Tag Archives: books

Favorite Reads of 2023

11 Jan

As an avid reader, it’s always fun to go back through my list of books that I’ve read in a year and choose my favorites. I chose my top six out of sixty-five books. These aren’t in any particular order:

Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers – #8 of Lord Peter Wimsey novels. When an employee dies at Pym’s Publicity, a respectable ad agency in London, it looks like an accident. But Lord Peter Wimsey is called in and he finds what’s really going on in the cutthroat world of copywriting.

-I found this while at a library book sale. My copy was published in 1933, hardcover and still has the paper sleeve. So of course, I had to grab it. I’d never read/heard of Sayers before but I’m so glad I snagged it! I’ve since read/listened to another of her Lord Peter Wimsey Novels, Clouds of Witness. I plan on reading more of the series this coming year. (her stories remind me a bit of Agatha Christie!)

Kenobi by John Jackson Miller – Obi-wan must set aside his status as jedi master and become Ben Kenobi as he watches over young Luke Skywalker. But he can’t help but aid the residents of Tattoine.

– This was my first Star Wars novel and since I borrowed it from a friend, I plan on buying my own copy since I’m already wanting to re-read it. It was fun to read about that in-between time that Kenobi went through -the struggles and grief and moments of peace.

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson- Yumi and Painter come from opposite worlds – she from one of gardens and spirits, he from darkness and nightmares. But when their lives become strangely intertwined can they figure out why, and how to help each other?

-I listened to this on audiobook on Spotify as it was part of the Year of Sanderson releases. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was fun to see the events through both Yumi and Painter’s points of view and to be constantly surprised by the revelations. Looking forward to reading/listening to this again!

The Long Patrol by Brian Jacques – The Rapscallion army is on the move after a sound defeat by Lady Cregga Rose Eyes, the Badger Lady of Salamandastron. The hare warriors, the Long Patrol, are on their trail to stop their progress to Redwall. Young Tammo is at the forefront as he chases his life-long dream of joining the Long Patrol.

-I listened to live readings of this from Story Time with Friends but also have a physical copy of it. Once again, the story of Redwall was delightful and full of delicious-sounding food, battles and morals. I love how Jacques weaves a story together.

The Boomerang Clue by Agatha Christie -Bobby didn’t know it when he found a body at the local golf course, but he was very lucky. Not only lucky to have escaped being poisoned, but to have Frankie at his side. Lady Frances Derwant was going to help him find the would-be murderer. But their only clues were a picture and the dead man’s last words- why didn’t they ask Evans?

-I found a hardcover five-in-one edition with this novel at the thrift store in the spring. I’d never read any Christie but had been wanting to give her at try. Six books later… anyway, this one was oddly fun (can murder mysteries be fun?).

Death Comes to Pemberly by P.D. James – Darcy and Elizabeth have been married for six years. Life is idyllic – they have two sons; Bingley and Jane live nearby; Mr. Bennet visits regularly; Georgianna has a promising marriage prospect. But it all comes crashing down when Lydia shows up, hysterical that her husband, Wickham, has been murdered. Both she and Wickham had been banned from Pemberley, but at this news, Elizabeth and Darcy take Lydia in and seek to solve this mystery.

-Brown Paper Packages Bookmail on Instagram was selling this and I just had to give it a shot. Several years ago, I watched the BBC production based on this book and enjoyed it – I probably liked the book even more! A murder mystery set in Pemberley with the beloved Austen characters? What else can you ask for?

Honorable Mentions:

Lumen by J.J. Fischer- #2 of Nightingale Trilogy- Sephone, Dorian and Cass continue their search for the only man who knows how to get to the Reliquary- the elusive Silvertongue. But Sephone’s time is getting short, Dorian is accused of treason and secrets start to drive the three companions apart. What choice will Dorian make when the stakes are at their highest?

-I received an arc for my free honest opinion. If you want to read that blog post, it’s right here. Suffice it to say, I highly enjoyed this sequel to Calor, and will have my own copy soon!

The Daybreakers by Louis L’Amour- When Tye Sackett stepped between his brother, Orrin, and a bullet, both their lives were irrevocably changed. They head west to Santa Fe where Orrin becomes marshal and Tye commands respect without a badge. But their past comes hunting them and one brother must sacrifice so the other’s dreams will be realized.

-I’ve been getting into L’Amour’s more this year thanks to thrift stores and book sales and now have a whole stack of them waiting to be read. This one, however, was an audiobook. I really enjoyed it- I’ve always liked western stories and how L’amour writes them is just nostalgic and lovely. The brother’s journey and relationship was intense, suspenseful and just engrossing.

