So excited to be included in this collection as an author! I was a blessing to be a part of this anthology and work alongside the other talented writeSo excited to be included in this collection as an author! I was a blessing to be a part of this anthology and work alongside the other talented writers, and we're so excited to share these stories with you!...more
I hate to review an up and coming author who probably has a great career ahead of her negatively, but this story just wasn't for mJust not my favorite
I hate to review an up and coming author who probably has a great career ahead of her negatively, but this story just wasn't for me. Reasons below, but if you loved the story, I'd just skip my review!
* * *
I felt like the main characters had an odd, unhealthy relationship (I mean, why is she always apologizing for reasonable concerns? Does he not care about her? Not just her heart, soul, and mind, but her body?), there was little development of said characters, and the plot seemed pretty pointless and then easily resolved. My biggest problem, however, was with the male lead who was stubborn and holding onto the past in an unhealthy way. I kept thinking that was the point of the book, and his wife would smack some sense into him or at least he'd find God's healing and move on (he was just ... interesting lol), but I guess that wasn't what this story was about. Still, I find I couldn't condone his behavior, attitude, or actions....more
**spoiler alert** I debated for a long time whether I should write a full review of this. I liked it, and loved what the author was trying to do, but **spoiler alert** I debated for a long time whether I should write a full review of this. I liked it, and loved what the author was trying to do, but there were some serious issues I had with a few things. That said, I don't want to just be negative for negativity's sake when I know this is only the author's second novel.
Anyways, my full thoughts are below, but I honestly do think this was a great book that shows amazing promise. I'm omitting a rating as I won't be posting this anywhere else, and I'd like to avoid dragging down the author's overall score.
A few overall notes:
The writing needed a developmental and line edit just to smooth some things over. There were no obvious mistakes, but the book contained a lot of telling, even of the details which could have been brought out/described. Again, given that this is the author's second novel ever, that's not too surprising and really shouldn't be held against her. I do think there were some genuinely heart-wrenching moments that were very well-portrayed.
I really loved that the author took time to show realistic physical attraction without dragging your mind into the gutter. It was clean but also really sweet. Further, I feel like the author did a great job introducing some character development devices, themes, etc., and I was impressed by how easy it was to keep track of the five kiddos along with the other minor characters. Plus, the kids were super sweet and fairly well-developed!
It was a very easy, enjoyable read. Other than some frustrations listed below, there was nothing that took away from my enjoyment of the book. Technically speaking, it was free of errors or poor writing. As noted, it was simply the prose and other techniques that are specific to writing novels, not general writing, that could use a little work.
One minor setup issue that bugged me: several times, the book mentions that Lisa has no experience with kids, yet she is an utter natural at taking care of them in reality. Which is confusing. However, she does really struggle with cooking, which was ... not set up at all? Anyways, I just thought that was a little weird, despite the fact that it could totally be that she just discovered that she is great with kids after all. However, in general, as someone who's worked in childcare all my life, has a ton of nieces and nephews, etc., it's not that easy. And if you're good with kids naturally ... usually you know it. However, I am prone to wrongness, so that was just a personal pet peeve as someone who adores kiddos and would cut off my left hand (I'm a leftie) to spend time with 'em. ;)
My Mentioned Issues:
In my personal opinion, which is not the law of the land for sure and should not be regarded as such by potential readers of this novel, there were some major character development holes.
Let's start with Lisa. The whole book, I kept thinking she was going to be revealed to have a past of at least verbal/emotional abuse if not physical abuse, despite the fact that I knew with my head that that wasn't a thing. She showed a lot of textbook signs of emotional abuse, and it would have made the book make more sense. As it was, she comes across as constantly overreacting to the (admittedly, irritating) rejection and other issues she experiences throughout the book.
This confused me because ... what has she experienced in her life other than love, affirmation, et cetera? She came from a secure home, which you'd think would grow her into a secure person or at least give this little 29-year-old the skills to cope a little better than a hormonal teenager.
I would just have liked to know more about her backstory, as there seemed to be a lot to it. I feel if her behavior was just a little more grounded, and there were a heavier focus on her having, for instance, been an old maid before the war (not that she had much time in which to be an old maid before the war, but you know), that would've made sense. As it was, her behaviors were not those of someone who has lost a lot of loved ones to grief but rather of someone dealing with other issues that indeed are serious. I do think the author did a decent job portraying the issues of needing to move beyond grief, at least on the surface-level, so I want to give credit where credit is due for that! It just ... felt like Lisa was going through A LOT more than that.
