Gunpowder Tea

Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley
4/5 stars
Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2013
324 pages
Adult Historical Romance Christian

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

*Spoilers will be discussed.*

I've been a fan of Brownley's writing for a while now, including the first book in the Brides of Last Chance Ranch series, Dawn Comes Early.  The premise is that a female ranchowner is looking for an heiress; among her list of stipulations is that the woman will remain single forever. Though I missed the second book, I was easily able to dive back into this world for the exciting third book.

Our heroine here is Miranda Hunt posing as Annie Beckman in her service as a Pinkerton detective. This is her big chance to prove her capabilities and she is determined to be successful in ferreting out the Phantom, the ringleader of a train robbing gang. Opposing her efforts is "Branch" or rather Jeremy Taggert, a stablehand arrested for robbing a train but somehow let out to plague Miranda's footsteps as she attempts to fend off sparks and solve the case.

As I wrote this, I realized how hard it can be to write about a book when the main characters have multiple names. For the most part I thought of them as Annie and Branch so that is how I will continue to refer to them in my review. Additionally the publisher summary kind of gives away a big spoiler. Of course Branch is not a career criminal; he is a Wells Fargo detective and is there for the same reason as Annie. This isn't revealed until 100+ pages into the book though there are many clues beforehand, so many so that even I realized that he was on the side of the law (no I didn't read the summary-I saw Brownley's name and wanted to read it solely because of that.)

I really liked both characters. Annie is forever striving to prove herself, stung by her father's dismissal of her career path and attempting to live up to his life, which was tragically cut short. Jeremy also has pain in his past like a mysterious incident that sat him at a desk for two years. The two really clash with each other at first, before fighting and then succumbing to their feelings. They end the book in a really happy place.

Two things I really loved about this book were the small instances when Annie catches the wrongdoer (such as in the opening chapter) and the chance to check in with characters from previous books. Of course both of the couples from the other two books are represented as well as the flamboyant Bessie Adams whose quibbling with her sister amused me so in the first book and Ellie Walker who is probably never going to get her heiress to abide by her conditions.

Since this is marketed as a religious novel, I want to touch on that aspect, which I thought was very well-handled. Both leads seem to have a relationship with God and use that as a defining moral compass. Concerns about right and wrong ripple throughout the novel as Annie and Branch worry about the lies they're telling to suss out the thief as well as what they're keeping from each other.

Overall: A sweet fast easy to read romance that just hits all the right beats. If you like reading Christian historical romance (and especially if you have enjoyed previous Brownley writings), you will probably like this one too.

Every Perfect Gift

Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love
4/5 stars
Thomas Nelson Books, 2012
320 pages
Christian Historical Romance
Book #3 in Hickory Ridge trilogy

Source: Received a free copy for review from the publisher via Booksneeze.

My reviews of Beyond All Measure and Beauty for Ashes

Well, I read the first two books in this series so I was certainly invested in returning. Our heroine this time is orphan Sophie Robillard, who was adopted by Ada and Wyatt at the end of the first book. She has now grown into a fine young woman who struggles with her lack of knowledge about her blood relations and the subsequent torments she endured. Her ambition is to return to Hickory Ridge and revitalize their newspaper in the wake of the building of Blue Smoke Resort.

One of the first people she encounters is Ethan Heyward, who is in charge of getting Blue Smoke built along with his wealthy senior partner Howard Blakely. Although the pair clash initially due to her willingness to report on the less than ideal living conditions, a mutual respect develops. But both have big family secrets that have left scars threatening their future.

Sophie is a lovely woman-she is strong and tenacious. I love her go-getting ways, feminism, and optimism (it's 1886 and she's sure woman's suffrage is only a matter of time-try 34 years away!) As a writer, she has a commitment to the truth and trying to help people, which does in a variety of ways. Ethan was a bit harder to get to know since Sophie is the focus but he is also an upstanding hard worker and the pair are well-matched.

As the two fall for each other, more obstacles crop up with some well-resolved and others less resolved to my taste. Still, I think this was my favorite of the series and if you've read the others, you'll certainly want to read this one.

Cover: I do really love this cover-the white is so striking and pretty although something with newspaper might have been more fitting.

Lovelier Than Daylight

Lovelier Than Daylight by Rosslyn Elliott
4.5/5 stars
Thomas Nelson, 2012
350 pages
Adult Historical Christian Romance

Book 1: Fairer than Morning
Book 2: Sweeter Than Birdsong

Source: Received a copy through Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Book 3 in this trilogy picks up in 1875 with the niece of book 1's couple. Susanna arrives to attend college at Otterbein only to discover her sister's kids have been dropped off at orphanages and her sister has disappeared. Additionally a man is attempting to open a tavern in the dry town much to the ire of the temperance movement there.

