A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Title: A Refuge at Highland Hall (Edwardian Brides #3)

Author: Carrie Turansky

Publisher: Multnomah 2015

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 354

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: A to Z - R; Library Love; Finishing the Series

Penny Ramsey has always considered Highland Hall her home, but when Britain becomes involved in World War One she travels to London to assist her sister Kate with the eight orphan children she and her husband Jon have taken into their home. Doing her part for the war effort takes priority over Penny’s dreams of romance until she meets Alex Goodwin, a Royal Naval Air Service pilot in training.

Alex is determined to prove his worth and do his part to defend his country. Knowing he is heading off for the dangerous assignment of chasing Zeppelins across the front line in France, he feels it’s unwise to form any romantic attachments. But he can’t help admiring the pretty, warmhearted Penny and wondering what it would be like to find her waiting when he returns home from the war.

As Penny writes to Alex, their friendship blossoms, and she becomes his tie to home and normalcy as he faces the hardships war. But being an RNAS pilot means confronting the enemy, and the fallout from those experiences push Alex beyond Penny’s reach. Can God mend the brokenness left by the losses of war? Will faith and forgiveness bring them together again?

A strong finish to a decent romance trilogy. I think Penny and Alex were my absolute favorite pair of the series. I was all-in immediately with their story. Setting the book during WWI was an interesting change to the usual historical romance setting. I appreciated that Turansky got into the down and dirty of the war instead of glossing over it in favor of focusing on the romance. The inclusion of the German prisoners was surprising, but interesting. I sped through this book and enjoyed my time.

Edwardian Brides:

#1 The Governess of Highland Hall
#2 The Daughter of Highland Hall
#3 A Refuge at Highland Hall

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Title: The Daughter of Highland Hall (Edwardian Brides #2)

Author: Carrie Turansky

Publisher: Multnomah 2014

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 338

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: A to Z - D; Library Love; Finishing the Series

Strong-willed and beautiful, debutante Katherine Ramsey feels ready to take the London social season by storm, and she must. Her family estate, Highland Hall, has been passed to older male cousin Sir William Ramsey, and her only means of securing her future is to make a strong debut and find a proper husband. With her all-knowing and meddling aunt as a guide, Katherine is certain to attract suitors at the lavish gatherings, sparkling with Great Britain’s elite.

When a shocking family scandal sidelines Katherine, forcing her out of the social spotlight, she keeps a low profile, volunteering with the poor in London’s East End. Here Katherine feels free from her predictable future, and even more so as a friendship with medical student Jonathan Foster deepens and her faith in God grows. But when Katherine is courted anew by a man of wealth and position, dreams of the life she always thought she wanted surface again. Torn between tradition and the stirrings in her heart for a different path, she must decide whom she can trust and love—and if she will choose a life serving others over one where she is served.

Second volume in this Christian romance series. I actually liked this one more than the first. Katherine and Jon are better characters with more interesting storylines than William and Julia. I enjoyed the move to London and the added storyline of Lydia and her sister. Nice little book to get me through some of the frigid temperatures while still in Indiana for the holidays.

Edwardian Brides:

#1 The Governess of Highland Hall
#2 The Daughter of Highland Hall
#3 A Refuge at Highland Hall

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turanksy

Title: The Governess of Highland Hall (Edwardian Brides #1)

Author: Carrie Turansky

Publisher: Multnomah 2013

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 338

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: A to Z - G; Library Love; Finishing the Series

Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.

Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.

While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?

I am a sucker for historical romance and I grabbed this trilogy while at the library last week. I'm not a huge fan of the Christian romance angle, but I did enjoy the characters and the storyline. Plus, it was refreshing to read a romance without sex scenes. (Don't get me wrong, I enjoy those most days, but it was nice to not have one for once) If you remove the sermon-y passages, the book would be probably 50 pages shorter, but oh well. I skipped through some of those to get to the storyline. I'm still going to read the other two books in the trilogy.

Edwardian Brides:

#1 The Governess of Highland Hall
#2 The Daughter of Highland Hall
#3 A Refuge at Highland Hall

Next up on the TBR pile:

Love Finds You in Hershey Pennsylvania by Cerella D. Sechrist

Title: Love Finds You in Hershey Pennsylvania

Author: Cerella D. Sechrist

Publisher: Summerside Press 2010

Genre: Christian Romance

Pages: 347

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library; A to Z - L; What's in a Name - City; 52 Books - W2; New Author

Chef Sadie Spencer is living the sweet life, running a successful eatery in the charming town of Hershey. That is, until a handsome stranger arrives with plans to open a competing restaurant. Will Sadie melt under the pressure…or find a love that's simply icing on the cake?

