Tag: Bethany House

Reviews

Book Review: Into the Whirlwind

Sarah

Hey hey, another book review! 🙂 The book I am reviewing for you today is Elizabeth Camden’s Into the Whirlwind. I had the opportunity to read it thanks to Bethany House Publishers‘ awesome book review program.

Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden - reviewed on thepajamachef.com

Here is a description of the book from the publisher:

Mollie Knox takes pride in her good business sense and in the beautiful watches she and her loyal employees create. As owner of the 57th Illinois Watch Company, her future looks bright until the Great Chicago Fire destroys her city. With her world crumbling around her, Mollie will do whatever it takes to rebuild in the aftermath.

While she struggles to save her company, two men battle for her affections. Can Mollie rise from the ashes with both her business and her heart intact?

And here my five point review!

  • It’s always a pleasure to read Elizabeth Camden’s books. As a librarian by day, she is understandably SO attentive to detail, facts, and themes. I love reading her work for that reason. Even more, as an author, she crafts a compelling story with characters that you actually care about. What a novel idea. 🙂
  • I love the characters in this book, especially Mollie. Main characters in Christian fiction are kind of hit or miss, and what I really enjoyed about Mollie was that she was sweet, stubborn, flawed, and determined–a mix of good and bad, just like a real person.
  • It was very interesting reading about the Great Chicago Fire. If you know me well, fires really terrify me because of a few fires I’ve experienced personally, so I appreciate that the plot was written so the readers could see how scary it must have been to of live through this event without the story being written in a fear-driven or suspenseful manner.
  • As always, the romantic plot involves two men competing for the main character’s affection. Without giving too much away, I loved the honor displayed by both men, and their growth as they each pursued Mollie. That’s a new thing–usually books emphasize how the woman grows, not the man.
  • Lastly, learning about the clock/watch business was so intriguing! It makes me want to be crafty. Thanks to Elizabeth Camden for giving us a glimpse into another world. I’d highly recommend this book–or any of her others. They’re all great!

What are you reading lately?

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own. Thanks to Bethany House for the chance to read this great book! 

Reviews

Book Review: A Most Peculiar Circumstance

Sarah

Happy Monday, everyone! I’m excited to be sharing another fun book with y’all. Can I say y’all now that I live in Nashville? That still sounds weird, btw. I’ve been told that even Northerners start saying it after awhile though! I haven’t said it out loud yet, but as I’ve been talking and say ‘all of you’ or something similar, have realized that I could rephrase things a bit… But anyways. The book of the day is Jen Turano’s A Most Peculiar Circumstance and I had the opportunity to read it thanks to Bethany House Publishers‘ awesome book review program.

A Most Peculiar Circumstance Book Review on thepajamachef.com

Here is a description of the book from the publisher:

An avid supporter of the women’s suffrage movement, Miss Arabella Beckett’s driving passion in life is to aid downtrodden women. Her most recent act to that end, however, has landed her in more trouble than even she can manage.

Still, Arabella is loath to accept help—especially from the arrogant knight in shining armor her brother sent to fetch her. But she’s about to learn that private investigator Theodore Wilder is just as stubborn as she is. Has this feisty suffragette finally met her match?

…and as usual, my five point review:

  • I read Jen Turano’s first novel, A Change of Fortune, earlier this year. This book is the sequel, and let me tell you… it is just as funny as the first one. These books are the first two in the series, and they are just great. Jen Turano is just so talented and comes up with great content for her novels.
  • The premise of the book, as you can tell from the description, is rooted in two things: the suffrage movement of the 1880s, and the blossoming romance between Arabella and Theodore. What I loved about this was just how well written, non-pushy, and non-feminist the portions about the suffrage movement were. Sometimes when things get too feminist, I am just turned off even though I agree with many of the ideals [especially historically with the vote]. I know that’s a touchy subject so I won’t get into too many details, but I felt this subject was treated with care and I appreciated that.
  • However, one part of the book that I just didn’t like was the romance aspect. I know! So rare for me. I think the story just turned into a full blown battle of the sexes between Arabella and her friends and Theodore and his. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for that kind of banter [1880s style], but it just kind of annoyed me. Perhaps it was also Arabella’s stubborn nature that did it too…
  • Speaking of stubbornness, I loved the theme of redemption and grace woven through the plot as Arabella works through her stubbornness and lack of love to those around her. The restoration of some of her relationships is just so cool to see!
  • All in all, this was a fun read even though parts were annoying. 🙂 Jen Turano is definitely an author to keep reading and check out if you haven’t already!

