The Memory Weaver - Book Review

Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now the young mother of two children, Eliza faces a different kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants them to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her departed mother's grave--and returning to the land of her captivity. Eliza longs to know how her mother, an early missionary to the Nez Perce Indians, dealt with the challenges of life with a sometimes difficult husband and with her daughter's captivity.

When Eliza is finally given her mother's diary, she is stunned to find that her own memories are not necessarily the whole story of what happened. Can she lay the dark past to rest and move on? Or will her childhood memories always hold her hostage?

Based on true events, The Memory Weaver is New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick's latest literary journey into the past, where threads of western landscapes, family, and faith weave a tapestry of hope inside every pioneering woman's heart. Readers will find themselves swept up in this emotional story of the memories that entangle us and the healing that awaits us when we bravely unravel the threads of the past.

My Review:

I initially requested a copy of this book from the publisher because I'd never really read anything about Indians before.  Sure, I'd read children's stories, but nothing for adults.  So, I was a bit disappointed that this book really didn't involve Indians as much as I thought it would.  But, I think that this was my mistake, as I didn't finish reading the entire blurb on the back of the book before I started it.  

When I started reading this book, I found it quite confusing.  I got the dates and years all switched around, until I finally had to look up the real Eliza Spalding Warren and see what really happened to her.  

For the most part, the events in this book are based on the true story of Eliza Spalding Warren, so I figured it would make for a really interesting read.  But, to be honest, I felt as if the story lacked something.  It held my interest for the most part, but I wasn't all that excited to return to the book for more of the story.  

I did really like the character of Eliza.  I love when an author can make the characters seem like they've come to life right before my eyes. Eliza's emotions seem real and I was able to connect with her.  

I also found this book to be a little depressing, which is to be expected, given the subject matter.  But it felt really dark (not as in evil, but just like a dark cloud that hovers in the sky).  I never felt joyful while reading the story.  It honestly dampened my mood while I was reading it, which was one reason I was ready to be done with it.  

Jane Kirkpatrick's writing style doesn't blow you away, but it does flow well on the page and at times I found it almost poetic.  To me, it's a simple style of writing, but sometimes that's what makes a book beautiful. I also really liked that the book was written in first person. 

Eliza had a rough life, if you ask me.  She was taken hostage by Indians when she was a child, and then her father practically disowned her when she eloped.  Perhaps she shouldn't have run off in the night with Mr. Warren, but I felt sorrow for her after she became 'dead' to her father.  How she ever stood to be cut from her father's love, I don't know.  But, despite all the difficulties, she tried so hard to make a  good life.

Now, I think this book would be a great read for some people, but for me it wasn't.  I just didn't find it all I had hoped for. I find Eliza Spalding Warren a very interesting person, and I think if I had read an actual biography of her, I would have really enjoyed it.  That being said, I am giving this book 3 out of 5 stars. It had great writing, and a wonderful protagonist, it just wasn't for me. 

*Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.*   

A Distant Melody - Book Review

Oh. My. Goodness! I finished Sarah Sundin's 'A Distant Melody' yesterday evening...and I adore it!  

I had pretty high hopes for this one, but I didn't expect it to be anywhere near as good as 'Through Waters Deep', one of my favorite books of 2015 so far.  Boy, was I wrong!  This book, was even BETTER than 'Through Waters Deep'.  And that's saying a lot! 

This book pulled me in from page one.  I could not put it down.  Sarah Sundin has the ability to make the reader feel as if they were really there, being drawn back into the 1940's, meeting the characters and watching them grow; sharing in their up's and down's, laughing with them during the happy moments, crying with them during the sad ones. 

The characters:  I fell in love with every single character in this book (well, excluding Baxter and Allie's parents)!  Allie, Walt, Frank, Cressie, even Cracker.  I do have to say that Jack is my favorite so far.  I absolutely fell in love with him! He's so sweet.  Allie is a good strong female protagonist, and Walt a strong male protagonist.  Sure, they both have their problems, but that makes them more human, and more believable.  If their is one thing I can't stand, it's a perfect fictional character.  

