So excited to be included in this collection as an author! I was a blessing to be a part of this anthology and work alongside the other talented writeSo excited to be included in this collection as an author! I was a blessing to be a part of this anthology and work alongside the other talented writers, and we're so excited to share these stories with you!...more
It took way too long for the (view spoiler)[murder to happen (hide spoiler)] but other than that, it was good. And I see why it took so long, as it waIt took way too long for the (view spoiler)[murder to happen (hide spoiler)] but other than that, it was good. And I see why it took so long, as it was set up very classically.
I do feel like there was a bit more room for angst, but that's really a me problem - not the problem of the book. The atmosphere and feel of the book was great, and it really reminded me of an older mystery - Agatha Christie, as other reviews have mentioned, for instance.
I also did like a lot of the things that were set up with minor characters. I wished there'd been a bit more focus on the major characters' backstories, but it was still fit in all right, and I think it all came together to form a fun mystery!...more
This sweet Christmas short story collection was great! I really enjoyed it. I did have a few problems, which I'll discuss because I'm whiny like that,This sweet Christmas short story collection was great! I really enjoyed it. I did have a few problems, which I'll discuss because I'm whiny like that, but don't let that make you think I didn't feel that it was a five-star collection overall! Really, it was great.
Story #1:
This one was super precious! I enjoyed reading about Abigail's struggles to keep her own promise to herself (not to get involved with a guy until after the year) because obviously I'm a sadist who likes to see characters struggle. :P I liked Jackson, too, but I felt like there was a little more development needed with him, just 'cause he was so reserved at first that I didn't latch on to much. I found the whole thing with the farm interesting.
(view spoiler)[Unfortunately, I did feel like there was a little more information needed about the ending - in particular, what Abigail and Jackson's future was going to look like. They were both concerned about that, but no resolution was given. Abigail even floated some dream ideas that were never further discussed? Based on the epilogue, Abigail and Jackson are both living in Lafayette and she is presumably going to just have kiddos and all that? Which I 100% support - don't get me wrong - but was that the plan …? Maybe I missed it. I just wanted more resolution for them, although I'm happy they're together at all. (hide spoiler)]
However, I liked Abigail a lot - I think she was my favorite of the siblings, actually - and Jackson was a pretty good match to her.
Story #2:
*sigh*
I feel like the amount that I am just drawn to Sarah Sundin's stories is edging on obsessive, so I wanted to find something to dislike about this story to lower the obsessive factor, but I truly am a huge fan of her, and I just adored this story.
Maybe I can say that there were a couple points where I got mildly frustrated with Linnie but that's really not true because I usually get annoyed by children who are ill-behaved, but she made perfect sense and charmed me from start to finish? I only disliked her until I met her. As soon as I met her, I was like, "Oh, duh, ADHD. Chill. Me, too, girl …" (I don't know if that was the author's intention, but Linnie came off as neurologically atypical.)
Grace, I loved. I guess I could say there were some small things I didn't understand about her as much as I am accustomed to understanding in Sundin's other novels. (I know, I'm grasping for straws, especially since I'm about to tear into story 3 for really no discernable reason.) However, she was just so charming. And you know how I get about Sundin's single parents. I get so excited for them.
And Pete was great! I really liked him and felt like I understood him well. The character backstories were best developed and utilized in this story, and his especially was great.
Overall, I really loved this story. Linnie was a darling. I want a Linnie. Or five.
Story #3:
To me, this was the weakest story. I think the plot itself already had a lot working against it - the main leads aren't able to be "together" officially for the length of it, there's no tension or romance between them for that reason, and the situation they're in can only be resolved by one of them (not the other) being less stubborn. I am such an internal stuff writer, but lately I've been trying to learn to write more important external decisions and events for my characters … and this story was good for me because I could totally see it in action.
I also found it difficult to like Merry because I felt like I couldn't get a grasp on who she was due to her being all scarred. Further, it took her so long to get to the NEXT part of her journey (the healing) that throughout, I just couldn't seem to envision what we were going for. Granted, I probably could've sat down and thought it through, but I wanted to be able to feel the journey to come. And I just couldn't.
But in spite of that complaint, I feel like the biggest problem really was the lack of connection between the main characters. And … (view spoiler)[what we did get at the end was such a small bit of connection that it wasn't enough for me. (hide spoiler)]
Added to the fact that, in the epilogue, (view spoiler)[Merry and David weren't even a part of the story, (hide spoiler)] I couldn't seem to make the connection. It just felt rushed.
And that's about all I have to say! Overall, I liked it. Any complaints were probably because I was so impressed overall that any small mistake stood out because I am a jerk. But please don't take that too much to heart, because again, it's a five-star review. *shrug* Good stuff. Read it....more
And the Aubrey Automobile with theEarly Exclamations:
ALFKADFAJDGKJADKFAJDFKAJDFKAJSDFKLA
JOSIE
JUST JOSIE
Also, Lucie is the cutest.
aND I ADORE PAUL TOO.
And the Aubrey Automobile with their Au is hilarious but fun.
I am so bourgeois, y'all. So, so bourgeois. And I'm saying this to a bunch of creative reviews, readers, and authors, so consider me brave - but I do not get you. I want to. But I am so on Paul's side here. xD France is amusing, though.
That's all I have to say on the subject. Except spoilers.
(view spoiler)[SO APPARENTLY this whole "forbidden to be in love but are in love" thing is MY TROPE because it killed me so much that I couldn't sleep or let my husband sleep until tHEY KISSED which was great, and Matthew will attest to the fact that it made me squeal a LOT.
