"Into The Whirlwind" by Elizabeth Camden

I saw this book in the bookstore and it immediately intrigued me with the cover art. It has a beautiful cover and the purple dress was definitely an eye catcher for me as that is my favorite color. I take after my Gen in that regard (that's my grandmother). The back didn't intrigue me enough to make me purchase the book in the store. When I saw this one listed as part of my book review program through Bethany House, however, I jumped on it. I was looking forward to the book and have another by the author that is waiting with my ever growing stack of "to be read" books. The book is set during and after the Great Chicago Fire. I have read books set in this time period but never in this specific setting. I greatly enjoyed the history of the situation and the perspectives of the characters as they endured the Fire and began rebuilding afterwards. In fact, I wish there had been a bit more focus on the event of the Fire. That is how the book starts but does not make up the majority of the book. Not that I would want to be in the midst of ashes for the entire 374 pages! I just would have liked a bit more. Also, you know something is amiss when your lead characters have already found each other and fallen madly in love just 100 pages in. And there begin the twists and turns and complications. The writing style was good and held my interest for sure but I just didn't feel connected enough with the characters. Specifically, I didn't feel the relationship was developed enough between Mollie and Zack. I was also a little confused when Colonel Lowe came across one way but then all of sudden changed seemingly just to fit the story line. And the wishy-washy, back and forth feelings along with the somewhat immature and petty exchange was a bit distracting. Also, the issues of Zack's personal ethics were never really dealt with or brought to a resolution in my opinion. I did enjoy Dr. Buchanan and Sophie. Well, not that I liked Sophie especially at first. I wanted to smack her but that was what I was supposed to want to do after all. Overall, the book is still a good read - just not great. Would I read the author again? Probably, but that other book won't be at the top of the pile to read just yet. See the publisher's synopsis below. I received this book for free as part of Bethany House's blogger review program in exchange for my review. Back Cover: "As owner of the 57th Illinois Watch Company, Mollie Knox's future looks bright until the night the legendary Great Chicago Fire destroys her beloved city. With her world crumbling around her, Mollie will do whatever it takes to rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating fire. Zack Kazmarek, an influential attorney for one of Chicago's finest department stores, is a force to be reckoned with among the city's most powerful citizens. Bold and shrewd, he's accustomed to getting exactly what he wants--until he meets Mollie Knox, the beguiling businesswoman just beyond his reach. In the tumult as the people of Chicago race to rebuild a bigger and better city, Mollie comes face-to-face with the full force of Zack's character and influence. Zack believes this may finally be his chance to win her, but can Mollie ever accept this man and his whirlwind effect on her life, especially with her treasured company on the line?"

"The Tutor's Daughter" by Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen in one of my go-to authors. I don't even read the synopsis anymore on the back cover so I won't ruin anything. I just buy the book and enjoy it thoroughly. This has been the case with all her books I have read and I always greatly anticipate the release of a new one. This is her latest and it does not disappoint. I've included the publisher synopsis below so that you can read it and I can focus on telling you my thoughts not rehashing an already well written summary. Julie Klassen's books always state that she loves all things Jane referring to Jane Austen and Jane Eyre. This book was a little more Jane Eyre than Jane Austen to me and I definitely prefer Jane Austen. However, I would still not hesitate to recommend this book. It is up to Ms. Klassen's superb standards. There is a bit of intrigue included to keep you guessing, mismatched loves, and even a dash of !intentions thrown in to the mix. If you haven't tried Ms. Klassen, I urge you to give her a try. You may just become an addict like myself! Publisher Synopsis: Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father when his boarding school fails, accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementoes? The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry Weston, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember the studious Miss Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her... When suspicious acts escalate, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart? Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor's Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast--a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions--where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits.

"The Governess of Highland Hall" by Carrie Turansky

I love a good Brit Lit book and a manor setting is even better. I am also a big fan of Downton Abbey and this book reminded me of the series in several ways so if you like the show you'll probably like this book as well. The book is set in the same time period - early 1900s - at a country manor house. We get a view of life both upstairs and downstairs. In other words, we get a taste of of the aristocracy that own the estate and the servants that work for them. I enjoyed having multiple points-of-view throughout the book. We get the most from our two main characters - the governess and the baron of the manor. The storyline kept me interested even though some of it was predictable but most books are in my opinion. Regardless, there were several turns I didn't see coming. This is the first book I have read by the author but I would definitely read another by her. My biggest criticism is that the heroine seemed almost too perfect. I certainly would have wanted to smack some of those characters under the same circumstances or at least give them a piece of my mind. At the same time, though, it did make me think about how much thought I give before I act or speak and asking what God would have me do. All good food for thought so that I appreciated. And I certainly wanted to know if there were any repercussions for the housekeeper in the end. Without spoiling it for you, let's just say that she always had her own interests in mind regardless of who they hurt or how she accomplished them. Sneaky snake. I received this book for free through the Blogging for Books program of WaterBrook Multnomah publishers in exchange for my review.