Not impressed by this one. I enjoyed the first half of the book. Sadie and Jaspar were an interesting couple and I love them getting together. And then the book took a huge turn and I just wanted to slap Sadie. Ugh! Not a fan of that character at all. Her obsession with the dessert competition wasn't an interesting challenge, it was neglectful. I just couldn't stand her at all. My major dislike of the main character permeated my reading experience for the rest of the novel. I finished it, but wasn't excited at all.

In the Company of Secrets by Judith Miller

First book of 2014... Let's get this party started!

Title: In the Company of Secrets (Postcards from Pullman #1)

Author: Judith Miller

Publisher: Bethany House 2007

Genre: Christian fiction

Pages: 386

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Monthly Key Word - Secrets; ebook; Women Authors; 52 Books -- W1; Read Your Freebies

The truth could cost her everything....
Olivia Mott didn't intend to lie. Somehow, it just happened. And wasn't it all Lady Charlotte's fault anyway?
Now Olivia's position as assistant chef at Pullman's elegant Hotel Florence is dependent upon her keeping her secrets. And sometimes lies have a way of leading to other lies. Should Olivia admit her real past and accept the consequences or keep quiet in order to preserve her comfortable new circumstances?
Deception seems to be part of everyday life in the company town of Pullman, Illinois, where the grand Pullman Palace Car is manufactured. Samuel Howard, Olivia's friend and the town manager, seems to think everything is fine, but Olivia observes something quite different. Could it be that Olivia is not the only one harboring secrets?

Hmmm... This is one of those free books that I happened to pick up on Kindle. So glad I did not actually pay for this book. I was thoroughly bored the entire time I was reading. The characters are not very entertaining. The plotline is very predictable. The sermons are seemingly out of place and awkward. The ending is a complete "cliffhanger" but we all know how the story will end. I can't believe I actually finished this one, but I did. So, first book of the year completed. Not starting on a high note. Hope things get better...

Postcards from Pullman (DNFed series)

In the Company of Secrets
Whisper Along the Rails
An Uncertain Dream

Music Monday -- 101 Faves Christian Edition

As part of my ongoing Day Zero Project, I've made a list of my favorite 101 songs of all time. To help cut down on the possibilities, I took songs only from my iTunes account. Each edition will include ~5 songs with a theme. Enjoy!

Newboys "Hallelujah"

Jars of Clay "Flood"

Plumb "Concrete"

Caedmon's Call "The Story"

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Title: Sixteen Brides

Author: Stephanie Grace Whitson

Publisher: Bethany House 2010

Genre: Romance, Christian

Pages: 350

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Sub-Genre -- Romance, Historical; Women Authors; Library Loan; 52 Books in 52 Weeks -- W20

How I Got It: Library loan

Sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land speculator who lures them west by promising "prime homesteads" in a "booming community." Unbeknownst to them, the speculator's true motive is to find an excuse to bring women to the fledging community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes they will accept marriage proposals shortly after their arrival!
Sparks fly when these unsuspecting widows meet the men who are waiting for them. These women are going to need all the courage and faith they can muster to survive these unwanted circumstances--especially when they begin to discover that none of them is exactly who she appears to be.

After reading the war survival story, I needed something light and fluffy. Sixteen Brides stepped in and fulfilled my need. It's a typical Christian historical romance. There's nothing too surprising here and yet I enjoyed reading it. Whitson crafts a nice interweaving story of five women finding their places in this new world. At times the switch from character to character became a bit tiresome. But overall, I liked hearing from each of the women. We get a nice diverse collection of women. The men are fairly standard stereotypes, but still pretty good. As the ending was predictable, I wasn't surprised. And yet, this was just what I needed to have a change of mood.

Change of Fortune by Jen Turano

Title: Change of Fortune (Ladies of Distinction #1)

Author: Jen Turano

Publisher: Bethany House 2012

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 202

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Sub Genre -- Mystery, Romance; New Authors; Mount TBR; Book Bingo -- 1 from TBR Pile; T4MC -- J Author (5 points)

How I Got It: I won it! An ARC

Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiance, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.
Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society--all the female ones, at least--are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.
Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton's path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza's determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone's antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.
When all of Hamilton's and Eliza's best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.

