***I received a copy of this book for free from Ebooks for Review in exchange for my honest review.***
My rating: 3.5 stars
After starting this book q***I received a copy of this book for free from Ebooks for Review in exchange for my honest review.***
My rating: 3.5 stars
After starting this book quite awhile ago, I didn't get her far into it before pausing for...weeks. Life got in the way and just yesterday I remembered it and continued reading...and stayed up late to finish it. xD Seeing as how historical romance isn't My thing, I have mixed feelings for this novella. William's reasons for needing to marry before the end of the year confused me at first, but I soon sorted it all out. His and Charlotte's marriage of convenience was sweet, but rather rushed I felt. I mean, she hadn't even been a widow for six months yet!! But I understand that she needed the security of knowing she and her son, Alec, would be well taken care of. William was really sweet and it was obvious that his love and care for both Charlotte and Alec was genuine. I loved the part with them making snow angels in the park. <3 The writing of this book really was beautiful and I LOVED the time period/setting. :) As far as the content of this book goes? It was perfectly clean, in my opinion. There were a few mentions of things, but in a right (that's the best word I can think of...) way. (I mean, they ARE married, people.) All in all, I did enjoy this book. I'm super curious to know what happened/happens with Marsali and Christopher, too. :) I'll probably never read it again, but this was what I needed when I needed it. This was a good read and I enjoyed it.
Merged review:
***I received a copy of this book for free from Ebooks for Review in exchange for my honest review.***
My rating: 3.5 stars
After starting this book quite awhile ago, I didn't get her far into it before pausing for...weeks. Life got in the way and just yesterday I remembered it and continued reading...and stayed up late to finish it. xD Seeing as how historical romance isn't My thing, I have mixed feelings for this novella. William's reasons for needing to marry before the end of the year confused me at first, but I soon sorted it all out. His and Charlotte's marriage of convenience was sweet, but rather rushed I felt. I mean, she hadn't even been a widow for six months yet!! But I understand that she needed the security of knowing she and her son, Alec, would be well taken care of. William was really sweet and it was obvious that his love and care for both Charlotte and Alec was genuine. I loved the part with them making snow angels in the park. <3 The writing of this book really was beautiful and I LOVED the time period/setting. :) As far as the content of this book goes? It was perfectly clean, in my opinion. There were a few mentions of things, but in a right (that's the best word I can think of...) way. (I mean, they ARE married, people.) All in all, I did enjoy this book. I'm super curious to know what happened/happens with Marsali and Christopher, too. :) I'll probably never read it again, but this was what I needed when I needed it. This was a good read and I enjoyed it....more
Ms. Maclachlan's writing is absolutely amazing, and this one is no exception. I read it in about an hour...'twas time well spent. I about cried. :) Ms. Maclachlan's writing is absolutely amazing, and this one is no exception. I read it in about an hour...'twas time well spent. I about cried. :) ...more
*wipes eyes* That was beautiful. Everyone go read it and we'll form a sobbing club. *passes tissues* *wipes eyes* That was beautiful. Everyone go read it and we'll form a sobbing club. *passes tissues* ...more
Sweet collection of Christmas stories! :) I've read it so many times, I have many parts of it memorized, haha! Sweet collection of Christmas stories! :) I've read it so many times, I have many parts of it memorized, haha! ...more
// Original // This was amazing. I am so happy right now. I NEED DELIVER SO BAAADDDDD!!!!! XD
*ahem* Decent review to come.
// Updated //
(Minor spoiler// Original // This was amazing. I am so happy right now. I NEED DELIVER SO BAAADDDDD!!!!! XD
*ahem* Decent review to come.
// Updated //
(Minor spoilers if you haven't read books 1-3.)
First off, I have three things to point out about this book. I loved it, it was amazing, and I need Deliver (book four) NOOOWWWW.
*ahem* Okay, so this book in The Blades of Acktar is a novella that goes between book three (Defy) and book four (Deliver).
