fiction – Page 7 – The Pajama Chef

Book Review: Undeniably Yours

September 12, 2013September 10, 2013 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.

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

July 22, 2013July 19, 2013 Sarah

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

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?

Reviews

Book Review: Sweet Sanctuary

July 3, 2013July 2, 2013 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.

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?

Reviews

Book Review: Unbreakable

May 29, 2013May 29, 2013 Sarah

Book review time! This time I have Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl to share with you, courtesy of the blogging review program offered by Bethany House Publishers.

Here is a description of the book from the publisher:

Hope Kauffman has never been one to question her Mennonite beliefs. But changes have begun to stir in their small town, and their traditional ways are being challenged from within. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is moving for reform, while her fiancé, Ebbie Miller, insists Kingdom must remain true to its foundation. When Hope’s personal safety is threatened by an outsider, even she begins to question the Mennonite tradition of nonviolence. Now the town that’s always stood together finds itself divided. Will Hope and the people of Kingdom allow fear to break them, or will they draw on the strength of the God they serve?

As usual, here’s my 5 point review:

This is book two in the Road to Kingdom series. I reviewed Inescapable last fall. The storyline was intriguing and interesting. Nancy Mehl is a thoughtful, talented author with an authentic voice.
One of the major strengths of this novel is the discussion of the Mennonite value of nonviolence versus justice and the desire to protect the community. It is always inspiring to hear people stand up for their beliefs in adversity, and that is exactly what this book focuses on. Nonviolence is quite admirable, and since this path is chosen based on faith and belief, it is even more so here.
I also really cared about the characters in this story. Hope’s [mostly predictable but always with a twist] romantic ties to both Jonathon and Ebbie were just fun to read about because Nancy Mehl succeeds in drawing the readers into the lives of all three characters. I genuinely wanted all of them to be happy, no matter the outcome… and I was happy about how everything turned out.
That being said, I think I preferred the first book in the series to this one. I think I found the story more believable and less contrived. Now, I haven’t ever lived near large Mennonite communities so I’m not really sure if there is a history of conflict from “outsiders,” but this book took much more suspension of disbelief for me to get into.
All in all, I’d recommend this book… but probably only if you have already read the first in the series and care about the characters. I wasn’t ever close to not finishing this book but I can’t say it’s my favorite of all time. But if you have read Inescapable or are interested in approaches to nonviolence, do check it out!

What are you reading lately?

Reviews

Book Review: The Tutor’s Daughter

April 10, 2013April 9, 2013 Sarah

I have another book review to share with you today, courtesy of the blogging review program offered by Bethany House Publishers. This time I read The Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen.

Here is a description of the book from the publisher:

Determined to help her father when his boarding school fails, Emma Smallwood accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementoes? When suspicious acts escalate, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart?

As usual, here’s my 5 point review:

I’m not normally into Regency-era novels, but Julie Klassen is my exception. She makes settings and characters come so alive that just because this time period isn’t my thing, I just don’t mind. Love that!
Though I am not a Regency-era fan, I did enjoy Emma’s character immensely. Her love of learning and literature, as well as devotion to her father and respect for her aunt is so admirable.
Speaking of Julie Klassen, one thing that I appreciate about her as a writer is that she gives the reader what they need to know, without revealing too much. Many Christian fiction books are incredibly predictable–even the ones with intrigue [read: almost every review posted on my blog]–so this is just refreshing. In this story, just when I thought I had figured out what was happening, there was an unexpected twist, and bam! back to square one in detective school for me. This happened several times, and in my opinion, that always makes for a better story.
Though this wasn’t a story told from two time periods, Emma’s history with the two older sons of the baronet definitely is important. I can’t tell you more than that–remember, unexpected twists?!? But seriously, Emma’s relationships with each of the four brothers is very different and has consequences as the story progresses.
All in all, this is a book that does not disappoint. It has a little of everything–romance, drama, mystery, intrigue–but not too much of anything so as to be overwhelming. It’s clean and wholesome, but not too ridiculous or overflowing with Christian fiction craziness. The book was obviously well written and researched to be true to 19th century England. I would certainly read it again and again, and hope you will too.

P.S. Here’s a link to the book trailer… check it out! 🙂

What are you reading lately?