Eliza Cantrell was done with emotional reasoning.
It had cost her far too much, her livelihood, her inheritance, her heart, and her dreams of running a business.
So, when Eliza receives a business offer of marriage and a store, the smart decision seemed to lay before her. However, Eliza wasn't counting on her intended's business partner, shady alliances, or the gentle call of her faith pulling at her healing heart.
This was my fist foray into a Melissa Jagears novel, and overall I really enjoyed the ride. There's always been something about period stories that feels like coming home and with Ms. Jagears characters such as Eliza, Mrs. Lightfoot, Will, and the Stantons A Bride in Store felt like reuniting with friends you've yet to meet.
I enjoyed walking alongside the characters as each fleshed out the realities of life. Mrs. Lightfoots isolation, Will's seeming loss of his dream, Eliza's journey to find her direction. Each seemed real and honest in their own way as well as completely believable scenerios for someone to encounter. I'm not a fan of unlikely scenarios in a realistic setting and Ms. Jagears doesn't disappoint.
I was also intrigued at the books attempt to bring light to epidermolysis bullosa. Though lightly touched upon, the fact that the author used her platform to bring light to an often overlooked and potentially devastating condition was an encouragement to myself fighting my own rare condition. The world needs more authors who are willing to bring awareness to matters without voices.
My one misgiving with A Bride in Store comes from the internal monologues, particularly surrounding Eliza and Will. Though Eliza spends most of the novel attempting to be seen for her intelligence, business sense, and forthrightness, it is often noted how plain, dowdy, and unattractive Eliza is due mostly, it would seem from later chapters, to her fashion choices. This mentality, especially given the lovely young woman on the front cover, seemed unnecessary and reinforcing of many negative stereotypes young woman wrestle with each day. The fact that many of the reflections came from Will who claimed to be infatuated with Eliza despite her unattractiveness rubbed even more harshly.
I enjoyed A Bride in Store. I stayed up late reading to see how the plot resolved, I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the faith elements that felt so natural in a genre where they often feel forced. However, the issues of body image and attractiveness relegate this book to a 4 out of 5 stars.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Finding Rebecca by Eoin Dempsey
4 out of 5 stars
I received this book through NetGallery in exchange for my honest opinion, the thoughts reflected are my own.
I didn't enjoy this book but I give it 4 stars. That bears an explanation just like this book deserves a chance.
I have long found myself digging into novels based upon WWII and the people who lived during that time. Books that return voices to those who have lost them have always attracted me and there is no shortage of those in historical fiction.
Most novels I've read based upon this era catch me, make me think, and tell a story whether accurate or more creatively incline. Finding Rebecca, on the other hand, is a story that can haunt.
Centering around the story of Christopher - born to a German father and British mother who was raised on the isle of Jersey. Finding Rebecca starts (after a particular difficult to read introduction) by introducing us to a tried and true classic- a romance. Boy meets girl on his first day in a new place. Girl needs rescuing. Boy and girl fall in love, life separates them, life reunites them and love wins out.
Except this love is on the eve of WWII and Rebecca is Jewish, and love only wins until Rebecca receives her deportation papers to Germany.
Here's where the book gets haunting.
I should mention some reviewers have complained about grammatical issues but for once I was so lost in the story I couldn't see them. Because Christopher goes to find Rebecca in Auschwitz as an SS guard and finds himself confronted with an evil that he can't bear.
This book was haunting to me as I've rarely read a novel from this prospective where the protagonist actually wrestles like Christopher wrestles. His horror in the beginning, his fight to remain connected when it is easier to conform, his relationship with Anka and the women of Canada. Each of these points served to help readers draw into the story and, perhaps, for those of us with imagination place ourselves in Christopher's role, wondering if we too would have acted as he did.
I did have issues with the ending which I'll refrain from going into as they contain massive spoilers and I refuse to give you the easy way out ;)
However, I highly recommend those who are interested in this era to give this book a chance. I can't say you'll love Finding Rebecca and I'm not sure you're supposed to but it is a book that will stay with you.
I received this book through NetGallery in exchange for my honest opinion, the thoughts reflected are my own.
I didn't enjoy this book but I give it 4 stars. That bears an explanation just like this book deserves a chance.
I have long found myself digging into novels based upon WWII and the people who lived during that time. Books that return voices to those who have lost them have always attracted me and there is no shortage of those in historical fiction.
