Book Reviews – Page 42 – LDS Women's Book Review

Longing For Home by Sarah M. Eden – Blog Tour

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

Aug 122013

Longing For Home

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published Date: August 2013

Softcover/Kindle/Nook/DB ebook/CD: 432 pages

Genre: Historical Romance

ISBN# 978-1609074616

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

Summary

Twenty-six-year-old Katie Macauley has placed all her hope in Hope Springs, a small town in the 1870 Wyoming Territory. But if she wants to return home to Ireland to make amends with her estranged family, she’ll need to convince the influential Joseph Archer to hold true to his word and keep her on his payroll as his housekeeper despite her Irish roots. The town is caught in an ongoing feud between the Irish and the “Reds” the frontiersmen who would rather see all the Irish run out of town and the Irish immigrants who are fighting to make a home for themselves in the New World. When Joseph agrees to keep Katie on as his housekeeper, the feud erupts anew, and Katie becomes the reluctant figurehead for the Irish townsfolk. As the violence escalates throughout the town, Katie must choose between the two men who have been vying for her love though only one might be able to restore hope to her heart.

Review

Longing For Home is a well-written and satisfying story with endearing characters and a fascinating glimpse of Irish culture in the Old West at a time when prejudice against them prevailed throughout most of the country.

I thoroughly enjoyed Longing For Home and consider it well worth the wait. It is a deeper, more involved story than Sarah’s other books, proving that she has taken her talent for storytelling to an even higher level. The characters are dimensional and real, with histories full of struggle, survival, love, and loss. They are so well-developed I feel as if they are MY family and friends.

The dialogue is wonderful. I could “hear” Katie’s brogue simply because of the words and phrases she uses with very little, if any, phonetical spelling. I appreciate that more than I can say. The use of traditional Irish phrases is enchanting and adds a wonderful lilt to Katie’s voice in my mind. Tavish and Joseph are remarkable, hard-working men with very different personalities and situations yet with the same capacity for love and desire for peace in the community. I love them both and hope that I will get to read more about them in the future.

Experiencing the story through the point-of-view of all three main characters not only gave me a better understanding of their thoughts and motivations, it also made me care about them even more and kept me guessing about how events would unfold. I truly didn’t know how things would turn out for Katie, or even how I wanted them to turn out because I was as torn about what to do as she was. I was unsure about Katie at first, but her growth throughout her experiences in Hope Springs felt natural and I was glad to see how far she had come by the end.

Longing For Home is a must for fans of Sarah M. Eden. Readers who appreciate clean romance and quality writing will want to add this book to the top of their reading lists. Though I don’t often rate books in my reviews, I don’t hesitate to give Longing For Home an appreciative and enthusiastic five stars.

Visit Sarah:

BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Find Longing For Home:

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An Unlikely Match by Sarah M. Eden

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Aug 082013

An Unlikely Match

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: October 2012

Softcover/Kindle/DB ebook/CD: 184 pages

Genre: Regency Romance

ISBN# 978-1-60861-566-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

Summary

The future has never looked brighter for once penniless Nickolas Pritchard. Now in possession of an unforeseen legacy from a distant cousin, he can finally woo the exquisite Miss Castleton, belle of the London Season. What better setting for matchmaking than Ty Mynydd, his ancestral home nestled in the untamed hills of Wales? Ideal, indeed … except for the ghost.

For nearly four hundred years, Gwen has walked the halls of the home in which she lived—and died a mysterious death. But despite centuries as the reigning force within her ancient residence, nothing prepares her for the charm and unexpected appeal of Englishman Nickolas.

A deep and abiding affection grows between the two, tempered by the unbreakable barrier that separates them. They cannot possibly hope for a happily ever after. there can be no future between a man yet living and a woman long dead.

But how can Nickolas possibly give Gwen up? And how can Gwen face an eternity without Nickolas?

Review

It takes particular talent to present a situation as improbable as the one in this book and turn it into a believable and endearing romance. Luckily for us readers, Sarah possesses the skill to do just that.

An Unlikely Match has a paranormal element that sets it apart from Sarah’s other books and shows off her flexibility. I was actually a little nervous about it, because it was different from her other books (with a ghost as a main character), but as I began to read I was soon reassured that I would not be disappointed.

Another thing that makes An Unlikely Match different from Sarah’s other books is that it is set in Wales, which is perfect for the more superstitious elements of the story. It’s a bit spooky, with a few scarier moments and a more intense ending than her other books. Sarah is great at writing suspense, which doesn’t surprise me at all.

