Review \\ Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

The Grand Tour Series details the life of Cora Diehl Kensington, a woman of the Montana plains, swept up into a life of riches and privilege. Belatedly finding out a terrible secret about her parentage, Cora struggles to find out who she really is–as a child of God–in the midst of an enlightening, as well as dangerous, trip across Europe. (http://lisatawnbergren.com/books/)

Why I have I waited so long to read a book by Lisa T. Bergren? I have no idea. I would say that her books are a step above Tracie Peterson's and on par with Julie Klassen's (no offence to either author).

Set in the early 1900s, Glamorous Illusions is a beautiful book from cover to cover. I loved every bit of it, which isn't something I say too often about the books I read. From the first pages I fell in love with Cora. She's a spirited, often stubborn, young woman, but she truly wants to trust God in all parts of her life. It's just not that easy. I can relate.

When Cora is told a secret about her parentage, she's whisked off to a new family and a new life, starting with a grand tour to Europe. It's the perfect setting for discovery: of Europe, of her family, of herself. And of course, we have to throw in a couple of love interests to make it all the more interesting. Bergren crafts the most interesting characters like William, Pierre, and, most fascinating to me, Mr. Kensington. I just can't figure him out. At the beginning I did not like him, but when he writes that letter to Cora... I'm having a hard time making up my mind! Hopefully I'll get a chance to figure him out in book two, Grave Consequences, which doesn't come out until (sigh) March 2013. The best part about the characters is that they seem so real. I'm tired of books that idealize people, or make them so one-sided; Glamorous Illusions does not disappoint.

Glamorous Illusions is written in first person but switches from the point of view of Cora to a narrator (third -person) view of Will. That's interesting but at times a bit odd to me. I think it would have been better if both were in first person, but maybe Bergren felt that would be too confusing to the reader (which it definitely could be). Still, I liked seeing Will's perspective. And of course, since this is the start of a series, the ending was unfortunately abrupt and left me dangling off the cliff by a small thread.

Shockingly, I got this book free on my Kindle several months ago. Soon after I finished Glamorous Illusions I looked up when the second book is coming out. So far away! (Ha, not really.) Thankfully, I found Bergren's first book in the River of Time Series, Waterfall, on sale for $1.99. :) A good way to cope, I thought, but it only took me a day to read. Review of that coming soon, because it was good.





2012 Goal: Book 38 of 50

Review \\ The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman

After the death of her husband, Corrie Saunders retreats to the home in Saunders Creek that Jarrod loved in the hopes of remaining somehow connected to the man she loved and lost. In the midst of her grief, she begins to think that she can actually feel Jarrod in the house. If it isn't him, then something definitely strange is happening in the old house. Is it possible that her husband has come back to her? Jarrod's cousin Eli doesn't think so, but as he notices the oddities going on in Corrie's house, he begins to wonder about the realm of the unseen as well. The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman is filled with suspense, intrigue, and superstition  giving us a look at what could be and a clear picture of the truth.

I'm sorry to have waited so long to review this book. I read it a couple of months ago and for some reason thought that I had reviewed it, but the page was still sitting in my draft box. The Widow of Saunders Creek is very good. It's different, and that's what I really liked about it. I was curious to see how Bateman would tackle the subject between the covers of Christian fiction, and I think she did a really good job. The book gets slightly weird in places when Corrie thinks she can feel Jarrod in the house, but Eli is a good counterpart because he knows the Truth and he desperately wants Corrie to know it too. I think it's a good story about superstition and about wanting something so bad that you can almost taste it. Bateman does a great job of showing Corrie's grief and desperation. 

This isn't typical Christian fiction or suspense. It's a nice blend that kept me flipping the pages, and its one that sort of haunted me a few days after I read it (which is a really weird thing to say considering the topic). Pick it up; you won't be sorry.

Many thanks to the WaterBrook Multnomah for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review \\ To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

I haven't disappeared completely! With my school schedule I've had a tough time finishing books, so I've had nothing to review for ages. This one took me at least a month to read. It's a good one, though!

~~~~~~~~~~

Melinda Colson has a rather tragic past, but her future is promising. She works as a lady's maid and her employers spend their winters on Bridal Veil Island, where Evan Tarlow works year-round as gamekeeper. Melinda anxiously awaits a proposal from Evan before she must leave with her employers, but her hopes are dashed when no proposal comes. To Love and Cherish is a story of love and doubt, reconciliation and faith. It's spattered with a few edge-of-your-seat moments and a few aggravations, making it a well-rounded historical fiction tale.

Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller have teamed up once again to deliver a new series based on the fictional (but based on true) island of Bridal Veil. It's a beautiful setting, and, as always, Peterson and Miller craft interesting characters and a heart-warming story.

To Love and Cherish is the second book in the Bridal Veil Island. I haven't read the first one, but through a few internet searches I was assured that each book is on its own. Now I'm curious to find out if that's really true or not, but I'm leaning towards believing it because I didn't feel lost when I started reading this one. I haven't read many of these Christian fiction/historical/romance novels where the characters actually start out in love. I admit it takes away a bit of the suspense, but, like others, you still know how its going to end.

My favorite part of the book is the setting. I can see why the characters fell in love with Bridal Veil, and I wish I could go there myself.






I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Review \\ Touching the Sky by Tracie Peterson

\\ About the Book \\ When Laura Marquardt first meets Brandon Reid, their encounter is anything but pleasant. But when the two are seated together at a dinner party, they soon find that they share similar interests--Laura desires to educate blacks, and Brandon, as a white officer over colored troops, eagerly supports her cause.
When Laura's sister, Carissa, marries her Confederate beau, Laura finds herself in a difficult situation when she overhears plots to kill Union soldiers. Though in her heart she feels she should share this information with Brandon, Laura fears she will betray her sister's trust and possibly endanger her sister's life. And when Brandon's motives for pursuing her come into question, her heart is even more conflicted. Where is God leading her?

