Archive | May, 2016

Series Review – Rocky Mtn. Memories

13 May

Hello readers!

It’s been fun going through my shelves and deciding what series to read next to share with you guys! Trust me, I’ve got several series just begging to be shared here!

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As with most Lori Wick books, I grew up reading this series and will admit that the first one is still my favorite. It just might be my favorite of all her books, honestly. I also had a few ‘writer aha’s ‘ while reading this series this time around – you don’t have to write a complex story ( i’m looking at you Tolkien) and move your story along with the dialogue. These are pretty basic writing things here of course but I tend to get so focused on the one conversation that I don’t look ahead and tie in what I want to happen, in the conversation. And, when reading Tolkien, it’s been easy to compare the complexities of Middle Earth with my little universe, but it’s ok! Wick is a hugely popular author who’s been getting published since 1989 (!! for more info on her, check it out!). Just imagine that. 27 years! I’m in awe now that I looked it up.

Ahem.

Anyway, let’s get to it, shall we?

Where The Wild Rose Blooms – book 1 – Clayton Taggart loves his home in the high mountains of Colorado where he mines with his father.  But he dreams of one day becoming a teacher and getting out of the dark, dangerous mines. When he meets Jackie Fontaine, a beautiful, strong-willed beauty from the east, he only wants to tease her. But as time passes, they fall for each other.  Then an accident happens and Jackie keeps it a secret from Clay – will she be able to move past her fear and let Clay back in?

 

~ Sigh. This is a tender romance full of faith in love and Christ. I have loved the name Clayton ever since I first read this book and am in the sloooow process of convincing my OH that we should name our (very) future son that. =) 

 

Whispers of Moonlight- book 2 – Rebecca runs away after rumors reach her ears that her husband only married her for her father’s ranch. She’s confused and hurt but can’t believe Travis could love her. She starts a new life for herself but struggles through each tiring day.   Travis can’t believe Rebecca would leave him, hadn’t they had a good marriage, short though it was? His anger carries him for years but then his whole outlook changes and he starts praying for his wife. When she contacts him, he sets off to find her and bring her home.      Rebecca finds herself back at the ranch with Travis but he’s changed since she left and she struggles to make sense of everything that happened. Can she really let go of her fear and pride and let him love her?

~Ah! This book. This. Book. 

To Know Her by Name – book 3 – Mckay Harrington isn’t sure what to make of the woman taking care of him up in the Colorado hills. He’d tracked and killed an outlaw, but in the process he’d gotten shot as well. Now he was laid up with only this mysterious woman. When he’s finally healed enough to get back to work, he’s sure he’ll never see her again. But an unexpected encounter leads to intrigue, faith and love.

~I love reading about women who push the boundaries of what is expected/allowed, mainly in western days! 

I enjoy how each one of these books focus on  different aspects of faith – forgiveness, letting go of pride and fear and relying on Him. It even prompted a good conversation with my OH. And if a christian romance novel sparks theological discussion, it’s a keeper in my book.

These can be read separately but  you do get to see the previous characters in the next books, which is always fun. I highly recommend this series, it is delightful and honestly, I got through each book in two or three days probably, I just couldn’t put them down!

*there was no slight meant on Tolkien, I am amazed at his writing skill. I mean, it’s hard to put down The Two Towers! My revelation is that I DON’T have to write like that, which is good, because if I did, I’d give up now. *

*you might notice that I had to get book number 2 from the library! I couldn’t believe it when I realized I only had 1 and 3!!*

*UPDATE: This series has 4 books! I can’t believe I forgot that! From what I remember when I read it years ago it is just as enjoyable as the other 3! It’s called Promise me Tomorrow. 

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Book Review – My Little Night Light

5 May

I have a slight obsession with children’s books. I will get completely side tracked when I see a picture book….and then get so absorbed in it that I lose whoever I was with. Which equals lots of time looking for them again. Like I said, only a slight obsession.

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I am decently picky about what ones I love though. The pictures have to fit into one of the few categories I enjoy. The story has to make sense, be interesting enough for me to want to read a few hundred times, and/or rhyme.