A good choice to help kick off my new's reads. I won this ARC a few weeks back and decided to throw it in my suitcase for reading on the plane. I didn't read it on the plane but devoured it in just two days before my trip back. The romane, the adventure, and the mystery were all great elements. I loved Eliza's spunk and Hamilton's devotion. The rest of the characters were fun and useful. Zayne and Agatha were by far my favorites. Piper and Ben were the cutest children ever. I really enjoyed read this book. However, I have one issue: the Christian angle. Suddenly about half way through the book more and more characters are bringing up their faith. It felt a bit after the fact to me. I didn't see it as an apparent main theme. In that way, it seemed just a bit disingenuous. If that's the angle taken, I would like to see it incorporated at the start of the book. But even that little issue didn't keep me from enjoying the book. Plus, I started my year off right with a good read.

Ladies of Distinction

#0.5 Gentleman of Her Dreams
#1 A Change of Fortune
#2 A Most Peculiar Circumstance
#3 A Talent for Trouble
#4 A Match of Wits

The Outlaw's Bride by Catherine Palmer

Title: The Outlaw's Bride

Author: Catherine Palmer

Publisher: Steeple Hill 2010

Genre: Christian historical romance

Pages: 277

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; Summer Romance - Historical Fiction

Isobel Matas's hope of marriage to her betrothed depends on recovering her dowry from the outlaws who killed her father and stole her inheritance. But, while traveling in New Mexico territory, she witnesses a murder that changes everything. Suddenly, her own life is threatened—until she's rescued by fast-talking cowboy Noah Buchanan. Isobel's only chance for survival is to marry the rugged trail boss—who needs her to fulfill his own destiny. As the mismatched newlyweds unite against Lincoln County's tumultuous violence, Noah's deep faith challenges Isobel's quest for vengeance. And will lead them on a journey neither ever imagined.

Not a horrible romance, but definitely not one of my favorites. My main issue with this one: the main female character. Isobel Matas was just too annoying. I couldn't get over her annoying persistence for revenge to the point of danger. The male lead, Noah, was a much more endearing character. I liked him, but her, no way. And that was the problem with the book. I couldn't get overally excited about the book because I couldn't connect to the character.

Other than that, the story was fairly decent. It was more of an adventure than a straight romance and that was the part that I liked. I just couldn't get into it completely without the character connection. Really that's all I have to say about this book...

The Maverick's Bride by Catherine Palmer

Title: The Maverick's Bride

Author: Catherine Palmer

Publisher: Steeple Hill 1988

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Pages: 272

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library

I don't usually pick up these series romances. But for some reason, I grabbed this one. It intrigued me. And I found that I liked it!

The basic setting, Africa during the 1880s, fulfilled my exotic locations desire. I like far-flung locations. Africa during the 1880s was a time of colonization and exploration. Fittingly the main female character, Emmaline, was a proper British loyalist espousing pro-colonist sentiment. Until her views were changed by the American cowboy Adam King and his friends, mostly African natives. As a part of the story, they touched on the man-eater lions of Tsavo, an actual event. So right there I liked the setting and atmosphere of the book.

As to the plot, it was predictable, as they mostly are, but I was okay with it. The predictable plot was tolerable because of the strength of the characters. While Emmaline was whiny at times, I understood why she was whiny. Adam was secretive, but understandably so based on his history. And Nicholas was a thoroughly despicable character from the beginning without being a cartoon version of himself. I found them likable. And the side characters of Soapy, Linde, and Tolito added to the overall atmosphere.

One of the big problems I usually have with Christian historical romance is the sermonizing. This book had a nice balance of witnessing and general conversation. I didn't feel like the entire book was centered around "saving" someone. It was a good balance that didn't upset me.

Overall, I think an enjoyable quick read. I read it in a day. I think I'll be adding Catherine Palmer to my interesting authors list.

Love Finds You in Sisters, Oregon by Melody Carlson

Title: Love FInds You in Sisters, Oregon

Author: Melody Carlson

Publisher: Summerside Press 2009

Genre: Christian fiction

Pages: 320

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; April Read-a-Thon

Hope Bartolli has avoided Sisters for year. But when she inherits her beloved grandmother's old house, Hope must decide whether to once again run away from the two sisters who have caused her nothing but trouble--or stay in the charming town and risk her heart.