After feeling a bit of disappointment over the first installment of Tracie Peterson's Land of the Lone Star series, I had my concerns when I received Touching the Sky in the mail. Turns out I liked it much better than Chasing the Sun, and that is a very good thing.

Touching the Sky at first doesn't seem to be linked to Chasing the Sun at all. It could very well be a stand alone novel except for a small part at the end that reminds us of the previous book. This book focuses on Laura Marquardt, a wise young woman who is keenly aware of the changes the end of the Civil War has brought to her hometown of Corpus Christi. I love her character because she is smart and honest about everything. 

When Captain Brandon Reid asks to court her, Laura is pretty much ecstatic, though (of course) she doesn't let such emotion show. Soon, however, she realizes that Captain Reid might be leading her on in order to gather information to harm her sister Carissa's Confederate beau. Wise Laura is suddenly torn between two loves, and her decision will not be easy. 

As always, Tracie Peterson creates intriguing characters that keep us loving her stories. I'm a little annoyed at Peterson's tendency to throw together some dramatic, rushed ending. (I can count several of her books in which this happens.) However, her writing remains steady and her stories interesting, so I guess I'll be all right with her endings. My only other pet peeve, as I've been trying to diversify my fiction selections lately, is that her dialogue is so stiff and so proper. Do we really believe that people back then didn't use contractions? I wonder.

Though you could easily read this book without reading the first in the series, I think it would be best to start with Chasing the Sun. Touching the Sky only begins Laura's sister Carissa's story, and the next book is devoted to her and a character from the first book. I'm hoping that one will be really good, because I think it has the best potential of the three.

\\ About the Author \\ Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

\\ Info \\

Title: Touching the Sky

Author: Tracie Peterson

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Publication Date: June 1, 2012

Number of Pages: 336

ISBN: 0764206168

Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!

Review \\ Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore

\\ About the Book \\ Brielle’s a ballerina who went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She’s come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can’t seem to shake.

Jake’s the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.

Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what’s going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.

A realm that only angels and demons—and Brielle—can perceive.

\\ My Review \\ Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore caught be off guard. I won the book in a giveaway without knowing what the book was really about. A quick glance at the back cover gave me some concern, and I was quite sure that this book would not be among my favorites. But Dittemore's style and story kept me glued to the pages, and Angel Eyes turned out to be a suspenseful, engaging read all the way around.

In the first pages we're introduced to Brielle, a likable character who has faced some unnamed tragedy. Her emotions are raw and her reactions to the world around her are realistic. But a few chapters in we're introduced to this celestial realm, a realm of angels and demons, and the entire book shifts. At first it was hard to figure out or get used to. I don't read much fantasy (I'm a fan of C.S. Lewis and Tolkien, though.) so Dittemore's imagined celestial realm is a bit much at first. I mean, you have a hard time believing it could be true, even though Dittemore strives to back most (but not all, because she clearly says that this is her imagination at work) of it up biblically.

And that brings me to the plausibility of it all. The Bible certainly talks about angels and fallen angels, but it is just one of those things that I try not to dwell on. It makes me uncomfortable and confused, and I prefer to take the stand that what is is and God knows what He's doing even if I can't see it, so I'll just leave it at that. I wouldn't call it ignoring the subject: I acknowledge that there must be angels because there are angels in the Bible, but I'm good at leaving it at that and not pondering where they are at or what they are doing at this very moment. 

Dittemore gives readers pause to consider that angels might just be circling us at this moment, living in human form (the terrestial realm), and fighting for us on behalf of God (or, in the case of fallen angels, Lucifer). It's an interesting thought, and Dittemore wrote it out very well, but I still feel a cautious grip that states, quite simply, that this is fantasy fiction. So, though Dittemore may have nailed every single thing on the head, she doesn't really know anymore than I do, based on the Bible, about the celestial.

All that aside, Angel Eyes is a really well written tale of a girl who discovers that she is not alone, that she has never been alone, and that she has purpose in a world that seems at first glance purposeless. It's empowering and inviting, and it's just plain fun to read. Next to Brielle, Jake is the most interesting and different character in the book. I mean, you know in young adult fiction there has to be some kind of romance going on, but at least Jake is different than most fictional males. And the idea that he knows more about Brielle's future than she does? Whoa. The ending is a total cliffhanger and I know I'll have to grab the second book in the trilogy when it comes out next year fast so I can get some answers.

\\ About the Author \\ Shannon Dittemore has an overactive imagination and a passion for truth. Her lifelong journey to combine the two is responsible for a stint at Portland Bible College, performances with local theater companies, and a focus on youth and young adult ministry. The daughter of one preacher and the wife of another, she spends her days imagining things unseen and chasing her two children around their home in Northern California. Angel Eyes is her first novel.

\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\

Title: Angel Eyes

Author: Shannon Dittemore

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: May 29, 2012

Number of Pages: 336 (Paperback)

Review \\ Travelers Rest by Ann Tatlock

\\ About the Book \\ A young woman determined to honor her commitment. . . An injured soldier convinced life is no longer worth living. . . A retired doctor certain it's too late to be forgiven. . .  Jane Morrow has a dilemma, and love alone may not solve it. her faith has never been strong, yet somehow she hopes God will answer her prayers and tell her what to do. The answer she finds may not be at all what she expected. . . .

Travelers Rest by Ann Tatlock is a nicely-written novel about Jane Morrow, a young woman whose future is practically shattered after the news that her soon-to-be-husband Seth Ballantine has been injured and paralyzed. Jane's character is easy to sympathize with. She is stuck in a hard place. Though she is dedicated to Seth, Jane realizes that Seth is no longer dedicate to her, and her struggle to remain in his life is fascinating to read. In that setting other characters like blind pianist Jon-Paul and retired doctor Truman Rockaway pop up, and the story only gets better. Both add new insight to Jane's journey and help her figure out her next steps.


