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The Rent Collector by Camron Wright – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Nov 112013

The Rent Collector

Author: Camron Wright

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published Date: August 2012/October 2013 (Paperback)

Hardcover/Paperback/Audible/Kindle/Nook: 304 pages

Genre: General Fiction

ISBN# 978-1609071226

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a softcover ARC in exchange for an honest review

Summary (Goodreads)

Survival for Ki Lim and Sang Ly is a daily battle at Stung Meanchey, the largest municipal waste dump in all of Cambodia. They make their living scavenging recyclables from the trash. Life would be hard enough without the worry for their chronically ill child, Nisay, and the added expense of medicines that are not working. Just when things seem worst, Sang Ly learns a secret about the bad-tempered rent collector who comes demanding money–a secret that sets in motion a tide that will change the life of everyone it sweeps past. The Rent Collector is a story of hope, of one woman’s journey to save her son and another woman’s chance at redemption.

Review

The Rent Collector is a humbling read that taught me a little about Cambodian history and a lot about human nature, hope, sacrifice, and love.

I can honestly say I’ve never read a book quite like The Rent Collector. It is a fascinating glimpse into the life of a young woman, Sang Ly, and her husband, Ki Lim, who support their little family by picking through the garbage at the dump to find recyclable items they can exchange for enough money for food to eat that day.

Sang Ly strongly dislikes Sopeap Sin, the woman they call the Rent Collector, because she is harsh and angry. But when she comes to collect rent one day, her reaction to a book Ki Lim found and brought home for their son causes Sang Ly to realize that the woman she hates could be the one to help her give her son a better life–if she agrees to teach Sang Ly how to read.

The events that follow Sang Ly’s request result in her seeing Sopeap in a way she never could before. She learns that Sopeap used to be a teacher of literature, and that she suffered something horrible in her past that causes her to drink so much rice wine. When Sang Ly is ready to move beyond basics and begin studying literature, Sopeap agrees to continue their lessons. It is then that Sang Ly’s education truly begins.

Whether we like it or not, hope is written so deeply into our hearts that we just can’t help ourselves, no matter how hard we try otherwise. –page 125

I truly enjoyed reading The Rent Collector. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I was soon caught up in the story and couldn’t put it down. As Sang Ly’s heart changed regarding the calloused and angry woman some called the Cow, I found my heart changing as well. I was reminded that everyone has a story. I liked Sang Ly’s personality and voice, and loved watching her grow as a character.

As I sit on my comfortable couch, pausing to eat a filling and balanced meal, clean drinking water only a few steps away, I have no way of knowing what the type of life Sang Ly lives would be like. Yet she is able to find happiness living her simple life, and feels privileged to have gained the ability to read with hope for a better future for her son.

The Rent Collector is a memorable read, one that will stay with me for a long time. It’s a perfect choice for book groups, providing plenty of discussion material. I highly recommend The Rent Collector to everyone.

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Carla Kelly’s Christmas Collection

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Nov 072013

Carla Kelly’s Christmas Collection

Author: Carla Kelly

Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published Date: October 2013

Paperback/Kindle: 240 pages

Genre: Holiday Regency Romance

ISBN# 978-1462112272

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review

Summary (Goodreads)

Come explore Regency London with Carla Kelly! This collection features four stories that will warm your heart with Christmas cheer: “The Christmas Ornament,” “Make a Joyful Noise,” “An Object of Charity,” and “The Three Kings.” Filled with romance and a touch of humor, these stories are sure to find a place in your heart and remind you that Christmas is a time for love.

Review

This past year I have been delighted to discover many enjoyable short-story romance collections. I really liked Carla Kelly’s Borrowed Light series, and am happy to be able to review this Christmas Collection.

The stories in this collection are conveniently arranged in order of my favorites, starting with “The Christmas Ornament.” I got a kick out of two fathers playing matchmaker with their children, as well as the two main characters, James and Olivia, who were both too intellectual to fit in with the ton. I related to their love of learning and education, and found James’s occasional bumbling to be kind of charming. Suffice it to say, apologizing is something he quickly became skilled at doing.