The Girl in the Glass by Susan Meissner

First a very short summary. A girl longs to go to her grandmother's homeland of Italy - specifically Florence. She finally goes and meets up with a local contact (she is a possible book author for the main character's publishing house) who is very knowledgeable on the art and history of Florence but also happens to hear the voice of a dead relative speak to her through various artwork. When I chose this book, I knew the premise was a bit odd for my taste. I was hoping I would be surprised and really enjoy it. I was a bit disappointed. Let me go ahead and say that I would not call this a bad book. I just could not recommend this book based on my tastes and preferences. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the book's setting. I have always wanted to go to Italy so I had that in common with the main character. I loved seeing a bit of this country through the author's perspective. However, this book has some deeper meanings and undertones in it and I'm just not a "deep" kind of person when it comes to fiction books. In fact, the book itself references those that are "black and white" people and those that are "gray" people seeing all the shades between black and white. I'm a black and white kinda person. I think that is the reason this just did not appeal to me. A major theme of the book is reality versus fantasy and how much of each to believe or allow yourself to believe. I just don't see eye to eye with the author here and skimmed most of these parts while rolling my eyes a bit. There were a few twists I was not expecting towards the end but overall it was kinda slow. There were bits of the dead relative's story interwoven as if we had inserts of a journal at the beginning of each chapter. I would have liked a bit more of that information throughout. Another book that I thought this might be like in that respect is Chateau of Echos by Siri Mitchell. I liked the back and forth of present day to past in that book and thought it might be the same here but it was not. The focus was much more on present day and not on the relative's story. I did not like the handling and resolution of the tumultuous father/daughter relationship and really did not care for a scenario with the contact's (Sophia's) father at the end of the book. It was deceptive and displayed a lack of integrity in my opinion. I received this book for free through the Blogging for Books program of WaterBrook Multnomah publishers in exchange for my review.

The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah Ladd

Loved the cover on this book! I must admit that I'm a total cover shopper. If the cover doesn't catch me, I'm not picking it up unless I know the author or was looking for that specific book but I digress. This book was just okay. I was hoping for more but I would still give the series a shot. This is the first in a series entitled "Whispers on the Moor". The book involves the heiress to a fortune who must marry to inherit, a close friend who dies and leaves her child to this woman's care, and the husband/father who returns from sea many months later. Can you guess where this is going? Maybe, but it is not your typical setup. A fiance, snarky relatives, and a kidnapping throw some kinks in the way. All in all, it was still a good read although a bit predictable and a tad unbelievable but his is fiction. However, I did like the fact that the kidnapping did not occupy the majority of the book. From the synopsis, it sounds like the book will spend the majority of the time on that event and the book is actually halfway through at least when the kidnapping occurs. The characters had plenty of time for development and the story line is clearly mapped out. I received this book for free from Booksneeze for this review.

The balance of motherhood and a good book

So, the first year with the kiddo has been fabulous! I could never have imagined how wonderful being a parent would be. I also never could have imagined that my love of books would not just suffer because of it but come to a screeching halt. Ha! However, I would not take one second away from my son to give to my books. I have missed them though. Life is now getting into a regular rhythm and one that involves some book reading time again. I was so ashamed when I logged into my book review accounts to see that it had been a looooong time since I had reviewed a book. Well, I'm back in the game now. I have taken my son's nap time today (a coveted time to do whatever is most pressing for the day be it laundry, cleaning, work, reading time, etc.) to update my book catalog on Goodreads. I've got plenty of books that have back-logged on my shelves for the last few months. I may not have time to read them but I can sure keep buying them. You can never have too many books! Look for a review coming your way soon!

The Scent of Rain by Kristin Billerbeck

Kristin Billerbeck is not a new author for me. I have read many of her previous books. They are usually fun, light, entertaining reads and this one follows suit. The premise of a formally trained "nose" losing her sense of smell is new and interesting. The book is an easy read and keeps your interest throughout with a few twists and turns you may not expect. My one complaint about this book is the pace of the romantic relationship that develops. In my opinion, it moves too quickly to be realistic but hey, this is a fiction book after all so I can overlook it. This book won't be on my top ten list or anything but its good for a weekend or beach read. I received this book for free from Booksneeze for this review.