This is my first time reading a book by Ann Tatlock, and I was pleasantly surprised. Her writing is really refreshing, and I know I'll be reading more from her. While I enjoyed Travelers Rest immensely, I also felt that it could nearly be divided into two separate novels. About halfway into the book Jane learns Truman's backstory, and the rest of the book is divided between the two characters' journeys. It's a little odd, because their separate storylines aren't really connected (only a little, but I won't give that away). And while both stories were intriguing, I was disappointed that Jane's was cut short in order to tell Truman's. Really, I was disappointed in how Jane's story ended. I felt like it was a rush to the end in order to get both stories finalized, and that only left Jane seeming unemotional (so unlike her character at the beginning).

Still, Travelers Rest is worth reading. Its subject matter gives a lot of food for thought, and Jane's doubts and questions give Tatlock a platform to gently and wisely unleash some biblical truths about trusting God. It's an enjoyable, encouraging book. My only disappointment is that Tatlock squashed two stories together that could have been better written apart. But, among the many choices of contemporary fiction these days, Travelers Rest is a great one to start with.

Life's gearshift's got no reverse, so you have to just keep moving forward.

 \\ About the Author \\  I couldn't find a good bio of Tatlock, so, go to her website to read a great question/answer session!


\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\
Title: Travelers Rest
Author: Ann Tatlock
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Number of Pages: 352 (Paperback)
ISBN: 0764208101
Many thanks to the publisher for providing me a review copy!

Review \\ Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler

.

\\ About the Book \\ Nicole Michelin avoids airplanes, motorcycles, and most of all, Japan, where her parents once were missionaries. Something happened in Japan...something that sent Nicole and her father back to America alone...something of which Nicole knows only bits and pieces. But she is content with life in little Mount Olive, North Carolina, with her quirky relatives, tank of lively fish, and plenty of homemade pineapple chutney. Through her online column for the Pretty Fishy Web site, she meets Harrison Michaels, who, much to her dismay, lives in Japan. She attempts to avoid him, but his e-mails tug at her heart. Then Harrison reveals that he knew her as a child in Japan. In fact, he knows more about her childhood than she does...

In the midst of hot and humid summer days, I often opt to curl up on a cushy couch in an air-conditioned room and read a sleepy yet entertaining novel. Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler is just such a book. It's not filled with shocking plot points, frightening encounters, or pulse-pounding sequences. Rain Song is slow-paced, relaxing, and delightful.

Nicole is a character I could relate to. She has many, many fears that I can identify with, and, as the book is told from her perspective, her thought processes are often similar to my own. Her main struggle is that of finding out the truth about what happened in Japan when she was just a little girl. I loved learning about Japan and moving with Nicole through her discoveries. (Interestingly, Alice J. Wisler was born and raised in Japan.) Nicole grows and changes through the book; a big part of this is her learning to trust God, which I liked a lot.

Though the storyline is fascinating, the characters make Rain Song the beauty that it is. Ducee, Nicole's grandmother, is absolutely memorable with her wise advice and Southern touch. Iva, Nicole's great-aunt, is absolutely hilarious, and there is a whole slew of other family members that all in some way shape Nicole's life. Even Nicole's coworker who dates ex-cons and likes riding motorcycles is a great addition to the story.

I like reading fiction that seems so real to life. I like good stories and good characters. Rain Song is strong on every point. It isn't fast-paced, but it is memorable. I really enjoyed Wisler's style, so I'll definitely check out more of her books. And, while I've read some reviews of Rain Song that contest the "unfinished" ending, I thought the ending was absolutely perfect. Instead of finality, Rain Song's ending says clearly that Nicole's story isn't finished, and won't be for a long while.

\\ About the Author \\ Alice J. Wisler is a public speaker, advocate, fundraiser, and the author of several contemporary novels including Rain Song, a Christy Award finalist. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She has a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the world in jobs that minister to people. Alice and her family live in Durham, North Carolina. www.alicewisler.com

\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\
Title: Rain Song
Author: Alice J. Wisler
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: October 1, 2008
Number of Pages: 295 (Paperback)
ISBN: 0764204777 

Review \\ Illusion by Frank Peretti

\\ About the Book \\ Dane and Mandy, a popular magic act for forty years, are tragically separated by a car wreck that claims Mandy's life-or so everyone thinks. Even as Dane mourns and tries to rebuild his life without her, Mandy, supposedly dead, awakes in the present as the nineteen-year-old she was in 1970. Distraught and disoriented in what to her is the future, she is confined to a mental ward until she discovers a magical ability to pass invisibly through time and space to escape. Alone in a strange world, she uses her mysterious powers to eke out a living, performing magic on the streets and in a quaint coffee shop. Read more about Illusion >>>

The description for Illusion by Frank Peretti is entirely too long to post here, but feel free to click the link to read more about it.

I could just tell you that Illusion is awesome and leave it at that, but you might want to know why I've come to this conclusion. To put it simply, Peretti is a real genius when it come to crafting an entertaining, slightly confusing, edge-of-your-seat kind of story. Illusion is a chunk of a book at around 500 pages, but it isn't one of those dragging, did-an-editor-even-read-this kind of book. The characters are thoughtful and well-planned. The points of view are error-free. Though the subject matter is one of magic, illusion, and science, by the end Peretti had me believing that this sort of thing is highly plausible.

The most intriguing thing about Illusion is the love story it contains. Thankfully this isn't run-of-the-mill Christian fiction, so we side-step the too obvious glances and longings. Illusion, instead, displays real love, a 40-years strong love that is hard to be disappointed by. There are so many moments where Dane's love for Mandy is completely obvious, but it really has nothing to do with Mandy's looks, though she is pretty. Dane loves the person she is, the person he has watched her become. It's really beautiful, and the anticipation of the ending that could separate the two of them really tugs on your emotions.

