In the Bookcase

7/29/2017

Book Review: The Illusionist's Apprentice

The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron (4 star review)


The Illusionist's Apprentice

written by Kristy Cambron

356 pages // published in 2017 // historical fiction



BOOK DESCRIPTION

Harry Houdini’s one-time apprentice holds fantastic secrets about the greatest illusionist in the world. But someone wants to claim them . . . or silence her before she can reveal them on her own.

Boston, 1926. Jenny “Wren” Lockhart is a bold eccentric—even for a female vaudevillian. As notorious for her inherited wealth and gentleman’s dress as she is for her unsavory upbringing in the back halls of a vaudeville theater, Wren lives in a world that challenges all manner of conventions.

In the months following Houdini’s death, Wren is drawn into a web of mystery surrounding a spiritualist by the name of Horace Stapleton, a man defamed by Houdini’s ardent debunking of fraudulent mystics in the years leading up to his death. But in a public illusion that goes terribly wrong, one man is dead and another stands charged with his murder. Though he’s known as one of her teacher’s greatest critics, Wren must decide to become the one thing she never wanted to be: Stapleton’s defender.

Forced to team up with the newly formed FBI, Wren races against time and an unknown enemy, all to prove the innocence of a hated man. In a world of illusion, of the vaudeville halls that showcase the flamboyant and the strange, Wren’s carefully constructed world threatens to collapse around her.

Layered with mystery, illusion, and the artistry of the Jazz Age’s bygone vaudeville era, The Illusionist’s Apprentice is a journey through love and loss and the underpinnings of faith on each life’s stage.




My Review


4 Star Rating


It's the Jazz Age in Boston, Massachusetts. The great Harry Houdini, has left the earth, but his secrets still abound. Some people would kill to know such secrets...

Jenny Lockhart is a one-of-a-kind woman. She lives in a world pioneered by men, her life inspired by and propelled forward by Houdini himself. Socially, she is different than others; her dress resembles more of a classy man's than a woman's with flowing skirts. She lives fairly secluded when she's not performing her talent on stage.

What a bold woman that Jenny is! To be so independent, and to lead such a lonely life... my, my! By social standards, it would have been harder to accomplish this in the 20s than in modern day times, but she worked through it and did it by herself. Plus, she deals with the lemons that life gives her, even including villains, murder, and conniving plots to steal away her many secrets.

“A hero never causes hurt; she only lessens it.”

There are loads of references to illusions (true illusionist's don't approve of calling it magic, mind you), to the entertainment business in general, like vaudeville, and to the rush of spiritualism that was spreading around in that time period. These topics are not for everyone. I found it rather fascinating though, and I picked up on key historical elements and interesting tidbits about a world I didn't quite know about before. Also, I thought that the setting was so unique... it's not a story that takes place around Houdini's life, no! It only begins after he dies. As in, just the mention of his legend will always continue spreading the art of illusion and cloaked mystery.

“It's how we live that will convince them what is truth and what is an illusion.”

While The Illusionist's Apprentice does fall under the Christian fiction genre in a catalog, it is in no way preachy, as some similar books are. Honestly, I was slightly crestfallen while reading chapter after chapter, not finding too much spiritual food to go along with the story. I did find a spiritual message after all though, and the book was redeemed for me. Basically, it's a very clean read, and I think anyone (no matter your religious beliefs) could enjoy the story without feeling preached at.

Overall? I've now learned that Kristy Cambron is an excellent author. I would be pleased to read another of her books one day.

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book; I was not required to post a review.



Available on Amazon in paperback, e-book, and audio format.

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7/28/2017

Book Review: Keep a Quiet Heart

Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot (5 star review)


Keep a Quiet Heart

written by Elisabeth Elliot

269 pages // published in 1995 // Christian non-fiction




BOOK DESCRIPTION

Peace and quiet--to many of us, they're just words. Somehow we have allowed the frenetic pace of life to rob us of the quiet, restful moments with God we so desperately need. Keep a Quiet Heart features the rich devotional musings of one of America's favorite authors and points the way to a deep experience with God, away from the unsettling distractions of day-to-day living.




My Review


5 Star Rating


In Keep a Quiet Heart, Elisabeth Elliot shares articles from her newsletters. It's a collection that encourages you to know God better. You can find Him best when your heart is quieted, and that is what we as Christians should strive for.

