Forsaken Dreams

Description from amazon: 

Embark on a seafaring adventure in a brand-new series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall. After witnessing the death and destruction caused by the Civil War, Colonel Blake Wallace is eager to leave his once precious Southern homeland for the pristine shores of Brazil and the prospect of a new Utopian community. Widow Eliza Crawford seeks passage on Wallace’s ship harboring a dirty secret—and a blossoming hope for a fresh start. But will dangers from the sea and from man keep them from the peace and love they long for?

My thoughts: 


It took reading 39% of the book for me to really become hooked on it. From that point until I finished it, I could not put it down. Fascinating story, I've been looking forward to this series since reading about it on MaryLu's blog awhile back. The characters and the storyline do not disappoint, I would rate both of those 5 stars. 

I am rating the book as a whole as a 4 star book however. There were a couple of, what I felt were historical errors, in the book. in an early chapter of the book, a character stated he'd been in a battle in '84. As the Civil War took place between 1861 and 1865, I did feel this was likely a typo. Also, Eliza's (the main female character) father was stated to have worked for President Jefferson Smith. My assumption is the author was referring to the President of the Confederacy, who was Jefferson Davis, not Jefferson Smith. Although neither of these issues stopped me from completing the book, they did impede my enjoyment of it. 

I liked the secondary characters and hopefully will see their stories continue in subsequent books in the series.

Hello again.

Hello everyone, it seems that I have taken a bit of a hiatus from blogging, however that is about to change. I am planning to start posting new reviews very, very soon.

The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden

From the back cover:

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

But time has changed them both.

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

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

My thoughts:

I was completely captivated by The Lady of Bolton Hill. It stands as one of my favorite books of the year, thus far. I must say I love the Gilded Age, and I am very pleased to find more books are being set during this time.

Both Clara and Daniel are wonderful characters, and their story has several star-crossed qualities. Clara being from the upper class, while Daniel being from the working class. As a reader, I find myself drawn to the heroes, and Daniel Tremain is one I will not soon forget.

I also loved the secondary characters. I found Clara's brother, Clyde, to be quite interesting. It was intriguing how the siblings choose different areas to service. Clyde with his work among the Navajo, and Clara with her muckraking articles. And what can I say about Bane, without giving away a major plot point. I can only say I found him completely fascinating, and would love to see his story further explored.

The Lady of Bolton Hill is a book that has stayed in my mind long since I finished reading the last word. I look forward to reading other books by Ms. Camden.

**Many thanks to the Bethany House publishers for the review copy.**

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

From the back cover:

Do they have a fighting chance at love?

After completing his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade Levi learned at his father's knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past.

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs in the town her father founded. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she's reluctant to trust him. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Eden believes she's finally found a man of honor and integrity. But when the truth about Levi's prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections?


My thoughts:

I cannot begin to say how much I loved To Win Her Heart. Karen Witemeyer is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her characters are deep, and frankly unlike many in Christian fiction today.

I adored the relationship between Levi and Eden. The pasts of both characters were fascinating, and I especially loved Eden's character growth throughout the book. The supporting characters were rich as well. Honestly, I'd love to see Chloe and Duncan's story explored further. I loved them, and the way Chloe saw everything.

As for the villain, I simply must say Sheriff Pratt was aptly named. I cringed just about every time he was in a scene.

Levi's speech impediment was superbly handled. As someone who had a speech impediment as a child, I found his searching for the right word, and reluctance to say the sounds he found problematic to be touching. I loved his eloquence with written language though.

I could not put To Win Her Heart down, and I highly recommend it.

Against the Wind by Brock and Bodie Thoene

Synposis from goodreads:

As Nazi forces tighten their net of evil over Europe in 1940, famed Jewish concert violist Elisa Lindheim Murphy escapes from Vienna to England. But both Elisa and her American newsman husband, John Murphy, are convinced that nowhere in Europe is safe from Hitler's seemingly unstoppable forces.

As Nazi U-boats patrol and sink Allied vessels in the North Atlantic, Elisa makes a desperate but brave decision—to accompany Jewish refugee children on a civilian transport through treacherous seas to seek asylum in America. At least there, in the land of freedom, the ragged remnant of the Jewish people can live on in peace and safety—or so she hopes. But as German torpedoes streak toward the refugee ship, Elisa will face the greatest trial of her life….

