Captive Heart by Michele Paige Holmes

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
May 232011
 

Captive Heart

Author: Michele Paige Holmes

Published Date: April 2011

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Softcover: 255 pages

Genre: Historical Romance

FTC FYI: I received a free review copy from the author that did not affect my review.

From the back cover:

Emmalyne Madsen sends a desperate plea heavenward as a band of lawless men makes their way up the aisle of the railcar. When one hauls her roughly from the seat, threatening and cursing, Emmalyne fears her adventure out West has just turned into a nightmare.

Thayne Kendrich has an urgent need for a school teacher, and he’s not above doing whatever it takes to get one-including forcing her at gunpoint across the scorching prairie. But the teacher he chooses turns out to be a little tougher-and softer-than he anticipated, and before long he finds himself battling emotions he vowed to never feel again.

Michele begins Captive Heart by pulling the reader in from the first page, during the kidnapping of Emmalyne from the train. She is on her way to teach in Sterling, but the bandit who takes her has different plans.

The action doesn’t stop once they’re off the train. Emmalyne isn’t about to be hauled off without putting up a fight, sometimes getting herself into worse trouble because of it. It doesn’t take long for her to realize, though, that her kidnapper is much more than he appears.

Thayne found what he was looking for: a plain-looking school teacher. He didn’t expect that she’d be so much trouble. Circumstances drove him to desperate action, and he joined the Martin gang to carry out his plan. He has a feeling that they won’t let his sudden disappearance simply slide. He needs to get himself and this surprising woman to the Black Hills before the Martin gang finds them.

Both Emmalyne and Thayne are written with depth and purpose. During the course of the story, especially the first half, I empathized with Emmalyne and her resentment of being forced into going somewhere she doesn’t want to go. As the story developed I started feeling for Thayne and what was driving him to do what he was doing. I really enjoyed the twist of having the initial “bad buy” become the “good guy” in the end.

I was swept along in the story not just because of the well-written action, but the natural way Emmalyne and Thayne’s relationship developed. It never felt forced, contrived or unbelievable. And their first kiss – woohoowee! Good stuff.

One of the things Michele and I have in common is that we love a good romance novel. We are also particular about what we consider a good romance novel. I know this care and passion for good writing is why I enjoy Michele’s books so much. Captive Heart is going up on my shelf of favorite romance novels, next to Courting Miss Lancaster and Cross My Heart. I’m already looking forward to reading it again. Maybe tonight…

Rating: 4.5 stars

Recommended: to anyone who loves a good story and a great romance

Content:

Sexual- kisses, no inappropriate touching or sex

Language- none

Violence- mild

Drugs & Alcohol- none

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Feb 282011
 

Firelight

Author: Sophie Jordan

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published Date: September 2010

Hardcover: 326 pages

Genre: YA Fantasy

ISBN# 978-0-06-193508-4

FTC FYI: library copy

A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will’s dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She’ll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

FYI: This review contains some small spoilers, so if you don’t like spoilers, go read the book and then come back and tell us what you think.

Whoever designed the cover of this book knew what they were doing. I couldn’t help but pick up Firelight in the “New Arrivals” section of the library. I credit (blame) Jessica Day George for my interest in dragons; Dragon Slippers sparked my curiosity.

Anyone who reads (or reads about) YA fiction these days knows that there are often certain “characteristics” found in a lot of YA fiction, especially YA fantasy. Many of them are in Firelight: young girl inevitably attracted to/dependent on the very thing that will kill her, single/divorced parents, a unique gift that sets her apart even from those around her with similar gifts, the love interest isn’t what he seems, etc.

Knowing me like I do, this would get old real quick. Fortunately for me, I don’t read a lot of YA, so I have not yet tired of these “characteristics” like some avid YA readers. This, along with my interest in the concept of draki, helped me enjoy Firelight.

Like a lot of books released in this genre in the last few years, there are those who “LOVED IT!!!!” as well as those who gave it 1 star and the “Twilight comparison.” Are there similarities? Absolutely. Do I feel that makes Firelight deserving of 1 star? Nope.

What worked for me:

  • I liked Will. The first scene in the cave hooked me enough to want to learn more about him.
  • There is plenty of chemistry and it’s clean- good kisses but no hanky-panky. Though there is a somewhat cheesy scene where Will takes off his shirt to stop a wound from bleeding. They obviously spend a lot of time alone, so if that’s something that concerns you, you may want to revisit your rules with your daughters if they read this book.
  • While there are two guys vying for Jacinda’s attention it’s not your typical love “triangle.”
  • It was a fast and interesting read- something you could read in one sitting.

