This was an absolutely refreshing novel in the year 1815 that keeps you guessing. When most novels would have ended somewhere in Chapter 12, this one goes on through Chapter 20 + Epilogue and only got more intriguing.
The author does a fine job of explaining terms that we don't use today, but that were common in the 1800's. One of them that really interested me was the "summer kitchen." It so happens my grandmother had one on her farm, and it was exactly as described in this book, and for the same usage... space away from the main house to keep the heat from the ovens out of the main house during harvest/canning time. Another note of interest was the mention of and use of 'vomit powder'! That also added intrigue to the story.
Foods are always of interest, and this book told of plenty of different ones, ie, a Yankee casserole of chicken hash! Readers will love all the stuff you will learn, as you read this romantic, touching, and interesting story of privateering, lost child, kidnapped woman, and unfaithfulness.
I was given a free copy of this book from Bethany House publishers for review, and was not required to give any view except my own.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Reviewing BLIND HOPE by Kim Meeder & Laurie Sacher
From beginning to end, this true story will grab your heart, instruct, and along with tears, make you smile and say "God IS good and all-caring--all creatures great and small.' This is the story of an unwanted dog and the woman she rescued. The authors are located in Oregon at a ranch that generally takes in abused horses and along with that, youngsters who need help as well; the two working together, heal each other.
Important issues that are brought out in good taste include the hidden inner anguish this girl has put herself through. She was raised in a loving, good Christian home that attended church regularly, but as she describes her 'fall' all parents need to be watching for the signs she lists: joining the rebellious crowd where 'no one is ever at fault', moral code slackens, blaming others for what she didn't want to change; did not take responsibility for her own choices, changing her clothing from modest to tight and revealing and wore heavy, dark makeup. She matched her internal pain with external piercings.
The dog the girl is rescuing is dirty, unkempt, and sickly -- soon the dog goes blind, and she has to train it to get along without injuring itself. She concludes that much of the dilemma she has with the dog is the same as what her parents once had with her i.e., how does she allow the dog to learn from her own mistakes without being harmed by them... now she understands how hard it must have been for her parents when she had more selfish desires than sense. In the training of her dog she sees that it was not words that changed her actions but the consequences. Pain.
All her life she has faked knowing things just to please people and make friends, including her relationship with God. She finally understands she needed to pursue her relationship with God, for real. Previously she believed nothing was her fault, that things just 'happened' to her so she was the victim and had no responsibility to change.
The beauty in the story is when she concludes with the thought that no one ever warned her that when you rescue a dog, the life you save might be your own.
The book is filled with photos of the girl and the dog, and is beautiful to read. I highly recommend this book for all parents to read as well as teens and young adults. It can help those having difficulty as well as those put in authority to teach.
"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review." and was not required to give a positive review.
Important issues that are brought out in good taste include the hidden inner anguish this girl has put herself through. She was raised in a loving, good Christian home that attended church regularly, but as she describes her 'fall' all parents need to be watching for the signs she lists: joining the rebellious crowd where 'no one is ever at fault', moral code slackens, blaming others for what she didn't want to change; did not take responsibility for her own choices, changing her clothing from modest to tight and revealing and wore heavy, dark makeup. She matched her internal pain with external piercings.
The dog the girl is rescuing is dirty, unkempt, and sickly -- soon the dog goes blind, and she has to train it to get along without injuring itself. She concludes that much of the dilemma she has with the dog is the same as what her parents once had with her i.e., how does she allow the dog to learn from her own mistakes without being harmed by them... now she understands how hard it must have been for her parents when she had more selfish desires than sense. In the training of her dog she sees that it was not words that changed her actions but the consequences. Pain.
All her life she has faked knowing things just to please people and make friends, including her relationship with God. She finally understands she needed to pursue her relationship with God, for real. Previously she believed nothing was her fault, that things just 'happened' to her so she was the victim and had no responsibility to change.
The beauty in the story is when she concludes with the thought that no one ever warned her that when you rescue a dog, the life you save might be your own.
The book is filled with photos of the girl and the dog, and is beautiful to read. I highly recommend this book for all parents to read as well as teens and young adults. It can help those having difficulty as well as those put in authority to teach.
"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review." and was not required to give a positive review.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Reviewing NEED YOU NOW by Beth Wiseman
Reading NEED YOU NOW was like reading/hearing local news stories; it was so current and up to date but with solutions as well. The family is a modern day family with modern day problems including adjustments from city life with teenagers to dealing with them in a calm-country setting. The problems they discover with their 'perfect' daughter will break your heart as you realize this could happen to any family.
I was captivated by the story and the many many surprises as well as sad happenings. While I didn't like what some of the characters 'did' I also had to realize this story is trying to depict what could happen in real life; and sometimes adults as well as teenagers make bad choices and must be responsible for their actions.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but at the end of it, I thought it should have gone on a few more pages to 'finish' some of the things that were left undone in the character's lives. Without giving anything away, I will mention Dave and his daughter Cara with the extraordinary art talent; teenage son Chad and Skylar, as well as Grace... I didn't think the 'fruit tree' handled it all!
I received this book free from BookSneeze for my honest review. I would definitely recommend the book for others to read because I believe it would be very helpful with spotting deceptions, avoiding temptations, being a true friend to those around us.
I was captivated by the story and the many many surprises as well as sad happenings. While I didn't like what some of the characters 'did' I also had to realize this story is trying to depict what could happen in real life; and sometimes adults as well as teenagers make bad choices and must be responsible for their actions.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but at the end of it, I thought it should have gone on a few more pages to 'finish' some of the things that were left undone in the character's lives. Without giving anything away, I will mention Dave and his daughter Cara with the extraordinary art talent; teenage son Chad and Skylar, as well as Grace... I didn't think the 'fruit tree' handled it all!
I received this book free from BookSneeze for my honest review. I would definitely recommend the book for others to read because I believe it would be very helpful with spotting deceptions, avoiding temptations, being a true friend to those around us.
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