by Crystal Caudill | Mar 31, 2022 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
We’ve finished the third month of the Unlocking the Past 2022 Reading Challenge: Around the World. This month we traveled to the Caribbean, and my choice of story was Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren Once you read my review, don’t forget to comment to be entered for your chance to win a copy. Interested in other Caribbean reads? Among the Reads has a great list here: https://amongthereads.net/book-setting/caribbean/
*Want more interaction and/or suggestions each month? Join the Facebook Group. Want a bookmark with the monthly themes? Fill out this Google Form. Need a reminder on the details of the challenge? Go to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page.*
Keturah
by Lisa T. Bergren
I’ll have to admit, this one was a heavier read than I expected. I enjoyed it, but it was not a relaxing read for me. Keturah faced many challenges both past and present and was surrounded by a hard-to-watch culture of slavery. It is good as a reader to see these things and have a better understanding of the suffering endured at the hand of greed, but probably not my best choice read while already stressed out. Keturah handled it all with grace though, and her struggles were believably dealt with. I enjoyed the read, despite being stressed as I read it, but I probably would have enjoyed it more at a different period of life when not quite so stressed already. There were heavy topics addressed: slavery, marital abuse, and an affair, although the affair was lightly touched upon.
I recommend this story to those who enjoy true-to-life stories of struggle, slavery, recovery from abuse, light-touch romances with gentle heroes, and stories set in exotic locations and times.
Genre: Historical Romance, 1770s Caribbean Islands
Plot Overview:
In 1773 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father’s estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.
Although it flies against all the conventions for women of the time, they’re determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, proper gender roles are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined–and that’s just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this unfamiliar world.
Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.
Set on keeping her family together and saving her father’s plantation, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?
What I loved: As hard as it was to read, I really appreciated the view of life for the black population of the Caribbean islands and what they endured. Fiction is always good for helping us to understand the plight of others.
Favorite Character and Why: Verity. I am really looking forward to her story. She seemed steady, owned a falcon, and she knew her mind.
Who would like this? I recommend this story to those who enjoy true-to-life stories of struggle, slavery, recovery from abuse, light-touch romances with gentle heroes, and stories set in exotic locations and times.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon Baker Bookhouse Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million Book Depository Bookshop.org Christianbook.com Indiebound.org
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on April 7th at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget. *Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for March’s Challenge? What do you hope to read in April?
by Crystal Caudill | Mar 1, 2022 | Reading Challenge
Welcome to the third month of the Unlocking the Past 2022 Reading Challenge: Around the World. This month focuses on books that take place in the Caribbean. While I will generally focus on Historical Fiction novels, I have included plenty of contemporary options as well. The majority of recommendations come from https://inspirationalhistoricalfiction.com/, other readers, or other authors. Especially don’t forget to check out my partner’s website, http://amongthereads.net/. The books aren’t broken down by country, but you can find all sorts of wonderful reads. If none of these suggestions appeal to you, I highly recommend joining the Avid Readers Facebook Group and asking for their recommendations. They are AMAZING and your TBR pile will never be the same.
Add your suggestions in the comments, and/or tell me what you are reading. Have you read any of these below?
Monthly Reminders:
*If you read a book for February, don’t forget to go to yesterday’s post to comment and get your name entered for your chance to win a print copy. (You’ll also earn your entry for the end of the year giveaway.)
*You can also join the Facebook Group. for more interaction and suggestions, or if you’d like a bookmark to remind you of the monthly challenges, fill out this Google Form.
by Crystal Caudill | Feb 28, 2022 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
We’ve finished the first month of the Unlocking the Past 2022 Reading Challenge: Around the World. This month we traveled to Asia, and my choice of story was Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy Once you read my review, don’t forget to comment to be entered for your chance to win a copy.
*Want more interaction and/or suggestions each month? Join the Facebook Group. Want a bookmark with the monthly themes? Fill out this Google Form. Need a reminder on the details of the challenge? Go to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page.*
Every Word Unsaid
by Kimberly Duffy
This month I had the incredible privilege of listening to Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy. She’d long been an author on my TBR pile and I was determined to use this reading challenge as an excuse to force me to pick it up. Oh my goodness! I ADORE Gussie and the whole cast of characters. Gussie is a free-spirited woman who struggles with the confines of her parents’ and society’s expectations of what a woman should be and do. She runs from place to place, taking photographs and travel articles for Ladies Weekly as means of trying to satisfy this deep longing for something more.
When scandal forces her out of the country, she escapes to India for experiences, photographs, and articles. What she finds, is a personal growth experience that transforms her into the fullness of her herself and God’s plan for her. She is forced to confront the pain of rejection for others and finds acceptance in a people in place that speaks to her soul. It is an incredibly beautiful story with a swoony hero who is atypical, but rock steady and exactly what Gussie needs in her life. While necessarily a romance story, there is plenty of romance to knock your socks off. But at the core of this story is a woman discovering who she is and accepting the fact that she is enough despite what others say about her.