My biggest issue with Lisa? She left the kids. And I'll never be able to forgive her for that. I honestly think Eli should have abandoned her after she did that. I mean, not really, as that wouldn't have been a godly thing to do, but if any spouse of mine left, regardless of the issues we were having, abandoning our children (because they are practically her children at that point)? I would not be able to forgive them. (And yes, she's somehow worked it into her mind that she was unworthy, that they'd be better off with a hired woman of some sort, etc., but that DOESN'T FORGIVE HER LEAVING HER OWN CHILDREN - because yes, they were her children by then; they were her children as soon as she married Eli - WITHOUT EVEN SAYING GOODBYE.) Now, I'm not really that mad, but it just seemed like a baffling decision to me.
Moving on to Eli. I assumed throughout 90% of the book that he had been emotionally abused by his wife, or at least majorly manipulated. It does seem at the end that his wife was at least mildly manipulative, but not enough that it would create the violent reactions and the life changes that this woman wrought on his life. It sounds like he was MISERABLE with her, despite his continued insistence that they were super happy. I couldn't help but wonder if he just thinks he was happy with her because he loves his kids. Like, you lived with a woman who didn't care about your feelings at all for ten years? That's ... that's a lot to deal with, Eli.
My other big problem with Eli is that he has worked for many years as a pastor, and been married for 10 years, but has absolutely no idea what love or marriage are all about from a biblical standpoint. Love is a choice you make. Marriage is about choosing to love your wife. The Bible clearly states that a husband must love his wife, and yet Eli seems to think he can just keep Lisa on as a hired hand. The funny thing is that, in some ways, all of Lisa's wildest fears are true because Eli spends 90% of the book treating her as built-in childcare, and though they do have a friendship of sorts, they have no real conversations, and the real conversations they do have at the very end do not even come close to addressing all their issues. I guess the lack of conversations really bothered me. I mean, who marries a woman, after you've been married ten years yourself, and yet fails to discuss whether or not you'll expect to have sex, raise children with her, and so on? Like, even in the rush, surely this grown man and this grown women could manage to discuss this? I can forgive Lisa because she is inexperienced (despite the fact that, again, she's a full grown adult, not an eighteen-year-old or something), but Eli? ELI. What were you thinking? (The answer: he wasn't thinking because he was having constant trauma responses but IGNORE MY HEADCANON.)
Another small irritation: throughout the book, both Eli and Lisa refuse to seek out mentorship for their obvious issues, or discuss it with anyone of spiritual maturity. This book is a little lighter on the spiritual content, so I get that, but even when they're offered mentorship, they both turn it away as being "too private to discuss." Okay, so just let your marital struggles destroy your marriage while you refuse to seek counsel!
One final thing I found amusing: the author mentions in her author note that there's a common trope where the widower swiftly moves on from the wife he loved, but then just turned around and instead wrote a story where the widower was unhealthily obsessed with his deceased wife and yet still finds that the new lady in his life is better (more beautiful, more suited to him, in every way the love of his life) as opposed to the deceased wife who no longer compared. Which is the stereotype I see more often - that the second love has to be "better" to make the romance valid. However, in real life, people can love more than one person intensely without needing another person to be less than.
Anyways, that's my ranty review that you probably didn't mean. I really do think there were a lot of excellent things about this book, but I did want to address these issues just because if my three or four friends who actually read my reviews see that I've read this book, I feel like I'd want to tell them about what bothered me about it. :) That said, I do think the author is amazing and worth watching and all that stuff. It seems like she's got loads of talent and is writing the most amazing kinds of books - that kinds that actually matter. I just think there's perhaps a need for a little more research or just some more people-watching!...more
This is my first-ever anthology published with Wild Blue Wonder Press. It features myself along with seven other amazing authors: Faith BlumHey folks!
This is my first-ever anthology published with Wild Blue Wonder Press. It features myself along with seven other amazing authors: Faith Blum, Andrea Renee Cox, Bailey Gaines, Grace A. Johnson, Katja H. Labonté, Rachel Leitch, and Erika Mathews.
Springtime in Surrey, the first collection releasing with Wild Blue Wonder Press, is a Christian anthology featuring eight lovely stories. With a mix of historical and contemporary, romance and women’s fiction, a dash of mystery here and there, real-life themes presented in a loving way, and a vintage feel, this story is sure to charm lovers of Christian women’s fiction.
Each of these stories could easily have a G or PG rating if they were a movie. Think "thematic elements," like in a Jane Austen adaptation.
Here is a brief description & content warnings for each novella.
Jesus, I Am Resting
A WWI story with a romantic subplot that discusses the important themes of rest and trust in God. This story features brief mentions of the war, of illness & injury, and of death, but all of them are perfectly G.
The Cottage on the Hill
This story is about a former ballerina recovering from a tragic accident and her cheerful, farm-worker suitor. This story features brief mentions of illness, disability, and injury in a G-rated way.
