by Crystal Caudill | Aug 23, 2016 | Book Reviews
Where Hope Prevails by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan
Janette Oke was the first Christian author I ever read. She was also the first author to make me anxiously await the next release. Her books largely helped me to understand life as a Christian when I first began my own journey. She is still a remarkable writer that I would love to meet one day.
That being said, this was not my favorite book from her and her daughter. In fact, I would rate it as my least favorite I have ever read from her and will promptly be reading my favorite book from her, When Calls the Heart, to make sure I end on a good note.
For me, the story line was very slow moving, and actually quite boring. There was not a lot of interaction with her and Jarrick, even though this is the book they get married in. Elizabeth spends most of the book struggling with her relationship with her partner teacher and her own personal emotional struggles.
If I had not been reading expecting a romance story, it would have been probably more enjoyable. I would call this book strictly women’s fiction. Elizabeth Thatcher has a great amount of personal growth, and there are great lessons to be learned. I would still recommend the book as long as you have that as the primary focus. If you are expecting romance and the sweetness of an engaged couple, you will find it in unsatisfactory amounts.
by Crystal Caudill | Aug 2, 2016 | Book Reviews
Marie and Mr. Bee
written by Margaret Welwood and illustrated by Coralie Rycroft
I don’t usually do picture books, but Margaret Welwood reached out to me to review hers, and I have to say it was a cute read.
The book is meant to be read by an adult to a child and allow for a discussion about work ethic. It is a good illustration for that discussion, although I felt that portions of Mr. Bee’s story could have been more filled in to make a stronger point.
You can see in the picture that Marie is confined to a wheelchair but that is never mentioned or made a point of the story. So if you are looking for a book with a character with a disability but do not want it to be the focus of the story, this is a good one.
There are two versions available for purchase: one aimed specifically at a Bible-oriented market and the other meant for a secular market. The only difference between the two is on the last page where Marie is reading to Mr. Bee. In the Proverbs version, she is reading from the Bible and the verse Proverbs 12:14b is written in the book.
Honestly, the verse felt a little slapped on there compared to the other version. The verse was not cited except for the front of the book, and it did not look as polished as the version where she is just reading a regular story to Mr. Bee.
Even so, it is still a great book to read to your kid and spark a discussion. And knowing the verse from the sticker can prompt you to pull out your own Bible with your kid and look it up in the actual Bible like Mr. Bee and Marie.
I would recommend buying this book. The characters, story line, and illustrations are cute, and a great discussion can be started between you and a child.
*I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion, which can be read above.*
“Marie is a happy little girl who lives in a cabin in the woods, working and playing with her forest friends . . . until a not-so-busy bee entices her to neglect her work! Compassion, forgiveness, restoration, and a forever friendship ensue.
By the following summer, Mr. Bee is too old to fly. But every night, Marie lifts her little friend onto her lap and reads to him from the Book of John and the Book of Proverbs.”
– Blurb from Amazon
If you are interested in purchasing a copy or learning more about the book visit:
Amazon.com – Proverbs Version
Amazon.com – Secular Version
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 12, 2016 | Book Reviews
Engaging the Competition by Melissa Jagears
Engaging the Competition was an enjoyable quick read. The plot was believable and fun to read, but it was the characters I loved.
Charlie Andrews is a competitive, tomboy girl who excels at outdoing the boys, whether it be shooting or ranching. Her nature has left her with few choices when circumstances developed requiring her to marry. Her insecurities and struggles are realistic and relatable, especially her struggle between family loyalty and wanting a man she thinks she can’t have.
Harrison Gray is not your average western hero. He is a man with tons of book smarts and a disabling amount of blindness without his glasses. I love how he’s not the typical hero who is great at everything, but a real man who wants to be respected and has carefully hidden insecurities.
If you are looking for a cute, quick read, I recommend this one.
