This book immediately pulled me into another time and place. The descriptions of Rome especially engaged my imagination—I could smell the filth and seThis book immediately pulled me into another time and place. The descriptions of Rome especially engaged my imagination—I could smell the filth and see the masses suffocating Ness, a woman accustomed to fresh air and space. Other historical details, like naming children, the custom of exposure, and Stoicism helped to make the book and people come alive to me.
Ness is a woman ahead of her time. Well-read and able to hold her own intellectually with the Roman tribune, I found her to be a character that I quickly came to care about. Aquilus is a fascinating character whose ambition is within his grasp, but his heart overrules his head in his choice of a wife, and that carries some unforeseen consequences for the both of them.
The middle of the story did drag somewhat. Misunderstanding after misunderstanding continues to keep the main characters apart and after a while, I almost gave up hoping for a happy ending. Thankfully, before I reached that point, the pace picked up again and the climax had me turning the pages as fast as I could to find out what was going to happen next. Would these characters find their happily ever after despite what conspired against them?
Overall, this is a great book in a much smaller genre. I enjoyed its unique setting, characters, and time; the writing is solid and largely held my interest despite the longer length. Those with an interest in Roman times, early Christianity, or even just unique characters will be pleased once they finish this book. I recommend it for adults and up due to some realistic depictions of marital strife that may be difficult for younger readers.
I received a review copy from the publisher through The Book Club Network. I was not required to write a positive review and the thoughts expressed are both honest and my own. ...more
It has been a while since I have read a book by Camille Elliot, but I am so glad to read her Regency-set novels again.
These characters are unique. ThIt has been a while since I have read a book by Camille Elliot, but I am so glad to read her Regency-set novels again.
These characters are unique. The woman who wants more out of life is somewhat familiar in Regency fiction, but to find a male character who sees her and is attracted to her for her unique abilities, rather than in spite of them, was refreshing and welcome. God gears each of us differently, and provides others around us who can support and encourage us, challenging us to become better. I really loved that aspect of this book.
Another part that I enjoyed was the exploration of what gives us value as a person, both for ourselves and to others, and even further along those lines, what gives us real worth as opposed to a false sense of it. These are real questions that concern real people, and reading about the character’s journey shows we aren’t alone in our struggles.
This is a spy novel, a very exciting one with a lot of mystery involved. There are rougher elements to the book, but the author keeps things firmly in the clean category with descriptions of fighting, injuries, and language, but without losing realism. There are certainly elements of the story that can be uncomfortable, like brothels, violence, and lying as a way of life, but these things are not glorified.
My only caution for this book is that it is part of a serial novel, and not all threads will be tied up at the end but will continue into the next installment. This is the length of a standalone novel, however, with a well-developed cast of characters, an incredible plot with plenty of surprises, and a satisfying, though incomplete, ending to this volume.
I highly recommend this book for older teens and up, especially those who enjoy mysteries, Regency England, or spy novels, but without the language or gory scenes that can often stray into disturbing territory. This is a fantastic start to a new series, and I’m looking forward to more!
I received a review copy of this book from the author but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
Merged review:
It has been a while since I have read a book by Camille Elliot, but I am so glad to read her Regency-set novels again.
These characters are unique. The woman who wants more out of life is somewhat familiar in Regency fiction, but to find a male character who sees her and is attracted to her for her unique abilities, rather than in spite of them, was refreshing and welcome. God gears each of us differently, and provides others around us who can support and encourage us, challenging us to become better. I really loved that aspect of this book.
Another part that I enjoyed was the exploration of what gives us value as a person, both for ourselves and to others, and even further along those lines, what gives us real worth as opposed to a false sense of it. These are real questions that concern real people, and reading about the character’s journey shows we aren’t alone in our struggles.
This is a spy novel, a very exciting one with a lot of mystery involved. There are rougher elements to the book, but the author keeps things firmly in the clean category with descriptions of fighting, injuries, and language, but without losing realism. There are certainly elements of the story that can be uncomfortable, like brothels, violence, and lying as a way of life, but these things are not glorified.
