After finishing Heart on the Line, part of me wants to dance around crowing, "This is Karen Witemeyer's best book EVER!"
But then a more rational (and less fun) part of me chimes in. "Not disagreeing, per se... but you said that about No Other Will Do. And A Worthy Pursuit. And To Win Her Heart. AND Head in the Clouds...
All of which boils down to this: Karen Witemeyer writes great books regularly, and has done so again recently. This one delivers on all the points I've come to love about her books: a light-hearted, toe-tingling romance with depth, a heroine I can relate to, and a hero I can root for! Let's discuss...
Pros:
+ "Delightfully nerdy" hero Amos Bledsoe breaks the mold as a bookish, bespectacled champion.
+ The smooth writing style lets readers get fully engaged with the story...
+ ...and an exciting plot keeps the pages flying, making this a fun, fast read.
+ "Online dating" via telegraph in 1894?! Seriously, how fun is that!!
+ A secondary romance adds dimensions to the women's colony at the heart of the series.
+ Buckets of humor abound! Funny books do not always succeed in making me literally laugh out loud. This one did, repeatedly!
+ Spiritual truths in the story come through naturally and without ambiguity.
Cons:
*crickets*
To summarize, I loved Heart on the Line on every page, and because every book Karen Witemeyer releases is an instant must-read for me, I was super excited to hear that we'll have another visit to Harper's Station in the upcoming Hearts Entwined: A show more Historical Romance Novella Collection. (You do get the newsletter, right?)
As a side note for history buffs, the inspiration behind the story is really interesting. You can read about it here: Online Dating in the 19th Century??? (via Seekerville). I particularly enjoyed this because my great-grandmother Orilla, a fascinating figure in my family history, worked as a telegraph operator in the 1920s. Though this story is set a generation earlier in the 1890s, it was fun to gain some insights about her career.
And finally.... I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions, whether of a dancing-around-crowing nature or a more-rational-and-less-fun-but-not-disagreeable nature, are my own. show less
But then a more rational (and less fun) part of me chimes in. "Not disagreeing, per se... but you said that about No Other Will Do. And A Worthy Pursuit. And To Win Her Heart. AND Head in the Clouds...
All of which boils down to this: Karen Witemeyer writes great books regularly, and has done so again recently. This one delivers on all the points I've come to love about her books: a light-hearted, toe-tingling romance with depth, a heroine I can relate to, and a hero I can root for! Let's discuss...
Pros:
+ "Delightfully nerdy" hero Amos Bledsoe breaks the mold as a bookish, bespectacled champion.
+ The smooth writing style lets readers get fully engaged with the story...
+ ...and an exciting plot keeps the pages flying, making this a fun, fast read.
+ "Online dating" via telegraph in 1894?! Seriously, how fun is that!!
+ A secondary romance adds dimensions to the women's colony at the heart of the series.
+ Buckets of humor abound! Funny books do not always succeed in making me literally laugh out loud. This one did, repeatedly!
+ Spiritual truths in the story come through naturally and without ambiguity.
Cons:
*crickets*
To summarize, I loved Heart on the Line on every page, and because every book Karen Witemeyer releases is an instant must-read for me, I was super excited to hear that we'll have another visit to Harper's Station in the upcoming Hearts Entwined: A show more Historical Romance Novella Collection. (You do get the newsletter, right?)
As a side note for history buffs, the inspiration behind the story is really interesting. You can read about it here: Online Dating in the 19th Century??? (via Seekerville). I particularly enjoyed this because my great-grandmother Orilla, a fascinating figure in my family history, worked as a telegraph operator in the 1920s. Though this story is set a generation earlier in the 1890s, it was fun to gain some insights about her career.
And finally.... I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions, whether of a dancing-around-crowing nature or a more-rational-and-less-fun-but-not-disagreeable nature, are my own. show less
I made the choice between four and five stars when I woke up the next morning and Told You So was still on my mind.
