"Annie's Stories" - Book Review

Synopsis: 
The year is 1901, the literary sensation The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is taking New York City by storm, and everyone wonders where the next great book will come from. But to Annie Gallagher, stories are more than entertainment-they're a sweet reminder of her storyteller father. After his death, Annie fled Ireland for the land of dreams, finding work at Hawkins House.

But when a fellow boarder with something to hide is accused of misconduct and authorities threaten to shut down the boardinghouse, Annie fears she may lose her new friends, her housekeeping job . . . and her means of funding her dream: a memorial library to honor her father. Furthermore, the friendly postman shows a little too much interest in Annie-and in her father's unpublished stories. In fact, he suspects these tales may hold a grand secret.

I checked out this book at my local library, drawn to it because of its cover. I mean, who wouldn't want to read a book where the character is reading of copy of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" on the cover? I started the book and finished it in about three days. It was so good!

The main character, Annie Gallagher comes from Ireland in hopes of a brighter future. She is a very sweet girl, only looking to continue her work at Mrs. Hawkins boardinghouse and save enough money, so someday she can open up a library and dedicate it to her father. She does doubt that God cares about her throughout this book, but near the end she sees that He truly does care. 

The characters in this book are many and each is so well developed throughout the book. The plot, is really, very, interesting. I enjoyed this book so much, and not just because "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" has so many mentions! If you like historical fiction, then I suggest you try reading "Annie's Stories", by Cindy Thomson! 

"Emily of New Moon" - Book Review

I recently read Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery. It is book one in The Emily Trilogy.

At the beginning of this book Emily Byrd Starr finds out that her father is dying. When he dies, her mother's side of the family, the Murrays-known for their pride and a little haughtiness in some members-, all come to pay respects to Douglas Starr -- and to decide what to do with Emily. Not knowing who should take her in, they draw lots and Aunt Elizabeth is the one who gets to raise Emily from now on. Emily doesn't care much for Aunt Elizabeth, but really likes the other two residents of New Moon: Aunt Laura, and we can't forget Cousin Jimmy, whom everyone says is simple (being knocked down a well accidentally by Elizabeth as a child), though Emily just can't see it. Emily has to go to New Moon and throughout the book we read of her trials, triumphs, and of the mischief she can sometimes make. Towards the end of the book, she and Aunt Elizabeth come to tolerate one another more
and even love each other.

At the beginning of the book I really didn't want to read it and thought about just putting it away, it just felt a little dark, I don't mean dark as in creepy, but it wasn't very cheerful. I'm glad that I didn't put it away. Although, there is a different feel to the book than Anne of Green Gables has, I still really enjoyed it.

I would like to name a few similarities between Anne Shirley and Emily Starr:
1. They both have a vivid imagination, though Anne's is a bit larger.
2. They both have to deal with a strict guardian, though Aunt Elizabeth makes Marilla seem lovely.
3. They both love to dramatize, making things bigger than they appear.
I'm sure there are more similarities, but those are the ones that I can remember.
I'm going to give Emily of New Moon 4 out of 5 stars! If you enjoy Anne of Green Gables, then I suggest you give this book a chance!