Review: Into the Whirlwind

Into The Whirlwind

by: Elizabeth Camden

Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction

Medium: Kindle Document 

Date Read: July 19, 2013

Stars: ★★★★☆

After her father's death, Mollie Knox takes over his watchmaking company and uses her head for business to solidify the good name of the 57th Illinois Watch Company. Her future looks bright until the night her beloved city is destroyed in the legendary Great Chicago Fire. With her world crumbling around her, Molly must do whatever it takes to save her company in the aftermath of the devastating fire.

Zack Kazmarek is an influential attorney with powerful ties to the political, mercantile, and ethnic roots of Chicago. His only weakness is Mollie Knox, a woman who has always been just beyond his reach. However, all bets are off after the fire destroys Chicago, and Mollie is in desperate need of assistance. Just as Zack finally begins to pursue the woman he loves, competition arises in the form of a hero from her past who can provide the help she needs to rise from the ashes.

While Mollie struggles to rebuild, the two men battle for her heart. One has always loved her, but the other has the power to save her. In the race to rebuild the city, can she survive with her business and her heart intact?

☆ ☆ ☆ My Review ☆ ☆ ☆

I struggle with book title's sometimes. Some are just a line from the book, perhaps it was significant to the author, but makes no sense to the reader. Sometimes its right, and sometimes its spot on. Into the Whirlwind did just that. As I dove into the first chapter, I was swept into a fire storm of events, relationships, people, places things! This tale starts six days before the historic Chicago fire, with Mollie Knox owner operater of 57th Watch Company trying to come to a decision as to what direction her company would go. Would she strike out on her own and end her relationship with the largest retailer in Chicago, or give into pressure for the store's Handsome lawyer and sign over her rights? And then disaster struck.


This tale was nothing if not gripping, and to be honest I found myself opening the app on my phone and reading snatches of it every-time I could. However there were still some points that found me not placing one more star in my rating. Though the book's premise seems to be about Mollie, to me, it felt as if we followed and got to know Zach a lot better; and we also could understand why Zach loved Mollie, we knew where Zack came from, how he fought tooth and toe nail to get where he was, we got to meet and know his family; whereas Mollie's sections of the story were very abrupt and by the time I finished the book I didn't feel as if I knew HER. I knew about her she's loyal, she's compassionate, head strong, and vocal; but also very mistrustful. But I didn't know why.


Though the lack of character depth in Mollie had me struggling at some points, I still have to hand it to Ms. Camden for another well written tale.

I recieved this book for free through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

What I'm Reading: Love in the Balance

Love in the Balance
by Regina Jennings

Genre: Christian Romance, Historical Romance

Medium: Kindle Book

Date Read: March 28, 2013
Stars: ★★★★☆

Reviewed for: Bethany House Publishers

Molly Lovelace dreams of a life without cares in Lockhart, Texas. She also dreams of handsome wrangler Bailey Garner, her ardent but inconsistent beau. The problem is, with Bailey's poor prospects, she just can't fit the two dreams together.

Then mysterious stranger Edward Pierrepont sweeps into town--and her life--and for the first time Molly wonders if she's met the man who can give her everything. But he won't be in Lockhart long and while he talks about their glorious future together, she can't quite get Bailey out of her mind.

What's a girl to do with all these decisions when love is in the balance?

* * * * * * * * 

I wasn't to sure what sort of story I was in for, after reading the first paragraph of Ms. Jennings "Love in the Balance."

"After all God has done for me, I still can't live in holiness. This week I harbored thoughts of impatience toward my husband."

What's this? A public confessional? What in the world.

As it turns out, I was in for a very interesting ride.

I'll admit to struggling to like Miss Molly at times, I can understand wanting to make "your guy" jealous, but going as far as marrying another guy is a bit much! There was more to it than that, but honestly the thought processes of these women boggle my mind a bit.

Are there people who really think like this for real, for real?