I highly recommend this story to those seeking to experience other lands, real characters who also seem larger than life, love heroines and heroes who don’t quite fit the mold of expectation, and are looking for stories that go beyond entertaining to speak to your soul.
Genre: Historical, 1897, New York and India
Plot Overview:
Augusta Travers has spent the last three years avoiding the stifling expectations of New York society and her family’s constant disappointment. As the nation’s most fearless–and reviled–columnist, Gussie travels the country with her Kodak camera and spins stories for women unable to leave hearth and home. But when her adventurous nature lands her in the middle of a scandal, an opportunity to leave America offers the perfect escape.
Arriving in India, she expects only a nice visit with childhood friends, siblings Catherine and Gabriel, and escapades that will further her career. Instead, she finds herself facing a plague epidemic, confusion over Gabriel’s sudden appeal, and the realization that what she wants from life is changing. But slowing down means facing all the hurts of her past that she’s long been trying to outrun. And that may be an undertaking too great even for her.
What I loved: Gussie’s whole story just pulled me along on an adventure and eye-opening experience of a world not my own. Her personality, struggles, and experiences just left me desperate to not put the book down. Or in my case, get out of the car.
Favorite Character and Why: This book has a full cast of characters that I love, but Gussie remains firm as my favorite. She is unapologetically who she is on the outside, but inside she struggles and hurts like so many of us in unseen ways. She is beautiful soul, and I loved walking her story with her.
Who would like this? I highly recommend this story to those seeking to experience other lands, real characters who also seem larger than life, love heroines and heroes who don’t quite fit the mold of expectation, and are looking for stories that go beyond entertaining to speak to your soul.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon Baker Bookhouse Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million Book Depository Bookshop.org Christianbook.com Indiebound.org
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on March 7th at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget. *Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for February’s Challenge? What do you hope to read in March?
by Crystal Caudill | Feb 1, 2022 | Reading Challenge
Welcome to the second month of the Unlocking the Past 2022 Reading Challenge: Around the World. This month focuses on books that take place in Asia. While I will generally focus on Historical Fiction novels, I have included plenty of contemporary options as well. The majority of recommendations come from https://inspirationalhistoricalfiction.com/, other readers, or other authors. Especially don’t forget to check out my partner’s website, http://amongthereads.net/. The books aren’t broken down by country, but you can find all sorts of wonderful reads. If none of these suggestions appeal to you, I highly recommend joining the Avid Readers Facebook Group and asking for their recommendations. They are AMAZING and your TBR pile will never be the same.
Add your suggestions in the comments, and/or tell me what you are reading. Have you read any of these below?
Monthly Reminders:
*If you read a book for January, don’t forget to go to yesterday’s post to comment and get your name entered for your chance to win a print copy. (You’ll also earn your entry for the end of the year giveaway.)
*You can also join the Facebook Group. for more interaction and suggestions, or if you’d like a bookmark to remind you of the monthly challenges, fill out this Google Form.
by Crystal Caudill | Jan 31, 2022 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
We’ve finished the first month of the Unlocking the Past 2022 Reading Challenge: Around the World. This month we traveled to Africa, and my choice of story was Once you read my review, don’t forget to comment to be entered for your chance to win a copy.
*Want more interaction and/or suggestions each month? Join the Facebook Group. Want a bookmark with the monthly themes? Fill out this Google Form. Need a reminder on the details of the challenge? Go to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page.*
Jewel of the Nile
by Tessa Afshar
This month’s review is a combination of my review (section below the line) and Phyllis’s from AmongtheReads.net as we both read the same book. You can see not only Among the Read’s Full Review HERE, but you can also take a look through some beautiful graphics of her favorite quotes. I highly recommend it!
From Among the Reads:
When I first saw this title, I thought it was from a much earlier time period and a different country. Which wouldn’t have mattered, I really enjoy Tessa Afshar’s writing and would have read it regardless. Intrigued by the synopsis, I was eager to learn more.
I was transported to another time and place from the very start. And fascinated by the plight of Gemina and her husband, who were introduced in the prologue. I quickly became fully invested in the characters and knew that I had to follow their story to its conclusion!
I struggled a little with reading the name Chariline at first. Then I realized that her name was Greek and therefore assumed the “ch” would be pronounced like “k” as in charis – therefore read it as “Caroline”. It made the rest of the reading much easier!
Chariline had such a sad background! My heart went out to the orphan who was despised by her grandfather due to her mixed heritage and the rebellion she represented to him and merely tolerated by the aunt who raised her. When she discovered that her father was still living, I didn’t blame her at all for wanting to discover his identity and was impressed by the bold way she continued to search for him.
