Tuesday, September 30, 2014

The Baron's Honourable Daughter book review



The Baron's Honorable Daughter by Lynn Morris












Title: The Baron's honorable Daughter



Author: Lynn Morris



Genre: Historical Christian Fiction



Plot: Valeria Segrave is the step-daughter of the Earl of Maledon.
When the Earl suddenly dies Valeria steps up to take care of her fragile mother and her six-year-old half brother, who is now the Earl of Maledon.
 Valeria, who is vivacious and independent, experiences her first season in the fashionable part of London. Valeria is given lots of advice on how to act and who to associate with, but doesn't know whom to place her trust in.





What I liked about this book:
  The author was fantastic at describing dresses, scenery, and characters. While the plot sounds cliche', Lynn Morris' writing made the stereotypes seem new and interesting.

The characters had depth and varying personalities that kept the plot moving.





What I didn't like about this book:
There were many references to prostitutes, immoral relationships, and like, but they were shown in a very negative light.





My rating: 3

 

Thursday, September 25, 2014

My thoughts on Booktube.



   Over the past few years many music artists and beauty gurus have become famous for their youtube videos.
  I recently found out that there is another branch of youtube becoming very popular- Booktube.
 Booktube is a community( in a sense) of people who make videos about, you guessed it, books.
As someone who loves youtube and books I started watching Booktube regularly after I found out about it.  There is something about watching and hearing someone explain a book that makes me understand a book better than a blog post usually can.
  That being said Booktube isn't perfect. It took me a while find booktubers that didn't cuss in all of their videos and who reviewed books I would actually consider reading.

I have found three Booktubers that I enjoy watching.


                         


                               Ramblings and Green Tea





I like Madi's reviews of classics because their really thorough without containing spoilers.
 I don't recommend all of her videos thought, since she does cuss every once in a while.



                                


                                       Lizzielovesbooks




I just recently discovered this youtube channel.
Lizzie has a fun personality that makes her videos enjoyable to watch. 


                                      
                                   

                                          Books for Mks




I really love Kailey's channel. Kailey runs a charity called Books for Mks that donates books to American missionary kids all over the world.
 She does a lot of reviews of childrens' books and classics.



What about you?
Have you heard of booktube? If so, what are you thoughts on it? Do you have any favorite Booktubers?

Monday, September 22, 2014

A Jane Austen Devotional book review

A Jane Austen Devotional. The "wit and wisdom of Jane Austen" paired with the "timeless truths of Scripture." Love reading this :D










Title: A Jane Austen Devotional


Published by : Thomas Nelson


Genre: Christian non-fiction


About this book:
This book has contains around two hundred devotions based on Jane Austen's book.
On one page there is a section of from one of Jane Austen's book.
On the page opposite of it is a page telling what can be learned from the other page and scripture pertaining to that topic.








What I liked about this book:
This was a really well thought out devotional.
 I loved how the person who wrote each devotional brought out Biblical truths from Jane Austen's books without seeming over analyized or cliche'.


 Each section was short, but very through. Since it takes only five mintues or less to read this is a great devotional to use if you only have a few minutes or to add to your current study of the Bible.






What I didn't like about this book:
This isn't a real problem, but there are two or three sections in this book on how to be a Godly wife and mother. Since I am single and these sections don't apply to me (personally) I just skipped them.




My rating: 4


 
 

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Springtime of the Spirit book review




Springtime of the Spirit (Great War Series #3) | Maureen Lang [WWI, World War I, Germany]





Title: Springtime of the Spirit

Series: The Great War series

Number in series: 3

Author: Maureen Lang

Genre: Historical Christian fiction

Plot: Christophe Brecht, who was a Major in the German army, returns to his village feeling defeated. Christophe's parents are both dead and his sister is living in America, leaving Christophe all alone.
 When the parents of Annaliese Duray, young woman who has run a way from home, ask Christophe to find her, Christophe finally feels like he has a purpose again.
 Christophe finds Annaliese in Munich, where she is speaking out for socialist reforms. Can Christophe convince Annaliese to come home?

What I liked about this book:
 Unlike the other books in this series this book shows how the war affected those who were on Germany's side during World War I.
 I learned a lot about the politics of Germany after World War I, which I hadn't really know much about before reading this book.
   All of the characters in this book were varied and seemed real.

What I didn't like about this book:
 One of the characters in this book is a womanizer and makes suggestive remarks every once in a while.

