Fun regency romance and a great spin off of My Fair Lady. I enjoyed the characters a lot and the growth that they went through. I found myself smilingFun regency romance and a great spin off of My Fair Lady. I enjoyed the characters a lot and the growth that they went through. I found myself smiling and cheering on the MCs throughout the book.
I have to admit I couldn't put this book down. It was a great read. I read a couple chapters yesterday morning then after kids went to bed I pulled itI have to admit I couldn't put this book down. It was a great read. I read a couple chapters yesterday morning then after kids went to bed I pulled it out and enjoyed reading the rest of the novel. I stayed up a little bit late to finish but not too bad since I'm a pretty fast reader. So let that be a warning to you, don't start this book if you don't want to put it down. Or don't start it if you don't have a couple hours time slot to read without interruptions.
The time is 1911 and the setting is Long Island, New York on a private horse farm. The family that owns the farm, the O'Leary's, have built it up from the ground and unbeknownst to anyone but the father, James, the farm is struggling. The first character you meet in the book is Gil. When he was younger, his father passed away leaving his mother and him to try to survive. Gil's mom became the housekeeper at the Irish Meadows horse farm. Gil was raised alongside the O'Leary children and eventually as a son in the family when his mother passed away leaving him with no other relations. Gil has been away at business school and returns home to start saving more money so he can buy his own property and start his own horse farm. There is a lot of trepidation as he returns home. One, he doesn't want to disappoint James O'Leary, who became like a father to him and paid for his schooling, yet he doesn't want to feel pressured by him to not follow his dreams. Two, he and Brianna O'Leary were best friends growing up and he is afraid of his feelings towards her because he knows her father will never agree to him being anything other than a brother figure to her.
Brianna O'Leary is a smart girl who is about to graduate from public education and wants to continue learning and exploring by going to a women's college in Manhattan. She is terrified that her father will refuse her because he is ready to have her find a wealthy respectable young gentleman to marry as soon as she graduates. Brianna decides she will have Gil help her speak with her father to convince him to allow her to attend college. This of course backfires and Brianna feels trapped because she craves her father's attention and approval and becomes withdrawn in herself whenever her father wants something contrary to her dreams and desires. She soon comes to realize that her feelings for Gil have not diminished and that he possibly has feelings for her as well. Yet she finds herself betrothed to another man who is similar to her father, who wants to dictate her dreams.
Colleen O'Leary is the oldest daughter and has always been doted on by her father James. In his eyes she is the epitome of grace and beauty and Brianna feels she can never compare. Colleen flaunts her beauty and has many men vying for her attention. She is continually scheming to get her way no matter if that hurts her sister because usually Colleen wants anything Brianna wants or has. Colleen finds herself betrothed through her father's doings to a young man she does not love or wish to marry. Without giving any spoilers she schemes her way free of her engagement and finds her father very anger with her for the first time. She then finds her punishment one of which she believes she will abhor yet grows to enjoy and love. She is to volunteer at the orphanage and help a very distant relation, Rylan, who is working to become a priest and is also volunteering at the orphanage.
Rylan has come to live at the O'Leary home while renovations are being done at the local church boarding house. He is from Ireland and has been living in Boston studying to become a Priest. He is sent to the orphanage to work on an internship before taking his vows. He left Ireland after his father's death and his mother's sickness. He made a promise to God that he would do anything, even turn his life over to him if God would save his mother. Rylan's mother makes a full recovery and he comes to America to fulfill his promise. He gets to know Colleen better as they have some funny happenstances occur as well as their time spent working at the orphanage together.
Those are the main characters that the book focuses on and if you can tell from what I've written about them they all have dreams or struggles that they are facing and trying to navigate. Throw into the mix of their dreams the struggle of the farm, Irish Meadows, their father's manipulations of betrothals and his stubborn ways, and you have an intriguing read. The author, Susan Anne Mason, does a great job connecting and weaving together the characters, their struggles, their dreams and especially their backstories. You might find yourself cheering for certain characters, yelling (ok maybe not yelling but definitely wanting to tell them to stop acting a certain way) at the characters or even trying to tell them what's right in front of their eyes. It was a great read with just enough suspense, high hopes, tragedy, budding romance, scheming and many other aspects that make a novel worth picking up and enjoying. I definitely will be checking out the next book in the series to see more of what happens with these characters. The second novel follows a character I didn't mention in my review, Adam, who is the brother of Brianna and Colleen. Hopefully you will enjoy some aspect, or all of the book if you decide to read it.
I got this years ago for free when it first came out and I have read and reread one and all of the novellas. They are such great clean reaLove it!!!!!
I got this years ago for free when it first came out and I have read and reread one and all of the novellas. They are such great clean reads that I recommend them to anyone! I enjoyed all the stories just as much as I did the first time I read them.
I have read most if not all the books written by this collection of authors and I'm always watching and waiting for what they come out with next.
If you are looking for sweet clean and short reads any of the timeless romance anthologies are definitely worth the time!
Fun, Fun, Fun!!!! I know, I know this is a Christmas book and it's the end of January. December was a little busy and as much as I hoped to try to graFun, Fun, Fun!!!! I know, I know this is a Christmas book and it's the end of January. December was a little busy and as much as I hoped to try to grab this book from the library and read it then it didn't happen. But I finally checked it out and read it. Super fast, fun, clean and easy read. One of those lighthearted candy reads that just are enjoyable and a happy ending. I haven't read too many Debbie Macomber books but I am slowly starting to read more. I received a free ARC copy of her book Mr. Miracle last year and loved it. That lead me to watching Cedar Cove as I was crafting Christmas gifts and then this year I kept thinking about Mr. Miracle and ended up searching Mrs. Miracle online and watched the Hallmark movie. Needless to say I want to read those novels and will definitely start reading more of Debbie Macomber's books.
Dashing Through the Snow had some suspense, humor and a sweet cute-meet between the main characters, Ashley and Dash. Just so you know upfront I won't give any spoilers but really want to tell you about the suspense part but haven't quite decided how to do so without giving a spoiler. It begins at the start of the book and continues throughout until the very ending. Even though it's a bit a suspense it's a humorous suspense and a bit maddening towards one character. Sorry but that's about all you'll get from me on that suspense aspect.
Ashley is a spunky character who is a grad student in California. Last minute she is able to get away from work and try to get home to spend Christmas with her mom in Seattle. Dash, short for Dashiell, used to be military intelligence and is now home trying to get to Seattle for a job interview a couple days before Christmas. These two end up at the same airport, at the same time, at the same ticket counter, you get the idea, one of those predictable beginnings to set up the plot and story. Ashley is at the ticket counter trying to get a ticket but is unable to and doesn't want to try to fly standby. Unbeknownst to her Dash is behind her and keeps saying please hurry up, being a little impatient. Ashley gets frustrated that the airport employee refuses to help her get a ticket back home to her widowed mother whom she hasn't seen in a couple years. She stomps off trying to figure out what to do. Eventually she realizes that she can get a rental car, because her car is on the fritz, and can drive to Seattle to surprise her mom.
There she is standing in another line and who should show up behind her at the same line, at the same car rental agency? Yep, you guessed it...Dashiell. When she steps up to the counter she is informed that there is only one car rental left in the whole airport. She says she'll take it but Dash steps up and says if there's only one car let's share it and I'll pay all expenses. Ashley isn't happy to have this same guy behind her and to have him wanting her to share a car with a complete stranger. I kept thinking there's no way I would do that but then I have to think about the times in college where I found names off the ride board searching for someone who was traveling to another state where I was trying to get and my little car not being up for the trek. Needless to say, yes I called and found a group of people all trying to go to the same destination and I took the ride. Yes I did screen them very, very carefully!!!!! Would you just get in the car with someone at the airport if they requested to share the last rental car with you to the same location??? Ashley was very hesitant but Dash had her call his mom and after laughing and finding out more than Dash wanted her to about him, she agrees to share the car.
