun fictional read. The Christian element isn't in your face or preachy at all, which is what I usually look for in this genre. The story did start off a little slow, but once Ellie is in Arizona, the pace really picks up and the book moves very quickly.

If you like to read inspirational historical fiction, I think you'd enjoy Love in Disguise. I am looking forward to reading other books by Carol Cox, as well!

My Rating:

Review: Surrender The Heart

Title: Surrender The Heart
Author: MaryLu Tyndall
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
Pub Date: August 2012, Barbour Publishing
Format: Kindle eBook
Source: Downloaded for free from Amazon.com

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

On the brink of the War of 1812, Marianne Denton must marry to unlock her inheritance. Without the money, her mother can't receive medical care and her sister will be destitute. But Noah Brenin needs to sail his cargo to England before the war commences in order to prove his worth to his father and make enough money so he won't have to marry at all.

Defying his father's wishes, Noah loathes the idea of marrying a woman he finds plain and pompous. Marianne wants nothing to do with the rogue who taunted her as a child, yet she must convince him otherwise or her mother will die. 

But when Noah walks out on their engagement party, Marianne chases him down and ends up on his merchantman out at sea. The situation worsens when Noah's ship encounters a British man-of-war and the couple are impressed into the British navy. While a young lad's prophecy of destiny looms over them both, Marianne and Noah are forced to face their darkest fears as they desperately try to find a way to escape and fulfill their destinies-destinies that could change the course of the war and history forever.

My Thoughts

This book (and this author) came highly recommended by my favorite Christian Fiction author Julie Lessman. I had never read anything by MaryLu Tyndall, so I thought I would give it a shot, since the story sounded pretty interesting. Of course, as with all new-to-me Christian Fiction, I go in hoping that I am not going to be preached to in an overbearing manner, as is sometimes the case. I also worry about running into the common theme of not becoming "unequally yoked," which is usually a major, MAJOR turn-off for me in Christian romances. Thankfully, neither of those dreaded motifs occurs with Surrender The Heart. The majority of religious references have to do with regaining a lost faith in God. I suppose that is a common theme in most Christian Fiction works, as well, but it does not rub me the wrong way like the treatment of "unequally yoked" partners almost always does.

Enough about that, let's talk about the story! Oh my, but Marianne and Noah end up finding themselves in quite an adventure! Admittedly, the storyline and the presumed effects the pair would have on history and the War of 1812 are unbelievably far-fetched, but this is a work of fiction, after all! With Marianne and Noah, sometimes it was frustrating to watch them wonder or simply assume what the other must thinking of them. Overall, however, I found the development of their relationship so much fun to watch as it unfolded and grew into something richer while they both also grew in strength of faith, both in each other and themselves. This book will keep you turning pages, wanting to know how Marianne and Noah can possibly get through the ordeal in which they found themselves.

In sum, I think it is safe to say that this won't be my last book by Tyndall! Her writing style is descriptive without being flowery and over the top and she knows how to draw her characters and develop them in tune with the story. Not to mention, Tyndall provides a great supporting cast in the form of Noah's crew and the Captain and other high-ranking officers on the British naval ship where Noah and Marianne were forced to serve. If you enjoy Christian Historical Fiction, along with plenty of action and romance, I don't think you'll be disappointed with Surrender The Heart!

My Rating

Review: Washington's Lady

Title: Washington's Lady
Author: Nancy Moser
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
Pub Date: June 2008, Bethany House
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased from BJ's Wholesale

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

It has been said that without George Washington there would be no United States. But without Martha, there would be no George Washington. He called her "my other self." Who was this woman who captured the heart of our country's founder? Martha Dandridge Custis was a wealthy, attractive widow and the mother of two small children when she was courted by, then married the French and Indian War hero. Her new life as Martha Washington took her through blissful times at Mount Vernon, family tragedies, six years of her husband's absence during the Revolutionary War, and her position as a reluctant First Lady.