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones – #1 of Howl’s Moving Castle series – It’s Sophie’s misfortune to have been born the eldest and so to have the destiny of failure if she leaves home. But when the Witch of the Waste puts a spell on her that turns her into an old woman, Sophie is forced to seek out the one place where the spell could be broken- the wizard Howl’s castle. To do so means dealing with the heartless Howl, make a deal with a fire demon and face the Witch of the Waste head on. Through the journey, she learns that there’s more to Howl, and herself, than she ever dreamed.

-I love the Studio Ghibli movie based off this book so this summer I checked it out of the library. It’s different from the movie of course, Howl is from Wales for one thing! But it was still charming and a delightful tale. After reading it I was inspired to crochet both Howl and Sophie. I want to read more of the series this year!

And that’s it! Even though I did read several others that were quite wonderful! If you want to see my full year of reading, click here to go to Goodreads. It’s always interesting to me to see, at the end of the year, what genres I favored. Especially since I am very much a mood-reader (i.e. I can have the best of intentions to next read a certain book but if it doesn’t strike my fancy in that moment, I’ll grab whatever does.) And this year, the genres were definitely mystery and fantasy. With a lot of westerns thrown in.

I’m hoping to add more classics to my reads this coming year – I’ve picked up Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens and a book about Tchaikovsky that I really want to read, among others! Just in glancing at my bookshelf next to me I see The Velvet Doublet by James Street, Come out of the Kitchen by Alice Duer Miller, Valley of Wild Horses by Zane Grey and You Can’t Go Home Again by Thomas Wolfe. (yes, these are all on my classics shelf!)

I’d love to hear a favorite read of yours! Maybe I’ll add it to my list!

Happy Reading, Laura

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Lumen Book Review

8 Nov

Welcome to The Start of a Good Life! As usual, it’s a book review that’s drawn me back again.

Lumen is by J.J. Fischer and it’s book two of the Nightingale Trilogy. I reviewed book one- Calor here!

As a reminder (and in case you didn’t follow the above link) – Calor is a Christian Fantasy series that’s set sixty years after the apocalypse and trading in memories is a lucrative business. Owning and controlling those who can do so could make a man rich. Sephone Winter escapes her cruel master to help Lord Adamo find the Reliquary and forget his past. Cassius Vera joins them, intent on keeping his past, and abilities hidden.

Lumen picks up soon after the events of Calor- here’s the official synopsis:

What if erasing the past cost more than you were willing to pay?

Having narrowly escaped their enemies, Sephone, Dorian, and Cass continue their search for the elusive Silvertongue, the only one with knowledge of the Reliquary’s whereabouts. But time is running out for Sephone, and with Dorian accused of high treason, the quest takes on a new urgency. 

As secrets from each of their pasts drive a wedge between them, Sephone invests all her hopes in finding her homeland, Lethe—where her family may yet be alive. But nothing about Lethe is as she expects, and disappointment, betrayal, and danger await her at every turn. 

When the truth about the Reliquary’s curse comes to light, the fragile bonds between the unlikely companions are tested like never before. Meanwhile, Dorian faces a terrible choice: to save the life of one who is beginning to mean more to him than the past he’s so desperate to forget, or to save his beloved Caldera from dangers outside and within.

~ Getting to enter the tumultuous world of Caldera again was so wonderful- and worrisome and wondering ‘what in the world do you think you’re doing?’ because sometimes the characters’ choices just stress you out even if you do still kind of understand. (Looking at you, Sephone. And Cass. And Dorian…) I loved the twists and turns and things getting turned upside down on you as you continue through the story. And the ending? Well, that I can describe in three words- Fantastic and heartrending. (and if you read it and wonder how I can react that way to such an ending, well, suffice it to say that I’m a writer too and also I love a good cliffhanger.)

I feel this goes without saying but I will anyway- I highly recommend this Christian Fantasy trilogy that is a retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s 1843 tale ‘ the Nightingale’, with hints of the tale of Hades and Persephone. It is a clean adventure-romance with wonderfully woven allegories. I could see this being a wonderful Christmas gift for the reader in your life!

It comes out December 5th, 2023, but pre-order is available now! Here’s the link to her Nightingale Trilogy page– just follow the pre-order link to claim your copy of Lumen!

I did receive an ARC of Lumen for my honest opinion.

If you want to check out the other books by Fischer that I’ve reviewed, there’s The Sword in His Hand and The Secret of Fire .

Have you read any Christian Fantasy? What did you think?