If I Knew You Were Coming
This WWII novella features a mother struggling to keep her children safe while dealing with a potential visit from her soldier husband. This story features PTSD, war wounds, and death/grief in a G-rated way.
Her Heart's Home
This novella, set in the early 1920s, features a woman tossed out of her home and a sea captain searching for a safe harbor. This story features some clean but vivid description of war-related PTSD and a few kisses, as per its romantic storyline, in a G- or PG-rated way.
The Tussie-Mussie
This novella, set in the early 1900s, features a disgraced debutante fighting to save her brother, only to meet a kind reclusive author who changes her life. This story features brief references to verbal abuse, but is perfectly G-rated.
The Odd Duck Society
This contemporary storyline features a young woman trying to rescue her family's tea shop all the while she and two new friends receive mysterious letters from famous authors. This story is G-rated and features little that I could warn you about. I will note that the main character vividly suffers from anxiety.
Fear Not Tomorrows
This historical novella concerns the worries of a young woman separated from her betrothed and the journey with God she goes through as she accepts this change of plans. This story is G-rated and features little that I could warn you about save perhaps mentions of illness and death.
Courage to Stay
This Regency-era novella is about a bride chasing her husband into the woods to rescue him from himself. This story features a semi-vivid portrayal of war-related PTSD and references to war, a few kisses, and one scene (fade to black) where it is hinted that a married couple remained together overnight and few reflections of events thereof in the morning, all in a PG-rated manner.
I admit this wasn't my favorite of the Sarah Sundin books I have read, but it was still an entertaining read with themes and characters that I really I admit this wasn't my favorite of the Sarah Sundin books I have read, but it was still an entertaining read with themes and characters that I really enjoyed. On this one, I really enjoyed the historical information about the Dutch in WWII. I found it utterly fascinating, and it really made me proud to have the slightest bit of Dutch blood. (It's not much, but I still do have some!)
Else and Hemming (Henning? Henrik? What do we call this man!?) weren't my favorites, as I said before (I mean, who can compete with Lucie and Josie and Paul? And Evelyn and Peter, too. <3), but I still liked them. I think there was just something missing for me in the story, and I can't put my finger on it. Personal preference is all. Plus I did feel like the ending was a little rushing, but maybe that's because I truly didn't want it to end.
I'd recommend this to any lovers of WWII fiction! It's a perfectly clean, amazing romance with sacrificial love, amazing characters, and a beautiful historical background. It's full of heroism, standing up for what is right, and lots of fun sciencey stuff which was a blast to read....more
This book was such an adorable, Betsy-Tacy-ish story that gave me alllll the childhood vibes. I used to read dozens of books like this, and it was jusThis book was such an adorable, Betsy-Tacy-ish story that gave me alllll the childhood vibes. I used to read dozens of books like this, and it was just … the same style. The same vibe.
Granted, it was a little slow, but it can be fun to read something a little slow from time to time. I really enjoyed Norvia. However, my favorite characters were definitely Dicta, Virgil, and Vernon. Unlike others, I didn't REALLY care terribly much for most of the boys running in and out of Norvia's life (non-romantically, which means friends and brothers). Like, they were all right, but none of them, including Aylmer, really interested me. Overall, the family dynamics were AWESOME, though. I was so excited for Novia's new and improved family!! Especially her new big sister. <3 I loved her!
The plot was, as I said, a little slow. Even though it didn't particularly take a long time for the plot to get started, it still had a sloggy feeling. That was just the style of the book, though, and as I said, I didn't mind terribly. It was just worth mentioning that there were definitely some points where I was a little boring. I also really disliked the flashbacks as they always took me out of the story and were difficult to keep track of, despite being dated. I found myself skipping them to get to the "actual story," if you will. (Plus, you know. Despite Norvia's POV and all, I just couldn't buy into caring about her dad or anything related to him. I didn't love her mom, either, but in particular, I wanted to be away from her dad and move into her great new family! Did I mention her new family was great?)
It was also interesting hearing hints of several different cultures in this story, and seeing how, realistically, in the era there wasn't a lot of understanding or respect for different cultures OR for situations like Norvia found herself in (the child of divorced parents). (BUT OH MY GOSH HER STEPFATHER. I'm sorry, Alymer is all right, I guess, but find yourself a man like Norvia's stepdad. And I've honestly forgotten if he was Vernon or Virgil, but anyways, THAT GUY. Though I did like her stepbrother, too. He was basically Colin Lennox. Like, 100%. If you know, you know.)
Anywho, basically, this was an adorable story, and I highly recommend it for middle grade and adult readers. It's great for a nostalgia boost....more
I read it way too fast, because I was enjoying it way too much, so I need to reread it. But I do remember it all pretty clearly, so let'sThis book. <3
I read it way too fast, because I was enjoying it way too much, so I need to reread it. But I do remember it all pretty clearly, so let's go.
