My favorite books I read in 2014

Hello readers!!!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas season.

As you know 2014 is coming to a close.
That means it's time for me to share what were the best books I read in 2014. I read so many good books this year , so this is going  be a very long post.


                                 -Fiction-








10. Jane and the Unpleasantness of Scargrave Manor by Stephanie Barron                    



This was the best mystery novel I read this year, if not the best mystery I have read of all time. Plus, Jane Austen solves the mystery. How cool, right?
  You can read my review of it here







9.The Giver by Lois Lawry



This classic dystopian has such a thought-provoking story.
Even though this is a secular book, it got me to think about what I believe and why I believe.
  You can read my review of it here.






8. The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery




I recently gave this a read, after I'd heard so many good things about it. I'm glad I did!!!
 Fans of  the ' Anne of Green Gables ' books should read this.





7. The Grand Tour Series by Lisa T. Bergren



This series is lovely and so well written. It made me appreciate Lisa T. Bergren's talent for writing.
 You can read my review of this series here.






6. For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund



This imaginative story is fantastic!!!
 The author did a wonderful job of bringing out elements from Jane Austen's Persuasion in this YA Sci-Fi novel.
   You can read my review of this here.





5. The Dragonkeeper Chronicles by Donita K. Paul



This  series has dragons, humor , romance, and mystery. What more could you ask for from a fantasy series?
   You can read my review of this series here.




4. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy




This classic adventure novel is wonderful.
  It has drama, larger-than-life characters, and a swoon-worthy romance.
  You can read my review of it here.






3. A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano





This is the most hilarious book I've ever read. I dare you to read it with out laughing out loud often.
  You can read my review of it here..






2. Dragonwitch by Anne Elisabeth Stengl



This captivating book is the fifth book in the Tales of Goldstonewood series.
It helps explain some events that have happened in the previous books in the series.
   You can read my review of it here.




1. River of Time series by Lisa T. Bergren


This was the first series I read this year, and it also my favorite.
 The characters, plot, and writing are just fantastic!!!
If you love reading YA I really, really, suggest you give this wonderful series a try.
  You can read my review of this series here.


                             



                  - Non-Fiction-


If you have followed my blogs for a long time, than you know I don't read non-fiction often. Despite that I read some great non-fiction books this year.

3. Walking with Frodo by Sarah Arthur



Sarah Arthur is my favorite devotional writer, so one of her books had to make the list.
 This books shows how we can learn Biblical truths found in the Lord of the Rings series.
 You can read my review of it here.


2. A Jane Austen Devotional


This devotional takes sections from Jane Austen's works and applies scripture to show what God thinks about a certain subject.
 A must read for Jane Austen fans.
   You can read my review of it here.

1. Will our Generation speak? by Grace Mally



This book challenges teenagers to take a stand for Christ and be bold witnesses of the gospel in practical and easy to understand ways.
 A must read for Christians of all ages.
    You can read my review of it here.



What about you?
Have you read any of these books?
If so, what did you think of them?

Merry Christmas!!!!

To my readers,
 I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas as you spend time with family and friends, remembering Christ's birth.

                                                            Image from pinterest.com

Christmas at Harmony Hill book review

Title: Christmas at Harmony Hill: a shaker story

Author: Ann H. Gabhart

Genre: Historical Fiction


Plot:  Heather Worth works as a washerwoman for her husband, Gideon's infantry during the civil war.
Heather is expecting her first child during the Christmas season, so she leaves the battlefield to stay with her Aunt Sophrena, who is a Shaker.
 As Heather and Sophrena grow close they begin to learn about true faith, hope, and forgiveness.




My thoughts:
This is one of the best Christmas books I've read.
 Although this story takes place during Christmas time, it focusses on the Civil War and The Shakers, which are interesting subjects to me. Because of that I think you could enjoy reading this book even when it's Christmas time.

My only critisim is that I wish this book had been a little bit longer ,so some events that took place in the past could be better explained.


 My rating: 3

Heart's Safe Passage book review

Title: Heart's safe passage


Series: The Midwives Series


Number in Series: 2


Author: Laurie Alice Eakes


Genre: Christian Historical Fiction


Plot:
Phoebe Lee, an apperintice midwife, is visiting her sister-in-law Belinda,whose husband has been made a prisoner of war.
 Belinda has a plan to free her husband, but wants Phoebe to come along since she, Belinda, is pregnant.
 Phoebe and Belinda become passengers aboard a privateer brig.
The Captain, Rafael Docherty, promises Belinda and Phoebe that they will find a way to save Belinda's husband.
When Phoebe learns that the Captain wants revenge for his family's deaths, Phoebe begins to lose trust in him.
 