My Thoughts

I'm not going to lie, the cover is probably the first thing that drew me to this book. Isn't it beautiful? Of course, I was also interested in reading this account of Martha Washington, knowing, of course, that it is a work of fiction. I grew up in Yorktown, Virginia, so I've always had a bit of an interest in the Revolutionary War as it relates to Cornwallis surrendering to George Washington on the Yorktown Battlefieds. As a matter of fact, I grew up just miles down the road from those very battlefields. And it should be noted that this book really provides an interesting look at what could have transpired all those years ago as the United States looked to gain freedom from British rule.

Telling the story from Martha's perspective was an interesting way to view the events of the day. It was fun to read about various meetings between so many famous politicians and revolutionaries of the day: Patrick Henry, John Adams, the Marquis de Lafayette, and many others. This book is also a work of Christian fiction, but unfortunately I didn't find it to be particularly uplifting Christian fiction. Obviously those times were very different and much more difficult, with death lurking around every corner, but all of the deaths that Martha had to face really became overwhelming. And quite honestly, I found the portrayal of her character to be tedious -- particularly in the matter of raising her children (and apparently there was truth to her weak parenting skills). Frequently it also seemed like she needed to do a better job of practicing what she preached. That she could be such a pillar and comfort to George Washington and was always able to say the right thing to him seems miraculous given her own spiritual shortcomings. I suppose that isn't such an uncommon practice, though.

With respect to the writing, I found it to be rather dull. To be frank, it became a chore to finish this book. The sentences were choppy and the vast amount of detail and dialogue were often dull and tedious to read. There were a few moments of wit, like the exchange between Martha and George Washington that I shared in my Teaser Tuesdays post, but more often than not, the book was very dry. I did appreciate the notations of fact vs. fiction that Moser included after the story -- that was well worth the read to see just how much of Martha's characterization was true, along with various events that were portrayed. Even so, all the positives weren't enough for me to give this better than a 3-star rating. It was certainly a worthy read from the standpoint of the history of the Revolutionary War, but this version of Martha Washington (how true to her real self no one will ever know) was a difficult character to warm up to -- ultimately not the best way to tell the story, in my opinion.

My Rating

Review: The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

Title: The Maid of Fairbourne Hall
Author: Julie Klassen
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pub Date: January 2012, Bethany House Publishers
Format: eBook (Nook)
Source: Purchased from BN.com

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall? 

Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding? 

On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love."

My Thoughts

Oh, I think I have found a new favorite author for Christian Historical Fiction! I went on the hunt for The Maid of Fairbourne Hall after Marie at Burton Book Review sang praises for this book in her review. I must say that I wasn't disappointed -- in fact, it was one of those times where I stayed up late to finish the book because I really wanted to see how everything worked itself out. The best part is, after just lamenting over not being able to find other authors outside of Georgette Heyer who write Regency Romances that I enjoy, I found Klassen.

Oh don't get me wrong, she isn't really another Georgette Heyer. The witty banter isn't quite so prevalent, nor the incredibly vivid detail of the life of the ton in Regency London. However, perhaps in part because this is Christian Fiction, there is much more substance to the story. To call it Christian Fiction almost seems too strong, though, because that was certainly not the focus of the book, which, as all of you probably know, suits me just fine. I don't care to be preached to and this book is not the slightest bit preachy.

I think I most enjoyed seeing the transformation of Margaret Macy from her snooty, spoiled beginning, through her journey of self-discovery that ultimately leads to a change of heart and character. Klassen brilliantly brings Margaret to life from a high-born lady to her escape as a housemaid and in doing so, we see the not-so-pretty side of Regency London -- what life was probably like more often than not for the servants of the privileged. I cringed to see the way Margaret treated her own maid and she certainly made some gaffes while disguised as a maid at Fairbourne Hall, but it is heartwarming to see her change her ways once her eyes are opened to her tendency towards snobbishness and thoughtlessness.

And naturally, you can't have a good Historical Fiction book without a bit of romance. While not sizzling hot (it's still Christian Fiction, y'all!), the unfolding story is sweet and has a happy ending. This was also a key part of Margaret's changing character as she realized what truly mattered in a husband and marriage. From haughty housemaids to conniving stepfathers, we also see a wide range of characters that bring the story to life -- truly a great cast of characters. My lone complaint is that I think Klassen had a tendency to be long-winded at times when trying to provide detail to paint a scene or explain background information. But overall, I really enjoyed The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and definitely look forward to reading the rest of Klassen's books!

