Book Review: A Study in Silks by Emma Jane Holloway

A Study in Silks by Emma Jane Holloway

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Evelina Cooper's world consists of steam-powered machines, fancy-dress parties, and the mysterious death of a servant in her best friend, Imogen's, house. This is Evelina's year to come out in Victorian society, that is, Victorian society of the steam-powered, speculative variety. All she should be concerned with is obtaining an invitation to be greeted by Queen Victoria, certainly not spending her time worrying over the untimely demise of Grace Child. Unfortunately for her, Evelina is the niece of renowned detective Sherlock Holmes, and like her brilliant uncle, finds the mundane, drudge of existence to be utterly tiresome. So, Evelina involves herself in catching Grace's murderer, not only to serve justice to the poor, murdered girl, but also to exercise the talents she has been given, both the intellect of the Holmes family, but also the magical talents of the Coopers. Evelina literally has a foot in two worlds, torn between the high society and promises of a good match, possibly even with Tobias Roth, the man her heart yearns for, or the world of the circus and magic where she grew up, and the Indomitable Niccolo whose very touch sparks unspeakable magic and passion between them. Evelina must decide which world to involve herself in, but both are fraught with tension, danger, and intrigue.

Ms. Holloway is a master storyteller. Even the characters that I do not want to like based on moral grounds (cough, Tobias, cough), I still end up liking. Her villains are solidly crafted, and her world is vividly devised. I love all of the steam-powered machinery, both the ones that are man-made, and the ones that have a little additional touch of magic to make them work like Evelina's Mouse and Bird. Steampunk fiction is rare, especially of the variety that I would like to read. I love this delightful world that Ms. Holloway has so flawlessly created with her agile and clean writing style. It's beautiful and vibrant and I wish I could see this world for myself.

Now, on to the reasons for only giving 3 stars. Ms. Holloway uses too many voices. The book is supposedly about Evelina, but because of the many other characters that we follow, there can be 30 or 40 pages where Evelina is simply gone. And unfortunately for the author, those tend to be the pages I like best. I like following the villains of the story because they are much more interesting than the heroine. I even loved the chapters from Tobias' view, and especially the ones from Nick's perspective. On top of that, Evelina is tormented by romantic afflictions of the most repetitive nature. I could understand ruminating over her dangerous feelings for Nick once or maybe even twice, but any more than that slows the story down and had me almost wishing to skip ahead to some action. This book is 531 pages long. She could have told the story more concisely in half the time and I would have finished it in 2 days instead of 9. Her plot and her characters are bogged down by too much information and too many voices.

The other point against the book is the heroine's supposed cleverness. She's not that clever, and a reader of even the remotest intelligence will note this fact. Everything Evelina discovers is told to her by someone else. Her investigative skills are sadly lacking, and it's a bad sign when the reader is 4 steps ahead of the heroine because one of the other characters revealed something to us, but not to her. Evelina seemed almost blind in comparison to me, but I really shouldn't blame her because I was the one with the other characters, not her, and I couldn't expect her to be a fly on the wall like me. If Ms. Holloway had narrowed the book down to a single voice, Evelina's, or even her, Tobias, and Nick, then the flow would have been much smoother.

Then we have Sherlock Holmes. In some ways, I think Ms. Holloway believes Evelina is more clever than the great detective. No, she is not. And by trying to declare that belief, however subtly, to me as a reader only made me think Evelina arrogant in her magical talents because she has something that Holmes lacks. Add to that the unrealistic tenor of Holmes' personality, and I didn't buy his addition to the story at all. She would have done better to develop this story in steampunk Victorian England utterly devoid of the great detective. I would have bought her story completely, instead I found the logical side of my brain saying, "Why would Holmes care about this?" or "He wouldn't act this way!" Ms. Holloway did herself a disservice by including the great detective.

"A Study in Silks" is, on the whole, very good. I love Ms. Holloway's writing style and her character development, but there is no excuse for the formatting or the length of the novel. I hope her next novel corrects some of the mistakes made in this one, especially chopping down the number of voices. I'll just have to wait and see.

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Book Review: Winter Shadows by Casey Bond

Winter Shadows by Casey Bond
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

- I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This review is painful for me to write because I always try to be as nice as possible to authors, especially new ones. But, I just could not get into Winter Shadows. There was nothing to grab me, not the heroine, not the hero (either one), and none of the secondary characters. Claire is bland and one-dimensional and I can't tell the two "heroes" apart half of the time, their personalities are so similar. I understand she's trying to write Christian speculative fiction, but the message, whatever it might be, gets lost because she lacks skill.

Had her writing been more active, I might have actually invested emotionally in the story, but truthfully, she needs writing lessons. Either from a college or just by picking up books on writing from the library. Her passion is there, but her skill falls sadly short. I hope before Casey attempts a second book that she takes the time to train herself. Writing is a craft, like any other, and it requires honing. Passion alone doesn't cut it. Working on her writing skills is the first step she needs to take, doing both herself and her readership a huge favor.

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Book Review: Burning Sky: A Novel of the American Frontier by Lori Benton

Burning Sky: A Novel of the American Frontier by Lori Benton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Read Chapter One

When Willa Obenchain is kidnapped by Indians at the age of fourteen, she expects to never see her parents again. She adapts to her new culture with the Wolf Clan, her new life. She even eventually marries and has children. Then, in practically the blink of an eye, she loses everything and is left adrift. She has two choices. She can either follow join the Wolf Clan at Niagara where the British soldiers have promised refuse. Or she can return home to the parents she hasn't seen in twelve years. She chooses the latter and is on that journey home that she meets Neil MacGregor, a scientist/botanist who is cataloging the flora of the American frontier. Despite all of Willa's hopes that her family might still be where she left them, she finds her former home vacant. The townspeople do not trust her, and the man she once cared for as a young girl just beginning to blush into womanhood has turned into a man she does not recognize. Willa must choose her identity. Is she Willa Obenchain, the daughter of German immigrants? Or is she Burning Sky, the Mohawk maiden? Her clan brother, Joseph Tames-His-Horse, desperately wants her to return to the Wolf Clan, but the decision must be Willa's. Fortunately for her, she does not make it alone because God stands at her side.

I'm not sure what I expected when I picked up this book, but it certainly wasn't what Lori Benton delivered. Once I started reading "Burning Sky" I could hardly put it down. I finished the last 100 pages well into the wee hours one night because I could not stop reading, even knowing I had to go to work the next day. Ms. Benton has a distinct knack for storytelling. In the hands of any other writer, this same story might be flat or even mundane. But Ms. Benton brings Willa's tale to glorious life. Her writing style is reminiscent of classical authors, but without being overdone. She simply knows how much to describe and what to leave to the imagination.