My thoughts:

I enjoyed the first book in this series since it was fast paced and I liked the characters. Because of that I was looking forward to reading this sequel.

I was hoping that this book would be fast paced, interesting, and have good characters.Unfortunately this book didn't meet my expectations.
   
I had a really hard time with the characters. To be honest they frustrated me, a lot, at times.  The relationship between Phoebe and most of the other characters were strained, and to be honest, a bit annoying.
   It did have an interesting plot line that I would have enjoyed more if I had connected with the characters.

I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn't.
 I'm not sure if I will finish this series. If you have read the last book in this series please let me know what you thought of it.





My rating: 2

 

A quick update

Hello!!!
 I hope ya"ll had a blessed Thanksgiving.

I just wanted to give ya"ll a quick update on what will be happening on this blog soon. 
 I put up a poll on my blog recently asking what blog series you would like me to bring back to my blog. It ended in a tie between The Little Letters Series and Pin-tresting Thursdays. I've decided to do both of those posts regularly, Lord willing, in the new year.
 

       I hope you all have a great week!!!!

Lady in the Mist book review

Title: Lady in the Mist

Series: The Midwives series

Number in Series: 1

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Plot: Tabitha Eckles is an unmarried midwife, which makes her unusual in the early 1800s. Tabitha lives in a small town on the coast of Virginia where young men are being captured by The British and are being forced to serve in the British Navy.
   Dominick Cherrett, an indentured servant, is British and has just moved into the area. People begin to wonder if Dominick has anything to do with the local men disappearing.
Can Tabitha trust him?


What I liked about this book:
 This book is set in America in 1809.
Before reading this book I knew little about that time period in America. Because of that I thought this book was really interesting.
  
The storyline was fast paced, so it kept my attention the entire time
I was reading it.



What I didn't like about this book:
The characters were really great, but many of them had dealt with hardships that I had a hard time relating to.

There was more kissing in this book than I am used to in Christian fiction.


My rating: 3

The Best Buddy blogging award

Hello!!!
I know that it's been quite a while since I posted. I hope to be blogging more regularly after Thanksgiving.

Moving on to the tag.
Grace from Fictionally has awarded me The Best Buddy blogging award.  Thanks Grace!!!!
The rules of the award are
1. Post the award tag on your blog
2. Thank the person who tagged you
3. Answers the questions from the person who tagged you
4. Tag you best blogging buddies
5. Ask them at least fifteen questions





Isn't this button cool?


Grace's questions:



1. What is the number 1 book you're looking forward to reading?

 

Shadowhand by Anne Elisabeth Stengl. I have been waiting to read this book for over a year. I am planning purchasing and reading it this winter.

 

 

2. If you could be anything, what would your dream job be (Yes, even being a princess counts.)?

 

I would be a published author.

 

3. Is there a popular food you dislike?

 

Yes!!!  Cooked eggs. I have never liked them and I don't think I ever will.

 

 

4. If you had to live in a different country, where would it be?

 

I think I would like living in Ireland. Really, who wouldn't?

 

5. What is a favorite childhood movie?

 

I am going to cheat and name three because I can't just pick one. Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, and Spirit: Stallion of the Ciammron.

 

6. What is your favorite accessory to wear (necklace, sunglasses, brooch, etc.)?

 

Scarves, especially during this time of year.

 

7. You're locked in a time machine and have to go anywhere in the past, at least 50 years, before you can go home. Where would you go?

 

To Washington D.C. in the 1780s. I think it would be cool to see how America was as a new country.

 

8 and 9. The hero in the last book you read asks you to go to the ball with him. Who is it? Would you accept his invitation?

 

Dominick Cherret from Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes.

 

Although Dominick is a flirt, I think I'd go with him because he would make me laugh.


10. What's a costume on a book cover that you would like to have?

 

I think Cora's dress on the cover of 'Glamorous Illusions' by Lisa T.Bergren looks absolutely gorgeous.

 

 

11. Are you more of a country girl or a city girl? 

 

I guess I am a country girl, although city life does have perks.

 

 

12. What is your favorite fictional genre in books? 

 

It's a tie between fantasy and historical fiction.

 

 

 

13. If you could design it, what would your ideal personal library look like? 

 

I would like a library with window seats under large windows. I would also like there to be a fireplace with an overstuffed couch so I could have a cozy place to read when it's cold.

 

 

14. Do you collect anything?

 

Foreign money. I know that sounds a bit strange. I have coins from France, Ireland, and several South American countries that people have given me or I got at a shop.

 

 

15.  In the spirit of Thanksgiving, what is one thing you are thankful for?

 

That God is patient and kind to me even when I'm stubborn.