"A quiet heart is content with what God gives. It is enough."
"A Quiet Heart", Keep a Quiet Heart

There are countless lessons to be heard in this volume, if you're looking for them. As Elliot prescribes, stillness of mind, quietness of heart, can lead you to God. How accurately she wrote about this subject for modern times... and this was decades ago when she penned it! It's true, busyness takes up so much of ours lives – whether you're involved with extra church, school, and work opportunities, or just taking care of your family – we're often so busy that our hearts are screaming out with worry, despair, and unsatisfactory feelings about our lives. Enter the idea of stilling the loud “noises” in life that interrupt the contentedness of your soul. Because, even unknowingly, it's those “noises” that are breaking up your communication with the Almighty.

"Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy."
"Waiting", Keep a Quiet Heart

A wide range of subjects are covered in Keep a Quiet Heart. I think a lot of them are geared towards women, but anyone can listen and hear the truth behind Elliot's words. Sometimes she shares a special story from her own life and ministry, sometimes about a trial that a friend went through, or we even hear from her own readers. At other times she'll share a devotional on a variety of topics, which could be anything from prayer, peace, culture, marriage, parenting (even about homeschooling!), and more. Always it's an encouragement and inspiration.

Perhaps the chapters that pertained to subtopics under marriage and parenting didn't always apply to my own life right now, but for the most part, I still enjoyed even those areas in the book. Because some of these topics (and others) are covered though, I would best recommend the book for adults.

The message that blessed me the most is one that negatively affects the heart's quietness: giving yourself too many tasks and too little time. One of Elliot's stories in particular was about a time in her life where she was stressed about hitting certain deadlines, and the dread of knowing she wasn't finishing in time. Yet, she's the one who made these deadlines, and became stressed when other elements in life appeared out of the blue, knocking her off a predetermined schedule. Well, this happens to us all, and certainly to myself. Do you know why it happens to me? It's my fault. I tell myself way too often that I need to accomplish this, this, and that by week's end, and (guess what!) many times I'm unable to finish every bit of it. This, of course, irks me, right where it hurts, in my unsettled, unquieted heart. Elliot's example showed me, that quality of work is often better (and safer on your heart) when you get things done as needed, and trim out unneeded deadline worry. Already, my days seem a little easier, when I don't have to be quite so focused on the timeliness of my actions.

"Let's never forget that some of His greatest mercies are His refusals. He says no so that He may, in some way we cannot imagine, say yes."
"Lost and Found", Keep a Quiet Heart

Overall? It's a good book. You should read it. I guarantee it will help you find balance in a crazy busy life.



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7/26/2017

Book Review: Suit and Suitability

Suit and Suitabilit by Kelsey Bryant (5 star review)


Suit and Suitability
Vintage Jane Austen series

written by Kelsey Bryant

364 pages // published in 2017 // Christian historical fiction




BOOK DESCRIPTION

The mystery surrounding their father’s criminal accusations is almost as hard to solve as the many puzzles springing on their hearts.

Canton, Ohio, 1935. Ellen and Marion Dashiell’s world crumbles when their father is sent to prison. Forced to relocate to a small town, what is left of their family faces a new reality where survival overshadows dreams. Sensible Ellen, struggling to hold the family together, is parted from the man she’s just learning to love, while headstrong Marion fears she will never be the actress she aspires to be. When a dashing hero enters the scene, things only grow more complicated. But could a third man hold the key to the restoration and happiness of the Dashiell family?




My Review


5 Star Rating


A review from a bookworm who's (accidentally) never read an original Jane Austen (oops!) .… but that doesn't mean that I can't enjoy a historical fiction novel based on Austen's books!

To start this review off, I'd like to say that the writing style is really good. I felt liked I'd just been dropped off in Canton, Ohio in the early 30s. The descriptions of the setting felt so real. Elements of the time period are weaved in so neatly. In the way that the characters talk, certain old words they use, it's just perfectly vintage.

“...That may tie me up and you'll never hear a peep out of me except when I can remember to send a telegram with one word– no, three: 'Alive STOP M.'
- Marion Dashiell


The characters show true growth; I like that in the book. Each one of the Dashiell sisters changes over time. I also loved how the girls really looked out for each other and their family. In one scene, Ellen was alone, praying for the needs of each of her family members; that scene struck me as charming and wonderful, and has since been on my mind.

Faith plays a big part of the story, and there are some excellent Christian qualities to be found in the characters. You may not always notice while you're reading, but sometimes it's clearly there, and overall, the novel has a spiritual message in it.