Kristen Heitzmann's first independent release teems with the sparkling writing and plot twists her fans know to expect. And new readers, come prepared. This story, funny and dramatic and poignant as it is, comes with a dark edge or three.
In spite of larger-than-life characters and high-wire situations that most of us will never face, the depths this novel plumbs are very real. Just as heroine Grace Evangeline's sweet & sassy romances carry messages of hope that Devin Bressard's brooding plays never could, Told You So finds the jagged edge necessary to speak to a certain kind of brokenness. Going much deeper than a simple "opposites attract" love story, it invites consideration that true and resonate art may sometimes require more than a single approach, and that in the synergy of such art, and of love, God's handiwork is evident.
For the sake of conservative readers, it bears mentioning that this story reaches beyond certain norms of Christian fiction.
As for me, I loved it. Told You So got some good deep belly laughs out of me, squeezed a few tears, and never skimped on the heart-clenchy and/or -melty romantic moments. The characters and the big thoughts they embodied got to me in the best way, and the story held me fast with all its riveting twists.
Also, no spoilers, but... I have a theory about one of the secondary characters. I'll be looking forward to Told show more You Twice to find out if I'm right...
I received a free copy of this novel for review purposes; my opinions are my own! show less
Kristen Heitzmann's first independent release teems with the sparkling writing and plot twists her fans know to expect. And new readers, come prepared. This story, funny and dramatic and poignant as it is, comes with a dark edge or three.
In spite of larger-than-life characters and high-wire situations that most of us will never face, the depths this novel plumbs are very real. Just as heroine Grace Evangeline's sweet & sassy romances carry messages of hope that Devin Bressard's brooding plays never could, Told You So finds the jagged edge necessary to speak to a certain kind of brokenness. Going much deeper than a simple "opposites attract" love story, it invites consideration that true and resonate art may sometimes require more than a single approach, and that in the synergy of such art, and of love, God's handiwork is evident.
For the sake of conservative readers, it bears mentioning that this story reaches beyond certain norms of Christian fiction.
As for me, I loved it. Told You So got some good deep belly laughs out of me, squeezed a few tears, and never skimped on the heart-clenchy and/or -melty romantic moments. The characters and the big thoughts they embodied got to me in the best way, and the story held me fast with all its riveting twists.
Also, no spoilers, but... I have a theory about one of the secondary characters. I'll be looking forward to Told show more You Twice to find out if I'm right...
I received a free copy of this novel for review purposes; my opinions are my own! show less
Carrie Turansky has done it again! The third and final entry in the Edwardian Brides series brings the journey of the Ramsey and Foster families to romantic-sigh-inducing, faith-affirming, and entirely satisfying conclusion.
Though each story in the series stands alone, they do build upon each other, and at the opening of A Refuge at Highland Hall, Penny Ramsey and Alex Goodwin have both received their first bruises of adulthood: Penny, a heartbreak over a lost *idea* of love, and Alex, an injury and professional black mark following a plane crash during his military training. Not to give anything away... ***spoiler alert!*** ...but it's very engaging how the author sets up more serious wounds later in the story from the very opening pages.
***End spoiler section! You can resume reading now! :)
In my opinion, author Carrie Turansky's style is best described as engrossing. She handles multiple points-of-view and subplots with skill and flair, and as in the other books of the series, this novel contains a secondary romance. Due to the wartime setting, it also brings quite a bit more action than the first two Highland Hall books, while still remaining true to the voice of the series.
The faith elements are strong and steady throughout. The WWI backdrop provides true-to-life prompting for the characters to "pray without ceasing." The story emphasizes leaning on the Lord in times of conflict, whether that conflict arises between nations or schoolboys. Several characters are show more challenged to grow in faith and personal governance, learning to make wise choices, accepting circumstances, and thriving in God's choices for them.
A rich and well-plotted story, with expert pacing and characters who feel deeply and inspire the reader to do the same. I enjoyed A Refuge at Highland Hall a great deal, and strongly recommend it for readers who love twentieth-century historicals, chaste romance, and Christ-honoring fiction!
