reading – Page 11 – The Pajama Chef

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?

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

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: Outrageous Courage

June 26, 2013June 25, 2013 Sarah

Today I have a fabulous biography to review for you: Outrageous Courage by Kris & Jason Vallotton, courtesy of the blogging review program offered by Bethany House Publishers [in association with Chosen Books].

Here is a description of the book from the publisher [or more accurately, from the authors]:

Contained in these pages is a story
that will change your life.
Consider yourself warned.

Dear Reader,

This is the story of one of the most courageous, radically obedient people we know.

Tracy Evans, a physician assistant, has treated rebel guerillas while captive on an Asian island. She’s sipped tea in a Mozambican hut while bullets whistled through the grass walls. She’s cared for 900 HIV-positive orphans.

In these pages you will find not only gripping, unembellished true stories of Tracy’s exploits around the globe, but the more amazing account of what God can do with–and through–one person’s raw faith and obedience.

Tracy’s life has had an unbelievable impact on us, our families and our friends. We pray that you, too, will be inspired to radical obedience, faith adventures and wild trust in God’s power and purpose for your life.

Put on your seatbelt and let the journey begin!

Love in Christ, Kris Vallotton, Jason Vallotton

As usual, here’s my five point review:

First of all, I must say that I cannot think of a more appropriate title to this book, because Tracy Evans definitely lives a life filled with outrageous courage. For many people, courage comes in small doses and is applied in situations of [relatively] little import, such as asking someone out on a date, confronting a coworker, etc. For Tracy Evans, her demonstrations of courage are often quite literally involving life and death–risking her physical health, finances, and freedom to share the gospel and Jesus’ love. If that’s not outrageous courage, I don’t know what is.
Initially I was attracted to Tracy’s story because she is currently working with HIV+ orphans in Mozambique (southern Africa). Since one of my academic fields of study is Africa, the continent obviously interests me, and I love reading about God’s work there. The stories I read about her work in Mozambique (and really, around the globe… but more on that later) are astonishing and miraculous. No better way to put it, and so, even though I was interested in her story of mission work on a continent that I love, this book has taught me so many lessons about faith, even here as an American Christian. So the next three points reflect those lessons, but I do hope you’ll check out the book because there are many, many more.
The authors are very clear early on that this book is not to glorify Tracy’s life, but rather, God. I appreciate that, because sometimes missions books [or even the Christian media] can blur the line a little bit. It’s easy to do in our own lives, as well. So this biography has caused me to consider who I am seeking to glorify in my actions: myself or my God. I hope and pray it is the latter.
Tracy’s life has been filled with hardship and struggle, yet she is definitely a woman of joy. She has given her life to God’s mission and that has taken her around the world in the US military, in LA, in the Philippines, and in Mozambique. Her story has inspired me to seek joy instead of happiness, to see how the Lord wants to use me and then let my attitude be reflective of that, not my circumstances.
Lastly, this book has challenged me in regard to my spiritual beliefs about the miraculous and supernatural. I don’t have time to go into all my personal beliefs about this subject, but I will say that I tend to be more conservative. If you have questions or want to discuss this further, just email me and we’ll talk [pajamachef at gmail dot com]. 🙂 I certainly believe that the stories of God’s work outlined in this book are true, and that God works through people in miraculous ways, here and now. However, the circumstances of these supernatural events: healings, provision, etc. were truly miraculous and beyond my realm of easy to believe. This book has given me much to think about and has challenged me to be more faithful, more obedient, and more courageous. I think this is a story that you will love no matter where you are in your faith journey because of the inspirational life that Tracy lives and the way that she prioritizes her beliefs over everything else in life.

What are you reading lately?

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

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?