My only caution for this book is that it is part of a serial novel, and not all threads will be tied up at the end but will continue into the next installment. This is the length of a standalone novel, however, with a well-developed cast of characters, an incredible plot with plenty of surprises, and a satisfying, though incomplete, ending to this volume.
I highly recommend this book for older teens and up, especially those who enjoy mysteries, Regency England, or spy novels, but without the language or gory scenes that can often stray into disturbing territory. This is a fantastic start to a new series, and I’m looking forward to more!
I received a review copy of this book from the author but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own....more
I always get excited when a favorite author begins a new series because it means many more stories with characters that become like old friends. This I always get excited when a favorite author begins a new series because it means many more stories with characters that become like old friends. This particular series is a spinoff of another I really enjoyed, so it's like meeting friends of friends! Scott really shines in peopling her large casts of characters for each series, highlighting one couple per book. I never get overwhelmed and it adds to the realism and world building of the series because we can follow along during several years of the characters' lives.
This mail order bride story is just a bit different in that the bride arrives unexpectedly, before the groom has had the chance to tell his rather large family, even before he knows she's coming. And because that family can act as chaperone for the couple, his mother insists on love before marriage, necessitating an actual courtship before the wedding.
This book has a hint of mystery and suspense with the whole family coming together to solve the issues. It is a great example of what family can and should be; even though the family has trouble, they pull together and root for each other.
Fans of Scott won't want to miss this newest series, and those who are not yet familiar with her but enjoy mail order bride stories or fiction set in historical Washington state might just find a new author with a fantastic backlist to devour!
I received a review copy of this book but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own. ...more
There is something bittersweet in the ending to a series: completion ties up all the loose ends in a happy manner but it also means knowing no new advThere is something bittersweet in the ending to a series: completion ties up all the loose ends in a happy manner but it also means knowing no new adventures are expected. Happily, Scott often finds ways to update us on favorite characters even as she introduces us to new ones we will also come to love, even in later series.
I loved that the serious Mr. Roth got his own story, and that Thea gets a man she can truly love. Her story broke my heart in several places, as did Roth's. But I loved how each of them could help the other's past pain to heal and look toward the future. Part of that comes from forgiving the past.
Audra almost stole the show in this book. All the children are a lot of fun to read about, but her desire to be like her brothers in as many ways as she could made her stand out for me.
I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy a Regency romance with just a hint of mystery. While this book reads fine as a standalone, all of the books in the series are fantastic in their own right and a reader can't go wrong by reading them all!
I received a copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own. ...more
Scott has created an expansive community in Wallin Landing, peopled with characters from her Frontier Matches and Frontier Bachelors series. This storScott has created an expansive community in Wallin Landing, peopled with characters from her Frontier Matches and Frontier Bachelors series. This story belongs to Jessie and Alice, and while it is not necessary to have read the other books to enjoy this one, I personally love the chance to revisit old friends from previous novels.
I really enjoyed how the two characters came to know each other, really know each other. They thought they had understood before and had written off any relationship, but when circumstances force them into marriage, they both find someone different than they had assumed.
The love story is sweet, watching the two characters fall for each other while worrying that the other person might never love them back. It was fun to see the secondary characters both knowingly and unknowingly nudge them toward each other, helping them to appreciate who they married in a deeper way.
This is a wonderful, sweet love story that I highly recommend for those who enjoy marriages of convenience or with an interest in the history of Washington state. There are many details that help ground the reader in the time and place, and I really love how this town has become almost a character in itself. This one should not be missed!
I received a review copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own. ...more
This review is for The Aeronaut’s Heart by Regina Scott.
I loved getting the story of Josie and Etienne. While secondary characters in a different seriThis review is for The Aeronaut’s Heart by Regina Scott.
I loved getting the story of Josie and Etienne. While secondary characters in a different series, they are the center of this novella.