I guess if you aren't really into magicians and illusions you might be inclined to bypass this book. But even if you are kind of eh about card tricks and the like, there's a lot more in Illusion to interest you. And, though I was wary of how an author would combine magic with God, I think Peretti did a really good job. (Though, there are several mentions of a scenario being "a God thing" and I've never liked that saying.)

I'm pretty sure this'll end up in my Top 10 list this year.

\\ About the Author \\ Frank E. Peretti is one of American Christianity's best-known authors. His novels have sold over 10 million copies, and he is widely credited with reinventing Christian fiction. He and his wife, Barbara, live in the Pacific Northwest. www.frankperetti.com.

\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\
Title: Illusion
Author: Frank Peretti
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Publication Date: March 6, 2012
Pages: 512 (Hardback)
ISBN: 9781439192672
Many thanks to the publisher and my library!

Review \\ The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis

\\ About the Book \\ Come home to Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania--the beloved setting where Beverly Lewis's celebrated Amish novels began--with new characters and new stories of drama, romance, and the ties that draw people together.
A wrong turn in a rainstorm leads Englisher Amelia Devries to Michael Hostetler--and the young Amishman's charming Old Order community of Hickory Hollow. Despite their very different backgrounds, Amelia and Michael both feel hemmed in by the expectations of others and struggle with how to find room for their own hopes. And what first seems to be a chance encounter might just change their lives forever.

She's English. He's Amish. Oh boy.


Beverly Lewis never fails to spin an enchanting tale filled with Amish-English relationships. All said relationships are strained and few are deemed good by either culture. So, if you've read any of Lewis' books, you know that a young female Englisher meeting a young male Amishman (both of similar attractiveness) is not going to be all puppies and ice cream.


Let me preface the rest of my review by saying that I'm a bit disillusioned with Amish fiction. In recent weeks I've watched a couple of documentary type television shows about ex-Amish, and I'm not sure that Lewis paints a completely accurate view of the so-called happy Amish life. 


In The Fiddler, at least, she gives us the character of Michael, a young man who should have at his age already been baptized into the Amish church but is bent on straddling the fence between the Amish and English. Yet, even in his situation, there is so much that seems unrealistic. His parents seem highly disapproving at first, but in the middle and at the end they are simply so-so. At least Michael owns up to the fact that he has to make a decision at some point, and, in the end, he does.


Amelia's case is equally dissatisfying. The thing I hate most about her is her sad treatment of her almost fiance. It's definitely sad, to say the least. And not really knowing why this love interest is so wrong for Amelia is disappointing. Nothing in his character besides his teensy bit of controlling attitude (seriously, is planning for the future so wrong?) appears bad. Why Amish guy over him? All Michael and Amelia really have in common is there desire to be free from the control of others. Otherwise there isn't much happening there.


More time was spent on Amelia's touring information (I couldn't care less about her itinerary abroad) and practice sessions than on the development of the characters and their relationships.


But, there is the anticipation of the happy ending you know is going to take place, the desire to know how it is all going to come together, and the hopefulness that Amelia's and Michael's parents won't disown them completely. That, along with Lewis' accomplished, well-seasoned writing, is what saves The Fiddler.


I can't say The Fiddler is one of Lewis' best (The Thorn is much better), but, if you are a committed fan, I'm sure you will find something in it to enjoy. I'm giving it a sad arrow, though. I would recommend other books by Lewis like The Thorn several times over before I would recommend this one, just because I know she has other books that are better developed and more intriguing than The Fiddler. 


I can say with some excitement that the next book in the series will feature my favorite character from this novel, Joanna Kurtz.

\\ About the Author \\ Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."

\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\

Title: The Fiddler
Author: Beverly Lewis
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: April 10, 2012Pages: 326 (Paperback)ISBN: 0764209779Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!

Review \\ Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson

I took a journey through my past blog posts and was a little shocked that I have never reviewed a Tracie Peterson novel. I've read a lot. When I first stepped out of the children's section of the library (and bookstores, but more often the library) I entered the world of Christian fiction. My mom and older sister were fans of authors like Beverly Lewis, Karen Kingsbury, Janette Oke, and Tracie Peterson. We had a couple of series by Tracie Peterson, which I really enjoyed as a 13/14 year old. Since then I've read Peterson's

Alaskan Quest Series
Brides of Gallatin County Series
The Broadmoor Legacy Series (On second thought I don't think I have read the third book yet.)
Ladies of Liberty Series
Song of Alaska Series
Heirs of Montana Series
And now . . . Land of the Lone Star Series.

From this list you can assume I like Tracie Peterson's books. You're probably just wondering why. I like that Peterson's books are historical, that they are set in interesting places (like Alaska, Montana, and Texas), and that they always include a little bit of adventure. I like that her books are simple, and I don't mean that in a negative way. There are times when I don't feel like sitting down to read a book that makes me pay such close attention or I'll miss something important, or a book that is so extremely thrilling that I can't get to sleep because of it, or a book that is just hard.

Tracie Peterson's books are nice and romantic. Reading them is like sitting down to watch a Hallmark movie (one of the ones that is written well and doesn't have bad acting). Nothing terribly deep or confusing, just a good story. You know how it is going to end from the second chapter (though you don't know how things are going to happen to get there). Besides that, her romance isn't too romantic and she always includes Christian values. I like that.

Chasing the Sun, the first book in the Lone Star Series, is about Hannah Dandridge, a young woman who is charged with the care of her young step-siblings after her father disappears. (This series is set against the backdrop of the Civil War.) When Union soldier William Barnett shows up at his ranch to find Hannah and her family living in his house, he's more than a little angry that the government took his family's property and gave it to "true Confederates." There are so many interesting angles to this plot line.