I loved that alcohol and temperance played such a big role here. I did think that it leaned a little heavily on the extreme pro-temperance side (since that is Susanna's belief and she is the main character); keep in mind, that aligns with my own beliefs and even I thought it was a little extreme. But we also have a strong voice arguing for the allowance of alcohol in the person of Johann Giere, son of a brewer who is an aspiring journalist and whose feelings for Susanna put them in constant contact. There are other voices on both sides but those are the most prominent. Another historical plot aspect was the power of journalism to effect social change. Although this isn't a major thread, newspaper stories provide important documentation about the battle over alcohol and other abuses. We're in a golden period of journalism here!

Johann is a good man and their romance was so sweet. I've read the previous books and this was definitely my favorite romance. I loved the short courtship and the way that sharing their first names was such an intimate act. Although I'm a modern woman, I have idealized some of the old-fashioned mores and this romance was a great example of that.  They both placed such value and caution on pursuing this relationship in contrast to some more casual treatments of relationships in some YA novels.

However what really got me and lifted up this book was near the end when Susanna is challenged in her faith. She realizes she was acting out of righteousness rather than with the love and mercy of Jesus. The example of her aunt Ann and uncle Will was pivotal in her recognition of this fact as were interactions with her sister and Johann. It moved me to tears and caused me to reflect-a great combination.

Overall: If you like these categories (Christian historical), I would highly recommend this. I hope if you've read the other books, you also enjoy this one. This can be read as a standalone but I think the rich historical background of the others would add to your reading experience.

Cover: I really like this cover-I think the pop of yellow makes this my favorite cover of the trilogy.

Dawn Comes Early

Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley
4/5 stars
Thomas Nelson, 2012
341 pages
Adult Christian Historical Romance

Source: Received an ARC through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.

Having read Brownley's previous series Rocky Creek Romance, I knew that I enjoyed her writing and was eager to pick up another romance set in the West. This time we journey to the Arizona Territory in 1895, getting a glimpse into ranch life.  Although I don't usually seek out non-Regency romances, I will admit to a fondness for these interconnected trilogies.

Our heroine is Boston-bred Kate Tenney, disgraced novelist whose latest book was banned by the prudish Boston watchdogs and who worked hard every day of her life to be able to afford an education. She travels out west for the opportunity to become an heiress to a cattle ranch; the main condition is to remain forever unmarried, something that does not sound difficult due to Kate's abysmal examples of parents. All that she has seen is bad marriages where the men don't stick around and why would she want that?

Upon arrival, Kate is assaulted by an outlaw, saved by the swoony hero, and begins her much more difficult than expected life at the ranch. But she has tenacity and is determined not to let anything get in the way. Not even the very upstanding Luke Adams, blacksmith and all-around good guy, who doesn't see why a lady of learning would be interested in a plainspoken man like him.

I would (and in fact did) categorize this as a romance and yet there isn't that much interaction between the two. Immediately there is a frisson between the two but they don't share many conversations. They barely get to know each other. We spend more time following Kate's rejuvenated writing career, a subplot with the aforementioned outlaw, and some focusing on Luke's aunts, who are admittedly a kick. One decides to put the passion in her marriage and ends up thinking her husband is two-timing her, which doesn't sound funny but it was.

Overall: Although I would have liked more romance and more discussion of faith, this book hit all the right beats for me. I'm very excited for second book Waiting for Morning.

 

This Scarlet Cord

This Scarlet Cord by Joan Wolf
2/5 stars
Thomas Nelson, 2012
303 pages
Inspirational Historical Romance

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

After enjoying Wolf's retelling of the story of Esther in A Reluctant Queen, I eagerly anticipated her next book especially as I've read some other retellings of Rahab and enjoyed them. I really do love reading about the women who are listed in the genealogy of Jesus.

BUT. I really struggled with the first part, which is titled "First Meeting" and introduces Rahab and Sala (Salmon being a name that has unfortunate connotations for most modern readers as Wolf explains) as young people. I was not sure why this was included as it is never shown that the two had met before their story is told in Joshua and it seemed like a weird padding to the story. I also found it very slow-going, which meant it took me longer than usual to finish this book.

However despite my misgivings, I decided to plunge ahead only to dislike more and more. Now obviously there are going to be changes when taking a short story and expanding it to novel-length, adding elements to appeal to a contemporary audience. But I didn't like that Rahab and Sala already knew each other from childhood and basically had insta-love; I also didn't like that Rahab was not a prostitution but merely considered one due to her culture by the Hebrews. The other ding against this novel is how much I loved Pearl in the Sand, a different retelling of the story of Rahab. Because of the strong impression it left on me, I constantly compared this book and whenever something was different, thought it was "wrong."

