Sunday School Review: The Merchant’s Daughter

The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson

YA Christian Historical Fiction/Romance, Published Dec 2011

Challenges: Christian Historical Fiction, NetGalley Month (Jan)

Read: January 2012, 288 pp

4/5 STARS – Highly Recommended!

Book Blurb:

An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice.

Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf’s bailiff-a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past.

Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff’s vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf’s future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

Thoughts:

Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie, so as soon as I saw this was a retelling of that story, I knew I wanted to read it. Annabel is sentenced to work for the new Lord of the town.  Her family was once wealthy when her father was alive, but he lost all his money with the loss of his shipping business and he soon died thereafter.  Annabel’s mother and brothers are portrayed as useless louts who refuse to pay their taxes or work the yearly wheat crops with the rest of the town.  When Lord Ranulf comes to town and takes over, Annabel’s family is sentenced for their negligence.  Annabel is the one to take this responsibility on, working in the wheat fields.  But when Lord Ranulf notices that she is having such a hard time with the work and that she is being bullied by his own bailiff, he sends Annabel to work in the kitchens. Her troubles don’t end there, however, and her only respite is finding the one thing her heart truly desires – to read the Bible for herself, not believing her God, a loving God, would teach the hellfire and damnation that their local priest preaches.  Along the way, her heart is opened to the one person she never saw before.

There are a lot of characters to dislike in this book, but I can’t imagine living in 1352 was an easy life for most. I enjoyed Annabel’s relationships with her friend Stephen, the head maid – Eustacia, and with, of course, Lord Ranulf.  The historical setting of England in 1352 is beautifully written.  I wanted to go there and see the new castle, or “manor” as it is called, being constructed.

I really enjoyed Annabel’s enthusiasm for wanting to read the Bible for herself.  Often times I think that nonbelievers and even believers can  misconstrue the teachings of God and I think reading the Bible for yourself can help you understand and strengthen your faith in Him.  After reading this book, I just happened to read the book of Ruth and enjoyed seeing the parallels with the part of the story where Annabel is working in the wheat fields to Ruth and Boaz’s story in the Bible.  This was my first time to read Melanie Dickerson and it won’t be my last!

Quotes:

He surveyed the undulating countryside, green and lush along the river bank, despite the lack of summer rain.  The river shimmered and tripped over short, rocky falls and wound around the bends and through bogs where bluebells bloomed on the banks.  He couldn’t have chosen a more picturesque village for his new home.

Glynval was the location he had run to, an area where he intended to live at low ebb, flow with the simple rhythm of village life, breathe fresh air, and keep aloof.  His peace would come from the natural beauty of the countryside, from his own independence and freedom.

As he entered, she once again caught sight of the sky behind him, which had bruised blue and purple with clouds and threatened rain.

Book Trailer:

For another retelling of Beauty and the Beast, check out Beauty by Robin McKinley.

Thanks to NetGalley and Zondervan for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read Full Post »

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!

Read Full Post »

Sunday School Review: The Doctor’s Lady by Jody Hedlund

The Doctor’s Lady by Jody Hedlund

Christian Historical Romance, Published Sept 2011

Challenges: Historical Fiction Challenge

Read: December 2011, 378 pp.

4/5

Book Blurb:

Priscilla White knows she’ll never be a wife or mother and feels God’s call to the mission field in India. Dr. Eli Ernest is back from Oregon Country only long enough to raise awareness of missions to the natives before heading out West once more. But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field.

Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs. Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God’s leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.

Book Trailer:

Thoughts:

I really liked that Jody based this novel on real people – Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, which she talks a little bit about at the end of the book.  It is a fictionalized tale, but one that is heavily based on Narcissa’s personal journals. This story covers from the point when Eli comes to New York and visits Priscilla’s community church and their entire journey back across the continent to Oregon, to what would eventually become the Oregon Trail.  Priscilla (Narcissa) was the first white female to ever cross the continental divide – a feat that many thought was impossible to be achieved by any woman.  It seemed that at every turn their paid guides left them high and dry, but Eli was bound and determined to get Priscilla there in one piece.  Their traveling companions, Henry and Mabel Spalding (Henry and Eliza Spalding), made for interesting company, especially since Priscilla had once turned down Henry for her hand in marriage. 

It was a marriage of convenience and I understand that they were both annoyed with the fact that they were essentially “chained” to one another, but the one thing that annoyed me the most about this book was Eli’s persistence on being so rude and standoffish toward Priscilla.  When the story flips to his point-of-view, it is obvious how much he cares for his wife, but these feelings are trapped inside him for 97% of the book.  And even when she made advances toward him, he still refused her! That seems a bit hard to believe in my opinion, which is really the only reason why I ended up rating this book a 4 star instead of a 5 star.  I would have liked to see their relationship develop more over the length of the trip instead of the decision made at the very end.

It is obvious the amount of research Jody has done and I actually want to read Narcissa’s firsthand accounts of their journey.  Overall, I really enjoyed the story  of their overland journey and look forward to Jody Hedlund’s other book, The Preacher’s Bride, which is based on the story of Paul Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress and his wife Elizabeth.

See more from the author – interview with TheCreativePenn.com:

Thanks to Bethany House for providing me with an copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read Full Post »

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!

Read Full Post »

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.

Read Full Post »

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

Read Full Post »