This was my first sampling of Melissa Tagg's writing, and I must say I enjoyed it very much. I think her whimsical style of writing, using the voice oThis was my first sampling of Melissa Tagg's writing, and I must say I enjoyed it very much. I think her whimsical style of writing, using the voice of a narrator, made the story unique, in a very fun way, for the reader. If you are looking for a simple, sweet read to curl up with a hot cuppa tea or coffee by the christmas tree, I wouldn't hesitate to give this one a try. Merry Christmas!...more
I have a confession: I was never a big reader, until I read Jan Karon's first novel in her Mitford series. After that, you could say, " I was hooked."I have a confession: I was never a big reader, until I read Jan Karon's first novel in her Mitford series. After that, you could say, " I was hooked." I found a love for reading while I emersed myself in her characters and their daily lives. In Karon's latest book, Come Rain or Come Shine, I eagerly wanted to devour it and yell from the rooftops that I loved it, but, for much of the novel, I spent my time feeling more disappointed than pleased. Several reviews have pointed out the lack of fluidity between characters point of views, or how many readers would not understand the depth of meaning, as certain scenes took place, unless you had read the previous novels. Although I don't feel giddy happy after reading this novel and even though I too, found the writing style to be lacking in some ways, every so often a glimpse or feeling from the previous books would pop out and make me smile and keep me turning the pages. Many "strings" were tied up with this novel and it truly was a warm and cozy read. I think I just missed the old characters and the story being focused on Father Tim. Now that I have turned the last page though, I am very happy I read it....more
This series has me completely engrossed in the lives of these characters. Its not a "fun" read; sometimes its down right difficult to read because of This series has me completely engrossed in the lives of these characters. Its not a "fun" read; sometimes its down right difficult to read because of all the hurt and sadness, but somehow, you finish reading with a sense of hope, a desire to strive to have a closer relationship with God, a renewed spirit to be thankful, forgiving, loving and patient with your own trials in life. If you do consider reading this, i would HIGHLY recommend reading all the novels in order. ...more
I read this book with a small group "bible" study this year. I am glad we read it so slowly because it gave me more time to actually absorb the basic I read this book with a small group "bible" study this year. I am glad we read it so slowly because it gave me more time to actually absorb the basic theme of this book: what to say, how to say it, and when to say nothing at all. I found this book to be a very simple and quick read. There really were not very many biblical examples, it was mostly composed of Ehman's personal experiences that she shared to get her points across. Simple, honest, encouraging and gentle wisdom in controlling our tongues....more
I must say, it took a while for me to get into the story but this novel read much quicker and easier for me than sense and sensibility. I can understaI must say, it took a while for me to get into the story but this novel read much quicker and easier for me than sense and sensibility. I can understand why some people consider persuasion their favorite Austen work. It made me chuckle, it surprised me at times with sudden events and had a very satisfying ending. I loved it. ...more
I decided to read this out loud to my 7 and 9 year old kids. As I read, they seemed to hang on every word and were excited to see what would happen neI decided to read this out loud to my 7 and 9 year old kids. As I read, they seemed to hang on every word and were excited to see what would happen next in the story. It was very imaginative, and a wonderful allegorical story that created many teachable moments for young hearts. ...more
Loved it. The heroine was easy to love. She was practical, sensible and hard working. The novel was well paced, characters well developed, and every pLoved it. The heroine was easy to love. She was practical, sensible and hard working. The novel was well paced, characters well developed, and every page felt necessary to read. I felt as though reading this book was like knitting a blanket. First you cast on all your stitches, (klassen created so many secrets and mysteries), then you knit and knit, row after row, the blanket pattern becomes comfortable but you don't know how it will end. Then, you near the final rows and decide its time to cast off. You carefully and deliberately cast off each and every stitch making sure all loose ends ( secrets) are woven together and tied off. Ta-da! Perfect!Beautiful! I also am very impressed with Klassen's ability to incorporate salvation and faith in God so smoothly and richly. Well done Julie Klassen. ...more
This book was a quick fun read. I did, however struggle with how the plot was so heavily dependent on the main characters lack of communicating their This book was a quick fun read. I did, however struggle with how the plot was so heavily dependent on the main characters lack of communicating their thoughts and feeling for each other. I felt that the lack of communication became very repetitive. Yet, with all that said, I can honestly say I really enjoyed the theme of baking cupcakes on a reality show. It was sweet, cute, funny, and had a few spiritual elements tied into it that we all need to be reminded of! All...more
When I read a book, in three days, that says a lot for the book. It was definitely my favorite in the Chapel Springs series. Denise hunter’s books alwWhen I read a book, in three days, that says a lot for the book. It was definitely my favorite in the Chapel Springs series. Denise hunter’s books always carry a strong, emotional romance but this one was different for me; it was a romance between two people who were once married. It was a great reminder on how we should and shouldn't treat our loved ones. It was a story of learning to admit when you are wrong, and saying that you are sorry. And, as always, Denise Hunters always writes wonderfully, fully fledged characters that make you feel like they truly exist....more