Shanda’s Reviews – Page 4 – LDS Women's Book Review

A Family for Christmas by Winnie Griggs

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Dec 302013

A Family for Christmas (Texas Grooms #3)

Author: Winnie Griggs

Publisher: Love Inspired

Published Date: October 2013

Paperback/ebook: 288 pages

Genre: Christian Historical Romance/Holiday Romance

ISBN# 9780373829835

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free digital galley from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Eve Pickering knows what it’s like to be judged for your past. So she’s not about to leave the orphaned boy she’s befriended alone in this unfamiliar Texas town. Since Chance Dawson’s offer of shelter is the only way to look after Leo, Eve is determined they’ll have a warm, welcoming home for the holidays.

Chance came from the big city to make it on his own despite a painful secret. But Eve’s strength is giving him a confidence he never expected—and a new direction for his dream. With a little Christmas blessing, he’ll dare to win her heart—and make their family one for a lifetime.

Review

A Family for Christmas is a quick, Christmas-themed Christian historical romance that can satisfy the need for a light, clean love story. The book started pretty slow for me, though it picked up a bit more toward the middle to end. I found Chance interesting, but felt Eve’s character was kind of all over the place. Dotty (aka Mrs. Epps) was the most intriguing character to me, with depth and history alluded to in this story. I would consider reading the first two in the series to learn more about her and the events of “recent history” in the book.

I didn’t realize this was part of a series until I was into the book, so obviously it can stand alone. I am curious about the purpose that brought these men to Turnabout, Texas. There’s only the vaguest of information in this book, so I may search out the first book to find an answer. There is one more book in the series, and while I found A Family for Christmas enjoyable enough to finish, I probably won’t rush out to read the next one.

Shanda’s Favorite Reads of 2013

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Dec 272013

At the beginning of the year I set a goal to read 100 books. Since I hit 102 books read in 2012, I figured I could easily do that again, especially with all of my kids in school at least part of the time. Ha! I really thought I would have more time when my kids got older. Joke’s on me, I guess. :)

I have nine more books to read before New Year’s Day to meet my goal. I think I’ll tackle the 39 Clues series. They’re pretty quick reads, right? Wish me luck!

In no particular order, here are my favorite reads of 2013:

The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen

GOODREADS

* * *

Longing For Home by Sarah M. Eden

MY REVIEW | GOODREADS

* * *

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

MY REVIEW | GOODREADS

* * *

The Witnesses by Stephanie Black

MY REVIEW | GOODREADS

* * *

The Rent Collector by Camron Wright

MY REVIEW | GOODREADS

* * *

Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz

MY REVIEW | GOODREADS

* * *

Fairy Godmothers, Inc. by Jenniffer Wardell

MY REVIEW | GOODREADS

* * *

Are We Special? The Truth and the Lie about God’s Chosen People by Jeffrey S. Reber and Steven P. Moody

MY REVIEW | GOODREADS

* * *

Written on Our Hearts by Emily Freeman

MY REVIEW | GOODREADS

* * *

It Starts With Food by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig

GOODREADS

I enjoyed so many more books than are listed here. Check out my Goodreads shelf to see more of them.

Have you read any of my favorites from 2013? Do you have any recommendations for me for 2014?

Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Dec 022013

Love’s Reckoning (The Ballantyne Legacy #1)

Author: Laura Frantz

Publisher: Revell/Baker Publishing Group

Published Date: September 2012

Hardcover/Softcover/Kindle/Nook: 432 pages

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

ISBN# 978-0-8007-2041-4

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: checked out from my local library (but want to buy my own copy soon)

Summary (Goodreads)

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in York. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege’s daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other’s jealousy destroy their love?

In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man’s choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. “Love’s Reckoning” is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.

Review

Love’s Reckoning was a great change of pace for me. As much as I enjoy the quick, light reads that many Christian historical romances provide, it was refreshing to read one that has greater depth and a more involved story. It was a little lengthier than most and took me several days to get through, which was nice because it gave me something to anticipate until I could read again.

Silas is a great character with good principles and a dream to go West. Eden is sweet, if a bit too submissive at times for my taste. She is used to her needs being shoved aside in favor of the selfish desires of her sister, Elspeth. Elspeth is a devious and selfish woman, though I wondered as I read if she would have opportunity at redemption. There’s a certain passage of time in the book that makes me curious about what happened to her then. Maybe nothing significant, though I doubt she could stay out of trouble for long.

Love’s Reckoning is rich with romance and anticipation. I loved visiting the eighteenth century. There are some heartbreaking circumstances that had me mourning with the characters and wishing for swift justice. Most of the book was strong and held my attention well. After a certain tragic incident though, I found that things felt a little rushed or forced. I felt a bit disconnected to the characters and floundered a bit. I hung on though, and soon things came back together, if a bit differently than I’d hoped.

As soon as I finished Love’s Reckoning, I put the sequel on hold at the library. I look forward to continuing this series and don’t hesitate to recommend Love’s Reckoning to those who enjoy Christian historical romance as much as I do.

Visit Laura Frantz:

WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS | PINTEREST

Find Love’s Reckoning:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Nov 182013

Stealing the Preacher (Archer Brothers #2)

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Published Date: June 2013

Softcover/Kindle/Audible/Nook: 352 pages

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

ISBN# 978-0764209666

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free digital galley from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Summary (Goodreads)

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can scarcely believe it when he’s forced off the train by a retired outlaw and presented to the man’s daughter as the minister she requested for her birthday. Worried this unfortunate detour will ruin his chances of finally serving a congregation of his own, Crockett is determined to escape. But when he finally gets away, he’s haunted by the memory of the young woman he left behind–a woman whose dreams now hinge on him.

For months, Joanna Robbins prayed for a preacher. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. A man to help her discover answers to the questions that have been on her heart for so long. But just when it seems God has answered her prayers, it turns out the person is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett to stay in her little backwoods community? And does the attraction between them have any chance of blossoming when Joanna’s outlaw father is dead set against his daughter courting a preacher?

Review

I’ve really enjoyed the Archer brothers’ series so far. I liked Stealing the Preacher–Crockett is a great guy. I love how everyone expects him, as a preacher, to be horrible at shooting and unfamiliar with hard physical labor but he proves them wrong, earning their respect.

Joanna Robbins is a likable character, young and maybe just a bit naive, but full of faith. She is friendly, but with a streak of fire for what she believes in, and loyal to the end. I really like the clean but chemistry filled, not-too-descriptive kisses. I love when I can feel a little swooney when characters kiss but not distracted by too much intimate detail. Another thing I appreciated was that Crockett was up front and direct with Joanna whenever it was needed.

This is the third book from Karen Witemeyer I’ve read, and it certainly won’t be the last. Short-Straw Bride is my favorite so far. I look forward to reading Neill’s story (A Cowb0y Unmatched, part of the A Match Made in Texas novella collection coming January 2014). What I like about her writing is that it’s fun to read and not overly preachy. Stealing the Preacher had a bit more than her others because Crockett is, after all, a preacher, but it was woven into the story appropriately without feeling like a sermon.

Overall, Stealing the Preacher is another enjoyable Christian historical romance and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.

Visit Karen Witemeyer:

WEBSITE | GOODREADS

Find Stealing the Preacher:

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.

Visit Camron:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Find The Rent Collector:

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

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.

Find Carla Kelly’s Christmas Collection:

DESERET BOOK | AMAZON | KINDLE | GOODREADS

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