Peter Chard in “Make a Joyful Noise” is a character I really liked. He is a good father, a hard worker, and even takes over his mother’s duty to find singers for the annual choir competition when she is called away to help care for sick grandchildren. When the woman he has seen walking across his property from time to time sits in front of them at church one Sunday, he hears her voice and knows she must be a part of their choir. Rosie finds herself in unfortunate circumstances when her father, whom she travels with in the army, is killed. She has no protection and no choice but to marry a selfish cad of a man, the son of Peter’s neighbors who nobody cares for much at all. When he falls out of a window while drinking with friends and dies, she appears at his family’s home, a surprise to everyone. They consider Rosie a burden and treat her as such. Peter, however, is soon smitten by more than her lovely voice.

In “An Object of Charity,” Captain Michael Lynch finds himself on shore while his ship is in dry dock for repairs after a harrowing skirmish in the blockade. He is unhappy about the situation, much preferring to remain at sea. While staying in his favorite boarding house, he is approached by a young woman, Sally, and her little brother, Thomas, who are looking for their uncle, the man who had served as Captain Lynch’s first mate until his recent death in battle. He is the one to break this unfortunate news to them. When he discovers the two siblings later, shivering in the dark by the docks, he realizes their situation is much worse than he suspected. He takes them into his care, deciding to go home for Christmas for the first time since a falling out with his father and older brother 22 years earlier. Things at home are both better and worse than he expected, yet Sally brings a long-absent peace back into his life.

I learned something new about the Christmas traditions of Regency era Spain in “The Three Kings.” Sarah and her brother James are caught in a predicament while doing research in France and James is shot and killed. Sarah is determined to get their research back to England, but there are French troops everywhere and she is basically on her own to find refuge across the front lines of the English army. She is placed in the charge of a Spanish colonel who will escort her to Ciudad Rodrigo so she can continue on to England. Before they can depart, the encampment is attacked and she is swept to safety by Colonel Luis Sotomayor. They make their way across the countryside, managing to stay ahead of the French troops, until events escalate near a village where Sarah learns more about the colonel than she or her heart could have expected.

All in all I enjoyed all of the stories, though the first two were my favorites. If you are in the mood for a little romance as the Christmas holiday approaches, this collection from Carla Kelly may be just the thing for you.

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A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Oct 292013

A Bride for Keeps

Author: Melissa Jagears

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Published Date: October 2013

Softcover/Kindle/Nook: 334 pages

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

ISBN# 978-0764211683

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free digital review galley from the publisher through NetGalley

Summary (Goodreads)

Although Everett Cline can hardly keep up with the demands of his homestead, he won’t humiliate himself by looking for a helpmate ever again–not after being jilted by three mail-order brides. When a well-meaning neighbor goes behind his back to bring yet another mail-order bride to town, he has good reason to doubt it will work, especially after getting a glimpse at the woman in question. She’s the prettiest woman he’s ever seen, and it’s just not possible she’s there to marry a simple homesteader like him.

Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. Having finally worked up the courage to leave her life in Massachusetts, she’s determined to find a place where people will value her for more than her looks. Having run out of all other options, Julia resorts to a mail-order marriage in far-away Kansas.

Everett is skeptical a cultured woman like Julia could be happy in a life on the plains, while Julia, deeply wounded by a past relationship, is skittish at the idea of marriage at all. When, despite their hesitations, they agree to a marriage in name only, neither one is prepared for the feelings that soon arise to complicate their arrangement. Can two people accustomed to keeping their distance let the barricades around their hearts down long enough to fall in love?

Review

The romantic in me enjoys the occasional mail-order bride/marriage-of-convenience story. The concept of a man having three failed mail-order bride attempts definitely caught my attention.

Julia had been very hurt by the two men closest to her, so she had some trust issues with men. That, compounded by the fact that Everett resembled the man she was hurt by most, created an awkward first encounter for the two. Everett longed for a companion, enough to have asked three mail-order brides to venture out West. Through different courses of events, none of those marriages occurred. He was resigned to being alone for the rest of his life, though a good friend and neighbor thought otherwise.

