Book Review: Seeking Persephone

Read with caution, some spoilers.

I have to admit right off that the thing that drew me to this book was the title, "Seeking Persephone". While not loving Greek mythology by any means, I have been a fan of the Persephone/Hades story for quite some time. (Call me weird, but it's true.) If unfamiliar with that tale others will no doubt recognize it as the 'Beauty and the Beast' archetype. So, what better place to retell it than a Regency novel?

Meet Adam Boyce, Duke of Kielder, is a man in need of an arranged marriage. Too bad for him that it comes with a wife he really doesn't want. However, if the young duke is to keep his sniveling, incompetent cousin (from a nearly forgotten branch of the family) from inheriting the estate his fathers have spent generations building then he needs an heir. Enter Persephone Lancaster, the eldest daughter of an impoverished gentleman, the perfect candidate for a marriage- or so his man of business tells him...homely, passed over, likely ancient, and in no position of refuse is exactly what the duke wants. After all, what woman would choose to be married to a deformed, scarred man?
The pretty, young bride with the ridiculous name that arrives at the alter of the church on their wedding morning is not what he bargained for, not at all.

Persephone is a perpetually cheerful young woman who seeks to find the best, and find the joy in all her circumstances but who is reluctant to leave the family that she has mothered, cared for, and held together for the past eight years since her mother's death. But the exorbitant marriage gift that the duke is offering to settle on her father, brothers, and sisters is nothing she can refuse if they are to live comfortably and marry well in her father's declining years.
Persephone is not quite prepared for the new life that greets her within the foreboding castle's walls. It seems her husband, in addition to being distant and not the least interested in her, is notorious across the countryside for his short temper and the fear he engenders and commands. But to her surprise the duke has a best friend who is charming and jovial and has known him from childhood. Harry encourages her not to judge Adam on first impression but look past the calloused exterior to who he truly is and to show her husband what he loves best- courage. Courage is definitely what it is going to take if Persephone is to win her way past her husband's tough exterior and grumpy disposition. But as time passes and crises arises in both their lives will Adam learn to trust her and take down those walls himself?

Author Sarah Eden has in this novel written a good clean story in both style and content and is to be commended. While there was a few pet peeves for me, like some repetitious dialogue and the quick ending to the book, overall I was surprised at the story and the obvious talent of the author. These days you just don't expect to pick up a book and find it most everything you enjoy in a novel but whether I'm just on a good picking streak or the market out there is improving I am glad to be able to sit down and enjoy books like this!
Speaking about that quick ending- I was really surprised by it. The whole reason the duke sets out to marry is to produce an heir but once married the issue is dropped entirely. I would have really liked to have seen a short epilogue that saw the couple a year down the road welcoming their first child. It would have wrapped things up nicely. Since finishing this book I have learned that there is a sequel that follows Persephone's sister ("Courting Miss Lancaster") so I am hoping to hear an update on the duke and duchess through that story. (And I'm really glad that I picked this book to read first as I hate reading series out of order!) The other thing I could have done with in an ending was Adam realizing that his wife didn't care a fig for his disfigurement and Persephone realizing that the only reason her husband kept her at arms length was his self-consciousness over his appearance and the abandonment he suffered as a child. Having said that, it is a reminder that despite appearances, outward or inward, people are flawed and clear communication is something that must be worked at, a good moral of any tale...

Rating: 4

Disclaimer: I did NOT receive this book for review purposes from the publisher.

Book Review: Edenbrooke

"Edenbrooke" is a regency novel about Marianne Daventry a young woman feeling cornered by her
circumstances in life. Her mother has died, her father has run off to France to grieve in solitude, and her twin sister taken to live in London while she has been packed off to live with her cantankerous grandmother in Bath. Marianne hates Bath and the people there and longs for her family and for the countryside surroundings of her home. Soon she finds herself on a journey to the next best thing- a reunion with her sister and a summer at Edenbrooke, the estate of her mother's dearest friend.
While Cecily her cultured, prettier sister plans to snag the heir and make a rich match, Marianne hopes to find rest and comfort to her soul in the beauty that surrounds her in the picturesque landscape. But even the best laid plans go awry... Accosted by highwaymen on her journey and being assisted by a kind gentleman who refuses to give his name was never apart of the plan- neither was spending morning rides and afternoon talks with the second son of the manor- but through it Marianne finds freedom, friendship, laughter, home, and more in Edenbrooke then she ever anticipated.