I wasn't sure what to expect going into it (I mean, no Leith and Renna for the most part?!) but I shouldn't have worried. As usual, Ms. Mingerink has crafted an amazing story that will stir your heart. The Christian messages bled through so well, and the story was superbly done all the way around.
When I met the Leader in Defy, I wasn't sure what to think of him. I certainly had reasons not to like him (LEITH!!!), but he was also saving Renna from something she dreaded terribly. I can happily say this book changed the way I looked at him. And Addie! She was so sweet! I absolutely loved their relationship... <3 *huggles charrie*
So yes. This book tore my heart out and ripped it to shreds (nothing new with TBOA but totally worth mentioning) and showered me with feels. Amazing. <3
**I received a free e-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.**...more
Intertwined with colorful pictures, Our Christmas Bear is a charming story with a delightfully Christmas feel!
Rosetta and Bianca were cute 4.5 stars
Intertwined with colorful pictures, Our Christmas Bear is a charming story with a delightfully Christmas feel!
Rosetta and Bianca were cute characters that made believable and sweet little girls. "Bear" was probably my favorite. I was a little suspicious of him at first, but...without giving spoilers, let's just say that I loved the ending. *wink*
All the way around, this was a sweet story – a great children's story or a read-aloud for the entire family!! I recommend it! :)
**I received a free e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.**...more
"So we will not 'spend' Christmas nor 'observe' Christmas. We will 'keep' Christmas – keep as it is... in all the loveliness of its ancient traditions"So we will not 'spend' Christmas nor 'observe' Christmas. We will 'keep' Christmas – keep as it is... in all the loveliness of its ancient traditions. May we keep it in our hearts, that we may be kept in its hope."
Beautiful. What Christmas should truly mean to every Christian <3 I would recommend this to anyone. ...more
*happy sigh* Ahhh, I just love this book so much. It's a lovely story and a Christmas story (so already a "yes, please!"). But then you a5 of 5 stars
*happy sigh* Ahhh, I just love this book so much. It's a lovely story and a Christmas story (so already a "yes, please!"). But then you add a Cinderella retelling (I love fairytale retellings, y'all...) and set the whole thing in Austria at the beginning of WWII? Was this book written for me, or what?!
I had the opportunity to beta-read for Miss Wheaton and I really enjoyed Eliana's story. She, along with Aron and Wilhelm (just...<3), were my favorite characters. The lovely setting, the secrets revealed, the sweet fairytale-feel... Ahh, I just loved this story so much!! If I had to pick a favorite book by this author, it would be a close match between Beyond the Horizon and A Question of Honor. :)
Beautiful story!! Definitely one I recommend!! <3...more
Hilarious! I really enjoyed this short story. I loved Gertie's character, and Liam and Holly were sweet too :) The quotes at the beginning of each chaHilarious! I really enjoyed this short story. I loved Gertie's character, and Liam and Holly were sweet too :) The quotes at the beginning of each chapter were crazy-funny. XD
The romance moved a little quicker than I would have like, but all in all it was cute and enjoyable. Very Christmasy. <3 ...more
Wow, talk about suspense!! :D My heart was literally pounding through the beginning to \\ 2017
Just as good the second time around. ❤
\\ 2016
4.5 stars
Wow, talk about suspense!! :D My heart was literally pounding through the beginning to middle of this story. I LOVED the 'trapped-in-a-hurricane' setting, and strive for survival that first bonded Alex and Parker. And Spencer was an absolutely adorable child. :)
*mild spoiler* One thing I didn't exactly 'like' was the abrupt kiss between characters who didn't know each other very well at all. *end of spoiler*
All in all, this was a great Christmas short-story. With a unique tale and well-rounded characters, it was packed with meaning and love. I finished with happy feelings, enjoying the hints at what would soon follow in Alex and Parker's lives. :)...more
This was a cute and sweet romance-y novella!! :) The main girl character, Holly, is a writer and I could relate to her alot – especially on that levelThis was a cute and sweet romance-y novella!! :) The main girl character, Holly, is a writer and I could relate to her alot – especially on that level. Josh was a great character as well – a truly sweet guy. And considering it's set completely during the month of November (excluding flashbacks XD), of course I had to read it this month!!!
