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The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
~Proverbs 18:10~
Saturday, May 30
Scripture and a Snapshot - May 30, 2015
Thursday, May 28
Recent Reads - Until the Harvest
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Until the Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas -
I was so excited to see the latest book in this series set in Wise, West Virginia, because I'd read - and loved - the previous two stories. And loved them despite the fact that they are firmly set in the 20th century, and I don't generally go for historical settings that modern! This one is set in the 1970's, and focuses on Henry Phillips and his circle of family and friends.Henry is the son of Casewell and Perla, the main characters in the previous novel, Miracle in a Dry Season. Henry's father passes away in the opening pages of the book, and in Henry's grief and confusion, he decides not to return to college, and he also gets himself into several scrapes and more serious trouble as the story unfolds. His grandmother Emily is a comfort to him, but he initially dislikes Emily's housekeeping helper, Margaret. He takes an immediate liking to Margaret's little sister, Mayfair, though, and as time goes by he and Margaret do become friends. Margaret doesn't much like Henry to begin with either, but she does appreciate his kindness to Mayfair and she longs for the same sense of family and affection that she observes with him and his mother and grandmother. Over time, Henry and Margaret find their friendship growing, and they often come together to help Mayfair. Theirs is a sweet and slow-growing romance, and they both must learn to forgive and trust before they can live out their simple dreams for their future together.
This book can certainly stand alone, but is all the more satisfying if you've already met the older generation characters by reading Miracle In a Dry Season.
From the publisher:
Take This Journey of Broken Souls Restored and Tentative Hearts Brought Fully to Life
When family tragedy derails Henry Philips's college studies, he's left unmoored and feeling abandoned. The only things that can tamp down his grief are the family farm, his fiddle, and an unexpected friendship with sweet but unusual preteen Mayfair Hoffman.
Unfortunately, Mayfair's older sister, Margaret, despite her spray of freckles and cute, turned-up nose, has a completely different effect. His grandmother's helper, she's always around, ready to push his buttons, and it seems at first that she doesn't care about his troubles.
Henry soon realizes, though, that Margaret's facing her own struggles. Mayfair's health and unique gift sit at the heart of those worries. Henry and Margaret soon find themselves relying on each other as potential tragedy collides with growing hope in a warm story of family bonds and the surprising ways healing finds us all.
By the same author: Miracle in a Dry Season, Appalachian Serenade
Visit the Baker Publishing Group for more info on where to buy.
Visit the Baker Publishing Group for more info on where to buy.
Tuesday, May 26
Teaser Tuesday/What I'm Reading - May 26, 2015
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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jenn at A Daily Rhythm. To play along, just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
- Be careful not to include spoilers!
- Share the title and author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!
With a shiver, she decided that was the last time she would read gothic fiction. It was back to architecture books for her.
~The Secret of Pembrooke Park
by Julie Klassen, page 123
by Julie Klassen, page 123
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the graphic indicates, this list of what I'm reading is usually posted on Monday, but since yesterday was Memorial Day, I am posting today instead. This weekly meme has been hosted at Book Journey, but as that blog author has taken a break and is not back to hosting this yet, I am linking at the book blog Christian Novels instead.
I recently finished reading...
Brigid of Ireland
by Cindy Thomson - Read my complete review HERE.
I'm currently reading...
Until the Harvest
by Sarah Loudin Thomas - I'm reading and reviewing this one for Bethany House. My review will be coming this week!
The Secret of Pembrooke Park
by Julie Klassen - I know. Even though I've had these other books on the list of what's next for weeks, I started something else instead. Hey, it was available from the library, so I grabbed it when I could.
Next on the stack...
Brentwood's Ward by Michelle Griep - I'm beginning to think I'll never get to this one.
The Fatal Tree by Stephen R Lawhead
The Hand that Bears the Sword by George Bryan Polivka
Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith
What are you reading?
Brentwood's Ward by Michelle Griep - I'm beginning to think I'll never get to this one.
The Fatal Tree by Stephen R Lawhead
The Hand that Bears the Sword by George Bryan Polivka
Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith
What are you reading?
Recent Reads - Brigid of Ireland
This post may contain affiliate links.