The other books in this series are:
The Governess of Highland Hall
The Daughter of Highland Hall
I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review; my opinions are my own! show less
Though each story in the series stands alone, they do build upon each other, and at the opening of A Refuge at Highland Hall, Penny Ramsey and Alex Goodwin have both received their first bruises of adulthood: Penny, a heartbreak over a lost *idea* of love, and Alex, an injury and professional black mark following a plane crash during his military training. Not to give anything away... ***spoiler alert!*** ...but it's very engaging how the author sets up more serious wounds later in the story from the very opening pages.
***End spoiler section! You can resume reading now! :)
In my opinion, author Carrie Turansky's style is best described as engrossing. She handles multiple points-of-view and subplots with skill and flair, and as in the other books of the series, this novel contains a secondary romance. Due to the wartime setting, it also brings quite a bit more action than the first two Highland Hall books, while still remaining true to the voice of the series.
The faith elements are strong and steady throughout. The WWI backdrop provides true-to-life prompting for the characters to "pray without ceasing." The story emphasizes leaning on the Lord in times of conflict, whether that conflict arises between nations or schoolboys. Several characters are show more challenged to grow in faith and personal governance, learning to make wise choices, accepting circumstances, and thriving in God's choices for them.
A rich and well-plotted story, with expert pacing and characters who feel deeply and inspire the reader to do the same. I enjoyed A Refuge at Highland Hall a great deal, and strongly recommend it for readers who love twentieth-century historicals, chaste romance, and Christ-honoring fiction!
The other books in this series are:
The Governess of Highland Hall
The Daughter of Highland Hall
I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review; my opinions are my own! show less
I liked the first Shades of London book quite a bit and I was looking forward to this one, the length of time it sat on my shelf between purchase and reading notwithstanding. That's how things go around here.
With the utmost respect for the author and others who may disagree with my opinions, here are the things I didn't like about this book, in no particular order:
1. The amount of space dedicated to reminding me what happened in book one.
2. The geography factor. I'm dumb at maps. (I know, that's me and not the book. Oh well.)
3. The mystery referenced in the title is not fully resolved.
4. I'm mixed on the main character's quirky side stories. Pro: they were amusing and built up her unique teen voice. Con: they were distracting and bounced me out of London and into Louisiana a bit too often.
5. The cliffhanger ending. (I'm not spoiling it, I'm just sayin'.)
However, the all-telling question is this: will I buy the next book in the series?
Sigh. Yes. Of course.
With the utmost respect for the author and others who may disagree with my opinions, here are the things I didn't like about this book, in no particular order:
1. The amount of space dedicated to reminding me what happened in book one.
2. The geography factor. I'm dumb at maps. (I know, that's me and not the book. Oh well.)
3. The mystery referenced in the title is not fully resolved.
4. I'm mixed on the main character's quirky side stories. Pro: they were amusing and built up her unique teen voice. Con: they were distracting and bounced me out of London and into Louisiana a bit too often.
5. The cliffhanger ending. (I'm not spoiling it, I'm just sayin'.)
However, the all-telling question is this: will I buy the next book in the series?
Sigh. Yes. Of course.
I'm sorry to say that I did not love "When Light Breaks." I thought I would, since "The Art of Keeping Secrets" by Patti Callahan Henry hit my list of favorites when I read it a few years ago. This book front-loaded the back story (which I know is tough to avoid in a book about regrets and coming to grips with the past, granted) and even though I usually love contemporaries with historical threads, this one left me cold. I think it was the way the elderly character Maeve Mahoney told her story as if it was happening in the moment. The first-person present tense dialogue felt unnatural to me. Oh well. I wanted to like this. Maybe next time.
My only disappointment with this book was that I had read its sequel first without realizing, so many of the story angles were effectively spoiled. Ah well--still a good read.
Thought I read them out of order, the Redford books were my first attempt to climb back into the satisfying story haze "The Edge of Recall" created for me. Even if I loved "Indelible" a little less than "The Edge of Recall," this is still going to be the book that won me over as a fan. Ms. Heitzmann's romantic suspense novels just rock.