Most novels I've read based upon this era catch me, make me think, and tell a story whether accurate or more creatively incline. Finding Rebecca, on the other hand, is a story that can haunt.
Centering around the story of Christopher - born to a German father and British mother who was raised on the isle of Jersey. Finding Rebecca starts (after a particular difficult to read introduction) by introducing us to a tried and true classic- a romance. Boy meets girl on his first day in a new place. Girl needs rescuing. Boy and girl fall in love, life separates them, life reunites them and love wins out.
Except this love is on the eve of WWII and Rebecca is Jewish, and love only wins until Rebecca receives her deportation papers to Germany.
Here's where the book gets haunting.
I should mention some reviewers have complained about grammatical issues but for once I was so lost in the story I couldn't see them. Because Christopher goes to find Rebecca in Auschwitz as an SS guard and finds himself confronted with an evil that he can't bear.
This book was haunting to me as I've rarely read a novel from this prospective where the protagonist actually wrestles like Christopher wrestles. His horror in the beginning, his fight to remain connected when it is easier to conform, his relationship with Anka and the women of Canada. Each of these points served to help readers draw into the story and, perhaps, for those of us with imagination place ourselves in Christopher's role, wondering if we too would have acted as he did.
I did have issues with the ending which I'll refrain from going into as they contain massive spoilers and I refuse to give you the easy way out ;)
However, I highly recommend those who are interested in this era to give this book a chance. I can't say you'll love Finding Rebecca and I'm not sure you're supposed to but it is a book that will stay with you.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Preparing for Adoption - Julia Davis
As my husband can well attest, I have a growing passion when it comes to the topic of adoption.
Realistically, our family is nowhere near taking a step like this, too many logistics not in place, however, it is an open topic for discussion which means I love getting the opportunity to sink my teeth into the findings of those who have come before.
Enter Julia Davis.
I was curious how well a book based on adoption in the UK would translate into what I know of the Canadian system. While there were areas I know are different I was thoroughly pleased to see the universality of Davis' presentation.
Directed towards adopters rather than professionals within the system, Davis presents a step by step mental/emotional and physical preparation for members of the family from start to welcome home of the adoption process.
I was quite impressed to see Davis' inclusion of attachment theory, including her examples and working out of how different childhood experiences such as trauma and neglect could impact attachment and stress management even well after a safe and stable home environment has been introduced.
From the research I've done this honest and open dialogue regarding some of the common issues which adoptive families could face as well as methods to help introduce new and healthier patterns is still an underrepresented area of adoptive family care. Her willingness to open up and express this real need is a refreshing way to begin dialogue and inform families who are struggling or may struggle that they are not alone.
My one concern with Davis' book is that some of the research may, in fact, be somewhat heavy for families in the midst of their adoption journey if they do not have a scholastic background that would allow them some familiarity with attachment theory/trauma/counselling (something my counselling background readily provided). Aside from that, I could see Ms. Davis' book being a welcome part of many adoptive families journies providing welcome guideposts on a unfamiliar path.
I received this book through NetGallery in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions stated here are my own.
Realistically, our family is nowhere near taking a step like this, too many logistics not in place, however, it is an open topic for discussion which means I love getting the opportunity to sink my teeth into the findings of those who have come before.
Enter Julia Davis.
I was curious how well a book based on adoption in the UK would translate into what I know of the Canadian system. While there were areas I know are different I was thoroughly pleased to see the universality of Davis' presentation.
Directed towards adopters rather than professionals within the system, Davis presents a step by step mental/emotional and physical preparation for members of the family from start to welcome home of the adoption process.
I was quite impressed to see Davis' inclusion of attachment theory, including her examples and working out of how different childhood experiences such as trauma and neglect could impact attachment and stress management even well after a safe and stable home environment has been introduced.
From the research I've done this honest and open dialogue regarding some of the common issues which adoptive families could face as well as methods to help introduce new and healthier patterns is still an underrepresented area of adoptive family care. Her willingness to open up and express this real need is a refreshing way to begin dialogue and inform families who are struggling or may struggle that they are not alone.
