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Book Review: The Wiregrass

August 20, 2015August 19, 2015 Sarah

Today I have a fabulous book to share with you: Pamela Webber’s The Wiregrass. I was contacted earlier in the summer about the possibility of reviewing this book as part of the release tour. After checking out the book a little online, I didn’t hesitate to say yes! And I hope you’ll pick up this title too–if you like historical fiction, Southern literature, or good characters, this book is for you! Read on to find out more. 🙂

But first, a description of the book from the publisher:

The Wiregrass is a coming of age novel about an innocent young woman who is forced to come to grips with the evil stalking the beautiful place and people she loves. Having spent every summer of her life in the small Wiregrass town of Crystal Springs, Alabama, Nettie is hoping for a respite from the unrelenting physical and emotional changes that have made her first year of high school pure misery. But fate has other plans.

A chance encounter with Mitchell, a seductively handsome, yet secretive young man, turns Nettie’s summer and her heart upside down. As their romance blooms, Nettie becomes suspicious that Mitchell is harboring a dark and dangerous secret, one that will ultimately rock the heart of the sleepy little town and have Nettie and those she loves running for their lives.

Set in 1969, the story uses the uniqueness of the Southern Wiregrass region to support engaging and captivating characters as they take the reader on a roller coaster ride of lingering emotions, from laugh out loud funny to soul crushing sadness.

And as usual, my five point review:

Let’s start with the obvious: the sense of place in this book is phenomenal. Though I am now living in the South, the Wiregrass region was still unfamiliar to me until Nettie explained that it was both a part of the country [southeastern Alabama, southern Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle] and a type of bristly, razor-sharp grass that gave the region its name. Though I’ve never really been to the true Deep South, Webber’s imagery made the area come alive like other Southern classics [To Kill a Mockingbird, for example]. The author truly transplanted me from my lounge chair [oh yeah–this is a great pool/beach read] to a place far, far away in geography, time, culture, and habits. Lovely.
Another element of this book that made Webber, a first-time novelist, stand out to me was her use of language. Sometimes when novels that focus on children or adolescents, even when written for adults, dumb down the language. Not so with The Wiregrass! Every paragraph, sentence, and word was precise, smart, and interesting. Webber used sensory language to evoke that sense of place mentioned before, and her use of Southern dialogue was great. Nettie’s cousins weren’t just “cousins,” they were “cussins” [for more reasons than one]. Her “Ain’t Pitty” was the key adult shaping Nettie and the cousins’ summer–caring for them, loving them, instructing them, and guiding them through some very good and very bad times. There are countless other examples of language creating place and mood throughout the book. Truthfully for me, that sort of Southern language gets old after awhile… but it does set this book apart and helps show the author’s talent.
There are so many great characters in this novel. I keep asking myself who I was most captivated and engaged by, and I keep coming back to Mitchell. Much of what we learn about him throughout the book comes from others–from Nettie, from Ain’t Pitty, from people around Crystal Springs. You’ll have to read it and see why he’s so captivating. His story is one of beauty and utter heartbreak. While the official “description” of the book casts his relationship with Nettie as a romance, I would have to [slightly] disagree. Yes, they are romantically involved… but you have to remember they’re kids! I didn’t see their romance play out as much more than intense friendship, so don’t go into this book expecting a romance novel because you won’t find it.
Aside from the great writing and characters, I loved reading about all the childhood rituals that Nettie and her cousins shared. Some innocent… and some not-so-innocent [think TP-ing and other ways kids get into trouble during those hot summer days and nights]. Age-wise in the middle of the group, Nettie bridges the gap between the older and younger cousins in a fun way. You can see her grow up right before her eyes, even without the Mitchell storyline. I could see my childhood summers in these stories… a fun time to reminisce.
Overall, The Wiregrass incorporates mystery and drama, the coming-of-age adolescence angst, explorations of childhood, and so much more. It touches on issues important to past, present, and future America such as class, race, etc. without making too much of a statement. The sadness/harsh reality/mystery element in all its intensity does not spoil the sweet childhood memories that Nettie and her cousins build, but it does change things. I won’t spoil the ending, but it IS truly poignant and a little surprising. I could hardly put the book down! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! I won’t tell you to not read this book in the fall or winter or spring… but it’s truly a summer read so check it out now! 🙂

What are you reading lately?