I don't want to sound completely negative because there were some things I liked. First was the political maneuvering of Jericho's royal family and the presentation of their belief in Baal, deeply entwined. I found this fascinating to learn about. Second was that I really liked Rahab's sister-in-law whose longing for a child and pain over her barrenness sends her into the arms of Yahweh.

Overall: Shaky beginning and my mental comparison to a different retelling left me decidedly not in love with this book.

Beauty for Ashes

Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love
4/5 stars
Thomas Nelson, 2012
325 pages
Christian Historical Romance

Source: Received an ARC through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.

Last year I read Beyond All Measure and enjoyed how faith was incorporated into the book while also mostly liking the historical setting of just post-Civil War. So I eagerly snapped up this next book, a companion novel set in the same small town but focusing on different characters. I feel like it could be read as a standalone but since I've read the first book, I'm not the best source.

It has been four more years, long and lonely ones for the widow Carrie Daly whose elder brother has recently decided to take a wife, the insufferable Mary, mother to two rambunctious boys. After repeated instances of disrespect, Carrie is fed up and leaves, attempting to make her own way in the struggling town of Hickory Ridge. Meanwhile she attempts to fight her feelings for charming Griff Rutledge, master horseman who has no intentions of settling down. Can these two people follow God's plan for their lives and find their way to each other?

This book actually follows a lot of physical movement on the part of Carrie in addition to her emotional changes. First she lives with her brother, then she moves out and ekes out a living through several odd jobs in town before returning to live with her new family. It is a hard life that is described, not just because of the historical time period, rural setting, and Depression-era economy. I felt so overwhelmingly grateful for my life after reading this. All the work that Carrie must do just to ensure that everyone has the basic necessities while their meager Christmas celebration especially brought home just how fortunate I am.

A large element of this book is the romance but there are many sections of the book where all Carrie and Griff do is stare after the other. I enjoyed the scenes when they were together as Griff has charm to spare and I was heavily invested in Carrie's well-being, which would be improved by a relationship with Griff. It just took a really long time for that to be the centerpiece. I think part of that is because both Carrie and Griff need to have their character changed in some ways before they are ready for each other. But it left me a bit disappointed.

Overall: Some beautiful lessons in faith but there are definitely some slow moments that may frustrate other readers.

Cover: I love the green dress, the hat, and the horse, the latter two which are plot elements of the book. I don't remember the green dress featuring but it doesn't really matter.

Sweeter Than Birdsong

Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott
4/5 stars
Thomas Nelson, 2012
378 pages
Christian Historical Romance

Source: Received a copy from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.

Last year I read Fairer Than Morning and liked it so I was excited to give the second book a try. This time we jump ahead to 1855 in Ohio with the protagonists of that book still playing an important role in anti-slavery efforts including aiding fugitive slaves in defiance of the Fugitive Slave Act and writing an anti-slavery song that ends up being compared to Uncle Tom's Cabin in terms of impact. So it's pretty exciting for a history nerd to read about these events on the brink of the Civil War (including several characters predicting that the country can't hold).

My big disappointment with Fairer Than Morning was expecting more of a romance than I got. I only remembered that when I reread my review so I didn't really have expectations when reading this book. Happily I thought there was a bit more romance although it was definitely of a slow-burning quiet kind as both participants need to conduct themselves by the codes of society.  What we got was very sweet and made me very happy :)

The male is Ben Hanby, son of Fairer Than Morning's love story, musical genius, and committed to a future in the clergy.  The only thing dissuading him from that potential future is the lovely Kate Winter, one of the first female students at Otterbein College, whose society mama has higher expectations than a future pastor. Kate's shyness and awful family life, meanwhile, have her plotting escape until an encounter with a runaway slave jolts her from her plans.

I did think there could have been more about Kate's family life. Her father's a drunk, her mother regrets her decision to leave Philadelphia society, and her younger sister has been emotionally scarred by their toxic home but while the mother's thoughts and feelings are partially explained, the other two are not really talked about. Since Kate's home is so formative to her character, I think it would have been good to have more insight into it.

I thought the historical elements were very well done. I'm not too familiar with the time period but the way that slavery was woven into the story was fantastic. Some of the most exciting and tense passages revolved around fugitives and the simmering conflict among Americans is well-emphasized. I thought the Christian aspect was also well-done. I would definitely not describe it as preachy but instead it was very well-incorporated and sprang organically from the characters themselves.