~Laura

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The Year of the Bear Book Review

19 Jan

Another book review, friends! I have had this one waiting for me for a bit, and I finally got to reading it. Life is just too much sometimes, you know? But, I want to start out by saying that I did receive this from Ambassador International in exchange for my honest review. I’ll share the synopsis and then will tell you what I thought of it.

When thirteen year old Jason and his dad kill an attacking bear, they don’t know that they’ve left a cub without its mother. When family friend, Sasquot of the Penobscot Indians, learns about it, he decides to teach Jason how to care for the cub and teach it how to survive in the wild. As Jason learns about caring for God’s creatures, he and his father deal with the fact that Jason’s own mother has left them. Jason struggles to find his place at home and school amid racial bigotry and bullies. As the year passes and Jason bonds with the bear cub, he learns valuable lessons about himself and God.

I was intrigued by the idea of a boy’s coming of age alongside a story of a bear. I’ve not read anything by Douglas J. Lanzo but as it was from Ambassador International, I knew it would be a clean story with (most likely) themes of faith throughout. First off, I love the cover they did- it makes me think of Louis L’amour books or the like. I appreciated how faith was intregal to the story- and Sasquot, ah Sasquot was a favorite character of mine. I wish that he were real and that I could have him as a mentor. What a patient, teaching man! I liked learning more about Maine and the Penobscot Indians and wildlife. Jason was a character that came to life for me pretty quickly. I always like a good coming-of-age story and having that wrapped up with how he and his father relate to each other was well done. Another theme was racial bigotry which is of course, so relevant and I appreciated how it was touched on overall.

I enjoyed the core story very much, but I found myself skipping or sometimes actually stopping reading because some of the descriptions/stories were too lengthy and/or unnecessary. I am not sure if part of this is just because I’m not into some of those things much, if at all. I think that if one is passionate about those things, the reader would love that aspect of it. But, for me, it was too much and took away from the story itself.

You can buy the book on Amazon, or on Ambassador’s site.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this book if you’ve read it, or think you might like to give it a try!

~Laura

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Calor Book Review

28 Nov

I’ve been away for far too long. But I come bearing a review for an absolutely wonderful book that you simply must order as soon as it’s available!

Calor by J.J. Fischer is a Christian fantasy novel set sixty years after the apocalypse, where trading in memories is a lucrative business. Sephone Winter is forced by a cruel master to use her unusual ability to numb memories, so that the aristocracy can forget their dark secrets. But Sephone longs to have her memories return- it’s her reason to keep living under Cutter’s thumb.

But while Sephone dreams of remembering, Lord Adamo works toward the day when he will forget his past. He speaks of an ancient relic that has the power to do what both of them want- erasing and returning memories. All he needs is her help to attain it. But not all is as it seems, when it comes to Lord Adamo, and Sephone must decide which path she will take. Helping the young lord forget his past, or traveling to Lethe where she might finally learn who she is.

I can’t even tell you how good this story was. The character arcs and plot twists! The characters themselves! The descriptions of the towns and scenery and- ahhhh. Jewel was basically an instant favorite. Cass was a great addition to the group with his skills, deboiner and yet broken self. Bas and Bear were wonderful bodyguards and friends. Damian as the broken, driven, cynical one that is hiding from himself. And Sephone, hopeful and wondering in this world that she’s seeing for the first time.

This is a retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s 1843 tale ‘ the Nightingale. (Which, to be honest, I’ve never heard of and definitely want to read now.) Along with hints of the tale of Hades and Persephone.

I highly recommend this book if you’re wanting something that grabs you and doesn’t let you go, even after you’ve finished it. And if you enjoy some fantasy but really don’t want any graphic sensual or fight scenes. This book is as clean as one could hope, with solid storytelling.

It comes out December 6th, 2022, but pre-order is available now! Here’s the link to Fischer’s Calor page , and from there you can follow the link to pre-order. Also, Calor got a Publisher’s Weekly review!

I’ve also reviewed her Decantaria series on SGL – The Sword in His Hand and The Secret of Fire by J.J. Fischer Book Review. Which I enjoyed immensely as well.

I did receive an ARC of Calor for my honest opinion. I’ve had fun being part of Fischer’s street team and cannot wait to read book #2 in this series!

~Laura

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The Secret of Fire by J.J. Fischer Book Review

8 Jun

This is the sequel to The Sword in His Hand that I enjoyed so much. I was able to borrow this copy from a friend, but now that I’ve read it, I’ll definitely end up buying it.

Synopsis: The world of Darcentaria has been changed forever because Julien Arminius opened the door to the Outside. Because of the Outside’s influence, the Rebellion has fallen and El and Torsten are fighting to get back to each other. Through their journeys, they meet unlikely allies and learn surprising truths about each other. As well as the Outside and the beginnings of Darcentaria itself.