My one concern with Davis' book is that some of the research may, in fact, be somewhat heavy for families in the midst of their adoption journey if they do not have a scholastic background that would allow them some familiarity with attachment theory/trauma/counselling (something my counselling background readily provided). Aside from that, I could see Ms. Davis' book being a welcome part of many adoptive families journies providing welcome guideposts on a unfamiliar path.
I received this book through NetGallery in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions stated here are my own.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Doctor Who - The Crawling Terror
Mysteries from WWII, giant insects, alien consciousness, and small towns in the English country side.
Sounds like an episode of Doctor Who to me.
Actually, The Crawling Terror by Mike Tucker will almost never be made into an actual episode because the CGI cost would be too high, however, with a good imagination Tucker's book is the next best thing or perhaps even better for book loving Whovians.
I was highly impressed with Tucker's offering.
First because he did such a beautiful job of structuring his plot and characters.
I mean, this was the first of the three Whovian novels I was given that actually describes the Doctor's new face. Furthermore, not content to leave his readers there, Tucker explores the changing nature of Clara and the Doctor's relationship now that 11 is gone. The delight Tucker seemed to take writing nuances into his story whether they were character traits, sarcastic quips, or plot points worthy of an episode made me feel that someone who respects Who was behind the novel (I have no idea and should probably go look up Tucker's background).
Secondly, Tucker presented an amazing story because, although I love stories set in England and especially ones that bring in WWII, I am equally against stories that future giant, mutant insects that take over towns. Somehow, despite my own crawling terror up and down my back (I really hate bugs) I was riveted throughout the story. It takes an excellent story to override my distaste for bugs and keep me wanting more so for that I salute you Tucker.
As far as the bones of this story go, I acknowledge my copy may end up slightly different after final edits but the flow, structure and pacing all felt comfortable. For those familiar with the show the surprises were in content not in jarring literary techniques. I think this contributed to my enjoyment of the book as Doctor Who, even in its most uncomfortable always seems to follow the same flow and core rules, it feels like a friend and that's how this book read.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book from NetGallery in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are my own.
Sounds like an episode of Doctor Who to me.
Actually, The Crawling Terror by Mike Tucker will almost never be made into an actual episode because the CGI cost would be too high, however, with a good imagination Tucker's book is the next best thing or perhaps even better for book loving Whovians.
I was highly impressed with Tucker's offering.
First because he did such a beautiful job of structuring his plot and characters.
I mean, this was the first of the three Whovian novels I was given that actually describes the Doctor's new face. Furthermore, not content to leave his readers there, Tucker explores the changing nature of Clara and the Doctor's relationship now that 11 is gone. The delight Tucker seemed to take writing nuances into his story whether they were character traits, sarcastic quips, or plot points worthy of an episode made me feel that someone who respects Who was behind the novel (I have no idea and should probably go look up Tucker's background).
Secondly, Tucker presented an amazing story because, although I love stories set in England and especially ones that bring in WWII, I am equally against stories that future giant, mutant insects that take over towns. Somehow, despite my own crawling terror up and down my back (I really hate bugs) I was riveted throughout the story. It takes an excellent story to override my distaste for bugs and keep me wanting more so for that I salute you Tucker.
As far as the bones of this story go, I acknowledge my copy may end up slightly different after final edits but the flow, structure and pacing all felt comfortable. For those familiar with the show the surprises were in content not in jarring literary techniques. I think this contributed to my enjoyment of the book as Doctor Who, even in its most uncomfortable always seems to follow the same flow and core rules, it feels like a friend and that's how this book read.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book from NetGallery in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are my own.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Doctor Who - Silhouette
After reading my first novel featuring the newly regenerated 12th doctor, I picked up Silhouette by Justin Richards with cautious excitement.
The blurb sounded intriguing: murders behind closed doors, favourite characters back for a visit, and a curious carnival at the center but as I've found with books before descriptions can be deceiving.
Luckily for me, the only deceiving part of this book was the villain, just the way a good Doctor Who novel should feel in my opinion.
Silhouette started off a little rough, with the structure and pacing feeling a little foreign. However, by the middle of the first chapter I was back in Victorian England exploring the Carnival of Curiosities and watching a mystery worthy of an episode unfolding before my eyes.
I loved Richards portrayal of the established characters he worked with: Clara was perfectly represented, Straax made me smile in all the right places (Straax has long been a favourite of mine), and Jenny and Vastra both presented themselves true to form. Unlike my first venture into Whovian novels, Richards made me care about the newest regeneration (more than I already was) and allowed the new doctor to begin to form and take on his personality.