There is definite tension between the two as neither are happy be sharing a car but both need to get to Seattle so they buck up and try to make the best of it. Now throw in some suspense as the point of view changes to a whole new character and the reader says "WHAT"? It fit and was fun and of course the whole time I'm reading I keep thinking is one of the characters really who they say they are, yes they are, then no maybe they aren't. Let me know what your thoughts were at this point if you choose to read the book, or already have read the book.
Ashley and Dash have a couple silly moments along the way; rest stop adventures, a biker gang, a puppy, walmart parking lot switcheroo, karaoke fiasco, a quirky auto shop mechanic, a final stop(that I can't reveal due to the suspense part) and then finally Seattle.
Overall I really enjoyed this read. It only took me a few hours and most of that time I was riding in the car coming home from a weekend outing. I have to say too that I love the cover, it's just fun and eye catching with the bright christmas lights and snow. If you need a Christmas in July (or January) book this is definitely well worth the time. After reading Mr. Miracle and watching Mrs. Miracle I kept thinking while I was reading that an angel would make an appearance. You'll have to read to find out if Debbie Macomber added another angel into her stories.
This one was a little slow starting out for me. It was a quick recap with Christopher and his siblings. They were figuring out what to do about the piThis one was a little slow starting out for me. It was a quick recap with Christopher and his siblings. They were figuring out what to do about the pirate Crayton who had caused the grief in the previous books. Then it was Christopher saying goodbye and finally starting his adventure that he had been preparing for since right before his sisters were settled in good marriages. We also start the story of our heroine of the story, Marsali. Her beginning was a great way to provide lots of angst for the readers and wonder how the first adventure would conclude.
Once on board the new fangled steamship heading to America, we have only a handful of passengers and characters to keep track of. First we have Captian Gower, the gruff exterior is only for show. Then we have of course Christopher and Marsali. Last but not least Lady and Miss Cosgrove, who are on their way to meet Miss Cosgrove's fiance, a Mr Vancer. Plus there are a few scattered crew men that we meet and some are more substantial to the story than others.
This is a marriage of convenience story, if you didn't know I love them! Marsali has finally escaped her wretched past living with her aunt and uncle only to be heading to Virginia to become an indentured servant for her passage to America. But while there in Virginia she will be reunited with her sister and after four years free to do as she chooses. Yet, her aunt has been deceitful and cruel to the last possible moment and not shared an important letter from her sister with her. Marsali doesn't read the letter until she has already set sail. Her sister Charolette warns her not to come because the man she is to work for is known to be cruel and some of his lady's maids or other servants end up dead.
Step in Christopher to save the damsel in distress again. He felt relief leaving behind the stress always trying to protect his sisters, yet he has walked right in on another damsel who is in need of rescuing. Can he figure out a way to save her yet still get what he wants? Ok this review is already mega long because of each individual book so this book is only going to get a little bit more time...
Christopher and Marsali marry and have a few hours together talking when a horrible storm hits and tragedy strikes their ship. They were close to the harbor but not close enough. Marsali and Lady Cosgrove are thought to be the only survivors and in Marsali's delirium, Lady Cosgrove claims she is Miss Cosgrove. Of course this is all cleared up due to Marsali's sweet and honest personality. Mr. Vancer finds he could care for her and they can be good for each other. He asks for the same amount of time that Christopher was given aboard ship to get to know her and see if Marsali could go forward with a marriage with him.
Deceit and close calls reign for a while near the end of the book. Sorrow reigns yet love will conquer all as two hearts meant for each other don't lose hope of reuniting and being allowed to become one forever.
I really got hooked a little more than halfway through this book and fell in love with the characters. I honestly had several different theories going through my mind while reading and slowly checked each one off the list realizing that my guessing wasn't right. But eventually I caught on right before it all tied up nicely.
Christopher was every bit as good and gentlemanly as I had hoped he would be from reading the little snippets about him in the first couple books. I loved his story and Marsali was a heroine I could cheer for and be sorrowful with.
Content: Another clean read with some sweet, tender moments and a few very chaste kisses.
I'm finally writing the review for this book. I finished it quite a while ago but haven't had time to sit and write a review, and then I had library bI'm finally writing the review for this book. I finished it quite a while ago but haven't had time to sit and write a review, and then I had library books that were due so I was trying to write those reviews first so I could return those books.
This book has been on my list to own after I read Wanda Luce's debut novel Lydia and saw that she had a second book about to be released. I loved Lydia and have been waiting (somewhat patiently) to read this one. Well for Christmas my husband bought me several of my wish list books and this was at the top! I was really excited. I love all things regency and Jane Austen and this fits that very well! Well when I sat down to start devouring this book I flipped to the back to read the synopsis and reviews. I opened the back cover to look at the author bio (yes I like to read those and the acknowledgment pages) and instead of her bio it was a page of reviews for Lydia. I started reading through them and guess what?! Much to my surprise and excitement my review was the last one on the page. Yay! Needless to say I was pretty excited seeing it printed in a book, and from an author that I really like! My husband had fun teasing me that I was published (hahaha) and my kids loved to tell everyone when they came over and showing them my book and review. It made for some fun excitement in our lives.
Now onto my review of "In the Wilds of Devon". This novel was set again during the regency era and was a fabulous clean read. If I had to pick a favorite between the author's two novels I would definitely say Lydia but this novel didn't disappoint in a fantastic storyline and great characters, especially a very oppressive "bad guy".
Rupert is our main male character who has happened upon a ring of smugglers and has been working to oust them and get them arrested and stop their smuggling. His life becomes endangered and he is exiled into hiding by the Prince so that he will be alive to testify against this smuggling group. Rupert isn't happy at all to have done all the work he has done to just be sent away when the group is about to be apprehended. Rupert was a captain in the navy during war with Napoleon but is also one of the most powerful men in the land, he is the Earl of Carrington. The Prince tells him to take on the persona of the captain and not divulge his identity to anyone. Rupert's friend has a cottage far removed from London in Devon that he disappears to.
Alexandra (Alex) Dancy isn't all that she seems. Her family cares for the cottage that Rupert will soon be occupying but they have many large secrets that they fear if anyone discovers them they will be ruined forever. Cecil Bedford(our villian) is allowing the Dancy family to rent the small home they are living in for free as long as Alex agrees to marry him in the near future. Alexandra is a great beauty that none can match and Cecil Bedford is completely obsessed with her. He will do anything to ensure that she belongs to him. Unknown to the reader he has a strong hold over their family which is a large struggle for Alex because she feels she has no way to extricate herself from his grasp. She has been praying for a miracle and a way to help her family escape but she has been unable to find any hope to do so.
When Captain Carrington first arrives in Devon he and Alexandra have a misunderstanding which leads her to be very upset with him and grateful that she will never have to see him again, until she discovers he is the new occupant of the cottage that her family helps care for. They are forced into each other's company time and time again. Every time Alexandra's barrier towards the captain starts to drop. She begins to realize her first impressions were not accurate and starts to form an attachment against her will. First because she knows that she is far below his social status, even more so when she starts to believe that he is higher ranked than he lets on. Second because she knows she will only suffer if she allows herself any hope from being free of Cecil.