THE A(U)RABESQUE THING.
ALSO, Peter and Evelyn have TWO babies, thank heavens - finally an author is giving me enough babies, enough being "the amount that a couple can conceivably have." (hide spoiler)]
Actual Analysis
I still have a book hangover from this one.
As I mentioned in my original squeals, I was delighted. Utterly delighted. I don't think I liked it as much as When Twilight Breaks, but it was a near second. I started it a bit skeptical but Lucie seems like just the type of chick I wouldn't like, but I often say that about Sundin's heroines and then end up utterly wooed.
Just ... oh, the beauty. The beauty through the pain. I am delighted - that's the only way I can properly express my love of this book!
All the characters were so real. All the situations so sweet. And the whole forbidden romance story ... Apparently that's my thing. Like, I had no idea, but apparently it is. Call it the rebel in me or the fact that I just can't bear to see two people with a genuine connection be denied access to each other.
Maybe I am a hopeless romantic after all ...
I want to be professional, but instead I'll leave you with those thoughts. READ THIS! Know that it's great. If you don't understand why after you read it, I'm happy to try to explain better.
Any Acknowledgements:
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange from my honest review, which I have given. No positive review was required.
This book was all right but nothing special, and I found a couple sections pretty boring.
It was also very frustrating because ... well, Solomon was soThis book was all right but nothing special, and I found a couple sections pretty boring.
It was also very frustrating because ... well, Solomon was sort of a wasted opportunity. He had wisdom, yeah, but he didn't apply it properly. Wisdom without complete surrender to God is useless.
I also feel that there were times when the author took liberties that just seemed like a bit too much of a stretch. I know we don't know a lot about the Queen of Sheba but, to me, the author's telling of the story seemed ... unrealistic.
And also, what the heck? Is she gonna tell? Her subjects? When she gets? Home??? "Whoops"???
There wasn't anything necessarily wrong with this book, but it simply didn't hold my interest. 2/5 stars....more
Lovely story that really hit home for me in so many ways (particularly thematically). I also relate to Bianca. This almost NEVER happens in these4.5/5
Lovely story that really hit home for me in so many ways (particularly thematically). I also relate to Bianca. This almost NEVER happens in these kinds of books, so I was thrilled. I don't think I've ever read a novel where the struggles of the characters both felt relevant to me AND I related to the heroine.
One of my pet peeves ("okay") and some inaccuracies as far as horse care goes were my only complaints (y'all need to just check your horses' hooves, okay? It's not that hard). Oh, and the ending felt a bit rushed, but hopefully book 2 and so on with expand on the couple's story.
I actually liked Trent here, too. He's so delightful. *sad sigh* If only it'd been different, Trent ......more
Ugh, this book. I grabbed it on a whim, and honesty, it is so frustrating.
Just ... the writing. And the storyline went on and on and felt so pointlessUgh, this book. I grabbed it on a whim, and honesty, it is so frustrating.
Just ... the writing. And the storyline went on and on and felt so pointless. And the characters weren't even that likable. I also found myself not liking the children! The cardinal sin for any author - I do so love children, and if they don't write them well, I'm instantly done.
But the writing. The writing was the main thing that killed me inside. Some people might find it charming or unique. It made me cringe with every word.
And when you're cringing with every word, it's difficult to get invested in the story. So maybe I would've been more objective in that case.
I know what the author was trying to do. She was trying to be ... whimsical? To get the reader inside the head of the main character?
But y'all. I write accents. I write them all. the. time. And I always try to focus in on the character's voice, to the point where I have always told my students, "You don't need to have a strong author voice if you have a strong character voice. Character first, you second."
And this is just ... too extreme for me? Too silly for me? And honestly, maybe even a bit too degrading for me.
It made the main character sound stupid, and I can't stand that. Not the way she talked, no. I expected that to be accurate to the setting. The way she thought - e.g. the actual writing style.
If you wrote the point of view of a black character that way, you would be in so much trouble. I don't see it as being any different with a white character from the Appalachians.
Especially a poor white character who, of course, was not given the benefit of an education and other things that are so commonplace to America these days. Just because she talks a bit different doesn't mean she's stupid!
Anyways. That's my mini rant of the day. Because honestly, I'm not a "grammar Nazi," but I can't take constant misspellings, weird phrasing, etc., in the name of uniqueness. It just frustrates me and makes me dislike a poor main character who may or may not deserve my dislike.
But if that's your thing, well, this is the book for you!
1/5 stars because I honestly could find nothing to like about it, but that's just me....more
Yet another book I wanted to like so much! In fact, I put off reading it because I wanted to like it so much.
It sounded like it was right up my alley Yet another book I wanted to like so much! In fact, I put off reading it because I wanted to like it so much.
It sounded like it was right up my alley ... sort of a Rebecca vibe. But I knew it wouldn't be. It's Christian fiction. Christian fiction doesn't do Rebecca vibes.
So yes. I was disappointed. It did not go how I wanted. And so, I shall pout and be a baby and make a big stink.
But I'd like to note that it's not the author's fault. She's writing Christian fiction, not mid-century women's fiction that doesn't need a conclusive end. It's not her fault that she fell in love with a story that works much better if you're an atheist. (I'm not, but ... gah, I wish everyone could just be mean to everyone. It'd be so much more intriguing.)