The main characters are deliciously realistic. I struggle with most heroines of historic fiction, but not so with Willa. She is a tormented soul who has suffered much and lost much. She is a confused member of two distinctly different worlds. I sympathize with Willa, feel her pain, want to heal her, and above all, I want her to love again. Neil is also relatable. He is a compassionate Scotsman who loves Willa almost from the very beginning. He stands by her even when no one else will, and he defends her even if it means he might get hurt in the process. He is a loving, decent man. Which is what makes the story almost painful for me because I love Joseph Tames-His-Horse. It's not that I dislike Neil, only that I love Joseph and Burning Sky together. I know why Willa made her choices. I understand her logic, but a part of me still wishes for a different outcome.

I know that Ms. Benton has a contract for another book by Waterbrook. I hope this 2nd book will not be her last because I haven't loved a historic author this much in a long time. Most of the historic books I read receive 4 stars because they're good, maybe even great, but Ms. Benton has a blessed touch with her writing that makes me salivate for her second novel. I pray that recreates the same magical prose she has mastered with "Burning Sky."

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

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Book Review: It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist

It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Cullen McNamara is frustrated as all get-out with his father for securing him a place at the Chicago World's Fair. Always a clever boy, Cullen invented an automatic sprinkler system for houses and barns. The Fair is everything he ever imagined it would be, but it turns out that his location in the Machinery Building is nearly deafening. And Cullen already struggles with his hearing at the best of times. He's nearly resigned himself to returning home since he can't even hear the few customers who might be interested in his invention. A stroke of good fortune comes his way, or maybe it's Providence, when Cullen discovers that the young lady he met on the very first day of the fair, Miss Della Wentworth, is actually a teacher for the deaf. She agrees to tutor him, and love blossoms at the Chicago World's Fair of 1893.

I practically eat, sleep, and breathe the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Have you ever read The Devil in the White City Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson? I know, it's about a serial killer loose in Chicago at the same time, but it's also about the development of the Chicago World's Fair and that, to me, is far more interesting. I never imagined anyone would write a book that actually took place at the Fair! Yet there it was, merrily sitting on the library shelf, just waiting for me.

Deeanne Gist transported me to 1893. I could see the setting and all the buildings, everything. All right, I admit that if you aren't in love with the Fair like me than you might find it a little dull. Your loss, I'm afraid, because Deeanne has penned yet another winner of Christian historic fiction! I love Cullen! I love Della! There really isn't a single thing I don't love, unless it's that rather nasty short story she wrote that really could have gone unwritten. So, that short you keep seeing pop up? The prelude? Umm, it's gross, and avoid it all costs. "It Happened at the Fair" is brilliant! Her short, not so much.

Bravo, Deeanne, you've done it again! Now to wait on your next novel!



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The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

 The mountain smoked beneath the moon.
The dwarves, they heard the tramp of doom.
They fled the hall to dying fall
Beneath his feet, beneath the moon.

- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

I spent the last year waiting for December 13th. It sounds absurd, but not a week went by that my thoughts did not turn towards Middle Earth and the journey of a hobbit and thirteen dwarves to reclaim a treasure and homeland. Sometimes, anticipation results in failure. I remember my excitement over the 2002 film Hidalgo and my total disappointment in it after seeing it in theaters.

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A Plethora of Christmas Ornaments!

All right, so I promised at least a few people to post photos of my tree, so here you have it!

I don't use garland anymore, but strings of gold beads.

You'll probably see them up-close in the next photos.

Meet Jack Frost! He's the newest edition to my ornament collection, a gift from my sweet sister because I love Rise of the Guardians so much. She even gave him to me early this year!

I'm sure it seems odd having Titanic on my tree, but it holds a purpose. One, as a reminder of the great and beautiful tragedy, and two, as a reminder of the lovely day I spent with Caitlin, Charity, and others at the Molly Brown House in Denver. We were in costume and it was magical.

Bilbo Baggins on the left, in honor of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug which hits theaters December 13th! And on the right, we have the Nutcracker Prince in human form. 

On the left is my favorite ballerina ornament, one that showed up in my stocking at least twelve years ago. And on the right is an antique postcard from the early 1900s. A gentleman was selling them at craft fairs last year. He framed them and everything, and it was just so beautiful I couldn't resist.

Caitlin found the ornament on the left sometime this year for me, and I found the pear at a lovely little antique store when I went for tea with friends.

Last but not least, the Hershey's Kiss a friend of mine gave me 17 years ago, when I still lived in Oregon. I was only about 11-years-old and I've treasured it ever since.

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LOTR Blog Party Tag Questions

So, yes, I am participating in two blog parties at once. Good thing school is mostly over! But how could I resist one for The Lord of the Rings? I mean, come on, I've lived the last twelve years salivating to participate in one of these!

Nine tag questions to rule them all....

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Winter Wonderland Blog Party Week 1: A Merry Little Christmas

I'm participating in Natalie and Anna's Winter Wonderland Blog Party. Instructions on how to join are on both their blogs! But even if you don't join, I hope you'll have fun reading my posts. :)

1. What Christmas tree ornament holds the most sentimental value for you or the most memories?
It's a glass Hershey's Kiss ornament with a little goldish heart on one side, tied with a red ribbon. A friend of mine gave it to me about sixteen years ago and it's the one I always look for first when decorating the tree.

2. Favorite Christmas cookie?
Oh, there are so many to choose from! Maybe Norwegian Thumbprint Cookies. I'm pretty sure it's my dad's favorite Christmas cookie too. Funny, we haven't made them yet this year. Maybe I can do that tomorrow.

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December 4th - The Nutcracker with Mikhail Baryshnikov

I was four-years-old the first time my mother took me to the ballet. It was in late November, and we went to see The Nutcracker. I've been smitten with the story ever since. Don't ask me who the dancers were because I have no idea, but the face of the Nutcracker Prince for me has always been and will always be Mikhail Baryshnikov. I had three heroes when I was a child: Macgyver, Luke Skywalker, and Mikhail. At least one of them was real.

Mikhail's Nutcracker warms my heart every time I see it. Every time I see a poster of him I wish I was the girl he lifted so tenderly into the air. I dreamed as a child and a young teenager that I was Clara. The ending to his Nutcracker is bitter-sweet, but that it makes all the more real.

So, join me now for Mikhail Baryshnikov's Nutcracker. May you love it as much as I do during this Christmas season.

P.s. If you can, find a DVD copy. I know our library has it, and I'm sure yours does to.

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Veronica Roth, what are you doing to the world!!! a.k.a. When reviews ruin the ending!

I don't know whether to be furious or grateful to this one Amazon reviewer for totally spoiling the ending of Veronica Roth's Allegiant. But because I'm a nice person, I won't go into details about the spoiler that smacked me upside the head.

Have you ever stumbled on a review that completely ruins your desire to read a book? I mean, I haven't even had a chance to read Insurgent yet because of school, and now I don't really want to touch it with a ten-foot pole. I've got it checked out from the library on my Kindle and it expires in a few days, and I'm just going to let it expire. I know myself, and I know that I'll likely never finish this series.