The truth is I don't remember where I first saw "Edenbrooke", but I'm glad I did. The beautiful cover art drew me in and so I  picked it up at the library and this weekend I spent a day engrossed in the pages of this delightful book. When I was finished I was happy, satisfied, and completely mystified as to why I had never heard of the author or publisher (Shadow Mountain) before! I was even more surprised when I looked the company up and learned that it is a secular publisher! The cover of the book proclaims it to be "A Proper Romance" and I would heartily agree. While this book is, admittedly, a historical romance there is nothing in it which I would discourage anyone, even younger readers, from putting before them. It is really the cleanest non-Christian/inspirational fiction I've ever read. In fact, with its characters sincere and likable dispositions, it's dialogue's genuine humor and tender sentiment, and it's breezy readability I think the Christian fiction authors (that I typically read) should take a page from new author Julianne Donaldson's style. ...In fact, I can't think of a single thing that I found fault with in this book- and that's quite a statement coming from me! The language and styling of this book hangs between 'written by Jane Austen' and 'modern chick lit' and Donaldson finds a way to make that work perfectly. The main characters stichomythia and rapport is classic, the secondary characters are suitably helpful to move the plot along, and the villains are appropriately evil without being crude or lecherous. All in all it was a refreshing fun read that I am happy to recommend and intend to add to my bookshelf very soon!

Rating: 5 stars

Disclosure: I did NOT receive this book for review purposes from the publisher.

On Being Heavy-Laden...

Somedays I don't think I know how to be the person that I really am.

In fact, most days I know I don't.

I had to be around 11 or 12 when my mom went through a Spiritual gifts test with us older children and we confirmed what my mom had known for a long time- my gift was that of 'Mercy'. Now in my mind the gift of Mercy is both a blessing and a curse for those of us who find it our motivational gifting in the Body of Christ. This gift allows us to both sense deeply and feel deeply. It allows us to get to the root of anothers emotional battle and it compels us to feel very deeply our own emotional highs and lows. It drives us to bring restoration, and a balm or cure to those who hurt- Spiritually or otherwise, and all too often it keeps us inside of our own heads and struggling with something akin to "Physician heal thyself".

It is distinctly burned into my memory mom talking to each of us that night and explaining our newly defined natural inclinations and how we were to be using them for the Kingdom of Christ. For me she opened to Romans 12:15 which states "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." As we talked those verses lifted off the page and burned themselves on my heart. They couldn't be a more moving enjoinder in all of Christendom then what I felt I had just been commissioned to do. In a few short lines I felt like my life purpose had been defined.

Over the years I have found that nothing is as easy at it seems. Including my commission.

Today I have sat in my room reading my brains out and hiding in the pages of a well written novel 200 years and 3,000 miles from where I sit. It has provided a good distraction, a cover for the emotional storm inside me. The book has given me a place to vent my tears, spend my nervous energy, and recover my humor. But outside my little room the world moves on and continues passing. Removed from me by distances near and far are friends, and strangers, experiencing the heights of joy and the depths of sorrow. Today, a friend of mine was married, and another engaged. Today, I read of a member of the Body that has lost a 13 year old girl in a car accident, while at the same time I know another friend of mine hosted the celebration of a family milestone amidst the shadow of wayward siblings. Today, I heard that a former acquaintance has lost her father, while at the same time another friend of mine was celebrating the birthday's of two of her children with family and friends.

I suppose that things like this happen every day, but today I'm really feeling every one of them.

I feel the joy. I feel the loss. I feel the complexity of emotions inbetween.

So today, between the pages of my escape trip I have not been able to stop up my prayers. From my mind to God's ears they have flown unhindered by my own emotion and laid at the feet of the One who feels each one of these far more than I do... and who has far more power to bind them up, provide the cure, or put on shoes of dancing. It is a reminder to me that I should be here far more often, and far more willingly surrendering my mission to deliver the healing touch.

Finishing out my evening I decided to get busy "Pinning" over on my Pinterest page where I ran into this free printable graphic and the thoughts and emotions, and prayers of my day came full circle for me. It brought cool, calming water to bathe my soul in and reminded me that all of us, at all times, whether joyous or sad, whether mercy-bearers or other-gifted, need true rest.

And that when I reflect on it, that my friends is what gives me strength to dust out my tangled emotional cobwebs and be who I really am... one who rests in my Jesus.