Captain Carrington is intrigued by Alex and knows that he should not even look in her direction because her social standing would only bring her pain and ridicule from the social circles he walks in if they were to ever marry. Yet he happens to chance upon several moments, unseen, when she is speaking to Cecil Bedford. He realizes that Cecil has some sort of hold over her and her family and is determined to find out what. In the many interactions he has with the Dancy family he begins to suspect more about their history. I really don't want to spoil anything and I think that most readers will come to some sort of conclusion about her family as you start to read but I want you to be able to do that and have the experience of it rather than me telling you. Sorry if you were wanting that info.
Captain Carrington starts investigating into the Dancy family only to come up short. Luckily he chances upon clues that help him and eventually Alex reveals a little about her situation. Eventually Cecil pulls his wild card and Alex is almost out of time to secure her freedom of Cecil. She must figure it out soon or will have to be married to him and unhappy for the rest of her life.
Just to throw it out there as well, what will happen when she finally discovers he isn't just a Captain?What will he do when he discovers the secret that her family has tried so desperately to keep hidden and which keeps Cecil Bedford close by?
I have to say it was just a great read. The two main characters were well developed, the backstory was well set up and revealed slowly throughout the novel. I could guess at the ending but wasn't 100 percent for sure until the final reveal. I enjoy books like that. After reading many books with the predictable outcome(which I do love by the way) it is nice to have one that although predictable it is hard to put your finger on the exact secret of the characters.
I am sure I could go on and on about the book but I am out of time and have to run. If you are wondering if you should read this book or not I say do it. Just pick it up and enjoy the suspense and unraveling of the secrets in it all the way to the last page. Then if you haven't already read Lydia pick that one up too. I'm happily awaiting for any further books Wanda Luce decides to write.
I loved the storyline for this book. Emma is just amazing! A little prideful at times but absolutely amazing. Her life story is slowly revealed and onI loved the storyline for this book. Emma is just amazing! A little prideful at times but absolutely amazing. Her life story is slowly revealed and once it is, wow! Definitely explains why the pride and why it is hard for her to accept help. It didn't stop me though from wanting to tell her to wake up and just accept it already for heaven's sake! I love that she would drop everything because of her love for her brother and his family. She shows up in a new town in Colorado in her clunker car, moving into a nice neighborhood but of course I think you can guess it, the most run down house and yard and has two little girls in tow. To any outsider not knowing anything about her she would look like a young single mother who can't catch a break in life.
That is pretty much exactly what her new neighbor Kevin thinks. He definitely harbors some prejudice against everyone in general until he gets hit upside the head over and over again realizing that not everything is as it seems and not everything is all horrible. There is a lot of good that he glances over to see the bad. One of his shortcomings and challenges from his childhood. Which of course will be explained all in good time as you read the book. How lucky can he be to have a new neighbor who has the most horrific car and is a single mother with two children who's father is probably a deadbeat. To top that all off they'll probably leave junk and toys and who knows what else all over the yard and front of the run down little house. Welcome to the neighborhood.
Luckily to balance Emma and Kevin out, across the street we have Becky and her awesome hubby Justin and their super awesome teenage daughter Sam. Becky sees past all the outward appearances and sees Emma, a loving and amazing woman who isn't afraid to give everything she has and work very hard to take care of those she loves. Phew, so glad Becky is there otherwise Kevin might be in a bigger mess than he already is. ;-)
First meetings can most often go awry. It's just the way it is. It's not like we are always able to put our best selves forward and be on guard to do that every second and every interaction. Just not possible, so sometimes we flub up big time and give others lots to (hopefully) laugh about or (not hopefully) scrutinize. Well unfortunately for Emma, her first meeting with Kevin is the latter...a big flub up. Oh but it was humorous and witty and one of those said moments that I wanted to shake her and say wake up and don't let your pride get in the way. It's ok! I'm still smiling and chuckling about that scene and the ensuing scenes as well because honestly it was funny. How many times have I had similar crazy introductions to people that I wish I could rewind and redo. Oh way too many to count and more time than I have to expound upon here. Luckily I have a good sense of humor and can laugh it off and just chalk it up to having a new friend who knows I have a goofy side too! Ha!
Honestly I just loved this book lots. I loved Emma, I loved Kevin. They were so good and it took some time for them to see that goodness in each other, or to accept that goodness. Emma ends up with a job she feels she earned but soon feels was a hand out. So it definitely doesn't end well when she discovers the said handout. Poor Kevin, he got a little bit of a tongue lashing there. Oh and the tongue lashing he got over his mom, and the pie. Lol. Oh Emma, she isn't afraid to say it like it is or show her trued emotions. There's nothing fake or hidden about her, she is just herself for all to see.
The description of art(Emma's an artist and art teacher) is just so cool. It really made me want to brush off my art supplies and take some more classes so that I could paint some cool murals! You'll understand when you read it. Oh and can I order one fairy room for my house please? ;-)
I loved it! I've really enjoyed the books I've read of Rachel's. I actually just finished Rough around the edges(book 2 in this series) and wrote my review for that first since it was fresh in my mind. I really enjoyed it and recommend it as a follow up for several of the characters in book one. It is a completely different storyline but still great characters. If I was putting them in order of which I like better this one would win hands down. I can't wait to read the third book. I know I say this in several reviews, if you've read others of mine but I loved Rachel's book The Reluctant Bachelorette. Read it if you like a fun hometown bachelorette story.
This is a great clean read. There's some kissing but no sex or violence. I would let YA and older read it.
I downloaded this free from Amazon(sorry it's not free right now).
A little bit darker toned read than the author's other books but I enjoyed it. Very reminiscent of Charles Dickens and reminded me o *Full Review Now*
A little bit darker toned read than the author's other books but I enjoyed it. Very reminiscent of Charles Dickens and reminded me of The Moonstoneby Wilkie Collins(I had White as the author but double checked and it's Wilkie Collins who is the author of The Woman in White-that's why I was thinking White ;)).
The MCs were two great characters who were opposites yet great parallels. I know that doesn't sound like I said that right but they truly are. Maybe when I'm able to sit and write my full review I will explain more.
For now until I can get my full musings and ramblings just know I enjoyed it. It wasn't fast paced but kept me hooked and I definitely want to read the next in the series when it's available.
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I have to put this out there, I read several books while I was laying on the couch after having surgery and my befuddled brain isn't remembering as well as I'd like for writing this review but I am finally sitting at my computer and actually have a pretty good functioning brain...other than the fact that I can't remember. Hee hee!!!!!
Well as I skim through the book it has all(or mostly all) come back to me so I'll go from there in getting my thoughts typed up.
Camille Iverness was a character that I really enjoyed. She has so many memories and flashbacks to when she grew up on her grandfather's estate and was taught to be a lady, yet when she was still younger her grandfather passed away and her father sells the estate. Her father, James Iverness, is fascinated with antiquities so he buys a little run down curiosity shop in a shady party of London and Camille is left to tend the books and run the shop while her father secures all the deals outside of the shop. Camille is heartbroken, then angry towards her mother who abandoned them. Her mother is from Paraguay and left to go care for her aging and supposedly dying mother. Then the dying mother miraculously is better and Camille's mother never returns home, leaving Camille hurt and then bitter.