What are you reading lately?

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own. Thanks to Bethany House for the chance to read this great book! 

Reviews

Book Review: Undeniably Yours

Sarah

Recently I read Becky Wade’s lighthearted novel, Undeniably Yours, on a lazy Sunday afternoon. In an entire sunny afternoon on the porch. It was glorious, and I am so glad that Bethany House Publishers has this awesome book review program.

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade - reviewed on thepajamachef.com

Here is a description of the book from the publisher:

When Meg Cole’s father dies unexpectedly, she’s forced to return home to Texas—and to Whispering Creek Ranch—to take up the reins of an empire she’s never wanted. Can the handsome manager of her father’s Thoroughbred farm help Meg face her fears and embrace new hopes for the future?

And as usual… my five point review:

  • This is Becky Wade’s second book, and since her first, My Stubborn Heart, remains one of my favorite contemporary Christian books of all time, this one had a tough act to follow. But it was absolutely glorious! And not just because I read it outside in one afternoon. Just as I was writing this post, I learned that it is the first in a series–and I am super excited for more to come! This isn’t your average Christian romance. It is fun, flirty, and just plain ‘ole cute. I love Becky’s style!
  • One thing I appreciated about this story was that the main male character, the handsome manager of the horse farm, Bo Porter, is just SO well written. He is not the average romantic one-dimensional character. Though he is the sort of guy who would probably be swoon-worthy in real life, his depth of character, love of family, and protector of all really comes through in the book. So often romance novels follow just the female character, but Becky does a great job balancing between the pair. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s a Texas cowboy! 🙂
  • Overall, this story has a theme of overcoming challenges–romantically, professionally, and ultimately, spiritually, as Meg learns to trust God despite those in her past who have hurt her. Meg is likeable throughout the entire book, but her weakness makes her kind of annoying at first, until we learn more about her past. I loved rooting for her to overcome the obstacles in her life to move on in her future.
  • Continuing on in that vein, I did appreciate the faith-based perspective of many of the characters in this novel. There was a bit of drama involving Meg’s past [okay, if you’ve read the book… more than a ‘bit’ of drama] and I liked how that allowed Meg to grow in faith. However, apparently the faith-based portions may be a response to Becky Wade’s first novel that was criticized as not being Christian enough as related to language, content, and themes. [See this and this for more details… this is the first I’ve heard of it, and one of the things I liked about My Stubborn Heart was that it was so atypical Christian.] So while I didn’t find anything wrong with either book, I can see why some people are concerned. Moving right along…
  • I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good, quality read. Yes, it is a Christian romance. Yes, it is a bit sappy and cute. But it’s not completely predictable and it is well written, which is more than I can say for some Christian fiction. It might be in a different vein than her first novel, but I still loved it and will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!

What are you reading lately?

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own. Thanks to Bethany House for the chance to read this great book! 

Reviews

Book Review: Unrivaled

Sarah

The latest book I have read as part of the blogging review program through  Bethany House Publishers is Siri Mitchell’s Unrivaled.

Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell reviewed on thepajamachef.com

Here is a description of the book from the publisher:

Lucy Kendall returns from a tour of the Continent, her luggage filled with the latest fashions and a mind fired by inspiration. After tasting Europe’s best confections, she’s sure she’ll come up with a recipe that will save her father’s struggling candy business and reverse their fortunes. But she soon discovers that their biggest competitor, the cheat who swindled her father out of his prize recipe, has now hired a promotions manager–a cocky, handsome out-of-towner who gets under Lucy’s skin.

And as usual, my five point review!

