Blog Tour: River’s Call by Melody Carlson

River’s Call by Melody Carlson

Inn at Shining Waters #2

Fiction – Christian, Historical (1959-1970s), Published February 2012

Read March 2012, 288 pp.

Challenges: Christian Historical Fiction, NetGalley Reading Challenge 2012

4/5

• #1 – River’s Song

Book Blurb:

What happens when the ties between generations are severed?

Anna Larson’s daughter, Lauren, is confused, brokenhearted, and misguided. It’s the turbulent 1960s and, feeling alienated from her mother, Lauren chooses to stay with her paternal grandmother. However, repelled by the woman’s manipulative and spiteful ways, Lauren returns to her mother, the river, and the Inn at Shining Waters.

But as time passes, Lauren, now a mother to her own defiant teenager, faces a new crisis, one that puts the entire family at risk.

Thoughts:

Back on the Siuslaw River in Oregon country, Anna has just got her life back on track, newly remarried and about to open her new rustic inn.  Much of her earlier struggles are chronicled in Book 1, so I found it an easy transition to this book.  She has always had a strained relationship with her ex-mother-in-law as well as her daughter.  Now that her daughter is finally in college and out from under her ex-MIL’s wing, Anna feels that maybe she will finally get to have a relationship with Lauren, her daughter.

When Lauren suddenly calls Anna complaining of a bout of sickness, only in the mornings and vomiting, she soon whisks Lauren to the doctor and to her inn, out of sight of all her friends.  I thought this aspect of the story very believable because it was often frowned upon for an unwed woman to be visibly pregnant.  I felt sad for Anna most of the book with her struggled relationships, and often wondered if she could ever regain them.  When Lauren’s daughter, Sarah, comes into the picture, she is an absolute joy for Anna and I was happy that she found a kindred spirit in her granddaughter.  Finally she had someone to love that loved her back.  I hated Lauren’s attitude throughout the book and often wanted Anna to slap her!  It was really frustrating to live it alongside Anna.  Once again, I loved all the people who lived with Anna on the river.  Anna has a wonderful husband and new mother-in-law as wells as many old family friends to help her out.

I was feeling sort of down and sad about the whole entire story when all of a sudden – the ending totally took me by surprise!  And now I MUST know what happens to Sarah in book 3, River’s End.

First Few Sentences:

Anna’s dugout canoe slice a quiet path through the glasslike surface of the river.  Today the Siuslaw was the color of topaz, with reflections of trees along its edges.  Interspersed between spruce and firs, maple trees shone in shades of gold and rust and red.

Thanks to Glass Road Public Relations and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Sunday School Review: To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Christian Historical Romance, Published 2011

Challenges: Historical Fiction Challenge

Read August 2011, 347 pages

4/5

Book Blurb:

Do they have a fighting chance at love?

After completing 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 Levi learned at his father’s knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past.

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs in the town her father founded.  When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she’s reluctant to trust him.  Yet as the mysteries of the town’s new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Eden believes she’s finally found a man of honor and integrity.  But when the truth about Levi’s prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian’s affections?

My Thoughts:

I have definitely become a fan of Karen’s work and of Bethany House’s historicals! I loved her A Tailor-Made Bride and am looking forward to reading her other published book Head in the Cloud as well as her upcoming release in June, Short-straw Bride. 

In Spencer, Texas – 1887, Eden is more than surprised when the new blacksmith in town knocks on her door to visit her library.  What could a brute of a man like him want with her books?  Levi is looking for a new start in life after serving two years in prison for killing a man in a boxing fight.  No one in town knows of his past crimes except for the Cranfords who have agreed to let him run their blacksmith.  Will Levi ever be able to right his wrongs or will he always be haunted by his past? 

I really enjoyed Levi’s character.  Even though he might have somewhat of a shady past, he becomes one of the most outstanding members of the Spencer community.  He struggles with a lisp, unable to say words with s’s very well, but he makes up for it by always searching for another word to replace it, which is why he loves to read – not to mention the pretty librarian.  It takes a while for Eden to figure out why he improperly calls her Eden instead of Miss Spencer.  But when the truth starts to leak of Levi’s past, will she ever be able to get past it?

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Check out my review for Karen Witemeyer’s A Tailor-Made Bride!

