The Tutor's Daughter - Ficton, Historical

The Tutor’s Daughter

By Julie Klassen

When Emma Smallwood’s father accepts a position as a live-in tutor for an upper class family, they never expect the mystery and intrigue and even danger that will befall them in their new lodgings.  Long having run a small academy for boys, Mr. Smallwood is devastated by the death of his wife, and unable to continue offering a quality education for his students.  As the enrollment dwindles to nothing, Emma realizes they must have a new means of income.  An unexpected invitation from a former patron takes Emma and her father to live at Ebbington Manor with the Weston family.  Thought excited by the fresh outset for her father, Emma is nervous about her reintroduction to the two brothers who were former students of the Smallwood Academy - Henry and Phillip.  She is wary of Henry because he was known to pull all sorts of pranks on her, and was generally unkind during his time at the Academy.  Phillip was always kind and friendly, and Emma fears she might have feelings for Phillip, and he for her.  As they settle into life at Ebbington, strange things begin to happen around them – music and wailing in the night, secretive behavior among the family, and even someone sneaking into Emma’s bedchamber and taking her things.  The Smallwood’s new students, the youngest Weston brothers, are reluctant pupils with a propensity for fighting and causing mischief.  Can Emma sort out her feelings for the eldest Weston brothers, and figure out who is leaving threatening messages for her?  Can the Weston family sort out their secrets and keep the family’s honor unspoiled?

If you like Jane Austen’s works, combined with a little bit of Nancy Drew, then this is a great book for you.  The author did a great job of sketching out the character of each person in the story.  The storyline was well developed and paced well throughout the book, with little bits of the plot coming to light all along the way.  I really enjoyed the author’s depiction of Emma’s fledgling faith, and God’s way of bringing her back to Him. One of the characters (not going to spoil it for you) does a great job of explaining the grace and mercy of God to Emma at her lowest point.  The faith aspect of the book greatly added to my enjoyment of the book.  Overall, I give this one an A: a great read for the Christian historical romance reader.  I am looking forward to reading more by Julie Klassen!

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZi5NQbkb0A&list=UUOTCh77FT1ZAyg-Mrj97HWw&index=4
 

Waiting for Morning - Fiction, Historical

Waiting for Morning – The Brides of Last Chance Ranch #2

By Margaret Brownley

Molly Hatfield is a young woman determined to make a better life for herself and her invalid brother, Donny.  Orphaned then driven from their Colorado home by a fire, Molly takes Donny to the Arizona desert in answer to an advertisement for an heiress wanted to run a cattle ranch.  The ranch owner, Miss Walker, has one major stipulation for the candidates – they must agree to never marry.  Molly sees no issue in fulfilling this requirement since every time a man finds out she has a brother in a wheelchair they run the opposite way.  Dr. Caleb Fairbanks is starting his medical practice in the town nearest the ranch.  He meets Molly on his first house call to the ranch.  They have an instant chemistry.  Dr. Fairbanks also thinks he can help Donny become more independent.  Can the three of them find their hearts desire in the Arizona desert?

I really enjoyed reading this book.  The story was paced well and engaging.  The characters are well developed and loveable.  Molly struggles throughout the book with her belief that God has abandoned her. The author paints a clear picture of how easily Christians can judge others and drive them away from the very person they need – Christ.  May we all be reminded to love first, as Christ loved us.  Overall I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to the next installment in the series.  Grade: A – good read.

I received a free e-book  from the publisher via www.booksneeze.com in exchange for my honest review.

God Gave Us Christmas - Children's Book

God Gave Us Christmas

By Lisa Tawn Bergren and David Hohn

God Gave Us Christmas is the touching story of Little Cub and Mama looking for God in Christmas.  By taking a short trip with Mama and observing the wonder of God in Creation, Little Cub comes to realize that Christmas is about more than just Santa Claus and presents to open.  She finds that Jesus is the greatest gift of Christmas.

I loved reading this book to my 6 year old this Christmas.  We had talked about Christmas being all about Jesus, but this book was such a nice story to support what I had been trying to teach.  My child wanted me to read the book over and over again.  We even had to take it to Grandma's house over the holidays so we could read it.  Well loved by me and my child both.  Looking forward to pulling it out again next Christmas.  I'll be looking for more "God Gave Us......" books!

Against the Tide - Fiction, Historical

Against the Tide

By Elizabeth Camden

Orphaned at a young age, Lydia Pallas has learned to always depend on herself for whatever she needs.  She has finally landed a job at the Navy ship yard as a translator who helps interpret shipbuilding intelligence.  Lydia is proud to be good at what she does, and is desperate to keep her job with its decent and steady income – her first real chance at constancy.  Alexander Banebridge has devoted his life to ending the opium trade and free use of the drug in early American medicines.  His need for a translator brings Lydia to his attention, and her need for extra income makes his offer irresistible.  But working for Banebridge will cost Lydia much more than she ever anticipated.  And is there love on the horizon for either of these determined characters?

I really enjoyed reading this book about fighting the opium trade in the late 1800s.  I had no idea the use of opium was so widespread and generally accepted as medicine even for babies!  The characters are well developed and the story was so compelling I had a hard time putting the book down.  The further I read, the more I wanted to read.  I appreciated Lydia’s struggle to realize there was a God who cared about her.  I liked the way the author portrayed a complete life-change for Alexander Banebridge when he gave his life to Christ.  I’m glad Ms. Camden portrayed two types of salvation experiences in her great story.  I’ll be looking for more books by this author!  Overall, I give this book an A – a great read!

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.