Book Review: The Weaver's Daughter

Kate Dearborne is just a girl looking to take up the mantle of her family weaving business and do the work she loves but her father has other plans for her. As tensions between small traditional weavers and the ever-growing local mill industry grow Kate is just trying to keep up- and keep to the right side of her father’s anger and unflinching demand for loyalty. When Henry Stockton, grandson of the mill, returns from war and to all who believed him to be dead, it only takes things between the weavers and mill to new heights of passion. Throw in a murder and a rumor of new mill equipment arriving that will put craftsmen out of work and the town becomes a powder keg waiting to go off!  In the midst of this Kate most certainly shouldn’t be having so many accidental meetings with Henry, a man she’s supposed to hate- but what if he isn’t what and who everyone assumes he is just because he carries the Stockton name? What if he, and Kate, can find a way together through the fighting and animosity to create something beneficial for all the townspeople- weaver and mill worker?  

If you are a fan of historical lit you are going to be easily drawn into the setting of this book and the story it tells as you think back to the ever popular North and South. Having that background imagery playing in your mind it’s easy to fall for this book and the characters in it. I think all of us have been waiting for more stories in this vein in our historical lit reading! J Part of me kinda hopes to see Kate and Henry again in the future because I felt like we were only scratching the surface with all that was going on in their minds and hearts as they worked through their individual and shared troubles. The other half was just pretty happy to get to enjoy their story as is because it’s rare to find a novel these days without any major plot holes or silliness in characters!

All in all, I’d recommend it as a good read. I enjoyed this over a couple weeks as I went in and out of doctor’s appointments and it helped to chase away time as I waited. I think you’d enjoy it too!

Final Rating: 3.5   

I have been given a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and opinion of the product.

Book Review: Christmas at Carnton

What fun to have a small Christmas novella to read from Tamera! Introducing her upcoming Carnton series Christmas at Carnton takes a quick peek at the Plantation from an outsider’s point of view. 

Taking place while the Civil War rages on around them we meet Aletta Prescott who’s just received news that her husband has been killed. With nothing to her name to keep her and her six-year-old son Aletta seeks employment at Carnton for their upcoming war relief benefit auction. While there she finds herself making friends with a soldier there on medical leave, Captain Jake Winston. Jake’s orders are to help the ladies in their war effort but saying he’s not too keen on it is an understatement. Aletta can’t quite figure out why a seemingly able-bodied man isn’t on the front lines, but with how her son’s grown to love him and how kind he’s been to Aletta herself, she can’t quite figure out if their pasts and differences matter or if there’s a new future tucked between the crinolines and carpentry.

Okay, so this may be the middle of August as I write this but honestly, do yourself a favor and cool off by picking up a copy of this Christmas novel! Aletta and Jake’s story is a sweet one and one that had me guessing for quite a while! Aletta is also a sweet character whose sweet pastry skills immediately caught my attention! I love it when bakers show up in books- and do things right- it gives my little pasty chef heart joy hehe! There is a cool recipe section at the end of the book that I’m looking forward to trying out this Christmas season- but will still be just right for your family table at the next get-together- even if it’s in August!

Final Rating: 4.5  

I have been given a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and opinion of the product.

Book Review: To Wager Her Heart

Well, you all should know by now that I’m a total fangirl for a Tamera Alexander book- so it’s a real treat to have had so many books released this past year! My reading spree of the new books began with the final installment in the Belle Meade Plantation series, “To Wager Her Heart”.

As we again venture into Belle Meade’s part of the world in Reconstruction Era Nashville we are met with the story of a train. It’s the story of those who ride on trains like Alexandra Jamison; and those wishing to own and build them, like Sylas Rutledge. For Alexandra she never wishes to ride on a train again after the accident that killed her fiancé and left her battling her fears and trauma from that day. For Silas, his goal to build the new line for General Harding and cement his place in the Eastern railroad market is only surpassed by his desire to clear his father’s name from infamy after the terrible accident that killed him and others. Having searched for something useful to do now that marriage is no longer on the horizon for her, Alexandra seeks out a job teaching at the Fisk University, a freed blacks school, much to the dismay and disapproval of her father. Alexandra and Sy are a couple with pasts that put them at odds, but they are a couple that finds they need each other as Alexandra has the position and graces to tutor Sy in the ways of the Nashville elite, and Alexandra is in need of a hand up as she begins her teaching job at rock bottom. Together they may be able to find justice for the past that will put them on course for a future together. 

While Alexandra and Sy’s story is front and center in this book it would be entirely remiss not to talk about the secondary theme that is shared with the reader. I loved learning about Fisk University and about their brave students who put together a highly risky and completely unguaranteed traveling group known as the Jubilee Singers. These singers were the true historical part of this novel and traveled all over the North, and later on across the world all to raise money for funding their school. A noble endeavor indeed. I love learning these tidbits of forgotten history every time I open one of Tamera’s books!

