The Reluctant Bride
by Jody Hedlund
Tag: Fiction
The Reluctant Bride
All Manner of Things
by Susie Finkbeiner
MY REVIEW
A well written story with incredibly well developed characters. The timeline being that of Vietnam made it fascinating as that’s not a common backdrop for a fiction novel. For me, this story was definitely driven by its characters…by the end of the novel, you feel a part of the family…the depth of the characters so real, genuine, and engaging.
First of all, I know people who read my reviews will want to know that words such as “Golly,” “Gosh,” and similar words are used frequently throughout the story. I’m guessing these words were common during this time, but they aren’t words I use. I know some readers of my reviews don’t use them either so I wanted to make sure I mentioned that. No, there are no swear words or bad scenes…other than what is mentioned. It’s a completely clean novel with a minor faith thread that starts about half way through the story. It’s a natural progression of the story and done quite well.
The first words that comes to mind in regards to this story is it’s Americana. It’s the story of an American family and community. Their tragedies and triumphs, the difficulties of coming of age, the burdensome problems of aging, the troubling ebb and flow of relationships…a well written drama full of life..real life. It reminds me much of Chris Fabry’s stories. Taking a piece of time, placing in it characters to love, and giving a tale of how lives are intertwined and how the dynamics of family play out. It’s a bittersweet story that could be similar to your neighbors. Nothing flashy, nothing suspenseful..life in all its beauty and heartbreak.
It’s a winsome story that will touch your heart because of its veracity and endearing characters.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Between Two Shores
by Jocelyn Green
I read this book back when it released earlier this year, but it was such an amazing read that I wanted to spotlight it on my blog which is fairly new.
A book with wonderful depth, terrific characters, amazingly accurate historical detail- these all combine to make a read that kept me awake till 2AM to get to the conclusion. One thing that I really loved about this book was that everything doesn’t necessarily turn out the way one might think, but that is life. God’s ways aren’t always ours, and sometimes he has a different path for us than what we wish. His way will be better.
I enjoyed the characters in this story, and one feels pulled into the time and place by the terrific historical detail. With all the treasures this book holds, I had to give it my rare five stars. You should get your hands on this read! It’s a beautifully written historical novel that just is meant to be read and savored!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge:Laurel’s Dream
by Pepper Basham
Pepper has written a beautiful novel…just as beautifully written as the picture she describes of her precious mountains. The main characters are sweet and take your heart. It has the good of people and the evil, the sweetness and the temper. The writing evokes so many emotions as the reader gets to know the beautiful Appalachian mountains and it’s people.
If you have followed this author for any length of time you know she has a special love for Appalachia. Her passion for the place, people, and her roots really comes through in this read. I have followed this author from her first book, and I think this may be her best yet.
It’s so incredibly done, and it has a special place in this readers heart!
I received this book from the author. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
How the Light Gets In
by Jolina Petersheim
This is a masterpiece of a novel. I love the authors voice and how well she writes this book. I’m always mentioning, when authors ask what I’m looking for in a book, that I want more books beyond the wedding. Perhaps it’s not as romantic, but I retally enjoy reading books that have life lessons and are realistic….books to which I can relate.
There are several things in this book to which I relate, the biggest one really is adoption as we adopted a child that required much time and care. There is much to love about this read.
There is a twist in the book that I still am not sure exactly what I thought. One thing in particular I didn’t like, BUT this book evokes so much emotion that I as a reader was totally invested in these characters ( and kids in a book- I LOVE that!).
The twist is really totally brilliant and skillfully done on the authors part…but it doesn’t feel so much that way on the readers part as the reader makes their way through the plot twist. If a writer can pull so many emotions from a story, though…it’s gotta be a good one. Whether the reader is perfectly happy with the ending or not, I just had to give my rare five stars because I was confused, a bit upset, yet somewhat happy at the same time…and those emotions have changed as I’ve thought on the novel. This is a book I will be thinking about for a long time to come. This novel is really exceptionally done!
I highly recommend you read this book…and I’m so looking forward to reading everyone’s thoughts on this read. I’ve never read a book like this one.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Memory House
by Rachel Hauck
The author really delivers in this read! So much about life…it’s tragedies and triumphs, mountains and valleys, times of spiritual weakness, and times of spiritual growth and grace.
The characters in this book are very well done, and I was so glad that a big fight over a secret wasn’t the climax because that is rather overused. I read a lot so I tend to notice…plus it’s a constant Hallmark trope as well. This book breaks from the mold in many ways, for that, if for no other reason- it made this book stand out to me.
We adopted so that being a subject in the book also gives the book a special feel. This book has pretty much all emotions.
How people deal with loss is different for everyone, but there is only One who can make you live again! To me, that was much what the book was about…walking through the valleys, never forgetting them,but using them to continue to live.
I enjoy Rachel Haucks reads…this has to be one of my favorites by her. There were a few things I wish had been explored more or places where I wanted more remorse or a different emotion. This was a personal preference, tho, and this book was really well done with the plot and storylines. There is depth to this story that makes it a definite re-read…and some things on which to dwell. Definitely a book to read, savor, enjoy, and cause the reader to muse more about life…the messy, the tragedies,the lovely, and the ugly. It’s far more than just a romance read so go get your hands on this one!! Take yourself to another’s world and see if your perspective of things doesn’t change..at least a little.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Golden Bride
by Kimberley Woodhouse
The Golden Bride was an enjoyable story with fascinating history. It was an easy read based in San Francisco during the time of the gold rush. The story did a good job of explaining the conditions of the city during that time.
My favorite part was the sweet pieces of history from the previous books in the series! What a treat that was… I also enjoyed the strong faith theme in the book.
This is another delightful read in the Mayflower Bride Series.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.