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Review: The Kissing Tree

The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice

Christian Historical Fiction, Published December 2011

Challenges: YA Historical Fiction Challenge

Read: November 2011, 261 pp

Verdict: 4/5

Book Blurb:

After five long years, Georgianna is returning to the only place she’s ever considered home.  When she literally falls into the arms of the man she has predetermined to avoid at all costs, she’s forced to search for the reason she has never committed to any man.

And when an unexpected visitor appears on her doorstep, she realizes she must unravel the past so she can decide her future.

From pigtails to stolen kisses, this heartfelt tale of love, friendship, and finding your way back home will bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart from page one.

…and don’t forget, all bets are off until the preacher says “man and wife.”

Thoughts:

If you’re looking for a sweet romance with a little spark, look no further.  I really enjoyed the “out west” setting of the novel.  While the main character, Georgie grew up in the small western town in Colorado, her mother took her and her two younger brothers back east to live with her aunt after the tragic death of her father.  While Georgie enjoyed living the high life in New York with all the fancy trimmings, she could never quite forget her country roots.  When Georgie’s grandfather, Angus, requests her to come and help him out with the housework at the ranch, she doesn’t hesitate, even against her aunt’s and fiance’s wishes.

The young Ridge who Georgie fantasized about as a young girl has now grown up to be a very handsome and sought after man.  And he has always had a soft spot for Georgie and her hot tempered ways.  It’s not until a major crisis, that these two are forced to face the truth.  With the tension running high between these two, you won’t want to stop flipping the pages until the end! 

Although this is a story that has been told before, the characters are fresh.  I especially enjoyed Angus’s sense of humor and his love for his granddaughter is always apparent.  And that Roddy guy, a small part, but I enjoyed him because that’s my husband’s name.   The main characters were so well done that I wish we could have seen more from some of the smaller parts.

It’s all about loyal friendships, undying love, and finding yourself along the way, and always with a spark of humor. 

Quotes:

“There you have it, Ridge Carson.”  She beamed down at him, proud she hadn’t lost her nerve.  “I’ve stolen a kiss and you can never have it back!” -p. 3

“Whoa there, missy,” she heard a very deep and inherently masculine voice say.  “That there is not a proper place to be dancin’ and prancin’ about.”  Georgianna gasped as she looked up into the unmistakeably familiar, yet grown up face of Ridge Carson.  -p.12

Thanks to netGalley and Cedar Fort for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I have already purchased my own copy of this book. I mean, look at the cover!

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Review: Pirate of My Heart

Pirate of My Heart by Jamie Carie

Fiction – Historical, Christian, Published Sept. 1, 2011

ARC received from netGalley.com

Challenges: YA Historical Fiction

Read: August 2011, 320 pages

4/5

Book Blurb:

When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a choice: marry the horrid man of her cold, money-grubbing uncle’s choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with unknown relatives. Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra boards a cargo ship and meets American sea captain Dorian Colburn. But the captain has been wounded by a woman before and guards his independent life. A swashbuckling man doesn’t need an English heiress to make him slow down, feel again, or be challenged with questions about his faith-or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.

Book Trailer:

My Thoughts:

1796 – Lady Kendra is her father’s love and joy, the Earl of Arundel, but when a tragic accident leaves her parentless, her father’s twin brother takes over the estate.  He is the one that has greedily gambled away most of the Townsend money and possessions and insists that his niece marry a wealthy man of his choosing.  When she refuses, her uncle sends her away to America on a boat to live with her mother’s only relatives whom she had never met.

Dorian has finally become captain of his own cargo ship and is very perturbed to discover that one of his officers has accepted payment for the boarding of a woman.  Not knowing what to do with her, he allows her to stay in his own quarters and bids her to stay put.  It doesn’t take long for Dorian to really enjoy Kendra’s company and promises to escort her to her aunt and uncle’s place.

The only thing I found annoying was that Lady Kendra really puts the phrase damsel in distress to work! I think Dorian literally saved her life at least 5 times.  I really enjoyed all the plot elements, but toward the end, it seemed a bit farfetched and on the side of ridiculous. So many were out to get Kendra, but with her ever faith in God’s will, Kendra seems to find a way.

From pirates trying to board Dorian’s ship, to a woman who won’t leave him alone, to finding Kendra’s aunt and uncle, the action is nonstop.  Even though she was raised in privileged circumstances, she is not above working for her keep and always believes that God has a plan for her life.  How will Lady Kendra be received once she meets her long lost relatives?  Will they love her or use her?  And how will Dorian use her social stature to rescue her will she allow her “pirate” to capture her heart after all?