The story: The plot of this book is very strong.  There is a great balance of romance, and action.  The whole way through this book, I was flipping the pages, eager to find out what happens next.  I have to say I was kept on the edge of my seat throughout the entire novel.  There was a very exciting point in this book, when I was reading before bed, that I just kept telling myself 'Just one more chapter, then I will go to sleep.' But, I just couldn't go to bed not knowing what happens to Walt! 

Overall thoughts:  This novel was absolutely beautiful! I didn't plan on finishing it in three days, but it happened.  My expectations of the book were well surpassed, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series, if it would only hurry and arrive in the mail! On a scale of 1-10, I'm so rating this one 100.  Thank you to the author for providing me with an wonderful journey into  my favorite decade, and giving us a beautiful story! 

THROUGH WATERS DEEP by SARAH SUNDIN | REVIEW

Where do I start? Hmm...let's just say this became one of my new favorite books! I was expecting to like it, but not love it! 

If you want to know what the books is about, here's the blurb from the back of it:

War is coming. Can love carry them through the rough waters that lie ahead?
It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Handsome and outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. On shore, Jim encounters Mary Stirling, a childhood friend who is now an astute and beautiful Boston Navy Yard secretary. 

When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is discovered, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.

This book was incredible.  The characters, the plot, the writing, and the time-period (for those of you who don't know, my favorite thing to read is books set in the 1940's).  Sarah Sundin has weaved together a tale with mystery, action, and romance in this delightful Pre-War novel.  

The characters:  The characters are something that I fell in love with.  I don't always connect or find myself wanting to get to know characters better, but in this book, I couldn't help but love them all, from Mary and Jim, to Avery and Quintessa.  They all have their special moments and their little quirks.  Mary I especially connected with.  She and I are so alike in so many different ways.  And I must admit, I couldn't help falling in love with brave Jim.  He's such a hero in so many different scenes throughout the book and my heart just melted over his valiant actions.  

The plot: The plot was wonderful.  A little mystery, a dash of action, and a lot of romance; this story has it all. I loved the case that Mary worked on throughout this book, with her handy little notebook and Jim (most of the time) by her side.  I must say, I never thought who the real culprit could be.  One minute all fingers were pointing to one man, and the next moment they were pointing to someone else.  It kept me coming back for more, wanting to help Mary solve the mystery.  

The writing: Sarah Sundin really has a way of pulling me into this one.  (Possibly because it's set in the Forties.)  She describes everything so well, and with great accuracy.  I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style.  

My rating: 5 out o 5 stars, definitely! I can't believe I have to wait another year for the second one. When i finished this book and thought of a years waiting, I was quite devastated.  I fell in love with these characters and their stories, and can't wait to find out where God leads them next.  This book has prompted me to buy the rest of Sarah Sundin's books, starting with 'The Wings of the Nightingale' trilogy.  So, I say, well done Mrs. Sundin, you gave me a new favorite book, and one that I'll not soon forget, and you've made a new fan!  

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  I was not asked to write a positive review.  

THE COURTSHIP BOOK TAG

I was recently tagged by Marklessgirl (you can read her blog here.) to do the courtship book tag! Thank you, marklessgirl, for tagging me!

1. Initial Attraction:  A book you bought because of the cover

2. First impressions: a book you bought because of the summary:

3. Sweet Talk: a book with great writing: 

4. First Date: The first book in a series that made you pursue the rest: 

5. Late Night Phone Calls: A book that kept you up all night: 

6. Always on my mind: a book you cannot stop thinking about: 

7. Getting physical: A book which you love the way it feels: 

8. Meeting the Parents: a book you recommend to your friends and family: 

9. Thinking about the future: a book or series you know you'll reread in the future: 

10. Spread the love: who you like to tag?  

I'm tagging Lilian!