My rating:

"Double Trouble" Review...

In the spirit of catching up on reviews of books that I have read lately but not yet blogged about, I'm going to kill two birds with one stone today and review Courting Trouble, by Deeanne Gist, and the sequel, Deep in the Heart of Trouble.

Synopsis of Courting Trouble (from back cover)

Whether it's riding bikes, catching snakes, or sliding down banisters, Essie Spreckelmeyer just can't quite make herself into the ideal woman her hometown -- and her mother -- expect her to be.  It's going to take an extraordinary man to appreciate her joy and spontaneity -- or so says her doting oilman father.

Sadly such a man doesn't appear to reside in Corsicana, Texas.

It's 1894, the year of Essie's thirtieth birthday, and she decides the Lord has more important things to do than provide her a husband.  If she wants one, she needs to catch him herself.  So she writes down the names of all the eligible bachelors in her small Texas town, makes a list of their attributes and drawbacks, closes her eyes, twirls her finger, and...picks one.

But convincing the lucky "husband-to-be" will be a bit more of a problem.

Synopsis of Deep in the Heart of Trouble (from back cover)

Essie Spreckelmeyer is the last woman anyone in Corsicana, Texas, expected to see with a man on her arm.  Independent and outspoken, she's known more for riding bicycles in outrageous bloomers than catching a man's eye.


And the last man who seems willing to give her a second glance is Tony Morgan, newly hired at Spreckelmeyer's oil company.  The disinherited son of an oil baron, Tony wants most to restore his name and regain his lost fortune -- not lose his heart to this headstrong blonde.  She confounds, contradicts, and confuses him.  Sometimes he doesn't know if she's driving him toward the aisle or the end of his rope. 

That's how life is... deep in the heart of trouble.


My Thoughts


I've read and enjoyed a couple of other books by Deeanne Gist: A Bride in the Bargain and A Bride Most Begrudging.  With these two most recent reads by Gist, I really can't decide quite how I feel about them.  I would say this time the Christian aspect of this Christian Historical Fiction novel is a bit more prominent, but once again, not overbearingly so.  I can't quite put my finger on what it was that just quite didn't do it for me with these books compared to Gist's other books I've read.

I tend to think that it is the stories themselves, more than anything.  I actually greatly enjoyed Essie Spreckelmeyer as the heroine of both books.  With Essie, there is never a dull moment and you never can be quite sure what she will do next.  I liked that she wasn't some perfect beauty that could have any man she wanted, but that ultimately she got the only man she wanted, though not without some pitfalls and missteps along the way.

Ultimately, I believe the most bothersome piece of the puzzle for me was the first book itself.  I wish that both of these books could have been made into one and that some of the various plot lines had been removed.  Clearly, by the end of the first book, I knew I was going to have to read the second so I could learn what would become of Essie.  And really, I did enjoy the second book much better than the first, which left a bad taste in my mouth to some degree, though not so much that I didn't want to read the rest of Essie's story, apparently.  Her independence and fiery personality really shine in Deep in the Heart of Trouble and add in an exciting climax, and you have a recipe for a much more gripping read.

Gist works in great moments of humor and has an interesting cast of characters for both stories, though I think that Essie really came to life in the second book.  I expect that most people will enjoy both stories, but I guess I was just really bothered by the way the first one turned out.  Of course, I wasn't bothered enough to give these up altogether, so I suppose that says something.

In the end, I'm not quite sure what this review has said -- perhaps it's just neutral, which is essentially how I felt about the two stories when you look at them together...  If you pick up Courting Trouble, you are almost guaranteed to want to follow it with Deep in the Heart of Trouble, simply to find out what happens to Essie.  I really can't recommend reading only Deep in the Heart of Trouble, because you do learn some key things about Essie in the first book that are important to the second.  However, I'd be more inclined to just send you to Gist's other books first.

My Combined Rating:


(Individually, I'd rate Courting Trouble as a "2-1/2" and Deep in the Heart of Trouble as a "3-1/2".)

If you have reviewed either of these books, please feel free to leave a link to your reviews in the comments section below!