“With God there is always hope.”
- Calvin Bradley


The romances are sweet. But each one comes with its individual complications. Potential suitors seem to abound everywhere, as does heartache. This isn't light fiction. The story is based on a classic, and for good reason. There's a whole gamut of emotions that shines through in Suit and Suitability.

One difference (I believe) when comparing Sense and Sensibility and Suit and Suitability, is in the fate of the Dashiell's father. I may be speaking out of turn a bit (not having reading the original Austen novel yet). But I like the fact that since this retelling is taking place in the 30s, the author took advantage of the time period of classic detective novels and spiced up her own plot with an era-authentic twist. Pretty ingenious, I think.

“I have to get to know her, too, don't forget, and I get acquainted with people at the speed of molasses.”
- Ellen Dashiell


And – oh! I loved, adored, and cherished Sport. He's a dog of the Dashiell's relatives, and deserves a little mention here. I love how the author always included fun little tidbits about Sport in various scenes.

This is a clean read. I could wholeheartedly recommend it to any Austen fan, young or old (and even to other Austen fan wannabes, like myself!).

Visit The Vintage Jane Austen book series online!
vintagejaneausten.com

The Vintage Jane Austen book series





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Read my review for other books in the series: Emmeline.


7/21/2017

A fun interview about an Austen-themed novel... Emmeline!

Hi readers,

Today I'm talking with author Sarah Holman about her book Emmeline, which was released earlier in the year. It is the first in the brand new Vintage Jane Austen series, a collaboration series with several authors participating.


Emmeline by Sarah Holman (5 star review)


Emmeline

written by Sarah Holman

214 pages // published in 2017 // Christian historical fiction




BOOK DESCRIPTION

What if Jane Austen’s Emma lived in America in the year 1930?

The talk of stock market crashes and depression isn’t going to keep Emmeline Wellington down. Born to wealth and privilege, Emmeline wants nothing more than to help her new friend, Catarina, find a husband. Emmeline sets her sights on one of the town’s most eligible bachelors, but nothing seems to go right. Even her friend and neighbor Fredrick Knight seems to question her at every turn.

Will she help Catarina find the man of her dreams? Why is her father acting so strangely? Will the downturn affect her life, despite her best efforts?



I've already read Emmeline myself, and definitely recommend it! Be sure to take a look at MY REVIEW of the book, and get a copy to your Austen-crazy friends!


Let's get to the chit-chat >>



TARISSA: So, let's start with the basics, Sarah ... How many of Jane Austen's books have you read? ... How long have you been an Austen fan?

 
SARAH: I have read three of the books: Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Northanger Abbey. I have also watched the movies of Pride and Prejudice and Emma many times. I discovered Jane Austen when I was fifteen. I was sick and wanted something new to watch and someone brought Pride and Prejudice from the library. I loved it so much! So I guess that makes me a Jane Austen fan for 12 years now.

 
TARISSA: You are leaps and bounds ahead of me. I actually haven't *cough* read any of Jane Austen's books. Even though I know I'll love her books... And even though I loved your re-telling of Emma. So... reading one (or some) Austen novels is going on my 2018 "list of things to accomplish in life".
 



TARISSA: After you found out that you were going to write a book in the Vintage Jane Austen series, why did you choose to rewrite the story of Emma, specifically?

 
SARAH: Jane Austen was brilliant at capturing flawed people that you still love. Emma was one of those characters that I normally would have hated, but with Mr. Knightley to balance her out, she became a lovable person. Mr. Knightley is my favorite literary guy ever. I love how this duo are both flawed, yet they help to bring out the best in each other (and sometimes the worst).
 


TARISSA: The Vintage Jane Austen series transports the reader from Regency England to the Great Depression time period in America. What were some literary hurdles you had to overcome in seamlessly guiding elements of the original novel into a different location and era?

 
SARAH: I think that the whole team was pretty surprised at how easy it was to transport the stories. They fit very nicely. For instance, one of the biggest things that I noticed about Emma is how many parents were missing from the story. Both Knightley parents were gone, Emma's mother was gone, and Mr. Church's mother was gone. The influenza epidemic of 1919 was the perfect explanation for all these deaths.
The locations were a bit difficult, but we worked it out as a team and I think it came out well.
 