Ahhh, El and Torsten. The questions and doubts; the loyalty and sacrifice. El is a strong character that I enjoyed getting to see mature – especially from the first book. Torsten Eisleher has always been a scarred character but in this sequel/finale of the story, you learn even more why and see how he reacts when he comes face to face with who he is. I adored Kit and Creda. Poor Emery as he struggles with who he has become and what he believes. I’ll stop there, let’s just leave it to say that this book engrossed me just as much as the first one did.

The themes of faith and forgiveness were throughout, and I appreciated the scene where a certain hymn is alluded to – no spoilers! The tension rises and falls, leaving you eager to read what’s next but never so much that you just get frustrated with nothing ever going Right. (that’s not just me that struggles with that issue in books, is it?).

The ending was wonderful and satisfying as well as surprising. I really appreciated how Fischer managed to leave me happy and still thinking about how she added a few things that I had not expected. ~Happy Sigh~.

these two juts look so lovely together

Highly recommend you give the Darcentaria Duology a try. Even if you’re not normally a fan of fantasy, give it a go! It’s a clean, faith-filled story with no magic. What more can you ask of, of a great book?

~Laura

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March 2021 Book Reviews

14 May

Once again, it’s been far too long since I got any sort of post here on SGL. But, at last, I have finished the book reviews for what I read in March. It was rather a stellar month for reading exceptional books, let me tell you. Let’s get right to it!

Redwall by Brian Jacques- At Redwall Abbey, everything is peaceful and the inhabitants prepare to celebrate the Summer of the Late Rose. But what they don’t know yet is that Cluny the Scourge is nearing their valley. Cluny is a vicious warlord, a one-eyed rat who wishes to kill all in his path. He sets plans to kill the peaceful animals and take ownership of Redwall.

~I had never read this nor barely even heard of it, and am so glad that I picked a copy up when I found it at a thrift store. It turns out that my husband read the whole series as a kid and loved it. I quickly understood why as I was whisked into the world of the Abbey- Martin, Bartholomew and the others. Cluny and his army. The owl. Oh, just the whole of it. It was so good and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

To Whisper Her Name (Belle Meade Plantation #1) by Tamera Alexander – Being the widow of a man who was shot as a traitor to the south leaves Olivia Aberdeen without many options in Nashville. She has been shunned by proper society. But she is relieved to accept the invitation by ‘Aunt’ Elizabeth Harding to be housekeeper at Belle Meade Plantation. When she arrives and finds out from Confederate General William Giles Harding why he agreed to her coming, she is disillusioned and worried. This was not to be the safe haven that she had hoped it would be. But another newcomer to Belle Meade draws her interest, a young man that, although he is from the South, seems anything but a Southern gentleman. Ridley Cooper, branded a traitor and dreaming of learning the ‘gift’ that Bob Green, Belle Meade’s horse trainer and former slave, has with horses, enters Belle Meade with a host of secrets. One of them being that while he was born in the South, he fought for the North. As he battles demons within himself, both of them must deal with fears of betrayal.

~Why did this sit on my shelf for a few years before I ever read it? I’ll never know. I was quickly drawn into the story and was HELD there for the whole thing. I really liked Ridley and Uncle Bob. As well as Olivia and her struggle to overcome not only her long-held fears but the social stagnation that suddenly happens to her. A great book – highly recommend! 

Mary Poppins 80th Collection Edition by P.L. Travers – Travel to Cherry Tree Lane on the east wind and join in on all the adventures that the Banks children go on when Mary Poppins arrives to be their nanny.

~Forgive the super short synopsis but I feel like most people have a general idea of who Mary Poppins is. I had never read any of the stories about the ‘magical’ nanny, my only experience was Disney’s rendition of her with Julie Andrews. I did enjoy getting to see how Travers wrote the character and all the crazy adventures she led the children on. But, I will say, I didn’t end up adoring her, nor the whole of the book. There were adventures that I had fun reading but on the whole, (please don’t hate me for saying this), I rather still prefer Disney’s version of who Mary Poppins is. I am glad I read it though, and think it’s worth anyone who is interested in at least trying it. I will add that getting to know Poppins’ relatives makes it worth it.

Home Work: A Memoir of my Hollywood Years by Julie Andrews – This being her second memoir, she focuses on her years in Hollywood, as an up and coming actress. The highs and lows of working with the giants of cinema at the time as well as balancing her personal life.