They have been removed from everything they have known in the past, in their home country of France. Now both of them are wondering if they have a future that looks anything like they had imagined it would. What are they willing to give up to be together, and is it even possible?
As with her longer novels, Scott deftly weaves a story that entertains and transports the reader to another world while giving us characters to root for. It is not necessary to have read the Regent’s Devices series to enjoy this story, but this novella enhances the series for those who have read it.
I received a review copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
I am often attracted by the cover of a book, but if the description on the back doesn’t pique my interest, it doesn’t matter how beautiful the design I am often attracted by the cover of a book, but if the description on the back doesn’t pique my interest, it doesn’t matter how beautiful the design is. This one caught my attention, the title made me very curious, and the description sealed it for me. Royals, a fake engagement, and a modern retelling of Esther? Yes, please!
I have read several modern royal stories and enjoyed them, but this isn’t the typical royal romance. It starts that way, but rapidly becomes more complicated and serious than I had anticipated. Not only does it involve a fictional kingdom and royal family, but their government, geography, and political systems all play a role in how the story unfolds.
The world building is amazing and very complex. I appreciated the maps and pictures as it helped my imagination to understand a little more clearly. I thought it was very unique and helped immerse me in the story world the author created.
One final thing that sets this novel apart is the spiritual thread; it is very strong in this book yet fits the events and characters naturally. I liked the parallels with the Biblical story of Esther, but also that the author wrote her own story and developed it with characters of her own creation rather than trying too hard to retell the original.
This story is engrossing, filled with relatable characters who have had to endure horrible tragedies in their lives, yet still they press on. I teared up at several points due to the events and the terrible choices the characters faced, but there was always that hopeful element that spurred my reading on even when I could not see how things could possibly end happily. I’m so glad I did, and I highly recommend this novel for teens and up due to some thematic elements involving acts of war and past traumas.
I obtained a copy of this book while it was free but was not required to post a review. The thoughts and opinions are both true and my own. ...more
I always enjoy a Regina Scott novel, and this latest series featuring former Batavarian royal guards is shaping up to be some of my favorites by this I always enjoy a Regina Scott novel, and this latest series featuring former Batavarian royal guards is shaping up to be some of my favorites by this author! In this book, we meet an adventurer, someone who wants to explore the world and see what it has to offer. And then we meet another adventurer who needs protecting from an unseen enemy. Why it takes these two so long to figure out they can experience the best adventure together is precisely why we have this story, and I loved every minute of it!
I love how this story shows family relationships, strained through misunderstandings, but with no ill-will intended. The father doesn’t mean to be overbearing, the daughter doesn’t mean to be flighty, and the bodyguard doesn’t mean to fall in love, but they all engage in various behaviors that make those around them crazy. Learning to communicate is key, and one of my favorite moments in the book had to be when a secondary character suggests, in a roundabout way, that many problems could be solved if people would simply talk!
I really liked the romance in this one, how neither wanted to hold the other back but instead help them achieve their dreams, willing to even give up something that had previously been much more important. The overarching series theme of teamwork is nicely continued in this book, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for Roth!
I received a review copy of this book from the author but was not required to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own. ...more
The story beginning in volume one continues in this epic serial novel. Danger and stakes are upped, and the tension is not often relieved in this instThe story beginning in volume one continues in this epic serial novel. Danger and stakes are upped, and the tension is not often relieved in this installment.
I felt like there was a lot more illustration of how women were treated in this volume. The vast majority of the prejudice against women comes from some secondary characters in high positions, but it illustrated how difficult it could be for a woman during this time, especially one that didn’t strictly follow society's rigid expectations.
At one point, the author even takes this idea and turns it on its head for me, showing how sons didn’t get much more of a choice in their lives than the women did. They were often just as much victim as their female counterparts, cogs in a large machine with expectations and vicious repercussions if those requirements went unmet.