Emmeline

TARISSA: While digging up research for historical context, did you come across any particularly interesting tidbits? (Perhaps something fascinating about Jane Austen, the Great Depression, or anything else you might have studied...)

 
SARAH: I have been a huge fan of Grace Livingstone Hill for years. Her books have a strong faith and feel good stories (Beauty for Ashes and By Way of the Silverthornes are two of my favorites). Some of the things she had an issue with (makeup, movies, and dancing) I didn't understand. It was in my research that I found out makeup had only been used by very bad women until the movies became big and women started copying the stars. Even then, it wasn't considered nice for a while. Movies had no rating system and had become known for putting in elements that violated basic decency. Dancing had become very sensual at this point, far from the ballroom dancing of Jane Austen's time. Those are a few of the things I learned.
 



TARISSA: Another double question! Who was your favorite character in Austen's Emma? ... When you were writing Emmeline, who was your favorite character to interact with?

 
SARAH: Mr. Kightley was my favorite character because he loved Emma despite all her flaws. He loved her enough to correct her and offer her advice even when it wasn't wanted.
While writing, anytime Fredrick was in the room, I loved it. But I wouldn't have loved him as much if Emmeline wasn't there. They kind of come as a packaged deal. One without the other just isn't as much fun.

 
TARISSA: How neat! Well, Sarah, I sooo enjoyed learning some "behind-the-scenes" facts about Emmeline. And I'm glad I got to interview you about this unique book of yours. I look forward to reading more of the Vintage Jane Austen series from the other contributing authors, and I hope my readers will check out these books too! Emmeline is the perfect place to start, ya'll.
 





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Visit The Vintage Jane Austen book series online!
vintagejaneausten.com

The Vintage Jane Austen book series



Author bio:
Sarah Holman is a not so typical mid-twenties girl: A homeschool graduate, sister to six awesome siblings, and author of many published books and short stories. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it is because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined.

Author Sarah Holman

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7/20/2017

Book Review: Asking for Trouble

Asking for Trouble by Sandra Byrd (5 star review)


Asking for Trouble

written by Sandra Byrd
London Confidential, #1

266 pages // published in 2010 // Christian teen fiction




BOOK DESCRIPTION

When her family moves to London, 15-year-old Savvy Smith has to make her way in a new school and a new country. She just knows the school newspaper is the right place for her, but she doesn't have the required experience, and the cute editor-in-chief isn't looking for someone to train. She has to come up with a way to prove herself and nab the one available position on the newspaper staff at Wexburg Academy. London Confidential is a new series where British fashion, friendships, and guys collide, and where an all-American girl learns to love life and live out her faith.




My Review


5 Star Rating


I love this book probably more than I expected. A teenage American girl has just made the move to England with her family. She's ready to embrace all new experiences and see where God points her in this new country that has fantastic accents and fashion. Her heart (and circumstances) are leading her to the school newspaper, even though there doesn't seem to be a place for her there.

What I like? The spiritual content makes for quality, godly fiction for teen girls to be reading. Savannah's faith fits right in to her lifestyle, it's perfect. What a role model she is for the girls reading this series! Savannah truly cares about when her family is going to find the right church to attend, and how each of her family members are transitioning in life; she's figuring out how to best spread “good cheer” at Christmastime, and she ponders about the type of ministry she'd like to participate in... I was blown away by how focused this girl is in various areas of her life. Plus, she's attempting to start a career in journalism? My, my.

What else do I like? Oh my goodness. The British phrases, combined with the good-hearted humor... it makes my heart happy while I read. The British stuff you can pick up from this story is gold.

It's clean teen fiction. You'll find no bad language or mature content here. Even tweens could enjoy it.

Just a story about an average-but-amazing sophomore high school girl attempting to fit in to “year eleven” with the students at her new British school.




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7/13/2017

Book Review: The Magnolia Story

The Magnolia Story by Chip & Joanna Gaines (5 star review)


The Magnolia Story

written by Chip & Joanna Gaines

208 pages // published in 2016 // non-fiction biography, Christian interest




BOOK DESCRIPTION

Are you ready to see your fixer upper?

These famous words are now synonymous with the dynamic husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV s Fixer Upper. As this question fills the airwaves with anticipation, their legions of fans continue to multiply and ask a different series of questions, like Who are these people?What s the secret to their success? And is Chip actually that funny in real life? By renovating homes in Waco, Texas, and changing lives in such a winsome and engaging way, Chip and Joanna have become more than just the stars of Fixer Upper, they have become America s new best friends.