Though the list of characters is limited to a small house party, there is enough variety among them to cover everything from a beautiful young woman who was the most popular of the Season to an older gentlemen who fancies himself quite the ghost hunter, and a young Welsh vicar who is friendly with a ghost to a tell-it-like-it-is housekeeper.

I really like Nickolas and his friends, Dafydd and Griffith. Gwen is an intriguing character with a tragic history. The way Sarah directs the unfolding of Gwen’s story is excellent. There is a different, more poignant longing between the two main characters because they can’t physically touch. I wondered the entire time how things could possibly work out between them.

I found the ending incredibly romantic. The description during the culmination of events is outstanding. I could envision everything that was happening clearly in my head, like a movie.

This is a good book to read during October, in the spirit of Halloween and Nos Galan Gaeaf (a traditional Welsh holiday that plays a part in the book), but don’t wait until then to read it if you haven’t yet. It is signature Sarah–good, clean Regency romance with well-written characters and a healthy dose of wit.

Visit Sarah:

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Emma: A Latter-day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison — Blog Tour

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Aug 072013

Emma: A Latter-day Tale

Author: Rebecca H. Jamison

Publisher: Bonneville/Cedar Fort

Publish Date: August 13th (have seen it on shelves)

ISBN: 978-1-4621-1260-9

Paperback: 256 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF copy in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Mindy

Cover Blurb

NOT Looking for Love: Single woman (23) seeks best friend to chat on the phone, shop the clearance racks, watch chick flicks, try out messy cooking projects, and eat Dove dark chocolates.

Emma isn’t so good at the whole life-coaching thing. Her first client ended up with a broken heart and is threatening to relapse in her bad habits. Now Emma has problems of her own to deal with, and all those problems start with one name: Justin.

Justin is her best friend, so it’s hard for Emma not to feel betrayed when she suspects he is falling for her childhood rival. And she knows she’s losing him despite her best efforts. No matter how much she tries, she keeps running up against obstacles. How is she supposed to help other people when she’s drowning in her own failures?

Fans of Jane Austen’s Emma will love this modern retelling of the classic romance novel. Fall in love with Emma’s latter-day tale of redemption, forgiveness, and the quest for true love.

My Review

I really enjoyed reading Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale from Rebecca Jamison last year and I love the classic story of Emma by Jane Austin. I knew I was in for a great read. Emma has her flaws, but I think that is what I liked most about her. As much as I liked Emma though, Justin was my favorite. Although I knew the story, I was taken in by the author’s take on characters and plot twists. One of my favorite characters, especially in the movie Emma starting Gwyneth Paltrow, was Emma’s dad. He did not disappoint in this version either. Very funny, and endearing.

4 out of 5 stars. Darling book with a sweet message.

Author Links

Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Trailer

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Excerpt

It was amazing how much more snow Phil could pick up with his shovel than I could with mine. He cleared three feet of the driveway before I was done with one.

“When we’re done, if you have time, you should come in and meet Harri. I think you two will get along.”

Phil stopped and looked at his watch. “I’m planning to do a couple more driveways before it gets dark.”

“I’ll go get Harri now if you’re in a hurry. She wants to meet you.”

Phil leaned on his shovel. “Harry is a she?”

“Her real name is Harriet. She moved here a couple months ago and she’s hardly met anybody. I think you’ll like her.”

Phil threw his head back, laughed, and started shoveling again. “I thought you were trying to introduce me to your new boyfriend.”

“You think I would be out here shoveling snow while my new boyfriend stays inside?” I grabbed a handful of snow and threw it at him. I didn’t mean to hit him in the face, but that’s where it landed.

Phil wiped the snow off his face and grinned. “I wondered why you were dating such a loser.” I expected him to throw a snowball at me, but he just stood there. “So you don’t have a boyfriend?”

I giggled a little at his awkwardness. “Nope. Harri doesn’t either.”

Phil threw another shovelful of snow away from the driveway. “So you . . . I mean, you and your friend are . . . available?” Phil didn’t open his mouth enough when he talked. That was the one thing about him that always distracted me. I couldn’t help staring at his mouth.

I had to force myself to look into his eyes. “Why is that a shock, Phil? Every woman in that house right now is available. You can take your pick—Harri, me, or Barbara. You’re surrounded by single women.” It was safe to assume Phil wouldn’t pick me. I was at least three inches taller than he was, and it was a rare man who dated a taller woman.