Edward seemed swarmy the entire time he was "on stage" if you will, there times when you want to root for the second love interest, or are conflicted between the two, but not in this case. It was a solid no go on Mr. Pierrepoint.

I really enjoyed getting to know Bailey, and I really don't think Molly deserved him. He matured and grew steadily nice guy, even with his "mistake" he learned from it and moved on. She seemed to be a bit more slow on the uptake, but eventually got there.

I gave this book four out of five stars because it was entertaining, felt a connection with some of the characters, and I couldn't put it down!

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion.

What I'm Reading..

Waiting For Morning 
by: Margaret Brownley

Genre: Christian Romance, Historical Romance

Medium: Kindle Book

Date Read: January 11, 2013
Stars: ★★☆☆☆
Reviewed for: Booksneeze.com

Molly Hatfield comes to Arizona Territory seeking stability and security. But living in Cactus Patch provides her with more than she ever dreamed.

There is nothing Molly wouldn’t do for her teenaged brother, Donny. Blaming herself for the accident that left him wheelchair bound, Molly has dedicated her life to his care. But in 1896, gainful employment for a woman is hard to come by. So when Molly learns that an eccentric rancher in Cactus Patch, Arizona, is looking for an heiress—someone to take over management of the ranch in exchange for future ownership—she jumps at the chance to provide a real home for her brother.

However, Molly didn’t bank on meeting Dr. Caleb Fairbanks, the town’s charming unmarried doctor. Caleb has a way with Molly that makes her nervous. But it’s how he is with her brother that really alarms her. Caleb sees past the wheelchair and genuinely likes Donny, but Molly fears he’s putting unrealistic ideas into her brother’s head. Falling in love with Caleb would threaten everything she’s worked for, even her brother’s future happiness. But it could be the very reason God brought her to Last Chance Ranch.

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

HEIRESS WANTED Looking for hard-working, professional woman of good character and pleasant disposition willing to learn the ranching business in Arizona Territory. Must be single and prepared to remain so now and forevermore.

Margaret Brownley. Waiting for Morning: A Brides of Last Chance Ranch Novel (Kindle Locations 127-130). Thomas Nelson. 

Waiting for Morning, is the story of a guilt ridden young woman, trying to make a way for herself and her wheel chair bound younger brother; after answering an ad for an heiress she and her brother embark on an adventure of . To be honest... I didn't find myself contenting with the story very much, if at all. Normally I'm all about angst and high emotions in romance books, but it just wasn't working for me this go round.

First things first, the scene seems to be set in the Wild West, (1896 according to the cover) but there are "motor buggies" ... it has been a while since I've had a history class, but I was pretty sure by the time motor buggies came around the west wasn't so.. wild. According to Google the first car wasn't even invented until 1896 thus null and voiding that section of the story.

Secondly the whole "Ad for Heiress" part of the story, while different was a bit strange. The owner of the ran is a woman, and apparently wants another woman (whomever will do) to take over; yet is unwilling to sell because she doesn't want a stranger getting hold of it? While I understand she could mould this young charge into what she wants, but that's no guarantee of anything!

Despite many moments of shaking my head, and gritting my teeth what kept me going was the slight story regarding Orbit a blind horse and Magic the "Heros" dog. If the book had been based on those two I would have loved it. I eagerly anticipated the next time they made an appearance, no matter how brief, in the story.

So all in all, I gave this book two stars out of five. It just wasn't completely there for me.

Have you read this book? What was your take on the story line? 

Ilse of Shadows

Ilse of the Shadows   
by: T.L. Higley 

Revised and updated from the original, Christy-award finalist Shadow of Colossus.

Enslaved in a World of Money and Power, Tessa Dares to be Free.

Raised as courtesan to wealthy and powerful men, Tessa of Delos serves at the whim of her current patron, the politician Glaucus. After ten years with him, Tessa has abandoned all desire for freedom or love, choosing instead to lock her heart away.