My favorite characters in Chasing the Sun are Marty and Andy, Hannah's siblings. They have by far the best lines of the book. The only thing I didn't like as much about this novel is that Hannah and William think too much. They're always thinking and worrying about what the other is thinking and worrying about that it gets a tad annoying in places. And I actually didn't think that there were quite enough scenes with them together. There are maybe two really good scenes, but not enough for me to really believe that they would fall so quickly for each other. At the same time, there is a lot of other plot points to cover in this book, so I thank Peterson for choosing not to make Chasing the Sun 500+ pages.

Tracie Peterson is truly a leader among Christian and historical fiction authors. And with so many of her titles to choose from, you can find at least one to really enjoy.

\\ About the Author \\Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana. Learn more about her books at traciepeterson.com. 

\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\Title: Chasing the Sun (Land of the Lone Star #1)Author: Tracie PetersonPublisher: Bethany House PublishersPublication Date: March 1, 2012Pages: 347 (Paperback)ISBN: 076420615XMany thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!

Review \\ The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

\\ About the Book \\ To escape a scheme to marry her off to a dishonorable man, Margaret Macy flees London disguised as a housemaid. If she can remain unwed until her next birthday, she will receive an inheritance, and with it, sweet independence. But she never planned on actually working as a servant. And certainly not in the home of Nathaniel and Lewis Upchurch--both former suitors. As she fumbles through the first real work of her life, Margaret struggles to keep her identity secret when suspicions arise and prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall. Can she avoid a trap meant to force her from hiding? Brimming with romance and danger, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall takes readers inside the fascinating belowstairs world of a 19th-century English manor, where appearances can be deceiving.

Julie Klassen does it again. Combining historical charm, romance, and mystery, Klassen crafts a beautiful story in The Maid of Fairbourne Hall. Each Regency-era book Klassen writes tends to focus on a different class of people. The Apothecary's Daughter focused on the working class, The Silent Governess  revealed the odd situation of a governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse looked at those shunned by scandal, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall gives readers a closer look at servanthood. (I believe Klassen has another book as well; I have yet to read it.)

Klassen never fails to script an engaging story and create intriguing characters. Margaret Macy at first seems haughty and uppity, but as her role in life changes she becomes graced with a good dose of humility. Her transformation is my favorite part of the story. Nathaniel Upchurch seems very strange at first, but he becomes a more likable character at well. I love it when authors use their crafty ways to make us hate-then-love or love-then-hate a character.

There are only two negatives for me. One doesn't really have any weight to it. The romance is over the top for me, but I guess if I didn't want romance I shouldn't have picked up a Julie Klassen book. I suppose I'm just not a fan of too many scenes where characters are near each other continually having "longings" that they want to express but can't because it would be too scandalous. Scandal seems to be the only thing holding these people back. (And oh dear for the people who don't care about gossip or scandal.) But I realize that I stepped into historical romance and got exactly that. My other negative is that I felt like the first two-thirds of the book lolled along and the ending came whap! I've read numerous novels like this, so I think this particularly negative would also be classified based on my personal likes and dislikes when it comes to reading books.

Otherwise, I enjoyed yet again a Julie Klassen novel. My favorite things about her books is the way she deals with different classes and how she includes quotes from historical documents and non-fiction at the heading of each chapter. I loved learning about what a maid in Regency era would have to go through, and I'm rather glad I'm not one. If you're looking for Jane Austen flare, historical intrigue, and romance, Julie Klassen is definitely the author to go to.

\\ About the Author \\ Julie Klassen loves all things Jane — Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com

\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\
Title: The Maid of Fairbourne Hall
Author: Julie Klassen
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: January 1, 2012
Pages: 416 (paperback)
ISBN: 0764207091
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!

Review \\ The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

\\ About the Book \\ One dress. Four women. An amazing destiny.     Charlotte Malone is getting married. Yet all is not settled in the heart of Birmingham's chic bridal boutique owner. Charlotte can dress any bride to perfection-except herself. When she discovers a vintage mint-condition wedding gown in a battered old trunk, Charlotte embarks on a passionate journey to discover the women who wore the gown before her.     Emily in 1912. Mary in 1939. And Hillary in 1968. Each woman teaches Charlotte something about love in her own unique way. Woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte's heritage, the power of faith, and the beauty of finding true love.

I was first interested in The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck when I discovered the plot sounded somewhat similar to a movie I watched recently on Hallmark called—what do you know?—"The Wedding Dress." I liked the idea of the movie; it needed a bit of work, I thought, but it had potential. So when I saw The Wedding Dress I knew I had to check it out, because a dress that fits four different people and stands against the changing tides of "in" fashion has to be pretty special. I wasn't disappointed, thankfully, and this book might possibly be on my favorites list for 2012 (and it's only March, people).

The Wedding Dress is told from several characters' points of view, but each person has her or his own strong voice. Most of the book is either from present-day Charlotte's point of view or Emily's 1912 view. I like this style so much. It seems I was just figuring out something about one particular character when the next chapter switched to another. It made me want to skip ahead (as I'm prone to do), but I held off and waited. Hauck's timing of each scene is delightful; as a writer she knows just how far to go in making you mad with anticipation. Hauck writes with such imagery that I had no problem jumping between time periods or viewpoints. While The Wedding Dress is mostly romance, it has a lot of mystery in it too.

Since I'm so opinionated about romance novels, I suppose I should mention something about the romance in The Wedding Dress. The title itself should give you plenty of ideas. In short, this book is about multiple couples in love who are soon to be married and how they are each affected by the same dress. If The Wedding Dress wasn't Christian fiction I doubt I would have read it for fear of an unnecessarily high level of sexual content. This book is tame; there's too much kissing, in my opinion, but at least it isn't like a movie where you're looking on about two inches from the couple's faces. "They kissed." Woo hoo. That isn't to say that Hauck doesn't write kissing scenes well, if that's the type of thing you like to read. She just doesn't let that get too much in the way of the main story line, something I'm grateful for. There is one awkward spot where a character thinks to herself about how glad she is she and her intended didn't sleep together, and I found that paragraph a little out of place in the context, but, considering that's the only complaint I have about Hauck's writing, I don't consider it a big deal.