The spiritual thread seemed greater in this one as well, probably because of the situations represented and how it would have forced a person of faith to rely on God to a greater extent. I really liked how the author showed how we can easily get off track when we are distracted by our grudges and failures, but even better was when the character was still used for good in the story, despite her flaws and challenges.
This is part of a series, one which heavily leans on earlier volumes for the story. Even having read the other novels, I sometimes struggled to keep the various threads from tangling. That being said, this is a good novel, especially for those who enjoy suspense and complicated plots. Due to some thematic material, I recommend it for adults and up.
I received a review copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own. ...more
Wow. I enjoyed her debut novel, but Hannah Linder’s second one blew me away. Perhaps it was the sense that sometimes unfulfilled dreams are better thaWow. I enjoyed her debut novel, but Hannah Linder’s second one blew me away. Perhaps it was the sense that sometimes unfulfilled dreams are better that way that spoke to me, or maybe it was the poignant longing of Nan and her brother, Heath. Their strong bond, willing to do whatever was necessary for the good of the other, their reunion later in life, the hurts each endured, the family love they still shared after everything that had happened, it wove together beautifully and painted a vivid story that continues to linger in my mind.
This is not an easy read by any stretch; I recommend it for teens and up due to some difficult thematic elements. Yet the novel is also sprinkled with grace and honest, desperate prayer that flows naturally from the characters, even when placed in unthinkable circumstances. It is real without becoming graphic or crude, speaking deeply to my emotions and causing me to question if my faith could endure such trials so resiliently.
There are many twists and turns in this novel, and readers who enjoy suspense or gothic novels will find much to savor here. But those who love Regency set stories will also appreciate the setting and characters because this novel combines the two into a satisfying read that has me eagerly anticipating her next release.
I received a review copy of this book through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own. ...more
I really liked this Frontier Matches novel. I was exceptionally happy to finally read Harry’s story. Katie Jo deserved a happy ending, too, and I loveI really liked this Frontier Matches novel. I was exceptionally happy to finally read Harry’s story. Katie Jo deserved a happy ending, too, and I loved how the two finally got together in their own story.
As the title hints at, there are several nods to the Cinderella story, but it is not a rewrite. I loved the different twists the author put on it, as well as the references to Godey’s Lady’s Book and how the rules-bound book looks very different on the Seattle frontier.
Harry and Katie Jo could both have settled for less than a love match, but through the hard work of getting to know themselves and each other better, they both found even more than they were looking for, a good lesson for any of us!
I highly recommend this novel for those who enjoy frontier stories, or who have an interest in early Seattle. Those who have read other books in this series will also enjoy revisiting with old friends, but it isn’t necessary to get the whole story in this standalone novel.
I received a review copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
This is the fourth volume in the Lady Wynwood’s Spies serial novel. Because of the format the author has chosen, I would highly recommend reading fromThis is the fourth volume in the Lady Wynwood’s Spies serial novel. Because of the format the author has chosen, I would highly recommend reading from the beginning of the series to understand the complex events that occur within these pages.
This is an action-packed installment—there seemed to be more combat than in previous volumes, but the author does a good job of conveying action and even violence without getting graphic, which I appreciated.
I also really liked the thread of forgiveness. Phoebe has much to overcome in her feelings toward a family member who repeatedly betrays her. Anyone could understand her desire to hold a grudge and cut this person from her life completely, especially as he shows no willingness to change. The honest struggle that many Christians face was difficult to read at times, but well-done and realistic.
I look forward to reading the next volumes of this series and think that those who enjoy complex stories with multiple characters, subplots, and lots of action would also like this book; I recommend it for older teens and up.
I received a review copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own. ...more
Elizabeth Camden has a wonderful ability to create characters and situations unlike any others I have read. This particular book is no exception, and Elizabeth Camden has a wonderful ability to create characters and situations unlike any others I have read. This particular book is no exception, and I really enjoyed the chance to read Liam’s love story.
