Some books are read. Some books are devoured. Not by Sight by Kate Breslin is to be savored. As much as I wanted to read this book and not put it down, I kept finding myself slowing down as I read in order to enjoy the wonderful writing and compelling story Kate Breslin gave us in this treasure, Not By Sight,
Grace Mabry, the daughter of a tea shop owner in London in 1917, and the twin sister of a brother fighting on the front lines for his Great Britain, is appalled and disgusted that any able bodied man would stay home from the Great War to laze around when so many are giving their lives for their country. Compelled by these emotions, Grace and her lovely companion sneak into a costume ball filled with many of these war dodgers in order to shame each man with the white feather of cowardice.
Jack Benningham appears to be the greatest coward of them all - at least on the outside. Upon receiving one of Grace's feathers, he is amused by her gall, and transfixed by her beauty, so much so that he loses track of the real reason he is attending the ball - a far more important one than just helping the Red Cross.
First, I really enjoyed learning more about WWI. As someone who generally sticks to WWII history, I am slightly embarrassed at how little I know about WWI - especially in England. It was fun to learn about the Women's Forage Corps and the suffragette movement in England and Europe, as well as hints at Mata Hari and the use of spies throughout Europe during the war.
I really loved the character development in this book. Everyone had such depth, both the main and secondary characters. Everyone also had a secret of some kind that they were hiding. While the overall story was about Grace and Jack, there were many side stories that played out throughout the book, that pulled me in as a reader and made me want to know more about each one. They did not detract from the main story, but instead helped it along in some rather surprising ways.
These stories also helped with the theme of the book: not by sight. As someone who has had poor eyesight her entire life, I really related to this theme, and its various meanings throughout the book. Sight can refer to physical, emotional, relational and spiritual aspects, and all three are dealt with in Not By Sight. While I've always dealt with the physical aspects of poor eyesight, I'm only really just now exploring it's meaning when it comes to emotions and relationships, and even sometimes, how my spiritual walk needs work. I've come to realize how blinded I am at times when it comes to these parts of my life, and it was interesting to see how the characters in this book dealt with their blindness in these areas, and how they changed because of it.
A truly beautiful tale full of glorious scenery, suspense and intrigue, and even a Beauty and the Beast-esque romance, readers will find themselves captivated by the wonderful story, complex characters, and the importance of living by faith and not by sight in all aspects of life.
Happy Reading!
Sarah K.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Review ~ Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot
Today's book is a first historical romance by an author who normally publishes hilarious contemorary romance and mystery/spy thrillers that I absolutely adore! Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot aka Camy Tang is an incredible historical romance. I love this author's contemporary works, and her first venture into historical is fantastic! Alethea, a spinster who was left nothing after her family died, is forced out of her home to live with a relative she barely knows in order to survive. While there, she meets the mysterious Lord Dommick - a man who shares her love of the violin. As she gets settled into her new life, the thing she treasures above all else - her violin - is threatened by an unknown thief. Alethea must discern who she can trust all while secretly sharing her love for the violin and her growing interest in Lord Dommick. Together they must keep her violin safe and catch the dastardly villain who is trying to destroy everything they have.
I loved this book! It captured my interest and kept me up into the wee hours trying to finish it. The side characters are delightful as well, and I do hope they get their own stories - especially a certain two who are destined to fall in love - at least in my opinion. The villain(s) are well written, and there is even an icky suitor that is disposed of delightfully - though not in the way I imagined! I cannot wait to read more from the lovely Camille Elliot!
I loved this book! It captured my interest and kept me up into the wee hours trying to finish it. The side characters are delightful as well, and I do hope they get their own stories - especially a certain two who are destined to fall in love - at least in my opinion. The villain(s) are well written, and there is even an icky suitor that is disposed of delightfully - though not in the way I imagined! I cannot wait to read more from the lovely Camille Elliot!
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Review ~ A Bride in Store by Melissa Jagears
A Bride in Store by Melissa Jagears is the second book in her Unexpected Brides series. I wrote a short review last year, and hope you enjoy it!