Now, before I forget, I must mention Rachel Hauck's writing. Sometimes I read books that cause me to pause over a sentence and re-read it, just because it sounded so good. The Wedding Dress is spattered with these sentences and phrases, like this one

The feathery kiss of destiny sent a shiver over her soul as the breeze rushing over the mountaintop tapped her legs.

That's my favorite line of the whole book. I loved sinking into Hauck's creative writing.

The Wedding Dress is a well-planned, well-written novel that I really enjoyed reading. It has the charms of historical fiction, the excitement of mystery, the sighs of a love story, and the refreshment of the right words put together in thoughtful sentences. I'll definitely be savoring it for a while.

\\ About the Author \\ RITA-finalist Rachel Hauck lives in Florida with her husband, Tony. She is the author of Dining with Joy; Sweet Caroline; Love Starts with Elle; and The Sweet By and By, co-authored with Sara Evans. You can find out more about her and her books at www.rachelhauck.com.

\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\
Title: The Wedding Dress
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication date: April 3, 2012
Pages: 352
ISBN: 1595549633 
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!

Review \\ Replication by Jill Williamson

\\ About the Book \\ Martyr—otherwise known as Jason 3:3—is one of hundreds of clones kept in a remote facility called Jason Farms. Told that he has been created to save humanity, Martyr has just one wish before he is scheduled to "expire" in less than a month. To see the sky.
         Abby Goyer may have just moved to Alaska, but she has a feeling something strange is going on at the farm where her father works. But even this smart, confident girl could never have imagined what lies beneath a simple barn. Or what would happen when a mysterious boy shows up at her door, asking about the stars.
          As the reality of the Jason Experiment comes to light, Martyr is caught between two futures-the one for which he was produced and the one Abby believes God created him to have. Time is running out, and Martyr must decide if a life with Abby is worth leaving everything he's ever known. 

Cloning. Playing God. Stem-cell research. Disease. Finding your purpose. Replication: The Jason Experiment by Jill Williamson deals with these issues and more, all within a less than 300 page YA novel. (Or is it fewer than 300 pages?) Williamson balances the sides of each issue pretty well, and—though nothing is discussed at extreme length—she hopefully provides in Replication a jumping off point for more research and more discussion. And the fact that this is all wrapped up in a neatly-written, intriguing story line makes it that much better.

I don't think I've ever read a novel that had to do with cloning. I'm sure there are probably some out there, but none have reached my bookshelves. I like that Williamson chose to tackle the subject while writing for a teenage audience. (At least one author isn't underestimating teenagers' mental capacities.) Though at times it is difficult to see all of this working out in the way that it does and some conversations seem rushed and lack information, I think she did an efficient job.

First, Replication is obviously biased. What writing isn't? A human author wrote it (supposedly), and human authors always have their own opinions. I think it would be impossible to write a piece of fiction about a subject such as cloning without being biased. One would hope at least one character has an opinion on the subject; if not, the story would be wholly un-entertaining. And though I personally agree with what Williamson had to say on the subject, I can see many people pointing to the book as an example of evangelical misguided beliefs in regards to medical research. (Probably the same way evangelicals would bash a secular, pro-clone novel.) But I'm sure most would agree that Williamson isn't trying to push this book into the hands of major scientists worldwide. (Though it'd be pretty cool if some read it.) This is YA fiction, and most of the arguments the characters in Replication make are very base and use very little explanation, at least for my inquisitive taste. That's why I think this book is a great jumping off point.

Second, Williamson crafts an imaginative story that seems oh-too-realistic. How far away are we really from cloning human beings? What would stop someone like the fictional Dr. Kane from creating a whole lab of identical, replicated people? And why wouldn't scientists argue that clones aren't really humans, just scientific endeavors? It doesn't seem like a long-shot. Thus we have the case for J:3:3, or Martyr, as he's usually called.

Third, if such a thing happened, who would stand against it? I was especially touched by Abby Goyer's character in one particular scene when she screams at a couple of police officers (who really have nothing to do with anything) until she's hoarse, pleading for someone to stand up for the innocent. I think some of us could learn a lesson from that. The only thing I didn't really like about Abby was her flip-flop attitude. Most of the time she's making mental pro-con lists (something I can so relate to) and the next minute she's impulsively (and perhaps unwisely) attempting to save her fragile world on her own, not waiting for help. I guess that shows Abby's age—seventeen—but maybe it's simply demonstrating her humanity and her strong emotions against injustice.

Replication is an exciting read that offers an opportunity to think and act. The story line drew me in, but the characters kept me reading, and I love fiction that is more character-based then action-based. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of action. Thankfully, though, the quality of the characters isn't sacrificed, and the two can coincide happily. This is the first book of Jill Williamson's that I've read (more like devoured within 24 hours), but it won't be the last.

 \\ About the Author \\ Jill Williamson is a novelist, dreamer, and believer. She writes stories that combine danger, suspense, and adventure for readers of all ages. Her first book released in April 2009 from Marcher Lord Press. By Darkness Hid (Blood of Kings, Book 1) is a medieval fantasy. Jill has served alongside her youth pastor husband for the past ten years and loves working with teenagers, especially to encourage young writers. She gives writing workshops at churches and schools. You can learn more about Jill on her Web site at www.jillwilliamson.com.

\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\
Title: Replication: The Jason Experiment
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication date: January 1, 2012
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780310727583 
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!

Review \\ Glass Girl by Laura Anderson Kurk

After the death of her brother, heroine Meg Kavanagh realizes that she is made of glass―she’s fragile, and she’s about to break. But moving to Wyoming and attempting to hold together family bonds begins to change things, and Meg realizes she’s not as fragile as she seems. It isn’t until she meets cowboy Henry that she discovers the one thing that will really make her strong: faith in Jesus Christ. Glass Girl by Laura Anderson Kurk is a story packed with sorrow, hope, redemption, and love.