  • Siri Mitchell has written nearly a dozen novels, and this one was my favorite by far. It is set in St. Louis in 1910-11. I’ve been to St. Louis many times over the years and it’s always fun reading about a familiar place. But more than that, the characters were just so well written and realistic. They weren’t likeable all the time [especially Lucy…so infuriating and selfish at times!] but people aren’t always likeable so the book was refreshing in that sense.
  • Another thing about this novel that I admired was that Lucy’s romantic dilemma [no surprise there–Christian fiction ALWAYS includes a romantic dilemma] did not turn out the way I thought. Huh? Well, without revealing too much… her choice wasn’t as obvious as it seemed.
  • It was so fun reading about the candy making business. Siri’s books are always well written and researched, and since I do have some candy making knowledge myself, the processes described in the book seemed spot on. It would have been fun if some recipes were included at the end though! Maybe on Siri’s website sometime soon? 🙂 There were also great candy metaphors and references throughout the book.
  • My biggest complaint about the book was really about Lucy as a character. Her development and change at times seemed a bit unnatural and forced, but again, perhaps that is realistic and I was just annoyed that she didn’t grow up faster. But the story was about her journey into adulthood, so it does make sense.
  • Overall, I loved this book. Siri Mitchell writes in a first person, alternating main characters style that I truly enjoy. Having a story narrated from multiple perspectives requires a bit more concentration and can result in a bit more frustration that the characters don’t do what you want them to do, but that’s part of the fun of it. I would highly recommend this book if you want to read a sweet story from the Titanic and Downton Abbey era… set in America! Enjoy!

What are you reading lately?

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own. Thanks to Bethany House for the chance to read this great book! 

Reviews

Book Review: Sweet Sanctuary

Sarah

Today I have a super sweet, charming, and perfectly pleasant historical fiction novel to share with you all! Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer was graciously provided to me by the folks at Bethany House Publishers through their blogging review program.

Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer reviewed on thepajamachef.com

Here is a description of the book from the publisher:

Lydia Eldredge and Dr. Micah Hatcher both have secrets to protect. Lydia longs to provide sanctuary for her young son Nicky. Micah spends his days doctoring the immigrant population of Queens. But under cover of darkness, he has undertaken a secret mission to help the innocent victims of a war far away. When Lydia and Micah become wrapped up in each other’s callings, can they find refuge and hope in one another—and the God they serve?

And, as usual… my five point review:

  • I have only read one other book by Kim Vogel Sawyer before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect with Sweet Sanctuary. As much as I enjoy reading Christian fiction, many books share the same themes and plot lines. I have noticed that Bethany House tends to publish books with a bit more oomph, suspense, and passion–but generally, Christian novels kind of blur together. Great for escape reading, not so much for a challenge. This novel is not like that. Kim Vogel Sawyer does not shy away from tackling hard issues like custody of children, drug addiction, or the dilemma of following the laws of your nation versus following the calling of your God. And she does it well.
  • I was initially drawn to this novel because it is set in 1944, at the tail end of World War II. I’m very interested in that time period, and read a lot of fiction and nonfiction about that era–novels, memoirs, biographies, etc. Check out my Goodreads board if you are interested in author/book suggestions [Pam Jenoff is excellent]. Being that this is a Christian novel, I wasn’t sure what to expect but once again, I was blown away by how well this novel was written. The author does not treat war and the Holocaust in general terms, but she uses specific characters and themes to address these subjects thoughtfully and respectfully. I also like how she is mindful of American prejudices towards immigrants and Jews during World War II and analyzes these through the lens of a faith-based, counter-cultural approach to life [especially demonstrated by the dashing, heroic Dr. Micah Hatcher.]
  • Speaking of Micah, he was definitely my favorite character. He was well written, likable, and someone who I would aspire to be more like. He is a man of integrity and cares for immigrants, widows, and orphans as God calls us to do. The entire time I read, I was cheering for his romance with Lydia… but does it all play out as you would expect?!? You’ll have to read to find out. 🙂 I was certainly a bit surprised at the end. **wink, wink!
  • My biggest complaint with the novel is that it discusses so many issues. I’ve already mentioned the drug addiction, the war, and custody of children [i.e. Lydia’s son, Nicky, who she raises for her friend who passed away]. There are more hard issues in this book, like violence and poverty. It’s a complicated story, with many characters and needs. It’s a little hard to keep track of everything as you’re reading… but then again, isn’t it similar to life in that regard?
  • Overall, I highly recommend Sweet Sanctuary. I will definitely be checking out more of Kim Vogel Sawyer’s books at my local library. There are so many fun, thought-provoking themes in this novel to explore regarding faith, the love we [should] have for children [that society does not always demonstrate well], and doing the right thing no matter what… I would love to discuss this book with you if you’ve read it, and if you haven’t, go find a copy now! It is EXCELLENT! 🙂

What are you reading lately?

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own. Thanks to Bethany House for the chance to read this great book!