The ending might fit in with the character development . . . or it might not. I'll never know. All I know is that Veronica Roth might have made a monumental mistake. No matter how much a person might dislike The Hunger Games trilogy, at least the ending is satisfying. A lot of readers aren't happy with Roth's ending, and I suspect that will affect how well her movies do at the box office. I don't want to see Divergent in theaters now. I really don't, and all because I found about the ending. Of course, even if I hadn't stumbled over that stupid spoiler, even if I had read all the way to the end of the series, I suspect that I would still hate the outcome and never want to see the movies. It's hard to believe how excited I was about the story when I first read Divergent several months ago. The book was so fascinating and I just couldn't put it down. Sad to see what's happened between then and now.

There's a few reasons why I don't read very many Nicholas Sparks books. First, the man never permits happy endings. And second, he never permits happy endings! Maybe he's written one book, one solitary book, that doesn't end with me blubbering into the pages. So I decided to stop reading because he's gotten formulaic. Back when he wrote The Notebook his style was still fresh. People didn't know what to expect from the story, but now, well he's given himself away as an enemy of the happily-ever-after scenario. Sorry, Nic, but I'm not putting myself through your emotional rigamarole anymore!

Translation: Veronica Roth, I'm not tolerating your heartstring manipulation either! I can almost forgive J. K. Rowling for hers, even though she still made some critical errors when it came to the fate of certain characters. But this is J. K. Rowling, and despite Veronica Roth's apparent Christian faith, she supposes she can do it better than Rowling. I may not live in a Rowling saturated world, but I appreciate her knack for storytelling, and at least she got the ending right.

Who knows, maybe this post will inspire me to finish Roth's Divergent series. Then again, maybe not.

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Happy December 1st, My Darlings!

All right, so the way this works, I'm going to post something every day up until Christmas. Something that I find inspirational about the holiday season. Who knows, maybe I'll even snatch a photo of my sweet kitty being all cute and lovey-dovey under the Christmas tree.

But for the moment, we'll start off with Elvis singing "If Every Day Was Like Christmas."

Why this song? Because he's right. If every day was just like Christmas, what a wonderful world this would be.

So here, you have it, in honor of the King of Rock & Roll and the King of Kings, Elvis Presley singing "If Every Day Was Like Christmas."

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Book Review: A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano

A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



- I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Felicia has spent four years of her life, mainly those between 20 and 24, pretending to be something she is not. The facade she presents to society is that of a demure young lady with atrocious taste in clothes who yearns to marry a minister. Turns out, that's not quite the truth. God knew what she needed in a man, and the reverend she had set her sights on was certainly not it. When the reverend marries someone else, Felicia is forced to reevaluate her life, starting with her wardrobe and than the behavior she presents to the world. She is an upstanding Christian woman, but she's playful and crazy and prone to getting herself in trouble. And when the Lord brings Grayson Sumner, an English aristocrat, into her life she's finally read to get swept along with the changes coming her way.

Jen Turano hasn't been on the writing scene for very long, but her stories promise a glittering future. Her style is active and interesting and her characters lively. Unfortunately, and it is a small thing, there were too many characters for me to follow all of them. Perhaps if I had read the first books in the series I wouldn't have been quite so lost. Plus, while I am 100% pleased with her voice, I'm afraid the characters were a little too absurd for me to appreciate them. If I knew Felicia in real life, we would not be friends. She places herself in far too much peril simply by being careless and, well, foolish. It's hard to respect a heroine as foolish as Felicia.

Still, the faith-based aspect of "A Talent for Trouble" is thoroughly sound, the writing style is engaging, and I just know readers will continue to love her work. I may not read another of her books, but I am sure that I am in the minority. Best wishes to the author.



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Discovering Man's (and Woman's) Great End

Have you ever noticed how the hustle and bustle of the world in which we live sometimes interferes with the spiritual side of our life? The car needs an oil change, the kids have three different activities a week, dinner needs making, laundry needs washing; we go, go, go all the time. And the one thing that gets forgotten is our time with God.

I'm just as guilty of it as the next Christian, probably guiltier than most. The sacrifice we make when we don't spend time with God clouds the vision of who He has called us to be. Because He has called each and every one of us to a purpose. Surprisingly, they're all the same purpose. Oh, we might have different dreams, but the person the Lord wants us to be is the same for every one of us.

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Once Upon a Time in Wonderland (1.1)

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland (1.1): Down the Rabbit Hole

I'm in love, head over heels gone about this show! Maybe it's the Knave's snarky sense of humor. Or it could be that my little romantic heart goes pitter-pat at the adorableness of Alice and Cyrus. Or maybe it's their bringing in Jafar from Arabian Nights complete with snake staff. Or it could just be that I love Alice in Wonderland, but whatever the reason, this first episode has me completely hooked.

Once Upon a Time was never my thing. I never thought it was something I would enjoy because it looked entirely too ridiculous. But maybe I'll give it a chance now. Or maybe I'll stick with what I know that I love. I mean, come on! Alice and the Knave land in the Mallo Marsh! And they shrink the Cheshire Cat! And, and, it's just too adorable for words!

All right, enough gushing, down to brass tacks. The premise is that no one believed Alice when she returned home. She spent years trying to convince her father that her adventures were real, but nothing worked. She finally returns to Wonderland as a young woman to find something that will convince her father, and she meets Cyrus, a djin or genie. He's like no one she has ever met, and he's equally enthralled with her, but evil forces tear them apart. Alice returns home believing that Cyrus is dead, and she's committed to an asylum because of her fanciful tales. Except that the White Rabbit and the Knave of Hearts track her down and tell her that Cyrus is in fact, alive. He is her one true love and she must find him and so she returns to Wonderland on this quest.

It's beautiful, right!?

The story probably won't run forever because the writers have a very specific goal in mind and once it's over, it's over, but until then, the show is delightful and I'm so excited to see where it leads. I want Cyrus and Alice to be happy!

Next episode is Trust Me.

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Book Reviews: The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

The Governess of Highland Hall
by Carrie Turansky

Rated (3 out of 5 stars) 
 
Podcast interview with the author

When ill health forces the Foster family to return to England from their twelve-year mission trip to India, daughter Julia must do everything within her power to offer her parents monetary support. Since she is trained as a teacher, the logical choice is to become a governess, and so she immediately seeks such employment. Highland Hall is conveniently close to her parent's house, and so Julia prays desperately that Sir William will hire her to instruct his children and his two nieces. Little did she expect that upon receiving the position, Julia would find herself wishing for far more than just the place of a servant in this magnificent house. Kind and compassionate, she befriends both Sir William and his sister Sarah easily, and finds herself no longer dreaming of a return to India and her former life, but perhaps the start of a new life at Highland Hall.