Such a wonderful sweet story with a slimy slimeface villian thrown in for fun. I loved that Ms. Jagears added in a bit of mystery to this delightful mail order bride story. This book is a wonderful historical romance full of fun characters, plenty of sparks, and a train robbery! I loved Eliza and William. Getting to know them was a joy. All Eliza wants is to marry her betrothed, and all William wants is to run his store while helping those who are ill. Knowing she has a head for business, William agrees to let Eliza take over the business side of things, which makes for some interesting situations with customers. Meanwhile, William has everything he needs to become a doctor - except the degree, and the courage to go get it. Both Eliza and William must hear and obey God's call in order to be happy, but in doing so, they just might have to give up their dreams for the future...or will they?
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
Such a wonderful sweet story with a slimy slimeface villian thrown in for fun. I loved that Ms. Jagears added in a bit of mystery to this delightful mail order bride story. This book is a wonderful historical romance full of fun characters, plenty of sparks, and a train robbery! I loved Eliza and William. Getting to know them was a joy. All Eliza wants is to marry her betrothed, and all William wants is to run his store while helping those who are ill. Knowing she has a head for business, William agrees to let Eliza take over the business side of things, which makes for some interesting situations with customers. Meanwhile, William has everything he needs to become a doctor - except the degree, and the courage to go get it. Both Eliza and William must hear and obey God's call in order to be happy, but in doing so, they just might have to give up their dreams for the future...or will they?
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
Review ~ Dare to Love Again by Julie Lessman
Dare to Love Again by Julie Lessman is the second installment of her The Heart of San Francisco series. I wrote a short review of it last year, and am happy to share it with you now. :)
Fantastic read as usual! I loved Allison and Nick and little Lottie. Allison's fierce independence is both inspiring and convicting at the same time. Her need to prove herself struck home with me, but also reminded me that it is ok to ask others for help. I loved Nick as well, and his drive to clean up the city of San Francisco.
The chemistry between him and Allison was delightful. It was also great to hear more from Allison's mother and uncle Logan's story. I hope those two eventually get together. They both deserve a happily ever after.
Finally, I'm looking forward to the last book in the series, though I do think the rest of the family needs their stories told as well - especially Allison's brother and the secretary at the law firm. :)
Fantastic read as usual! I loved Allison and Nick and little Lottie. Allison's fierce independence is both inspiring and convicting at the same time. Her need to prove herself struck home with me, but also reminded me that it is ok to ask others for help. I loved Nick as well, and his drive to clean up the city of San Francisco.
The chemistry between him and Allison was delightful. It was also great to hear more from Allison's mother and uncle Logan's story. I hope those two eventually get together. They both deserve a happily ever after.
Finally, I'm looking forward to the last book in the series, though I do think the rest of the family needs their stories told as well - especially Allison's brother and the secretary at the law firm. :)
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Review ~ The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron
Another short review here< this one is a WWII and current day story. The Butterfly and the Violin
Excellent book! I loved the way Ms. Cambron jumped back and forth between today and WWII. I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters, and their stories, as well as the story behind the painting. The only thing that could have been a bit better was the transitions in time. I felt that we missed stuff at times, that more story could have been on either side, especially the modern day part, but was cut in order to keep it to a certain length. Overall, it was a fantastic book, and one of my favorites for this genre. Excited to read more.
Excellent book! I loved the way Ms. Cambron jumped back and forth between today and WWII. I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters, and their stories, as well as the story behind the painting. The only thing that could have been a bit better was the transitions in time. I felt that we missed stuff at times, that more story could have been on either side, especially the modern day part, but was cut in order to keep it to a certain length. Overall, it was a fantastic book, and one of my favorites for this genre. Excited to read more.
Review ~ A Match of Wits by Jen Turano
Friends,
These next few reviews are shorter than those I've written in the past, but I hope you enjoy them nonetheless!
This is the fourth book in Jen Turano's Ladies of Distinction series, and by far my favorite. A Match of Wits:
AAAHH! I totally loved this book. I'm sad it's the last in its series, but it was a wonderful conclusion to the Ladies of Distinction. Jen did a fantastic job telling Zayne and Agatha's story. I LOVED Matilda, and I now totally want a pet pig of my own. She added so much excitement, laughter, and character to this book - she totally stole the show. The story itself was great, and the romance was dreamy. :) I also loved the mystery, and had fun trying to figure out who was behind all the dastardly deeds!