Luke has always been my favorite. Being in his POV was a bit different than I expected (I definitely got a different impression of him from other stories), but still enjoyable. I loved his story of forgiving himself and moving on, and his loyalty and determination were so great. Him helping Damaris's nephew was super touching.
Damaris, meanwhile, well, I don't know how this chick stayed invisible for so long, because she was being pretty courageous by the time we got to her. :P But that was good. I was glad that instead of relying on Luke to "make up for" her lack of courage and such, she actually grew as a character, which was great. Men don't make up for our weaknesses like that ... that's not what you're supposed to do.
I really enjoyed watching these two get together - and watching Damaris's relationship with her nephew grow as well as Luke's relationship with him was great. It reminded me a lot of my mom and brother, actually - I think my little brother is ABOUT that unmanageable. xD
But the way Luke and Damaris lean on each other ... like, thank goodness for a healthy relationship. That was so sweet.
The real question, though, is NOW WHAT?! What do I do with my life now without the Horsemen in it?...more
This sweet Christmas short story collection was great! I really enjoyed it. I did have a few problems, which I'll discuss because I'm whiny like that,This sweet Christmas short story collection was great! I really enjoyed it. I did have a few problems, which I'll discuss because I'm whiny like that, but don't let that make you think I didn't feel that it was a five-star collection overall! Really, it was great.
Story #1:
This one was super precious! I enjoyed reading about Abigail's struggles to keep her own promise to herself (not to get involved with a guy until after the year) because obviously I'm a sadist who likes to see characters struggle. :P I liked Jackson, too, but I felt like there was a little more development needed with him, just 'cause he was so reserved at first that I didn't latch on to much. I found the whole thing with the farm interesting.
(view spoiler)[Unfortunately, I did feel like there was a little more information needed about the ending - in particular, what Abigail and Jackson's future was going to look like. They were both concerned about that, but no resolution was given. Abigail even floated some dream ideas that were never further discussed? Based on the epilogue, Abigail and Jackson are both living in Lafayette and she is presumably going to just have kiddos and all that? Which I 100% support - don't get me wrong - but was that the plan …? Maybe I missed it. I just wanted more resolution for them, although I'm happy they're together at all. (hide spoiler)]
However, I liked Abigail a lot - I think she was my favorite of the siblings, actually - and Jackson was a pretty good match to her.
Story #2:
*sigh*
I feel like the amount that I am just drawn to Sarah Sundin's stories is edging on obsessive, so I wanted to find something to dislike about this story to lower the obsessive factor, but I truly am a huge fan of her, and I just adored this story.
Maybe I can say that there were a couple points where I got mildly frustrated with Linnie but that's really not true because I usually get annoyed by children who are ill-behaved, but she made perfect sense and charmed me from start to finish? I only disliked her until I met her. As soon as I met her, I was like, "Oh, duh, ADHD. Chill. Me, too, girl …" (I don't know if that was the author's intention, but Linnie came off as neurologically atypical.)
Grace, I loved. I guess I could say there were some small things I didn't understand about her as much as I am accustomed to understanding in Sundin's other novels. (I know, I'm grasping for straws, especially since I'm about to tear into story 3 for really no discernable reason.) However, she was just so charming. And you know how I get about Sundin's single parents. I get so excited for them.
And Pete was great! I really liked him and felt like I understood him well. The character backstories were best developed and utilized in this story, and his especially was great.
Overall, I really loved this story. Linnie was a darling. I want a Linnie. Or five.
Story #3:
To me, this was the weakest story. I think the plot itself already had a lot working against it - the main leads aren't able to be "together" officially for the length of it, there's no tension or romance between them for that reason, and the situation they're in can only be resolved by one of them (not the other) being less stubborn. I am such an internal stuff writer, but lately I've been trying to learn to write more important external decisions and events for my characters … and this story was good for me because I could totally see it in action.
I also found it difficult to like Merry because I felt like I couldn't get a grasp on who she was due to her being all scarred. Further, it took her so long to get to the NEXT part of her journey (the healing) that throughout, I just couldn't seem to envision what we were going for. Granted, I probably could've sat down and thought it through, but I wanted to be able to feel the journey to come. And I just couldn't.
But in spite of that complaint, I feel like the biggest problem really was the lack of connection between the main characters. And … (view spoiler)[what we did get at the end was such a small bit of connection that it wasn't enough for me. (hide spoiler)]
Added to the fact that, in the epilogue, (view spoiler)[Merry and David weren't even a part of the story, (hide spoiler)] I couldn't seem to make the connection. It just felt rushed.
And that's about all I have to say! Overall, I liked it. Any complaints were probably because I was so impressed overall that any small mistake stood out because I am a jerk. But please don't take that too much to heart, because again, it's a five-star review. *shrug* Good stuff. Read it....more
I always knew I could write a cute Christmas story!