While I enjoyed Firelight for more than just the above reasons, there were a couple of points that kept me from giving it 4 stars:

  • Out of all the places Jacinda’s family could have moved in the country, they just HAPPENED to go to the very town and the very high school that the hunters attend. I think there was enough potential chemistry and interest that Jacinda and Will could have still found each other and had the story play out well without the need of attending the exact same high school and the same classes. In fact, I would have been very interested to see what the author could have done with the story without that “convenience.”
  • I’ve read several reviews that have criticized Jacinda for being very selfish. And she is. A lot of teen girls are very selfish. I also considered Jacinda’s sister, Tamra, pretty selfish. Throughout the book, though, I found myself caring less about Jacinda and wondering more about Tamra’s story. I have a feeling that I’ll find Tamra much more interesting in the long run. I hope the author will develop her character and bring her much more into the story.
  • Despite being told about how dangerous Cassian and the pride are, I never really felt it. Even when Jacinda is face to face with Cassian, I wasn’t quite convinced. Maybe I missed something, but the fact that Jacinda is undeniably attracted to a hunter and risking everything to see him on a near daily basis seems much more risky than dealing with the pride. I would have liked to have been much more afraid of them.
  • I believed that Will truly loves and cares for Jacinda, but I’m not quite convinced that her affections run much deeper than needing Will to keep her draki alive. I hope that we will see her love for him grow and mature into something much more real in the future.
  • I’m still not sure how I feel about how the book ended. Something had to happen to bring about certain events, but it also felt somewhat contrived and a little forced. I’m not sure if I liked how it all came about or not.

I will read the sequels, hoping that they stay as free of sexual content as the first book. Sophie Jordan also writes historical romance that, if one were to judge by the covers, are not so clean. The title of the next book in the series is VANISH, though I was unable to find any release dates.

Heads Up

Language: I remember 2 (possibly 3?) swear words said one time each & they were from the milder group.

Sexual Content: As stated above, good kisses, no sex, lots of alone time including some heavy kissing on a couch where Will’s hand touches Jacinda’s back under her shirt and the scene ends shortly afterward.

Violence: Mild and mostly insinuated with the hunting of dragons, etc. Also a fight scene involving Jacinda in the girls’ bathroom.

Drug Use: There is mention near the end of the book of a keg being brought to a party in the mountains.

My Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Would I-

  • read it again? I will probably read it again right before reading the sequel
  • recommend it? For the most part; to teens 14/15+ and adults who enjoy YA Fantasy
  • read more by the author? Only this series for now.

    Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston – Blog Tour

     Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews, Special Features
    Feb 222011
     

    Dearly Departed

    Author: Tristi Pinkston

    Publisher: Walnut Springs Press

    Published Date: January 2011

    Softcover: 270 pages

    Genre: Mystery-Suspense

    ISBN# 978-1-935217-89-3

    FTC FYI: Borrowed from friend

    I’m a big fan of Tristi Pinkston, both as a person and an author. Previously I have read a few of her more serious historical novels, so it was a real treat to read about the fun and quirky women known as “The Secret Sisters.” Tristi’s fun personality shines through Ida Mae, Tansy, Eden, Hattie, and even Arlette, not to mention sweet old George.

    After enjoying Tristi’s more serious novels, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first started reading The Secret Sisters series. I can honestly say I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest, and I’m not just saying that because I’m part of the blog tour. I loved the characters, story and writing in Dearly Departed. Eden, especially, has become one of my favorites. I think if I was an obituary editor, I would go to some of the funerals, too. I really liked that about her. And, Tristi, c’mon!- how dare you invite someone like Kevin to the party? How is Eden supposed to choose? I’m not sure if I’m Team Ren or Team Kevin, and usually I have a definite opinion in this type of situation.

    Clean writing, memorable characters, and a story both fun and suspenseful make Dearly Departed a definite must-read. The only thing that could make it better? Reading the copy you won! See details below to find out how you could win one of three copies of Dearly Departed as well as a Grand Prize.

    Ida Mae Babbitt rides again!
    Ida Mae Babbitt may be a reformed woman, but trouble just can’t stay away.
    Follow the blog tour for Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston and learn
    about Ida Mae’s latest adventure.