My review:

I would probably rate this about 3.5 stars.

My thoughts on Against the Wind are so jumbled right now. I loved the Zion Covenant series, it has a permanent place on my keeper shelves. Elisa and Murphy are two of my all time favorite characters, and one of my favorite couples.

I loved the first third or so of Against the Wind. There were moments that made me gasp, and it was wonderful to reacquaint myself with Elisa and Murphy. However once I was at the point where Elisa boarded the ship for America I found myself scanning through the pages.

My biggest issue with Against the Wind came from Elisa's diary. This diary covered the story of Vienna Prelude, and I felt there were serious continuity errors within the diary sections. Events were changed from how they occurred in Vienna Prelude, and there was one section of the diary where the dates used did not make sense at all.

I do wish to compliment Summerside Press on the cover art. The photos of Elisa and Murphy are pretty much the way I have always pictured them in my mind.

Non-fiction: Curiosities of the Civil War

From the back:

You'll discover:

• The first setting president to be exposed to enemy fire.
  

• What badgers, pigeons, and bear cubs had in common during the war.
  

• Which of Stonewall Jackson's limbs received its own proper burial.
  

• The turtle-shaped ship designed to douse its opponents with boiling water.
  

• Which Confederate general was responsible for introducing camels to the Southwest.
  

My review:

The first thing I must admit is the Civil War has never been one of my favorite times in history. However, this book intrigued me from the moment I read the title. From the title I imagined it would be interesting stories about the war. I was correct, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Curiosities of the Civil War. The book is full of human interest stories about the Civil War.

There were plenty of times I was laughing as I was reading the book. The chapters I enjoyed the most were “Famous – Or Soon to Be.” This chapter read like a who's who in the Civil War. It was fascinating to read the rest of the story behind these people. Another chapter, I enjoyed was “The Names were Changed,” which was people who had changed their names. Many of these were foreign born soldiers who sought to Anglicanize their names.

I would recommend Curiosities of the Civil War to anyone who enjoys history or is a Civil War buff.

**Disclaimer**

I received this book free of charge from BookSneeze, in exchange for my honest opinion. Views expressed are mine, and I am receiving no compensation, nor was I required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC regulations.

Figure Skating: The Thril of Victory: Part Two

In case you are wondering, the photo is of French skater, Florent Amodio who recently won the European Championship. He won the title on the strength of his short program, so that is the program I am going to link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLR9tjqAr2E

This is either Italian or Spanish television, no subtitles this time.

The silver medalist was another French skater, Brian Joubert, who actually won the freeskate. Joubert is trying new music this year, Beethoven.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXOvsH5bkwk

The bronze medalist was Thomas Verner of the Czech Republic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHw-9qh5JVU


Now, on to U.S. Nationals. The favorites coming in, Jeremy Abbott and Adam Rippon are better covered on the agony of defeat side, so I will write about them later. There were several very good stories to come out of U.S. Nationals though.

With the veterans faltering, the next generation of skaters really stepped up. The first one (shown on NBC) was Richard Dornbush, who is the current Jr. Grand Prix champion. His program was my favorite of the ones shown on NBC.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fNyIvU_rdM

(Also, if you watch the video, you will hear that Adam Rippon skated an outstanding program, his freeskate was outstanding. However his short program was not)

The next skater, I wish to highlight is Ross Miner. I was quite surprised by how much I liked this program. I had watched a video of it from a summer competition, and had not liked the program at all. But in late January, I loved it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRlYRHPinWw


Familiar music, huh? :)


The night belonged to one of the veterans though, Ryan Bradley. Last year, he was fourth at Nationals, therefore missing out on the Olympics, and had decided not to compete anymore. After a twitter campaign from his fans, he decided to compete at Nationals. I'm posting both his short programs and free skates.

SP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSgRw_HZXvw&feature=fvst

FS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLR0kIoHxis

The skate of the night though, didn't come from a medalist, or a well know skater. It was from a 16 year old, competing in his first senior nationals. Enjoy the freeskate of Jason Brown, and I think his is a name you should remember in the future.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFVz7WJgkK0

Figure Skating: The Thrill of Victory Part One

This past weekend, for me, was spent watching figure skating. Saturday was an especially full day, as both the European Championships and the U.S. National Championships were occurring at the same time.