Glimmer of Hope by Sarah M. Eden

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Aug 062013

Glimmer of Hope

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: June 2013

Softcover/Kindle/DB ebook/CD: 208 pages

Genre: Regency Romance

ISBN# 978-1621084655

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free temporary digital review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Stunning Miranda Harford once had the world at her feet. She was young, carefree, and desperately in love. But when her new husband left for London without her, her world fell apart. Devastated by his abandonment, Miranda fled their home, taking residence at her husband’s rarely visited countryside estate. For three years, she lived alone. But now, as the holidays draw near, an unexpected visitor arrives . . .

Carter Alexander Harford, Seventh Viscount Devereaux, is a man driven to succeed. His work is his life, and the position of Prime Minister of England is within reach. But in truth, Carter is a man haunted by lost love. Estranged from his beautiful wife, Carter is shocked to find Miranda—the woman he’d loved and who he believes has left him—in residence at his country home.

As plans for a holiday party move forward, the uneasy couple realizes that to avoid further scandal, they must keep up appearances in a charade of marital happiness. Thrust together by fate, it quickly becomes clear that they have both been living beneath a conspired cloud of misunderstanding. As family, career, and social pressures threaten to keep them apart, can love have even a glimmer of hope?

Review

Glimmer of Hope is a bittersweet yet tender love story of two people, united once in love and marriage, separated by misunderstandings and the selfish deception of others.

Sometimes I start a book during a break intending to read just a few chapters but end up getting so caught up in the book that I must finish it. Sarah’s books are always like that for me. I know once I start reading I won’t want to put it down.

I loved the loyalty Miranda inspired in all who knew her at Clifton Manor. I appreciated how Carter, despite still being angry at what he saw as Miranda’s “abandoning” their marriage, noticed that his heart was still affected by her and softened enough to want to try to build at least a friendship with her.

While a good conversation could have clarified the situation between Carter and Miranda, pride, stubbornness, and Miranda’s weakened constitution prevented it. This isn’t difficult to believe, considering how often, in reality, the same things get in the way of solving relationship issues in almost everybody’s lives.

I didn’t mind that I figured out well ahead of time what had kept them apart because I was more interested in how it would all be revealed and what Carter’s reaction would be when he discovered what had happened. I was not disappointed. Carter’s tenderness toward Miranda and his reaction upon discovering the deceit surrounding him was just what I was expecting.

Sarah’s writing is excellent, effectively pulling me into the story and the emotion of the moment. My heart ached for what had been lost and hoped for what was to come.

Sarah is one of those few author’s whose books I do not hesitate to purchase even before reading them. I have yet to read one of her books that I haven’t loved. While Glimmer of Hope has a slightly different feel than some of her other books, a bit more serious rather than light and humorous, it was no less enjoyable than the others. As always, I happily recommend Sarah’s books to anyone who likes a clean, well-written romance.

Visit Sarah:

BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Find Glimmer of Hope:

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Drops of Gold by Sarah M. Eden

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Aug 052013

Drops of Gold

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: January 2013

Softcover/Kindle/DB ebook/CD: 192 pages

Genre: Regency Romance

ISBN# 978-1-60861-569-8

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: I purchased my own copy with my own money and followed Sarah around until she signed it. (I’m kidding. About the following Sarah around part. I did buy my own copy. And Sarah did sign it. Because she’s awesome like that.)

Summary

When her father dies and leaves her completely destitute, Marion can think of only one thing to do–make a new life for herself. Commencing a life of duplicity, Marion transforms herself into Mary Wood–governess. In possession of a forged letter of recommendation and cloaked in the anonymity of her new identity, she enters a life of self-imposed servitude as teacher and caretaker of young Miss Caroline Jonquil of Farland Meadows. Her idyllic daydream vision of life at the Meadows is dashed when she finds a child desperately in need of hope and a cold and sorrowful home haunted by the past. With her characteristic sunny disposition, Marion casts her spell upon the household and slowly brings to life the long-forgotten joy of those within.

Layton Jonquil is a man tormented by the lies surrounding the death of his late wife, but he cannot deny his growing attraction for the beautiful governess whose goodness and optimism have touched his dormant heart. Their connection grows ever stronger, and despite the impropriety of harboring feelings for a servant, Layton’s heart whispers that this is the woman he’s destined to love. But when Layton’s fears about the past become too much to bear and the falsehoods in which they are entangled threaten to shatter his and Marion’s blossoming attachment, will true love conquer all?