But when Glaucus meets a violent death in his own home, Tessa grasps at a fragile hope. Only she knows of his death. If she can keep it a secret long enough, she can escape.

Tessa throws herself on the mercy of the Greek god Helios, but finds instead unlikely allies in Nikos, a Greek slave, and Simeon, Glaucus’s Jewish head servant. As Simeon introduces her to a God unlike any she has ever known and Nikos begins to stir feelings she had thought long dead, Tessa fights to keep her heart protected.

As an assassination plot comes to light, Tessa must battle for her own freedom—and for those to whom she has begun to open her heart—as forces collide that shatter the island’s peace.

My Review:

I think I've established the fact that I am a HUGE T.L.Higley fan? I haven't? Well I am. When given the opportunity to review yet another book by her, I jumped at the chance, and once again she didn't disappoint.  (Don't you love authors like that? If only they wrote a million books!)

Once again Ms. Higley takes you on a historical journey, this time to Ancient Greece 227 BC. Our Heroine a hetera Tessa opens the book contemplating suicide. Or at least, this was my interpretation of this passage: "The death of her body was long over due. Her soul had died ten years ago. Ten years ago this day." 

Fortunately that day was not, the day (or else we wouldn't have a book to read) and we get to follow Tessa through an harrowing journey that does involve death, a plot for a mass murder, espionage, secrets, disguises and some romance. Perhaps espionage is a bit misleading, but I'll let you decide for yourself. ;)

This is not a book that is easily tossed aside for another, and is guaranteed to keep you spell bound through the tight spaces (literally) Tessa finds herself in, while attempting to save herself and those she's come to love....

I was given a review copy for free by Booksneeze.com. All opinions are my own (obviously) and I wasn't compensated in any way for this review!

What I'm Reading

The Scent of Rain
by: Kristin Billerbeck

Could it be that the life Daphne's always wanted is right under her nose?

Daphne Sweeten left Paris—and a job she loved—to marry the man of her dreams in the U.S. But when he stands her up on their wedding day, she's left reeling and senseless. Literally. She's been trained as a perfume creator and now her sense of smell has disappeared along with her fiancé.

She has to figure out why her nose isn't working, fix it, and get back to Paris. Meanwhile, she'll rely on her chemistry skills and just hope her new boss at Gibraltar Products, Jesse, doesn't notice her failing senses. They'll be working together on household fragrances, not posh perfumes. How hard can it be?

As Daphne and Jesse work on a signature scent for their new line, she feels God at work as never before. And the promise of what's possible is as fresh as the scent of rain.

“Witty and upbeat” —Library Journal

My Review: 

As a huge Kristin Billerbeck fan I was all set to love this new book of hers, despite the ....interesting... synopsis. It was a plot line I have yet to see, and so I was intrigued to see exactly how our smell-less heroine was going to escape her first attempt at matrimony, snag a new job that demanded her nose, and catch herself a new man. 

I can admit I was pretty disappointed. It was a little too...un-believable. Her sense of smell disappeared due to shock? Yet she's still going to move forward with this, rather strange career path, in which she needs her nose, regardless..? There were a few interesting twists and turns, in the book, that kept me turning pages, but when I ultimately reached the end, it wasn't a book that I thought of again after closing the cover. 

All in all, I gave this book a three out of five, close but no cigar. 

I was given a review copy for free by Booksneeze.com. All opinions are my own (obviously) and I wasn't compensated in any way for this review!

What I'm Reading: Short Straw Bride

Short-Straw Bride
Karen Witemeyer 
No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk. Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again. Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?

My Review: 

I've read several books by Karen Witemeyer and was intrigued by the plot of this book. Meredith Hayes is a spunky (heh) young lady, who isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes is right. Though a bit thoughtless at times, she is a lovable character, as is her cousin Cassie. This story is full of action as Meredith dodges a wedding to a rogue only to find herself forced into another one, this one much more promising than the first. After all Travis Archer is the man she's been dreaming about since she was 12. [Why doesn't stuff like this happen to me?]