I will begin with the Ladies Free Skate at Europeans. This year, the Europeans were held in Bern Switzerland, and I wish to highlight one skater, Switzerland's Sarah Meier. If you watched the 2002 Olympics and the 2006 Olympics, you likely have watched her before. She did not compete in Vancouver, due to injury. This was to be her last competition. The was the final skater to take the ice, and delivered a very emotional performance. Since I'm posting a link, I'm sure you can figure out what happened.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfWrARyEOOw

The video is from Finnish TV, and there are English subtitles. Just click the cc at the bottom to bring them up.

Saturday night was the Ladies Free Skate at the U.S. Nationals. No skater has one more than one championship since Michelle Kwan. On Saturday night, there were three ladies with the chance to break that, Alissa Cziny, Rachael Flatt, and Mirai Nagasu.

I will post links to all three short programs.

Rachael Flatt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87Ib6INSEzY
Alissa Czisny: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McGIK4AlG2o
Mirai Nagasu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3ODzdB4_6E


Free skates:
Alissa Czisny: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfBkr9ioSCE
Rachael Flatt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b53RWYRUvg8&feature=related
Mirai Nagasu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ulektq3x-WI&feature=related

I plan to post more on the men's , etc. later.

Figure Skating: Patrick Chan

When I started the blog, I called myself an obsessed figure skating fan. I would be remiss if I didn't post this video here.

Last weekend was the Canadian National Championships. This week is the U.S. Nationals and the European Championships. Needless to say, this is one of my favorite times of the year.

I've been a fan of quite a few Canadian male skaters. I became a figure skating fan because of Kurt Browning. I enjoyed watching both Elvis Stojko and Jeffrey Buttle. The first time I saw Patrick Chan, at the World Championships in 2009, I saw a lot of potential with him. I think he really has reached a new level with this free skate from the 2011 Canadian nationals.

I would honestly rank it as one of the top five skating programs I've ever watched. It's just sublime. Enjoy!

Books I am anxiously awaiting in 2011

Since I made a list of my top ten books of 2010, I thought I would share a list of the books I look forward to read in 2011.

All links and dates are from Christianbook.com

January:

Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes


February:

Bathsheba by Jill Eileen Smith
Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews
Save the Date by Jenny Jones
A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck


March:

A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell
Lie Down in Green Pastures by Debbie Viguie
Against the Wind by Bodie and Brock Thoene
Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs


April:

The Judgment by Beverly Lewis
To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer
A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad
Hidden Affections by Delia Parr

May:

Martha by Dianna Wallis Taylor
Megan's Hero by Sharon Gillenwater
An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser
Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson
The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden


July:

Out of Control by Mary Connealy
Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin
The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

Top Ten Books of 2010

For several years, I have complied a top ten list of books I've read in 2010. This year the list is, in no particular order:

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers
Nightshade by Ronie Kendig
An Eye for an Eye by Irene Hannon
The Gathering Storm by Bodie Thoene
A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman
The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen
Fatal Judgment by Irene Hannon
Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren
The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund


Honorable Mention:

A Tailor Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer
Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer
Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn
Heist Society by Ally Carter
The Gallagher Girls Series by Ally Carter

The Last Doughboy of World War I

As today is Veteran's Day/Armistice Day I thought this would be a good article to share. In many ways, World War I, is a forgotten war. I found this man's story to be quite interesting. He's definitely lived a very full life!




The Last Doughboy of World War I

The Canterbuy Papers by Judith Koll Healey (Historical mystery)

Description from goodreads:

Set in lavishly described medieval England and France, The Canterbury Papers is an enthralling and suspenseful debut novel combining dark family secrets, duplicity, and a missing heir to the throne.

The wily Eleanor of Aquitaine, queen of France and then of England, sends her former ward, Alaïs, the sister of the king of France, to retrieve a cache of letters hidden in Canterbury Cathedral. Letters that, in the wrong hands, could bring down the English king. In return, Eleanor promises to reveal a long-held and dangerous secret involving Alaïs -- a bargain the French princess is powerless to resist.

Before Alaïs can complete her mission, she is abducted, an event that sets in motion a dangerous plot. It will require all of Alaïs's considerable strengths, along with help from the very intriguing leader of the Knights Templar, to unravel dark secrets, unmask evil villains, and escape with her life.