Catching up on Reviews: The House in Grosvenor Square

Title: The House In Grosvenor Square
Author: Linore Rose Burkard
Genre: Regency, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
Pub Date: April 2009, Harvest House Publishers
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased from Books-a-Million

Synopsis (from the back of the book)

As Ariana Forsythe plans her wedding to Philip Mornay, she must adjust to the realization that she is soon to become the wife of an extremely wealthy man. She wonders if it’s wrong to rejoice that her future husband is rich. But she promises herself to use her new position to do what she can to aid the numerous street waifs she sees all too often in London.

During a tour of her future home—the house in Grosvenor Square—Ariana makes plans to redecorate according to her tastes. But when Philip arrives home later, he is informed that an expensive silver candlestick and a miniature portrait of George III have gone missing. Moreover, each time Ariana visits the house, accompanied by a friend or relation, another item disappears.

When Ariana suffers an abduction attempt by two villains, and other mysterious goings-on are unexplained, Mr. Mornay must unravel the  mystery of who is after Ariana and why.  He knows he has to prevent any harm from befalling his future bride, even if it means he must keep her under lock and key in his own house!

My Thoughts

Well, you might know by now that I seem to have mixed luck with my Christian Fiction reads.  This, unfortunately, was not one of my luckier picks, it seems.  I was pretty excited about the idea of a Regency Inspirational book, but this is a far cry from my beloved Georgette Heyer's Regency England.  (And I'm sorry, I know it's probably blasphemy in the world of books and literature, but I will take Heyer over Austen any day of the week.)

I did not realize when reading this book that it was actually the sequel to another book, Before the Season Ends.  I don't believe that my opinion of this book would have changed any even if I had read the first book, though.  I had several issues with this story when you get right down to it.  I thought the characters were flat.  Oh, I suppose Ariana was fleshed out pretty well, but Philip Mornay was such a bore.  The supporting cast wasn't much better.  I felt like I didn't even know who Mrs. Bentley was -- I never knew what to expect with her.  Peter O'Brien... I hardly even know what to say about him.  I suppose I can see where there may be a sequel involving him and Ariana's younger sister, but you won't catch me reading it.

The synopsis would also lead you to believe that you will find mystery and intrigue inside this book, but we basically know from the beginning who is behind the plots against Ariana, both in Philip Mornay's home and with respect to the kidnappings.  What's the fun in that?  I like to be able to speculate about what is going on and see if my guess is right when the evil-doers are finally unmasked.

Really, I found the whole book to be a snooze-fest.  By and large, there were few sparks for me as far as the romance was concerned -- perhaps once or twice I got momentarily excited by Ariana and Philip's relationship, only to have those feelings fall flat soon after.  By the time I was about a third of the way through I found myself skimming more than actually reading every page.  I'd say the Christianity piece is preachier than what I like to read, but it wasn't THAT big of a turn-off in that respect.  I guess I just had a harder time envisioning it within the Regency world than I thought I would.  But when you get down to it, I had bigger problems with the story, the characters, and the mystery, or lack thereof.

My rating:



If you have reviewed this book, please feel free to leave a link to your review in the comments section!

Review: Sixteen Brides

Title: Sixteen Brides
Author: Stephanie Grace Whitson
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
Pub Date: April 2010, Baker Publishing Group
Format: e-Book
Source: Downloaded as a free feature from BN.com

Synopsis

From BN.com: Sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land speculator who lures them west by promising "prime homesteads" in a "booming community." Unbeknownst to them, the speculator's true motive is to find an excuse to bring women to the fledging community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes they will accept marriage proposals shortly after their arrival!

Sparks fly when these unsuspecting widows meet the men who are waiting for them. These women are going to need all the courage and faith they can muster to survive these unwanted circumstances--especially when they begin to discover that none of them is exactly who she appears to be.

My Thoughts

Though the synopsis has no mention of it, this book would qualify as Christian fiction, in my opinion, though it is certainly far from some of the "over-the-top" Christian fiction that I have read. There are strong references to God, prayer, and the Bible, so if Christian undertones are a deal-breaker, you have been forewarned.