Disclosure: I received an advanced copy of this book from Webber’s publicist, Stephanie Barko. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own. Thanks for the chance to read this book!

Reviews

Book Review: A Love Like Ours

June 29, 2015June 28, 2015 Sarah

Finally! Another book review featuring a book from one of my favorite authors, Becky Wade. I’ve reviewed her others books on the blog before–My Stubborn Heart, Undeniably Yours, and Meant to Be Mine. Her first novel is a standalone book, but the last three, A Love Like Ours included, are part of the Porter Family Series. I would want to be part of the Porter family if I wasn’t part of my family, so I was thrilled to read and review the latest tale of this great family.

First, the description of the book from the publisher:

Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion’s reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake’s will, Lyndie’s sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he’d thought he’d lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

My five point review:

Finally! If you’ve read any of the other Porter Family novels, you’ve heard about Jake. Now we finally get to meet him. And meet him we do. Jake is a man with a past, deeply affected by his military service and subsequent struggles with PTSD. I was super impressed with how Becky Wade handled this seriously, sensitively, and thoughtfully. She was very respectful but also thorough in sharing Jake’s struggles, especially through flashbacks. Some talented writing there.
Moving onto the female lead… Lyndie! She’s as sweet as can be, but don’t worry. She isn’t sugary sweet to the point of ridiculousness, but rather, relatable and strong, with enough tough life situations of her own to keep her normal. Lyndie is the caretaker of her family, thrust into that role as she grew up with a sister with cystic fibrosis.
Though I don’t know anything about horse racing, reading about life on a horse farm, life at the racetrack, and Silver Leaf was awesome. I took horseback riding lessons for a couple years, so I’m no stranger to horses, though I haven’t ridden for a few years. This was just such a unique setting for a romance novel. I love it! The sense of place was incredible.
There was one element of this novel that I didn’t like. Though I can’t get into it too much without spoiling the story, I was disappointed in the ending. Though relationships do require sacrifice I wasn’t impressed with this level of sacrifice. I didn’t think it was truly necessary. Despite that, the romance was believable, fun, and cute. Jake + Lyndie 4eva!! Ha ha ha! 🙂
Overall though, I loved this book. I constantly was laughing and wishing I was part of this sweet little world. Becky Wade has a magical way with words. If you like to read, you’ll love this book!

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: Where Trust Lies

May 7, 2015May 5, 2015 Sarah

Happy Book Review Day! Or, Happy Thursday! Either way, it’s a good day because we’re halfway through the work week. Today I want to share my review of Where Trust Lies by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan. I received a copy of this book through the Bethany House Blogger Review Program and am glad I had the chance to read it! It’s the sequel to another book I reviewed last spring, Where Courage Calls.

Here is a description of the book from the publisher:

She loves her friends and students in the West, but family obligations have called her home. Where does she truly belong?

After a year of teaching in the Canadian West, Beth Thatcher returns home to her family. She barely has time to settle in before her mother announces plans for a family holiday–a luxurious steamship tour along the eastern coast of Canada and the United States. Hoping to reconnect with her mother and her sisters, Beth agrees to join them, but she quickly realizes that things have changed since she went away, and renewing their close bond is going to be more challenging than she expected.

There’s one special thing to look forward to–letters and telephone calls from Jarrick, the Mountie who has stolen her heart. The distance between them is almost too much to bear. But can she give her heart to Jarrick when it will mean saying good-bye to her family once again–and possibly forever? And will she still want to live in the western wilds after the steamship tour opens up a world of people and places she never imagined?

Then comes a great test of Beth’s faith. Someone in her family has trusted the wrong person, and suddenly everything Beth knows and loves is toppled. Torn between her family and her dreams, will Beth finally discover where her heart truly belongs?

A companion story to Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart TV series!