Living Close to God (When You're Not Good At It) by Gene Edwards

I'm not usually a reader of non-fiction books so I thought I would go out on a limb and try this genre out for once. I came back off of the limb. I'm just not a non-fiction reader. I'll stick with my good ole fiction thank you very much. That said, the book was very well-written and thought out. Non-fiction just doesn't hold my attention unless it's a true story like a biography and thus still a "story" book instead of what I call an "information" book. Please don't let this discourage you from trying this book out for yourself if you do enjoy non-fiction works. In fact, I choose this one on my non-fiction adventure because of my parents. They are fans of Gene Edwards. In fact, I gave them my copy to read and enjoy after I was done. The book gives great insight into how Mr. Edwards connected with God and just slowed down enough to listen. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review through their Blogging For Books program.

I'm baaaaaack!!!

Well, did you think I had left for good? I'm back! I took a little time off to have a kid but now I have a little time (emphasis on little) so I'm starting it up again.

My favorite Christmas reading

I know it's a little close to Christmas to post about great Christmas reads but these are well worth it. My favorite Christmas reading is a two book series by Robin Jones Gunn. The books are entitled "Finding Father Christmas" and "Engaging Father Christmas". Gunn is one of my favorite authors and these books take us along with the heroine Miranda Carson on an adventure to England. Miranda was raised by her mother Eve Carson the actress (as she always introduced herself). Miranda never knew her father and finds a few clues that may lead her to him in her mother's belongings. Her mother died when Miranda was a child and, after an unconventional upbringing, she decides to pursue the search for her father. This search takes her to a little village in England on her Christmas vacation. The people she meets and what she discovers there is not what she expected. I can't really give you any information about the second book in the interest of not ruining any surprises in the first. The lovely setting and the inviting people you meet along the way will make you feel like you're in the book and watching it happen. The books are a quick read not just because they keep your attention the whole way through but also because they are a bit shorter than normal. Each are only about 150 pages. These are a wonderful addition or start to any Christmas reading list you may have!

Booksneeze

The Charlatan's Boy by Jonathan Rogers

The Charlatan's Boy is a tale of an orphan and the traveling showman that took him in. We travel around with the duo and take part in their various schemes and search for information about Grady's missing past. I was very excited to see another book by Jonathan Rogers. I had previously read his Wilderking Trilogy and absolutely loved it. The trilogy is a re-telling of the life of King David in a new and unique way. I am from South Georgia and the Okefenokee Swamp area so I could definitely identify with the setting in both these books and the Charlatan's Boy. While the Charlatan's Boy was an easy read, it wasn't quite what I expected. It was a bit slow for me and I found myself wondering when we were going to get to the good stuff. I did thoroughly enjoy the dialect and unique word choice used throughout the book. I also enjoyed the variety of characters we met along the way. It felt like too much background was given and setting up the end result. The last of the book was my favorite and finally gave me some of what I was looking for throughout the book. As such, it does set itself up for a sequel but it just wasn't as engaging as his previous books in my opinion. Still worth a shot, however, especially for a young boy. I would still highly recommend the Wilderking series first though and that series gives you some background and connecting information with this book although they do not have to be read first. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review through their Blogging For Books program.

The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo

Another good read! This book is advertised as "a modern day novel of Jane Austen". Now, don't despair if you don't enjoy reading Jane Austen. It is set in current day and written in current language. And it is not one of the Jane Austen books re-written for current times. Each relates somehow to a specific Austen work. This is the third book in this series. However, you don't necessarily have to read them in order. The characters and stories are not intertwined. However, it can be more beneficial to read them in order as a certain secret society reveals certain information in each book but that's all I'm saying so I won't spoil the surprise. In each book, the main heroine (or heroines in this book) goes to England and finds herself intertwined somehow in the world of Jane Austen. Each is either in search of or in possession of a unknown and unpublished work of Jane Austen - letters, manuscript, diary. In this book, two sisters have been tasked by their mother's dying wish to go on a Jane Austen walking tour of Hampshire, England. Their mother has also left them a diary - Jane Austen's sister Cassandra's diary which has many secrets to reveal. I am an Austen fan and so these fictitious details and added historical information are quite interesting and entertaining in light of her published works and biographical information. However, I believe if you are not an Austen fan you would enjoy these books as well. They describe the rich pastoral scenery of Jane Austen's England and provide a good mix of mystery/intrigue and romance. I love reading about these fascinating places across the pond and "seeing" them through the pages. It's also rather fun to follow the clues and try to figure out the mystery before it's revealed in the book. The series in its entirety to date and in order of publication are:

Jane Austen Ruined My Life
Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All

Restless in Carolina by Tamara Leigh

Well, this is my first book I received through the "Blogging for Books" program! As such, I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. This is the third book in the series. I had previously purchased the first book when it came out as I have many of the author's other books. I didn't even finish half of that book. I just couldn't get into it. So, I was a little remiss about starting this one. However, it turned out okay - but just okay. The writing style was good with one exception - the dialect style. Whenever conversations are written in dialect, it somehow detracts from the writing and story for me. I can imagine the dialect for myself without having to read it. And I am from the deep south so I totally understand the point. I did enjoy some of the eccentricities such as the main character's odd choice of pet and I always appreciate what I consider the author's sometimes unconventional religious views. However, the story line was predictable, at times unrealistic (you only know someone a very short time and blurt out "I'm interested in you" - a little freaky for me), and a bit anticlimactic. A major theme was also that of widowdom and overcoming that loss. I think it was handled very well but I have no experience in that area and it is not an area I wish to dwell on or read about for leisure. All in all, it was an easy read that flowed well but I wouldn't give it any extreme accolades. However, I would give the first and second books another shot. Each book is about a different family member and deals with different subject material. I'll still continue to read Tamara Leigh but I would much more highly recommend "Stealing Adda" by this author.

Web Finds

I've got two fun web sites to share with you. The first is Goodreads. I have the link for it in my Links sidebar to the right. This is a site like Virtual Bookshelf if you are familiar with that. You can add any and all books you have read, are currently reading, or are on your to-be-read list. You can also rate them and review them. You can search for other books and see what others have to say about them as well as follow friends and their recommendations. It's a pretty good site. I am in the process of adding to my online shelf but I've just started so it will be a while until I'm up to speed but it's lots of fun!

The other website is Blogging for Books. I found this by reading an Amazon review of a book and the reviewer said they got the book through the blogging for books program with Waterbrook Multnomah publishing - a Christian publisher. If you have a blog, you can sign up to receive free books as long as you post a review about them. How awesome is that! The website for this is http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/

First Review: Its a Double! - Waterfall and Cascade by Lisa Tawn Bergren

So, my terrific book I was talking about in my last post has now turned into two! Before I could even talk about the first one, I ordered and read the sequel as well. I can't say enough good things about them. They were fabulous! The books are the first two in a three book series called the The River of Time Series by Lisa Tawn Bergren. The first book is entitled Waterfall and the second is Cascade. The first book introduces us to Gabi and Lia. These are two teenage daughters of archeologists researching the Etruscan society in Italy. They decide to sneak into the latest tomb site and find some odd handprints on the wall. One each fits the girls hands. As they put their hands in each respective print, they are transported back in time. When Gabi finally gets her hand off of the wall, Lia is nowhere to be find and Gabi finds herself in the middle of a battle in 14th century Italy complete with knights, swords, and castles. I won't go further than that to keep from spoiling any of the good stuff. I was totally engrossed in these books. I couldn't put them down! They had the same feeling as when I read the Twilight series. It was as if the book had drug laced ink. I was definitely hooked reading that series as I am with this one. The medieval setting, the historical details, the beautiful romance, the action and adventure all made me feel like I was in the book taking part or watching it all unfold in an academy award winning movie. I could tell you so much more that would peak your interest but it would give too much away. I'm someone who doesn't even like to read the back of a book if I think I'll like the book or know and like the author because even that back cover synopsis can ruin some details I'd rather let unfold as I read. This book is classified as a young adult book but don't let that sway you. I am not in the young adult age category anymore and enjoyed this book much more then I have my adult reading for the past few months. Just take my word for it and go get these books now! The third and final book in the series will be out in September and I am already anxiously awaiting the release. This one will definitely be on my pre-order list. If you like this book, I would highly suggest other books written by Mrs. Bergren. I have read several other books by her and am never disappointed.

Welcome!

Welcome to my cozy corner! I hope you enjoy your visit! I'm going to be posting some random thoughts and observations but mostly some book reviews. To borrow from the words of Mrs. Elton, I never compliment myself but my friends tell me I choose rather good books. ;0) I suppose that rests in the eye of the beholder but I hope you may find a treasure here as well. If not, thanks for stopping by anyway. Maybe you can use my recommendations in the reverse. What I like, you won't. Haha! I've just finished a terrific book I'm dying to rave about but don't have the time at the moment to do it justice. I'll be back soon to share!