While the story may be called Sixteen Brides, we are ultimately following the stories of about six of these women, which lessens the confusion a bit. Whitson admirably rotates through each woman's point of view throughout the book and once I really got into the story, I didn't find it too difficult to keep everyone straight, despite the fact that we are following so many different storylines. Each woman's background is unique and each woman has to face her own challenges and struggles.  I found that I felt a connection to many of them as their stories unfolded. How Whitson was able to successfully manage so many prominent characters is beyond me. Perhaps they were not as fully fleshed out as they could have been, but I'm willing to forgive that, given the sheer number of "main" characters we are talking about.

Each woman's story is heartwarming in its own way and I enjoyed watching the various romances unfold, some more quickly than others. In fact, by the end of the book, one of the romances has barely begun, leaving you wishing for more. Yet at the same time, knowing the young woman the way you do by the end of the book, it's just enough to leave you happy knowing what her future holds in store, even if you don't get to read about it. I also found there to be quite a few humorous scenes and exchanges that kept the book moving quickly for me.  All-in-all, while not perfect, I thought Sixteen Brides was a charming story without being overly preachy: a win-win in my book, and at the time I read it, it was just what I was looking for.  If you like historical fiction that is set in the western frontier and you can live with some underlying Christian themes that won't overwhelm you, I'd say it's worth giving Sixteen Brides a shot.

My rating:


If you have reviewed this book, please feel free to leave a link in the comments section.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on it, as well!

Review: A Bride in the Bargain

Title: A Bride in the Bargain
Author: Deeanne Gist
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
Pub Date: June 2009, Bethany House
Paperback, 362 pages
Book Source: Purchased from BJ's Wholesale

Synopsis

In 1860s Seattle, redwoods were plentiful but women scarce. Yet a man with a wife could secure 640 acres of timberland for free.

Joe Denton doesn't have a wife, though. His died before she could follow him to Seattle, and now the local judge is threatening to take away his claim. In desperation, he buys himself a Mercer bride--one of the eastern widows and orphans brought to the Territory by entrepreneur Asa Mercer.


Anna Ivey's journey west with Mercer is an escape from the aftermath of the Civil War. She signed on to become a cook--not a bride. When she's handed over to Denton, her stubborn refusal to wed jeopardizes his land. With only a few months before he loses all he holds dear, can he convince this provoking, but beguiling, easterner to become his lawfully wedded wife?

My Thoughts

While A Bride in the Bargain is published by a Christian publishing house, I think it is safe to say that this novel is perhaps more of a historical romance. There are some mild Christian references, but nothing that is overly preachy--meaning this is my kind of Christian fiction. No one was trying to convert anyone or force someone to church every Sunday.

I thought this story was a very enjoyable read, though at times Joe's and Anna's interactions were frustrating and perhaps not quite believable. Some of the blunders that both made along the way just didn't seem realistic, though I suppose that love (and desperate circumstances) can make you do and think crazy things. Why Joe chose to keep certain information and events from Anna just didn't seem to me to make a lot of sense, and I thought that Anna had a tendency to overreact, as well. In the end, though, everyone lives happily ever after, and isn't that really what is most important?

I think that my favorite part about the book was not actually in the story, but it was the author's note at the end, where I learned that this story is based on real historical events. The information Gist provided made the story that much more intriguing, in my opinion, and gave me a deeper appreciation for this book. Fans of both Christian fiction and historical fiction should give Gist's books a try--I don't think you would be disappointed!

My Rating: 

Other reviews of A Bride in the Bargain:

Becky's Book Reviews ~ Library Queue

If you have reviewed this book and would like to see your site listed above, please leave a comment with the link to your review!

Review: Paper Roses

Title: Paper Roses (Texas Dreams #1)
Author: Amanda Cabot
Genre: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction
Pub Date: January 2009, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)
Paperback, 375 pages
Book Source: Purchased from Amazon.com

Synopsis

The future stretches out in front of Sarah Dobbs like the pure blue Texas sky. Leaving the past behind in Philadelphia, mail-order bride Sarah arrives in San Antonio ready to greet her groom, Austin Canfield, a man she has never met but whose letters have won her heart from afar. But there is one problem--he has died. And Sarah cannot go back East.

As Sarah tries to reconcile herself to a future that is drastically changed, Austin's brother, Clay, struggles with his own muddled plans. Though he dislikes working on the family ranch and longs for a different life, Clay is driven to avenge his brother's death. But something between them is growing and neither Clay nor Sarah is ready to admit it.