I felt some of the parts of the book were a bit far fetched.. for instance the Archer brothers never stepped foot off their ranch? Really? Because their father died in an accident? And felt the climatical (yes I just made up a word) fight scene at the end, was chaotic to read! :)

 In the end I give it three stars, I liked it!

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. 

What I'm Reading

The Lady of Bolton Hill 
by Elizabeth Camden 
 
When Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain's worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of them thought possible.

But time has changed them both.

Daniel is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers.

Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts--and lives--hang in the balance? 

The following review was done on my own, without any endorsement from the publisher or author. Thank you. 

.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   .  .  .

For the first time ever, I’m actually reviewing this book as I read it. Something that never happens people. My reviews might be more interesting if I did this more often. Hmmm. But anyway:

WARNING SPOILER ALERT!

Wow.

That’s the only word that comes to mind as I’m reading the “The Lady of Bolton Hill”. I’ll be the first to admit I judge books by their covers, and I was pretty secure in thinking this would be another romance with the twist of having the characters know each other in the past. I was wrong. Daniel and Clara are best friends united by their love of music. (one of the parts that made me really love this book) However Daniel is from the “poor” side of the tracks while Clara has lived a privileged lifestyle.

They have enjoyed growing up together but Clara’s family realizes she is becoming a young lady, and Daniel is NOT an option for her. So in an effort to nip this relationship in the bud, they pack Clara off to England. And things start to become interesting.

The first chapter starts off with Clara in jail, and subsequently being rescued by her brother and shipped back to America. Didn’t see that one coming? I didn’t either. Then we find out that Daniel has done very well for himself, he’s grown up, owns his own, prospering business, but he has changed. He’s become more hardened, angry, bitter. Something Clara was not prepared to deal with at all.

Daniel is holding on to deep set rage towards the company that killed, in his mind at least, his father, and is dead set on destroying said company brick, by, brick. Regardless of who or what he has to hurt.

But what Daniel doesn’t know, is there are others out to get him.

And for the first time… I kinda of want the bad guy to win. Daniel to this point, has annoyed me. Especially his treatment of Clara. He says he loves her, and doesn’t want to live without her but when she does something that angers him, he sue’s her? REALLY?

For the first time, I really hope Clara can find someone else to turn her mind to, but admire the fact that she’s willing to stick by her friends, and I can’t say that I wouldn’t and haven’t done the same. However that doesn’t change the fact that Daniel is a royal jerk.

The Knapping of Clara sends Daniel into a tail spin, though this part went a little fast for my tastes, she’s gone for a day and Daniel turns to God, someone he’s distained to even think about before?

The rest of the book was a bit disappointing to me.

Clara converts the evil henchmen, and starts him back on the path to “goodness”.

Cue the happily ever after music.

Isn't that what you wanted to happen Erin? Sure.... but with all the build up, it felt like such a letdown for everything to be resolved in the next couple of chapters. How in the world do they all get to return home and have nothing happen? You got kidnapped but no hard feelings?

Geez.

So yes.

That is my review of Lady of Bolton Hill.

What a letdown. 

Book Review: Glamorous Illusions

Glamorous Illusions

When Cora Kensington learns she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king, her life changes forever. Even as she explores Europe with her new family, she discovers that the most valuable journey is within. The first book in the Grand Tour series takes you from the farms of Montana through England and France on an adventure of forgiveness, spiritual awakening, and self-discovery.

Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

My Review:


I'll admit, sometimes I judge a book by its cover. In my defense, you can tell a lot about a book by its cover, such as who the author is.. which, for me at least, goes a long way in convincing me as to whether or not I'll read the book! But I really love the cover of this book, but that's about it when it came to Glamorous Illusions. 

Its not that I didn't like the book, but I didn't realize when it said that this book was part of a series, that you would be left hanging. I don't mind series books, I like them, but I also like to have a complete story. 