Overall: An intense historical read about a time period that doesn't always get much attention.

Cover: Hmm, I don't know. I like the hoop skirt (crinolines get a good shout-out in the book) but it doesn't entirely click for me. It's not bad but it's not great to me.

A Path Toward Love

A Path Toward Love by Cara Lynn James
4/5 stars
Thomas Nelson, 2012
307 pages
Inspirational Historical Romance

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't sure about this book as the time period setting is not my usual (early twentieth-century America) and with a not pretty dress on the cover. But I decided to give it a try and I'm glad I did.

I found this book compulsively readable. I'd pick it up to read a chapter or two and then discover I had read a hundred pages or more. I just could not stop because I had to know more. This was a little odd as I found the characters flat and the story very predictable. But I could not put it down.

Katherine Osborne is a young widow whose husband's profligacy has left her struggling to manage her inherited orange groves. Her wealthy parents want her to return to New York, rejoin society, and make a brilliant match befitting their status. Katherine is wooed back for a summer by the promise of a loan to save her groves but is still intent on returning to Florida. Another persuasion is Andrew, an attorney who is socially beneath her and is in fact cousin to the man who has been earmarked to her. Yet Katherine has no interest in him, feeling drawn to Andrew despite the many obstacles placed in their way by her snobbish mother.

Obviously that is the main couple and their developing relationship takes up a great part of the book. I thought is was very sweet and I loved their cuteness. However I was less enthused about their conflicts which I found repetitive and tired. Katherine can't decide if she should pursue another romantic relationship after the mess of her first marriage; she's also still struggling with parental and societal expectations. Andrew did not seem to have much of a personality beyond his long-time love for Katherine and his faith in God, both qualities I like in a hero but I need someone with a bit more pizzazz. The other characters were similarly cookie-cutter and flat.

Still, rated highly for my inability to put the book down even as I listed the problems I had it with and the sweetness of the main romance.

Cover: I think it's really bleh-I like bright eye-catching colors but this one is so plain.

Stress Point

Stress Point by Susan Francis Martin
4/5 stars
Thomas Nelson, 2012
267 pages
Adult Christian Non-Fiction

Source: Received a copy for review through Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

I was interested in this book because of its subtitle: "Thriving Through Your 20s in a Decade of Drama." I am in my twenties and have found some areas of life difficult, in particular negotiating the job area, which is the very first chapter. So I figured this book would be pretty applicable.

Chapters aim to cover every aspect from work as mentioned above to relationships, money issues, and spiritual maturity over the course of ten chapters. Martin broke down each chapter into five sections, using these three guiding images: "Worshiping at the Throne of the King", "Waiting at the Throne of the King" and "Finding Focus on the King." These are images we can as we aim to conquer the stress points in our lives. Each chapter has multiple journal questions to work through but my personal favorite part was how Martin shared a different name of God with us and how that name has give her inspiration through stressful parts of her life.

Many of the points were familiar to me, which is good as I obviously need to hear some of these things again.  One immediate application for me was when earlier this week I was looking at my closet and hating all my clothes. I caught myself and shook my head to literally shake those thoughts out of my head. Instead I reflected on how lucky I am to have so many choices, closed my eyes, and then picked the first short-sleeves shirt I saw. Another application for me was waking up every morning this week and thinking how lucky I am to get to go to work instead of groaning about getting up. This was something my pastor had preached about earlier this year and I'm happy to have had it repeated because I need to hear these things multiple times to make sure they really sink in and change me.

I did struggle a bit with the beginning of each chapter as Martin shared three case studies; in many of the chapters, I didn't relate to any of the case studies and since they were a jumping-off point, I felt my entry into that section was a bit stymied. But I loved the career section and found that one to be very helpful.

Besides the book chapters, there are also summary pages, additional discussion questions, and online videos at Martin's blog if you're looking for more information about this book. I think this would be a helpful read for many Christian women in their twenties.

Starring Me

Starring Me by Krista McGee
4.5/5 stars
Thomas Nelson, 2012
328 pages
Christian YA Contemporary

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

After loving First Date, I knew I wanted to read McGee's next book. To my surprise, it is actually a companion novel focusing on First Date's heroine Addy's best friend Kara. I was expecting a standalone, although this one can certainly be read on its own.

Kara gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she is asked to try out for a teenage sketch comedy show, that would allow her to demonstrate the multiplicity of her talents. Unbeknownst to her, her famous costar is Chad Beacon, one of the most popular teens on the planet. In order to select the right costar, the finalists will live together for a month and be under the scrutiny of trusted Beacon employee Flora.