Ever since Charlotte Andrews bested four-eyed Harrison Gray in a shooting competition when they were teenagers, he decided a tough, show-off girl like Charlie didn’t need him to look after her. Now a teacher at the local school, Harrison learns Charlie intends to marry a neighbor who comes from a long line of no-good troublemakers and, for some inexplicable reason, it falls to him to talk some sense into her…if she has any under that tomboy exterior.
Their heated confrontation unfortunately takes place right as a bad storm is coming on and, in the melee of arguing and taking shelter, Harrison’s glasses are knocked off his face and broken when Charlie’s horse crushes them under a hoof. Harrison and Charlie may have their differences, but she can see from his panic that the loss of his glasses is a blow to him. She volunteers to help him at school until his new pair of special order glasses arrive despite knowing the one place she can’t best Harrison is in the classroom. Readers will have fun being introduced to the characters of Melissa’s Teaville Moral Society series!
– Blurb from Amazon.com
To purchase your own copy, visit:
Amazon.com Barnes and Noble
Visit Melissa at http://melissajagears.com/
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 5, 2016 | Book Reviews
Runaway Bride by Mary Connealy 
I loved this novella! I have been a huge fan of Mrs. Connealy for a long time and own the majority of her books. This story was a fun bridge between two series, the Kincaid Brides and Trouble in Texas. I highly recommend reading those two series before reading this novella.
Seeing characters you have already met (mostly from Trouble in Texas) and their expanded families is a pure joy, and Big John was always one of my favorites. It was such a blast seeing him be the “tough man” he is and being won over by the determination and courage of Carrie and her brother.
It was so enjoyable I ended up reading it while making dinner. My poor library will get a book returned with oil splatters. I will definitely be adding this book to my Connealy collection.
Big John Conroy is a Texas Ranger asked by a friend to assist Carrie. He catches up to Carrie and her brother Isaac and races away from a dangerous man who will stop at nothing to make the beautiful young woman his wife. Soon Big John’s feelings for Carrie turn to more than simply protective, and Carrie finally feels that she’s in the presence of a man she can respect–something she’s never known. Fans of Mary’s The Kincaid Brides and Trouble in Texas series will enjoy catching up with those characters.
– Blurb from Amazon.com
Buy your copy at:
Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble
Visit Mary Connealy at her website http://maryconnealy.com/
by Crystal Caudill | Jun 28, 2016 | Book Reviews
Okay, so life has been a little too chaotic to read for leisure. A crime, I know. Well, I have broken free from jail and am reading again, so first up…
Her Dearly Unintended by Regina Jennings 
5/5
“1870s Missouri –Heavy rain means trouble for Katie Ellen. With her parents away, she’s left to take care of the mountaintop farm alone until Josiah Huckabee happens to check on her. She used to think him charming–used to–but before she can run Josiah off, a stranger appears. The bridge has washed out, stranding a weathered and threatening man with them. Immediately sensing danger, Josiah steps in and claims the place–and Katie Ellen–as his own. His farm, his wife, and this Silas Ruger character better be respectful. Furious, Katie Ellen is forced to play along. Readers of Regina’s Ozark Mountain Romance series will love seeing favorite characters all grown up.” – Blurb from Amazon.com
I loved this story! Regina does a great job of making entertaining and relatable characters. Katie Ellen’s perfectionist tendencies were a source of great enjoyment for me as I see much of myself in her. Well, maybe not the clean house, but the need for perfection in the work I do.
Josiah is a character that grows on me, especially when you find out the reason why the man abandoned their childhood friendship. I won’t spoil anything, but let me tell you it is worth the read.
Regina did a great job of keeping me guessing and giving plot twists I totally did not expect. It was a pure joy to read! I highly recommend buying and reading this novella. Her Dearly Unintended is humor, misunderstandings, and love at its best.
To purchase your own copy, visit:
Amazon.com Barnes and Noble
Visit Regina Jennings at http://www.reginajennings.com/.