Jonathan Gilchrist is the second son who was happy being an apothecary, following after his uncle's trade. Yet his brother dies and leaves him to inherit and his father is somewhat bitter towards Jonathan for not following in his desires and love of antiquities. Jonathan spends much of his time at the local boarding school helping to keep the children healthy. Yet one night he is summoned to his father's estate urgently. Jonathan arrives and is finally told about the family's priceless heirlooms and collections. One of which is the mysterious Bevoy ruby-priceless, irreplacable and quite possibly contains magical powers to grant good luck or bring disaster and curses to its owner. Jonathan doesn't believe any of it and doesn't understand why his father wants him to rush to London in the middle of the night to start a search for it. His father then explains that he is almost out of money, in debt and the Bevoy was to be sold to pay for those debts. Without the ruby they will be in ruin and his sister's dowry is tied up in it all and she will be unable to marry the man she thinks she loves, yet who has no love for her, just her money.
So not wanting to disappoint his sister he agrees to travel to London to search out the thief and the Ruby. When he arrives in London he is told to find his late brother's friend Darbin, who is familiar with and associated with his father's dealings. Jonathan and Darbin arrive at the curiosity shop to watch and see if they can find any clues. While watching they see a man force himself into the shop and attack Camille. Jonathan, ever the gentleman rushes in and saves her. Camille is scared and doesn't know where to turn and eventually allows Jonathan to help her. Thus starts their relationship and their collaborating together to find the Bevoy ruby. Unfortunately, Camille has no idea what the Bevoy ruby is or where it could be.
I said at the beginning of this review that Jonathan and Camille are similar yet opposites. Opposites in the fact that he was raised as a gentleman and she has spent most of her life in the dregs of London society. She did not receive any formal training and very little education. I'm sure there are more differences but right now my brain is remembering all the similarities aside from that one difference so I'm moving on to similarities. Both MCs know how to run a business very well and both aren't afraid to work hard. Both have fathers who love antiques and will do anything to succeed at finding and collecting them no matter the cost. Both characters have been in a sense cast off from their family and hurt deeply by their family. I'm sure once again there are more similarities but those are all I'm going to talk about right now.
Camille ends up being kicked out of her father's shop, by her father. She has no where to turn and knows no one but Jonathan. He offers to help her get a job at the boarding school in the country. She accepts the offer to accompany him and his sister back to the country on the condition that she present herself and ask for the job, she doesn't want any handouts.
The Bevoy ruby's location still remains a mystery throughout the book while her father and his men are searching for Camille and the ruby and Jonathan and his father and sister and Darbin are all searching for the Ruby. Jonathan believes Camille has no knowledge of where the ruby is and yet his family and Darbin all believe she is the key to finding the ruby.
I have to say I guessed where the ruby was located but it was very cleverly hidden and took quite a while for many characters to figure it out(some already knew but they couldn't get to it without raising suspicion).
Camille and Jonathan's relationship developed slowly and sweetly and wasn't the insta-love relationship. I liked watching them come to know and admire each other for their strengths and their staying true to themselves and their beliefs.
This was very reminiscent of a Charles Dickens novel and I really enjoyed it. The suspense was great, a little darker tone throughout the novel and characters that were sweet, scary, demanding, two-sided, surprising...I'll stop there because I'm sure I could go on and on and on. :0)
The ending had a twist and surprise and I wasn't quite sure which way it was going to go but I liked it. I want to say something specific about it but if I do then I would give it away. I know I could put it in and hide the spoiler but I'll just say that I loved the choice made.
If you like the Regency genre, Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, Sara E. Ladd, a sweet romance, shady characters, decent characters, mystery, emotional moments(very heart touching and thought provoking emotions) and so much more I think you would probably enjoy this novel. I've loved all of Sara Ladd's book's so far and am excited for her next one to be released super soon.
Ok, here I go again. I know every book I read and write a review for by H.B. Moore(or any of her pen names) I always gush about how much I love her boOk, here I go again. I know every book I read and write a review for by H.B. Moore(or any of her pen names) I always gush about how much I love her books, her writing, the characters, the setting, the storyline...I love it all. And once again I'm going to say it that she can write any genre very well! I have read almost all of her biblical stories(not all are marked on GR if you go hunting-yes I need to remedy that) and have had a hard time setting them down. Confession on this one...I finished a book the other night and was about to head to bed but I thought really quickly I wanted to see where this book started. Ok, um, that is not a good idea when it's time for bed! Needless to say, I'm sure you've already guessed it, I was hooked. Ugh, then I stayed up for an hour longer reading. I was definitely hooked big time. But it was worth it.
When we were on vacation this summer, my mom had checked out the first two books of this series from the library. My daughter grabbed them and was hooked. She couldn't put them down. She sat quietly and read and read and read until she had finished them. She loves to read but usually she will read for a little bit, set it down, then pick it up later and read a little bit...you get the idea. Nope with this book she was plain old hooked. Well, I followed closely behind her. It's been fun to compare notes with her about the book.
Bondage alternates between the POV of Miriam, Moses and Bithiah. I would finish one chapter and the next would switch POV's and I just had to find out what was going to happen next with the character who just finished so I was just going to quickly read through the current character and get back to the other one, only to need to find out what happened to them as well. Oh it was a vicious cycle. LOL!!!
On a more serious note now, I really liked the voice that the author gave to the characters. Miriam loved her brother Moses dearly and was always trying to sneak off to watch him, or check up on him. She had a different perspective of him than her family because she risked her life and discovered the good in him. Moses' perspective was great too, distinguishing his attitude from that of the Pharaoh or Ramses or other Egyptians and their treatment of the Hebrew slaves. I love Bithiah, Moses' adoptive mother. Her attitude towards Moses, her family, Egyptians and Hebrews was interesting to think about. Now of course we don't know exactly what these historical character's true thoughts and feelings were but so far I have enjoyed the way that the author has written these characters.
Bondage opens not too soon before Moses kills the Egyptian and flees from Pharaoh but it is enough time before to really build the characters, the story, and finish the book at the point where Moses flees. There is a lot of suspense/tension built up, especially with the dynamics of the slaves and Egyptians, also the suspense of wondering when Moses will discover what his true heritage is.
The content is clean. There is some reference to the harem, some of the Egyptians talking about visiting the harem or ladies inviting Moses to their chamber(of course him not going). There is some description of the slaves being whipped or beaten and some Egyptians attacking Hebrew women, but not descriptive at all. Some religious aspect, the Egyptian Gods and Hebrew God are mentioned and talked about briefly.
I would recommend this to YA and older. A great engaging story that starts off the Moses Chronicles series in an addictive way. I've already started the first couple chapters of Deliverance(book #2).
I received a digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have really enjoyed this series about Miss Holmes and Miss Stoker. Such a fun combination and spinoff from Sherlock Holmes and Bram Stoker. If you hI have really enjoyed this series about Miss Holmes and Miss Stoker. Such a fun combination and spinoff from Sherlock Holmes and Bram Stoker. If you haven't read any in the series or know anything about it, Mina(Elvamina) Holmes is the daughter of Mycroft Holmes and niece to Sherlock Holmes while Evaline Stoker is the sister to Bram Stoker. Mina takes after her father and uncle with incredible deduction abilities and Evaline is part of the reason why Bram Stoker creates his novel "Dracula". Evaline is a vampire hunter and has special strength that a normal person does not possess so she is able to battle with the inhuman strength of vampires and to help protect humans from the vampires attacking.
This book is written in the steampunk genre which I had not previously read any books in that genre before this series. Some characters in the series are definite "cognoggers" and create different inventions, or wear clothing that is based on coggs and inventions. The city is also steam powered instead of electricity because in this world electricity has been banned in Europe due to a bill passed stating electricity is not safe. So there are lots of fun descriptions of inventions, modes of transportations, weapons and some altogether new sounding contraptions.