  

Spring! ...ish

This morning I wanted to write a cute little posting about the coming of spring but I have run out of time! So instead here is a lovely picture and quote to encourage your springish thoughts!
Enjoy!

 

Awake, thou wintry earth -
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"

Literary Heroine Blog Party

Just a little while ago I found out about this really cool blog party going on at Accordion to Kellie and I fell in love with her blog and the questions she was asking for the party so I thought I'd jump in and give it a go and (hopefully) make some new friends in the process!

If you're new take a look around and if you like what you see I'd love it if you followed me! Just hit the little button on the sidebar! >>>> :)

The Questions!

The Literary Heroine Blog Party Link up:

(*To those of you who participated in earlier years, it is fine with me if you reuse some of your answers over again!*)

 

~ The Questions ~

1. Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!
When updating my Pinterest page recently and finally adding a description I wrote: "Daughter, sister, teacher, baker, blogger, lover of all things reading and writing, part time scrapbooker, full time geek." I think that covers things well! :)

2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?
Some combo of strength and dignity I think. A heroine is brave about not just the extraordinary circumstances of life but the very ordinary ones too. She has wit and grace and is someone you want to look up to and be your friend all at the same moment. She knows what is important and embraces it; she knows what is trivial and tries to purge it from her life. She is warm, good natured and can laugh at herself. She speaks her mind firmly- but with love. She is compassionate towards others. She exceeds her own expectations simply because she is allowing herself to be led by God.

  
3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.
Hmm...not sure if these should be classic or modern so I'll include two of each. Anne Sherley from the "Anne of Green Gables" series, and Anne Elliot from "Persuasion", then  Julianna Ortiz from "The Outlaw's Twin Sister", and Libby Sawyer from "The Rose of Winslow Street". 

4. Five of your favorite historical novels?
"Anne of the Island" and "Kelmany of the Orchard" by LM Montgomery, "Cheaper by the Dozen", "Sense and Sensibility", and "Pollyanna". 

5. Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why?
Ohh, I don't know- it's hard to say! If I'm really truthful Anne is my ultimate heroine, period. Simply because of her loving life- troubles and all with abandon, and for teaching me the importance of my imagination and letting the little things go. But I also love Elinor Dashwood for being true and strong and brave despite grief and disappointment, and for loving with all her heart and protecting those she loves.   

6. Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why?
Colonel Brandon- he is not the expected hero but he fits the bill well! He is a noble, honorable man that deserved the chance to be loved and to love.

 
7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?
Oooh! this one is good! This one is obvious and delectable for me- Scotland. Land of the brave and home of my ancestors! I would, if I could, see everything from Gretna to the Shetlands- and never stop in between! I want to see the Highlands and Nessie and the Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle and the little highways and byways for the country! And of course, I will be delighted to see all my family that lives there!

8. What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?
I love the rough and tumble of the American West, the strength and gentility of the Reconstruction period; and the romance, elegance and homeyness of the Edwardian era.

9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?
Recitation! I think I would do a long poem or stirring address. I might even do "The Highwayman" complete with Anne's dramatic flair!


10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?
Lizzy Bennett is a good possibility.... But I'd like to do something unexpected too but I can't think of anyone that other people would know!

11. What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?
Love. Chocolate is love in edible form. Especially if that edible form is Longhorn's chocolate cake! Mmmm.


12. Favorite author(s)?
Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens, LM Montgomery, Stephen Bly, Tamera Alexander, Tricia Goyer, Nancy Moser, Susan May Warren.

13. Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land?
My digital camera! Could not live without that on a trip! But I would also take something for fun like a hat or big quilt for picnics.

14. In which century were most of the books you read written?
19th the century of expectation and change and possibility!

15. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is…
While Darcy or Gilbert Blythe is a tempting pick here I think I have to go with Mr. Thornton. Thornton is the most honest and true hero; he has through determination and hard work raised himself and his family up out of poverty. He has the power to make or break the men who work for him but he refuses to put them at risk choosing his own risk and ruin instead. He is unwilling to compromise on principle. He wants to learn and better himself as a person. He has a total heart of gold that hides beneath his businessman's demeanor and Northern ways. He is willing to make himself vulnerable in an effort to understand the woman he has fallen in love with. He's perfect. Just perfect! (And it doesn't hurt that RA plays him.)

