Book Review: The Passion of Mary-Margaret by Lisa Samson

Mary-Margaret yearned to dedicate her life to the Lord. Jesus had another idea.

When Mary-Margaret Fischer met Jude Keller, the lighthouse keeper's son, she was studying at a convent school on a small island off Chesapeake Bay. Destined for a life as a religious sister, she nevertheless felt a pull toward Jude--gorgeous, rebellious, promiscuous Jude. But Jude, driven by demons no one really understood, disappeared into Baltimore's seamy red-light district. Mary-Margaret moved on with her life, preparing to serve God with her sisters as a teacher and artist.

Then Jude comes home--but now he's bitter, dissolute, and diseased. And Mary-Margaret receives a divine call that shakes her to the core, a call to give up her dreams for the troubled man who befriended her so long ago. For Jesus' sake, can she forsake the only life she ever wanted for a love that could literally cost her life?

My Thoughts...

Lisa Samson is one of my favourite authors and a Christy award winner. (What is a Christy Award? It is an award given annually to novels of excellence that are written from a Christian worldview.)  I had already read her book “Quaker Summer” and loved it so I was ready for “The Passion of Mary-Margaret.”  This book is a bit gut-wrenching for the reader as we follow Mary-Margaret through her life; first as an orphan, in love with the wild boy Jude, then as an idealistic young woman seeking to follow her vocation as a nun, and finally as a mature Christ-follower who is not afraid to obey that which God has told her to do, especially as it concerns the man that Jude has become. Mary-Margaret was an inspiration to me and hopefully will be to each of you who read about her.

-Bookworm55

Book Review: A Captain for Laura Rose by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Laura Rose White's late father taught her everything he knew about piloting a Missouri River steamboat. He even named their boat after her. Despite that, it seems that Laura will forever be a "cub pilot" to her brother Joe, because in 1867, a female riverboat captain is unheard of. That is, until tragedy strikes and Laura must make the two month journey from St. Louis to Fort Benton and back in order to save her family's legacy, her home, and the only life she's ever known.

The only way for her to overcome the nearly insurmountable odds is with the help of her brother's disreputable friend Finn MacKnight, a skilled pilot with a terrible reputation. Laura loathes having to accept MacKnight as her co-pilot, especially when she learns she must also provide passage for his two sisters. Straight-laced Fiona has a fear of water, and unpredictable Adele seems much too comfortable with the idea of life in the rough and tumble environment of the untamed river and the men who ply it. Though they are thrown together by necessity, this historic journey may lead Laura and the MacKnights to far more than they ever expected. 

My Thoughts...

This novel surprised me more than I would have ever expected. Seeing that it was a popular hoped for book that released this last spring, I was excited for it. Readers thought this a fantastic book for the most part. My thoughts were actually quite different. The very first page starts off slowly. Knowing how many books take time but can be delightful reads, I kept reading. But characters took forever to come to a conclusion and seemed stuck in situations. I was looking forward to the endless, dangerous action that was supposed to take place on the Laura Rose. Finding little to no action and characters needlessly dying, I started to doubt that this was a worthwhile book. 

Beginning with the first character, Laura, she was brave and a very intelligent woman. She was the only character with any depth. She was determined and possessed no silliness in some situations, unlike Fiona and her sister. The two were too annoying and too clueless to figure any situation out without the help of someone else. The author had tried to paint some kind of wild adventure, but instead, seemed too boring to enjoy. There was a small amount of action, but hardly any that interested me for any amount of time. There is a mention of God and how He teaches the main character a special kind of lesson, which was thought provoking. In the end, I labored hard to finish this short novel, dragging through some scenes. It was overall an neutral type of book without much emotion poured into it. It just did not suit my taste, whereas, it might suit others!



-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren

IT'S ONE THING TO BATTLE FOR LIFE...BUT WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN DEATH ITSELF COMES HUNTING? 

The Bettarinis and Forellis have found rich fulfillment together in medieval Italia. But after fighting off countless enemies, they now must face the worst foe of all. As the Black Death closes in upon them, threatening everything and everyone they hold dear, Lia and Gabi–and the knights they love–must dig deep within to decide how they might remain safe…and if they need to risk it all in order to truly live as they’re called. 

My Thoughts...

Okay, so many readers got a little scared that everyone would die in this amazing ending to a beloved series such as this one. And I was one of them! After countless reassurances by the author, I had to find out what became of these brave and courageous characters. The beginning of the book will seem very slow as the plot starts building up and I began to think that this book would not be the same as the rest, and I didn't know if I would like that. But as the story progresses, I realized that the author put that slowness in for a special reason, the only time for peace before the plague. Reaching for my Kleenex box as I finished the two last parts, the characters are forced to learn that every moment of life is precious, instead if wasting it, enjoy and celebrate each and every moment with the people we love. Following each character through some exceptionally hard times was challenging as they waited out the plague. The ending was beautiful and heart wrenching at the same time, leaving a beloved series that I have read throughout the years. 