Quotes:

(quoted from ARC, will double check against hard copy when I get one!)

The grey clouds of dawn shivered against the paned glass of the castle, shrouding the three figures at the side of the four-poster bed in an eerie light.  The raging storm of the night before had settled into a dreary misting rain though an occasional jagged flash of lightning flaunted its power, not yet ready to relinquish its right to ravish the leaden sky.

The leaves had turned into a crimson, sunny yellow and carroty riot of color, as if a magician had waved a wand during the night and created a new world.

Thanks to netGalley and B&H Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Review: River’s Song

River’s Song by Melody Carlson

The Inn at Shining Waters #1

Fiction – Christian, Historical (1959), Published August 2011

Read: August 2011, 274 pages

3.75/5

Book Blurb:

Sometimes when we look back, we are able to see ahead.

Following her mother’s funeral, and on the verge of her own midlife crisis, widow Anna Larson returns to the home of her youth to sort out her parents’ belongings, as well as her own turbulent life.  For the first time since childhood, Anna embraces her native heritage, despite the disdain of her vicious mother-in-law.  By transforming her old family home on the banks of Oregon’s Siuslaw River into The Inn at Shining Waters, Anna hopes to create a place of healing – a place where guests experience peace, grace, and new beginnings.  Starting with her own family…

First Impressions (Out of all the books I have to read, why this one?):

I loved the idea that Anna was creating an inn out of her family home.  I think this can bring in a lot of interesting characters.  I love how she ending up decorating her inn.  I love the lodge style a, like the lodges at Yellowstone or Grand Canyon National Parks, and have decorated my house that way, even though I live far from any moose and bears.

Thoughts:

The story takes place in 1959 along Oregon’s Siuslaw River.  Anna has just left her mother’s funeral and has come back to her childhood home to sort things out.  She has inherited the home and land, but since she has not been home in a long time, does not really know the state of it or what she is going to do with it.  Anna spends a few days recuperating and starting to enjoy the time away from her very demanding mother-in-law.  Although Anna’s husband died from war wounds over 8 years ago, she and her daughter, Lauren, are still living with her mother-in-law, who treats Anna like a second class citizen because of her Indian heritage.  Even though life on the river is not as convenient as that in the big city, the river life starts to heal Anna’s soul.  The friends she finds on the river will forever change her river’s course.

Overall, I really enjoyed River’s Song.  It definitely takes the reader back in time to a place that is slower paced and more calm and soothing, like the river.  I loved the descriptions of the land and the river and enjoyed seeing Anna’s healing process.  Anna truly finds herself there and becomes more confident and more authentic. The beginning of the book was a little slow and hard to get into, but once Hazel enters the picture, things on the Siuslaw River definitely start to liven up, as does Anna’s personality.  It’s like she’s in a haze after her mother’s death and truly does not know where to turn or which direction to go, which is understandable once you find out how her home life has been for the last 20 years with Eunice, her mother-in-law and what she went through with her husband. 

I absolutely adored Hazel and Babette, and even Henry’s characters and how they really become Anna’s family.  I also loved learning about the history of the river and Anna’s grandmother.  I really think you have to know where you’ve come from to know where you’re going and learning about family history is really interesting to me.  When Hazel starts to translate Anna’s father’s notebook of Siuslaw stories, that is when Anna truly starts to appreciate everything her grandmother taught her a young girl.

The main reason this book is not a 4 or better for me is that the end, in general, was pretty rushed compared to the rest of the novel, which was more quiet and meandering. There were many allusions and a little bit of buildup to Anna and Clark’s relationship and how they felt about each other, but it felt to me like all of a sudden the river came to a narrow spot in it’s course and everything just came rushing through.  I would have liked to see them  “date” or at least flirt a little before suddenly deciding, “ok, yeah I guess I’ll marry you.”  I think their relationship had a lot more potential and storyline before the marriage part.

A little note about the Christian aspect of the novel -  I think it was well done.  I like when it is subtle and not preaching in your face.  As Anna heals on the river, her faith grows and she often remembers things her grandmother and mother would say about God and I think as she starts to pray and apply these teachings in her life, her sense of self grows and she becomes more at peace with herself.  I really liked the teachings of forgiveness and weakness. 