The story itself was brilliantly constructed. I felt some of the final revelation could have used a bit steadier pacing but everything unfolded true to the story that Richards had unfolded. Mysteries have to be careful so that their surprise ending still fit the flow and temperament of what came before and in Silhouette the justice served is wonderfully written.
The characters unique to this story, particularly Silhouette and Affinity also showed more depth than I thought capable given the constraints of a short novel. These are two characters I could easily see a Doctor running into in the future.
I realize for some that novels within a television genre are a chance to explore outside the confines of broadcasts rules, this is also why fanfiction has risen to such popularity. However, I've always loved stories that feel like they belong, that feel months later when I reflect back like they could have or should have been an episode I'm having trouble remembering the visual details of, this is what Richards delivers. I loved this intro to 12 and look forward to what Justin Richards brings to the Whoniverse in the future
4.5 out of 5 stars
I received a e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The views are my own.
The blurb sounded intriguing: murders behind closed doors, favourite characters back for a visit, and a curious carnival at the center but as I've found with books before descriptions can be deceiving.
Luckily for me, the only deceiving part of this book was the villain, just the way a good Doctor Who novel should feel in my opinion.
Silhouette started off a little rough, with the structure and pacing feeling a little foreign. However, by the middle of the first chapter I was back in Victorian England exploring the Carnival of Curiosities and watching a mystery worthy of an episode unfolding before my eyes.
I loved Richards portrayal of the established characters he worked with: Clara was perfectly represented, Straax made me smile in all the right places (Straax has long been a favourite of mine), and Jenny and Vastra both presented themselves true to form. Unlike my first venture into Whovian novels, Richards made me care about the newest regeneration (more than I already was) and allowed the new doctor to begin to form and take on his personality.
The story itself was brilliantly constructed. I felt some of the final revelation could have used a bit steadier pacing but everything unfolded true to the story that Richards had unfolded. Mysteries have to be careful so that their surprise ending still fit the flow and temperament of what came before and in Silhouette the justice served is wonderfully written.
The characters unique to this story, particularly Silhouette and Affinity also showed more depth than I thought capable given the constraints of a short novel. These are two characters I could easily see a Doctor running into in the future.
I realize for some that novels within a television genre are a chance to explore outside the confines of broadcasts rules, this is also why fanfiction has risen to such popularity. However, I've always loved stories that feel like they belong, that feel months later when I reflect back like they could have or should have been an episode I'm having trouble remembering the visual details of, this is what Richards delivers. I loved this intro to 12 and look forward to what Justin Richards brings to the Whoniverse in the future
4.5 out of 5 stars
I received a e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The views are my own.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Doctor Who - The Blood Cell
Doo Wee Oooh . . . I'm so excited!!
For those who are new to my blog, I'm a complete nerd and love every minute of my nerdiness (with the slight exception of the pain of long hiatus . . . I'm looking at you Sherlock).
For those familiar with the world of sci-fi and fantasy, particularly that of the British persuasion, it is old news that in just under 2 weeks a new doctor shall be revealed to the world or, at least the rest of him will be revealed. Technically, we've already been introduced to his kidneys.
For the uninitiated, Doctor Who is a long standing British show featuring the Doctor, a timelord from the planet Gallifrey who spends an exorbitant amount of time in the London and Cardiff areas for an alien who can go anywhere in any time.
That said, I love the show.
I love the whimsy and fantasy. I love the sarcasm and wit. I love the way it makes me think, makes me care, and get my brain moving.I even love the way it makes me cry though i'm equally fond of the laughter it brings ( I dare you to go watch Vincent and the Doctor and not cry, go on give it a try worst case scenario you still get to see an episode of Who).
So, as any fan who is eagerly awaiting the season premiere of Peter Capaldi's twelfth doctor, I was ecstatic to be offered the chance to review three brand new Doctor Who novels featuring 12 and Clara.
This also means three reviews for you. Aren't you excited now?
The first book up for review is The Blood Cell by James Goss.
The fact that their prison was inescapable was a point of pride for the governor, now if only he could just get prisoner 428 to stay put.