Book Recommendations 1.0

Wow! It's been awhile since I've posted! Well, I was recently inspired to do a list of book recommendations by Marklessgirl (you can find her list on her blog here: http://thelibraryinmyroom.blogspot.com/ )  So, here are my book recommendations:

1. Anne of Green Gables: This is an eight book series, but the first ones is the absolute best!  It is actually my favorite book (besides the Bible) of all time! I love it! It will make you laugh, and most likely make you cry! It's a beautiful book about a redheaded orphan, and her new home at Green Gables!

2. Little Women: My second favorite work of fiction is by Louisa May Alcott. It's about four sisters during the Civil War.  Their father is away at war, and they live at home with their mother.  They meet their neighbor the Laurence Boy and have all sorts of adventures.  It really is a wonderful book, and there are two more in the series after it, but their not nearly as good.

3. The Bambi Books by Felix Salten: If you love animals, and hate animal cruelty, then these are the books for you! Though now classified as childrens books, they weren't originally written just for children.  The writing style is unique, unlike any I've read.  But they are really beautiful books.

4. The Little House Series: So, you've most likely watched the show, Little House on the Prairie, but have you read the books?  The books are way better, they messed a lot of things up in the show. Even though the writing style is really simple, I find myself still re-reading these books to this day! They wonderful and if you are a fan of illustrations in books, then you will get your fill of them in these!

5. The Hobbit: You've most likely heard of this book before.  Maybe you've watched the movies...maybe you just thought the book sounded boring...let me tell you: pick this book up now! It's amazing! The common opinion is that it's a children's book, but in reality, J.R.R. Tolkien was frustrated when people kept classifying it as a kids book.

6. The Lord of the Rings: Could you guess this was going to be next on the list? This book is truly epic! There is great adventure in it and I've read it almost 4 times! It never gets boring! It's quite a challenge, but a great accomplishment if you finish it!

7. The Chronicles of Narnia: A children's series, but timeless classics! This is one of my all-time favorite series and they are beautiful! My particular favorite is 'The Silver Chair', but there are lots of other favorites of mine! I adore this book and have adored them since I was 9 or 10 years old.

8. Wonder: The popular children's book by R.J. Palacio is one of my favorites! I read this in less then 24 hours, which is really fast for me! It's great! It's a book about a kid with a major face deformity who goes through bullying and losing friends.  Truly inspiring read and I highly recommend it!

9. Annie, Between the States by L.M. Elliott: This book is set in the Civil War Era. It's a great piece of historical fiction and I love it! In fact, I really want to reread it soon!

10. The Swipe Series by Evan Angler: This is a Christian dystopian, and it's fantastic! I won't go into to many details, but I'll just say that it's quite amazing! I personally didn't care for the last book in the series (I think there are supposed to be more, actually), but you may.  The first 3 books are really great though, and if you like lots of action and dystopian fiction, then I highly recommend this series!

So, those are my book recommendations! Maybe, in the future, I'll do another one!

'You're Loved No Matter What' by Holly Gerth - Book Review

You're Loved No Matter What: Freeing Your Heart from the Need to Be Perfect by Holley Gerth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first time reviewing a non-fiction book, so I hope I know what I'm doing.


'You're Loved No Matter What' is a book about freeing yourself from the need to be perfect.  I don't struggle with trying to be perfect that much, only a little.  So, perhaps this  just wasn't the book for me to read at the moment.  I did enjoy most of the book, and Holly offers great words of wisdom in here as she reveals the struggle that she has had with perfection in the past and ways you can overcome it.

What is perfection, exactly?  Well, Holly gives some examples in this book.  For one perfection might be trying to keep the cleanest house, and for another it might be trying to be the prefect employee.  These are just two examples, but there are many more.