“When I am weak, I am strong.”  The first time Anna heard it she’d been confused, asking what it meant.  Grandma Pearl said the words were from God’s Book.  “It means when I run out, when I am empty and weak, God can fill me.  I must be empty first.” -p. 242

“Forgiveness is the sweet fragrance of violets on the heel that crushed them,” Mother would sometimes say with a twinkle in her eye as she arranged the delicate blooms in the tiny vase.  -p. 244

In the next installment, River’s Call, I’m hoping to learn more about why Eunice is the way she is and see Lauren and Anna’s relationship grow.  I also cannot wait to see the characters that come to stay at the Inn of Shining Waters.  I hope one of them is Hazel!

Thanks to Glass Road Public Relations for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Review: A Tailor-Made Bride

A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer

Fiction-Christian/Historical, Published 2010

Read: June 2010, 348 pp.

Challenges: Summer Reading Challenge

Shelf Life: Hasn’t made it there yet – Purchased 6-2-10

Verdict: 4.5/5

Book Blurb:

Jericho “J.T.” Tucker wants nothing to do with the new dressmaker in Coventry, Texas.  He’s all too familiar with her kind – shallow women more devoted to fashion than true beauty.  Yet, except for her well-tailored clothes, this seamstress is not at all what he expected.

Hannah Richards is confounded by the man who runs the livery.  The unsmiling fellow riles her with his arrogant assumptions and gruff manner, while at the same time stirring her heart with unexpected acts of kindness.  Which side of Jericho Tucker reflects the real man?

When Hannah decides to help Jericho’s sister catch a beau – leading to consequences neither could have foreseen – will Jericho and Hannah find a way to bridge the gap between them?

My Thoughts:

First off, I love the dress on the cover.  However it says the town is an 1880 photo of Murdo, South Dakota, not a Texas town.  Hannah was raised in the east but followed her heart and career path to San Antonio, Texas.  She has sewn her way to the top of the town’s clientele and her best customer, the spunky Miss Victoria, has Hannah sew her a fancy cerise dress to be buried in.  Instead of leaving all her money to her ungrateful family members, she decides to help her young seamstress.  The only caveat is the building she owns is in Coventry, Texas, which I’m assuming is supposed to be somewhere in north-central Texas – this blogger lives about 100 miles northeast of Coventry and 150 years later.  She mentions the Bosque River as well as the Coventry ladies traveling to Waco to get their dresses made.

I really enjoyed the back and forth between two of the main characters, Hannah and J.T.  Hannah hits it off immediately with J.T.’s sister, Cordelia, but just can’t seem to understand where his surliness is coming from.  J.T. thinks Hannah is a lovely girl, but why has she brought the sinful temptation of vainness to the small Texas town?  Even though his words tell Hannah he does not approve of her business, he is constantly surprising her with small favors and kind gifts to help her meager shop succeed.  And Hannah is not your typical girl.  She has gumption, persistence, and puts her faith in God, knowing she can help make the world – or at least Coventry, Texas – a more beautiful place.

I think this is a great fresh and witty debut novel for Karen Witemeyer and I can’t wait for her next one coming out in October, A Head in the Clouds.

Quotes:

“Red?  Have you no shame, Auntie Vic?  You can’t be buried in a scarlet gown.”

“It’s cerise, Nan.” -p. 7

Courtship the Texas 1880′s way (AKA – This is how you should be doing it fellas!):

Every afternoon for the last four days, Hannah found a small token on her staircase as she made her way to her room after closing the shop. … Hannah’s foot slowed its pumping of the treadle, and a bemused tingle danced over her skin as she thought about the collection of pint-sized Mason jars decorating the crate near her bed.

Monday’s jar had held a polished stone, round and smooth.  Its deep reddish hue carried a horizontal line of quartz along the top that made her think of a fine lady with diamonds at her neck.  A small note was included in the jar.  For the beauty of the earth.

Tuesday’s note had read For the beauty of the skies.  The jar contained a perfectly formed feather, the color so blue Hannah doubted any jay would have given it up without a fight.

On Wednesday, he’s deviated from the hymn lyrics to compose a verse with a more romantic bent.  For the beauty of your heart.  A cottonwood leaf in that very shape sat in the glass cage, its stunning yellow color singing the glory of autumn.

And yesterday she’d found a blue hair ribbon with a note that said To match the beauty of your eyes.  She’d woven the ribbon into her braided chignon this morning in hopes that Jericho would see it.

-p. 253-254

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