In a nut shell, the main character Cora Kensington finds out she's the child of a copper tycoon, and in order to save her mother and the man she's called father she must leave all she's ever known and go and live with her biological father and his two other children. I'm sure you can imagine everyone was thrilled at this prospect and lived happily ever after.

Nope. 

Not was she to leave all she'd ever known, but she was to go "Grand Tour" of Europe with people she'd never met before. People who really could have cared less if they'd never seen them at all. 

Ms. Bergren sweeps you along in a whirlwind of emotions as Cora's father (wrongly in my opinion) thrusts her into these very awkward situations and then backs out to let her handle the backlash. Honestly, he acts like he's doing the best thing for her, but it was his lack of control that got everyone too this point, the least you'd think he'd do is at least take some of the heat himself!? 

Anyway, despite having to wait until, God knows when, for the next book, I enjoyed getting to know Cora and Company and will more than likely be reading the next book in this series. 

This review copy was received for free in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.com

What I'm Reading...

Garden of Madness
by T.L. Higley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Description: The Untold Story of King Nebuchadnezzar's Daughter.

For seven years the Babylonian princess Tiamat has waited for the mad king Nebuchadnezzar to return to his family and to his kingdom. Driven from his throne to live as a beast, he prowls his luxurious Hanging Gardens, secreted away from the world.

Since her treaty marriage at a young age, Tia has lived an indulgent palace life. But when her husband dies and a nobleman is found murdered in the palace, Tia must discover who is responsible for the macabre death, even if her own newfound freedom is threatened.

As the queen plans to wed Tia to yet another prince, the powerful mage Shadir plots to expose the family's secret and set his own man on the throne. Tia enlists the help of a reluctant Jewish captive, her late husband's brother Pedaiah, who challenges her notions of the gods even as he opens her heart to both truth and love.

In a time when few gave their hearts to Yahweh, one woman must decide if she is willing to risk everything-her possessions, her gods, and her very life-for the Israelite's one God. Madness, sorcery and sinister plots mingle like an alchemist's deadly potion, and Tia must dare to risk all - to save the kingdom, and to save herself.

My Review:

I have been a huge fan of T.L. Higley since first stumbling across one of her books last year. Whether she’s re-telling a story from the Bible or writing about a piece of history, I know the story will be captivating, thrilling and will keep me from accomplishing anything until I have finished it. When I saw her latest book, I knew I had to read it.

Garden of Madness did not disappoint. An exciting plot, romance, intrigue, characters from the Bible.. what more could we ask for? I quickly found myself transported through time, hurting with Tiamet, laughing with her, plotting with her, and watching her character grow from a spoiled princess to someone God could use.  This was one of the few books where I really enjoyed the development of the characters, and the resolutions.  

I really enjoyed this book and it’s definitely a book I recommend whole heartedly.

I received this book for review through BookSneeze.com in exchange for an honest review.

Word..less? Wednesday

 

[cue heavenly chorus] 

To be honest, getting a Kindle Fire wasn't on my wish list until about two months ago, when Rebekah decided she wanted it one. Even while we were researching together, the desire didn't strike me. Yes it looked cool, but really? I have two cell phones and a computer, do I really need another device? 

Yes. Yes I did. 

Once she had it in her hands, and then I got to have it my hands.. I knew I had to have one. 

Especially at such a great price! 

Even after I decided, I waffled, after all what if I needed that money for something important? I have so many things that need to be paid for.. the what if's were over whelming. But I shut them down and decided to do something fun with my money for once. 

I Love It!

I was up until 2AM reading a new book.

That 1-click Button is seriously going to be detrimental to my budget.