    We will be giving away THREE copies of Dearly Departed.

    One GRAND PRIZE winner will win this fun scrapbooking pack.

    It’s easy to enter:

    1. Visit the fabulous reviews and leave a comment letting us know why you’re excited to read Dearly Departed. Remember to include your email address.
    2. For an additional entry become a follower of Walnut Springs Press blog, Tristi’s blog, or any of the fabulous review blogs. Leave a comment letting us know who’s blog you now follow.
    3. If you tweet about the blog tour, or post about it on your blog or facebook, leave the link in the comments section and you’ll receive an additional entry for each post.

    Good luck! Entries close at midnight (MST) on March 6th.

    ***
    Ida Mae Babbitt has done her community service and is a reformed woman – no more law-breaking for her. But when Arlette’s granddaughter Eden discovers a mystery in a fancy nursing home, Ida Mae – with the perfect excuse of a broken wrist and a broken ankle – checks herself into the place. After all, it is for the greater good. Soon she’s buzzing around in her motorized wheelchair, questioning the residents and swiping files from the office. She’s bound and determined to get to the bottom of this case. But can she solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?

    ****

    February 16th
    Starcrossed Book Reviews
    (Nichole Giles)

    Febraury 17
    Inksplasher
    (Karlene Browning)

    February 18
    Heather Justesen

    February 21
    Elizabeth Mueller

    February 22
    LDS Women’s Book Review
    (Shanda Cottam)

    February 23
    Rachelle Writes
    (Rachelle Christensen)

    Sometimes Hard But Oh So Worth It
    (Kimberly Coates)

    February 24
    Fire and Ice
    (Heather Gardner)

    February 28
    Cheryl’s Book Nook
    (Cheryl Koch)

    March 1
    JDP News
    (Joyce DiPastena)

    March 2
    Teri Rodeman

    March 3
    Why Not? Because I Said So
    (Sheila Staley)

    Rekindled by Tamera Alexander

     Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
    Feb 212011
     

    Rekindled (Fountain Creek Chronicles, Book 1)

    Author: Tamera Alexander

    Publisher: Bethany House

    Published Date: 2006

    Softcover; 334 pages

    Genre: Christian Fiction/Romance

    ISBN# 978-0-7642-0108-0

    FTC FYI: library copy

    “At a different time, in a different place, under different circumstances… could two people fall in love once again?”

    Ten years ago Kathryn Jennings made a vow. For better or worse. And that promise still holds true, even though her marriage has not turned out as she expected. When her husband fails to return home one stormy winter night, she struggles to keep their ranch, but her efforts are blocked at every turn. After a shocking glimpse into her husband’s past, Kathryn uncovers a hidden truth. What she wouldn’t give to turn back time and be able to love her husband for the man that he was, not for the man she always wanted him to be.

    Larson Jennings has spent his entire life running from a broken past, unable to trust, reluctant to try again. One fateful night, his life takes an unexpected twist, and soon he is forced to make a choice. Whatever he chooses, his decision may cost him his life.

    Though Larson and Kathryn’s many years of marriage have been happy, hard times and the inability to conceive have added to the growing tension in their relationship. Both Larson and Kathryn realize that something is missing, though neither is sure what it is or what to do about it.

    Larson rides out to take care of some business matters and stops in a ravine for the night where he is attacked. While trying to get away, Larson takes shelter in a nearby shack. Too late, he realizes it is full of explosives. The explosion and subsequent burning nearly take Larson’s life.

    When Larson fails to return, Kathryn does her best to keep the ranch up and running. Most of the ranch hands quit, believing Larson died after becoming lost in a storm. An accident reveals that Larson and Kathryn’s last night together resulted in a long-awaited pregnancy. After a series of devastating events, the ranch goes into foreclosure and Kathryn moves into Willow Springs to work. Week after week she hopes for her husband’s return while facing the realization that something terrible has happened and he will never see their child. A grisly discovery in a ravine confirms what everyone has long suspected. Larson is dead.

    After several months in the care of an unlikely yet loving couple, Larson regains his strength and returns to his ranch to find it abandoned. Reaching Willow Springs, he sees a small group gathered around an open grave. He recognizes Kathryn and notices she is with child. The realization that she has been with another man since he left cuts deeply. He is surprised to find the grave is marked with his name. Realizing that his scars have made him unrecognizable, that he has no money to save his ranch and believing he has nothing left to give Kathryn, Larson takes a new identity as “Jacob.”