Holly offers advice for beating perfection in this book.  She explains that we are a work in progress and that the only time we will be truly perfect is when we reach Heaven.  We shouldn't worry about being perfect.  That doesn't mean we shouldn't try hard and work to the best of our abilities, but we should get rid of the need to be perfect.  Perfectionism offers a lot of stress, and you know what?  You are never to be completely perfect, so when you are trying to be, you're just adding  lot of stress to your life for no reason.

She also points out that we shouldn't try to make others perfect, because that's not our job.

I did really like this book, and it offered some great advice, and it also reminded that I'm beautiful in God's eyes.  So, stop trying to be perfect and just be who God made you to be!

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through their blogger review program, in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own and I was not asked to write a positive review.

SCARLET by Marissa Meyer - Book Review

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm going to start off by saying, that I didn't like this as much as 'Cinder'.  At first, I loved it, but by the end, it just...Idk...it...I don't even know how to describe it.  But, it was still a very good read, and I did really like it.  It just was not as good as 'Cinder'.

The characters are really cool!  I love the character of Scarlet, and at times the character of Wolf.  I happen to like Wolf's character better than Kai's, btw.  And of course, we have Cinder.  She's just as great as in the first book, even if she is a fugitive now.  And 'Captain' Carswell Thorne is so funny!  I really like having his character in the book.  He's hilarious.

The plot was interesting, intriguing, but maybe, I felt like Marissa Meyer took a little too long to finish the story.  I think, that maybe, it could have been done in a slightly shorter book.

Altogether, I enjoyed this book, but it didn't leave me as excited for the next one, 'Cress' as I would've liked.  Now, I just don't have the same anticipation for 'Cress', as I did for 'Scarlet (but since I bought - in ebook form - I guess I'll read it.


View all my reviews

SABOTAGED by Dani Pettrey - Book Review

Sabotaged by Dani Pettrrey - Book Review

{Alaskan Courage Seriees: Book Five 

 My rating: 4 out of 5 stars }

Synopsis:

Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey's search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light. Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits.

Kirra's uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank's daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper's bidding or she will die. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl's life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

So, where do I start?  I was really happy to receive this book in the mail.  One of  my favorite genres to read is suspense.  So, when I saw this in my mailbox I was pretty excited! 

This is the first book that I have read by Dani Pettrey, and even though this is book five in the series, it can totally be read as a stand alone book.  I love the concept of each book being about a different member in the Mckenna family, so I may just have to buy the other books sometime:)

I thought the character of Kirra Jacobs was great!  She's a really strong female character.  One thing I like is that, even though she is going through a tough time, and she tries to be strong and keep it hidden, she does share some of her grief with Reef Mckenna.  I don't like it when characters try to be really tough and not share anything with anyone until near the end of the book, which is not the case in 'Sabotaged', because she shares her grief with Reef about halfway through the book. 

Reef was ok, but he could be a little annoying at times. It was like, even in the midst of the search he could not help but be dsitracted by Kirra, and fantasize over the day they could be together.  Other than that, he is a really good, strong male character, and he is very heroic person throughout the book, and I really liked him. 

I have said before that I don't really like romance in books, not when it's one of the main themes.  But, it wasn't so bad in 'Sabatoged'.  In fact, the romance was one that I liked.  Kirra and Reef are perfect for each other.  Another thing that I like is that they didn't wait until nearly the end of the book to confess their feelings for each other, and to admit they were interested in starting a relationship.  

The suspense in this book was enough to keep me going back to read it and find out what happened, but to be honest it wasn't the 'edge-of-your-seat' type of suspense that I like.  But, as I said, it was enough to keep me interested in the book, and to keep reading until I finished it. 

I didn't get bored while reading this book, not once I believe.  Dani Pettrey's writing is strong, and held my interest well.  

I really liked the diffent POVs in this book.  While it was mostly focused on Reef and Kirra, there were a ton of other characters in the book.  I have already said that I like the fact that each of the books are about one of the Mckenna siblings, which I think is a really cool way to do a series, but all of the Mckenna's are featured in this book at one time or another.  I loved the epilogue, with all of the Mckenna's and their fiancees, or wives/husbands together at the old Mckenna home.  It was really sweet way to end the series. 