Quotes. “I . . . really love writing. When I’m not on a deadline, or banging my head against my keyboard, or out of ideas. Which is most of the time.”
“Not in every way. I have allergies and go to work in my pajamas and still haven’t earned the affection of Rob’s lab. Aren’t labs supposed to love everyone?” ...more
A Question of Honor is an amazing historical novel with rich and well-researched details, realistic and endearing characters, and a beautifull5 stars
A Question of Honor is an amazing historical novel with rich and well-researched details, realistic and endearing characters, and a beautifully-woven theme of forgiveness that's sure to stir your heart.
I remember reading snippets of this book not long after Jesseca started it. It had no title then, and many differences from the wonderful story about to be released to the world, but I loved it. Sometime, I read the second draft, laughing and crying and soaking up the goodness. I beta-read the book last fall and again laughed, cried, and admired the way the story had grown stronger through revision.
All that to say...I love this story. And what makes up a good story? Characters. Realistic, varying, fictional people who work their way into your heart until they began to feel real -- like they're your friends. Like you're sitting there next to them as they tell you their story. That's the kind of characters fill the pages of A Question of Honor.
Of the characters, David and Micah are probably my favorites -- although I do love Gil and I have a soft spot for Erich. David is down-to-earth and cool-headed, while Gil is a fun-loving and charming risk-taker. Micah is a lot like Gil in some respects, but milder, I believe. And then Erich -- the villain of the story whom you can't help but love. The book has some lovely lady characters too. Joyanna is a precious cinnamon roll in need of love and protection. Elaine resembles the typical war wife, awaiting her husband's return. And Lily, the one who's persevering in spit of all she's been through. <3
I particularly enjoyed how the story isn't the 'typical' American WWII story, as it is set in 1940 before America entered the war. It was interesting to learn of the Battle of Britain and the courageous men of the RAF -- all of which I knew little to none about until reading this book.
If you have not yet been convinced that you need to read this book, you need to read this book. *wink* You won't be disappointed.
May God bless this young authoress in her writing journey!! <3 ...more
Ahh, this was such a satisfying read. :) I hadn't read any Amish fiction since...February? So it was great to be back in the world of Pen5 of 5 stars
Ahh, this was such a satisfying read. :) I hadn't read any Amish fiction since...February? So it was great to be back in the world of Pennsylvania Dutch, horse drawn buggies, and simplistic living. I read the majority of it in three or four days, but if I hadn't had other things to keep up with I could have (and would have!) settled down and read it all at once. :) It had an engaging plot line, lovable characters, and an ending that allowed me to breathe a sigh of contentment and go to bed without a headful of questions.
I know a lot of people think 'romance' when they hear Amish fiction, but this one really wasn't centered on that. Sure, there was mentions of a courtship and a sweet moment or two, but that was really all. :)
> Leona was such a sweet, innocent girl! I enjoyed reading her POV and her loving concern for her friend Gloria made her so endearing. :) > Gloria was an interesting character. I wasn't sure what to make of her at first, but in the end I loved her too. :) Her struggle with what she wanted with her life was very realistic, and I appreciated how she didn't just wake up one morning and suddenly know what she was going to do – as seems to happen too often in books. > Tom was a super sweet guy character in the book. I loved he and Leona's courtship!! <3 And while I'm talking about Tom, I just have to mention Danny – Tom's younger, deaf brother. He was a minor character, only mentioned a handful of times, but I really enjoyed his parts. :) (By the way, I would totally love a sequel or a short spin-off story with him and Linda...just sayin'... ;)) > Orchard John... Oh goodness, where do I begin?! How he pined over *her* all those years shows how sincere his heart, and he was just such a great guy! I loved his name too. I mean, who doesn't want a cousin named Orchard John who takes walks with his girl and loans books? ;) And lastly, I just have to say that I loved the character of Dawdi Benuel. Such a sweet grandpa! <3
Overall, this was an amazing book. I would heartily recommend it! :)
**I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.** ...more