In the previous books both Miss Holmes and Miss Stoker have been asked by the Princess and Miss Irene Adler to help investigate different cases that have an impact on the crown or the citizens. Both Miss Holmes and Miss Stoker are not so fond of each other but have been able to form a good working relationship, in this book almost a friendship, and have used their resources to solve different cases. Their previous nemesis was an unknown female character known as the "Ankh" who wants to have ultimate power and be free form the strictures dictated by society for women. Miss Holmes believes she knows who the Ankh is but has been unable to prove it. The Ankh has disappeared, or so it seems, from society and there have been several attacks from vampires throughout the city. Both Misses have been called in by Miss Adler and the Princess to help a young princess from Betrovia who is coming over to deliver a letter about a famous chess queen piece that has been missing since Queen Elizabeth's reign. The chess piece is instrumental in opening a large chess set that was given to Queen Elizabeth from the Queen of Betrovia. It is rumored to hold important and rare gems and jewelry as well as documents that will grant immense power to whoever finds them.
Not exactly thrilled to be "babysitting" a princess from Betrovia, especially with strained relations between the two countries, Miss Holmes and Miss Stoker start their assignment at a social event where the letter about the chess queen's location will be presented to the English monarchy. While there, the lights go out and the letter is stolen. The Game is on and Miss Holmes has to work fast to figure out how to solve the crime, how to keep the princess safe and how to unmask the identity of the Ankh (who of course is behind the disappearance of the letter). Miss Stoker is trying to help with the assignment of the Betrovian princess but is also needing to find the source behind the rise in vampires.
I am not a huge fan of the increase of everything vampire in the media but i have really enjoyed this take on it. I really did enjoy "Dracula" by Stoker so it has been fun to have little appearances by his character and to hear the back story of both Miss Stoker and Miss Holmes (of course that is all subjected to what the author wants to create for these characters). If you enjoy young adult novels and something fun and new, especially mystery crime solving you might enjoy this series. I really have enjoyed it and it looks like there are two more books lined up for this series which I will be excited to see what happens and where the author takes these characters.
Without giving any spoilers there is a definite confirmation of who the Ankh is at the end, unfortunately it is only confirmed for Miss Holmes and the reader and fortunately it leads us onto the aforementioned continuation of the series. Yay!
Wow! Another wonderful novel from Michelle Moran. I really enjoyed reading this. In true Michelle Moran fashion it is not a sweet, lighthearted, fluffWow! Another wonderful novel from Michelle Moran. I really enjoyed reading this. In true Michelle Moran fashion it is not a sweet, lighthearted, fluff HEA read but it is an intense, emotional, thought provoking and heart rending read. Very raw and powerful. I have read just about every book she has written and I come away wanting to learn more about the time period of the books. I love her portrayal of characters, their development, their sorrows, their hopes.
Each book takes a moment in history and explores it through the eyes of either the person who experienced it or a close companion/friend/family member. In the Rebel Queen the narrator is Sita, a young Indian girl who loses her mother and has a deaf father, an angry grandmother and a new baby sister. In a world dominated by men, any girls born into a family usually are not kept or looked upon favorably. Sita was blessed to have loving parents and a strong personality (yet humble) allowing her to thrive at what life throws at her.
Sita's grandmother attempts to sell her to one of the temples as a prostitute right after her mother's death but is stopped by her father. He vows that neither of his children will have that fate and that Sita will become one of the Durgavasi(female guards to the Rani-or Queen). Sita is trained and passes the test to eventually become one of the Rani's trusted guards.
The book is told by Sita when she is at the end of her life. She has been asked by a British lady to tell her story so Sita draws from her journals and we read about her life.
Very well written with many scenes that tug at you. The life of women was very sorrowful, yet through their customs and beliefs they were doing what they felt they should. For me looking into that life and time period it is hard and I wouldn't be able to live that way knowing what I know. But the pain and sorrow and heartache are very real and touching throughout the book. You feel connected with these women and want their lives to be wonderful and have hope and love and joy, yet just when you feel that coming, life (or people and their greed or anger) throws it all away.
This novel focuses on the kingdom of Jhansi, India and the Rani trying to help her people survive The East India Trading Company. I loved the metaphor used for the company and India. The company was the camel trying to get its nose in the tent and slowly maneuvering its whole body in until you(India rulers) are pushed out of the tent.
I am awaiting the next book from this author. My library carries some of Moran's books but not all so while on vacation visiting family, my mom checked it out from her library and I read as quickly as I could to finish it. I'm so glad I did. The emotions this book evoked were pretty strong but I would definitely read it again.
As far as content goes, the cultural aspects can be more open that I would recommend it for older, more mature readers. There is talk about the Raja preferring men to women but nothing graphic. Some mild references to prostitutes(in the sense that girls would be sold into that due to cultural beliefs) as well as a declaration made by the British for its soldiers to have girls brought in for them. Again nothing graphic but not necessarily content for younger readers. There is talk of war and some mild battle scenes as well. I would say that overall it was clean, no graphic sex scenes or swearing but before allowing younger readers to read it is recommend you reading it first. I would allow older teens to read it.
I love the history Michelle Moran uses in her writing and all her research efforts show through in all the details and storyline. If you haven't read any of her books I highly recommend them. My husband bought me Cleopatra's Daughter as a birthday gift several years ago and ever since that book (my absolute favorite so far) I have read every book of Moran's that I can get my hands on.
Fair warning that if you haven't read the first book and don't want spoilers, I might have a few references throughout that could be spoilerish to somFair warning that if you haven't read the first book and don't want spoilers, I might have a few references throughout that could be spoilerish to some. I always try not to but there might be a couple spots in my review where it is necessary. It won't be any big reveal but little references, so proceed with caution if you are like me and don't like spoilers. ;-)
Well, when I started this one I was struggling a little bit to get into it. I think that anybody reading straight from Saving Grace to Loving Helen might feel that way. Loving Helen opens with Samuel Preston having already brought Grace's family and trusted servants to live at his guesthouse. It actually starts on the day of Elizabeth, Preston's deceased wife's birthday. Of course this is everything happening from Helen's point of view so there are recap moments and scenes where Helen secretly comes upon Preston and Grace's conversations from book one. So a good portion of the beginning, after just having read Saving Grace, felt like I had already read it. Yes it is different because we see a lot more of Preston and his daughter Beth, and we really get to delve into Helen's thoughts and learn who she really is. All we know are little snippets from the first book that Helen is very shy and has anxiety attacks when around angry people or large crowds.
Grace and Helen are very different and that has Helen wishing several times throughout the book that she could be more like her sister. That if only she could be more strong willed and not afraid to speak up for what she wants then her life could truly be lived as if it were her dream come true. I really liked the opening scene where Helen shows quite a bit of gumption/backbone and steps up for something that she truly wants and believes will help her family. Helen is very loving and kind. She is also very perceptive of those around her and can see through to their hearts and is able to empathize with their joys and sorrows.
Helen is said to be very shy but I loved watching her interactions in any relationship that she has in the book. With their groomsman, their maid, Preston, Beth, Christopher and eventually with Grace. These two sisters may be very different but at the same time they are very similar. They have seen horror and sorrow yet through it all have worked so closely to save their family for years that they love deeply and would sacrifice anything to save each other.
If you have read Saving Grace, you know that Helen and Preston end up together at the end, so this is really their story and it is beautiful and sweet. Two loving and tender souls who have seen much sorrow yet don't allow it to bring them down, are able to bring joy and healing to the each other's lives. There are of course plenty of ups and downs. No love story would be complete without a little angst and misunderstandings and frustrations and sorrow between our two MCs.