Of course, it is also Maggie’s story, and it’s complex all the way around. I confess that my head was spinning at times with the ins and outs of small businesses, large steel corporations, and the intricacies of the city of New York in the 1890s. But Camden does a good job in explaining things without it seeming overwhelming or jarring me out of the narrative; I felt like I was learning how industry worked right alongside Liam and Maggie as they tried to unravel the difficulties surrounding them.
One of the overarching themes of this novel is the influence of family, for good and for bad. Both of the main characters had things in their past that they could not control; they were victims of the choices of others. It motivated them to be different, and challenged them to trust others. While not an easy read, it is an important one as it caused me to consider how my desire to not repeat the past sometimes ironically makes me more liable to do so.
I really enjoyed this final installment of the Blackstone family saga and the chance to revisit some other characters. Because I had read the previous two books, I felt this was a richer conclusion to the series, though I would have been able to understand this story on its own if I were new to the story world. I highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction, especially those with a love of New York, immigrant, or industrial history, both from a wealthy and a more common perspective.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own. ...more
Finding a family when the character doesn’t have one is one of my favorite types of stories to read. Both Abigail and Finn have lost their families thFinding a family when the character doesn’t have one is one of my favorite types of stories to read. Both Abigail and Finn have lost their families through very different circumstances and at different times, yet through the Imperial Guard and the kindness of Meredith, they are not alone.
There were moments in this novel that I found myself laughing-out-loud. From comparing matchmaking mommas to wolves looking for a separated calf to men practicing introductions with a long lost friend and hurting each other in the process, there were multiple times I couldn’t resist a chuckle at the word pictures the author deftly painted for me.
This novel also had its moments of poignancy. From survivor’s guilt to family reputation, Scott is not afraid to tackle tough subjects, but I really appreciate that she doesn't dwell there; she infuses the narrative with hope and a chance to make things better.
I always enjoy Scott's books, but this one really appealed to me through its unique blend of humor and seriousness. With solid writing and a continuing cast of characters that are as unique as they are entertaining, I highly recommend this new series. And while a reader doesn’t need to have read the previous series to understand this one, the expanding world Scott has created is a worthwhile trip I will happily take each time a new book releases!
I received a review copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own. ...more
There is a lot to love about this book. The extended family, the quirks of normally level-headed characters, the architectural flavor, and the sweet rThere is a lot to love about this book. The extended family, the quirks of normally level-headed characters, the architectural flavor, and the sweet romance are just a few of the things, but there were a couple that stood out to me more than these.
I especially enjoyed how the author emphasized that life should be lived rather than hidden from. Different characters approached this in their own ways, but they were still trying to avoid getting hurt. But, as one character pointed out, “Life isn’t safe.”
One of the other parts that resonated with me was being resistant to change. Even when I don’t particularly like how things are at the moment, change is difficult and I’d almost prefer to stay as I am rather than deal with the discomfort that comes with a chance to make things better. I could definitely relate to the characters in this.
This is a wonderful story that both entertains and touches on a deeper level. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy historical romance, historical home architecture and design, or those who have an interest in historical Joplin. I would caution those who have suffered a recent loss that some of the content may be difficult, but also healing, depending on where a reader is in her journey.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own....more
Having read Breslin’s work before, I was prepared to learn something new with her details, but she surprised me by how well-grounded her story was andHaving read Breslin’s work before, I was prepared to learn something new with her details, but she surprised me by how well-grounded her story was and how seamlessly she inserted history into the fiction and helped me understand both the time period and her own plot better.
The author does an excellent job with character growth and helps the reader understand the complex motivations of each one. Even secondary characters or ones I didn’t particularly like had reasons for how they acted and it made the story more believable.
I think most of us can relate to having our plans upended, some in a very dramatic fashion. The characters in this novel face that in extreme circumstances, often without having any knowledge of why things have gone so horribly wrong. In that is a lesson, of trusting that God’s plans are best, when we know the whys and especially when we don’t. It was a timely read for me, and a good reminder that I don’t need to understand to follow.