I still haven't written one with a legitimWant to review the book? Fill out this form!
Dear Knights,
I always knew I could write a cute Christmas story!
I still haven't written one with a legitimate purpose, but oh well. Can't win 'em all.
You were too much fun to write, allowed me to show some things I never got to show in the main series novels, and basically, allowed me a chance to ENJOY writing for a bit. Which, granted, I always do in part. But this was true, unabashed "just for fun" writing.
I hope you'll be a true, unabashed "just for fun" read, too.
Enjoy yourself.
Official Content Guide for The Knights of Pearlbelle Park:
Language:
None.
Expressions: heaven knows (x1), for heaven's sake (x1)
Violence:
N/A
A character claims a second character killed a third character as surely as if he had "taken a gun and shot her" (first character is being mildly dramatic, but to be fair, the second character is a jerk).
Sexual:
Mentions of and kissing/touching between married couples, within reasonable limits. PG unless you give it your full imagination, in which case I say PG-13.
A mention of a man "seducing" a young woman. A mention of a man who tends to take advantage of servants, though it's very veiled. If you know the story, you know what's going on, basically.
Other:
Mentions of pregnancy and mentions of a woman who died due to childbirth. Several mentions of illnesses (nothing graphic or gross) and of someone who died in a previous story due to illness. Mentions of a baby dying not long after birth and the accompanying grief of the baby's parents.
If Charlie could kill Frosty, he would have killed Frosty. Malicious intent present in story.
This was the first book that made me realize that Hazel was TWENTY-TWO. Twenty-two. I almost cried.
***
This is probably one of the "cleanest" stories I've written in a long while; don't expect this to ever happen again. :P
Okay, this is a lukewarm review. However, this is my personal opinion and is not a reflection on the book itself.
It's a good book for a book of its geOkay, this is a lukewarm review. However, this is my personal opinion and is not a reflection on the book itself.
It's a good book for a book of its genre. But I've found that lately I'm getting more and more harsh on books in this genre (e.g. clean Regency romance). I don't know if that means I should stop reading it or what, because ... I did still enjoy reading this book. And I would do it all over again, though I wouldn't reread it.
The characters were decently well-developed. I really liked James's friends and their families and saw a lot of potential there!
I also thought it was set up well. Though I realllllyyyy wanted the book to go in a different direction (covering some of their early marriage instead of being entirely about their betrothal period, short as that period was), the direction it went in was fine until about the middle when it started to go off the rails (more on that later).
I was personally bored by the longer descriptions and the long periods of Kate just *thinking* which I felt were much overdone and often redundant. However, I can see how a lot of readers might really enjoy this. To me, it just felt like a bit much, fluffy and unnecessary, and I had a hard time not skimming it.
That said, the plot was again intriguing, and there were some very pretty things about the author's writing style and the way she portrayed certain situations. There were even times where she made choices that were unique to her, and I really appreciated that!
However, there were just some things about this book that drove me crazy!
First, in my opinion, the way love is represented in a lot of romances these days is just off. And I'm wearing out on it. In addition, the way the heroine and hero viewed love was quite cliché (and unrealistic). Especially the heroine, who, like most heroines, seems to view love as some unstoppable force that she must resist despite the hopelessness of it all.
I'm terribly tired of that "I won't fall in love no matter what" heroine who eventually "succumbs." I dislike it for being cliché, I dislike it for portraying love as something it isn't, and I feel like it's a harmful stereotype, too. There are people in this world who make themselves too hard for any kind of affection or feeling to penetrate.
Inspirational movies and books make it seem like these people don't exist, or if they do, they just need a little drawing out ... but nope. As someone who struggles with letting myself feel emotions, as well as practically express love for others, every day, I acknowledge that they are NOT unstoppable ... and yet I need to have them. I need to accept that I need to have them. I can't just sit around and wait until the action of love happens or until I start feeling loving toward someone because I inevitably will.
And yes, yes, I am taking this WAY too seriously. I got married last month, and that's made me really serious about love in a way I haven't been before. xD It'll fade in time, and I'll be able to enjoy romances without any side-effects. However, right now ... well, no reflection on the book, but I am rather done with it.
Second, there was a big "plot twist" at the very end of the book that I hated, and I'd promised myself that if it happened, I would rate the book 3 stars. Otherwise, it would've gotten 4. I'll dive into that in the spoiler section, but basically, it was again not the book's fault so much as my fault. I was done with the cliché, and the book can't help that.
The Spoiler Section: (view spoiler)[Basically, at about 50% through, the heroine starts receiving mysterious threatening notes telling her to end the engagement. I thought this was weird, as she has no power to do so, but the book never really addresses that, sooo? Whatever.