Please click the arrow to
understand my reviewing system.

Read more of my review and interview with author Laura Anderson Kurk at RealTeenFaith.com.


I'm giving this one a sad arrow because I felt that, though the story was good, the amount of romance outweighed the positives of Glass Girl. (If you've read my blog for any length of time you know I'm not one for much romance, especially with teenagers involved.) Click on the link above to read what the author said about the subject and decide for yourself!

Review \\ While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin

The first thing I noticed about this book was its cover. The second thing: While We're Far Apart is written by one of my favorite historical fiction authors, Lynn Austin. I've yet to pick up a book by Lynn Austin that I didn't like, and I highly doubt that particular event will happen in the near future.

While We're Far Apart is the story of Penny Goodrich, a hopeful yet naive young woman, Esther Shaffer, a young girl who's faced tragedy already, and Jacob Mendel, a lonely Jewish man. Added to these intriguing characters is the backdrop of World War II; the war is a character in itself, really. With all of this, Lynn Austin crafts a beautiful tale of heartbreak, expectancy, and hope.

The greatest thing about this novel is the characters. There was not one character that was out of place and each was well developed. I have to admit that Penny Goodrich annoyed me to no end, but her story doesn't seem so unrealistic. Secretly in love with Esther's father Eddie, Penny volunteers to care for his children while he fulfills his duty as a soldier, all the while hoping Eddie will fall madly in love with her. Though she offers her services readily, she doesn't consider the full weight of her job until Eddie is far away and she is alone with his children. And amid all of this, Penny breaks free from her parent's overbearing control and discovers more about herself than she thought possible.

Esther Shaffer is only twelve when her father becomes a soldier, and she doesn't take her new life well. Her story is one of growing up and learning to be independent even when she doesn't really want to be. Her story was the most emotional for me; I suppose I was just thinking about my own growing up and lingering unwillingness to be an adult. Esther's brother Peter also struggles as his father leaves and he is forced to grow up as well.

Jacob Mendel, I think, is the most interesting character of the book. Lynn Austin uses him, a Jewish man, to focus on aspects of World War II that many non-Jewish Americans were not thinking of: the overwhelming annihilation of Jews under Hitler. Jacob has family in Hungary, and he will never give up hope that he will eventually find them and bring them to America. But in his sorrow he begins to question his Jewish faith and God. And though I'm not in complete agreement with Jewish beliefs, I do recognize the overhwelming fear that God has forgotten about you when you need Him the most. Perhaps that is the point of this entire story. Even when we are at our loneliest, someone or Someone is always there to comfort us.

While We're Far Apart is one of those books that is called fiction but makes you think that there had to have been at least a hundred other Esthers, Pennys, and Jacobs during World War II. The book is a slow-paced one and not filled with mountains of action, but to me that was a good thing. It's more of a look at daily lives, thoughts, and fears. And it works beautifully. Another plus: though I like to try to figure out the ending before I reach it, I could not figure out how this one would end (and who Penny would end up with).

While We're Far Apart is a must-read for readers who enjoy historical fiction, or for those who just like good books.

Historical Fiction | His Steadfast Love

"In one of the most heartbreaking times in American history, a Southern preacher's daughter makes a tragic error that pits her against the very people she loves most."

I normally include a description of the book in question, usually a snippet from the back cover. I didn't much care for the description on this book, however. The line above was the only one I found intriguing.

There are many fictionalized accounts of the Civil War around, if you haven't noticed. His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons is a just-released book that can be added to the list. I've always enjoyed reading about the Civil War, and, because I've previously read and enjoyed novels on the time period, I was pretty sure I would like this one.

The spring of 1861 finds Amanda Belle at her home on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Her budding romance (the "tragic error") with Captain Kent Littlefield is halted abruptly when Texas secedes from the Union and war begins. As the captain returns to the North to join the Union army, Amanda's brother Daniel joins the Confederates. His Steadfast Love is the tale of fighting of all kinds as Kent fights for the North and the abolition of slavery, Daniel fights for the South, and Amanda and Kent fight for each other.

I really enjoyed this book. Having not read any of Golden Keyes Parsons books, I was a bit skeptical, of course. But she is an engaging author and I had no trouble believing anything she said. If you scour some of the reviews of this book, you might find some readers disappointed because of the apparently less-than-accurate historical details. I, however, am not well versed in the Civil War or that time period and cannot claim either side of that debate. I suppose if you are a real history buff than you would have a problem with any fictionalized story.

The interesting thing about this book, I think, is the way Parsons interweaves the real issues of the war in the lives of the characters. Slavery obviously comes up, as the Belle family lives in the South and owns several slaves. It's intriguing the way the Belles are so sure that, because they aren't treating their slaves poorly, they aren't doing any harm by owning human beings. It is likewise intriguing to see Kent's attitude change from one of adamant opposition to slavery to one of laid-back indecision. (I also thought that Parsons wonderfully planned scenes where Amanda's interactions with the Belle slaves were so similar to Kent's with his family's servants, just so the reader can see the similarity.) The whole issue irked me a bit, but the realization that the attitudes of the characters are so realistic caused me to pause. Not every Northerner was a die-hard abolitionist. (And Kent's real mission is to return to Amanda, not to free the slaves.) It's also endlessly fascinating to hear a preacher and his family repeat Scripture and talk about God's will yet not realize the injustice of slavery. Realistic? I think so.

I suppose I should mention the romance part of it, since that is something I often nitpick about. I didn't think it was overly done in the book. Obviously the storyline revolves around the fact that Amanda and Kent love each other, but the book isn't filled with scenes added just so women everywhere can dream about their own Kent Littlefields. It's tasteful, and I liked it.