The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together. From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together, to the project that nearly cost them everything; from the childhood memories that shaped them, to the twists and turns that led them to the life they share on the farm today.

They both attended Baylor University in Waco. However, their paths did not cross until Chip checked his car into the local Firestone tire shop where Joanna worked behind the counter. Even back then Chip was a serial entrepreneur who, among other things, ran a lawn care company, sold fireworks, and flipped houses. Soon they were married and living in their first fixer upper. Four children and countless renovations later, Joanna garners the attention of a television producer who notices her work on a blog one day.

In The Magnolia Story fans will finally get to join the Gaines behind the scenes and discover: The time Chip ran to the grocery store and forgot to take their new, sleeping baby Joanna s agonizing decision to close her dream business to focus on raising their children When Chip buys a houseboat, sight-unseen, and it turns out to be a leaky wreck Joanna s breakthrough moment of discovering the secret to creating a beautiful home Harrowing stories of the financial ups and downs as an entrepreneurial couple Memories and photos from Chip and Jo s wedding The significance of the word magnolia and why it permeates everything they do The way the couple pays the popularity of Fixer Upper forward, sharing the success with others, and bolstering the city of Waco along the way

And yet there is still one lingering question for fans of the show: Is Chip really that funny? Oh yeah, says Joanna. He was, and still is, my first fixer upper."




My Review


5 Star Rating


I looove this book. I just finished it, but I'm about ready to start over from the beginning and read it through again.

Chip and Joanna Gaines, now featured on a highly popular HGTV show, didn't start out with having everything. For starters, they had to find each other, and then everything else just sort of popped into place at just the right time. Now they run multiple businesses and are crazy successful in pretty much everything they try their collective four hands at.

“It was all trial and error and figuring things out. And sometimes you've got to try something outside of your comfort zone to figure out what it is that you truly love.”

After reading this book, I came to realize (even more so than I previously knew) how down-to-earth this couple is. They are fun, quirky (especially Chip, if you know what I mean), and together they are a beautifully talented couple who knows how to make a godly marriage work. They love their family, and strive to put family at the top of everything in the world, no matter where things like wealth and fame might take them. Plus, they have an incredible work ethic. This book showed me beyond a doubt, that Chip and Joanna could tackle anything they wanted to, and somehow, someway, they will get the job done, even if it requires a miracle to be involved in the solution. Seriously, they share about some amazing moments in their life and business together, where it could only have been God. Which bring me to another point I'd like to bring across. What I really love from this book is how the Gaines put God in every project, every decision, each new chapter of their life. They truly offer their thanks to Him. Just watch as the blessings and surprises along the way unfold.

Can you believe that how insanely beautiful that Joanna decorates their fixer-upper houses, that she never even thought about decorating until after she met Chip? That she never went to school for it? That her whole design concept is just life-inspired? And how she turns those houses in breathtakingly beautifully dream homes, I'll never wrap my head around.

“If all I'm doing is creating beautiful spaces, I'm failing. But if I'm creating beautiful spaces where families are thriving, then I'm really doing something.”

I have to say, my favorite part includes Chip Gaines being thrown in jail. I mean, it is one of the most hilarious stories you'll ever hear!

For a biography, this sure is an entertaining read. If this book doesn't touch your heart, I don't know what will. It's one of the most inspirational books I've read in a long time. I can't wait to visit The Silos for myself someday.



Available on Amazon in hardcover, e-book, and audio format.

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7/10/2017

Book Review & GIVEAWAY! Dreams and Devotion // BLOG TOUR



Dreams and Devotion by Sarah Holman (5 star review)


Dreams and Devotion
Tales of Taelis, #4

written by Sarah Holman

137 pages // published in 2017 // YA historical fiction



BOOK DESCRIPTION

Some dreams will be dashed, and their devotion will be tested.

Dara's life is full of farm work and worries, especially now that her older brother is a priest in a far off city. Yet she still has time to dream of the life she hopes will someday be. She dreams of marrying her dear friend and the worries of her family ending. Now, the selfishness of one person threatens her very way of life.

Dresden's initial excitement about living a life devoted to the service of God quickly is dashed on the rocks of reality. The life of a priest is nothing like what he imagined. To make matters worse, he finds out his family back in his home village is on the brink of disaster. Torn between his vows and his love for his family, what will he choose?


Buy the book for the special preorder price, here.