Brigid of Ireland by Cindy Thomson - I had really looked forward to reading this novelized telling of the early life of St Brigid of Ireland, and was pleased to have won it in a giveaway. Despite my eagerness, and the great promise of the tale of a lesser-known saint and the 5th century Ireland setting, the story never really grabbed me the way I'd expected it to do.
Thomson takes the accepted facts about the early life of St Brigid and many of the legends and traditions regarding her life and miracles attributed to her, and combined it into an historical novel. Brigid is born a slave to her father, and when she is still very young, her mother is sent away. Brigid yearns for her mother and for love and acceptance, and from an early age she demonstrated great compassion and charity for the poor. She earned a reputation for offering food to the poor, yet whatever she gave away was miraculously replenished. Brigid was raised as a Christian in an Ireland that was still largely pagan, and as she grew older and was reunited with her mother, she devoted her life to spreading the gospel throughout Ireland and to caring for the poor. This novelized version also pits Brigid and her mother against an evil king's druid who wants to use Brigid's powers for his own gain.
I wanted to like this book much more than I did. Unfortunately, I found it to be just okay. I didn't dislike it, but it also didn't hold my attention and make me want to turn the pages and find out what happened next. It took me a very long time to read, because I frequently set it aside and wasn't compelled to come back to it because it was interesting - I came back because I realized that I still hadn't finished and felt like I probably should. I was about three-quarters of the way through the book before I was really rooting for any of the characters and wondering how the current crisis would work itself out. But soon after that, I became a bit confused by the chronology (unsure how much time was passing), and then the ending was quite abrupt. Even an Epilogue summarizing Brigid's life and work from that time forward would have helped the story wrap up more satisfactorily.
For those interested in the lives of Irish saints, this may be a decent read, but it wasn't one that kept my attention, and I'd have to rate it as "just okay".
by Cindy Thomson - I had really looked forward to reading this novelized telling of the early life of St Brigid of Ireland, and was pleased to have won it in a giveaway. Despite my eagerness, and the great promise of the tale of a lesser-known saint and the 5th century Ireland setting, the story never really grabbed me the way I'd expected it to do.Thomson takes the accepted facts about the early life of St Brigid and many of the legends and traditions regarding her life and miracles attributed to her, and combined it into an historical novel. Brigid is born a slave to her father, and when she is still very young, her mother is sent away. Brigid yearns for her mother and for love and acceptance, and from an early age she demonstrated great compassion and charity for the poor. She earned a reputation for offering food to the poor, yet whatever she gave away was miraculously replenished. Brigid was raised as a Christian in an Ireland that was still largely pagan, and as she grew older and was reunited with her mother, she devoted her life to spreading the gospel throughout Ireland and to caring for the poor. This novelized version also pits Brigid and her mother against an evil king's druid who wants to use Brigid's powers for his own gain.
I wanted to like this book much more than I did. Unfortunately, I found it to be just okay. I didn't dislike it, but it also didn't hold my attention and make me want to turn the pages and find out what happened next. It took me a very long time to read, because I frequently set it aside and wasn't compelled to come back to it because it was interesting - I came back because I realized that I still hadn't finished and felt like I probably should. I was about three-quarters of the way through the book before I was really rooting for any of the characters and wondering how the current crisis would work itself out. But soon after that, I became a bit confused by the chronology (unsure how much time was passing), and then the ending was quite abrupt. Even an Epilogue summarizing Brigid's life and work from that time forward would have helped the story wrap up more satisfactorily.
For those interested in the lives of Irish saints, this may be a decent read, but it wasn't one that kept my attention, and I'd have to rate it as "just okay".
Sunday, May 24
Scripture and a Snapshot - May 24, 2015
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Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
~Proverbs 3:5-6~
Wednesday, May 20
Top Ten Books That Surprised Me
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Every now and again, I will make a Top Ten list to link up at The Broke and Bookish. Since this week was a Freebie, meaning everyone participating could choose their own list topic, I thought it would be a good one.
These are ten books I thought of that surprised me - in a good way. Books I didn't expect to like much for some reason, but turned out to be enjoyable.