Based on some not-so-subtle foreshadowing, plus the lengths to which the book went to try to "misdirect" me, it was pretty easy to figure out who was sending the notes and why ... sort of. Even when it was revealed why, it didn't make sense as yet another cliché popped up at that point - the "insane, money-hungry mother who does random but easily defeatable things" cliché. Which is one I'm done with, too. (Surely not every villain in these kind of books must be simply insane, so to justify their random choices and lack of true motivation, and so also to make them easier to defeat? But this genre seems to think that's the only kind of villain!)
Anyways, these notes keep coming, and eventually, they threaten the hero's life. Heroine is worried but somehow doesn't manage to quite communicate this with Hero so to cause artificial drama. At the ball, Hero gets a note, this time threatening Heroine, so he publicly breaks off the engagement. He decides to NOT take time to explain to either his friends or to Heroine what he's doing, even though in less than a sentence he could've told a friend what was up and told him to tell the Heroine. But I digress.
Heroine is upset and just decides to wander out into the garden in the middle of winter wearing a ballgown with the Obvious Villain. Obvious Villain literally doesn't even have to try to get her out there - Heroine basically just follows. (Why are heroines so stupid?) Heroine, who is an excellent horsewoman and not encumbered by a heavy pelisse, is then overpowered by Obvious Villain (an old lady) and then proceeds to get away but TRIPS AND FALLS like an ABSOLUTE IDIOT who has NEVER BEEN ON A HORSE A DAY IN HER LIFE.
Like, I laughed aloud when that happens. How?! Is she really that helpless? Yes. Yes, she did. She gives herself a concussion and then just LAYS THERE throughout the next scene, doing nothing. Such a strong woman.
Anyways, Villain has a gun and is going to just shoot Hero when he comes looking for Heroine. Why does she think this will work? Because she's insane. That's the only reason she thinks that 1. she can actually shoot him and 2. it will lead to her son inheriting and then actually better her situation (as there is no way they wouldn't know it was her because SHE IS THE OBVIOUS VILLAIN).
To be fair, due to Heroine's incompetence followed by Hero's stupidity, this almost works. Excepting that of course nothing would come of their deaths because everyone would know it was Villain. But I digress.
So Hero comes out, is stupid, and then eventually, after some more artificial drama, they disarm Villain, Heroine is carried up to her room (not wounded, sire, but dead ... sorry, I couldn't resist), and everything comes out and all is restored. After like three pages.
I just ... I know I'm being overly harsh. I KNOW IT! And I'm sorry to those of you who loved this book. I'm the one who's in the wrong here.
But I'm just done with the clichés and the kidnappings and the stupid heroines who lose their brains just long enough for the plot to happen. Also, the incompetence, and the lack of intelligence, and I just ... I'm done. I'm done. That is it. (hide spoiler)]
In summary, this was a disappointing book for me. However, I don't regret reading it, and I think it was all right - if a bit on the cliché side.
Definitely read this book if you love Regency romances! It's not Christian, but it is clean, and it's a perfectly fun read with a lot of engaging characters and an intriguing plot!
This novella just wasn't for me. I couldn't relate to a lot of the ideas and thoughts shared within its pages (on my Kindle). We don't talk about marrThis novella just wasn't for me. I couldn't relate to a lot of the ideas and thoughts shared within its pages (on my Kindle). We don't talk about marriage/future relationships in the same way in my house, I suppose - or else I just don't think about it in the same way. I'm not sure which.
The idea of a hope chest, to me, seems antiquated. The idea of placing that much hope into a future marriage to me, seems entirely societal, and I don't understand it despite the fact that I have in the past placed a lot of hope in relationships.
I also don't prefer to spend any time preparing to be a wife/mother (other than the accidental preparation that life brings us as we grow closer and closer to Christ - and other than the time when I was pursuing a relationship, during which I did do a lot of prep, but it didn't end up working out) because ... I don't know that that'll happen. I pray it will! But I assume I'll need a career and a way of being independent and all, rather than assuming that opposite.
At any rate, this book just wasn't for me. I felt somewhat disappointed in the main character for being just a bit ... lackluster. I just couldn't find myself rooting for her or relating to her because she seemed so stuck, and I'm nothing if not active. I'm always on the move - I create busyness for myself. And though I often feel stagnated, it's for other reasons.
In conclusion, I didn't find the main character or situations laid out in this story to be particularly relatable. However, it was interesting! I think a lot of my friends will really enjoy this story, and in fact, already have!
I received this book in exchange for honest review. All thoughts were my own....more
I've been working on this story before I even wrote book 4. Honestly, before I finished book 3, too, anDear Prayer,
Thank you for letting me be honest.