This is an engrossing tale of love and doing our best in difficult circumstances we can never plan for. I highly recommend it for teens and up who enjoy WWI fiction, nursing, or light spycraft stories with a hefty dose of clean romance.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own. ...more
I am always up for a good Regency novel, so when debut novelist Hannah Linder released her book, I was eager to read it. This is a fantastic book thatI am always up for a good Regency novel, so when debut novelist Hannah Linder released her book, I was eager to read it. This is a fantastic book that combines romance and suspense in a historical setting, and I will eagerly look for more by this author in the future!
Ella is an interesting character, and it took me a little bit to warm up to her. Her devotion to her sister is admirable, but sometimes she was thoughtless with her words and frustrated me as she hurt others. Henry has been wounded in the past so convinces himself he doesn’t care about anyone or anything except his son, until his new governess upends his life. They both hide secrets, any of which could derail everything growing between them.
Family is very important in this novel, though it doesn’t always show in the best light given their histories. All families are broken to a degree, but it was sad to see how they had much to overcome to be the best versions of themselves.
There are some hints of Jane Eyre here, and it was fun to see how the author took some of my expectations and turned them just slightly, making the story completely unique and a lot of fun to read. I highly recommend it for teens and up.
I received a review copy of this book through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own. ...more
After reading the first collection, I looked forward to continuing with this one. More Christmas and more castles: perfect for the busy holidays.
EscaAfter reading the first collection, I looked forward to continuing with this one. More Christmas and more castles: perfect for the busy holidays.
Escape to Greenaway by Chautona Havig
I had a hard time getting into this one—two of the main characters disliking Christmas for various reasons was not a great way to get into the season for me. But Joy saved the story, and when she and Brett took over the story, I really enjoyed it from that point. While I am not a perpetually happy person, I admired Joy’s spirit and the way she chose to see the good was refreshing.
The King’s Promise by Tabitha Bouldin
Oh, this one proved to be an unexpected treasure! I absolutely loved it, so much so that I will be looking for more by this author in the future. The story is sweet, and I enjoyed the way that it played out for the characters involved. Despite the situations they were in, they still tried to do the right thing, even when it cost them dearly; they were easy to root for, relatable, and in a setting different enough to be interesting, but not so much so that it seemed alien.
A Castle for Christmas by Susan K. Beatty
Another sweet story where near-enemies find they have more in common than it first appears. I liked the banter between Will and Sadie, and especially how they handled their differences in the end. We all make mistakes, but we can heal from them or make them worse by our actions afterwards. This is a very hopeful story.
An Irish Christmas Heart by Jennifer Sienes
I enjoyed this tale that took me to Ireland, but also liked that it had an American connection. Eleanor was a wonderful character and I appreciated that she tried to do the right thing, even though it was often very difficult. She trusted God had a plan, would work everything out, despite how bleak things looked. An encouraging story, to be sure.
Christmas at Curwood’s Castle by Melissa Wardwell
I haven’t read much in the way of historicals set during this time, but I found it interesting that some things never change: family expectations for one. Even when they want what’s best, sometimes it’s hard for family to trust that the young adult may have good plans of their own, provided they have the information needed to make good decisions.
Christmas in the Cotswolds by Stacy T. Simmons
This was the one I anticipated the most—Jane Austen in the description? Combined with Christmas and castles? I was here for it! And it did not disappoint me. Oliver is a sound Mr. Darcy, and I loved the dynamic between him and Victoria.
As with the first book, there is lots of variety here, in characters, time periods, and settings. I recommend it for those who enjoy novella collections and want some uplifting Christmas stories to read for the season.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own. ...more
This time, we get Petunia’s story, and while it has been a long time coming, her chance at love. She has been part of the Duke’s daughter’s journeys, This time, we get Petunia’s story, and while it has been a long time coming, her chance at love. She has been part of the Duke’s daughter’s journeys, but she doesn’t see her own happily ever after as possible.