In a fun twist, Chad and Kara actually meet outside of the competition through their friends Jonathan and Addy of First Date. Their budding relationship is so cute; though both are interested, they decide to wait on God before making any big moves. This is a great example for Chad and Kara's relationship as well as for any tween/teen who reads about a lot of insta-love that permeates the category. Taking your time and learning more about your potential partner is a good thing!

Another aspect I loved was Flora. I think we would be friends especially due to her love of Austen; she draws from Emma to describe her initial feelings about what girl should be chosen as costar. Additionally Flora just has a big heart-she's a sweetheart and was probably my second-favorite character (after Kara herself).

My one complaint is about Chad's parents, who are sweetly overprotective of their son but who seemed to think that non-Christians are not good enough to be around their son full-time. I was kind of offended by their attitude and am worried that non-Christians would also get this impression and

And while this book is not overly preachy or full of Scripture, at its heart, it is about a girl deciding to commit her life to Christ, which is not a storyline that will appeal to everyone. But if you like books about backstage hijinks and drama, there is a lot to love in this book.

Cover: Love it! Kara's hair is part of her distinctive look and this girl obviously loves the spotlight.

Through Rushing Water

Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond
4/5 stars
Thomas Nelson, 2012
349 pages
Christian Historical Romance

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I read this author's previous work, Spring for Susannah, and absolutely loved the romance so despite not being excited about the setting (1876 Dakota Territory), I was very eager to learn more.

Sophia Makinoff is preparing to become engaged to a rising young Congressman until he announces his engagement to her frivolous roommate and she applies to be a missionary. Her goal is to go to China and perhaps eventually return to her birthplace in Russia. Instead she is sent to Dakota Territory to serve as a missionary and teacher to the Ponca Indians. Running from the pain of the broken relationship, Sophia is soon immersed in the lives of those around her, battling for the Ponca tribe and their livelihood against an encroaching American government.

I have to say that I LOVED Sophia. She is so tough, loving, and full of grace. She could have given up at multiple points but she just kept persevering and attempting new avenues to get the support she needed. She gave her whole heart to the challenge of making a new life in the Dakota Territory. Another notable character is Will, the village's carpenter. Despite warnings from the local pastor and land agent, he learned the Ponca language and has been accepted by them, also putting forth his best efforts in seemingly hopeless conditions.

However plot-wise, the book seemed a bit soggy. I think you could divide the book roughly into thirds. The first is Sophia becoming acclimated; the second is fighting the US government's demands that the Poncas move; and the last third is in Omaha where Sophia and Will's romance really takes off. While I loved the romance, I did think the Ponca storyline was more powerful so to have it almost shelved was frustrating and to the story's detriment.

There were a couple of elements that were new to me, as a sporadic reader of Christian fiction. First Sophia was born in Russia and was raised in the Russian Orthodox Church to the shock of the local Episcopal priest; I've really only read books with Protestant heroines. The second element was the inclusion of the Ponca Indians. Since I tend to read historical fiction set in Regency and WWII, I'm not as familiar with the period. It's also a tough one to read about because of the appalling way the US government behaved; it's hard to read about the underhanded behavior when I know that the bad guys aren't really punished.

Overall: I loved the bits of romance but thought the plot as a whole wasn't as strong and powerful as it might have been.

Cover: The cover does not appeal to my personal preferences as I like bright colors but its muted tones are fitting for this more somber story.

First Date

First Date by Krista McGee
Thomas Nelson, 2011
320 pages
YA; Inspirational; Contemporary
4/5 stars

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book just sounded right up my alley: light and fluffy and then I discovered that it was a retelling of Esther, which added another dimension.  In this version main character Addy is a Christian who is chosen to compete on a reality TV show to win a prom date with the president's cute son. Doesn't this book sound exactly like something I'd like?

And I did like it. Addy is a shy girl most concerned with academics, not fashion and boys, setting her apart from most of the girls on the show. Further differentiating her is her religion, modesty, and dislike for the spotlight. However that is exactly what the audience loves about her, infuriating the controlling unethical producer of the show as well as many of the greedy, grasping girls.

I was able to read this pretty fast because, for the most part, it just flowed. I think you will be able to predict what's going to happen based on your knowledge of the book of Esther and YA books in general-nothing really took me by surprise. But I especially loved Addy's relationship with her parents. Now they're dead and have been for most of her life after a disastrous ending to their missionary life, but Addy receives her mother's journals and learns more about their faith, which encourages her in her path.

The characters aren't very developed: Addy is practically perfect if a bit annoying at times while the other characters are pretty one-dimensional.  They are either good or bad, supporting Addy or trying to tear her down with little depth beyond their relationship to Addy. They don't stand alone to distinguish themselves with unique personalities.