To begin with the positive aspects of this novel: the heroine is charming and likeable, a secondary romance held me in rapt attention, and the children are adorable, both Millie and Andrew. It's sweet how Julia reads classic children's stories to them, like Robin Hood or The Jungle Book, and I love her patience with them. Sarah, William's sister, is a sweet creature, very compassionate and forgiving, who always tries to see the best in people. Plus, I learned about death duties, the taxes foisted upon the aristocracy by the English government when they inherit land or fortune. I had no idea that the taxes were so harsh, and that explains why so much of the aristocracy lost their homes. I just had no idea until this novel that there was such a thing.

Next, I can be a hopeless romantic, but it entirely depends upon the story I'm reading. Being choosy about the romantic fiction I read just comes with the territory for my personality type. So, while, The Governess of Highland Hall has many charming attributes, it simply did not serve to permanently peak my interest. One thing all readers should know is that the setting is in the Edwardian period, meaning Carrie Turansky is riding the coattails of the successful BBC miniseries Downton Abbey. Unfortunately for this book, I really dislike DA, or at best, have no fondness for it. It felt like watching a historic soap opera without any characters that would motivate me to care about their fate. In the same way, The Governess of Highland Hall delves perhaps a little too deeply into being a soap opera of emotions. And, if that were not enough, I feel that she based her story a little too strongly both on Downton Abbey, but also on Jane Eyre, which for me is almost unforgivable.

It is like a mishmash of both stories. Where the servants romantic lives are concerned, we have Downton Abbey. And where the young governess coming to care for the children of a brooding widower is concerned, we have Jane Eyre. I am not against people using the notion of the governess in literature. After all, Charlotte Brontë did not have sole ownership of that character type. However, if an author is going to use a governess in such a setting, it needs to be different from Jane Eyre. There was even a fire. I mean, really, that's been done and done very attractively in Charlotte Brontë's masterpiece. Also, and I hate to say this, but I dislike having Christianity be so prevalent in Christian fiction. Heavy-handed religious faith is unpleasant to read, sometimes even for Christians, and I feel that Ms. Turansky added a bit more than was good for the story.

Perhaps if Ms. Turansky's writing style had been more active, I could have appreciated the book more. As it is, the style lacks energy and excitement. She tells me everything instead of shows me. There is too much focus on the thoughts of the characters, for example, "William wanted to reply with the same sentiment, but his throat tightened, and he patted her back instead." I don't like hearing William's emotions like that. His actions need to show his emotions. She could just have easily left off the first half of the sentence and instead written, "His throat tightened and he merely patted her back." The reader is not foolish. We can understand what William is feeling without the author having to tell us what he's feeling. Show us his actions, and I guarantee that we will understand.

Finally, I'm sure that Ms. Turansky's book will be a great success. Downton Abbey is obscenely popular right now, and her book is full of charming characters. For me, it was just too similar to a great classic without having any of its meat. 

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

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The newest incarnation of Sleepy Hollow

Hmm, okay, how do I say this? I'm conflicted. It feels like I've been here before. Not here here, like a modern interpretation of Sleepy Hollow here, but there are definite elements that Tim Burton already used that this new show is utilizing. And that, my friends, isn't setting all that well with me.

Still, you want to know the best thing so far?

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Join me for an Impromptu Afternoon Tea!

Why impromptu? Because I like to fly by the seat of my pants and make my life totally complicated! Just kidding, but seriously, doing what I did this afternoon is not always the best method for having an afternoon tea. But I had one of the best excuses, a visit from a family friend who deserved to have an afternoon tea in her honor.

On the Menu

Cucumber, Crab, and Olive Tea Sandwiches

Sweet Lemon Scones

Mock Clotted Cream
Lime Curd

Irish Cream Tea

To discover my recipes, secrets, and certain methods of serving afternoon tea, come on into the full post, my darlings!

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My September Movie List

I know, I know. I just wrote that I didn't want to discuss movies that much on my blog anymore, but I can't help it. So, instead of writing a gajillion movie posts, I'll consolidate them into one post. Easy to skip for those not interested and easy to find for those who are.

Hidden behind this lovely break are my thoughts on Elysium (2013), World War Z (2013), Dredd (2012), and Treasure Island (2012).

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Elegant Blogger Award

First of all, thanks Lizzie, for nominating me! :) 

The rules:

• When you receive the award, link back to keepcalmandsparkle1099.blogspot.com and the blog that nominated you:  His Redeemed Child.
• Display the award button in the post 
• Answer all of the 12 questions given in this post (do not make your own questions) 
• Nominate 8 bloggers (see below)
• Notify them that they have been awarded.  

The questions:

1.  What made you start blogging?
I started blogging because of a friend, actually. She had a blog and I figured it couldn't hurt to try since I liked writing. I did actually keep a Livejournal account for years and years, but it has since been deleted, something I sort of regret doing because now all of those memories and experiences are lost. Oops! But, I've got new memories with my current blog, and that's enough.

2.  What is your fashion style?
Hmm. I love jeans and sleeveless shirts. Skirts and dresses not so much, but that's only because I never find ones that fit properly. I love the clothing line from Christopher & Banks, so lots of shirts with cute, festive designs on them. I guess you could say I'm casual chic.

3.  What is something none of your followers know about you?
Okay, this is embarrassing, but I can't defrizz my hair. Nothing I try works, and while it's not major frizz, it's enough to be annoying. So, my next step is trying Wen, a product that is supposedly great at quelling the frizz. We'll see.

4.  What are some of your blogging goals?
Well, I'd like to move away from talking about movies and more into my real life. This is why I blog about books, because I love reading, but I'm also planning little posts on ideas for Christmas decorating, hosting afternoon teas, knitting projects, that sort of thing. So, my goal is to be more genuinely me on my blog and let the world take care of itself.

5.  Where is your favorite place to shop?
I LOVE this little shop called Bernideen's in Old Colorado City. She has the cutest, most elegant merchandise, all tea related. She keeps a ton of teacups and pots, clothing and hats from the Titanic era, linens for the table, fancy foods imported from England, paper products from Punch Studio (my favorite line for cards and notebooks), and the coolest selection of antique china. It's just such a cute place, and Bernideen is an absolute doll! I've known her since I was about 16.

6.  What would your ideal amount of blog followers be?
Oh, probably around 50 or so. Although I wouldn't mind more than that, or even less. Right now, I'm quite content with the lovely ladies that make their presence known on my blog. I'm more into the responders than merely the followers. :)

7.  What are your talents?
I'm pretty awesome at knitting socks the four/five needle way. My fiction writing style is pretty active, something I've accomplished after sweating much blood. I can make a success out of almost any new recipe, the old ones, not so much. I'm great at reading, and following, patterns and instructions. You might not think it a talent, but it is, especially when my mother struggles with both patterns and instructions. ;)

8.  Are you a leader or a follower?
I can be either depending on the situation.

9.  What is one of your favorite quotes?
"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future."

10.  Do you have a favorite book or series?
Lord of the Rings, hands down. Followed a close second by Frank Peretti's This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness.