Let's attack the dislikes that I can say, honestly, are fair. (The rest of them are not fair because I wanted this book to be something the genre would not be. Which is dark and brooding and Gothic.)
I found Raina's constant waffling annoying. It was obvious from almost the first chapter what she was going to decide. Also, she kept all the wrong secrets and shared all the wrong ones, and it was just ... stop, Raina. You clearly haven't watched enough Hitchcock to know how to do this correctly. (Which makes sense since movies weren't a thing back then, but shhh.)
I also just didn't care about her character arc ... I mean, the answer was obvious. Or what the author wanted the answer to be was obvious! It was just the painful wait until Raina caught up to reality.
Sully annoyed me on every possible level. He was condescending. He was "holier-than-thou" about everything. He was offended about things he had absolutely no right to be offended about. In fact - I would call him a chauvinist, and I never, ever use that term because I find it rather silly. But he was, as far as the term can be applied to a man in his era.
And don't say he's redeemed because he quoted Jane Austen once! He is not. I do not forgive him.
Here's the thing: SULLY IS NOT MR. KNIGHTLEY! He is not older than her. He is not wiser than her. He is not BETTER than her in ANY WAY. He is not even a relative to has some rights to boss her around. He. has. no. claim. to. Raina. except. what. she. gives. him. Yet he treats her like his bratty little sister!
I know everyone is swooning over their cute system of communication and how sweet it is that they both like books ... but a book lover does not make a good person. It does not. In fact, I have known a number of book lovers who are very BAD people. And Sully is one of them.
I feel like Sully was just book lover wish fulfillment combined with convenient "shoulder angel" therapy for Raina, and I couldn't take it. I just couldn't.
Sully functions as Raina's conscience. And though I am not opposed to couples who are reliant on each other (that is after all what marriage is) or couples who influence each other positively (<<), I am very opposed to couples where one of them is the moral guider of the other. This doesn't work, and it will lead to a bitter, empty relationship in the long run.
Okay, now that I've gotten my fair negatives out of the way ... let's talk about the unfair ones.
I didn't like the plot. It wasn't what it should have been. And the rest of this review will be semi-spoilers, but since none of this actually happened, it's also not spoilers. But read at your own risk.
(view spoiler)[I wanted Raina to win. I wanted everyone to be convinced she was Lady Enderly. I sure as heck didn't want her to get in trouble for it!
I wanted the lord guy to realize that she was actually really awesome. I wanted them to fall in love and get married. I wanted Sully to be executed and Raina to realize he was just a friend, grieve a little, and move onto her new life as a titled woman with a huge estate that actually belonged to her.
I sure as anything didn't want some random cousin to get any money whatsoever. And though I wanted the other villain to get in trouble, I wanted it to be like, "And then he died in a random carriage accident" or, better yet, "And then Raina stabbed him in the gut with a letter opener."
Basically, all the things Christian fiction will not do. All the things that are too much of a risk. All the things that are iffy or just plain immoral. I wanted them to WIN. I wanted them to GET AWAY WITH IT. I wanted it to ACTUALLY HAPPEN.
And the whole time, I knew it wouldn't happen. I knew she'd end up with Discount Mr. Knightley. I knew she'd leave for some life of "fulfilling poverty." I knew it wouldn't be cool.
It wasn't. So, my personal taste was disgusted. Reality said, "This was a good book; I can see why people like it." But my mind doesn't live in reality. My mind dwells in possibility - and my possibility sensors were going nuts. (hide spoiler)]
Aside from that, I think it was a good book. But it's hard to tell because I'm stubborn and annoyed, and those two things tend to lead to some very grouchy feelings.
So, upon examination, I give it 1/5 as a personal rating and 3/5 as a realistic rating, leading to an overall rating of 2/5. I'm sorry, Mrs. Politano and the many fans of this book. I tried. I could not like it....more
Reserving rating for the time being. I just don't feel right about it until either this book gets a few more reviews Original Review, June 30th, 2019:
Reserving rating for the time being. I just don't feel right about it until either this book gets a few more reviews or I've cooled down enough to give the rating I feel a great author/writer like this deserves. :P Which sounds dumb, but there 'tis.
This was one of my most highly anticipated reads for the year, which is perhaps why I expected so much of it. So it's not fair for a book to take on my expectations + my pet peeves + my snarkyness all at once! It's just not fair.
If you really, really loved this book, I would highly recommend you skipping this review, because I'm not going to be all positive because I didn't love it. I ended the book angry, thinking it had gone from 4 stars to 2 stars in 50 pages.
Let's start with the bad things:
-I started out really hating the people in this book I thought I would like most - the Azure Spring crowd. I don't know why, but at the start of this book, the people who had once charmed me drove me mad. They were too sugar-sweet, too perfect, and too up in everyone else's business. I get small towns - they're charming and fun. But leave Thomas be! Just let him be miserable. None of your beeswax! They did grow back on me (that sounds ... interesting) by the end, but still. Annoying beginning. Margaret was especially annoying me.
-At the beginning, there's a scene where Thomas has to knock a guy out. But then we act like ... that shouldn't have happened? Don't get me wrong - I'm all for reserving anger when possible. But that was a, "No, you definitely need to knock that guy out" circumstance. Sorry, but it was.
-Penny takes her job WAY too seriously! And this is just a me perspective, as my mom (yes, I got frustrated enough to bring this up to my mom) agrees that, perhaps, in that era, letters were important enough that it was a job that needed done. But ... still. STILL. I love how Penny's forgettable best friend was like, "Wow, I don't even see the people behind the letters anymore. I'm not nearly as good a person as you are." Like ...?????? These are letters, not war victims, y'all.