My thoughts:

When I was in college, it was a well known fact that I am not a fan of medieval history. However, through recent viewings of Simon Schama's A History of Britain (the best documentary series ever, imo), I have found I am fascinated by Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. As The Canterbury Papers is set during that time period, I decided to borrow the book from the library.

Alaïs is a French princess who had been pledged to marry Henry and Eleanor's son Richard. She had grown up in the English court. The Canterbury Tales takes place years after her childhood, at the opening of the book, she is a mature woman living at the court of her brother King Philippe of France. She is asked, by Eleanor, to travel to Canterbury to retrieve letters Eleanor sent to Thomas a Becket years earlier. In return for these letters, Eleanor promises to tell Alaïs the truth about her past.

Alaïs' journey is a tale of intrigue, which kept me guessing until the very end. The true allegiances of many characters were not revealed until the end. I often found myself wondering aloud what would happen next.

The Canterbury Papers is subtitled a novel of suspense, I found it to be a novel which kept me guessing until the very end.

In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer

From the back cover:

Three best friends, three cherished dreams, three searching hearts...

As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believes God has called him to study to become a minister. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them as well.

When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?


My thoughts:

I always enjoy Kim Vogel Sawyer's novels, and In Every Heartbeat was no exception. I looked forward to reading this one, because the time just prior to World War I is one of my favorite historical periods. It was very interesting to see college life in the early 20th century.

I felt In Every Heartbeat had a little bit of a slow start, however it picked up once the situation with Pete's family was introduced. Unlike Libby and Bennett, Pete's parents are still alive, and he bears the emotional scars of their abandonment. This was my favorite part of the book.

While Libby and Pete's stories were tied up very well, Bennett's story was left incomplete at the end. I would love to see a second book focusing on Bennett.

Doctor in Petticoats by Mary Connealy

From the back cover:

When nurse Beth McClellan survives a stage coach accident, she soon realizes the derelict traveling alongside her is a doctor, and she forces him to help tend the injured. Alex Buchanan, army deserter, finds he can only care for the patients as long as Beth is right beside him, giving him courage...by yelling at him.

Beth thinks he's a lunatic when he proposes that they marry and work together in her hometown. But there's no denying his skill, and she can see the emotional price Alex pays to help hurting people. Besides, the owes the guy for saving her own sister.

So she agrees to marry him.

And that's when the real trouble begins. A murderous bounty hunter is on Alex's trail. Alex only has to live long enough to turn himself in, and then he may face a firing squad. Not exactly the honeymoon of Beth's dreams.

Alex may find the faith he lost while surrounded by the horrors of war, but will doing the right hing by facing his past cost him his wife...and his life?


My review:

This was my first book by Mary Connealy, and I can say beyond any doubt, it will not be my last. I absolutely could not put Doctor in Petticoats down from the first chapter. It's quite possibly one of the funniest books I've read all year.

Doctor in Petticoats is filled with color characters. The voice that Beth has is just marvelous. I loved her sisters and parents (and have since learned one of Ms. Connealy's earlier books tells the story of Beth's parents, I will definitely be borrowing that one from the library.) I'm looking forward to reading Sally and Mandy's stories as well.

While reading Doctor in Petticoats, I couldn't help but think of how much my stepdad would enjoy a movie version of the book. He loves westerns, and I could clearly imagine his reactions to the last third of the book.

Doctor in Petticoats is a book I highly recommend.

The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn

From the back cover:

A husband, a family, a comfortable life: Theodora Lestrange lives in terror of it all.

With a modest inheritance and the three gowns that comprise her entire wardrobe, Theodora leaves Edinburgh — and a disappointed suitor — far behind. She is bound for Roumania, where tales of vampires are still whispered, to visit an old friend and write the book that will bring her true independence.

She arrives at a magnificent, decaying castle in the Carpathians replete with eccentric inhabitants: the ailing dowager; the troubled steward; her own fearful friend, Cosmina. But all are outstripped in dark glamour by the castle's master, Count Andrei Dragulescu.

Bewildering and bewitching in equal measure, the brooding nobleman ignites Theodora's imagination and awakens passions in her that she can neither deny nor conceal. His allure is superlative, his dominion over the superstitious town, absolute — Theodora may simply be one more person under his sway.