The Cellist of Sarajevo
by Steven Galloway - I cannot remember now why I picked up this book, because it's not something I would normally choose. I think it may have been one of the library's "Read Together" selections. It is a work of fiction, but is based on some actual events that took place during the conflict in Sarajevo. A sobering and compelling book that I highly recommend.
(Read my review)
by Steven Galloway - I cannot remember now why I picked up this book, because it's not something I would normally choose. I think it may have been one of the library's "Read Together" selections. It is a work of fiction, but is based on some actual events that took place during the conflict in Sarajevo. A sobering and compelling book that I highly recommend.(Read my review)
Ticker
by Lisa Mantchev - This is the first steampunk novel I've read, and I have to say I loved it from the opening sentence. Well, from my first look at the cover art, actually! The book is clearly intended for a young adult audience, but is so well-written and clever that I can heartily recommend it to adult and teen readers alike.
(Read my review)
by Lisa Mantchev - This is the first steampunk novel I've read, and I have to say I loved it from the opening sentence. Well, from my first look at the cover art, actually! The book is clearly intended for a young adult audience, but is so well-written and clever that I can heartily recommend it to adult and teen readers alike.(Read my review)
Isle of Swords
by Wayne Thomas Batson - Several years ago I saw the book displayed in a Christian bookstore, and was captivated by the beautiful pirate-themed cover art. I read it in a couple of evenings, and fell in love with it before I realized it was 'youth fantasy fiction' - that's where it surprised me! I have read it a couple of times, and have also read the sequel and I still love it.
(Read my review)
by Wayne Thomas Batson - Several years ago I saw the book displayed in a Christian bookstore, and was captivated by the beautiful pirate-themed cover art. I read it in a couple of evenings, and fell in love with it before I realized it was 'youth fantasy fiction' - that's where it surprised me! I have read it a couple of times, and have also read the sequel and I still love it.(Read my review)
Galileo's Daughter
by Dava Sobel - This book, grabbed from the Biography section at the library, turned out to be a delightful combination of history and biography that read almost like an historical novel. It is based on the surviving letters written to Galileo by his oldest daughter, and presents the great scientist as warmly human and as a generous and devoted father. The letters show the deeply personal convictions that both father and daughter had - that they were under God's grace, that prayer made a difference, and that love and service to others was an expression of devotion to the Lord. This was a surprisingly inspirational read.
(Read my review)
by Dava Sobel - This book, grabbed from the Biography section at the library, turned out to be a delightful combination of history and biography that read almost like an historical novel. It is based on the surviving letters written to Galileo by his oldest daughter, and presents the great scientist as warmly human and as a generous and devoted father. The letters show the deeply personal convictions that both father and daughter had - that they were under God's grace, that prayer made a difference, and that love and service to others was an expression of devotion to the Lord. This was a surprisingly inspirational read.(Read my review)
The Eight
by Katherine Neville - For a couple of years I was involved in a book club, and sometimes I found myself slogging through a book club pick that I truly disliked. But sometimes I was introduced to an author or a book that I would never have considered otherwise. The Eight was one of the latter. When it was suggested as a monthly pick, I purchased a copy and hoped that I wouldn't regret having spent the money. I never have. This exciting adventure story has been one of my favorites for many years, and it's one I re-read fairly regularly. It's sort of a combination of thriller, mystery, and historical novel, with some sci-fi and fantasy elements thrown in for good measure. As many times as I've read this book, I thoroughly enjoy it every time, and I especially love the character Catherine's dry humor.
(Read my review)
by Katherine Neville - For a couple of years I was involved in a book club, and sometimes I found myself slogging through a book club pick that I truly disliked. But sometimes I was introduced to an author or a book that I would never have considered otherwise. The Eight was one of the latter. When it was suggested as a monthly pick, I purchased a copy and hoped that I wouldn't regret having spent the money. I never have. This exciting adventure story has been one of my favorites for many years, and it's one I re-read fairly regularly. It's sort of a combination of thriller, mystery, and historical novel, with some sci-fi and fantasy elements thrown in for good measure. As many times as I've read this book, I thoroughly enjoy it every time, and I especially love the character Catherine's dry humor.(Read my review)
Miracle in a Dry Season
by Sarah Loudin Thomas - I love historical fiction, but in general, it has to be set before 1900 for me to be interested. That's why this book (as well as the novella prequel, and the sequel which I am currently reading) didn't initially hold much appeal for me. This one is set in 1950s Appalachia, so I wasn't sure I would care for it. Turned out I loved it and its realistic and quirky cast of characters.