What I'm Reading

Firethorn by Ronie Kendig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Former Marine Griffin Riddell had found purpose working with Nightshade—until he’s falsely convicted of a murder that plants him in a federal penitentiary. Is there anyone he can trust? Amid explosive confusion, covert operative Kazi Faron breaks Griffin out of a maximum-security prison. Then she delivers the death-blow—-the Nightshade team has been dismantled. Together Kazi and Griffin must rescue the others and figure out who’s behind the sabotage. Can two people overcome their mistrust of each other in time to save Nightshade?

My Review:
I don't think my heart has stopped pounding since I put this book down an hour ago! I've only read one other book by Ronie Kendig, and was eager to read this one as well. Since this was the fourth book in the series, I didn't have the background that would have aided me while reading this book. However, once I was able to organize the characters into groups, such as: ones I cared about (Kazie & Griffin), the bad guys, Nightshade guys, and "The randoms" I wasn't able to put the book down!


If you are interested in thriller, military, romance books with a christian theme, this is the one for you! But... I'd advise starting with book one.

Tall, Dark, and Determined by Kelly Eileen Hake
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Welcome to Hope Falls where three enterprising young females are accepting applications for husbands-for-hire. With one woman already snagged, Lacey Lyman is one of only two remaining. No one really catches her eye until a handsome hunter arrives. Will Lacey find a way to bag her prey? Determined to investigate why Hope Falls’s mine collapsed, Chase Dunstan poses as a potential husband and a hunter, giving him the perfect excuse to poke around inside and outside of town. If only he could get the chatterbox Lacey Lyman off his trail. Can he keep his cover while solving the mystery of the mine?

My Review:
This book, has potential. I, like many others, started with this book, which turned out to be the second in a serious of books by Ms. Hake. I figuring out the back story, of the book, took some doing, but once I did, it moved along smoothly enough.


18-year-old Lacey Lyman and her four friends, have apparently moved to Hopefalls in an effort to save, or recreate a saw mill, that her brother had started before he was injured in a mining accident. This part was very un-clear to me, but beside the point.


Chase Dunstan, a mountain man by trade (whatever that means) has arrived in Hopefalls to figure out why his brother died, and who was responsible.


As I said before, the book had potential, I think the main theme was supposed to be romance, but just as the beginnings of a relationship were about to start, the author seemed to have enough, and they kiss, and are ready to get married.


Um.......


So, I closed the book feeling a bit disappointed. The potential was there, but it didn't quite live up to what I was expecting, considering the beginnings of the story.


View all my reviews




Both books were recieved to review for NetGalley and from the Publisher

What I'm reading

This week's review is brought to you by Bethany House Publisher!

Maid of Fairbourne Hall 

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall? 


Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?


On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love."


My Review:
I'm a huge Julie Klassen fan to begin with, and was very excited to get the opportunity to review this book. Our Heroine, Margret Macy is a well to-do young woman who is being forced to entertain marriage ideas to a man whom she doesn't love, by her money-hungry step father. In a desperate attempt to escape this fate, she and her maid leave her home, without a plan or clue where to go, or what to do.


Ms. Klassen kept me riveted to the story, as Margret becomes the maid in a household to man whose proposal she'd spurned long ago. I enjoyed watching Margret grow into a better person, as she was thrust in circumstances so different from that she was used too.


There are so many twists and turns to the story, you'll just have to read it yourself to find out more! :)

A Summation of the Week Thus Far..

This Week: I almost feel as if I have developed some sort of phobia when it comes to writing about my personal life. Every time I open the post editor, my mind goes blank, my heart rate speeds up and I can't think of a single intelligent thing to say.  This may be in part, due to the fact, that this week: Nothing Happened. To be honest, free time is fun when you've been slammed with work and school, as I had been a mere two weeks ago. Now... its boring. Its lonely, and a bit depressing. Yes it was a Holiday, and I got off work and all that, but I pretty much stayed at home, cleaned my house, play computer games and listened to a audio book.