I really liked the characters in this novel. Ash has a hard time with emotions, never wanting to be controlled by them. I found myself laughing out loud at a few moments that reminded me of Mr. Darcy’s failed attempts at wooing a lady. And even though he is often misunderstood, his willingness to admit his faults at communication made him very loveable to me.
Tuny is a woman who loves deeply and longs to be loved in return, but she is also reasonable and afraid of repeating mistakes. While she is willing to forgive, she finds it a little harder to forget. But she is sweet and loyal, and her kindness and beauty captivate many around her, not just romantically.
They had obstacles to overcome in their path to romance, but I really appreciated how their struggles were realistic and not just plot devices to keep them apart until the appropriate point in the story. It made the resolution sweeter without frustrating me in pointless delays.
This is a fantastic conclusion to this series, and I look forward to the next, following the guards of Batavaria. I’m sure it will contain plenty of sweet stories, and hopefully revisit some of these wonderful characters, too. Whatever Scott is writing, I will eagerly look forward to reading!
I received a review copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own. ...more
I enjoy reading Christmas stories as the days turn colder, but sometimes I feel too busy for a full-length novel. When I read about this collection, II enjoy reading Christmas stories as the days turn colder, but sometimes I feel too busy for a full-length novel. When I read about this collection, I was excited to see how Christmas and castles could come together, all in stories I could read between other activities.
The Lights of Castlebourne by Cathe Swanson and Chautona Havig
Not a whole lot of Christmas in this particular one, but the light set up was fun, and I really enjoyed the details about landscaping. Murphy almost stole the show, but I really liked the relationship between Sydney and Philip, though his reluctance to talk to her seemed forced given his doing so earlier. Overall, a fun read with a sweet story that begins with comedy and continues throughout with an endearing, though slightly awkward, couple.
The Girl From Dalarna by Olivia Talbott
I had a hard time relating to this story of a woman who saw her beauty as a burden to bear rather than a gift. I understood better why she might feel this way as the story played out, but it seemed unreasonable at the beginning. Rane is a sweet character, and I loved how Linnea was able to see at least one person in her life who really saw her rather than simply her outward beauty.
The Cross at Morioka Castle by Kathleen J. Robison
This one was my favorite in the collection, but I have a huge interest in the Japanese culture. This little novella was like visiting with friends of mine who have returned to their home country, one I would dearly love to visit someday. The romance was sweet, and I loved how it illustrated how God puts the exact people in our path that we need at just the time when we need them. The author also did an amazing job of portraying the struggle of Japanese Christians, caught between cultural tradition and faith.
The Ghost of Christmas… by Denise L. Barela
This was an interesting twist on Cinderella, and I really liked Kristian’s character and his interactions with Abbi. Without giving away spoilers, I thought there was one glaring possibility that was not explored, and that could have provided another interesting twist, but the author chose to go another way. This is a fun fantasy with secondary characters I wouldn’t mind seeing in another novella in the future.
Crystal Clear by Marguerite Martin Gray
Probably the closest to what I expected from the collection, this novella has a real focus on Christmas and the miracle Jesus brings to all of us, regardless of the season. I loved the setting, the characters, and the storyline. I could smell the pine in the air, so vivid were the descriptions, and I felt like I was right there with the characters, experiencing the joy of the season, even in a difficult time.
The Weary World Rejoices by Naomi Craig
A fitting end to this volume of Christmas stories, this novella takes us back to the time of Jesus’ birth and the visit of the Magi. Different from the others in that it isn’t a romance, this is a powerful story of one man’s quest for truth about Messiah. It helped me to feel like I was an eyewitness to important events, understanding some of the Biblical passages a little bit better by experiencing them through fiction.
While several of these stories didn’t have quite the Christmas focus I was hoping for, it’s a good way to ease into the season. I recommend it for those who enjoy novella collections with great variety of contemporary and historical stories, from different genres, but all with reminders of the Savior who makes Christmas so meaningful.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own. ...more
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