-One does not simply become an author. Sorry. No. It's hard. It takes perseverance and passion. It requires more than, "Well, I said I am so now I am." xP
-Penny is living in a romantic paradise. Also, Thomas writes letters too well for the man he is. xD Okay, but like ... that whole element felt underplayed. Is the author saying that we ought to be more romantic? Or that Penny over-romanticized her life and this was a bad thing? If so, then there was no real consequences for her over-romanticizing EVERYTHING. I wanted her to get into big trouble so bad, but she didn't. UGH PENNY GROW SOME REALITY GLASSES AND TAKE A PEAK AT THE WORLD. There was a bit of a nod to reality and all, but it was cheapened by the fact that the conclusion was super easy. Like ... I cannot believe how easily this book resolved. It killed me inside. It was so idealistic and sickly sweet.
Which brings me to ...
My Biggest Problems:
-THE CLIMAX. Ugggghhh. I was already spoiled for the book by the time I reached this point (more on that when I talk about my biggest of all problem), so maybe that made me more critical ... but still.
Basically, (view spoiler)[the climax with Jeb, Eliza, Clara's father, Thomas, and the gang was HORRID! Over-dramatic, too easily solved, and eyeroll-worthy. HOW??? How is it SO bad when we know the author is capable of SO much more?? It was just ... ugh. Every moment I was blinking and winking my eyes, unable to believe this was what was really happening. (hide spoiler)]
Another minor detail about the climax: (view spoiler)[PUT CLARA'S FRICKEN FATHER IN JAIL. PUT. HIM. IN. JAIL. GRIEF IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO ACT OUT IN HORRID, LIFE-RUINING WAYS. Let's scream it for the kids in the back: GRIEF IS NOt AN EXCUSE TO ACT OUT IN HORRID, LIFE-RUINING WAYS. Even discounting the fact that Clara's death was SO not Thomas's fault that it's not even funny how dumb it is that even Thomas himself thought it was, her father is a LUNATIC. PUT HIM IN A MENTAL ASYLUM. THROW AWAY THE KEY. I kid you not. This man BURNT DOWN A MAN'S BARN, ALMOST KILLING THE MAN'S HORSE, HIS GIRLFRIEND'S DOG, HIS GIRLFRIEND, AND THE MAN HIMSELF!!!!!! That is psychopath behavior, y'all. IT IS. IT ISSSSS!!!! And no grief, nothing short of mental instability, which would require serious help to overcome, can excuse that behavior. (hide spoiler)]
No spoilers here, but let's have a quick talk about forgiveness vs. enabling. Forgiving someone is something you should do for your own mental sanity, because God said so (most important in the middle), and because you need forgiveness, too, for a bajillion other things.
Now, enabling is when you allow people to do some psycho and get away with it and omit punishments because ... why? (view spoiler)[Your thoughts weren't pure? Because you have money to rebuild a barn anyway? What if you hadn't had money to rebuild the barn/didn't have an alternate money-making scheme??? Would you have let him go so easily then? Also, PUT HIM IN JAIL, LET HIM ROT, UGGGGHH!!! (hide spoiler)] THERE IS LITERALLY NO REASON FOR THIS MADNESS.
But now I have my biggest problem ... this is a spoiler(ish), but I can state the basics: the author many times cheated us out of emotional, important scenes but relaying them via letter.
Now I get doing that with some of the Thomas stuff. But when your CLIMACTIC, RELATIONSHIP-RESOLVING, ALL-IMPORTANT, WHOLE BOOK IS BUILDING UP TO THIS MOMENT scene is relayed by LETTER, you have a problem. Because the rest of the book, the rest of the character development, the rest of everything feels wrong. It feels cheap. It feels like I missed a chapter. And I as a reader feel wronged, unimportant, like a friend shoved into a closet and not truly allowed into the characters' relationship, life, etc.
There are some things letters can't and shouldn't do, and portraying that scene was one of them. More details:
(view spoiler)[In this particular scene, as I said, the author had been building up and building up to this all-important, deal-breaking scene where Penny and Thomas discuss their pasts, their secrets, and basically EVERYTHING. Their relationship rides on this scene. The book rides on this scene.
And how do we get it? Via a letter Penny writes to Dinah, a friend of hers, about the conversation she had with Thomas.
HOW IN THE WORLD, HOW IN THE UNIVERSE, HOW IN REALMS REAL AND SPIRITUAL DID THIS HAPPEN?
I'm telling you, this conversation was the one who whole book was leading up to. For their relationship, it was the do or die, make or break scene.
And WE DIDN'T GET TO SEE IT! I was so furious I almost threw the book across the room and screamed.
HOW???? I don't blame the author for now seeing what a horrid mistake this was. She knows the characters. The scene already played out in her head. But how did editors miss this? HOW???
As I'm writing this, I am again angered.
Oh, the emotional cheat! Yes, I know letters are important in this story, but they're given too much screen time if they steal emotions, steal reality, steal awesomeness from the story. Also, if the main characters are together for much of the book, there is no NEED for these stinking letters!
But to have the all-important scene be cut off before it begins and relayed in boring, dry narrative (albeit Penny's voice which is fun when it's not ripping the heart, soul, and excitement out of the story as it was here) by the leading lady to her best friend play by play ...!!!
Even if I were to grant that the author has the right to steal life from the book and try to replicate it in a letter, there's a reality problem.