And as usual, my five point review:

This novel, set in the 1800s, continues the story of Beth Thatcher. In the last book, she survived a year teaching in the wilds of western Canada. Now she’s back with her family in Toronto and ready to go on an adventure with her mom and sisters, and some family friends for good measure. Though this is a sequel, it works well as a stand alone novel so don’t be put off if you haven’t read the first installment. To me, that’s the mark of a good series… include some content that bridges the gap between two books, but not enough that you have to spend the whole novel rehashing the past.
I don’t always love the romance elements in Christian novels, but this one truly felt genuine and warm. I could so relate to Beth and Jarrick’s quest to talk and write and get to know each other from afar. They were so sweet to each other, even when they didn’t interact. Absolutely precious!
The main element of conflict in this novel was alluded to throughout the novel. You just knew something was coming. Beth’s sister Julie is impetuous and daring. On their journey, she befriends several girls and a young man from the United States and truly ends up in danger [oh those Americans]! While you know [because this is a book] that all will end well, the journey to the resolution was tense, masterfully crafted, and thrilling. While I don’t want to spoil the ending for you, I will say that how things turn out are not EXACTLY as I would have predicted, but I did approve. 🙂
I loved Beth so much in the last novel that I was a bit let down by her in this one. Though I was still captivated by her story and charmed by her sweetness, she didn’t seem to be as strong… but maybe her softness came out more when she was safe with her family. Isn’t that true for us all?
In general, while this was a great light read, with an interesting storyline, I liked the first book in the series better. The setting was more intriguing and the characters drew me in more. I would certainly recommend this book if you like Janette Oke, Beth Thatcher, or late 1800s travel though. It’s well worth the read as long as you know what to expect!

What are you reading lately?

Reviews

Book Review: Beyond All Dreams

March 30, 2015May 6, 2015 Sarah

Elizabeth Camden is a librarian in Florida and she’s also the author of some great books. Her latest, Beyond All Dreams, is up for review today. I received a review copy and am excited to share it with you!

Here is a description of the book from the publisher:

Anna O’Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help.

Luke Callahan was one of the nation’s most powerful congressmen before his promising career was shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship. Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglements with members of Congress.

From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation’s finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they’ve ever dreamed for their futures?

As usual, my five point review:

Anna, like the author [AND ME! :)], is a librarian. She’s a librarian at the Library of Congress [LOC] in 1897, as the new [read: current] LOC building was being completed. How cool would that have been?!? Anna’s dream was to work as a map librarian at the LOC and she achieved it! I’ve never dreamed of working at the LOC but now I think that’d be pretty darn sweet, though I do love my job. So naturally, Anna and I have become pals. She’s a sweet woman and as the book goes along, she becomes spunky and energetic which is awesome. Way to defy the passive librarian stereotype!
Luke, her romantic counterpart, is an equally compelling character. He’s passionate about peace and family, and as the novel progresses, his tendencies are explained in more detail. Result? He’s a total heartbreaker. And I mean that in so many ways! #nospoilerhere He’s a GREAT character to get to know and I loved him.
The historical and physical setting of this book, aside from the LOC, is perfect. The author makes turn of the century DC truly come alive–political intrigue, military drama, and historical details are spot on. If you’ve been to DC, this will give you a glimpse at the city’s past. If you know your history, this will make some events more real to you–and provide more detail for historical events such as the US/Cuba relations and the Spanish-American War. I will mention that the author does share at the end that the main ship in question in this book was not real, but loosely based on another historical ship. So you can’t exactly view current events through the lens of this book, but it does offer a good perspective for the historical relationship between the US, Spain, and Cuba. Interesting stuff!
I really liked the message of this novel and the themes of trust, vulnerability, and dedication. The characters had a lot to overcome and they did it without “magic” because they were Christians. The faith themes are toned down, genuine, and there’s some roughness around the edge of the plot [in comparison to most Christian fiction, not in terms of how developed the plot is]. That’s A-OK with me! The mystery element was thrilling too.
Lastly, as a librarian, I found Elizabeth Camden’s librarian-related lines hilarious. I mean really–does this not make you chuckle? “”This is a library,” she said, trying to calm her heart to a normal rate. “We generally try to avoid howling like banshees.”” (page 95) I will say that if a non-librarian said some of these things I would take offense to them, but coming from her [and she even went to Indiana University just like me!] it’s super funny! There was one incident on page 56 where Anna and Luke were squabbling about writing in a book [that turned out not to be a library book]. I LOL’d at that. And with that, I’ll leave you with one quote I loved, from page 183: “She wasn’t built for this kind of stress. That was why she’d become a librarian, so she could live a quiet life surrounded by books and maps and not worry about political enemies coming out of the woodwork to arrest you or demote you or turn you into a national laughingstock.” There are many more funny quotes but you’ll have to crack open the book to read them on your own! 🙂 Enjoy!!