Another volume in the Love Finds You series. Another that I liked. A fun little read for rainy days. (And it's been raining for a weeks straight.) I like how the author set her book in her town. Even though I am a city girl through and through, Carlson made the small town of Sisters, Oregon actually appealing. I kind of want to visit. Visit, I said, not move there. The characters were fun and colorful. I really felt the depth of emotion connected to the story. My only problem: once again we get sickeningly sweet and happy ending. The family went from fighting and bitterness to happiness in about a week. Definitely does not happen that quick in real life. And the book ended with a marriage proposal (it's not a spoiler, I saw it coming from the first 20 pages) after only a few weeks of dating. Another quick wrap-up. Overall, I liked the story. I just could do without the last chapter.

Love Finds You in Pendleton, Oregon by Melody Carlson

Title: Love FInds You in Pendleton, Oregon

Author: Melody Carlson

Publisher: Summerside Press 2010

Genre: Christian fiction

Pages: 313

Rating: 4/ 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; April Read-a-Thon; Contemporary Romance

I haven't had the best of luck with Christian fiction, but I thought I would give it another try. I liked Love Finds You in Paradise, Pennsylvania by Loree Lough, so I thought I would pick up another volume in the series. And I found one I liked.

I loved the story of Sunny Westcott and her journey to find her place in the world. The setting of the reservation and the town of Pendleton created a nice dichotomy for Sunny to explore. On a complete insignificant note, I loved that she was an archaeologist (a little girl dream job along with marine biology and paleontology). Anyway, she was a great character. Every hard decision and second guess was believable. Her inner monologue didn't annoy me like it sometimes does. I liked getting inside of her head.

The other characters were interesting, but I especially loved Aunt Lulu. A woman not afraid to speak the hard truths. My kind of woman. Echo was delightful. Aubrey a fun, if a little annoying, opposite to Sunny. Hank, the matchmaker and general good friend. And the mysterious Polly, seen only through everyone else's eyes. They really made the book more than just a simple story. They added depth and life.

My only issue with the book: the romance. You know Sunny and Cody are going to end up together, but they don't even approach anything resembling a relationship until around page 250. And then all of a sudden, they're together and he's asking her to marry him. Not believable. They only had one real conversation about them being together and that was only a day before the proposal. I guess I just wanted to see more growth and developing relationship. Especially since the series focuses on finding love. All that being said, I really did like the book. I want to read more of the series.

Surrender Bay by Denise Hunter

Title: Surrender Bay (A Nantucket Love Story #1)

Author: Denise Hunter

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 2007

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 287

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; Contemporary Romance

Samantha Owens' estranged stepfather has died, leaving her his cottage in Nantucket—a place she fled years ago, never planning to return. As a single mom, Samantha can't afford to pass up a financial windfall like ocean-front property. So she travels home to fix up the house and sell it . . . never suspecting that Landon Reed still lives two doors down.
As their long-dormant romance begins to bud again, Samantha must face a past that separated her from the God of her childhood. And she must tell Landon why she fled the island in the first place—a secret that could tear them apart.
Is Landon’s love really as unconditional as he claims? And will Samantha finally realize that the God she found all those years ago never abandoned her?
A heart-tugging tale of shattered trust, growing faith, and love that endures . . . all in a romantic seaside setting.

I have a bit of back story regarding this book. I knew the author. Back in middle school, Hunter and her husband went to the same church as my mother and I. At the time they had two boys that I occasionally babysat. We let the church when I was in high school and I lost track of them. A few months ago I was talking to my mom about my reading challenges. When I started to discuss my issues with Christian fiction, my mom remembered that Denise wrote Christian novels. I didn't know that at all. So I ran out to the library to grab one. I read it in two days.

I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the book. I have documented my issues with Christian fiction, but this book wasn't like the others. It was more like At the Scent of Water; a moving fiction story that happens to have Christian elements and background. There weren't any multi page sermons or heavy-handed conversions. I loved the characters. Sam, the flawed female, and Landon, the caring lifelong friend trying to show her love. The bringing together of the two people didn't seem contrived or forced. It was natural. I could understand Sam's reluctance to get closer to Landon. I could understand Landon's pain over her refusals. I sped through the story, loving every minute. I definitely need to read the rest of her books. Guess I need to make another trip to the library.

Nantucket Love Story

#1 Surrender Bay
#2 The Convenient Groom
#3 Seaside Letters
#4 Driftwood Lane

Love Finds You in Paradise, Pennsylvania by Loree Lough

Title: Love Finds You in Paradise, Pennsylvania

Author: Loree Lough

Publisher: Summerside Press 2009

Genre: Christian Romance

Pages: 316

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Contemporary Romance; Support Your Local Library; February Romance Month; A to Z Authors: L

To attorney Julia Spencer, this quaint Amish town is anything but a Paradise. When Julia agrees to defend a local teenager charged in a case involving an Amish boy, she and handsome veterinarian Simon Thomas find themselves on opposite sides of an intense and emotional legal battle.