Now, I tell my best friend everything, but even I wouldn't share this with her. Did Penny tell Thomas she'd be sharing his backstory with her friends? What kind of relationship will you have if nothing is sacred to you? I would never tell Penny anything if I thought she was just going to turn around and tell it to everyone else she meets.
I AM SO MAD!
Ugh, I just can't stand it. I feel like simple words will never be enough to portray the cheat. In the letter, for instance, it mentions Thomas breaking down and crying.
All right. But we didn't see it. We didn't SEE him crying! How can I form an emotional bond with a character if you don't let me experience the scene?
I just ... ugh. This is not a good book for me to read because I like seeing character's emotions. I like reading about their grief, their joy, their every little thought. And yet the author decides I'm not allowed to view said all-important scene. I'm not allowed access.
For the rest of the book, I hated Penny and Thomas. Their every move felt unreal and stupid and without base because I never saw them have this huge, emotional scene. To me it never existed because all I saw was the author telling me it happened.
Look, I believe the author when she tells me it happened ... with my head. But my heart says, "No! They're not ready! We didn't see their special scene!"
...... I'd better stop. I'm just ranting. BUT WOW, this infuriated me! (hide spoiler)]
Just ... how. How did this amazing premise with amazing characters and amazing setup and an amazing setting and so much fun, emotional, and cool elements go so horribly astray?
Why did we have to settle for undercomplicated, overly easy conclusion? Why did the relationship development turn to fate for succor? Why did the themes fall flat on their face? Why did all the fun of the Dead Letter Office die a certain death?
I don't know. I'm sad, but already wanting the author's next story. I might reread The Hope of Azure Springs.
In conclusion: brilliant setup ... but it died....more
I wanted to like this book. I really did. But ... I got so bored in the modern parts. I honestly remember nothing about them, and I skim-read to the eI wanted to like this book. I really did. But ... I got so bored in the modern parts. I honestly remember nothing about them, and I skim-read to the end.
I didn't like it much at first, and the writing style was too melodic for me. I also felt that the POV wasn't well-managed, and I'm not a fan of present tense. I feel like only The Hunger Games really did it well.
Plus, present tense in the "flashback" scenes was just ... frustrating. Like, y'all, the past is in the past, right? *my brain does not equate*
I was just ... disinterested. In the modern setting. In the "quaint" little town. In the characters' emotional arcs. In anything that wasn't related to the historical story arc.
I found that I couldn't care less about Annie. She had the typical boring Hallmark story - she just didn't interest me.
I didn't like Jeremiah much at first, but I did once I got to know him, after which I found him somewhat sweet - but not enough that I was particularly interested in his story beyond the moment of, "Aw, that's too bad." Still, he had a sweet moment or two.
The story that started in the 1940s onward was fascinating and emotional and ... awesome. I loved the characters. Robert, Eva, and Liesl were my favorites! Especially Eva. Eva is the literal bomb.
However, that wasn't enough for me to give this book a high rating, so I settled on 3/5 stars....more
Ah, The Land Beneath Us! The book that (almost) snapped me out of a reading slump. (It didn’t cause me to start reading otheRead the full review here!
Ah, The Land Beneath Us! The book that (almost) snapped me out of a reading slump. (It didn’t cause me to start reading other books, but I read this one in less than a day nonetheless!)
All that aside, this is one of my favorite Sundin books now! It’s not my absolute favorite (the romance wasn’t as swoony as With Every Letter, Blue Skies Tomorrow, or A Distant Melody to me), but it’s up there!
Let’s dive into why this is such a great read (even though I’m sure I’ll get across more inarticulate mumblings than anything – it’s hard to talk legibly about a book you just loved!).
Honestly, I didn’t really get so much into the romance as into the plot & themes of the book. Oh, and the characters! Those were what really carried the novel for me.
I liked Leah a lot. She was a noble character who I admired, thought was a nice twist on your typical “bookworm main character” (and she seemed more realistic to me than most), had a strong faith, and always remained true to what the author presented her as. (Most fictional dreamers with a soft heart really don’t.)
I was really disappointed with the conclusion to her family’s story, and I couldn’t agree with it (I’m sorry, but … I would want to know even if I was happy, mmkay? I’d rather be miserable and know the truth!), but I understand why the author chose to make it that way.
Clay was also pretty great! I went into this book thinking I wouldn’t care about him, but his dream, and his peace with it, and just that whole plotline was SO. GOOD. You don’t see authors doing that kind of thing in books nowadays, but it’s both feasible and really cool (in a … kinda sad way …). I adored the way the author put it back on Clay, making it his choice how it ended even though he liked to pretend it was fated, sort of.
Also … everything about Helen. Gahhhh!
I was a bit concerned that the author underplayed certain elements of PTSD which might have been stronger in real life. However, given the main character, perhaps that’s feasible. I’m really not sure. I mean, with God, it’s possible, but …? I don’t know.
I also loved that Leah was Greek, all the talk about the muses, the truth about her family (yes, I wasn’t happy with the conclusion, but the fact behind it was great!), and just … all of that. Sundin is marvelous at culture. I loved seeing her exploring some different settings and different groups of people!
p.s. we need more mother-in-laws like Mrs. Paxton!
For these elements, and some little-discussed ones in Christian fiction that just added marvelously to the story, I adored the book.
I was never really as convinced of Leah and Clay’s relationship as in Sundin’s other books, however. I think it was because there wasn’t really time or space for “chemistry” between them. Sundin is a master of this, but … not so much space in this one.