Everett had no idea what was headed his way, but when he learned what had been arranged, he was open to the idea. Until he saw how pretty the woman was. He knew a woman that looked like that could have whatever man she wanted, and would eventually leave him like the others did, so he distanced himself from forming any attachment to her. This, despite his kind nature, made him come across as a bit of a jerk, but only toward her.

Once they were married, and Everett’s unhusbandly-like treatment of Julia was pointed out to him, he did his best to form a better relationship with her. Julia, however, was slower to open up because of her traumatic past, certain Everett would reject her. While they got along fine, there was no real closeness between them because of her fear.

The most tender scenes for me were when Everett stayed and prayed at Julia’s beside, and the final scene of the book. I did feel that Everett’s final struggle initially came across as more harsh than conflicted, but the events that followed were satisfying and full of emotion. There were a few weak spots here and there, but nothing that kept me from finishing.

A Bride for Keeps is an enjoyable read that fans of Christian historical romance will like. I look forward to the next book from Melissa Jagears.

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Written on Our Hearts by Emily Freeman – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Oct 282013

Written on Our Hearts: Invitations from the Old Testament

Author: Emily Freeman

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: September 2013

Hardcover: 180 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-60907-595-8

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary (from jacket)

If you have ever found the Old Testament intimidating, you’re not alone. The less-familiar history, themes, and language, coupled with the length of the book, make it a difficult read for many. But author Emily Freeman loves the Old Testament, and as she shares some of the wonderful things she has learned in her study of this book of scripture, you will find yourself coming to love it too.

Written on Our Hearts is not a commentary or an intensive doctrinal study. Instead, Emily writes about the stories of the Old Testament, stories of trusting and overcoming and enduring and believing. Within these stories are all kinds of applications for the challenges we face today.

“There will come a moment in your life,” the author says, “when you or someone you love will struggle with a challenge so great you will wonder how you will make it through. In that moment you will long to better understand the Savior’s role as the Deliverer, and to do that you must go to the book of scripture that describes that role the best—the Old Testament.”

Discover the delivering power of the Lord yourself in the pages of this book—and experience the scriptures in a new, more personal way!

Review

Written on Our Hearts is full of spiritual messages and questions that pierce the heart. Emily shares her talent for inspiring others through her heartfelt words and lovely artwork in this thought-provoking book.

Each section is only a few pages long, and these sections are grouped by books of the Old Testament. The size of each section is perfect for a personal morning devotional, family home evening, or revisit during a tough day when seeking inspiration or reassurance. There are beautiful sketches depicting Old Testament scenes sprinkled throughout.

Every single section of this book offers something that touches my soul and fuels my desire to become a better person and to draw closer to Christ. It’s difficult to single out a favorite section, but I will list some that really stood out to me personally:

“Empty Your Sack”
“My Whole Soul”
“That Which Doth Cost Me Nothing”
“I Will Heal Thee”
“Filling the Empty Places”
“Hope in Thine End”

I have always been overwhelmed at the thought of an in-depth study of the Old Testament. Written on Our Hearts has shown me that there are wonderful things to be learned from such a study. I highly recommend it, both as an addition to your personal library, and as a gift as well. After all, Christmas is just around the corner.

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Friends and Traitors (Slayers #2) by C.J. Hill – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Oct 232013

Slayers2 Friends and Traitors (Slayers #2)

Author: C. J. Hill

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Published Date: October 15, 2013

Hardcover: 400 pages

Genre: YA Contemporary Fantasy

ISBN# 978-1-250-02461-9

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free softcover ARC in exchange for an honest review

Summary (Back Cover)

In C.J. Hill’s action-packed sequel to Slayers, the group of teens known as Slayers have been betrayed—but they won’t give up without a fight.

Tori’s got a problem. She thought she’d have one more summer to train as a dragon Slayer, but time has run out. When Tori hears the horrifying sound of dragon eggs hatching, she knows the Slayers are in trouble. In less than a year, the dragons will be fully grown and completely lethal. The Slayers are well-prepared, but their group is still not complete, and Tori is determined to track down Ryker—the mysterious missing Slayer.

What Tori doesn’t bargain for, however, is the surprising truth about her powers. She isn’t just a Slayer, she’s part Dragon Lord, too. How can Tori fight to save her friends when half of her is programmed to protect dragons? And with a possible traitor in their midst, the Slayers will be divided in more ways than they ever imagined.