Overall I did really enjoy 'Sabotaged' and am giving it 4 out of 5 stars.  I think that someday I'll purchase the rest of the series, so I can read more of the Mckenna's story.  

Disclaimer: I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher, through their blogger review program, in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.  I was not asked to write a positive review.  

January Wrap-Up 2015

I know that it's a little late, but here is my January Wrap-Up for 2015!  Any books that I have reviewed will have a link to the post.

I read a total of 14 books in January, which include four e-books and ten real books.  For the real books:

1. 'The Scorch Trials' by James Dashner:  I only gave this one 3 stars out of 5 stars.
2. 'Lizzy and Jane' by Katherine Reay:  I really liked this one, I gave it 4 out of 5 stars!
3. 'Winnie-the-Pooh' by A.A. Milne:  I gave this one 5 out of 5 stars!  (I have a review of all of the 'Winnie-the-Pooh' books by A.A. Milne here.)
4. 'Now We Are Six' by A.A. Milne:  5 out of 5 stars!
5. 'The House at Pooh Corner' by A.A. Millne:  I'd never read this one before, and I gave it 5 out of 5 stars!
6. 'When We Are Very Young' by A.A. Milne:  I'd never read this one before either, and I gave it 5 out of 5 stars!
7. 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien:  A book that I decided to read again!  This will always remain one of my favorite books!  5 out of 5 stars, of course!
8.  One of the short stories out of the 'Samantha's Short Story Collection' from American Girl:  I gave 'Samantha and the Missing Pearls' 4 out of 5 stars!
9. '365 Days of Wonder {Mr. Brown's Book of Precepts}' by R.J. Palacio:  Really loved reading all of the inspiring quotes:  5 out of 5 stars!
10. 'Jennie's War' by Bonnie Hinman:  I gave this one 4 out of 5 stars!

Now for the e-books that I read:

1. 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' by Beatrix Potter:  I gave this one 3 out of 5 stars.
2. 'The Meaning of Maggie' by Megan Jean Sovern:  I gave this one 4 out of 5 stars!  Really good book!
3. 'Ella Enchanted' by Gale Carson Levine:  Really loved this book and gave it 5 out of 5 stars!
4. 'This Star Won't Go Out' by Esther Earl:  I read most of this one.  I really liked it, but it's just so sad:( 4 out of 5 stars!

And those are all of the books that I read in January 2015.

Hannah

'The Winnie-the-Pooh Collection' - Book Review(s)

So, recently I read 'The Winnie-the-Pooh Collection', re-reading: 'Winnie-the-Pooh and 'Now We Are Six', and reading for the first time: 'When We Were Very Young' and 'The House at Pooh Corner'; all of these are by A.A. Milne.  I wrote quick reviews of all four books on Goodreads, so I thought I would do a post with all four reviews in it. Here we go:

'Winnie-the-Pooh':
I just love this book! Everything about it is wonderful! I remember the first time I read it. Being fans of Pooh Bear for years, we found the original novel in our library and borrowed it. I fell in love with the story. I've probably re-read it two or three times, and each time I remember something that I forgot since the last time I read it and I smile all over again! Not only one of my favorite children books, but one of my favorite books! I just really, really love it! The characters are so sweet and funny. The Hundred Acre Wood seems like such a peaceful, ideal place to live. Like I said, I love everything about it! 5 out of 5 stars! 

'Now We Are Six':
Such a cute, quick, easy read! I really enjoyed it! I remember my brother finding an copy in our library and we bought it for $.25. We read it, but we were only interested in finding poems which included Pooh (or I was, anyway. He probably was, too). I was secretly a little disappointed because the book wasn't just about Pooh Bear. But, now that I've read it again, I really enjoyed a lot of the little poems. Definitely will be reread by me in the future! 5 stars!