Review

Drops of Gold is another Sarah M. Eden masterpiece. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read that I would have finished in one sitting if my body didn’t insist on sleeping at night.

I liked both Layton and Marion. Layton is a good father to Caroline as far as he is able through his grief and struggle, but not a particularly friendly person, even with his brothers. When faced with a very difficult situation, Marion doesn’t hesitate to do what is necessary to get by with as much dignity as she can. Despite her desperate and lonely circumstances, she retains a cheerful disposition and doesn’t hesitate to show love and understanding to others whenever possible. I liked Marion’s stories and the glimpses into her history and character they provided. Caroline is cute, if a bit mature for a four-year-old, though as an only child in that time period it is entirely plausible that she could have been comparatively more articulate and mature than the four-year-olds I know.

I loved how everything in the story played out, especially the ending. I felt for Marion, stranded between two worlds, belonging neither above nor below stairs. Layton was torn between preventing his staff from isolating Marion even more if he showed her any favoritism and his daughter’s desire to include Marion in events that, as governess, she really shouldn’t be participating in, especially because he found that he wanted Marion included as well. My heart broke for Marion as I learned her story, and for Layton’s as well, once the truth of his situation was discovered.

I love reading about the Jonquil brothers and can’t wait to read about more of them, specifically Corbin. I enjoyed seeing Philip and Sorrel from Friends and Foes again.

Drops of Gold is one of my favorites of Sarah’s books, which is saying a lot because I love all of them. I know when I want to read a good, clean, well-written romance that I can pick up anything by Sarah Eden and be happily satisfied. For those of you who have read Sarah’s books, I’m preaching to the choir. If you haven’t read any of Sarah’s books, what are you waiting for?

Visit Sarah:

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Find Drops of Gold:

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***The DB Bookshelf ebook version of Drops of Gold is only $4.99 right now!***

The Mark of a Giant: 7 People Who Changed the World by Ted Stewart – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Aug 012013

The Mark of a Giant: 7 People Who Changed the World

Author: Ted Stewart

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published Date: May 2013

Hardcover: 262 pages

Genre: Historical Nonfiction

ISBN# 9781609071813

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free temporary digital review copy that will be removed from my device after a short time

Book Summary

Throughout the course of history, civilization has been blessed by strong-minded men and women who have impacted our world in extraordinary ways. Their imprint upon humanity is beyond dispute. And many would contend that they were no less than the result of Divine Providence—a gift of God to the human race. Who are these individuals? What is it about these few that make them different? Were they merely in the right place at the right time? Or were they somehow chosen? The Mark of a Giant examines the lives and contributions of seven men and women who changed the world: Abraham of Ur, Pericles, the Apostle Paul, Sir Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa.

Review

“This is a book about history. More specifically, it is a book about how strong-minded men and women have changed the course of history.” -Introduction, 1st paragraph

I’ve always enjoyed reading about history, but often it is weighed down with excessive facts and details. Not so with The Mark of a Giant. It did not read like a history textbook, but instead felt more like sitting down with a knowledgable acquaintance and listening to their engaging retelling of history.

The author offers an efficient yet educational overview of the events surrounding each individual, their personal circumstances and the state of the world at the time they lived. His love of historical setting is apparent and the resulting “big picture” view is something I truly appreciate.

It is inspiring and humbling to read about the circumstances surrounding these peoples’ lives and their accomplishments. I had heard of or read about everyone except Pericles. My curiosity has been piqued and I’m motivated to learn more about them.

It amazes me how, despite the diversity of lifestyle, location, and personal background, each standard, belief system, discovery and accomplishment served another that was to come. They are each connected in some way and had long term effects on the entire world throughout the passage of time. This proves again the importance of studying history and those who came before us.

While the author acknowledges that these seven people were human, made mistakes, and struggled with weaknesses, he states that this only proves that imperfect people can do great things. In conclusion, he addresses the specific traits that set these individuals apart and paved the way for them to do the work they set out to do.

The Mark of a Giant is a fascinating read that I will revisit again when I need reminding that it is through the hard work, persistence, courage and faith of people like you and me that the Lord’s work is accomplished on this earth.

Find The Mark of a Giant: 7 People Who Changed the World (available in Hardcover, Kindle, ebook, CD, & Audible formats):

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS

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