11.  Out of all the synonyms for elegant, which would you describe yourself with?  (smart -- stylish -- dressy -- graceful -- dainty -- fine)
Err, this is not an easy question. I am not graceful, although I was when I took ballet classes as a child. Stylish depends on the day. Sometimes I don't even put on makeup! Dainty, nope, never have been, and dressy, definitely not. I guess you could say that I'm smart, at least regarding some things, although I hate to say that because it makes me sound arrogant. So, we'll just go with smart since, frankly, what girl wouldn't want to be placed on that side of elegance?

12.  What is your favorite flower?
Is it bad that I don't have one? I know what ones I don't like. I guess I can just pick cosmos. The ones in our backyard are a lovely blue in the summer and very, very pretty.

I'm not usually comfortable tagging people, but here are the lovely folks whose blogs I consider elegant and delightful and haven't already been tagged.

Sorry that it's not 8 bloggers, but I don't actually follow all that many blogs. Hmm, maybe I should change that. :)

1. Caitlin
2. Skye
3. Birdie
4. Charity
5. Marian

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When I graduate this December . . .

. . . that pair of socks I started knitting last year will get finished. Those two library books I misplaced somewhere in the house in March will be found. My story about Francie and Trey will finally get edited. The hoards of books in my library stash will get read. The furniture in my room will be dusted and shined. The carpet will get a thoroughly deep cleaning. I will finally qualify for those jobs requiring a BA degree. And, most importantly, I will enjoy Christmas like I haven't done in years. If only my baby sister were finished with her degree, but not just yet.

Don't mistake me. I wouldn't trade my education for anything in the world. Some classes haven't added an iota of importance to my life while others have solidified my Christian worldview like nothing else could. I have read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein three times for different classes, loathed every moment of a children's literature class, and suffered through four math classes. I have developed an abiding love of literature from the Victorians and the British Romantics, and I shockingly love learning about the history of the Christian church. But I am now at the end of the road for my Bachelor's Degree. The lightness in my chest is pure heaven.

What will I be like? All I've known for the last 5 years is the girl driven to finish her degree. It seemed an endless tunnel of studying and grades and then, suddenly, that tunnel had an end. Who will I be when I no longer have professors to impress? Will my drive bleed over into my writing? Or will it find a new outlet in a new job? I can't even picture myself without another assignment deadline needing to be met. But I can hardly wait to meet this new Carissa who is waiting just around the corner of my life.

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Belated Birthday Shout-Out to Tony Denison of Major Crimes!

My delicious Silver Fox, I love you even when your character is being a complete and total a**hole.

Many happy returns!

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Book Review: Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund

Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



- Received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Susanna is the typical young lady to be found in the Americas just before the Revolutionary War. The daughter of a clergyman, she seeks to do good as the Lord desires, treating the downtrodden with compassion, but still maintaining loyalty to England. That is, she is loyal until young lawyer Benjamin Ross begins planting thoughts in her head, thoughts she would rather not have, of liberty from the oppressive British soldiers. It isn't until Susanna finds herself in the situation of helping a runaway indentured serving girl that she realizes some rules must be broken because God's laws are higher than man's. And perhaps she'll be fortunate enough to find love along the way.

This book is amazing, from start to finish. I could barely put it down. Susanna is the ideal heroine because you see her make decisions and not just believe everything thrown at her. She has to see proof before she changes her mind and the fact that she isn't easily swayed is appealing to me. She is not so stubborn as to be irritating, rather she is a darling young woman with a genuine compassion for those less fortunate than herself. Throwing Benjamin Ross into the mix was pure genius. He is vocal where Susanna might be quiet, passionate where she is calm. They are the ideal mix and the passion within their relationship is breathtaking.

So, I loved it. Jody Hedlund paints a clear picture of life in the colonies before the Revolution. And what's more she adds mystery and intrigue in the most frightening of ways. The one thing I would have changed is the background history of the villain. It just does not jive with his behavior. No one could possibly fall so far into evil just because an evil blow was dealt him. So, in that regard, I didn't entirely buy the motives of the villain, but the hero and heroine far make up for that flaw.

My next goal is to devour as many of Ms. Hedlund's books as possible because she is a marvel!



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Book Review: Reckless by Cornelia Funke

Reckless by Cornelia Funke

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



A part of me wishes that I could hold my hand over my reflection in a mirror and vanish to another world. Cornelia Funke works her magic once again with this new fairy tale series about Jacob Reckless, treasure hunter extraordinaire, who lives in our world, but vanishes for months, even years, at a time behind the mirror. The Mirrorworld's inhabitants are made up of elves, living stone men, a race of Bluebeards, child-eating witches who are despised by their healing sisters, and, of course, humans. To say nothing of unicorns, man-swans, lorelei, and other mystical and fabulous creatures of fairy tales and myth.

I won't bother to give a synopsis of the plot. I feel it might ruin some of the magic if I were to attempt an explanation. All I can say is that Jacob Reckless is one of Ms. Funke's finest literary creations. He is not Dustfinger or Mo from the Inkworld trilogy. No, he certainly is not, but he is complex in his own right. Just as Dustfinger attracted me with his cowardice, Jacob attracts me with his selfishness. Ms. Funke makes her characters so very human. They are imperfect, like antique cracked china, but that makes them real. You can see where they have been, and what created their flaws.

I'm not sure what other readers were expecting from this series. Perhaps another Inkworld. But the Mirrorworld is far darker, more brooding, and contains many more flaws than her gentler Inkworld. Jacob is a grown man with a man's desires. He has delighted in the presence of women because he has no moral code telling him otherwise. The scenes aren't witnessed, but they are alluded to, and so no, this series is not for children. I'm not sure it's for teenagers and not even for half of the population of adults who read fantasy. Only a small percentage of readers will appreciate this book and its sequel. I just happen to be fortunate enough to fall into that percentage. Now if I could only find a mirror that would accept my handprint on the glass, I would be a truly happy woman.



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Jane Eyre musical - starring James Barbour

All right, I don't usually condone bootlegs, but what are you going to do when musicals are never, ever put on official DVD? So forgive me, but I don't care!

I am in LOVE with the musical of Jane Eyre. My heart sings along with the performers and I never once imagined being able to see it live. Until my darling, sweet sister found this one, lone person on Youtube who had posted almost the entire production!

I'm only on video 2, but am even deeper in love with it now than I was before, and when James Barbour's Rochester sings As Good as You, I literally forgot to breathe! My temperature totally ratcheted up a few notches!

So, watch, enjoy, bask in the glory of the Jane Eyre musical of 2000! May you love it as much as I!

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Book Review: Severed Trust by Margaret Daley

Severed Trust by Margaret Daley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



- I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

In the small town of Summerton, life is normal. Kids go to school, parents go to work . . . and people pop prescription pills for fun. Kelly discovers the hard way that being accepted into a pill party isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially when another attendee ends up dead. But she's too scared to talk, not even to her best friend Lexie, and certainly not to Lexie's Uncle Ethan who just happens to be a Texas Ranger. Secrets and lies pile up and Ethan is desperate to get to the bottom of the mystery, especially before someone he loves gets hurt.