However, since I know in any other circumstance it would’ve been swoonworthy, well, I’ll just let it go. ...more
My second book, my hardest book to write, the book I wasn't sure I wanted to finish, the little novel that could.
You remind me of your title characterMy second book, my hardest book to write, the book I wasn't sure I wanted to finish, the little novel that could.
You remind me of your title character, for when I think of you, I think of how you forced me to come out of my head and face the reality of a career as an author - how you taught me to edit smart, not hard - how gently and subtly you made your way into my heart.
This was the book I didn't have a passion for ... until I did. This is the book I didn't want to finish ... until I did. This is the book I didn't think anyone would like ... until they did.
None. Check the "other" section for more, as this novel deals with suicidal thoughts and mental health issues that lead to some violence.
Sexual:
None.
There is, of course, romance in the air (in the background) and mentions to the past revealed in book 1.
Other:
Brief mentions of pregnancy and possible miscarriage, mostly veiled through the eyes of a child.
Mentions of a now-deceased husband being abusive in the past, both physically and emotionally, with emphasis on the emotional abuse received.
Lots of talk about mental health through Victorian lenses, meaning a few times, characters are referred to as an "idiot," having "vacant eyes," not being "like the rest of us," etc., by the more villainous characters. One character is mistreated by a maid in the first chapter (called names & pushed around) and then never again.
Anxiety attacks, etc., are described. One character is on the autism spectrum and experiences (eventually manageable) anxiety, whereas another has what could be identified as borderline personality disorder (BPD) or a form of bipolar disorder. Given the era, neither of these are properly diagnosed/treated. A character deals with depression and becomes suicidal. A character frequently experiences nightmares/PTSD attacks that can potentially lead to violence though nothing ever happens.
Hunting happens off-screen. Oh nooooo ...
***
I'd recommend 15+ - this is a novel for older YA and adult readers (which is targeted more toward adults).
Okay ... *sigh* I'll admit it. I held off reading this book for FOREVER because I don't like mysteries (outside of television and movies, in which casOkay ... *sigh* I'll admit it. I held off reading this book for FOREVER because I don't like mysteries (outside of television and movies, in which case I CANNOT GET ENOUGH SIGN ME UP FOR A MARATHON), and I didn't think I'd like Jess that much (she just rubs me wrong), and I was being #stubborn.
But dude. We all make mistakes. Stop holding that against me! I HAVE CORRECTED THE ERROR OF MY WAYS! #forgivenesstime
In all seriousness, I did wait waaaaaay too long to read this book - and even after I started it, I delayed continuing to the point of "hooked."
Okay, now granted, it was my least favorite of the series, and it did take me forever to read it (though only a few days once I read past the first chapter), but I did really enjoy it. The mystery part was interesting, and I liked Derek. I still don't really care for Jess - like, she's funny, but I never rooted for her or really got emotionally involved in her story, so that was just ... eh.
I also still don't see why someone as cool and smart and sweet as Derek has to end up with Jess, but eh. I guess it ... works ... ish? I just never really bought their relationship even though LITERALLY EVERYONE was telling me I should.
I also loved seeing Ryland and Miranda, though THEY SHOULD HAVE MORE KIDS WHAT THE HECK!?
Every couple Hunter has ever written may be in love, but there's nothing passionate about their relationships, no matter what they try to tell you (or even write out heh), BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT PRODUCING BABIES AT THE RATE THEY SHOULD. *tsks*
The only reason I read serieses is because then you get to see children from other couples. (I mean, not the only reason, but ... that's a big reason.)
I also wasn't a huggggeeee fan of the ending, but that's just me.
This is an earlier work by me, but it will remain live. It may be enjoyed by some, but there is no guarantee!
Letter to the Book:
DeaNote to the Reader:
This is an earlier work by me, but it will remain live. It may be enjoyed by some, but there is no guarantee!
Letter to the Book:
Dear Souls Astray,
To think you were supposed to be a short prequel.
I don't think God ever really intended you to be a prequel, though. I think He knew that you would be a full-length novel, and I think He knew that you would be the start of this series, and I think it's simply another testament to His goodness that you became all He needed you to be despite my stumblings.
I wrote you during the hardest point in my life. I was buried in my own sin - I was lost to the world - I was grieving so heavily. Days before I began writing you, I lost my beloved grandfather, who was in many ways the stabilizing influence on my life. The only person, at least to my depressed and guilty mind, who loved me unconditionally.
Now I know that was just a lie being fed to me by the sin within me, but at the time, it felt as if everything had come crashing down. I wanted to die. Maybe I felt it would be better if I did die.
But I couldn't die - I wasn't brave enough to die, fortunately - so I wrote. And wrote. And wrote.
The words poured out of me and became this novel. 110,000 words written in a month. 60,000 of which were on this novel.
And maybe you are messier for it. No matter how I edit you, a degree of messiness remains, a testament to where I was and what I've become, by the grace of God.
For those who would seek to read this novel, know that this passion project, which I sometimes love and sometimes hate, is not an easy read, nor is it my best writing. However, it certainly is full of the raw emotions of a lost teen who felt so inadequate, so heartbroken, so empty, so astray.
And that same teen found her way back to God because no matter how deep the Valley, He walks alongside us, loving us, waiting for us, knowing that each step brings us closer to Him.
Official Content Guide for Souls Astray:
Language:
None.