What are you reading lately?

Reviews

Cookbook Review: Supermarket Healthy

February 21, 2015December 14, 2015 Sarah

I know everyone has differing opinions on the Food Network. Personally, I love it. I think the cooking competitions are so fun, especially Guy’s Grocery Games, Cutthroat Kitchen, and the Next Food Network Star. The first year Ben and I were married, we discovered the Next Food Network and watched Melissa d’Arabian win it all! That’s why I was so excited to receive a copy of her new cookbook, Supermarket Healthy, from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Here is a description of the cookbook from the publisher:

Food Network star and New York Times bestselling author Melissa d’Arabian proves that healthy eating at home is easy, achievable, and affordable.

Everyone wants to feel good about what they are eating, serving guests, and feeding their families, but most of us don’t do our weekly shopping at pricey specialty stores– we do it at the local supermarket and we don’t want it to break the bank. In her second book, Melissa demystifies the task of preparing nutritious and delicious food by showing exactly how you can make your grocery store work for you. She offers helpful strategies for shopping, cooking, and entertaining, as well as meal blueprints and nutritional information throughout. This book will make you confident about the food you’re buying, preparing, and eating. Delicious recipes like Almond Waffles with Raspberry-Basil Sauce, Kale and White Bean Caesar Salad in a Jar, Slow-Roasted Tomato Spaghettini, Flatiron Steaks with Quick Cauliflower Kimchi, and Flourless Fudgy Dream Cookies have something for every type of eater at every meal of the day. No matter your favorite flavors or dietary needs, cooking on a budget is empowering– and now you can learn how to make every bite count. If cooking at home is the key to healthy living, Supermarket Healthy is the only tool you’ll need.

And as usual, my five point review:

This is a beautiful cookbook. I know one of the draws of blogs over cookbooks is that [hopefully beautiful] photos accompany every recipe, and sure, I do love that. But cookbooks are their own breed of beautiful too even when each recipe doesn’t have its own photo. I love having the recipe printed in front of me, instead of worrying about keeping my iPad clean in the kitchen. And this cookbook is gorgeous… pretty typography, pretty pictures, pretty colors… Pretty pretty pretty! It’s a paperback and seems very high quality too.
One thing I love about this cookbook is that almost every recipe sounds like something that we would actually a) like to eat, b) find in the grocery store right by my house instead of at a speciality store, and c) be able to afford on a budget. I’ve already tried a couple: this Caesar salad dressing and also red lentils and quinoa, and there are a few more on my “to make” list in the immediate future: jeweled wild rice pilaf, curry-glazed carrots, sesame and pumpkin-seed breaded chicken, and kale breakfast salad.
I think this cookbook is great both for people who already eat a healthy diet, because it has lots of new, delicious recipes. But I also think it would be great for people looking to eat healthier because the ingredients are simple, easily accessible, and not a bunch of weird one-use ingredients. Melissa also discusses “hot button” issues like organic, buying local, etc. and shares her thoughts on those subjects for an intro to her food philosophy and how SHE shops for her family. She also has a list of pantry staples that can be used in alot of the recipes in this book.
This cookbook also seeks to teach people how to cook, not just how to follow a recipe. Alot of her recipes can be altered by subbing out herbs and spices, or proteins to make a totally different dish. She also has meal “blueprints”–how to make a great frittata, salad, or her favorite 4 step chicken recipe. These seems super helpful!
All in all, this is a cookbook I know I will use time and time again. The meals in this cookbook can easily be accomplished after a day of work. Some can be made ahead of time for work lunches, or dinner later in the week too. I’ve looked at every section of this cookbook and can honestly say that every recipe [all 130+] sound good and sound like something I would make. Maybe I will make them all! 🙂 Definitely add this to your wish list, it’s a great cookbook!

Disclosure: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own. Thanks to Blogging for Books and the publisher, Clarkson Potter Publishers, for the chance to read this great cookbook!