My Little Night Light is a rhyming picture book that encourages kids to not be scared of the dark.

I am excited to say that this book is SO CUTE.  Here are the things I love about it:

  • reads well out loud for those multiple bedtime readings
  • is a good length for bedtime  – you know those books that are essentially novels that your little sweetheart wants you to read? this isn’t that. you’ll actually smile and agree when they ask for this one!
  • There are verses before and after the story, memory verse time anyone??
  • There is a page of vocabulary words at the end, for those awesome words throughout  that your little one might not know , like ‘ knight’ ‘looming’ ‘bloom’ and ‘dusk’
  • The pictures are simple, and if it doesn’t sound strange to say, calming. They remind me a little bit of the pictures in ‘good-night moon’.

 

You can get your own copy, on kindle or paperback,  here on Amazon. You won’t be disappointed!

Keep up with Felecia on twitter, instagram and facebook. I received this book for free from Felecia in exchange for my personal review.

~Laura

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Book Review – April 2016

3 May

This post has been sitting in ‘drafts’ for about 3 weeks now… leave it to me to wait until past the last minute to get it finished and published!

I didn’t read near as much this past month, having finally hit a writing streak, I was here at my desk scribbling as fast as I could instead of reading. But, because of that, I’m feeling a little more confident that I’ll actually finish the first draft by my deadline! woohoo! bkrvwapril2016

Time Enough for Drums by Ann Rinaldi – As rumblings of a Revolution spread, the same is taking place in the Emerson house. Jemima can’t stand that her tutor is a known Tory, a man who opposes American freedom. She doesn’t understand her parents friendship with him, and does all she can to defy him. But when the revolution starts in earnest and her whole family does whatever they can, she finds out that there is more to her tutor than she ever thought possible.

~As is often the case with a favorite book of mine, this came from a friend, let’s call her V 😉 . It’s always SO exciting when she sends me books. I enjoy this one for several reasons, I’ve read very few American Revolution stories ; while Jem is growing up it encourages you to think about your own behavior/motives; it’s a story full of adventure, faith, romance and standing up for what you think is right. It is a young adult novel so it can be fully enjoyed from young teens on up.

Secrets by Kristen Heitzmann – Rese Barrett had one last renovation job planned – turning the old villa into a bed and breakfast. Lance Michelli was on a mission for his grandmother, finding the secrets of the old place that calls to him. Before long though, love  intervenes and makes their plans a whole lot more complicated.

~I completely forgot that this is the first of a trilogy. It ends pretty satisfactorily to read it on its own, which is always nice. I get frustrated when the author leaves it hanging so open ended that you lose some of the enjoyment of it. You probably know by now that I’m a sucker for books that include food and old houses (Chateau of Echoes, anyone?)  and Heitzmann does it splendidly. The frittatas, crepes and lasagna that Lance creates, makes me want to forget about my food allergies…. 

 

The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien (book 2 of Lord of the Rings) – Danger has followed the Company ever since they set out.  Gandalf and Boromir have been lost. Frodo and Sam are on their own as they keep on their journey to Mount Doom. Sauron’s power grows stronger as the days pass, spreading evil across Middle Earth.

~You will receive a series review when I’m done with this trilogy but i’m moving through it slowly for one reason : It’s such a gorgeous book I won’t read it while I’m eating. And let’s face it, that’s when I do most of my reading. Sigh. It’s a fantastic story and right now they are under attack in Helm’s Deep. Aaauuugghhhhh

I am even crazier about The Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in the 1800’s than I was when I got it. I am pulling it out frequently while working on my novel.

I am still, oh so slowly, getting through To be a Jew. It is well worth the read though!

On my to-read-next list:

Little Britches by Ralph Moody

You Can’t go Home Again by Thomas Wolfe (I started it end of March but it’s been abandoned ever since)

 

And now, I do believe it’s time for a nap. And after that, I’ve gotta get to writing my novel! I’d planned on it this morning but puppy was feeling the need for attention.

Oh! Check in for a children’s book review  coming soon!

~Laura

What have you been reading lately??

 

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