Expressions: gosh (x3), for heaven's sake (x2), my goodness (x1), for goodness' sake (x1), thank goodness (x2), goodness knows (x2)
Violence:
Nothing on-page.
The novel begins during WWI and there are mentions of war-related things such as violence, death, and injury. Various characters die during this war off-screen.
Sexual:
A main character is propositioned by her boyfriend; she refuses to spend the night with him and in general, refuses to sleep around despite living a somewhat promiscuous lifestyle otherwise (see below). Later, it's insinuated that the main character's standards have dropped & she may be sleeping around, but nothing is definitely stated or shown.
Two unmarried characters are kissing, it gets a little hot and heavy, and one of them decides not to go any further despite the other disagreeing that this is necessary. However, it's very low on detail.
Other:
The Spanish flu happens, and there is an undetailed description of a person dying of this somewhat violent, scary illness.
The main character is known for dressing immodestly, drinking and smoking, partying, etc. Alcohol abuse happens mostly off-screen.
Emotional and verbal abuse takes place toward the beginning of the story. Children are unloved or neglected by their parents.
A group of ladies at a church gossip about our main character and bully her into leaving their church.
Undetailed description of labor, talk about childbirth, and hints that a character is dealing with post-partum depression.
Overall, it's not super happy.
***
I'd recommend 16+ for this book unless you're mature, which many of you are because you've read the Bible, and it has matured you to the point of Judah and Tamar, which is honestly more explicit than this novel. That said, it's not a shiny-happy book, so read with caution.
I started this last night at 10, and absolutely couldn't put it down. I finished it this morning. I'd definitely recommend it! Like, seriously! Read iI started this last night at 10, and absolutely couldn't put it down. I finished it this morning. I'd definitely recommend it! Like, seriously! Read it, now! Whether you like romance, don't like romance, enjoy a good laugh, or don't enjoy a good laugh, this is a sweet, funny, light-hearted story for you! :P
A note on content: two or three instances of a**, but I think that's it....more
It was good. But not great. Here's why it wasn't great.
-Caleb. Grow a pair. Seriously. Make some decisions, man. (view spoiler)[ALSO ... it4.5/5 stars
It was good. But not great. Here's why it wasn't great.
-Caleb. Grow a pair. Seriously. Make some decisions, man. (view spoiler)[ALSO ... it is almost NEVER noble to not tell someone you love them. Urggggg ... (hide spoiler)] -Eliza. ??? (view spoiler)[Sudden changes much, girl??? (hide spoiler)]
It was fantastical. Sooooo original! I don't like Western romances because - (view spoiler)[There is always a villain who kidnaps the heroine, and it frustrates me because usually she was dumb and usually it's a HUGE climaxy thing, and I get sick of it after the first three books. BUT THIS WAS SO GREAT! <3 (hide spoiler)]
THE MAIN CHARACTER. HEAVEN HELP ME. I LOVE EM SOOOOO MUCH! <3 And her name is great. I love that now ... I want to name my daughter Em ... though I don't know what I want it to be long for. Emelie? Too weird/hard to spell?
MARGARET! Let there be more Margarets in this world! <3
And Mae and Milly ... help, I'm dying at all the cuteness!!! <3
I didn't actually like Abigail, but to each their own. (There are far better Abigails out there. *winks at WCTH*)
I was disappointed about (view spoiler)[Lucy being dead (hide spoiler)], but I think it's better now that I've got some emotional distance. ;-)
ALSO ... ALSO ... no two male/female "just friends" in this era (or anyone ...) would talk about how well-padded someone's butt is. Sorry. Not happening. This is not a casual 1800s convo ......more
Had some great tips; wasn't all for me (she really pushed podcasts; I hate podcasts; that was all super boring to me), but a lot of it was great.3.5/5
Had some great tips; wasn't all for me (she really pushed podcasts; I hate podcasts; that was all super boring to me), but a lot of it was great. Lots of info about branding, advertising, etc. She also talked about traditional media more than I felt necessary, though, which I think is ... fading. xP
Okay, I don't know why I'm so negative today. But I felt like I needed to explain NOT giving it 5 stars even though it was a great, useful resource, lol.
I plan to reread it soon to glean even more as well as check back!...more
FTC Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Title: A Return of Devotion
Author: Kristi Ann Hunter
Series: Haven Manor, #2
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Era: 1810s (Regency)
Setting: England, countryside
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Source: from NetGalley in exchange for honest review
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
5 Reasons You Should Read A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter
1: If you love historical romances, the Regency era, amazing Christian themes, realistic characters, sweet children, and books that beautifully balance humor and seriousness.
Honestly, this is without a doubt one of the best Regency romances I’ve ever read. It has the best themes, the best characters, and the best plot! It’s emotional without being melodramatic and touches your heart without being preachy!
2: If you want to read about one of the most realistic, role-model female protagonists EVER.
Honestly, there are so many great things about Daphne! She is an angel from Heaven, but at the same time, she’s real. She’s not perfect … but she can teach us so many things about being a woman just through her actions, personality, and opinions.
-She isn’t ashamed to cry. -Quiet and takes time to think things out. -Actually loving. -Not particularly selfish or prideful. -She’s a good mom—to a whole bunch of kids! -Can recognize her own strengths and weaknesses … most of the time. -She’s just different from most historical heroines. Not cliche at all! And that makes me happy inside. -I don’t want to venture into spoiler land, but she also learns some great lessons and learns to value herself more. Love it!
3: The premise for this whole series is fantastic.