I mentioned the Christian aspect above, which I did not think was overwhelmingly strong but if you don't like stories with that element, then you'd be better off skipping.

Overall: A cute, fun story.

There You'll Find Me

There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones
Thomas Nelson, 2011
303 pages
YA; Christian; Contemporary
5/5 stars

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Summary: Finley is going to Ireland as an exchange student, hoping to feel closer to her brother who was killed in Afghanistan and who had also spent time there; she is lost, adrift from friends on earth and angry at a God who doesn't seem to hear her. But her plans are radically altered when she ends up sitting next to movie star Beckett Rush on the plane. As the pressure in Finley's life mounts,

So I was sitting, getting ready to write this review and trying to come up with something I didn't like about this book. Not because I want to be negative but because I find myself being very particular now about books and I want to provide good guidance to potential readers of this book.

Yet, I find myself incapable of thinking of something. There were some characters I didn't like...but I wasn't supposed to like them as their superficiality and meanness toward the main character (Finley) would have them classified as antagonists.  I didn't like the main character's refusal to realize her eating disorder...but again I think the reader is supposed to be worried about her health even as she stubbornly claims to be "fine, just fine" and that her eating habits will go back to normal once one moment of stress passes.

I guess I could complain about the bickering relationship between the romantic leads but I totally fell for it. The running joke of Beckett calling Finley various names that start with "F" always made me giggle. I actually didn't even think they would end up together (a la my beloved Teen Idol); they could have just been friends but they ended up really challenging each other. Beckett called Finley on her need to control and how she pushes away; Finley helped Beckett with his career choices and therefore impacted his whole life.

Maybe I could complain about the pacing? But no, I thought that was pretty great too. The reader's slow realization of Finley's eating problems and the pain at seeing her war against God got me good. I wanted to force her to put her trust in Him but of course I could only wait. I guess some parts were a little predictable but it still packed a satisfying emotional punch.

Overall: Just an amazing book, with a very flawed main character whose journey has only just begun and who I would love to get to spend more time with.

Spring for Susannah

Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond
Thomas Nelson, 2011
343 pages
Christian Historical Romance
4/5 stars

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book as it's another western story, which is not my favorite setting. And while I don't rank this among my favorite books, there was an outstanding aspect of this book.

Namely, the romance. Main character Susannah grew up with warped ideas about gender and marriage as instilled in her by her parents and enduring mean and petty comments from her peers. Consequently, she is shy and embarrassed when she arrives in the Dakota Territory married to a man via proxy. Jesse is practically perfect, prepared to love, honor, and cherish this woman he's never met. Although he is frustrated with her inability to share an opinion, he continues to pray to God that they can build a real marriage.

And over the course of the first book, they do so. As they fell in love, I fell more in love with them. Susannah feels unworthy but Jesse draws out and is proud of her veterinary skills.  They begin to know each other's little likes and dislikes. And she starts to share her opinions, which he is happy to hear even when they disagree. They also suffer hardships together as life on the prairie is difficult with hardly any neighbors.

However the book goes off the rails after a plague of grasshoppers devours their crops. Jesse decides that the only solution is for him to leave Susannah and find work elsewhere to support them. During his futile journey to find work, he gets separated from his companions and ends up the guest of Native Americans during a brutal winter. Meanwhile Susannah ends up fending for herself and missing Jesse terribly. As Jesse is feared dead, many men end up vying for Susannah's hand. I did not like these segments; all I wanted was for them to be reunited and facing challenges together.

Overall: A beautiful romance that is sidetracked by separation, displeasing to this reader.

A Reluctant Queen

A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf
Thomas Nelson, 2011
375 pages
Inspirational Historical Romance
4/5 stars

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Summary: This is a retelling of the life of Esther, one of two woman to have a book named after her in the Protestant Bible. She marries a non-Jew and ends up saving her people from a massacre, inspiring the celebration of Purim.

I absolutely devoured this book as I found the romantic aspect so well-written and enjoyable especially after reading a couple of books where I thought the romantic aspect was mishandled. Esther is pushed forward by her uncle as a candidate to be the Persian King Ahasuerus' next wife after he disposes of his first. Her uncle foresees her saving the Jewish people in the empire from destruction but Esther fears the loss of her dreams of a life with a good Jewish man.

The book covers about the same period of time as in the Bible but it gives us insight in to the feelings of Esther as she embarks on this radically new life. She is shocked at the different cultural standards and feels unable to handle the expectations of the Jewish elders; she is but a woman. How can she do anything? But even as she no longer is allowed to worship with her people, she is able to draw closer to God and undergo big changes. 