~I enjoyed the portion that I read of this. I honestly read maybe a quarter of it but realized that as interesting as it was, there were other books that I would rather be reading. So, I opted to be done with it. But, Andrew’s writing style is engrossing and the stories she shares are interesting. I mainly wanted to read it because of learning about her experiences filming both Mary Poppins and Sound of Music.

Seraphina (Seraphina #1) by Rachel Hartman- In Goredd, the peace between humans and dragons these past forty years has done little to ease the suspicions between them. The dragons have created a way to form themselves into human shape, and their abilities in mathematics are unmatched. The anniversary of the treaty is approaching and tensions run high. Seraphina Dombegh is a new member of court when a member of the royal family is murdered. With sufficient reason to hide from both sides, she is nevertheless caught up in the investigation with the perceptive captain of the guard, Prince Lucian Kiggs. As things grow more dangerous, she struggles to hid her secret that could mean her very life, if it is found out.

This gets five stars and I do not do 5 star ratings very often! I was completely enamored with this book. I knew nothing about it when I started – but man, Hartman did an amazing job weaving a story together with dragons in a whole new way. I really liked Kiggs’ character development, as well as Seraphina herself. The only things I feel like I should mention: the word ‘bastard’ is used throughout but in the instance of being a child born out of wedlock, not as a derogatory name. There is a very subtle instance of a possible relationship between two men, but it’s so subtle that I probably wouldn’t have even caught it if I hadn’t looked up the term that Hartman used for it. I am eagerly awaiting reading the sequel.

Dr Fate Vol. 1 The Blood Price by Paul Levitz (from goodreads:) In modern-day Brooklyn, Anubis, the Egyptian god of the dead, has called up a great flood in order to cleanse the world. If left unchecked, his magic has the power to wash all of humanity away. To turn the rising tide and save mankind, Nabu the Wise, the mystical helmet of Fate, must choose a new champion from among Earth’s greatest heroes—instead, he settles on Khalid “Kent” Nassour, Egyptian-American first-year med student. Unfortunately for the inexperienced and overwhelmed Khalid, instructions for his new abilities can’t be found in any of his textbooks. Unless he can learn to harness the ancient power of Nabu, Anubis will claim everything the new Doctor Fate holds dear, including his family, his girlfriend and the world as he knows it. Yes, the Doctor is in…way over his head.

~sometimes, the goodreads synopsis is just too good. Whoever wrote this one, nailed it. Confession time: this was my first comic book. Not to read of course, there have been a few over the years. But to own. And it is, naturally, about Dr. Fate. (marrying a nerd has had its advantages in getting exposed to some really cool superhero characters). This is a modern retelling of Dr. Fate’s origin and I liked it. I really appreciated that they worked in a (full page) spread of him in his original outfit. (insert girlish squealing). The storyline kept me interested and the artwork was incredible.

What have you been reading lately?

~Laura

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Jan and Feb 2021 Book Reviews

25 Mar

Well, it’s been a minute since I last posted, hasn’t it? As you can tell by the title, I’ve decided to lump the book reviews in two months today. Hopefully I can then get caught up and do March’s book reviews in the next week or so. Let’s begin, shall we?

Photo by Mahendra Kumar on Unsplash

Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson – English orphan, Maia is sent to live with her distant relatives who own a rubber plantation on the Amazon. Excited to explore the new world of sunshine, bright flowers and butterflies, she is surprised to encounter her cousins who douse the house with bug killer and won’t let her leave their compound. But Maia can’t be cooped up forever and she becomes involved in a mystery about an inheritance, a reluctant actor and a giant sloth

~ This is a children’s story so well written that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I fell in love with Maia and her governess, Miss Minton. I highly recommend it to pass on to young readers as well! It was such fun and getting to read about the Amazon just added to the delight.

A Year of No Sugar: A Memoir by Eve Schaub – when Eve’s eyes were opened to how sugar is hidden in just about everything (bacon, dressings, baby food, etc), she challenged her husband and two daughters to going a whole year without sugar. As they traversed the rocky road through holidays, birthdays and vacations, she learned what the real cost of such sugar consumption is- obesity, diabetes and increased risk of heart disease among other issues. Eve talks about what it’s like for an average American family to kick the sugar habit.

~ Every now and then I love to read food memoirs and this was a good one. I appreciated Schaub’s easy to understand explanations about sugar byproducts, and her honesty about the challenges of cutting sugar out of their diets. As someone who has had to cut out all processed sugars out of my own diet, I identified with a lot of what she talks about. It also motivated me to keep looking at the ingredient lists of anything I buy – which can get wearying after a few years but it’s Worth it. Highly recommend, whether you’re wanting a good kick in the pants to minimize your sugar intake or just a good memoir to laugh and groan along with.

Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of our Everyday Lives by Gretchen Rubin – We all know that habits are the key to change but Rubin wondered – how do we change our habits? She gives practical advice and theories – that she tested on herself and those around her- mixed with humor and research, on how to improve our lives by intentionally creating habits that help us lead the life we want.

~ This book was so inspirational. I’m tempted to buy it (I got it from the library to read) and actually give some of her ideas a try. This book was such an easy read and kept me turning the pages. (I even stopped reading the novel I was in at the time, it’s that good). I highly recommend!

Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes – Raised on stories of the magic of the past and high seas adventures, Lucy Clairmont grew up to be a marine archaeologist. She’s not seen her childhood friend, Dashel, for years. But when tragedy strikes, it’s his knowledge as a forensic astronomer that will help her unravel the mystery that she finds in her childhood home. Somehow, it’s linked with a story two hundred years old- of childhood love, betrayal, sacrifice and redemption. And so, Lucy and Dashel journey to an estate on the East Sussex coast, where they find a community of gentle souls and long-lost secrets where they both just might find healing.

~ Deep breath, you guys. This novel was Incredible. It immediately went onto my Favorites of 2021 list. I adore when an author can carry two different timelines through the story and weave them so seamlessly together. This was my first novel of Dykes by the way, and I was thoroughly enchanted with her writing style. I wanted to shake Lucy a few times as she let fear or assumptions dictate her actions- but don’t we all do that at times? And really, if you can write marine archaeology into a book, I am probably going to be a fan. If you’re wanting a novel that you just can’t put down, give this one a try! I already can’t wait to read it again.

My Secret War: The World War II Diary of Madeline Beck, Long Island, New York, 1941 by Mary Pope Osborne – This diary follows the adventures and trials of young Madeline. Her and her mother live in a boardinghouse on Long Island while her father serves on an aircraft carrier on the Pacific Coast. When her and her friend find a German U-boat on the coast, they form “Kids Fight for Freedom” to do their own part in the home front war effort.

~ This is a part of the ‘Dear America’ series. I have read a few, mostly when I was a young teen, and enjoyed them. This was no exception, even if it was written a little simply and I would have loved more details on certain things. But, this is written as a diary, not a novel, so it makes complete sense as to its level. I appreciated the growth of Madeline throughout the story as she goes through good and bad times during the war. Also, it’s a little known fact that a German U-boat was found on the coast in New York. I definitely recommend this for younger (and older) readers.

Books coming up in the next review:

Redwall by Brian Jacques

To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers

and more!

What have you been reading lately? I’d love to hear!

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What I Read at Christmas Time and Beyond

21 Dec

Now, I don’t know about you, but I have some favorites for certain seasons. Let’s be honest, mainly for winter. I have Winter reads.

During my cleaning out of my library the past few years, this list has gotten shorter, which means that when I was gathering all the books for this photo/post, I spent plenty of time searching for ones that I’ve gotten rid of. Why do I tell you these things? Because I like to feel that I’m not alone in my forgetfulness and book adoration. (Even as I started working on this post again, I realized that I’d forgotten two more books! Up I popped to go grab them.)

An Amish Christmas: December in Lancaster County by Beth Wiseman – Forgiveness is on the horizon – or is it? – for several people in Lancaster County. Facing some of their deepest fears at Christmastime has the potential to change their lives.

~ A good way to describe these are Hallmark movies set in an Amish community – and that’s not a bad thing. They deal with different struggles, but all 3 stories tie in with each other. They may be a bit cliched but sometimes that’s what you want. It only takes me a few days to read all of them, they are quick, fun reads for anyone. 

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – If Ebenezer Scrooge could have cancelled Christmas, he would have. But on one cold Christmas Eve, he is visited by his late business partner, who warns him to change his ways before he too has the same fate. Scrooge is visited by three Spirits who show him what has been, what is, and what will be.

~This hardback copy also has : The Cricket on the Hearth, The Chimes, The Battle of Life and The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain.

~How Wonderful A Christmas Carol is, truly. I enjoy it every year. I’m partway thru The Chimes and it’s intriguing as well.

Wildwood Dancing -by Juliet Marillier – Jenica lives with her father and sisters in the Transylvania woods, in Piscul Draculi – a castle that hides a portal to the Other Kingdom. Every month, with her sisters and pet frog, on the Full Moon, they go through the portal and dance the night away. But at home, in their world, everything is changing, and soon, events will bring their two worlds together and change everything. Forbidden love – Unswerving anger over an act of betrayal – an enchanted frog – and the ultimate test of trust.