This sweet and clean serious hosts some AMAZING themes in the two books (a novella) that I’ve read thus far.
Orphaned or might-as-well-be-orphaned children are one of my passions, and I would love to be involved in something like Haven Manor when I become an adult. I just really think kids need to be given more of a chance than they are.
This series so far has explored different angles of moving on from the past and embracing who you are in Christ, and I love it!
I can’t wait to see what book 3 brings us, especially since Jess is such an interesting character. (Not my favorite, but eh. I don’t know why she rubs me wrong … maybe it’ll be different from her POV.)
But, basically, love this series, love Haven Manor, and love the girls in it! (Definitely go back and read book 1 if you haven’t already; it’s fantastic!)
4: WILLIAM IS AMAZING!
He’s a strong, amazing, godly man! And I know he has his faults, but he is also sooo sweet and supportive and gentle and AWESOME.
“Awesome” and “Amazing” are two great words for William. He’s just … wow. I really love William! His POV kept rivaling Daphne’s for my favorite. I loved them both, honestly, and I love them for each other even more so. ❤
One of the best things about William was his determination to take responsibility—not just for his own actions but for those of his family members. He truly is a hero, and a fighter, and I love him for that!
Too many people are self-focused and deny responsibility for others, and even shirk their own duties. Not William! He does a great job.
AND … HE WOULD MAKE SUCH AN AMAZING DAD! Okay, but am I wrong when I say there is nothing more attractive in a man than just being an amazing dad-figure!? We need more good dads in this world.
5: It was impossible to put down!
I know not everyone has the same reading taste, but for me, it was one of those books where you just … you can’t stop reading it!
I read this book in almost six hours, staying up until … *drumroll* … 5 AM! Wow. That is literally when a lot of people get up.
Once I started the book, I had to finish it. There was no other option available but to read on and on and on.
And yes, the late hour was my fault—I shouldn’t have started it at 11:30. But you know what? Had to be done!
So yes, those are my five main reasons you should read A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter. And a lot of them, in different ways, apply to book 1, too.
Honestly, I loved book 2 more than book 1, but they were both 5-star reads which I would highly recommend!
More Reasons Why I Loved A Return of Devotion:
-The situations with the young servants and William’s reaction to the absurdity that is Haven Manor cracked me up.
-Benedict is one of the most amazing kiddos in the world. (p.s. for those of you who noticed, I have it straight from the author that his initials were not intentional. *coughs and dies* Though it gave me a good chuckle while reading!)
-The ending scenes were amazing! All the crazyness with eVeRyOnE who could possible show up showing up all at once was aMaZiNg.
-William is awesome. Did I mention that before?
-Daphne is also fantastic.
-Daphne’s father is similarly fantastic! I loved everything about this guy. Like, yeah, he wasn’t perfect, but as far as dad’s go, especially given the era, I give him an A+.
-The series features other relationships besides romance—mother to son, daughter to father, friendships between people of all shapes and sizes, etc.
-The contrast between book 1 and book 2—Kit focuses on the mothers, Daphne focuses on the children—is awesome. (I personally couldn’t care less about the mothers, haha—#TeamDaphne, I guess???)
-The author actually cares about putting God into the book. She doesn’t just have the characters give an occasional nod to Him, as is required in Christian fiction—“Oh, by the way, God, prayer, blahblahblah, now back to the story!” Mrs. Hunter actually takes the time to weave elements of her faith into the plot, the characters, and of course the theme!
So, basically, there were tons of amazing things about this book (and a lot of them apply to book 1 and the prequel novella, as well, if you want to start at the beginning of the series).
I can’t wait for book 3, and I’m so grateful to NetGalley for giving me the eARC and then to Bethany House for sending me a paperback copy with which to reread my favorite parts!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
***
Original Review January 1st, 2019:
So good I had to wait until 2019 to mark it as read so I could count it in my "Top 2019 Books." xP
Review to come - but how shall I write it? It shall just be incoherent squealing. I have no negatives. I loved this book half to death - I stayed up until 5 AM reading it, after all, finishing it in about 7 hours. (Which is pretty good; I'm not a fast reader, haha!)
Anyway, yes, I shall try to review this soon, but I really don't know what to say!
FAVORITE THINGS --
-WILLIAM, who is honestly super sweet idek -DAPHNE, who is the best motherly creature every and she's also super brave and her imagination is amazing (I cannot not be aware of my surroundings so I found it super interesting) and she's just the sweetest girl ever -- but without a doubt the worst housekeeper. -BENNEDICT. OMW. Sweet dear boy. <3 I feel bad for him, but still ... #STRENGTH -But ... did the author realize ... his initials??? xD :P -Daphne's dad, actually. He was a sweet gent. -Seeing Kit and Graham again, even briefly. Argggg, these two! Also, Graham cracks me up. Like, "Oh, dear, everyone's fainting. *glances about* Better stop William from killing his cousin ..." -THAT WHOLE LAST SCENE WAS OVERWHELMINGLY AWESOME. I mean, it wasn't the last scene, bUt LeGiT EvEryOne SHOweD uP anD wAs AwEsOmE!
Okay, I'm done.
I don't like ... Jess? Is her name Jess? Or something like that? Anyway, I don't like her - and I don't know why because you'd think that'd be JUST my kind of character, but she rubs me wrong??? I don't know why! She's even a lot like me! But maybe she's just like ... Idek! Anyone else with me on this? I JUST DISLIKE HER.
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