The premise of The Blood Cell was fascinating. Take one impenetrable prison set on an asteroid. Add disappearing prisoners, a prison head that has a mysterious past, and a prison that is slowly turning against itself before adding a dash of the Doctor in all his new snarky, edgy glory with a healthy dose of pop culture references for good measure.
I think this could have been a good episode in the hands of the right director, however, I had trouble following this novel as a book.
Although The Blood Cell was a Doctor Who novel, the Governor was the main character and through whom readers were allowed entrance into the story. This left the plot feeling jumbled at times as past events tumbled out all wibbly wobbly, and scenes jarred from too descriptive to too much conversation. This narrative really called for the visual back up.
The other drawback with this novel is that with a little tweaking, the novel could have easily become any sci-fi, with the exception of a small handful of scenes, nothing felt distinctly Whovian.
Now, on to the good.
I realize some fans are up in arms about Clara as a companion but, I have become rather fond of the Impossible Girl and this novel only increased my delight. Clara's petitions and picketing were the perfect counter to the Doctor's brooding and, perhaps depression. I laughed out loud at her interactions with the Governor and loved the perfectness of their order.
Also, as I mentioned earlier, I do think this could have been an interesting episode, so for readers who have a good background when it comes to all things Whovian and creating mental landscapes they may be able to fill in the gaps a little better than a mama who's little one is overachieving in the teething department.
3 out of 5 stars
I received this book through Netgallery in exchange for my honest opinion
For those who are new to my blog, I'm a complete nerd and love every minute of my nerdiness (with the slight exception of the pain of long hiatus . . . I'm looking at you Sherlock).
For those familiar with the world of sci-fi and fantasy, particularly that of the British persuasion, it is old news that in just under 2 weeks a new doctor shall be revealed to the world or, at least the rest of him will be revealed. Technically, we've already been introduced to his kidneys.
For the uninitiated, Doctor Who is a long standing British show featuring the Doctor, a timelord from the planet Gallifrey who spends an exorbitant amount of time in the London and Cardiff areas for an alien who can go anywhere in any time.
That said, I love the show.
I love the whimsy and fantasy. I love the sarcasm and wit. I love the way it makes me think, makes me care, and get my brain moving.I even love the way it makes me cry though i'm equally fond of the laughter it brings ( I dare you to go watch Vincent and the Doctor and not cry, go on give it a try worst case scenario you still get to see an episode of Who).
So, as any fan who is eagerly awaiting the season premiere of Peter Capaldi's twelfth doctor, I was ecstatic to be offered the chance to review three brand new Doctor Who novels featuring 12 and Clara.
This also means three reviews for you. Aren't you excited now?
The first book up for review is The Blood Cell by James Goss.
The fact that their prison was inescapable was a point of pride for the governor, now if only he could just get prisoner 428 to stay put.
The premise of The Blood Cell was fascinating. Take one impenetrable prison set on an asteroid. Add disappearing prisoners, a prison head that has a mysterious past, and a prison that is slowly turning against itself before adding a dash of the Doctor in all his new snarky, edgy glory with a healthy dose of pop culture references for good measure.
I think this could have been a good episode in the hands of the right director, however, I had trouble following this novel as a book.
Although The Blood Cell was a Doctor Who novel, the Governor was the main character and through whom readers were allowed entrance into the story. This left the plot feeling jumbled at times as past events tumbled out all wibbly wobbly, and scenes jarred from too descriptive to too much conversation. This narrative really called for the visual back up.
The other drawback with this novel is that with a little tweaking, the novel could have easily become any sci-fi, with the exception of a small handful of scenes, nothing felt distinctly Whovian.
Now, on to the good.
I realize some fans are up in arms about Clara as a companion but, I have become rather fond of the Impossible Girl and this novel only increased my delight. Clara's petitions and picketing were the perfect counter to the Doctor's brooding and, perhaps depression. I laughed out loud at her interactions with the Governor and loved the perfectness of their order.
Also, as I mentioned earlier, I do think this could have been an interesting episode, so for readers who have a good background when it comes to all things Whovian and creating mental landscapes they may be able to fill in the gaps a little better than a mama who's little one is overachieving in the teething department.
3 out of 5 stars
I received this book through Netgallery in exchange for my honest opinion
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Child of Mine
I have a confession to make. Though I've been given many recommendations, hints, and outright directives I have never read a Christian Amish romance.
There, I've said it.