16. Describe your ideal dwelling place.
See this post!

17. Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence.
I try to be timelessly traditional, with Celtic and western flair that shows my personality. Also, the word Purple.

18. Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name?
I would say yes, occasionally, but I can't think of an example! I just dislike when a writer picks something that goes beyond memorable to ridiculous.

19. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...
??? Maybe the Phantom from the Phantom of the Opera- even though I really want him to be a tortured misunderstood hero. (Yes, I'm really sad that way.)

20. Three favorite Non-fiction books?
"The New Food Lover's Companion" the ultimate dictionary/guide for foodies and cooks! "What He Must Be" by: Dr. Voddie Baucham, a guide to aspire to. "Joyfully at Home" by: Jasmine Baucham, a guide to live by.

21. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?
Reading, in a sunny spot with lots of pillows and cushions, and a Dr. Pepper, and snacks- probably cookies. Mmmm!

22. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.
Voluminous, ethereal, lacy and purple- like violet or lilac. Think the Ascot races in My Fair Lady.

23. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.
Becoming an Auntie, having a bad flair-up, loosing my business name, drama!, thinking about running away to Scotland, friends.

24. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

 

 



  And that's all she wrote...

My Mind's Eye- February Sketch Challenge

This month I decided to do something that I have never done before and do a page for a scrapbook challenge! My favorite scrapbook company My Mind's Eye hosts a contest on their blog challenging folks to design a page (using MME product) according to a specific set of directions. This challenge asked you to design a page off of a sketch.

Because I really liked the sketch and really love MME I decided to give this thing a shot!

Almost as soon as I had decided I knew what I wanted the layout to be about and what direction I wanted to go with the colors, as well as what special emblishment I wanted to use! But the layout almost didn't happen as the weekend I planned to do this layout I got really sick with the flu! However, after I was back on my feet it was one of the first things that I wanted to accomplish! After I got started and picked specific papers for the base page and a collection set for the mats the rest of the design elements fell into place rather quickly and it came together faster then I anticipated!

Here is the page title: "Tweetie"! 

I love the way the branches turned out! I used twine for the branches and punched leaves out of paper that had a leaf pattern in it so that I could punch along the lines and give my leaves veins! 

 

This bluebird was the diving board for the rest of the layout! I was thrilled to find a chipboard peice in my stash that proclaimed "Spread your wings"!

Loved the way the orange journaling tag pops off of the robin's egg blue of the layout! The dark latte colored chipboard piece anchors it well.

Hope you like it! I know I do! Actually I can't stop staring at it because everything just says "Yes!" to me! I'm looking forward to putting it in my book!


Materials List:
Base- MME "The Sweetest Thing" collection- "Tangerine Happy Woodsy" and "Bluebell Every Day"; Mats- MME "On the Bright Side- Two" collection; Chipboard- "The Sweetest Thing" collection "Honey Perfect"; Twine- MME "All is Bright" collection; Journaling Tag- MME "On the Bright Side-Two" Accessory Sheet; Buttons- American Crafts- "Daydreams" assortment; Cardboard Sticker- Doodlebug Design- "So Tweet"; Rub-on Letters- American Crafts- Mini Marks "Purkey".

Practicing Love- Encouragment for New Mom's

Tonight I was doing a bit of trawling around on Pinterest and found this article from the Dayspring woman's blog inCourage titled "100 Ways to Encourage a New Mom". I thought the post was a great one and worth sharing for those who might be looking for practical ways to do something useful for a new mom- or a new mom with several other little ones. I hope that I can put some of these into practice with the very next newborn mom that I encounter! I particularly liked suggestions that involved photos (like #17, 49 & 50) and I'm also thinking about putting together a 'mom's care basket' that include things like #67, 75, 84 & 93.
Many of these things may not seem like a lot- but I think that many of the smallest things can mean the most! Through those small things we can show our love to someone who is pouring all her love and energy into her new child!

The first few thing go like this:

1. Fold her laundry – especially all the socks
2. Leave immediately when the baby falls asleep so she can nap
3. Bring chocolate
4. Don’t tell her to call if she needs anything, just drop by and help with everything
5. Take the big kids out for a play date
6. Tell her she’s a hero
7. Bring her food in disposable dishes so she doesn’t have to deal with washing or returning them
8. Don’t tell her to carpe diem
9. Cry with her
10. Laugh with her

The rest are here.