As much as I admired Chariline, I adored Theo! He was so fascinating. When he discovered her as a stowaway on his ship, he was so kind to her and possessed the servant heart Jesus desires from His followers!
One of my favorite less-known New Testament characters played a minor, though significant, role and I loved reading the author’s depiction of him! The conjecture the author made about his backstory was interesting and unexpected. I was fascinated to learn more about the plight of the God-fearers desiring to worship and yet were forbidden access to the temple. The circumstances that led him to feel insignificant were very moving.
A level of suspense and mystery filled the pages as Chariline’s search took place and Theo had to protect her from an unexpected threat. And as both learned to find their value in Christ alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-researched story. And as it contained characters from other books by Tessa Afshar also set during this time period, including Theo, it made me want to go back and re-read The Thief of Corinth and Daughter of Rome! It is not necessary to read them all together but it certainly would enhance the reading experience to do so.
Genre: Biblical Fiction, Roman Empire, Africa
Plot Overview:
Whispered secrets about her parents’ past take on new urgency for Chariline as she pays one last visit to the land of her forefathers, the ancient kingdom of Cush.
Raised as an orphan by her aunt, Chariline has only been told a few pieces of her parents’ tragic love story. Her beautiful dark skin is proof that her father was Cushite, but she knows nothing else. While visiting her grandfather before his retirement as the Roman official in the queen’s court, Chariline overhears that her father is still alive, and discovering his identity becomes her obsession. Both her grandfather and the queen have reasons for keeping this secret, however, and forbid her quest. So when her only clues lead to Rome, Chariline sneaks on the ship of a merchant trusted by friends.
Theo is shocked to discover a stowaway on board his vessel and determines to be rid of her as soon as possible. But drawn in by Chariline’s story, he feels honor-bound to see her safely to shore, especially when it appears someone may be willing to kill for the truth she seeks.
In this transformative tale of historical fiction, bestselling author Tessa Afshar brings to life the kingdom of Cush and the Roman Empire, introducing readers to a fascinating world filled with gripping adventure, touching romance, and a host of lovable characters—including some they may recognize from the biblical book of Acts.
Crystal’s Opinons
I am NOT a huge Biblical fiction reader. To the point I really really really put it off. However, once I started reading, the story never let go of me. The story, characters, mystery, danger, spiritual thread, and way of describing things have made me a Tess Afshar fan for life. I actually look forward to reading her other books.
What I loved: The plotline what not just a retelling or reimagining of some Biblical story, but a story that held merits of its own but was enhanced by the connections to real Biblical characters.
Favorite Character and Why: Arkamani was a fun little boy who makes lots of appearances in the story and adds levity to stressful scenes. I loved all the characters, but I especially looked forward to his appearances on the page.
Who would like this? Those who like stories written in beautiful language and imagery that pull you wholy and completely into the setting. Also, those who loves stories of intrigue, danger, and romance with spiritual arcs that feel genuine and natural and even personal. I’d even recommend this book to those who are hesitant to try Biblical fiction.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon Baker Bookhouse Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million Book Depository Bookshop.org Christianbook.com Indiebound.org
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on February 7th at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget. *Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for January’s Challenge? What do you hope to read in February?
by Crystal Caudill | Jan 14, 2022 | Reading Challenge
2021 came with the first-ever Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge with a theme of American History. We traveled from the Colonial Era all the way through Contemporary times.
Here are some fun facts from the 2021 Reading Challenge:
- The group collectively read 177 books.
- We had 27 unique readers.
- 3 readers made it ALL 12 months! (Message me for a special badge.)
- Betsy T
- Colleen H
- Courtney G
- 2 made it 11 of the twelve and earn honorable mentions!
- February and March had the most participants with 20 each.
- August, September, and October had the fewest participants with 9 each.
I read and reviewed twelve books which are all part of the 2021 Grand Prize giveaway. The winner will be receiving a print copy of each of the below books:
secretkeepersofoldgrocery
TheSentinelsofAndersonville
Now for what everyone is REALLY waiting for!
Please comment and tell her congratulations!!! Then be sure to jump in and join the 2022 Unlocking the Past Challenge: Around the World. You can find suggestions for the first month’s country, Africa, HERE.
1720 – Jamaica
When love comes in a tempest, who knew it would wear pink?![A Bound Heart by [Laura Frantz]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ukpONRX6L.jpg)
Though Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall grew up on the same castle grounds, Magnus is now laird of the great house and the Isle of Kerrera. Lark is but the keeper of his bees and the woman he is hoping will provide a tincture that might help his ailing wife conceive and bear him an heir. But when his wife dies suddenly, Magnus and Lark find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of accusations, expelled from their beloved island, and sold as indentured servants across the Atlantic. Yet even when all hope seems dashed against the rocky coastline of the Virginia colony, it may be that in this New World the two of them could make a new beginning–together.
1921 – India
1946 – India