The characters are older and therefore, face different kinds of problems than in the earlier books. The themes are more mature as Gabi, Lia, Marcello, Luca, and the others navigate these especially challenging years, and what lay ahead for them in the future. I laughed and couldn't stop crying in the second half of the book, constantly wiping my eyes. For readers who are looking forward to reading this book, be emotionally prepared and have a box or two of Kleenex at your side! 

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley

From the servant halls of Cleopatra’s Egyptian palace to the courts of Herod the Great, Lydia will serve two queens to see prophecy fulfilled.

Alexandria, Egypt 39 BC

Orphaned at birth, Lydia was raised as a servant in Cleopatra's palace, working hard to please while keeping everyone at arm's length. She's been rejected and left with a broken heart too many times in her short life.

But then her dying mentor entrusts her with secret writings of the prophet Daniel and charges her to deliver this vital information to those watching for the promised King of Israel. Lydia must leave the nearest thing she’s had to family and flee to Jerusalem. Once in the Holy City, she attaches herself to the newly appointed king, Herod the Great, as handmaid to Queen Mariamme.

Trapped among the scheming women of Herod’s political family—his sister, his wife, and their mothers—and forced to serve in the palace to protect her treasure, Lydia must deliver the scrolls before dark forces warring against the truth destroy all hope of the coming Messiah.

My Thoughts...

I am very surprised this novel was not turned into a series, but it was perfect in writing and length. Since I have a history class that will focus on ancient times, I gladly picked this novel up for a taste of what I was going to learn! Tracy Higley's writing was not only very descriptive but fast paced, taking you back to Egypt and surrounding lands, experiencing it as though you were really there. Characters were drafted according to the real people who had a strong hunger for land and power. Battles, relationships, and events were accurate to the history of ancient Egypt with a few exceptions. This novel spills with plenty of history about these sometimes savage people that roamed the earth, the author has done much research to make this wonderful book. The Christian element is there too, not preachy but since many if the characters are Jews, their religion is displayed. A divine read for a historical fanatic!

The main character, Lydia, is a very relatable person, shy, but has a deep gift for helping people. She distances herself from everyone she meets because she will have to soon say goodbye. Lydia was a brave woman in no need of a man to save her, but still did not seem invincible. There are many characters like Cleopatra whom you would read about and see their thoughts as if you knew the same thoughts that she had in real life. I loved getting into these real characters and seeing just what they really thought of themselves. It is like learning history but on a whole new level! I loved all of Lydia's friends whom she tries not to form a relationship with. I especially loved her relationship with Simon, neither of them focusing on deepening their relationship but only focusing on their devotion for whatever leader they would serve. The ending was promising, neither extremely happy nor sad, but just the right amount. A rich display of history with fantastic writing, what more could you want?

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: The Sweetest Thing by Elizabeth Musser

Anne "Perri" Singleton's world is defined by the security of family, the camaraderie of friends at an exclusive Atlanta girls' school, and an enviable social life. She isn't looking for new friends when Mary Dobbs Dillard arrives from Chicago. Besides, "Dobbs," the passionate and fiercely individualistic daughter of an itinerant minister, is her opposite in every way.

But just as the Great Depression collides disastrously with Perri's well-ordered life, friendship blossoms--a friendship that will be tested by jealousy, betrayal, and family secrets....

With her endearing characters and poignant storytelling, Atlanta native Elizabeth Musser vividly re-creates the charm of her beloved city amid the poverty and plenty that shaped the 1930s.

My Thoughts...

The era of the 1930's was made up of poverty, dark news, but also of dazzling and profound actors that brought memorable entertainment with other little joys. This book reveals both sides of living in the hardest times, and how the people made it through. The Sweetest Thing portrays the characters as they navigate life's hardest questions about life...and death. In this enthralling tale that Musser has intricately woven not only showcases her creative writing and ideas, but how she sees life through a Christ follower's eyes. History lovers will especially appreciate her knowledge of the past, and telling a beautiful tale full of lessons. 

The main character "Perri" Singleton, has known comfort all of her life. Member of a preppy sorority club with tons of friends, parties, and even a thousand men to date per year, she doesn't give a thought about having to sacrifice any of it, until her world falls apart. Forced to dwell on matters and realize the truth, Perri meets Mary Dobbs but is completly her opposite and looks down upon her with distaste. But as high class society starts to collide with middle and even lower classes, Perri forms a friendship with "Dobbs", even with her spiritual ideas that Perri is so skeptical about. I could not really relate to Perri except for the end of the book, when she had learned some lessons. At times I got a little frustrated with how she acted and went back to old habits that she had worked hard to get rid of. I would then read about Dobbs and really relate to her about her doubts and confusion in the midst of tragedy and troubles. Sacrifice, friendship, and especially love are the three most important things at the heart of the story, along with a great mystery to top it off. The characters had an amazing depth to them, making it feel like you were interacting with them, sucked back into time. The lessons included will all relate to each reader in such a personal way, even a stunning cover compliments this pleasant tale that everyone should read.