Two tiny nitpicks for this book are that when the book cover described Sy as having a “reformed gambler from the Colorado Territory” I kinda expected him to have a little more of a rough edge to him or to see him struggle a bit with those past impulses- but nope- this guy was a total gentleman through and through! What a complaint to make! Lol J I was also a bit disappointed that our duo didn’t get full resolution to the answers they sought about the accident. With the judge being so shady about things I was eager for people to get their due, but I guess in retrospect that those are really the things that we need to learn to live with in our lives too.

As usual, the setting, themes, and writing of this delightful novel are far above par. To sit and open one of Tamera’s books is to both find new friends and new truths to walk with you in your Christian living. It’s something we all could use a little more of every time we curl up with a book.      

Final Rating: 5

I have been given a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and opinion of the product.

Book Review: A Stranger at Fellsworth

There’s no doubt about it- I love digging into a novel from Sarah E. Ladd! It only took me three nights to polish off this latest one, “A Stranger at Fellsworth”! 

Annabelle Thorley has always had a life of privilege and comfort in her family home but after the passing of her parents and the questionable doings of her elder brother Anabelle’s future is in question. When her brother becomes increasingly abusive and tries to force her into an arranged marriage she can see no other way out but to leave home. As she escapes under the cover of darkness- even as shots ring out in her home- Annabelle is afraid and unsure but seeks help from the first trustworthy man she finds- Owen Locke, who delivers her to her long lost uncle’s home where she begs for sanctuary.

As Annabelle begins to work for the first time in her life she grows fond of one of the pupils in her uncle’s school and finds that she is Owen’s daughter. As Owen’s duties as a magistrate, and his work as a gamekeeper overlap with Annabelle’s past they begin to grow closer, but too many coincidental things are going wrong around them to not all have a connection to each other and to Annabelle’s past- and possibly an impact on their future.

This read truly didn’t take me long because I was so caught up in it! There was a lot of great little details in the weaving of this story and of the characters in it. All of them quickly won me over and I was eager to follow their story and see how Annabelle developed and strengthened her character as a woman, and to see how Owen as strong as he was in character and purpose learn to soften a little in love and open his future to it again after the death of his wife.   

For those who love Regency stories this one will be a great one for you! I’m betting that you will finish it off just as quickly as I did! A solid recommendation to pass the evening with!

Final Rating: 4.5 

I have been given a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and opinion of the product.

Book Review: Death at Thorburn Hall

Well, it’s been some time since I reviewed a Drew Farthering Mystery! I was eager to get this book and catch up with the series.

This fifth book in this series by Julianna Deering has Drew and his ever charming wife taking a trip north to Scotland to be spectators in the British Open. Joining them are Nick, and Carrie who’s come from America and is still grieving her father’s death. Planning to spend a lovely and relaxing holiday with their hosts Lady Louisa and Lord Rainsby focusing on golf- and avoiding any murders- doesn’t quite work out when the bodies begin to fall! With his right-hand man, Nick ever at his side Drew stashes the upset ladies at the local inn and sets off to honor a promise and get to the bottom of things. Along the way, he begins to discover things that don’t add up and point to a much larger dastardly plot on the verge of playing out before his eyes!

I had a lot of fun reading this book, it’s well paced and has creative twists and turns all along the plot that keeps you pressing forward in wanting to get to the end and find out ‘whodunit’. Drew is a great character that really can’t help get himself tied up in things that might be better for his wife’s nerves that he stay out of- but oh so fun to jump in next to him and his right-hand man, Nick, as they muddle their way through!

This time around I was annoyed by one little detail that the turning of the plot seemed to hang around. Seeing one thing without any supporting facts caused Drew to have all sorts of crazy theory’s that drove most of the rest of his investigation. I wished that the rabbit trail had shown more carrots, as it were, before leading us off on that path.

All in all, this is a great little escape to curl up with and enjoy! I know I’ll be waiting for the next time that Drew and his whole crew get to meet up with their next murder!

Final Rating: 3.5 

I have been given a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and opinion of the product.

Book Review: The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

In Julie Klassen’s latest installment of this “Tales from Ivy Hill” series picks up right where book one- “The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill” left off. As we enter this not-so-sleepy little village again our attention now focuses in on our friends that live down the road from the inn and the plights of friends Rachel Ashford and Mercy Grove. Last time we saw Rachel lose her family home after her father’s death. Now living as a guest in the little home where Mercy and her aunt run a small school Rachel finds herself in need of a living- for starters, and a purpose as well- if she is to learn to live her life as an independent woman. Mercy, on the other hand, has her purpose and means to keep her independence- even when her parent's disapproval of her teaching and demands to marry come marching through the door.  

When Rachel opens a library in the front rooms of Ivy Cottage it brings more to her than she ever expected including mysterious books,  unexpected friendship with the village women, and a curious collection of suitors- for both her and Mercy! But what the future holds for both women still may remain a mystery…

As I said before in my review of book one of this series Ivy Hill reminds me of Cranston. The BBC miniseries that so adeptly wove together the lives and tales of its residents find the loveliest echo here in Ivy Hill. There is no better time spent than in curling up with a book that takes you time to chew and leaves you feeling satisfied and happy and that’s just what is found here in “The Ladies of Ivy Cottage”. There were so many things that I could relate to, personally, in this story and I made my best wishes and stacked up my best hopes to pull for both Rachel and Mercy as they worked through the day to day of living with joyfulness and contentment in the midst of uncertainty and a surprise around every turn!  