This is one of those books with a plot so true-to-life that it's terrifying. Pill parties are real. Kids don't just take heroine or cocaine to get high. It can just be a combination of pills snitched from their parents. So, in this regard, Margaret Daley addresses a very real issue that tends to get glossed over in literature, even Christian lit. Prescription drug addiction is real and it can ruin your life.

Now, on to the book itself, I couldn't really put it down. I started it sometime early this morning, before church, and just finished it now. Which means that the story was compelling enough to keep me reading. However, I will say that I think Ms. Daley had a few too many main characters. She changes perspective several times to represent these characters and it was hard for me to remember who was related to who and what their connection was to someone else. Also, I think it climaxed too quickly and with too easy of a resolution. I'm not sure what I expected, but not everything tidily wrapped up, well mostly wrapped up since I'm still not sure about one guy's motive in showing up again in his ex-wife's life.

Ultimately, the book would have been better had it been written strictly for teens. Because I read a lot of teen lit, I found Ms. Daley's voice to match teen lit better than adult. I connected with Kelly and Lexie much better than her adult characters. The teen voice just worked. I would like to see what she would do with a book written solely for teens. I think she would wow the Christian market and I hope she considers it someday.

On the whole, Severed Trust was a very compelling read about a terrifying subject, made all the more scary because it's real.



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Book Review: Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering

Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



- I received a free, advance copy of Rules of Murder from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Drew Farthering, wealthy heir to the Farlinford Processing company, adores murder mysteries. He even has the latest Agatha Christie novel on standing order from the local bookstore. But he never imagined that murder would show up on his own doorstep on the night of a glamorous party, and not just one murder, but two. And now, since murder has assaulted his homestead (huge though it may be), Drew takes it upon himself to put his nose for mystery to good use. With his closest friend Nick Dennison (son to the Farthering's family retainer) in tow, Drew determines to outwit the criminal mind wreaking havoc on his family. Add to the mix the lovely Madeline Parker (niece to Drew's stepfather) and the author has created the perfect concoction for a 1930s English mystery.

For anyone who enjoys the era of Wodehouse's Jeeves & Wooster or Agatha Christie's Poirot this book offers the highest appeal. The author knows the vernacular used in 1930s England by the young and horrendously wealthy, and particularly understands how to take a young man like Drew Farthering (would-be-detective) and make him interesting and fun. Because Drew is fun. He and Nick are such delightful pals, scampering around and trying to solve the murders that crop up on Drew's estate. The characters are likeable, from start to finish. Of course, loving Wodehouse's Bertie Wooster as I do, it only made sense I would adore such ridiculously playful characters as Drew and Nick. To some, I'm sure, they will seem silly and immature, but to me, they are delicious.

Ms. Deering's writing style is simplistic and minimalist, just as I like it. No absurdly big words that require a dictionary or long sentences where the reader forgets where the author was headed. She utilizes active descriptors instead of passive, helping the reader place themselves right in the thick of the action. And her characters are flawlessly designed. Drew and Nick, despite being cut rather from the same playful cloth, or unique from one another in character design. Madeline is a likeable heroine instead of annoying. I cheered for her and Drew. She brings out the best in him and that is what every heroine is called to do with her hero. Even his constant use of "My Darling" was rather adorable instead of irritating!

It isn't easy following in the footsteps of the great mystery writers like Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers but Julianna Deering makes an exquisite go at it. I admit, she had me going. Not so much that she had me fooled, but she fooled me into thinking she hadn't fooled me. I was disappointed for awhile, thinking I had the mystery all figured out long before I was even halfway through the book. There were too many cliches running around that made me originally think the novel mediocre at best. But the ending was a slam-bang finish and had me slapping my palm to my forehead in impressed disbelief. It's not easy to surprise a mystery connoisseur and I applaud her for managing just that!

I now salivate at the thought of a second book and wish Ms. Deering the best possible success!



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Book Review: Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden

Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



- Reviewed for Bethany House as a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Mollie Knox never imagined her precise, orderly world would ever shatter, but shatter it did, on a dry day at the beginning of October in 1871 when fire ignited all of the Chicago skyline. Running her father's watch business might have never been something she would have chosen for herself, but she excels at the fine craftsmanship and, better yet, the accounting aspect of the 57th Illinois Watch Company, named after her father's time during the Civil War. That night, as the fire blazes, Mollie finds herself fleeing for her life with Zack Kazmarek, the attorney for Hartman's, Inc. who purchased the majority of her watches for resale. Yet, despite the upheaval of losing almost everything, Mollie determines to start her life afresh, refusing to wallow in self-pity, she determines to rebuild her father's company, although now she has a little matter of Zack's unexpected adoration for her to contend with.

I'm a romantic in some ways, but not in others. I fear that for me Elizabeth Camden's main mistake was having a hot-headed hero. Don't get me wrong, I sometimes enjoy that type of hero, and I liked Zack very much by the end, but it was a long time in coming. I expected him to be cool and collected, logical, which is the persona he presents to the reader up until we realize he is almost goofy with love over Mollie. Goofiness in the male hero has never entirely been my cup of tea. Especially when halfway through the novel, a second man is introduced, Colonel Lowe, who I liked much more. I didn't buy into the author's storyline for him because it just not seem plausible so a little of the magic for me was lost right there.

However, with that out of the way, apart from the generally overdone romanticism near the first 3rd of the novel, I was quite thoroughly enchanted by Elizabeth Camden's story. She has a charming way with words that really paints a vivid image in the reader's mind of this historic setting and the fire as it destroys Chicago. The imagery is quite breathtaking. I couldn't ask for a better heroine than Mollie, who I respected as a strong woman, and I especially loved the little character of Sophie, the child Mollie and Zack find during the fire and care for until her family finds her. She is such a horrendous brat but only because she has nothing to do, nothing to occupy her time, and I loved Elizabeth Camden's gentle nudge that children need something to occupy them and they must not be too spoiled or it will ruin their character. That's a fantastic message she incorporated and I applaud her for it.

So, overall, a very enjoyable read. I wouldn't mind picking up a few of Camden's other books when I have the time.



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Make a Difference in Jesus' Name

"Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me."

Matthew 24:35-36

Today I looked into the eyes of shame and hopelessness hidden behind perfectly treated blonde hair and glitter eye shadow. Such a tiny little thing, probably only twenty, humiliated and ashamed that she needed help from a food pantry. Meek as a mouse, she accepted the food offered to her, tears so very near the surface. Wheeling her cart out to her neighbor's car and helping her load it into the trunk, we managed to make everything fit with a bit of squeezing. Then I turned to her, gently gripped her shoulders, and told her to never be ashamed or embarrassed for needing help. Because we've all been there and now our greatest gift is the opportunity to give to those who need it. She hugged me like I was her only friend in the world and it was only by the grace of God that neither of us burst into tears. I'll be there next week and the week after and every week with the hopes that the Lord opens a door for me to show her more of His love.