I've been working on this story before I even wrote book 4. Honestly, before I finished book 3, too, and maybe book 2.
This is the book I wanted to write for Alice all along. Full of pain and heart-wrenching darkness. World crumbling - God stronger. Heart breaking - God healing.
This story allowed me to go as dark as I, in the innocence of youth and then in the hesitance of an adult who has seen too much darkness, shall ever wish to go. Yet I found so many truths there. Because the light shines brightest when unaccompanied.
But the darkness comprehends it not.
Yet it made me realize the need for a book 7 and 9, too. It made me realize how healing never stops after the climax - it only begins. This is the beginning of Alice's story, really, where I had thought it was book 1 or perhaps book 3.
We are ever an unfinished project, and literature is often used as a form of escapism. I can never promise readers that.
You, my dear Prayer, helped me realize so much about who I am as a writer. I rewrote earlier books for you - I rethought earlier themes for you - I understand what God desires me to do with my writing because of you.
So let's get going! Get out there! Depress people - and hopefully point them toward God in the end!
Love,
Your Author
Official Content Guide for A Prayer Unanswered:
Language:
None.
Goodness knows (x2), goodness (x1), thank goodness (x1), for heaven's sake (x3), in heaven's name (x1), thank heavens (x1), heaven forbid (x1), "I swear it" used as a promise (x1), "I swear," as in "I was sure" (x1), Alice (x982), table (x48)
Violence:
Nothing on-page.
(view spoiler)[In a moment of insanity, I wanted to say, "Alice's existence is an act of violence" but then I remembered … and yeah, that's too dark, even for me. (hide spoiler)]
Sexual:
Several married couples are physically affectionate on-page in a very G or PG way. Some kissing mentioned, they share a bed, etc. The main characters both mention a couple times in a vague way that they've been intimate (mostly because that's how babies are made). Nothing gratuitous.
Situations from earlier books are brought up. (view spoiler)[This involves a brief mention of children conceived in sexual assault and the trauma undergone thereof. A character doubts her worth based on this but is ultimately assured her life has value despite the evil of her conception. Some of it is only vaguely alluded to. (hide spoiler)]
A minor character is known for making innuendo-laced references in a PG way. He's not approved of. Another character makes an allusion toward a character needing more information about presumably sexual things.
Ivy slips up and mentions that verse (1 Corinthians 7:9) to Peter & almost dies, so I suppose this should also go in the "violence" category.
Other:
Talk about pregnancy, wondering whether or not characters are pregnant, a few mentions of pregnancy symptoms. Menstrual periods (referred to as "bleeding" or "cycles" or "monthlies" at various times) are discussed briefly, mostly in relation to pregnancy.
Childbirth, miscarriage, and child loss happen on page and are discussed throughout the novel. It is a central theme. See spoiler. (view spoiler)[A character has a miscarriage; related bleeding, pain, and anguish happens on page. A character loses a child to stillbirth; part of the birthing process is discussed; the child's limp body, is described. Post-partum depression is also discussed and featured in the book. (hide spoiler)]
Depression, post-partum depression (PPD), and suicidal thoughts. (view spoiler)[A character attempts to commit suicide in a non-graphic way but is stopped. (hide spoiler)]
This is such a sweet Christmas story! I adore it. I mean, it's heartbreaking and emotional and horrible, which is why it's such a sweet Christmas storThis is such a sweet Christmas story! I adore it. I mean, it's heartbreaking and emotional and horrible, which is why it's such a sweet Christmas story....more
Well, I wanted to like this book. I really did! This is a favorite author, and though this book won’t stop me from reading future novels of hers (it’sWell, I wanted to like this book. I really did! This is a favorite author, and though this book won’t stop me from reading future novels of hers (it’s the premise, I think, and also the hideous main character), I got to 35% and hit some serious issues that made me to decide not to finish.
Even before that, I had already rated in 3 stars in my head, for the reasons I’ll list before (the ones not related to the Baby Hating). As it is, I realized there was no way I was going to rate it more than 1 star. Therefore, I decided to DNF and spare Goodreads my rating. I won’t be posting this review to Amazon, though I will share it on NetGalley to fulfill my obligations.
The first issues I noticed with this story had to do with Calista. She is so incompetent! And she’s just a frustrating individual.
She says she’s good at making up stories, which is her primary skill, but honestly, she’s all fluff and nonsense. She’s good at making up lies, yes, but not at making people believe them, as literally no one does.
Like, how is this someone I’d want to root for? It’s not. She’s not even vaguely likable, and honestly, since I already find most kidnapping stories frustrating, this one was even more annoying to me since it didn’t actually spend any time dealing with the matter at hand.
It was mostly focused on unrelated things that had nothing to do with the kidnapping story they set up at the beginning. Mostly because Calista seems to have a mild case of ADHD (or probably ADD is more accurate, but I’m not putting that much thought into this).