 

 

I tag :

Rissi of Dreaming Under the Same Moon

Laura of Crafty Booksheeps

Violet and Daisy of Violets and Daisies

Ella of The Chronicles of a Narnia Lover

 

My questions:

1. Do you like buying cds or mp3 downloads?

2. What is you favorite way to spend a free day?

3. Do you prefer sweet or salty snacks?

4. Are you a night owl or early bird?

5. What is the number one thing on your bucket list?

6. Have you ever gone to an author's book signing event?

7. Can you do a cartwheel?

8. Is there a book/or/movie you thought you would love, but ended up completely hating?

9. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

10. Do you prefer milk or juice?

11. What is your favorite thing to eat during Thanksgiving?

12.  Do you like reading magazines? If so which ones are your favorite?

13. Have you ever gone to an amusement park?

14. What is your favorite Disney song?

15. What is your favorite board game to play?

Scarlet book review

Title: Scarlet

Series: The Lunar Chronicles

Number in series: 2

Author: Marissa Meyer

Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction



Plot:
 Scarlet Benoit lives on a farm with her Grandmother Michelle Benoit in France.
When Michelle Benoit goes missing Scarlet believes someone has kidnapped her grandmother, but Scarlet doesn't know why.

Meanwhile Cinder, a cyborg fugitive, has escaped prison along with Captain Carswell Thorne, a convicted theif.
As Scarlet and Cinder find out truths that bring them together, their lives are in greater danger than before.




What I liked about this book:

    This was a very interesting retelling of Little Red Riding Hood.
It was cool how the author used that fairytale to help the storyline progress.
 
 Like Cinder, the ending was a cliff hanger so I'm looking forward to reading Cress soon.





What I didn't like about this book:

I didn't like this book as much as Cinder. I think that is because I relate to Cinder and Prince Kai more than to Scarlet and Wolf.
  
There is some content- Mild language, some innuendo, and many scenes contained graphic violence.



My rating: 2.5
 

A Talent for Trouble book review

Title: A Talent For Trouble

Series: Ladies of Distinction

Number in series: 3

Author: Jen Turano

Genre:  Christian Historical Fiction

Plot:
Felicia Murdock , a caring, but mischievous young woman, believes God has called her to be the wife of a minister. The only problem is that the Minister Felicia thinks she is in love with marries someone else.
  Felicia  feels all alone and doesn't know what she wants out of life.
Grayson Sumner is thrown into Felicia's life despite of each other.
Can they make things work- even when danger tries to tear them apart?





What I liked about this book:

This is one of the most humorous books I have ever read!!!!
There are some extremely comical scenes that had me laughing out loud often.

I really enjoyed that some characters form previous books in this series played an important role in this book.







What I didn't like about this book:

The only thing I didn't like about this book is a cliche' I have noticed in a lot of Christian romances-

The main male character has given up on God because of his past, but he soon falls in love with a Godly woman who helps him realize his need for God's grace. The reason this bothers me is that I am convicted that a Christian should be in a relationship with another Christian. I am not trying to preach, just sharing what I feel is Biblical.





My rating:  3

My Top 5 Underrated Books

After watching 12+ youtubers sharing their favorite underrated books I got inspired to share my top books I don't think are talked about enough.



5. Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg







This is such a cute book.  A must read for fans of Pride and Prejudice.


You can read my full review here.








4.   Jane and the unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor by Stephanie Barron.








This is the first book in the Jane Austen Mystery series.
Not only is this one of the best murder mysteries I have read, but it also has Jane Austen solving the mystery.  How cool, right?

You can read my full review here.





3.  The Scarlet Pimpernel books by Baroness Emmuska Orczy










The movie adaptation has a huge fan base, but I haven't heard many people talk about the books.

I have read the first two books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed the action, drama, and romance found in these well written stories.

You can read my full reviews of  The Scarlet Pimpernel here and I Will Repay here.








2.   The Viking Quest series by Lois Walfred Johnson




Synopsis:

Brianna O ' Toole lives in ancient Ireland during a time when Vikings are plundering the country side.
    Brianna is kidnapped by Mikkel, a cruel, young Viking, and is made to be a slave.

Can Brianna overcome her struggles and find her way back home?



When I was a tween I loved this series so much that I read all five books three times each in a two year or so time period.

 I know of only a few people who have read this fantastic series.
I think most tweens and those in their early teens would enjoy this series.






1.   The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott






Synopsis:


Edith Adelon, an orphan, is a paid companion to Amy Hamilton, who comes from a rich family.
   Lady Ida Clare, a rich relative of the Hamiltons' comes to stay. Lady Ida soon grows jealous of Edith because Lord Percy is fond of Edith.
  Will Lady Ida ruin Edith's chance of happiness?
  



Although the author of this book is famous and the movie version of this book is popular among period drama fans I haven't really heard anyone talk about this book.