One thing I was having trouble with was Haman, who ends up being the one to order the destruction of Jews throughout the empire. How does someone come to that point of wanting to kill so many people? Two things drive him: the refusal of Esther's uncle Mordecai to bow to him (Haman is an Edomite, an enemy of the Jews) and his jealousy over Ahasuerus' attention to Esther. Haman wants all of Ahasuerus' trust and this insane jealousy drives him to make some very bad decisions.

While I didn't notice the changes, other reviewers have mentioned that significant liberties were taken with the story of Esther as presented in the Bible. I can understand their qualms and if I were more familiar with the book of Esther, I would probably agree with them. Happily for me, I have only a cursory acquaintance with that book so I was able to immerse myself in the loving relationship of Esther and Xerxes and allow Wolf to weave her story.

Overall: A fantastic romance and an intriguing spin on the biblical story.

The Grace of God

The Grace of God by Andy Stanley
Thomas Nelson, 2010
217 pages
Inspirational Non-fiction
5/5 stars

Source: Received a free copy from Booksneeze for an honest review.

Grace has long been a topic of fascination to me. "Amazing Grace" is my favorite song and I am so grateful to receive grace from God. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm good at extending grace to others...

I really liked this book and how it delved into some of the most famous stories of the Bible. Stanley presents them anew, embroidering and expanding on how the participants might have been feeling when they went through their trials and their triumphs. No matter how badly they failed at the task set before them by God, that did not disqualify them from receiving grace nor did it stop God from following the great promises He made. Stanley looks at figures from both the Old as well as the New Testament. I thought that was especially good because of the not uncommon view that the merciless Old Testament God is so different from the loving New Testament God. Stanley squares them as most definitely being the same! He also has a clever little chapter bridging the two different sections of the Bible and preparing the reader for another perspective.

Beyond the usual suspects like Abraham and David, I was especially thrilled to see a look at the woman at the well from John 4, which I have a special fondness for due to a conference I attended. She's probably my favorite personage in the Bible (after Jesus of course) and I always devour any writings relating to her.

Another aspect I appreciated was the emphasis on how grace cannot be earned; otherwise it is not grace! I still struggle with this, thinking if I read my Bible for an hour one day, it will make me more worthy of God as well as other wrong-headed thinking. I know I can't change my thinking overnight but I will continue to cling to this truth as I amend my behavior.

Beyond All Measure

Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love
Thomas Nelson, 2011
313 pages
Christian Historical Romance
3.5/5 stars

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved the cover for this with that lovely purple and the hat. I personally don't like wearing hats but I am interested in seeing other people wearing hats such as the lovely Ada Wentworth, main character in this book, and of course that is appropriate for the time period.

Ada is a destitute Bostonian who takes a position as a companion to the elderly Lillian in Tennessee. Upon her arrival, she is shocked to discover that her job is even more grueling as she will be maid, cook, and nurse to Lillian. She is also surprised by Lillian's handsome nephew Wyatt, lumber mill owner, the smallness of the town despite its flourishing in tough conditions, and the presence of the nascent KKK and its intolerance for black people and Northerners.  She is also haunted with "whys" in regard to her father's mismanagement of money and a broken engagement.

I mostly liked the characters although Lillian has a difficult temperament and there's another character who was very grating and outright mean to Ada. And as a Northern, I have soft feelings for someone who is from the North who is trying to make it in the South, especially in the post-Civil War years.  Wyatt is a good man, who cares for his family and longs for the land of Texas. The clashes between Ada and Wyatt at the start were interesting (Wyatt was kind of a jerk and unable to understand the difficulties of being a poor woman without a male protector).

While I liked the main characters, I thought the KKK aspects and the villagers' bigotry was shoehorned in a bit awkwardly although I appreciate the attempts to include them. I guess I thought they could have been more menacing and I didn't entirely buy that most of the characters we met denounced the KKK. Seriously? But it is Christian romance so I understand why those elements wouldn't be played up enough.

My least favorite part came when Ada's ex-fiance shows up and reveals the secret behind why he broke their engagement. I spent much of the book waiting for him to arrive because he was obviously going to show up and push her toward Wyatt although that whole sequence of events happened even faster than I had anticipated.

Overall: An okay historical romance; the faith elements were lovely though.

Fairer Than Morning

Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott
Thomas Nelson, 2011
389 pages
Christian Historical Romance
3.5/5 stars

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was very excited to dive into this as it's the first of several Christian historical romances I have on tap for October/November and this one had gotten a lot of positive reviews. Sadly I wasn't as impressed as others although this was mostly due to my expectations.