-SheWolfLia17

Book Review: The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

And then came war . . .

"Today." Sera James spends most of her time arranging auctions for the art world's elite clientele. When her search to uncover an original portrait of an unknown Holocaust victim leads her to William Hanover III, they learn that this painting is much more than it seems.

"Vienna, 1942." Adele Von Bron has always known what was expected of her. As a prodigy of Vienna's vast musical heritage, this concert violinist intends to carry on her family's tradition and play with the Vienna Philharmonic. But when the Nazis learn that she helped smuggle Jews out of the city, Adele is taken from her promising future and thrust into the horrifying world of Auschwitz.

The veil of innocence is lifted to expose a shuddering presence of evil, and Adele realizes that her God-given gift is her only advantage; she must play. Becoming a member of the Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz, she fights for survival. Adele's barbed-wire walls begin to kill her hope as the months drag into nearly two
 years in the camp. With surprising courage against the backdrop of murder and despair, Adele finally confronts a question that has been tugging at her heart: Even in the midst of evil, can she find hope in worshipping God with her gift?

As Sera and William learn more about the subject of the mysterious portrait--Adele--they are reminded that whatever horrors one might face, God's faithfulness never falters.

My Thoughts...

This story was very original, two plots connecting over a span of 70 or so years with emotion seeping out from the pages themselves. It is a story about courage, determination, and love as the readers transfer back in time to experience like never before a painting that told of a remarkable woman. This inspiring tale focuses on the beauty that God has placed uniquely in each persons lives. That gift, when blossomed, brings unknown beauty to even the darkest corners of the earth and brings glory to God. 

It seems very hard to write two totally different plots, let alone connect them in such as way as Cambron did. As a completly original storyline, I was delighted and rushed to pre-order it. After finishing it, I then handed it over to another person, who also enjoyed it immensely. The characters of both plots were realistic, each one having baggage from their pasts and worked it out, not one character was perfect and lived that pure Christian life. The main character, Adele, was a brave figure who fought for the weak and with the help of God and Vladimir, did what she knew was right in her heart. I absolutely loved Vladimir Nicolai who was a vulnerable, selfless, but also relatable character. He wanted to save the Jews with Adele, but needed to protect her from the dangers of hiding and transporting Jews, which could have been a death sentence. Sera James was a like able character, but not one of my favourites. She seemed to jump to conclusions way too often and wreck a perfectly good part. William Hanover was very handsome (as the leading males usually are) and had a large amount of baggage that he slowly reveals all throughout the book. These main characters and supporting were exceptionally strong with a passion for Christ.

This novel was truly a masterpiece, very original, with moments throughout it when you want to say "awwh". This book would be suggested to everyone, a fast paced read, but especially for fans of historical fiction. There is a second book to this masterpiece series that will come out in 2015, I will be watching out for that one and others by this new author!

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead, subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman's passionate search for a wider and richer life than Victorian society traditionally allowed. 

With a heroine full of yearning, the dangerous secrets she encounters, and the choices she finally makes, Charlotte Bronte's innovative and enduring romantic novel continues to engage and provoke readers.

Our Thoughts...

The only reason I picked this book up at the library was because of the historic setting (I have a passion for history). Thinking this book would not satisfy and instead, become bored and quit, I was reluctant. But as chapter by chapter zoomed by, the storyline was riveting and the suspense thrilling. Secrets upon secrets are built, Charlotte Brontë did a wonderful job of ending this tale and did not leave a single hint or question answered. The characters were very realistic, Jane herself, was the most relatable character, practical and plain. Her life was not fine, but she matured and became a moral woman who was not afraid of talking back to men like Mr. Rochester about her choices or advising him. She also never gave in to sinful desires and did not become swayed by beauty or temporary happiness. Mr. Rochester was an extremely interesting man who seemed at times, too stubborn and cocky, but slowly learned from his mistakes. He was not a fine and remarkably built gentleman, presumably very ugly, but he listened to Jane when no one else liked her, and related to her in such a personal way. He was not a Christian though and since he had everything he could want, he kept God out of his life, even while Jane would talk to him about her faith and keeping her morals and standards in line with what she believed in. At times, I felt that Mr. Rochester was too careless and did not know how to treat Jane, buying her pricey dresses and outfits, even when she refused. The story, however, ends up perfectly and everything ties together for one emotional ending. 

This classic novel was thought provoking, bringing you to realize the important details of life and how people can change lives by just caring about others and sacrificing themselves another persons sake. There are multiple Jane Eyre movies out and also a tv show that follows Jane, perfect to see after reading this book!

-ShewolfLia17