(Read my review)
by Sarah Loudin Thomas - I love historical fiction, but in general, it has to be set before 1900 for me to be interested. That's why this book (as well as the novella prequel, and the sequel which I am currently reading) didn't initially hold much appeal for me. This one is set in 1950s Appalachia, so I wasn't sure I would care for it. Turned out I loved it and its realistic and quirky cast of characters.(Read my review)
Her Royal Spyness (A Royal Spyness Mystery)
by Rhys Bowen - This surprised me on two levels - it's set in a more modern era than I usually prefer (this one is in the 1920s), and I "read" it as an audiobook, which I generally don't do. I adored the story of the rather clumsy, but very witty Georgie, and all the scrapes she got herself into; and I was delighted with Katherine Kellgren's narration.
(Read my review)
by Rhys Bowen - This surprised me on two levels - it's set in a more modern era than I usually prefer (this one is in the 1920s), and I "read" it as an audiobook, which I generally don't do. I adored the story of the rather clumsy, but very witty Georgie, and all the scrapes she got herself into; and I was delighted with Katherine Kellgren's narration.(Read my review)
Libriomancer
by Jim C Hines - Credit my library's feature shelf for another step out of my usual reading confines. I saw this one and couldn't help being intrigued by the imaginative tale of a librarian with the magical ability to reach into books and create objects from the stories. It's full of literary and historic references and involves magic, mythology, science fiction, vampires, and more. (Read my review)
by Jim C Hines - Credit my library's feature shelf for another step out of my usual reading confines. I saw this one and couldn't help being intrigued by the imaginative tale of a librarian with the magical ability to reach into books and create objects from the stories. It's full of literary and historic references and involves magic, mythology, science fiction, vampires, and more. (Read my review)
The Mysterious Benedict Society
by Trenton Lee Stewart - My involvement in a book club came through with a pleasant surprise on this one as well. We had decided to read a children's book one September, in honor of back-to-school, and we picked this one although none of us really knew much about it. I happened to love it, and now my daughter does as well.
(Read my review)
by Trenton Lee Stewart - My involvement in a book club came through with a pleasant surprise on this one as well. We had decided to read a children's book one September, in honor of back-to-school, and we picked this one although none of us really knew much about it. I happened to love it, and now my daughter does as well.(Read my review)
Kabul Beauty School: An American Woman Goes Behind the Veil
by Deborah Rodriguez - This was a book that caught my eye, but had some very mixed reviews. Many readers thought it simplistic writing, and had criticisms of the author herself, so I was cautious. Once I started reading, I found it very interesting and an unusual view of Afghani society. Just goes to show that even though reader criticisms of a book might be valid doesn't mean that the book isn't worth reading.
(Read my review)
by Deborah Rodriguez - This was a book that caught my eye, but had some very mixed reviews. Many readers thought it simplistic writing, and had criticisms of the author herself, so I was cautious. Once I started reading, I found it very interesting and an unusual view of Afghani society. Just goes to show that even though reader criticisms of a book might be valid doesn't mean that the book isn't worth reading.(Read my review)
Have you been pleasantly surprised by a book you didn't expect to enjoy? Leave a comment and let me know!
Tuesday, May 19
Teaser Tuesdays - May 19, 2015
This post may contain affiliate links.
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jenn at A Daily Rhythm. To play along, just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
- Be careful not to include spoilers!
- Share the title and author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!
They sat in silence for several beats as Mayfair slept peacefully.
"Did she save that little girl?" Henry turned in the seat and whispered to Margaret.
"Did she--heal her?"
~Until the Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas, page 145
"Did she save that little girl?" Henry turned in the seat and whispered to Margaret.
"Did she--heal her?"
~Until the Harvest
by Sarah Loudin Thomas, page 145©2008-2015 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/
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