My Thoughts

I actually read this book a couple of weeks ago and in a departure from my usual habit, I have neglected writing up the review for quite some time. To tell you the truth, I'm not really sure why. It's not that I didn't like the book, though it certainly wasn't necessarily a favorite, either. There were many aspects I enjoyed, in fact--including the romance between Sarah and Clay, the historical setting in the Texas frontier, and the mix of mystery and historical, Christian fiction.

As is typically the case, there were aspects to the Christian fiction that did not resonate with me, but on the positive side Cabot did not dwell on these as some authors of Christian fiction do. I did not find this book to be as preachy as some Christian fiction can be, which is another plus as far as I'm concerned. It was enjoyable to read the romance between Sarah and Clay unfold, though at times I wished there was a bit more excitement to their courtship. There was at least an added element of suspense and excitement with the mystery of Austin's murder, as well as a thief who strikes all over town. Cabot effectively works the mystery into the rest of the story and manages to tie all of the pieces together. My main complaint about that was that the story did have some slow points and the book might have benefited from having 75-100 pages cut out to improve the pacing a big.

Overall Paper Roses was a pleasant read. Probably not a must-read, but if you're looking for something relatively light with a positive message, you might pick this one up.

My rating:

Other reviews of Paper Roses:

Creative Madness that Makes Me Myself

If you have reviewed this book and would like to see a link to your site here, please leave a comment with the link to your review!

Review: A Bride Most Begrudging

Title: A Bride Most Begrudging
Author: Deeanne Gist
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
Pub Date: July 2005, Bethany House
Trade Paperback, 347 pages

Synopsis

Any ship arriving from England means good news for Virginia colony farmers. The "tobacco brides" would be on board--eligible women seeking a better life in America, bartered for with barrels of tobacco from the fields.

Drew O’Connor isn’t stirred by news of a ship full of brides. Still broken-hearted from the loss of his beloved, he only wants a maid to tend his house and care for his young sister.

What he ends up with is a wife--a feisty redhead who claims she is Lady Constance Morrow, daughter of an Earl, brought to America against her will. And she want to go straight back to England as soon as she possibly can. She hasn’t the foggiest notion how to cook, she dares to argue with her poor husband, and spends more time working on mathematical equations than housework. What kind of a wife is that? Drew's Christian forbearance is in for some testing.

Headstrong and intelligent, deeply moral but incredibly enticing, Constance turns what was supposed to be a marriage of convenience into something most inconvenient, indeed.

My Thoughts

I've been having a good run of luck with Christian Fiction lately, which makes me glad that I didn't give up on the genre entirely as I had been thinking of doing. Gist's debut novel is entertaining and fast-paced, in short, I couldn't put it down.

Being a debut novel, it is certainly not without flaws, but they did not detract from the story too much. While generally a well-written book, there were times when the language felt forced--as if Gist realized she needed to make sure the characters were speaking correctly for the time, so she threw in some key phrases and words for good measure. Sometimes the dialogues felt a bit awkward but with time, I think that is a skill that Gist can perfect.

The story itself may not be original, but the likable characters and great pacing make for an enjoyable read. As with most (Christian) romances, we have a great deal of miscommunication and lack of communication between the story's focal couple, Drew and Constance, but for once I didn't find it to be so frustrating, and it actually kept me turning the pages. And while this may be a work of Christian fiction, it is thankfully not one that outright preaches to the reader, and that is certainly the way I prefer it. In fact, there is nothing in the storyline that involves a character on a mission to convert someone to Christianity, which is also refreshing. Though a Christian, myself, I have never been particularly fond of the preachy fiction that focuses on converting and saving people.

Overall I thought that A Bride Most Begrudging was a strong debut work for Gist, and I look forward to reading her other novels, as well.

My rating:



Other reviews of A Bride Most Begrudging:

Creative Madness That Makes Me Myself

Library Queue ~ Peace, Love, Vote Books ~ A Reader's Journal
A Peek at My Bookshelf ~ Relz Reviews

If you have reviewed this book and would like to see a link to your site listed above, please leave a comment with the link to your review!