~I’ve been thinking about this book for over a month now but love starting it on January 1st..We’ll see if I can make it that long.

The Cricket on the Hearth and Other Christmas Stories by Charles Dickens – This Dover Thrift Edition has, aside from the story on the title, The Holly Tree and The Haunted House.

~Had I remembered my hardback edition had short stories as well, I don’t know that I would have picked this up this fall. But, I’m looking forward to reading the two extra in this. So while this isn’t one that I go back to year after year, I anticipate doing so with at least some of these short stories!

Louisa May Alcott’s Christmas Treasury – All of Alcott’s short Christmas stories and novellas have been compiled in this lovely treasury. Full of love, hope, sorrow, redemption, strength, joy and goodness, these stories will enchant you.

~Last year I read a few of these short stories and was enchanted. Alcott’s writing is just so wonderful, how she weaves such lessons through her tales.

Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freedman – A compelling love story between a young Irish girl, Katherine Mary O’Fallon, new to the Canadian wild, and Sergeant Mike Flannigan of the Canadian Mounted police.

~This is a yearly – winter read for me. The wilderness and those occupying it – the animals, peoples and nature itself – are described so vividly, it’s a delight. The heartbreak that occurs will tear your heart out just as surely as you’ll rejoice when good things happen. If this book isn’t considered a classic, I’m not sure why. Read it, you’ll be glad you did. 

Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy – When singer Annette Talbot shows up, with trouble following close on her heels, Elijah Walker has to decide if she’s telling the truth or lying. Like his ex- fiancee. Despite himself, he’s drawn to her – and just when he decides to trust her, he finds out she’s a wanted woman. Will he find out the truth before he loses Annie forever?

~ This was my second time reading this sweet romantic mystery. I liked how Connealy dealt with Elijah’s struggle to forgive himself and Annette’s mis-guided belief in ‘bearing her cross’. Faith is central to this novel, and it’s done very well. It’s a great Christmas-time western read.

Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge – this book was first published in 1865. This story takes place in early nineteenth-century Holland. The description of Holland is fascinating, including some Dutch words which aspects always make me enjoy a book more. There are two connecting story lines – Poor Hans dreams of winning the Silver Skates in an ice-skating race while we also see the lives of other Dutch boys whose families are a little more well-off than Hans’.

~I believe I’ve only read this once but am excited to enter into Dodge’s world again. I remember just being enchanted with the Dutch villages and some of the characters. If you’re worried about how much she describes Holland (a valid fear from what I remember), there’s also a junior edition that I’m assuming cuts some of that out. I have both versions and haven’t decided which one I’ll read this year. Probably the unabridged, because that’s how I do things.

how sweet is this picture?

What are your Winter Reads?

~Laura

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Book Reviews- Oct/Nov

14 Dec

Two months of book reviews in one today! I guess it’s just not in me these days to be consistent on my blogging. No matter how much I want to be. I’ve not only shared some novels but I’ve also linked a few reviews below that I shared previously as well as research books for my own novels. I hope you’ll find something to add to your TBR. Happy Reading!

Skyward Series by Brandon Sanderson –

Kingdom above the Cloud by Maggie Platt

After reading it, I had to buy my own copy

Rebecca by Daphne Du Marier – Even though working as a lady’s companion is a step up for her, it’s still a small and dismal world to be a part of. So when the heroine of Rebecca meets and subsequently gets an unexpected proposal from Max de Winter, she accepts. She’s quickly swept into a world that she has no experience with. Max takes her home to his estate -overwhelming and set in its ways – Manderley and the staff that comes with it. The memory of Rebecca is kept alive by Mrs. Danvers, Max is haunted by the memory of his late wife and becomes taciturn and our heroine is caught in the middle.

~Over the past few years I have been getting told that I simply must read this book. When I saw that Enchanted Book Club was reading it a few months ago, I decided it was the time to give it a shot and was able to borrow a copy from a friend. And I’m so glad that I did. There were times that I did not enjoy what was happening in the story – why was Max so cold all of a sudden? Why was Frank Crawley so nice and yet seemingly so disliked by Mrs. Danvers? What was Mrs. Danver’s problem anyway? What changed Max so much when they got to Manderely? etc. The Questions were numerous. But they just made me keep reading, needing desperately to know the answers. The unexpected reveals in this story just blew me away. I didn’t see them coming. I did really love seeing the new Mrs. De Winter gain self confidence as the story went on, as she learned more about what was truly going on at Manderley. The writing style was incredible, I’m interested in reading other books by Du Marier now. I wouldn’t recommend it for younger readers, due to the intensity of the storyline.

the copy on the left was a gift from my 9th birthday!