Sometimes I was a little frustrated with Helen and Preston because of the misunderstandings but both acted certain ways back and forth that made the other unsure what their feelings were. But I will say the ending was so fun! Not only does it tie up Helen and Preston's relationship but it continues to delve a little bit further into Grace's. *sigh* I really liked Grace and Nicholas' story.
The very last thing that I am going to add is about Christopher. Oh my heavens, can I just say how much I was hoping we would see more of him. There were only a few small glimpses of him in book one and for more than the first half that was about all we were given in this book. Then, the author gives us a fun little treat in regards to Christopher's character. Not giving anything away here but I couldn't help laughing after I read a scene. It was one of those double take moments...my head whiplashed back to the couple paragraphs and I had to read them again, just to make sure I read it right the first time. YESSSSSSS I did! Ha! Then to have Preston chuckling about it a scene later. I loved it. Honestly it's really nothing big but it was perfect and I loved it! I'm really excited to read his story now. I'm really hoping though that we start fresh for him and not in the middle of either of his sisters' stories or I might have a hard time once again getting into it. Not that it is hard to get into but I think these are like any books of a group/series, the author gives a refresher since it's been some time in between one book to the next being released. Since I don't have to wait in between books for the next one to be published the recap is not what I want to be reading, give me the meat of the next story with all the nummy sides. Hopefully that makes sense.
There is a lot of depth to the characters of this first book. The beginning starts off pretty fast paced and with some funny, wild haired ideas, all cThere is a lot of depth to the characters of this first book. The beginning starts off pretty fast paced and with some funny, wild haired ideas, all concocted by Grace and pulled off with help from her lady's maid and groom. I was laughing along with her spunk and great attitude throughout her first debacle(I think that's a great word for it although it's a self planned debacle).
Maybe I should explain a little...I don't want to give anything away so just enough to help. Grace is unfortunately left at the mercy of her father. Her mother has passed away years ago when Grace was young, leaving her to care for her two younger siblings. Grace will do anything to protect them. As she grew older, her saving grace came in the form of her grandfather who had disowned her mother. He takes the three in and saves them from their drunken, gambling, wheeling and dealing father. Unfortunately, Grace has fallen back into his clutches after the death of her grandfather and a new Duke taking control of his estate. Grace's father is ready to sell her and her sister to the highest bidder in the marriage mart. Grace would rather she be disgraced in name and reputation only(not in all actuality) and sacrifice suffering through the suitors who are all too similar to her father, if it means she can spare her sweet, gorgeous and overly shy sister Helen.
Hence we start off the novel with Grace enduring several encounters with said suitors and the help of two trusted servants(who are more like family) trying to outmaneuver her father and hope that her inheritance will be released to her by the courts soon.
Unfortunately Grace falls into a little bit of a conundrum and is stuck in the clutches of two men. I really want to explain what happens because it is quite funny(very shocking to Grace) but I don't want to ruin it for you. On a dark stormy night, a carriage accident occurs leaving a very sick and struggling lady to be taken to the nearest house by her servants. When she arrives nothing that she expects to happen, happens, everything opposite of her expectations occurs. The real question is...should she embrace it and use it to her advantage to help her siblings? Or will it cause a whole slew of other problems for her to try to wriggle her way out of? Either way has her in quite the sticky situation and quite frankly leaves us readers set up for a fun, witty and page turning read. Oh, and did I mention a very well written sweet and clean romance?
We have two male MCs, Nicholas Sutherland and Samuel Preston. Both are at a loss of what to do with the other. There is some pretty intense history between the two that is slowly revealed throughout the novel. Their shared history combined with Grace coming in between them causes quite a bit of tension. Yet I will spoil it here saying that we get a sweet HEA ending with plenty of swoony sighs.
I couldn't help feel while reading this that it is a type of Beauty and the Beast retelling. Not an overly strong tone of that unless you are looking but I love B&B so no complaints here and it added very nicely to the whole of the story.
I have read many of Michele Paige Holmes books and can say that I honestly have not been disappointed by any of them.
Oh can I just say, the carriage rides? The key in the lock? The garden fence? Lady Sutherland? The berry pie? The waltzing? Yeah there's lots of great moments written throughout. I had a hard time wanting to put it down. But luckily(well not really luckily) I've been sick and not really able to do much without coughing when I move so I've been able to enjoy some sick days and read lots. *happy dance-starts coughing* I'll save the dancing for when I'm better. >.<
Loved it! How can someone who loves books not enjoy a book about a librarian in the Library of Congress? It was great! I was looking at the bio of EliLoved it! How can someone who loves books not enjoy a book about a librarian in the Library of Congress? It was great! I was looking at the bio of Elizabeth Camden, the author, and come to find out she has master's degrees in library science and history and is a research librarian by day. If you have the chance to read this novel of hers I believe you will feel her love of learning and researching as well as her love of books coming through the words on the pages. Her love and enthusiasm is quite catching if you ask me. While reading this novel the MC Anna shows the reader the thrill of finding and discovering something new. That anywhere in a library, especially the Library of Congress, can you discover any number of hidden and untold treasures. I have always wanted to visit the Library of Congress and sadly must admit that on my one trip to Washington, DC I was right there and unable to go in. I hope someday in my future that will be a place that I can go and visit. The amazing and rich history that is contained therein is truly awe inspiring to me.
Both of the main characters in this novel, Anna O'Brien and Luke Callahan, come from tough backgrounds. Anna's didn't start that way but due to the death of her father she is left to be raised by her aunt and uncle. I don't want to spoil anything in regards to her life with them only to say that she was mute for several years and was bullied excessively at school due to that. She eventually had surgery on her throat but is unable to raise her voice very loud. Anna also is very timid and unsure of herself in larger crowds due to the taunting and teasing from her childhood. Her best friend Neville and her would spend all their time researching and exploring in the library and becoming lost in books. They were able to lift each other during the taunts of their schoolmates and sorrows in their lives.
Luke was raised in Maine by a father who was an alcoholic who also became very abusive when drunk. Luke was ridiculed by his father as being a sissy boy whenever his father discovered Luke enjoyed reading and poetry and writing. Throughout his family's escapades and shortcomings Luke has become a congressman for the state of Maine. He is the mainstay and rock to his family and is trying to help them overcome their father's abuse and break free from emulating that behavior. Some of his siblings struggle with drinking as well. Luke's journey in this novel also includes coming to forgive his father and allow healing to occur in his life as well as accepting his family members individual needs to also come to that same point in their lives.
Anna's father was a cartographer for the Navy and was lost at sea during a hurricane. Or so Anna thought and has been told her whole life. She unexpectedly comes across a new map (Anna works in the map room and is very proficient in reading and understanding them) and realizes that the report about her father's ship being in a hurricane cannot be accurate. She then reports this to the Navy because she doesn't want anyone in the future to read the report and its error. The Navy slams every door in her face and tells her that nothing is wrong and she is not allowed to continue pursuing her inquiries about her father's ship. Anna is very frustrated and refuses to back down, she wants answers to what really happened to her father. Luke begins helping Anna in her search only to be stopped as well.
I really don't want to give away anything about the final reveal and why the Navy was blocking Anna and Luke's path. I had a few predictions throughout the book but kept changing what I thought as a new little tidbit would be offered by the author to the reader. I never would have guessed what really happened so I enjoyed that about the book, sometimes it's nice to have a book be somewhat predictable but at the same time you keep guessing and never guess right about it.