    Despite wanting to give Kathryn the chance at a new life, Larson can’t stay away from her. When he sees her coming and going from the back door of the town brothel, he mistakenly believes he understands how she became with child. After Kathryn gets a job as a housekeeper at Casaroja, the ranch owned by a man who has long desired Larson’s land, he gets hired on as a stable manager so he can keep an eye on her. Larson’s feelings swing between the love he feels for the woman he now realizes he never fully appreciated and the hurt he feels by her supposed betrayal, evidenced by the growing child within her. Despite everything, Larson still needs Kathryn to want him.

    The longer Kathryn is without her husband, the more she realizes that she didn’t truly appreciate the man he was. She deeply mourns the loss of her husband, but something about the gentle Jacob keeps drawing Kathryn’s attention. She wishes she could go back and accept her husband for the man he was instead of trying to make him into the man she wanted. She fights her growing attraction to quiet and genuine Jacob but he still finds a way in to her heart.

    Rekindled is a good story that I enjoyed for many reasons. It is different than most other romance-type novels because it’s about a married couple, something that I don’t come across often. I found it to be a mature (intellectually, not inappropriately) and relatable story. Like a lot of Christian fiction, the book is clean and there are several scriptural references but nothing too preachy. As is typical with Christian fiction as well, the characters are put through several horrible events, nearly losing all hope, before their hearts are turned to Christ.

    The story did drag a little at times, but my interest in seeing how things would end up kept me turning the pages. The conclusion is full of action and suspense. I wasn’t quite sure how I wanted the big “reveal” to go, and I liked the way things played out. I found the interactions between Larson/Jacob and Kathryn interesting and the conclusion of their story quite satisfying. I reread Rekindled before writing this review and enjoyed it just as much the second time through.

    My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

    Would I-

    • read it again? I hope to read it again someday, but I’d like to read the next two books in the series first
    • recommend it? Yes, especially to married women who enjoy a good historical romance set in the West
    • read more by this author? Definitely. Tamera Alexander has another series as well that I would like to read.

    Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey – Blog Tour

     Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews, Special Features
    Jan 182011
     

    I’ll never forget the first time I met Donald. Hillary and I had just started interviewing people at the April 2010 LDStorymakers Conference when a gentleman caught my attention and introduced himself. I was ecstatic to meet Don because I had never before met one of the male listeners to the LDS Women’s Book Review podcast.

    As I interviewed him and learned more about his book scheduled to be released in January 2011, I was surprised to learn that he was writing what would technically be considered a romance.

    A romance, written by a man? Needless to say, I was very curious.

    I can honestly tell you I was not disappointed. One of the things I love about book reviewing is the wide variety of books I get to read, even within the same genre. In the last two days I have reviewed three romances, and despite falling into the same genre, not one of these books felt like the others.

    First of all, I love the cover. The green color with the contrast of a white and blue title is eye-catching, and I like aviation-themed accents. The title is perfect – our man, Jordan, hits his fair share of figurative and literal bumpy landings.

    As I read, I found myself encouraging Jordan to take a stand and follow his dreams. I was afforded a peek at what it must be like for a college guy doing his best to keep everyone happy while struggling to figure out who he is and what he really wants. There were a few little twists in the story that I didn’t expect. I wasn’t sure how the story would turn out, or even how I wanted it to turn out, until the very end. I enjoyed watching Jordan’s character grow from his experiences that ranged from stupid mistakes to a tragic accident.

    The writing is clean and held my attention. I’ve never been to Hawaii, and now I’m curious about some of the places the characters visit, as well as the food. I think they should have added the recipes for pani popo and malasadas at the end of the book, though I’ll pass on the opihi.

    I was delighted to find some pictures over on Don’s website that add an entirely new level to Jordan’s story as well as offering a peek into the life of the author. Go check it out, but first, watch this fun trailer for Bumpy Landings, put together by Don:

    Two great romances & six reasons why you should read them- Courting Miss Lancaster & Cross My Heart

     Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
    Jan 172011
     

    If you usually shy away from romance, give me a few minutes to change your mind. Or at least tell you why you should give these two books a chance.

    In the past week I read two novels that reminded me why I love a good romance story. One is a regency-era romance that is certain to be enjoyed by fans of Jane Austen, the other a contemporary romance that is both fresh and fun.