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Major Crimes: Guilty - Chapter 4

Story: Major Crimes: Guilty

Chapter: Four

Lead Character: Rusty

Rating: T for thematic elements (M only in 1st chapter for off-screen abuse of a minor)

Summary: One of Rusty's clients catches up with him, and it's up to Sharon to stop him.

Moi: I guess I'm making up for not updating in so long! School starts on Monday so let's see how far I can get until then. Also, I'd say this story takes place maybe halfway through the 2nd season. I just got caught up on the latest episode and obviously my Rusty hasn't shattered Kris's heart yet. So sad! *sniffle* Thanks for the reviews, guys, keep them coming.

(Click here to read)

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Major Crimes: Guilty - Chapter 3

Story: Major Crimes: Guilty

Chapter: Three

Characters: Rusty and Kris

Rating: T for thematic elements (M only in 1st chapter for off-screen abuse of a minor)

Summary: One of Rusty's clients catches up with him, and it's up to Sharon to stop him.

Moi: Please don't roast me for taking so long to update! But consider this, at least now we know Kris is a girl! I wouldn't have known that if I'd kept going with the story before the start of the 2nd season. Thanks for reading, and for reviewing. I appreciate each one of your thoughts and encouragements. I know the story isn't an easy one to read, so I commend you for coming along with me

(Click here to read)

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Book Review: Critical Pursuit by Janice Cantore

Critical Pursuit by Janice Cantore

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Two things exist in K-9 Officer Brinna Caruso's world: her scent-trained dog Hero and her hunt for child predators. Photos she's dubbed the Wall of Slime cover one section of her office, the faces of those child predators reminding her to be ever vigilant. Why? Because Brinna Caruso was once a six-year-old child, handcuffed to a post at an abandoned shack in the desert by a child molester, left to die. Except she was rescued, and even though Brinna's faith in God died that day, His compassion and use for her continues on in her calling as a police officer.

When a lawsuit crops up against her involving the death of a minor, Brinna is temporarily busted down to patrol. And her partner is none other than Jack O'Reilly, local basket-case who ended up "five fries short of a happy meal" when his pregnant wife died in a head-on collision with a drunk driver. She must leave Hero at home and work with a man she would really rather not, especially when her first good look at him reveals not just dead eyes, but empty, creepy eyes. Jack O'Reilly is a train wreck, made worse through his loss of faith in a God he once loved. Can these unwilling partners help one another not only heal, but also stop the sudden influx of missing little girls with a suspiciously similar MO as the way Brinna was abducted and restrained?

I judge my Christian thrillers according to two separate authors. If a writer falls somewhere in between Dee Henderson (pretty good) and Brandilyn Collins (the best there is), then they've succeeded. Janice Cantore's Critical Pursuit hits the mark to perfection, falling somewhere right in the middle. It's always hard reading a book where the main character not only struggles with God, but is outright bitter about Him. But I get it. I get sometimes why there is a struggle because it is very human to feel that He lets us down when something doesn't go our way. Brinna's bitterness doesn't make her unlikeable, just as Jack's raging against the Almighty rather makes me feel compassion than frustration. Non-Christians ask the question, "If God is so loving, how could He allow so much evil in the world?" It's a normal question that they ask, especially now in this era of doubt. And I feel that Janice Cantore covered that question very well, and even though not every emotion is wrapped up in a neat little package by the end of Critical Pursuit, I feel it will be by the end of the series.

One of the things I like most is how Ms. Cantore doesn't delve into the nasty details. I'm sure she saw her fair share of ugliness in her years as a cop, but her readers don't need all of that detail, and so she doesn't give it to us. It's hard and angering to read about pedophiles, but Ms. Cantore spares us too much informatino. And I for one, appreciate it! I don't really read much in the way of suspense anymore, but I couldn't put Critical Pursuit down, well, except to go to church. But my entire thought process for two days was finding time to finish her book because it is so fascinating with such realistic and relatable characters. I admit that I guessed what would happen next so the climax wasn't much of a surprise, but it still interested me because I was emotionally invested in the characters. I'm excited to see where she takes the series and the characters, and I hope I get to see more of Jack's old homicide partner, Ben Carney, who never stopped caring about Jack even when Jack stopped believing. The next book can't come soon enough for me!

Please note, I did receive a free advance copy of Critical Pursuit from Tyndale House Publishers in return for an honest and open review, which I have given. I also hope that the occasional misspellings of words/names and the repeating of the same conversation between Brinna and Tony in my Kindle edition is fixed before actual publication.



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Book Review: Trapped: Caught in a Lie by Melody Carlson

Trapped: Caught in a Lie by Melody Carlson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



GraceAnn's parents graduated from USC and are prestigious and wealthy doctors. She's well on her way to an acceptance letter from Stanford by the end of her senior year. But when her boyfriend, Clayton, breaks up with her, accusing her of being too demanding and high maintenance, her grades plummet for one week, a single week, and in only two classes. Unfortunately, the bell curve for grading results in an F for both exams and GraceAnn's dreams of Stanford grow dim. Until she catches a classmate cheating and suddenly a possibility open before her. Ask to retake the test, using the confiscated answers from her classmate, or just accept the bad grades. the good Christian girl is faced with a choice and before she knows it, GraceAnn is caught up in a web of lying.

I don't get the whole pressure to excel in school. Cheating as a homeschooler was impossible since there was no one to cheat off of other than myself. My folks expected me to go to college, but there was never the pressure to attend a higher-end university. They knew I would go to college when it was time, and I would pick the school that worked with my finances because I would be paying for it. No academic pressure from them, ever, which was awesome. So I don't get GraceAnn. I really don't. And the more she lies, the harder it is for me to connect with her. I get making a mistake that first time and feeling guilty. That's when you come clean because you just can't keep the lie inside. So when she's always talking about wanting to turn back the clock and make different choices, I roll my eyes because she could start making different choices now.

Anyway, despite my lack of empathy with GraceAnn, I realize that her issues are issues that plague high school students everywhere. So this is a very real topic of concern and therefore I think Melody Carlson captured it sufficiently. Even though GraceAnn's story didn't move me, it will impact others, and that's what counts.



