Book Review: So True a Love by Amber Lynn Perry

Kitty Campbell knows that leaving the dangers of Boston behind for a more tranquil life in Sandwich is God's will for her. But not even twenty-four hours after arriving in the small sea-side town, she witnesses a terrible crime and is forced to stay silent or her family will be made to suffer. And yet, as the consequences for remaining quiet threaten more than just her family, Kitty is desperate to unload her burden. When handsome doctor Nathaniel Smith comes to her rescue more than once, she is tempted to risk everything by revealing what she knows, as her hidden attraction to the courageous patriot builds into much more than childish infatuation. When Doctor Nathaniel Smith discovers the town's ammunition stores have been raided, he knows immediately who to blame—the hated Tories. Desperate to keep the remaining powder out of enemy hands, he vows to find the men responsible. Then when Kitty Campbell is brutally assaulted and refuses to name her attacker, he suspects she might know something and keeps a closer watch for her safety, only to discover a fleeting attraction he harbored long ago threatens to grow into something akin to love. Yet, he knows a Tory and a Patriot would make a terrible match.

My Thoughts...

In this enticing new read from the Daughters of His Kingdom series, Amber Lynn Perry draws readers in to experience for the second time in a row how marvelous this world of mystery, secrets, and a fight for liberty, and the right to take action. Such a pleasure to devour this sequel; everything was just as it was in the first book, but even more spectacular and intriguing. Following the continuing journey of Kitty and Nathaniel especially, the fight to have freedom of opinions was the main theme, a theme that is unique and different than the customary ones of love, second chances, etc. One cannot go any longer without talking about these fabulous characters, especially the adorable couple, Kitty and Nathaniel. Words cannot express the chemistry that happens between the outspoken, blunt Torry and the charming Patriot physician! My absolute favourite moment was the time when Kitty had to drop some clothes off at Nathaniel's house.I laughed so hard and squealed at that part particularly, engrossed in the impeccable writing, creating imagery that so seldom exists in adult literature these days. I could picture dusty bound copies of Nathaniel's study, the dark oak walls, or a forest with ruts everywhere, a place where Kitty finds herself most times, not to mention the parties held by friends of Thomas and Eliza, scenes played out with richness. The beliefs that Kitty holds in the beginning compared to the end were interesting, following her path towards a belief that she didn't then understand, but found towards the end. I loved the journey that Nathaniel takes too, in that he has to learn that people can have contrasting views, but can care and love each other even though they are divided in some political way. Reading So True a Love by Amber Lynn Perry was by far my ultimate favourite book this month, and no doubt, one of the best for this year. The sequel is just as good, and deserves to be read.

-ShewolfLia17  

Book Review: Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond

When the life she planned for herself is snatched away, Sophia's eyes open to the life God has planned for her.

Sophia Makinoff is sure that 1876 is the year she's going to become the wife of an up-and-coming congressman. But when the congressman humiliates her by proposing to her mousy roommate, Sophia wants nothing more than to disappear and avoid the wedding plans. She grasps at her first opportunity for escape and signs up for the Board of Foreign Missions.

She thinks she'll be going to China . . . but even running away doesn't go as planned when she's instead sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the Dakota Territory. It's an abysmal, primitive place for a lady of society, but as she gets to know the people, she discovers she can't abandon them. The motives that led her there were anything but pure, but she finds a new purpose in trying to protect "the least of these."

The water rushes around her—literally and figuratively—as Sophia learns that the only way to fulfill her purpose is to ignore the distractions and focus on God's leading.

Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond may remind one of another novel written by Catherine Marshall, Christy. Sometimes readers don't know where to start because there is just too many good things in a read. This is the case for me, with spiritual endeavors, the concept of loving each person, and the battle to save misunderstood people on the brink of extinction. Catherine Richmond does a remarkable job filling out the pleasant main characters, including secondary ones, writing with honesty, and raw emotions as these tough characters hold onto what little they had, their gifts that they take great joy in. The main female character, Sophia, is a flighty type, travelling all over the world to see what it has to offer, from France, her homeland Russia, and North America. Surprisingly though, she can carry her own share of work, and knows how to survive, and take care of others, especially the Ponca students. Through increasingly difficulties that affect each person in a real way, Sofia, Will, and the others learn to ignore the rushing waters around them, and focus on what God has planned for them. Some scenes will move readers, vivid memories of history that comes to light about the treatment of the Poncas in the United States, and the fictional account that brings readers to an understanding about the struggles that the Aboriginals might have faced, and the harsh realities sometimes only experienced in the tv shows. This read is absolutely recommended to historical lovers and a yearning to learn more about what the Lord has in store for you, and how He can demonstrates His love in events such as this one.

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

Irish immigrant James O’Leary has spent his life building Irish Meadows into a thriving horse farm and is not about to let hard economic times threaten its success. He intends for his daughters to marry prosperous men–ones who will secure the family’s rightful place in society, and at the same time, guarantee the future of Irish Meadows. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.

Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their father expects them to marry well. Yet despite his wishes, Brianna, the quieter sister, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry–as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards. When stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from college and distant family member Rylan Montgomery stops in on his way to the seminary in Boston, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

This book intrigued me from the stunning cover of a young woman with green eyes and red hair. A bit worried reading the first few chapters about two characters who closely resembled Anne and Gilbert, my fears were put to rest as these characters took on different personalities, quirks, and ambitions. One factor that rises above all other books I have read recently that dominated basically the whole plot was character development, and how it transformed the leading people and the plot in general. Readers find themselves tangled in these characters lives, how they think and react towards eachother, their motives, and their realizations at the outcomes. Every fictional person in this story could have been the main character based on their depths, something that is lacking in many novels out there today, and this focus on character development and others helping struggling ones with their past, their present, and their future problems. I adored each character in some way, the quiet ones with insecurities, the restless ones with their need to feel enough, and the helpful ones who can help turn others lives around. Deeply impacted by this clean read, I recommend any historical fiction reader to pick this debut novel up!

Book Review: Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love. 

My Thoughts...

    Last Christmas vacation, I read a book called A Fault in Our Stars. My favorite character, and also the main character of the book was Hazel Grave Lancaster. She was a sixteen-year-old American girl who had cancer in her lungs. Since that time she thought everything was the side effect of dying. Once in the support group she met two teenagers who were called Isaac and Augustus. Augustus had had one leg amputate.  After the support group, Augustus invited Hazel to his home and had a long onversation. Hazel recommended her favorite book,  An Imperial Affliction to Augustus, but this was an incomplete book. Then, the whole story commences about the book. They had a special experience about different people, love and death. Hazel underwent her most beautiful sixteenth year.  

        Why Hazel is my favorite character? At first, I just simply felt compassionate about Hazel. But then I found that she was wise to some extent. For the world she lived in, she had her own understanding. And I like her understanding even if it seems a little bit weird. For example, she said, 'almost everything is a side effect of dying'. I thought she was right. Some of the cancer people thought only cancer people could understand cancer people. I think that is a side effort of dying, too. They are utterly wrong. The thing that made them think we couldn't communicate is their cancer, and that their death may come early, but actually people's fear of death is the same. So I think we can understand them if they don't refuse. One of the reasons I liked Hazel is she didn't always care about cancer. She seldom thought something like' I'm cancerous person, so I can't……'. In the book I found  I liked her love of family and friends, her temperament, and her hobby. She never discarded herself.  She liked reading books. I  laughed when she dressed like the main character in her favorite book to meet the author—— it seems a little bit idiotic isn't it? But that is exactly what I used to do too. Maybe we are the same to some extent... When she became my favorite character was when Augustus's cancer suddenly relapsed, but asked her not to call 911. I couldn't be calm when my best love suffered from bad pain, but Hazel did. She called 911 in spite of Augustus saying he would never forgive her if she did that. Then she grabbed his face in her hand, and said,' I love you.'  I was really moved at that moment, before the ambulance found them. Hazel stopped Augustus from shirking, and forced both of them to face the truth. At that time I know how strong she was. She didn’t panic, or cry. Since then I have to confess I admired her.

        I was so grateful that Hazel could become acquainted with Augustus and full in love with him in her lifetime. I was so grateful that I could get acquainted Hazel, too. She changed my thinking about cancer and cancerous people. She showed me what love in youth looked like. What's more, she gave me a new impression of life and death. I hope more and more people could share this special journey with me. Perhaps we may get different understanding and draw different conclusion, but trust me please. This is something that shouldn't be missed. 

       

-Lily

Book Review: a Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle

It was a dark and stormy night; Meg Murry, her small brother Charles Wallace, and her mother had come down to the kitchen for a midnight snack when they were upset by the arrival of a most disturbing stranger.

"Wild nights are my glory," the unearthly stranger told them. "I just got caught in a downdraft and blown off course. Let me be on my way. Speaking of way, by the way, there is such a thing as a tesseract".

Meg's father had been experimenting with this fifth dimension of time travel when he mysteriously disappeared. Now the time has come for Meg, her friend Calvin, and Charles Wallace to rescue him. But can they outwit the forces of evil they will encounter on their heart-stopping journey through space? 

My Thoughts...

The book "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeline L'Engle is about the adventure of siblings Meg and Charles Wallace Murry and their classmate Calvin O'Keefe in which they try to rescue Meg and Charles's father. It is an exciting science fiction novel that was first published back in 1962.  Since 1962, the book has been made into a television series, movie, play, opera and graphic novel.

After a troubled girl named Meg and her five-year old genius brother Charles Wallace's father mysteriously disappears while experimenting with the tesseract, they are joined by three immortal creatures, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs Who, and Mrs. Which, alongside Meg's classmate Calvin O'Keefe to help save him. Due to the fact that their father is being imprisoned on another planet, the three Mrs. W's transport Meg, Charles and Calvin to the planet of Camazotz where they must take on the evil leader "IT".

Although "IT" is a giant disembodied brain, "IT" is much smarter than Charles Wallace and soon possesses Charles and makes him into a robot-like creature.  What had started as a rescue mission for Meg and Charles's father turns into a rescue mission for Charles too.  This book ends in a way one must only read!

Not being a very big reader, I was lost trying to choose a book for my ISP.  I was very glad Mrs. G. recommended to me "A Wrinkle in Time".  The book is interesting, easy to read and unique.  After reading this book, I have no complaints and would definitely recommend it to anyone.

-Matthew