I highly recommend this to those who enjoy reading classics.





Have you read any of these books?


Do you have any books or series that you think are underrated?

Cinder book review

Title: Cinder


Series: The Lunar Chronicles


Number in series: 1


Author: Marissa Meyer


Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction


Plot:  Cinder, a mechanic, lives in New Beijing with her stepmother and two stepsisters. Cinder is a cyborg, which makes her outcast in society. Her only friends are her droid, Iko, and her stepsister Peony.
  When Prince Kai asks Cinder to fix his droid, Cinder is thrown into a world of secrets and intrigue.  As Cinder learns of some scary truths she is in danger of hurting those around her.


What I liked about this book:

This was such a interesting book!!!
  The way the author made a well known fairytale into a YA Sci-Fi was brilliant.  I am excited to see how she will incorporate other fairytales into this series.

 The characters were well rounded. The main characters were quirky and funny.  The evil characters were thoroughly wicked and despicable.

The plot was based on Cinderella, but it felt like a new story. It didn't end like I thought it was going to ( in a good way:).



What I didn't like about this book:

There is some content;  Mild swearing and a few innuendoes.
It is hinted at that  certain types of androids are prostitutes.



My rating: 3

I Will Repay book review

Title: I Will Repay




Series: The Scarlet Pimpernel books




Number in series: 2




Author: Baroness Emmuska Orczy




Genre: Historical Fiction




Plot:
  Juliette de Marny's brother is killed by Monsiuer Deroulde
in a duel of honor. Juliette's father is heartbroken and makes Juliette promise to avenge her brother's death.
   Ten year later Juliette is rescued from an angry mob in Paris by Deroulde and moves in with Deroulde's mother and ward.
          When a chance comes for Juliette to betray Deroulde, will she take it?









What I liked about this book:

Like the Scarlett Pimpernel this is an adventure book, so there is rarely a dull moment. It 's short, but  very well written.

The characters seemed very real, so they soon became dear to me.  The Scarlett Pimpernel, was defientily my favorite character. He was more cautious and serious in this book than the first book in this series, so it was interesting to see a different side of him.










What I didn't like about this book: Nothing






My rating:  3.5

Pegasus book review

Title: Pegasus


Author : Robin McKinley


Genre: Young Adult Fantasy


Plot:
 When Princess Sylviianel 'Sylvi' turns twelve she is bonded to a pegasus like her ansestors before her. Royalty of Balsinland are bonded to a Pegasus to ensure foreign relations between humans and pegasi stay healthy.
  Sylvi is bonded to a black pegasus named Ebon. Their relationship is unusual because they can talk to each other without a translater, something that hasn't happened before to any human and pegasus.  As Sylvi and Ebon grow closer they learn that not everyone is happy about they realtionship.


What I liked about this book:
 This is a very interesting and complex books.
There are  many characters and subplots that showcase the author's imagination nicely.
  The characters soon become familiar and seem very real at times.
It's easy to sympathize and relate to both Sylvi and Ebon.
   The subplots keep the story moving and changing.


What I didn't like about this book:
   This was a pretty long book ( 404 pages to be exact).
Some parts dragged on , which made me wish that the author had cut out a few scenes that weren't necessary to the plot line.
There were also a lot of flashback scenes to past events, which could get annoying at times.

There is some content in it also; there are a few mild cuss words and a very subtle reference to homosexual relationships between pegasi. Magic and spells are part of the plotline.


My rating: 2

A Gentlemen of Her Dreams e-novella review

Title: A Gentlemen of Her Dreams : a novella


Series: Ladies of Distinction Series


Number in series: 0 ( it's kind of a prequel to the first book in this series)


Genre: Christian Historical fiction


Plot:  Charlotte Wilson is a headstrong young woman who tends to get in mischief often.  
  When Charlotte's childhood friend Henry St. James comes back home she enlists him in her latest scheme. Charlotte believes God is calling her to marry Hamilton Beckett, the most eligible bachelor in New York City. The only problem is that Charlotte has never formally meet Mr. Beckett, but believes that Henry will introduce her to Mr. Beckett.
 Will Charlotte's plan work out the way she hopes?


What I liked about this book:
 This book was extremely funny.
Charlotte's mischievousness gets her and Henry into many comical situations that had me laughing out loud often.


 This book is also very sweet. The ending is cute and explained some of the events that happened in  A Change of Fortune, the first book in the Ladies of Distinction series.








What I didn't like about this book: Nothing!


My rating : 4




NOTE: You can get this e- novella for free on Amazon.com

The Baron's Honourable Daughter book review

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

 

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?

A Jane Austen Devotional book review

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


 
 

Springtime of the Spirit book review

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

Whispers on the Wind book review

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