    If that’s not incentive enough for you, let me give you six more reasons to read Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden and Cross My Heart by Julie Wright.

    1) The Authors

    Having met and spent several hours in the company of both Sarah and Julie, I can say without a doubt that they are two of the sweetest, most intelligent, authentic and witty women I know. I’m not just saying this because I think they might read this (we won’t talk about the $20 Sarah slipped me under the table- uh, I mean, what $20?)

    Sarah has thoroughly researched the Regency Era and it shows in how well she writes her characters and setting. Julie embraces who she is, imperfections and all, and it makes her, and her characters, highly relatable. Both of these women do what they do–write what they write–because they must. They love it. The result: enjoyable, unforgettable stories.

    2) The Setting

    Courting Miss Lancaster takes place in Town during the Little Season. I love that Sarah gives her readers just enough detail to set the mood and lets the imagination do the rest. It keeps the flow of the story practically seamless. What makes the setting feel so authentic? How Sarah uses the words. The characters’ internal dialogue is as authentic-sounding as the conversations. Never once did I feel pulled from the story because of an out-of-time sounding phrase.

    The majority of Cross My Heart takes place in Boston, MA, and the surrounding area. The main character’s love for the Boston area is obvious as she is willing to resort to a college-days menu of noodles for a place in the Back Bay and a view of the Charles River. At first she avoids the tourist attractions in and around Boston, which in turn made me even more curious about them.

    3) The Heroes

    No brooders here. In fact, both heroes are down to earth, sincere, and a bit unsure. Oh, and funny. I love a man with a sense of humor. Both have just the right amount of sweet, as well. What I loved the most about the heroes in both books is that they were good friends to the heroines. Was there chemistry and attraction? Oh yeah. First, though, there was friendship.

    4) The Humor

    I am glad to know Sarah for many reasons, and one is her sense of humor. Sign up for one of her classes at a writing conference and you will see what I mean. Let me give you an example from Harry’s thoughts in Courting Miss Lancaster:

    “He knew Persephone had a good head on her shoulders, and he suspected Athena did as well. One could not, after all, be named for the Greek goddess of divine intelligence and be a complete featherhead.”

    As for Julie, this girl is a blast to hang with. I have pictorial proof right here. She keeps the balance between serious and funny in Cross My Heart, and in some cases with Jillian’s mother, shock and laughter. I enjoyed the banter between Jillian and the main love interest.

    5) The Heriones

    Athena is young and a little naive, but in no way a “featherhead.” In fact, the heroines in both books are very intelligent. Athena had her romantic fantasy of a knight on a white steed, imagining she would know her true love the first time their eyes met from across the ballroom. She realizes rather quickly that she had better learn what she does want as fast as she was learning what she didn’t want after meeting a series of gentlemen with rather undesirable characteristics.

    Jillian is in advertising and has a knack for knowing what a client will go for. She watches television for the commercials, reads magazines for the ads (which she then edits), and has survived many company layoffs. When another ad agency starts winning away clients using suspiciously similar ideas, Jillian’s boss sends her back to Boston to save their biggest accounts. She knows her stuff. She’s professional yet feminine, even if she does wear a lot of black. She might not always be the most tolerant person in the world, but she tries. She appreciates her family and friends even when they are embarrassing her, and vice versa.

    6) The Romance

    What is a romance without chemistry? Not a romance. However, there can be too much of a good thing. Not so in Courting Miss Lancaster or Cross My Heart.

    Harry’s interest in Athena is known from the first pages of the book. He does not have a fortune, however, and is therefore ineligible to court Athena. He is asked by his good friend and Athena’s guardian, Adam, Duke of Kielder, to sort through the unsuitable prospects and find an acceptable husband for her. Harry accepts, knowing what torture it will be to spend so much time with Athena, yet wanting to make sure she finds a husband worthy of her. There is one particular scene near the end of the book that tops my chart of most romantic scenes ever. Yep. Ever.

    Julie effectively and consistently sprinkles the chemistry-filled moments throughout Cross My Heart. To me, it’s the little things that make all the difference, and all those little things come together for a first kiss that is unforgettably romantic.

    Despite all of the romancing going on, neither of these books ever felt unrealistic or over-the-top. Both have earned a spot on my bookshelf, and I look forward to reading them again. Many more times.

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