Now, the big question: is this a stand alone novel or the first in a series? I'm hoping for the latter.

Read an Excerpt

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Fiction | The Final Hour

"You're not alone. You're never alone."

     Charlie West has held on to that believe, but now he's starting to wonder. He went to bed one night an ordinary high-school kid. When he woke up, he was wanted for murder and hunted by a ruthless band of terrorists. He's been on the run ever since. Now he's stuck in prison, abandoned by his allies, trying desperately to stay a step ahead of vicious prison gangs and brutal guards. And a flash of returning memory tells him another terrorist strike is coming soon. A million people will die unless he does something. But what? He's stuck in a concrete cage with no way out and no one who can help. Charlie has never felt so alone—and yet he knows he can't give in or give up . . . not with the final hour ticking away.

Coming out this month, The Final Hour is the fourth and last installment of Andrew Klavan's exciting young adult series, The Homelanders. Expectant readers might be shocked by the contents of this book: Who knew life for Charlie West could get worse? A swirl of clanging cells, prison breaks, terrorist plots, and flashbacks, The Final Hour is the perfect conclusion to such an adrenaline-pumping series as The Homelanders.

After reviewing The Truth of the Matter, the third book in The Homelanders series, I got first dibs from Thomas Nelson on reviewing the fourth and final book. When I received the third book, I actually didn't realize it was the third in the series, and I was a bit worried that I'd have no clue what was going on. Thankfully, as most books in a series (sometimes annoyingly) do, The Truth of the Matter recapped so that I knew what was going on. The Final Hour does the same, but just enough so readers aren't confused after the long time between book releases.

In this conclusion we find Charlie West in prison. Because of his involvement with The Homelanders, a group of terrorists bent on destroying freedom, Charlie's been locked away indefinitely. Of course, we know that Charlie's innocent; he only got involved with The Homelanders to help the U.S. stop them from completing their plan to attack an American city. Charlie knows the exact location of the attack: he just doesn't remember it. Since he took a drug to erase his memory so that he wouldn't reveal anything important to The Homelanders, he's been having memory attacks that slowly and painfully help him to remember. But the time of the attack is coming, and he still doesn't remember. If he doesn't, many lives will be lost, and he'll be held responsible.

The Final Hour is the perfect conclusion to a great young adult series. If you've been anxiously awaiting this book, you won't be disappointed.

By the way, after a quick Internet search I discovered that this series is currently being turned into a movie. I can't wait!

Visit Andrew Klavan's Website |  Read an Excerpt of The Final Hour

I was kindly provided a complimentary review copy of The Final Hour from Booksneeze.

Fiction | The First Gardener

Jeremiah Williams has been tending the gardens of the Tennessee governor's mansion for over twenty-five years. And like most first families who have come and gone, this one has stolen his heart.

Mackenzie and her husband, Governor Gray London, have struggled for ten years to have a child and are now enjoying a sweet season of life—anticipating the coming reelection and sending their precious daughter, Maddie, off to kindergarten—when a tragedy tears their world apart. As the entire state mourns, Mackenzie falls into a grief that threatens to swallow her whole.

Though his heart is also broken, Jeremiah realizes that his gift of gardening is about far more than pulling weeds and planting flowers. It's about tending hearts as well. As he uses the tools that have been placed in his hands, he gently begins to cultivate the hard soil of Mackenzie's heart, hoping to help her realize what it took him years to discover.

In The First Gardener, Denise Hildreth Jones brings the South to life as she explores the lives of her characters, most notably Governor London, his wife Mackenzie, gardener Jeremiah, and Mackenzie's mother Eugenia. Though I have not read any of Jones's other books, her strong suit seems to be character development. Each character in The First Gardener came alive in the roughly four hundred page book, and I felt attached to each one as the story progressed. (Jeremiah is my favorite, however.)

Mackenzie London, wife to Tennessee's governor, is a woman with many pent-up emotions about her difficulty in bearing children. After years of trying, her and her husband Gray were finally blessed with a precious daughter named Maddie. Now the couple are hoping for another baby, and the attempt is wearing on Mackenzie emotionally. It's an interesting aspect of the story, and key as the plot progresses. (This part of the story also makes for a few interesting passages as husband and wife discuss their trying to get pregnant. Nothing graphic, of course, but not for younger audiences, either.)

Eugenia Quinn, Mackenzie's mother, is a delightfully sarcastic woman who enjoys speaking her mind. Her group of friends—comprising of Berlyn, Dimples, and Sandra—reminded me of "Steel Magnolias" characters. They're quirky and sometimes too blunt, but they're love for each other runs deep. Eugenia's disdain for Jeremiah's gardening is especially humorous.

Jeremiah Williams is the loving, wise gardener at the governor's mansion. Some of the chapters are devoted entirely to his perspective on the goings-on at the mansion, and when I read anything he said I could easily picture Hoke from "Driving Miss Daisy." A key part of the story revolves around Jeremiah and his flowers; at different parts in the book he gives Mackenzie flowers that mean something important at that particular time. There's also some unknown part of Jeremiah's past that isn't revealed until the end; for me it was a big shocker. I wouldn't say he's the main character of the book, but, without his role, The First Gardener would miss something huge.

Those aren't the only characters, of course, but they were the ones that stood out to me the most. This is a really charming story with interweaving moments of sadness and joy. It is Christian fiction, and thankfully the Christian aspect isn't thrown in there at the end, or preached rudely; it is a perfect fit and an important part of the story. At the end of the book, Jones says that her prayer "is that in the seasons where you need a Jeremiah, you will find him. And in the seasons where someone needs you to be a Jeremiah, that you will be him." That, in essence, is what The First Gardener is all about.

Visit the Author's Website | Visit the Author's Blog | Read the First Chapter 

The First Gardener is published by Tyndale House Publishers.

Tyndale kindly offered me a complimentary review copy of this book.