Before her sojourn is ended — or her novel completed — Theodora will have encountered things as strange and terrible as they are seductive. For obsession can prove fatal...and she is in danger of falling prey to more than desire.


My review:

I loved Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia series when I read it this winter. I also enjoyed reading The Dead Travel Fast.

It reminded me a lot of Victoria Holt's novels. Specifically, it reminded me of The Devil on Horseback, which just happens to be my favorite Holt novel.

The book begins with the death of Theodora's grandfather, in the opening pages Theodora's brother-in-law wonders what is to be done with her. That question is answered when she receives a letter from her school friend Cosmina, inviting Theodora to visit her in Transylvania. So Theodora travels from modern western Europe to feudal eastern Europe. She enters a world completely foreign from her own.

The Dead Travel Fast is a very atmospheric novel. I could see the dense woods, and hear the howls of the wolves as I was reading. I could easily visualize the decaying castle at the top of the mountain. It was a wonderful book to escape into.

Hillsong United - Hosanna - With Subtitles/Lyrics

Sunday Worship: Hosanna by Hillsong United

Above you will find a video of one of my favorite worship songs, Hosanna by Hillsong United. It's one we sing often at church, in fact it was our closing song this weekend. Enjoy!

I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter (YA)

From the back cover:

Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school--typical, that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses, but it's really a school for spies.

Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man seven different ways with her bare hands, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl.

Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real "pavement artist"--but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her?


My thoughts:

First, I want to thank my friend, Laura J. for recommending this author. I'm not a fan of first person narrative, so it did take me just a bit to get into the book. That said, I truly enjoyed this book. I loved the world, which was brought to life. A super, secret spy school filled with genius students, and a very colorful faculty. I found both Cammie's mother, who is the headmistress, and her Covert Ops teacher, Joe Solomon to be very interesting characters.

The book takes place during the fall semester of Cammie's sophomore year. She's known as the chameleon because she's able to blend into her surroundings so well. But when she meets an ordinary high school boy who notices her, Cammie has no idea how to handle it.

The book is quite hilarious in some places, yet just as poignant in others. I'm looking forward to reading more about Cammie's missions.

The Sister Wife by Diane Noble

From the back cover:

What if the man you loved told you God wanted him to take another wife?
What if the woman was your best friend?

Set in the heart of the earliest days of a new 19th century sect known as the Saints, The Sister Wife, is a riveting account of two women forced into a practice they don't understand, bound by their devotion to Prophet Joseph Smith. When Mary Rose marries Gabriel, neither of them could foresee how quickly the community would turn to the practice of plural marriage. Devastated when Gabe is faced with an order from the Prophet to marry her best friend, Brownyn, Mary Rose tries to have the faith to carry through with the marriage. But can she really be married to the same man as her best friend?

Can Mary Rose and Brownyn face betraying both their husband and their God to do what is right?

My take:

Mormon polygamy is a subject which has been in the new the last few years. From the legal proceedings against various polygamy leaders to the success of HBO's drama series Big Love, Mormon polygamy has been brought to the attention of the American culture. I am a fan of Big Love, and I admit the show has made me ponder the psychological and sociological aspects of modern day polygamy.

The first section of book, where they are on the ship to America was a little slow for me, however I felt the story picked up when they arrived in Nauvoo. Almost from the beginning, Mary Rose is hearing the rumors of polygamous relationships amongst the leadership of the sect. The scenes were Joseph Smith gives the men his revelations about polygamy were fascinating. It was deceptive and manipulative all at the same time, just like Eve and the snake in the Garden of Eden. The later scene where Gabe is trying to convince Mary Rose that it is imperative for his marriage to Brownyn to be consummated is just as manipulative.

I won't say The Sister Wife was an easy read, because it was not. However, it was one of the most thought provoking books I've read this year. It was not a light read, quite honestly I found it to be spiritually dark in many places. A Christian reader will be shaking their head at the Mormon theology, and at the actions of the characters. However, the light is there, peaking through the darkness. The seeds of later redemption are planted.

The Sister Wife was a book which stayed with me long after I read the last page. Honestly, it is the first book I can remember renewing at the library, even though I've finished reading it. I look forward to the rest of the books in the series, and to the journey to redemption.