Cleaning, Organizing and DIYing 

 A fifty six chapter audio book, I should mention, one in which the author dies before completing the final chapter of. The bad thing about it was that it was such a good story, and knowing the ending wasn't complete was a tragedy in and of its self, however it was nicely summed up by, some other dude. No he didn't go as far as too write the chapter himself, but he voiced what we hoped happened in the end. If you are a Jane Austen Fan you will adore Wives & Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell.

iPhone and Speaker playing Wives & Daughters

The remainder of the week will see me, working, carting my brothers & sisters around while my parents are on a "romantic getaway" and more baby-sitting. I know, don't be jealous.

In Other Blogs: Puppy Xander spent the night and helped me Baby-Sit and We were asked to give a review of Mr. Chewy on Texas's Blog. Be sure to check them out!

What I'm Reading

The Guardian Dukeis award-winning novelist Jamie Carie's most exciting story yet, a uniquely arranged Regency-era romantic adventure where hero and heroine know each other through written letters but have yet to meet.

Gabriel,the Duke of St. Easton, is ordered by the King to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from a high profile treasure hunt. But Alexandria ignores this royal reassignment, believing her parents are still alive and duly following clues that may lead to their whereabouts. Gabriel, pressured by what are actually the King's ulterior motives, pursues her across windswept England and the rolling green hills of Ireland but is always one step behind.

When they do meet, the search for earthly treasure will pale in comparison to what God has planned for both of them.

---
Once again I was disappointed by a Jamie Carie novel, I forced myself to read through too the end, only to wind up left hanging. So we have a young girl, whose parents are mysteriously missing and who has just found out she is under the care of a duke, she assumes is old and decrepit. She begins corresponding with said Duke, demanding money for the care of her estate..or so she says. Instead she decides to find her parents on her own, and embarks on a seemingly grand adventure all the while lying to the Duke about her goings on. Little does she know he is tailing her across the  continent. The story continues to build with them finally arrive in the same city, and unknowingly attending the same party. They meet... and... you are made to wait for the next book. I didn't really feel as if the characters or the story line was developed well, you just seemed to flit from point to point, without an intent. For instance we never find out why the Duke is suffering from this mysterious illness, or what relevance it has to the story line...all in all, I was just annoyed by the time I reached the end.

I received my review copy from NetGalley to read on my iPhone. 

What I'm Reading..

Indelible

Kristen Heitzmann 

In a clash of light and darkness, can courage prevail? 
Rescuing a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, Trevor MacDaniel, a high-country outfi tter, sets in motion events he can’t foresee. His act of bravery entwines his life with gifted sculptor Natalie Reeve—and attracts a grim admirer.

Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.

When a troubled soul views Trevor as archangel and adversary, Redford’s peaceful mountain community is threatened. Together with Police Chief Jonah Westfall, Trevor presses his limits to combat the menace who targets the most helpless and innocent.

----- 

After reading Kristen Heitzmann's Indivisible, the first book in this series, I was thrilled to find she'd written another. However it took me a while to get into the story; the bevy of characters introduced and followed throughout the book was a bit overwhelming. She starts out introducing the key characters, Trevor, ex-Olympian skier, search and rescue volunteer, and a business owner (can we say over achiever?), Natalie an artist with an eidetic memory, (something I had to Google to see if it was indeed real), Cody, Natalie's nephew whom Trevor rescued from a Mountain Lion, Aaron & Paige Cody's parents, the come Fluer, Lena, Whit & Sara, not to mention the characters from the previous book. I'll admit I clicked on this book several times on my iPhone and went to something else, before I decided to skip the first chapter and dive on into the story. Once I did that, I couldn't put it down. Despite the many characters, I felt Ms. Heitzmann did a good job at not only developing their characters, but the disabilities as well. The plot line, though similar in some ways to her previous book, took you on a whole new ride, this time involving children, danger and a whole host of other things. I felt as if I were on an emotional roller-coaster through out. Over all I really enjoyed this book.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Download Chapter Excerpts through the Sneak Peek program.