Also, she’s unarmed?! When she brought this up, I was in shock. She’s wondering around in danger without a gun? In fact, she doesn’t even have a knife! This is pure insanity from every angle.
But none of that is what made me stop reading the book. Like I said, I’d marked it 3 stars mentally, but it seemed like, with Matthew being a pretty decent guy, I thought it might turn into an enjoyable book as it got going.
However, I decided to stop because … I’m too obsessed with babies to care about Calista anymore. Her calous comments drove me nuts, and honestly, since I was already skimming parts at this point, it just wasn’t worth it.
Quote from Calista: “Winning a baby? Prizes are supposed to be something beneficial, not something that will take all your time, ruin your clothes, and tie you down forever.” “It’s just a prize I wouldn’t want to win. Now, if you’re going to raffle off some kid gloves, or a beaded handbag, then I might buy a ticket.”
Small conversation snippet: Matthew: “My concerns are over the indignity to the child. People aren’t property. You shouldn’t be able to win one in a raffle.” Calista: “... this solves several problems simultaneously …” Matthew: “Morals aren’t just a matter of what’s financially beneficial.”
THANK YOU, Matthew! Thank you for being the only decent, relatable, strong character in this entire book.
Anyways, I just decided not to read any more. I ain’t bein’ in league with no baby-haters. Besides, I’ve got better books to read next!...more
Read to 5% in the ebook and identified this as a book I just wouldn't enjoy, personally, so I decided to move on and not leave the book with a bad revRead to 5% in the ebook and identified this as a book I just wouldn't enjoy, personally, so I decided to move on and not leave the book with a bad review, etc. :)
It's nothing about the book itself, per se - I just don't enjoy reading books featuring continually offended heroines (well, at least she was continually offended for the first 5% - I don't know about the rest!) who exist more for modern audiences than for historical attitude accuracy. But that's what some people prefer, I know, so perhaps this review will lead some people in the right direction - as well as keep people like me away from it! :D...more
Please, PLEASE tell me there will be a book about each of the gents!!!
I'm vaguely aware that this is a prequel to a different series of the authors, wPlease, PLEASE tell me there will be a book about each of the gents!!!
I'm vaguely aware that this is a prequel to a different series of the authors, which I have not read, but GAH. THIS book. THESE characters. THESE are the gems.
Okay, but to be honest, I rated it 5 stars in spite of the main couple who irritated me slightly. Granted, also touched my heart, but also irritated me. I was like, "Can y'all just ... not?" Especially the main guy, whose POV was a bit muddled. I had a hard time following him for a while/rooting for him. And the main girl was a bit ... whiny. Just a bit.
Also, they basically just gave each other loads of emotional trauma that will take years to work through, but whatever. rOmAnCe.
BUT for the Gents, I will rate this book a billion, bajillion, kermillion stars! They're all so cute....more
I adored this little Christmas story. I mean, it was full-length, not little, but that didn't stop me from adoring it, naturally!
TOkay, that was cute!
I adored this little Christmas story. I mean, it was full-length, not little, but that didn't stop me from adoring it, naturally!
This book was precious. I adored Richard from the start - his grouchy demeanor didn't fool me for a minute. (I mean, no one who is purely evil owns a dog.) (Okay, that's not true - Hitler owned a dog. But he also killed that dog (? I'm not going to Google it so my faded memory will have to suffice) when the Allies invaded, so really, that negates it.)
Anyways, suffice to say, I didn't buy it, Richard. I knew there was good in you. Of course there was.
And Arabella was quite sweet! She did a good job balancing her scorn for Richard (totally earned) with a sense of kindness and just not being a nasty grouchy brat like a lot of heroines in romance novels. (Why are they always like that?)
I won't spoil this story for you, but I trust you'll enjoy it!
Content for Sensitive Readers: Richard has a reputation for being a "rake," even though not at all of it is true (and he has reformed). Arabella suspects several dishonorable things about him, but it's never described *what* she suspects, exactly. He also has a past with one of the women there, though it's not revealed what, and basically, it's in the past. Ummm ... I think that's about it. It doesn't really go past "I would like to kiss her" on the romantic attraction side; it's quite pure.
So, if you love Regency Christmas traditions, Jane Austen, and so on, definitely give this book a try! It's sweet as a sugarplum.
Me, two hours after Jess sent a copy over: Well, I read it. xD
I loved this book! It covers some very tough subjects, but it was all handled quite wellMe, two hours after Jess sent a copy over: Well, I read it. xD
I loved this book! It covers some very tough subjects, but it was all handled quite well. The author does an amazing job handling everything, and I just ... I love her WWII books. I need to reread her other ones after reading this one!
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