Review

I loved reading Slayers, so it was great revisiting these characters again in Friends and Traitors. After a key member of the Slayers’ team is revealed as a traitor, two new dragon slayers join the team. Adventures are had, battles are fought, and relationships are forever altered.

I haven’t read a lot of YA involving dragons (only the Slayers series, the Dragon Slippers series by Jessica Day George and the first book in the Firelight series by Sophie Jordan), but it’s interesting to see different aspects of dragon lore portrayed in various ways in each one. If you like dragons, you will probably enjoy all three of these series.

The Slayers series is a lot of fun. I appreciate reading about a strong yet feminine lead character, as well as a group of teens working together as a team for the good of society. Both young men and young women, as well as their parents, will enjoy Slayers and it’s sequel, Friends and Traitors.

Visit C. J. Hill:

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For the full Friends and Traitors Blog Tour schedule, visit the Fire and Ice blog.

About the Author: CJ Hill is a pen name for a YA author who is best known for writing romantic comedies. (Slayers will be her 18th published book.) Her writing has shifted away from the romantic comedy genre, so her editor thought a pen name would be a good idea. (New books will include: dangerous dragons, time travel to dystopian worlds, and flesh-eating beetles.) Since the publisher refused to let her have the pseudonym : The Artist Formerly Referred to as Princess, she chose a name to honor her mother. CJ Hill was her mother’s pen name, or at least it would have been if her mother had published. Her mother wrote a few children’s books and a middle grade novel but was taken by cancer before she had fully learned the craft.

(Most writers’ first novels aren’t publishable. CJ Junior’s first novel wasn’t, but somehow was published anyway. Now, even though it is out of print, it remains forever available on Amazon, where it taunts her with its badness. This was another good reason to use a pen name.)

CJ Hill has five children, three of whom like her on any given day depending on who is in trouble. She has lived in Arizona for the last half of her life, but is still in desert denial and hopes that one day her garden will grow silver bells and cockle shells or maybe just tomatoes.

Consider the Blessings by Thomas S. Monson – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Oct 142013

Consider the Blessings: True Accounts of God’s Hand in Our Lives

Author: Thomas S. Monson

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: September 2013

Hardcover/Kindle/Nook/DB Bookshelf: 160 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-60907-716-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free hardcover review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

If you ask people what they love most about President Thomas S. Monson’s teaching style, chances are they’ll say something about the personal experiences he relates. The accounts President Monson shares are always true, taken from his own life or the real lives of other people. Those warm, memorable accounts have truly become a hallmark of his messages.

Who can forget the woman who saved one of the two sticks of gum Elder Monson passed out to youth in postwar Germany? Or the neighbor who returned a box of baseballs to young Tommy as a thank-you for his kindness to her? Or the father who declined to attend a “Mormon” meeting with his family but had his heart softened by a message he heard on a radio that was actually broken?

In celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of his call as an Apostle, Consider the Blessings presents fifty of the true accounts President Thomas S. Monson has shared over the years. With beautiful photographs and heart-touching content, this is a book to treasure with the whole family.

Review

In honor of the 50th anniversary of President Thomas S. Monson’s call to apostleship, Deseret Book has released Consider the Blessings, a compilation of 50 true stories shared by President Monson throughout the years.

I have heard President Monson share some of these stories previously, but many I had not. Some are simple, based on service to others. Some are miraculous, amazing answers to prayers. There are lovely and relevant photos throughout the book. Each story is short, anywhere from one to four pages long. I’ve listed three of my favorites below:

“You Are Our Brothers and Sisters” (page 7): This is an excellent and moving example of loving our fellowman beyond boundaries, both physical and religious.

“No More Strangers” (page 81): I love the way these Italian members distinguished new members, ensuring they would be recognized and fellowshipped.

“You’re My Primary Boy” (page 135): Another example of the loving service President Monson excels at giving that has touched and inspired me.

Consider the Blessings is available as a jacketed hardcover, perfect as a gift or for use in Family Home Evenings, as well as in ebook format. I will be referring back to several of these stories in the future, and look forward to sharing them with my children.

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