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Book Review: Damaged: A Violated Trust by Melody Carlson

Damaged: A Violated Trust by Melody Carlson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Just as I was moved to grief by Enticed and Forgotten, Damaged reminds me of how desperately victims of sexual abuse need support and compassion. When Haley petitions the court to live with her dad, she's hoping that this will be the start of new beginnings. Sure, dad has a girlfriend who's closer to her age than his, but it's awesome being able to dress in clothes she likes and have a little freedom from her mother's overprotective nature. Within a few days of being at a new school, it feels like she's finding acceptance amongst the in-crowd. Never mind that they don't know the real Haley, the Haley who can't stand action movies or vinegar on her fish and chips, the Haley who really doesn't like football and listens to Taylor Swift. And that's the first step down a very dangerous road of pretending to be something she's not just so she can fit in. And when Harris Stephens casts his eye her way after a nasty break-up with his girlfriend, she couldn't be happier because he's everything she's ever dreamed. Or is he?

I know that one of the arguments against this book will be Haley's mother. The woman is a legalistic Christian whose focus is on judging instead of forgiveness. She's resentful, bitter, and beats her children and ex-husband over the head with the Bible instead of showing them the love of God. This might just upset a few folk from a legalistic background, but I couldn't agree with Melody's conclusion more. What Haley and her Dad need is a church founded in forgiveness and the love of the Lord. They found it in the arms of a non-denominational church and that can be something of a touchy subject for some Christians too. Since I attend a non-denominational church and find the teaching to be sound, I'm thrilled for Haley and her dad. Others might not agree or like their need for a non-denominational setting.

A few aspects of the story are also a bit contrived, such as the circumstances surrounding Haley's bad experience. I didn't buy into it completely and if you read the book, you'll see why. But, just as with Melody's other books in this series, she addresses a very real topic that is relevant to teen girls today. She braves a topic that most Christian authors give a very, very wide birth, and I applaud her for it. While this book might not be useful to a girl who has had Haley's experiences, it might help a friend of someone who has, give them insight into what their friend is going through, and maybe help them find a way to prove to their friend that they are not damaged beyond repair.



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Fanfiction advice needed! :)

All right, so I've got a gal on my Fanfiction.net account who wants to post this Lord of the Rings story on her community. I've already edited it (I wrote it 10 years ago and it needed help), so give me your thoughts if you wouldn't mind. I rarely ask for feedback on my stories before I post them, but since this one's going on a community, having a few readers first is a good plan, I think.

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Book Review: Out of Control by Mary Connealy

Out of Control by Mary Connealy

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I don't mind flawed characters in Christian fiction. What I mind are those supposed spunky heroines who don't have a lick of good sense and run off into danger at the drop of a hat paying no never-mind whatsoever to their sweetheart's words of advice. That's what I hate and that's what describes uppity Miss Julia Gilliland. The thing is, I believe the author intended us to like Julia. I'm sure she must have because no author really sets out intending their readers to dislike their heroine. So, I give Mary Connealy the benefit of the doubt that she didn't want me to dislike Julia. But I do. She comes off as, at best, distracted to the point of recklessness. I like my heroines to be relatively practical and Julie does not fit that requirement.

Then there is the supposed hero of this mixed-up historic romance, the dashing Rafe Kincaid. I disliked him already when he started bossing around a woman he had no right to boss around. He's often thinking about how desperate he is to marry her, but he doesn't know her at all, and what he does know about her, like her obsession with fossils, irritates him. He kisses her just to keep her quiet and that is a bad way to start any relationship. I'm supposed to cheer for Julia and Rafe, but the problem is, I don't like either one of them. Their relationship was a failure for me.

This book gets positive reviews, as does Ms. Connealy. Many readers love her work, and that's fantastic. I just don't find enough substance in the relationships to have enjoyed investing my time in this book. Most Christian fiction is relationship driven so you must, absolutely must, get that part of the story right. On a purely stylistic level, Ms. Connealy feels merely mediocre. Her descriptive vocabulary is extremely limited, often repeating the same descriptive terms in abundance. Let's just say that I expect more out of my fiction because I've invested my time in the story.

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Book Review: Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis

Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



"Bother!" said Edmund, "I've left my new torch in Narnia."

I can't count the number of times I've read this book, but it grows dearer to me with each reading. Like rediscovering a gem I'd half-forgotten. That's the beauty of Narnia.

In Prince Caspian, the book follows Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy as they are called back to Narnia, this time from the blowing of Susan's magic horn by the desperate Prince Caspian as he fights alongside the Old Narnians against his Uncle Miraz. One of the best aspects of this book is how the timeline is so inventively written. We learn about Caspian, but only halfway through the book, after the children are called from England and have no idea why they are in Narnia. It's a fantastic and clever design and one more writers should use. Playing with the timeline, when done right, makes a story much more interesting.

It's possible that people can read about Narnia without understanding the complexity of its allegory. But where's the fun in missing half the point? C. S. Lewis knew how to be faithful to his beliefs in his writing without cramming it down anyone's throat. As a Christian, I know who Aslan represents, and his interactions with the children when they disappoint him, still so filled with love, is telling of Christ's interactions with his children. It's beautiful and I think it's profound in how Lucy is the only one who first sees Aslan in Prince Caspian. Perhaps because she was looking for him. It's a beautiful book, one I read to my sister before she could read chapter books, and one I hope to read to my children should the Lord bless me in that way.



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Book Review: That Dog Won't Hunt by Brandilyn Collins

That Dog Won't Hunt by Brandilyn Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



My first reaction to this book was "What the?" I'm a long-time fan of Brandilyn's seatbelt suspense, as she's coined the intense adrenaline rushes she puts to paper. This is not those books. Like a few other reviewers I halfway expected an evil villain to show up, threatening, well, somebody! But that doesn't happen. And it didn't need to happen is what's more!

Within 3 chapters, I was completely and totally hooked on the lives of Brandilyn's Dearing family. The basic plot point is getting all of the immediate Dearing family together for their yearly family reunion. Except this time the baby of the family, Ben, brings home a fiance. Now Mama Ruth and her hubbie Syton are open-mined about this girl, but equally worried that they might just scare her away with all of their playful rough-housing and teasing. She and Syton have three girls, two of which have spouses and children, and they're a fun-loving group. What she doesn't count on is the emotional baggage that Ben's fiance, Christine, is saddled with and the terror Christine feels at making even a simple misstep and incurring the family's wrath.

Really, the book follows three separate threads. And all those viewpoints make it awesome and interesting. We follow Ben and Christine from their respective viewpoints, one of Ben's sisters and her potential sweetheart from their viewpoints, and then Mama Ruth. It's a terrific way to cover this type of family drama because just one viewpoint would overwhelm and even bore the reader very quickly. Brandilyn avoids that ho-hum nature of the family drama with her typical upbeat writing and poise. I couldn't stop reading, even if it meant reading into the wee hours of the night, which I did.

There are no boogie-men to jump out at the main characters (except the ones they carry with them), just a simple, quirky, loving family as they find their way with grown-up children and a cute little Yorkie named Lady Penelope who knows she's queen of the pack even though daddy won't let her into the dining room with them for supper.

Don't go into this book expecting Brandilyn's typical genre. But if you're willing to accept that this is a different genre from her norm, than I think you're going to be pleasantly surprised and definitely entertained. Now to wait upon the sequel!



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