This was a wonderful addition to this series and it is a book I recommend you get busy reading soon! It will be well worth your time and leave you with a smile at the end! (I can’t wait for the final part to come out!)

Final Rating: 5 

I have been given a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and opinion of the product. 

Book Review: The Spirit-Led Heart

It was so exciting to get Susanne Eller’s newest book in the mail the other week! I really enjoyed her last book focusing on the disciples so I was eager to hear what she had to share on living a life equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Opening up “The Spirit-Led Heart” I was not disappointed! Once again Suzie comes approaching her teaching like a friend at your kitchen table, opening up the Word with you and sharing what she’s learned and how to apply it. It’s an approach with a lot of impact!

There are ten chapters in this book and I read them for my morning devotionals over two weeks. The topics she covers begin at ‘Released from Uncertainty’ and travel to chapters on finding direction and listening to counsel, ending up at a final chapter on understanding the Spirit gives us each good gifts to use. Each chapter begins with a personal story from Suzie before she focuses in on the passage she wants to share and expands on the details of her thinking and helps to both ask and answer questions with solid biblical understanding. Each chapter ends with a summary of what was covered and a suggested prayer to help guide your conversations with the Lord.

The chapters that had the most impact on me were the ones on truth, and on a Spirit-led heart being advocated and comforted. The chapter on truth deals with understanding what lies Satan tries to make us believe and how to counter the bombardment of lies from the broken world around us and reject them with the truth of God’s Word in us. The chapter on how the spirit advocates and comforts us was touching and empowering. Suzie shares about her daughter’s cancer diagnosis and how overwhelmed she was by it but how God’s power can be illuminated through our battles and the battles that we bring to God on behalf of those we love. It really encouraged me as I thought about people I love and health struggles of my own.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that is looking for some good encouragement or a good study for over the summer! The back of the book has small group study questions and would be perfect for anyone who wanted to connect with a few ladies they know! 

Final Rating: 5 

I have been given a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and opinion of the product.

Book Review: All is Bright

Advent is one of the most important and special parts of Christmas to me. From the time I was a child, my mom made advent a part of our celebrations every year with lots of creative activities for us to do to participate in the celebration.

I am sure that this coloring book would have been well loved in our family! Not only are there coloring pages with accompanying advent devotionals for every day of December, but there are some great pages at the back for kids too! The kid's section has a small selection of readings and some nice large image pages that any younger or middle-aged kid would enjoy coloring without feeling the pressure of being super detailed and fussy. The main adult pages provide a wide array of images that correspond back to the main theme of that day’s devotional.

I colored several of the images with my Tim Holtz Distress Crayons so I could get a feel for the paper and weight and how it would handle being colored. The quality of the paper is pretty good. It’s very smooth without any feel of large fibers and I feel colored pencils would blend really well on paper like this. With my distress crayons and the light application of water to blend and smudge the colors, it worked ok but maybe not the best. The pages when dry and pressed still show some warping front and back on the pages and if you are someone who likes pristine pages a less water-based medium is what you are going to want to aim for on these pages.

Overall, it’s a really nice book that I think many families could enjoy together during the Advent season!

Final Rating: 4

I have been given a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and opinion of the product.

Additional photos:

Note warping on text page

Book Review: Beyond Suffering Bible

There are many reasons, as you may guess, that I wanted to have this book for my collection. As most of you know, I myself suffer with several chronic illnesses. It’s a journey I began as a young girl and one that expands and continues even today nearly twenty-four years after my first diagnosis. What Joni and her ministry ‘Joni&Friends’ have meant to me over that time has been huge, they are such a strong support of ministry to the disabled and of personal encouragement to those of us who carry those conditions and diseases, and to those who care for us as well.

This special edition of the Bible is written just for us.

In the New Living Translation, this Bible is an extensive source of resources and encouragements for the Christian going through difficult journeys. The beginning of each book offers basic introductory points as to the themes of disability that are given and referenced in that book. Pop-out sections throughout each book mark out and explain connections between the text and the theme of disability, and frequently there are entire pages dedicated to enlarging topics about the character of God and how we walk, how we trust, as believers. Throughout the Bible are also whole pages of study notes or devotional entries from Joni herself, or other comparable teachers.

It was really nice to find at the back a lengthy section with essays from noted Christian teachers and writers on topics like the biblical view of the sanctity of life, questions on why am I disabled, the Church’s call to minister to the disabled in their midst, and the hope of heaven, amongst others. It will make for fine reading in both the informative and personally encouraging senses. The publishers have also included a well-rounded easily readable dictionary/concordance in this final part of the book.  

I think that this book would make a great gift for anyone you know that is dealing with a chronic illness or for anyone who is the caretaking parent, spouse, or loved one of someone with one! I’m going to be making this one of the Bibles that I have close at hand for cross-referencing as I study the Scriptures and I’m sure it will become one that I end up frequently reading and frequently gaining a lot from!

Final Rating: 10

Extra photos below~~