I thought romance would be the main focus of this book but instead there are a lot of historical details. Ann and Will didn't even spend that much time together; it seemed like they both spent more time with other potential matches and being shaped by their experiences.  However if I hadn't been expecting more romance, I think I could have appreciated this more. Let me back up and start from the beginning though.

At the beginning Ann Miller has lost her mother and must now step in to her shoes to care for her younger sisters while they father alternates between being an itinerant preacher and saddler in Ohio. She receives a proposal from her dream man but her father won't let them marry because she's too young.  Meanwhile Will is orphaned and becomes apprenticed to a saddler in Pittsburgh; although the saddler masquerades as a good man, he soon reveals his true colors, abusing and beating Will through the five years he essentially owns him. Their connection begins when Ann's family receives a barrel with letters from Will's family. The saddler had destroyed them in his display of power but it gets Ann thinking about Will. Eventually the pair meet in Pittsburgh and a lot more happens but I don't want to spoil too much.

As you might be able to tell, there is a lot in this book besides the romance, which I had thought would be the main element. There is anti-slavery rhetoric, insight into the awful conditions of the poor in an industrializing city like Pittsburgh, the twisting of Bible verses to support ill treatment of others (done by slave owners and Will's sadistic master), and a lot of difficulties for Ann and Will to work through both individually and together. And for large portions of the book, Ann and Will seem destined to end up with other people as marriage proposals are tendered and accepted. When they were together, I enjoyed the story much more...but I didn't think they were together enough.

Overall: I wish this had been more of a romance but it was an interesting Christian historical fiction novel so if you don't like a lot of romance, then this could be a good book for you.

A Vision of Lucy

A Vision of Lucy by Margaret Brownley
Thomas Nelson, 2011
326 pages
Christian Historical Romance
4/5 stars

Source: Received a free e-copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

After loving A Lady Like Sarah and A Suitor for Jenny, of course I wanted to read the third book especially after seeing that it included photography. I enjoy taking pictures now but it was so much harder back than and super expensive.

Lucy loves taking pictures, she sees herself as an artist and as part of the future despite her father's distaste for her work and the general town consensus that photography will never catch on.  She loves photography so much that she climbs a tree in an attempt to take a particular picture and ends up falling onto a stage that was being robbed. As the horses flee, she struggles to gain control of the reins and is saved by a mysterious stranger.

That stranger is David Wolf, an orphaned "half-breed" who used to live near Rocky Creek before four boys perpetrated a vicious attack on him. Now that he's a man, he wants revenge and to discover the box he lost that night, the box that might give him the key to his identity.  Although there are numerous suspicions and innuendos about David based on his race, he is actually a brave and kind man who saves Lucy in that moment. Later as she talks, he kisses her, igniting feelings in both of them despite the obstacles between them.

There's a lot packed into this book. Lucy and David have their own separate agendas as does Lucy's brother who's aspiring to be a doctor, three couples who need to declare their love, and the now adults who had tormented David.  They all take up a lot of page time when I really wanted more of Lucy, sweet voluble Lucy. David was a bit annoying to me; he's the one who's concerned about their mixed race coupling while she fights against the prejudice for their love. He also feels so much weight over him because he doesn't know his name (David Wolf being an adopted one) and I just preferred the lightness of Lucy more.

Overall: A sweet romance with many subplots and distinctive characters, including many from the previous books.

Cover: The angle of her face is super weird-what's with that?

The Waiting Place

The Waiting Place by Eileen Button
Thomas Nelson, 2011
229 pages
Non-fiction; Essays; Inspirational
4.5/5 stars

Source: Received a free copy from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Expectation: I hoped for a companionable writing style and I got that in spades as Button drew me into her life. I got that in spades.

I wanted to read this as I am currently in my own waiting place; trying to figure out what I should do now that I'm graduated, submitting loads of job applications and hearing nothing in return, feeling like I should be out on my own instead of living with my parents has been really tough for me. 

Thus while not every essay was as powerful for me (I sympathize with Button's worries over her youngest son's health but I haven't had children yet and can't quite grasp the experience), the overall message of the stories rang true for me.  Some left me teary-eyed; some left me smiling in recognition; but all left me wanting more of Button's writing.  Immediately she engaged me and drew me into her life with her family and Christ.

I had expected more to read more about her relationship with Jesus but that is not the focus as she looks at the people in her life and especially her relationship with her pastor husband and his commitments to his mistress, The Church.  But she does see some higher power involved: as the back says, "To wait is human. To find life in the waiting place, divine."

I will definitely keep this book to reread over the years as I mature and learn firsthand some of the insights that Button shared about marriage, children, and adulthood.