My Review


5 Star Rating


Dreams and Devotions tackles some hard-hitting feelings. Trust. Forgiveness. Anger. Hope in the future. Diligence. Bitterness. Faith.

Dara is coping with a few problems at once. Her hopes of marriage are being dashed, her brothers have moved away from the family – one for selfish reasons, the other, selfless – the burdens are stacking on her shoulders faster than she knows how to deal with on her own.

“Dreams were wonderful, but they did not always come true.”

There is some excellent, quality spiritual content in here, which I found very encouraging. I liked seeing Dresdon's growth in his new position as priest. He had to learn to give more of himself than he thought he was going to have to, by walking in faith, not just teaching it. He matured much over the course of the book, and learned valuable lessons from God, as does the reader.

And you know what else? I really like the Taelis community. Neighbors pull together in times of need for others. They care not for credit in their work, but for the gift of giving something of themselves. This is good stuff I like to see in a book.

“...love can hurt as well as heal, it tears and binds, it gives pain as well as joy. Love is always a risk. There is nothing about it that is safe. Even though you love, family can wound you, best friends betray you, and people you count on can disappoint you.”

The main thought that I pull from this book is that God is in control, and He has it all planned out for us already – perfectly. Stick with Him and you'll be alright.

“Prayer is always the best place to start for matters of the heart.”

This is an emotional read from the Taelis series, and it's one to remember. Youth and adults alike can find similarities in their own lives compared to the circumstances the characters are going through. Definitely a relatable story.




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Available on Amazon as an e-book on July 15th. Pre-order now!

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Author bio:
Sarah Holman is a not so typical mid-twenties girl: A homeschool graduate, sister to six awesome siblings, and author of many published books and short stories. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it is because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined.

Author Sarah Holman

Visit the author online!
BlogFacebookTwitterPinterestGoodreadsLinkedin



Stops on the blog tour:
July 8
July 9
His Princess Warrior ~ Katie Hamilton
July 10
In the Book Case ~ Tarissa Graves
Jessica Greyson ~ Jessica Greyson
July 11
Read Another Page ~Rebekah Morris
July 12
Shannon McDermott ~ Shannon McDermott
July 13
The Page Dreamer ~ Deborah O'Carroll
July 14
Knitted by God’s Plans ~ Kendra E. Ardnek
With a Joyful Noise ~ Amanda Tero
Once Upon an Ordinary ~ Kate Willis
July 15
Jaye L. Knight ~ Jaye L. Knight








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7/09/2017

LITERARY DISCUSSION! Let's talk Little Women -- anyone?

Hi, Readers! Today I have a survey of sorts for you. My blogging friend and author Susan Bailey (Louisa May Alcott Is My Passion) sent me some questions to ask my blog readers...

Susan is looking for feedback while writing a book proposal for her biography on Elizabeth Alcott (that's Louisa May Alcott's younger sister, fictionally better known as Beth in the famous novel). Susan needs input from Little Women fans like yourself! >>

Comment below if you have any thoughts to share.


• What would you most like to know about Elizabeth and why?

• What do you know already about her?

• Who is your favorite March sister and why? If Beth is not your favorite, why?

• Do you think Beth is a relevant character for modern readers and why or why not? What would make her more "real" to you?


Chime in, dear literary friends! Answer just one question, or answer all.

I look forward to hearing what you have to say on the subject.



Oh! And check out Susan's other books that you can read now:






7/07/2017

Book Review: Father, Forgive Them

Father, Forgive Them by Sarah Holman (5 star review)


Father, Forgive Them
A Resurrection Story

written by Sarah Holman

30 pages // published in 2017 // Biblical story




BOOK DESCRIPTION

Jonathan was happy that this blasphemer would die. His only regret was that the Romans, not his people, would carry out justice. Yet, his world is rocked with a few words spoken from the cross.




My Review


5 Star Rating


Herein we meet Jonathan, a citizen of Israel, one who is ready to shout, “Crucify him!” with the rest of the angry crowd. He is ready to seal the earthly fate of a man, Yeshua, also called Messiah, a man that Jonathan believes not in.

Be prepared to be moved, especially when Jesus's foreboding words are spoken on the cross... wow! Experience such a powerful moment from a perspective that is different than what we learned growing up.

This short story has 3 chapters, a quick read, but carries a mighty message of truth. I would best recommend the story for ages 10 to adult.





Available on Amazon in e-book format.

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