I just couldn't help it. I've always loved historical novels but ones with adventure and intrigue. Somehow, in my mind, Amish novels just didn't fit my criteria of a good read. Even if it was only the subplot.
Then I was given the opportunity to read Child of Mine by David & Beverly Lewis.
Kelly Maines loves her daughter, if only she knew where the girl was. . .
For years, Kelly has tirelessly sought her stolen daughter, neglecting her health and relationships in search of her missing child.
Since his brother's death Jack Livingston has been raising his adopted niece with the help of their loyal Amish nanny Laura Mast.
As one clue leads to another will Kelly find her beloved child or loose what little she has left?
I admit as an adoption advocate the idea of a mother searching for her stolen daughter was heart wrenching and drew me in almost instantly.
Kelly Maines was a character that connected with this Mama's heart and I couldn't help but root for her as she fought between achieving her dreams, healing, or finding peace with both. She was a real character to me not an overly clean Christian version of a hurting woman but a hurting woman looking for peace.
Likewise, Jack made me laugh, the confusion he faced re-entering the dating scene while dealing with an aging Nattie was balanced beautifully with his tangible love for a little girl who changed his life.
The Lewis' are good at spinning a plot.
The slow revealing of each character's story, the events that made them into the people they had become were beautifully woven together with each narrative flowing into the next. I felt it was a great illustration of just how easily lives can be intertwined without us realizing the destination. This is a great novel for readers who like their books to be a journey rather than something to be consumed.
This talent at spinning out their plot helps give the Lewis' characters depth and humanity. I would go as far as saying that it would be difficult for the target audience to not find at least one character with whom their resonate.
That said, at times, I'll admit, I was a bit frustrated by the over-description which occurred, particularly in the book's earlier chapters. Initial character description felt a little forced with details being added for the sake of adding details.
The positive side of this, if it wasn't for writing up a review, I would have easily forgot the awkwardness of these initial introductions with complete outfit descriptions thanks to the overwhelming charm and heart which followed.
I would highly recommend this book to any readers looking for a good solid novel with a lot of heart and none of the smut that so often ruins a good simple romance.
4.5 starts out of 5
I received this book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
There, I've said it.
I just couldn't help it. I've always loved historical novels but ones with adventure and intrigue. Somehow, in my mind, Amish novels just didn't fit my criteria of a good read. Even if it was only the subplot.
Then I was given the opportunity to read Child of Mine by David & Beverly Lewis.
Kelly Maines loves her daughter, if only she knew where the girl was. . .
For years, Kelly has tirelessly sought her stolen daughter, neglecting her health and relationships in search of her missing child.
Since his brother's death Jack Livingston has been raising his adopted niece with the help of their loyal Amish nanny Laura Mast.
As one clue leads to another will Kelly find her beloved child or loose what little she has left?
I admit as an adoption advocate the idea of a mother searching for her stolen daughter was heart wrenching and drew me in almost instantly.
Kelly Maines was a character that connected with this Mama's heart and I couldn't help but root for her as she fought between achieving her dreams, healing, or finding peace with both. She was a real character to me not an overly clean Christian version of a hurting woman but a hurting woman looking for peace.
Likewise, Jack made me laugh, the confusion he faced re-entering the dating scene while dealing with an aging Nattie was balanced beautifully with his tangible love for a little girl who changed his life.
The Lewis' are good at spinning a plot.
The slow revealing of each character's story, the events that made them into the people they had become were beautifully woven together with each narrative flowing into the next. I felt it was a great illustration of just how easily lives can be intertwined without us realizing the destination. This is a great novel for readers who like their books to be a journey rather than something to be consumed.
This talent at spinning out their plot helps give the Lewis' characters depth and humanity. I would go as far as saying that it would be difficult for the target audience to not find at least one character with whom their resonate.
That said, at times, I'll admit, I was a bit frustrated by the over-description which occurred, particularly in the book's earlier chapters. Initial character description felt a little forced with details being added for the sake of adding details.
The positive side of this, if it wasn't for writing up a review, I would have easily forgot the awkwardness of these initial introductions with complete outfit descriptions thanks to the overwhelming charm and heart which followed.
I would highly recommend this book to any readers looking for a good solid novel with a lot of heart and none of the smut that so often ruins a good simple romance.
4.5 starts out of 5
I received this book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
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