'When We Were Very Young':
Really enjoyed this one. I think I like this one more then 'Now We Are Six'. Super cute poems and I have to say that my favorite one was the one about the fat teddy bear (also known as Pooh). 5 out of 5! 

'The House at Pooh Corner':
Oh, my, goodness! This book was fantastic! This was the first time I read this book. I really enjoyed meeting Tigger for the first time, (well, in the books anyway), and relating all of the events in the book to events that happened in the movies. The end was bittersweet, as are all of the endings in the 'Pooh' books. Really love this one!

'The Secret of Pembrooke Park' - Book Review

Synopsis:
Abigail Foster fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry to improve her charms and the one man she thought might marry her--a longtime friend--has fallen for her younger, prettier sister.
When financial problems force her family to sell their London home, a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll's house left mid-play . . .

The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem to know something about the manor's past, the only information they offer Abigail is a warning: Beware trespassers who may be drawn by rumors that Pembrooke contains a secret room filled with treasure.

Hoping to improve her family's financial situation, Abigail surreptitiously searches for the hidden room, but the arrival of anonymous letters addressed to her, with clues about the room and the past, bring discoveries even more startling. As secrets come to light, will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks...or very real danger? 

My Review:
The synopsis of this book was so interesting!
But, to be honest, I didn't finish the entire book.  I just wasn't motivated to.  After I'd started, I really couldn't find myself into it, devoted to the characters.  But I still feel as if it's a good book, it's just not something I really like to read.  I'm not much of a romance fan, so maybe that's why I just couldn't get into it.  But more likely it was the time of year I tried to read it, during the 'Christ'mas when everything is so busy, and I just wasn't into reading because I wanted to really enjoy the season.  So, I put it on my shelf for a while.  But after it had been on my shelf for a few weeks, I just wasn't motivated to pick it up again after 'Christ'mas.
The story sounds interesting, but I felt like it's a little too slow.  One hundred pages in, and really not much has happened, but it sort of has; maybe it's just me, but I find it a little hard to get into.
The writing is good.  I can understand the language, the way it was written, but it has some of that old-fashioned charm to it, as well.
The characters are well thought out, as well.
I'll give 'The Secret of Pembrooke Park' 4 out of 5 stars, because I know people who are fans of this type of fiction might really enjoy it, it just wasn't for me:)
I received this book free from the publishers through 'The Bethany House Blogger Review Program'.  All opinions are my own.

"Emissary" - Book Review

Summary: Hyam is a likeable lad who will make a fine farmer someday. But he carries a burden few can fathom. As his mother slips toward death, she implores him to return to Long Hall, where he spent five years as an apprentice. It was there that Hyam's extraordinary capacity for mastering languages came to light--and soon cast him into the shadows of suspicion. How could any human learn the forbidden tongues with such ease? When Hyam dares to seek out the Mistress of the Sorceries, her revelation tears his world asunder.

He has no choice but to set out on the foreboding path--which beckons him to either his destiny or his doom. An encounter with an enchanting stranger reminds him that he is part hero and part captive. As Hyam struggles to interpret the omens and symbols, he is swept up by a great current of possibilities--and dangers.

My thoughts: I was so excited to read this book! I really enjoy fantasy and I couldn't wait to find a new series that I would enjoy! The book started off on a really good note, with a little action thrown in there. It was really interesting, and then Christmas rolled around and I put it down for a few weeks. I picked it back up and it quickly became confusing. It's not just because I put it down for that time either, it's just a book that you have to pay very close attention to if you don't want to get lost. But, I still find myself very interested in the story. It's exciting and adventurous.  I really like Hyam's character, as well. I'm giving this book 3.5 starts out of 5, because it confused me a little. But other than that, this is a really fantastic book, with a lot of magic and adventure thrown in! I really recommend this to all fantasy fans!  

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the Revell Review Program and I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.