Keep up the great writing, Jen! Looking forward to reading more!
I hope you all enjoyed this book as much as I did.
Happy readings,
Sarah K.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
These next few reviews are shorter than those I've written in the past, but I hope you enjoy them nonetheless!
This is the fourth book in Jen Turano's Ladies of Distinction series, and by far my favorite. A Match of Wits:
AAAHH! I totally loved this book. I'm sad it's the last in its series, but it was a wonderful conclusion to the Ladies of Distinction. Jen did a fantastic job telling Zayne and Agatha's story. I LOVED Matilda, and I now totally want a pet pig of my own. She added so much excitement, laughter, and character to this book - she totally stole the show. The story itself was great, and the romance was dreamy. :) I also loved the mystery, and had fun trying to figure out who was behind all the dastardly deeds!
Keep up the great writing, Jen! Looking forward to reading more!
I hope you all enjoyed this book as much as I did.
Happy readings,
Sarah K.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Review ~ The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck
Hello Friends! Sorry for the long absence. I've got a few reviews I've written over the past year, and will be uploading them shortly. I apologize if they aren't as fancy as my previous ones. I'll try to get back into that style soon!
Up first: The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck
I have looked forward to this book for quite some time. I love Rachel Hauck's Royal Weddings series, and I enjoyed The Wedding Dress as well. I had a feeling I'd like this one too, and I was right.
This book switches back and forth between both time periods and point of view quite often. Ms. Hauck weaves back and forth between today and the 1940's-50's, and the story is told through the eyes of four characters - Coach Jimmy and retired actress Colette, and Taylor and her husband Jack. These characters are all intertwined, though at first it isn't quite clear how, their story of love and heartbreak, sacrifice and turmoil speaks clearly throughout. While this may sound confusing, Ms. Hauck does a great job of helping the reader keep track of who is speaking and when at the beginning of each chapter.
The story itself is beautiful, and spoke to me. Taylor and Jack are newlyweds struggling to figure out how to make marriage work. At times I wanted to smack them both and tell them to just communicate already! It caused me to sit back and look at my own marriage, however, and reflect on my own communication skills with my husband.
The other issue that was important in the story was that of sibling rivalry, and the idea that there are two sides to every story. It reminded me, yet again, that it is easy to judge someone when you don't know the whole story, and while sometimes that information doesn't change things, often times it does. Taylor's grandmother and Colette were sisters, and didn't get along at all. Many characters in the book didn't think well of Taylor's grandma, but she had a good relationship with her. This spoke to me, and reminded me to find the good in those around me.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Wedding Chapel, and recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance with history thrown into the mix!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
Up first: The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck
I have looked forward to this book for quite some time. I love Rachel Hauck's Royal Weddings series, and I enjoyed The Wedding Dress as well. I had a feeling I'd like this one too, and I was right.
This book switches back and forth between both time periods and point of view quite often. Ms. Hauck weaves back and forth between today and the 1940's-50's, and the story is told through the eyes of four characters - Coach Jimmy and retired actress Colette, and Taylor and her husband Jack. These characters are all intertwined, though at first it isn't quite clear how, their story of love and heartbreak, sacrifice and turmoil speaks clearly throughout. While this may sound confusing, Ms. Hauck does a great job of helping the reader keep track of who is speaking and when at the beginning of each chapter.
The story itself is beautiful, and spoke to me. Taylor and Jack are newlyweds struggling to figure out how to make marriage work. At times I wanted to smack them both and tell them to just communicate already! It caused me to sit back and look at my own marriage, however, and reflect on my own communication skills with my husband.
The other issue that was important in the story was that of sibling rivalry, and the idea that there are two sides to every story. It reminded me, yet again, that it is easy to judge someone when you don't know the whole story, and while sometimes that information doesn't change things, often times it does. Taylor's grandmother and Colette were sisters, and didn't get along at all. Many characters in the book didn't think well of Taylor's grandma, but she had a good relationship with her. This spoke to me, and reminded me to find the good in those around me.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Wedding Chapel, and recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance with history thrown into the mix!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
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