Not my favorite King compilation. The first story (Willa) was my favorite, and the last one (A Very Tight Place) was mainly just gross. Several of the stories dealt with post-9/11 themes, which is always hard.
The story itself was fine, but the swearing really killed it for me. Very offensive.
Ah, connections through time--one of my favorite themes, and well-executed using a wedding dress as the object bridging the lives of the women who wore it. Ms. Hauck has a lot of fun with the wedding imagery of the Bible as well as the inherent romance of weddings. A great, satisfying read.
A rich WWII love story. A caution for the would-be reader: this is a heavy book. Show up ready for characters to live through harsh times. (Hint: it's worth it.)
Memoir and non-fiction aren't my favorites anyway, but I didn't like this book at all. Most striking to me was the voice in the memory scenes, which did not sound authentic as it was filtered through the author's adult experience.
Hands down, my favorite book of 2013. So much I read it twice. I just wasn't ready to leave that story behind. The tension (romantic & peril) is delectable.
A little racier than I normally read (which, don't get me wrong, still isn't VERY racy...), but "The Art Forger" was a great story.
I can't believe I waited so long to read "Rebecca." (Years wasted!) One of the greats.
I enjoyed "Morning Glory," although perhaps not as much as the authors other books. I felt like I was waiting for a payoff... and when it came, it wasn't the one I wanted. In particular I wasn't fond of the last chapter, but that's only my opinion. Still looking forward to her next one!
I think this murder mystery might be Sarah Jio's best yet. Loved it.
This one wasn't for me. I couldn't connect with either the characters or the mystery unfortunately.
Sad, spooky, and hopeful. A proposal for a spirit marriage draws naive young Li Lan into the lush and terrifying Chinese spirit world, where the doom of limbo hangs over her. A murder mystery and family secrets against an unusual and fantastic backdrop. I wanted to love this book, and I did.
Quite a fun historical romp. A debutante heads west for one last adventure before settling down into privileged married life. What could go wrong?
I read "The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck" (Book 3) before this one, and I haven't even gotten Book 2 yet (oops), but they stand alone quite well and are fun reads.
I read "The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck" (Book 3) before this one, and I haven't even gotten Book 2 yet (oops), but they stand alone quite well and are fun reads.
"Stealing the Preacher" was a rare foray into a western--not my usual genre, but it's a wonderful story. At one point, Ms. Witemeyer literally had me laughing out at a passage on one page, and wiping away tears on the next. This is one of those that makes your heart feel full when it's done.
Such a fun inspirational romance. I enjoyed it greatly and am looking forward to the rest of the series!
I thought I was going to love this book. Ostensibly it is everything I should want in a book--past/present interaction and a spooky old house especially. It's certainly well-written. For some reason, it didn't connect for me.
This book was everything I could have wanted in a novel. So. Much. Love. for "Gone South."
I wrote a full review which can be found here: http://heatherdaygilbert.com/2013/07/01/lazy-days-of-summer-book-review-brandy-h...
I wrote a full review which can be found here: http://heatherdaygilbert.com/2013/07/01/lazy-days-of-summer-book-review-brandy-h...
I love Nicole Seitz brand of southern magic realism, and you'll almost always captivate me with a story layered between past and present. The Inheritance of Beauty delivers on all counts.
One Thousand Gifts contains a lot of excellent perspective. I found some of the word pictures to be a bit too much.
I struggled through The Hobbit. It's not that I didn't enjoy it. Maybe I'm just not a fantasy person. My lack of aptitude for geography definitely works against me in hero's journey stories. Honestly I'm a little embarrassed to be the person who is "meh" about one of the most beloved books in all 20th century literature, but there it is.
This is a warm, fuzzy, feel-good book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It had some laugh-out-loud moments and the sections in the cat's POV were too adorable. Almost as good as nuzzling kitties with my face. ;)
Christian fiction, contemporary, romantic suspense, Colorado, New York