There is good character development between both Anna and Luke. They both have separate struggles and struggles that connect them. Yet through it all they have to learn to either hold onto their shortcomings and never progress or accept that they are not perfect and need to keep learning and growing and admitting their mistakes to help them grow. This is a Christian read and the characters do reference God and turning their lives over to help for the help they need to overcome their shortcomings.
I've really enjoyed the books I've read so far by this author and am working my way through all of hers that I can get at the library right now. If you enjoy books(I think most anybody on goodreads most likely does), and if you enjoy characters that learn from their hardships and struggles, and characters that aren't afraid to search for answers I really think you will enjoy this read. Even if you just enjoy a good clean story about two characters who meet and fall in love I believe you won't be disappointed.
Take a chance and pick up this one or any others of Elizabeth Camden's books and be sucked into the thrill and love of books and learning!
Ahhhhhh..... I thought this was the end but there's one final book. I have so many books that the final book is coming out the end oFULL REVIEW NOW...
Ahhhhhh..... I thought this was the end but there's one final book. I have so many books that the final book is coming out the end of this year. I can't wait for all of them!
Full review to come when I get home from vacation!! P.S. I'm loving the cool weather of the mountains (came to town for a minute and it's HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!) XD
Ok in all honesty it's been a couple weeks since I've read this and the little details aren't all in my brain because well, let's be honest again, I've read about 10 books and I'm trying to remember them all to write reviews on. Lol. It was a great vacation with lots of sun, reading, family and fun. Ok actual review time.
I was hooked from the beginning of this series just by mentioning Brigadoon. I love musicals and I was hooked to begin with because of that connection and then because of the two best friends(one of which is always connecting everything to a play/musical/song-that's me if you were to know me personally), and I was also connected because let's face it, I loved the writing! Book number three was great and has the reader back in the kingdom of Doon, only to be forced out again. EEEEEKKK! Yes the witch is still trying to destroy and take over the kingdom. This time she is pretty close to succeeding. Each book has the two friends, Veronica and Mackenna, and the two MacCrae brothers, Jamie and Duncan, fighting again to protect their kingdom, each other and the people in the kingdom. It was pretty fast paced and ended on a major cliff hanger. Yes, more so than the other books. But I am happy to report that the next book will be the final book. (Ok maybe I'm not super happy to report that because I've loved this series but at least there will be closure and I can come back and read them again and wait for whatever else these two fun authors come up with).
I really loved all of MacKenna's showtune refrences throughout the book. I giggled over some of them. I know not everyone will catch them all but it made me super happy because I caught them all and loved it. I'm a music lover and if you were to peek into my home, or even walk by you'd hear music of some sort coming from inside(or in my vehicles too). So if you like musicals you might enjoy this series like I do.
I really liked that in this book we see more into Veronica's life outside of/before Doon. There were some questions that I had about it after the first two books but this book was great in that the authors took her back to her life and summed it up very well. So I am pretty happy that those loose ends are starting to all be tied up before the closure of it all.
I will say one final thing about the book... I couldn't believe what the authors did to one of the characters...but then I was relieved. Hopefully that doesn't ruin it for anyone. Now let's just say that I am trying to patiently wait for book #4. Anybody else trying to be patient?
I would say this is a clean read. There is kissing and hand holding with the two different couples but nothing that goes further and no sex scenes.
Read Jan 1, 2024- Reading as a family and personal study
Read Aug 28, 2022-Dec 29, 2023-Reading as a family
Read Jan 2020-Dec 2020- Family study
Read OctRead Jan 1, 2024- Reading as a family and personal study
Read Aug 28, 2022-Dec 29, 2023-Reading as a family
Read Jan 2020-Dec 2020- Family study
Read Oct 2019- Dec 2019-Personal study after the Prophet, Russell M. Nelson, invited us to read it again and highlight all the names/references of Jesus Christ.
Read March 6, 2018-Dec 2018 -Family read again after being asked by Stake Presidency to read it this year
Read Jan 4, 2015-May 25, 2016 -Family Jan 15, 2017-December 13, 2017 -Personal
Jan2017-December 2017 read thoughts: I listened to a lot of it this time and loved having moments where I could have longer stretches of listening. It was a completely different experience than reading a chapter or two at a time. I read/listened as part of my Personal Progress for YW.
Jan 2015-May 2016 read thoughts: I love this book and the teachings and truths contained within. I have read it many times by myself, with my family as a young child/youth and now several times with my own family. It is another testament of Jesus Christ and helps give us a better understanding of His love, His gospel and His desires for everyone to come unto Him and do as He did, and to ultimately become like Him. I know it's true with every fiber of my being and through the power of the Holy Ghost who has testified of its truthfulness. Every time I read it I learn more and have a greater understanding of God and His Son, Jesus Christ....more
If you are looking for a great feel good, emotional Christmas story this one should definitely fit the bill. It was a pretty fast read, clean and justIf you are looking for a great feel good, emotional Christmas story this one should definitely fit the bill. It was a pretty fast read, clean and just all around such a wonderful story with great characters that you can relate with.
I really didn't want to set this one down and wanted to finish it all right away but was unable to. So just be warned if you pick this up you might want to make sure you pick a time that you don't have anything pressing or it might be really hard.
Elise Dutton eats lunch alone everyday in the food court, is divorced and spends most of her time at work scheduling trips for school age tours all around the country. She doesn't like the holidays because of her loneliness and memories of her husband divorcing her. As most novels we find out the backstory to Elise as the book goes on. I admit I did cry a few times while reading as I felt the pain and sorrow from her story. Something that leaves her forever changed and believing there is no hope for any redemption in her life, almost as if she feels she shouldn't deserve any happiness.
One day while eating lunch she has a man who works in her building approach her. She has noticed him before and is quite surprised he would approach her. She is even more surprised that he asks her if she might be interested in signing a contract with him. The contract requires them to act as boyfriend/girlfriend and to attend several social functions together for the upcoming holiday seasons. In addition to the contract she is to accept any gifts he sends, allow him to pay all expenses, not ask any deep probing questions, only have a platonic relationship, have lunch together every day possible, hold hands in public and know that the contract can be broken at any point if she doesn't feel comfortable. The contract ends midnight on Christmas Eve.
Elise isn't sure what to think about him approaching her and says she'll think it over. In the end she agrees and they write out the details of his proposal. In the end they decide to not call it a contract because of the formality but a promise. Elise is surprised as the first day of the contract occurs she begins to get lavish gifts from Nicholas. She tries to object but he says she can't due to the contract and that he is just trying to enjoy being able to give gifts to someone because it has been a long time. As the days pass Elise finds herself being able to start healing and realize that life does have hope and is worth living even with the horrors and sorrows of the past.
Nicholas also has his own past and the further you get into the story it is finally unraveled. There are little hints along the way if you read carefully. The lesson being shared in this book is beautiful and truly applies to all of us no matter the extent of what our past is or how much sorrow and hurt we have.
Definitely worth the time to read it. If you haven't already I highly suggest you do so and enjoy the beautifully written story that will touch your heart and hopefully help you want to be more understanding and loving to all around you.
It's been a week since I finished Life and I'm finally getting to writing the review for it. I have since read book #2, Liberty, in the series and musIt's been a week since I finished Life and I'm finally getting to writing the review for it. I have since read book #2, Liberty, in the series and must say that I am excited for August to come because the final book in the trilogy is set to be released then. This is another great find of a book series for me lately. I've recently read CJ Anaya's The Healer series(the first three books are released, just waiting for the final one) and Tenille Berezay's The Convergence series(only book one is out right now) and have been really impressed and excited to find such great series. The Citizens of Logan Pond is another one that I'm adding to my list of favorite series in the YA, dystopian, fantasy genres(not all of these series falls under all of those genres).