My rating: 3

Monday, September 15, 2014

Whispers on the Wind book review

Whisper on the Wind (Great War Series #2) | Maureen Lang [WWI World War I Belgium Brussels]








Title: Whispers on the Wind

Series: The Great War series

Number in series: 2

Author: Maureen Lang

Genre: Christian Historical fiction

Plot:
 Isabella 'Isa' Lassone is an independent young woman whom is determined to return to occupied Belgium in order to save her closest friends.  When Isa arrives in Belgium she soon meets Edward Kirkland, who she has loved since a child. Edward is angry that Isa has returned and wants Isa to leave as soon as possible.
 Can Isa prove she is grown up enough to handle things in Brussels- not matter the cost?

What I liked about this book:
 The story follows many of the characters mentioned in the Look to the East. It was neat to see what their lives were like and how they interacted with those of Charles and Julitte.
 
 There were many heartfelt moments that really made me stop and think about how easy my life is compared to those who suffered during World War I.


What I didn't like about this book:
 Edward was a bit to brooding and self absorbed to be a good hero for my tastes. He did start to grow on me as the book got further along, though.

My rating: 3




Friday, September 12, 2014

Look to the East book review




Look to the East (Great War Series #1) | Maureen Lang [WWI World War I France]




Title: Look to the East

Series: The Great War series

Number in series: 1

Author: Maureen Lang

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Plot:    Julitte Toussiant has lived a good life with her adopted family in the small village of Briecourt, France.
 As World War I starts Julitte's life begins to change in a way she never expected. She meets Charles Lassone, a wealthy Belgian, who hides in Briecourt's small church so he won't be sent to a German work camp.  As Julitte and Charles become closer their lives become endangered. Only by trusting in God will they both find a way to live in occupied France.

What I liked about this book:
 I really like Maureen Lang's writing style and storyline.
The characters were well portrayed and interesting.
Julitte, was a strong heroine with lots of faith in God and genuine love for people.
   Many of the things that happened in the plot seem like they could have happened during World War I.

What I didn't like about this book:  There were a few spiritual elements in this book that I felt weren't ( in my opinion) Biblical.

My rating: 3.5

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

The Bluebird and the Sparrow book review




**The Bluebird and the Sparrow by Janette Oke ... book 1 in the Women of the West Series







Title:  The Bluebird and the Sparrow

Author:  Janette Oke

Genre:  Christian Historical fiction

Plot:  Stern and serious Berta has always been envious of her pretty and likeable sister Glenna. Berta's bitterness has left her feeling unloved and without joy.
 Years later the lives of Berta's sister and mother begin to change. Can Berta accept God's will or will she hold on to what she wants?

What I liked about this book:
 It showed how allowing just a little bit of resentment to take over can affect your life- and those around you- forever.
  Glenna and Berta were well thought out characters that made the story easy to relate to.

What I didn't like about this book:
It could be a little dry at times.

My rating  : 2 . 5

Monday, September 1, 2014

Opinions Wanted


 



 





Hello!!!!
I hope ya"ll are having a fantastic Labor Day.

I am in a reading rut right now; which means I don't know what to read.
There are a few books that I think I might want to read, but I haven't heard much about them. If you have read any of these books I would like to hear your opinion on them.
  Thanks!!!!!


1. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. This is one of my all time faves. Perfect for any real book lover!



2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald


"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald (recommended by Bill Beekman, MSU's Secretary of the Board of Trustees and Executive to the President at MSU)




3. Small Town Girl by Ann H. Gabhart


Small Town Girl (Rosey Corner Book #2) by Ann H. Gabhart   http://www.faithfulreads.com/2014/06/please-be-aware-that-prices-may-change.html


4. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Linked is an article about YA books from this past year that adults would love, including Seraphina, about a half-girl half-dragon.



5. Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Just Ella: In addition to recommending teen magazines, mom Beth G. suggests books like Just Ella, which puts a spin on traditional fairy tales.



6. Pegasus by Robin McKinley

Pegasus - Robin McKinley.  I liked this a lot, but the ending was awfully abrupt.  I trust a sequel is in the works ...


7. The Grim Legacy by Polly Shulman
A really fun and fresh book. I think the TV series Grim was either inspired by this book or is a rip off of the idea.


8. Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore

"And through the dewy meadow's breast, fringed with shade, but touched on one side with the sun-smile, ran the crystal water, curving in its brightness like diverted hope."  R.D. Blackmore: Lorna Doone