I picked this volume up at the library about a week ago. I wanted a contemporary romance that wasn't filled with sex and little plot. I wanted something a bit more meatier, but not really heavy (i.e. At the Scent of Water, amazing book but very deep). So I found this book, listed as Christian romance. I know what you're thinking "Why did you pick another Christian romance after all your issues with the genre?" I know, I know, but I thought "What the hey!"

This one is pleasantly enjoyable. Not as formulaic as many of the ones I have read before. Of course, it wasn't awesome either. I liked the two main characters. They were likable, but not overly "perfect" like in many Christian romances. As much as I liked Simon and Julia, the best character in the book was little Levi Gunden. Hilarious and just so precious. I loved every scene he was in.

The plot was good, although slow moving. There is a big twist about 2/3 through the book. I think the twist should have come about 1/2 through the book instead. At that late in the story, it felt out of place, a clichéd plot device to get the two main characters together. I think it would have been more effective earlier on. That way we could really examine the consequences. Instead, it seems a bit contrived. And the wrap-up occurs fairly quickly. It felt a little cheap.

Overall, I did like the book. And I've put Lough on my list of authors to check out. She wrote another "Love Finds You" book. Guess I'll have to put it on my LTL (library to loan) list.

Christian Historical Fiction Redux

A few weeks back I wrote a post about Christian historical fiction: what I like and didn't like. Turns out a blogger that I've been following lately (Deborah from Books, Movies, and Chinese Food) as many of the same sentiments as I. What a great little surprise! She articulates her feelings a lot better than I do so I'm not going to attempt to paraphrase. If the topic interests you, please check out her post: http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/2011/01/why-im-not-target-audience-for.html

As for my post, instead of trying to back in the archives, check it out here:

Christian Historical Fiction

Christian Historical Romance

When you read the title, what are your thoughts? Somehow I have found myself reading many books that fall under this category (at least according to my local library). Why did I start reading these? I don't actually know. I'm thinking that I picked up a interestingly covered book that had some sort of historical era setting. And after reading more than 50 pages, realized what category the book fit into. And at that point, I wanted to find out the ending. And then I probably figured out that the book was part 1 of a trilogy or something of the like. And of course, I had to read the rest of the series. I am speculating because I really cannot remember how I fell into the genre, but now I'm really into it.

Some interesting notes about the genre:

Extremely formulaic plot: These books always focus on a single woman who ends up getting married (either the end of the book or the series). There is always a big obstacle (death, natural disaster, huge misunderstanding, trip) to overcome.
Characters: The main character is usually a late teen to early 20s single woman who has no real interest in marriage. Enter at least one potential husband. Usually there's two to choose from. If there are two suitors, one always turns out to be a cad in some way. Usually the woman has some supportive family members. Often there innocent children (previous child, orphans, etc.)
Content: The reader is guaranteed that there will be no cuss words (the worst I have noticed was a nonChristian who said Damn). There will be no sex scenes. Usually there are a few kisses. I did read a few books about reformed prostitutes that did allude to sex but talked about it in the way you talk about sex when children are present: vague and using euphemisms. Even when characters marry in the books there are only allusions to sex. I would be hard pressed to find one of these books that actually has "sex" in print. And of course there are many Bible verses and usually sermons. These are a given being a Christian historical romance, but sometimes these sermons can go on for over three pages. A little excessive sometimes.
Authors: There are many authors out there, but they often coauthor a series. Most of them have 20-30 books authored within three years of publishing. So I often run into the same names. Currently I am reading Tracie Peterson's and Lauraine Snelling's libraries.
Historical content: I am usually pleasantly surprised by the background historical content. The authors often do research of the area or the events of the time period featured. As a history teacher, I do appreciate this effort.

With all the issues I have with the genre, why exactly do I keep reading them? Well, simple answer -- they're easy. I don't have to think while reading them. Considering that I read very academic history books, technology and business books, and authors like Melville or Austen, these books are like a vacation. They're something I can read while waiting in the car line to pick my boys up from school. I can read them at the coffee-house while listening to others' conversations. I can read them while in the room with someone watching tv. I can read them before bed when I am tired, but not tired enough to actually fall asleep. They are easy and fairly entertaining. So guess what I got on my last trip to the library? Yup, that's right, more Christian historical romance.