Blogging for Books Twitter Page

WaterBrook Multnomah’s Facebook Page

What I'm Reading

Pirate of My Heart: A Novel 

By: Jamie Carie

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a choice: marry the horrid man of her cold, money-grubbing uncle's choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with unknown relatives. Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra boards a cargo ship and meets American sea captain Dorian Colburn. But the captain has been wounded by a woman before and guards his independent life. A swashbuckling man doesn't need an English heiress to make him slow down, feel again, or be challenged with questions about his faith-or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.

------

I love pirate stories, especially if the girl happens to be the adventurer.. as soon as I saw the title of this book, I was interested in reading the r'r'r'rest of the story. Unfortunately I was very disappointed. I felt the plot line was un-clear, the story seemed to jump from point to point, rather than flow.

Not to mention, the one encounter with pirates was very.... boring to say the least. I felt that the story was a bit predictable, the mother was dead, and with in a couple of pages, the father had passed on, the Uncle turned evil, and the main character is shipped off, meets her true love on board said ship...but decides to continue onto her (surprise!) evil relatives.

To be honest I had to force myself to continue reading the book, as after a certain point it wasn't a "good read" anymore.

I wish there was a little more depth to the story, something to make me connect with the character and want her to succeed.

Received for review from NetGalley and Publisher

View all my reviews

What are you reading?

Gimme A Call 
By: Sarah Mlynowski 

Devi's Life isn't turning out at all like she wanted. She wasted three years going out with Bryan--cute, adorable, break-your-heart-Bryan. Devi, let her friendships fade, blew off studying, didn't join any clubs....since Bryan broke up with her right before senior prom, she has nothing left. Not even a working cell phone--she dropped hers in the mall fountain. Now it only calls one number..her number, at age 14 three years ago! 
Once Devi gets over the shock--and convinces her younger self that she isn't some wack--she realizes that she's been given an awesome gift. She can tell herself all the right things to do... because she's already done the wrong ones! If freshman Devi takes her advice, they can hold on to their friends, get into a good--no, incredible-- college, be an extracurricular superstar, and most importantly, spare themselves the heart break of Bryan! Fourteen-year-old Devi isn't sure though. She likes Bryan. She's happy. But who better to listen to than your future self... right? 


********
Though I thought the story line was a little weird at first, I mean honestly, who calls reaches themselves at a younger age via cell phone? I found it interesting nonetheless, especially as I've spent a couple of weeks, thinking of what I'd do differently if I were able to go through my teenage year's again. 
I can't say that I overly regret my teen years, I mean sure I was your typical teen, I disliked my parents, argued with them all.the.time, was set on doing my own thing.. but in the midst of that, I did make some good choices through God's help. 
Honestly if I had to do it over again, I don't know that I'd do anything much differently, as the difference I would have to do, would not be my personality..(that make sense?)..I would be a much different person now. Which would be weird,as I sort of like the current me. Sometimes. However there is one thing I would do differently, and that would be change my attitude about school. 
I'd be more driven, more motivated to get good grades, strive to get a scholarship that would allow me to attend a university or something like that. 
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with community college, I just wish.... I'd put some thought into what it was I was going to college for, instead of diving in as soon as I got out of high-school. 


Live and Learn? 


Yes. 


Oh! Ha. I did think of something else: 


Dear 17-year-old Me, 
High-school is done! Can you believe it? You have officially entered the adult world, it's time to get a job, a car, a driver's license!! There are so many new things you are about to experience, its kinda of overwhelming right? However, as you are going to through out your days, remember this, don't forget God, and for crying out loud DO NOT PURCHASE THAT FIRST MOUNTAIN DEW + SNICKERS BAR COMBO. I DON'T CARE HOW TIRED YOU THINK YOU ARE YOUNG LADY DO.NOT.DO.IT. Sleep in class for all I care, it would be better than getting hooked on this stuff! 


Trust Me. 


Your 22-year-old self. 


**If you could talk to your teenage self...what would you do anything over?