Also if I'm right in assuming who the author's father is, I grew up reading his books and loved them. In fact one of my top favorite books ever is his book The Alliance. I can't tell you how many times I've read that book and I think I really enjoy this series by Rebecca Belliston because it reminded me of The Alliance. That is if I'm assuming that is the author's father. ;)
The book was very well written. The only complaint that I really have about the writing was the changing of POV. The POV didn't change frequently but when it did it sometimes took me a little bit longer to figure out that it had changed and then it would be fine. It wasn't a huge distraction from the story just something that I feel would help the flow of the story if the character was identified. The POV usually changed with a new chapter but sometimes it was within a chapter, but there was usually a break in the writing when the change happened. As I said it wasn't a huge distraction and not really a big deal but for me that was the only thing in the writing that I had a hard time with.
Rebecca Belliston is great at creating a story and weaving the characters into it. In Life(the book-just wanted to make sure you knew I wasn't waxing poetic about real life ;) ), we're introduced to our government, world and society being broken and in need of help. The citizens have to either be given a certain colored card, which dictates if you are a government employee(green), a free citizen who has private funds (yellow), a dependent on the government for everything and basically a slave working for them (blue) or an illegal(no card). The illegals must live off of the land either holing up and hiding in abandoned houses, trying to avoid the police patrolling through the neighborhoods, or constantly moving around trying to survive.
Logan Pond is home to Carrie and her siblings, May and CJ Trenton, and several other families. They have survived for 6 years after the government fallout and bank fails by relying on May and CJ. The Trentons own their home and are yellow card citizens which means they are basically left alone and allowed to live in their home, raise a garden and animals and are free to roam around in the area. Carrie's parents died early on after the fallout, leaving Carrie to care for her siblings. Her compassionate and loving nature also leaves her serving and helping all the 36(I believe that's the right number, sorry if I'm off by a couple) members of their group.
Carrie, in the eyes of the group, is the soul reason that they have survived and lived as well as they have. They each live in their own homes only having to abandon them when the police do a sweep/raid through the neighborhood randomly. During which the group all gathers at the Trenton's home, hiding until it is safe to return their possessions and themselves home. Carrie has befriended a local patrolman, Oliver. Unbeknownst to Carrie, Oliver is smitten with her and the group believes that he only protects them due to his attraction to Carrie. She believes that he is a good friend who is kind and gentle and willing to help all of them but only talks to her because of his shy nature.
There were group members that I loved and ones that I couldn't stand at all. Sometimes Carrie was frustrating because she didn't stand up for herself as I would have liked her to. But I believe that she acted just as her gentle and loving nature dictated that she act. She wanted everyone to be happy and work together and was willing to sacrifice to help make that possible. Sometimes she took a lot of guff because it was the best way that she could help someone in need, especially Jenna who was pregnant and extremely sick. I liked watching her, Carrie's, interactions with all the members of their group and how she treated them with respect and kindness. I liked her interactions with Oliver. She wasn't rude or pretending about their relationship/friendship and that gained a lot of respect from me for her character.
Life is going great for the clan when two new people show up and cause a slight hiccup to their life. May and CJ's daughter, Mariah, and her son, Greg, have walked a long distance to come join the group. Mariah's daughter died due to the inability to pay for medical care. This has caused a big change to come over Greg, he is hardened and angry and very cynical towards everyone. Carrie is especially affected by Greg, in many ways. She has grown up hearing May tell story after story and sharing picture after picture of Greg, always hinting at how wonderful it would be for Carrie to meet him and them to fall in love and marry. So needless to say it's a shock when Carrie finally meets Greg and he instantly has his guard up and refuses to allow her anyone near him(due a lot to the fact that his grandmother, May, keeps telling him everything wonderful and good about Carrie).
Trouble comes when there is a sweep and the citizens of Logan Pond aren't prepared. They lose many of their possessions, which are very few to begin with, and even a big source of food is destroyed. This causes the group to strike out at anyone they believe is responsible and causes a lot of unrest amongst themselves.
I won't go into too much detail past what I've already said. Sorry for the long tirade there. ;) There is a lot that happens all leading up to the ending and causing Carrie to realize she has two different men whom she is interested in but are they both interested in her? Can she help quell the unrest in her group? Will the police chief and patrolman Jamansky and the desk clerk Ashlee discover their hiding spot? Will Oliver betray them if he finds out about Carrie's interest in Greg? Will the President of the country finally figure out how to bring the citizens together or will he continue to destroy the country with his desire for control and power?
Lots to think about and I have the review for Liberty to write now too. (Find my review for Liberty here) If you can't tell I really enjoyed it and I will say that I enjoyed the second book a whole lot more. So if you are looking for a new series, because you have to read all three books for any sort of conclusion then I recommend this one. It was clean with a sweet romance, some violence but it was very mild and a couple deaths. I would say this is a great YA or adult series.
This book was awesome! I love Austenland(the book) and have watched Austenland (the movie over and over again...yes I own it). I love hFULL REVIEW NOW
This book was awesome! I love Austenland(the book) and have watched Austenland (the movie over and over again...yes I own it). I love how this was a great combination of Agatha Christie and Jane Austen. Loved it!!!! Charlotte was such a great character and easy to relate to. The mystery and intrigue was well written and I didn't even figure out the whodunnit until it was revealed!!!
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I'm a huge Shannon Hale fan! I have read and really enjoyed all her books. I've shared them with my family and tell everyone looking for book recs from me about them. I loved Austenland and can't believe it took me so long to finally read Midnight in Austenland. I loved revisiting all the characters that I loved from Austenland and I really enjoyed the new characters added to this book.
Charlotte's character was well written. Now I say that and don't want to disappoint anyone who goes to read it and thinks what was she talking about???? Well Charlotte's character is not written necessarily as a typical character and with the typical character's voice. Hopefully when you pick it up you won't be surprised and hopefully you will enjoy her as much as I did. I really enjoyed the back and forth between current time and moments from her past. The past moments were labeled well and usually occurred at the beginning of a new chapter. These snippets were revealed in a great way that you start to have more and more respect for Charlotte in how she handled situations. At first you're not sure of her character. Is she completely naive, is she completely clueless, or is she more reserved and shy or is she just pretending about all of it.
Miss Elizabeth Charming did not disappoint at all. She is fabulous and had me laughing throughout the book. Colonel Andrews as well. Love those two characters.
I love how this book combines two of my favorite authors, Austen and Christie. So fun and the twists were great. I was seriously guessing and changing my guesses throughout the book. I couldn't decide what I thought but this was great at surprising me. I never would have guessed it...well ok I did have one little thought about the bad guy but then quickly thought no it can't be and then I was off on other tangents of whodunnit!
A very fun, Agatha Christie style writing that kept me turning pages as fast as I could without missing a single clue all while enjoying the etiquette and manners of Jane Austen's time period. Loved it lots!!
Great clean read I would recommend to anyone who enjoys Austen and Christie.
I decided I wanted to re read Jane Austen's novels and realized this is one I have never read. I started it years ago buNot my favorite Austen novel.
I decided I wanted to re read Jane Austen's novels and realized this is one I have never read. I started it years ago but couldn't get past the first few letters. This time I finished it. Lady Susan is definitely very adept at deception and acting coy and innocent but in all actuality is not. It wasn't an awful read, in fact it was pretty creative. The letters were written by several different characters to each other and that is all the novel consists of. Short fast read.
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