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – We follow the March sisters as they grow up in New England during the Civil War. Feminine and proper Meg, tomboy Jo, spoiled Amy and tender, sickly Beth each go through their highs and lows. Young neighbor Laurie joins in many of their adventures.

~It had been a few years since I read this classic story and I have to admit that I forgot so much of what happened (that isn’t typically in the movies). I liked seeing how Amy grew and matured; Beth’s faith despite everything; Meg’s learning how to be a good, Godly wife and Jo’s independence and realizing love can come, despite your intentions to avoid it. Can readily recommend this for younger readers, the life lessons throughout are just wonderful, for any age.

Little Men by Louisa May Alcott – Years later, Jo now has boys of her own, as well as a dozen orphaned boys filling her informal school. And she couldn’t be happier, she loves each one of them and strives to help them grow in all the important ways. But boys will still be boys and they get into trouble and many an adventure.

~ This was only the second time I’ve read Little Men! I think I can honestly say that I enjoyed it even more than I did Little Women. The scrapes the the boys get into are just so interesting and you really root for them when they make the right choices. I highly recommend this for anyone, especially younger readers as it’s so fun and the life lessons are just as good as in Little Women.

Dressed for the Photographer: Ordinary Americans & Fashion, 1840-1900 by Joan Severa – Through photographs and writings, we are shown how poorer Americans could wear the current fashions within a year. And how fashion equality really rose in people’s minds as the years progressed. Through ready-made clothing and other inventions, the fashion industry changed the average American’s style.

~I got this book as research for the novels I’m writing and while I only focused on the years that were pertinent to my stories, I highly enjoyed (and took copious notes) it. The detail that Severa goes into is so great for historical information that I would love to own this eventually.

20th Century Fashion 1900-1920 Linen and Lace by Sue Mee – As part of a series that covers how fashion changed – from the tea gown to sportswear- it covers eight ‘looks’ as well as other information about the time period.

~This book was interesting but it wasn’t as in depth as I was wanting. It had some great information though!

Police Procedure and Investigation- a Guide for Writers by Lee Lofland – With this guide, you can get your facts about the inner workings of police departments straight instead of ending up like so many television shows that get so much of it wrong.

~This is yet another book for research, and that I’d love to own eventually. I didn’t need very much information from it but ended up flipping through several chapters just out of pure curiosity. Lofland gives it to you straight and detailed. A very good reference book.

Currently Reading:

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

To Read:

Christmas/Winter books (watch for an upcoming post on that!)

What have you been reading lately?

~Laura

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Book Reviews – August 2020

26 Aug

First off, since I haven’t done a book review since May, I am going to add a few more books that I really have been wanting to share with you on SGL. Because of that, this will be quite the mix of classics and modern books, so get out your TBR list because I’m sure you’ll find a couple at least, to add to it!

A Lantern in Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich – A story about a young girl that dreamed of doing something big with her life. When she became a young bride, she followed her husband West and became one of the pioneers that helped build a nation- in so doing, becoming part of something great! ~This story was heart-touching and with little life lessons all throughout. I can’t believe I’ve owned this book for years and haven’t read it before this! Following Abbie from childhood to the end of her days, you meet all the people she comes in contact with and see all the joys and trials she goes through. Living with her through the difficult pioneer years and raising children and watching them grow makes you appreciate all that our ancestors did.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo – When the poor hunchback, Quasimodo, is tortured during the Feast of Fools, the only one who steps forward and helps him is a young gypsy named Esmerelda. That one act of kindness fills Quasimodo with love. But his caretaker, a cold, stern priest – Dom Claude Frollo, has plans of his own for Esmerelda, and Quasimodo. What will happen to each of these people under the shadow of Notre Dame?

~Now, I’d tried reading this back about 12 years ago and didn’t get too far. I’d been wanting to give it another shot (as I’d been carting the same copy around all this time for just that reason), when I spotted a read-along on Instagram for it! The group helped me in finishing it as I likely would have given up again. Don’t get me wrong, the story is quite good and heartbreaking and the twists of the plot keep you turning the pages. It was just all the other aspects of the whole unabridged version that I tended to struggle through. In the future, I plan on reading the abridged version. But, I do recommend you read the full book for yourself, at least once. The end was GOOD and I can’t give spoilers away here but I didn’t see all of how Hugo was going to tie it all off. True, some of it was a little dissatisfying to me but, shrug. It didn’t end up ruining it for me. The other characters that Hugo weaves into the story were very interesting – the crazed woman, the beggars, the gypsys, etc. One last thing, this is quite different from the Disney version! Much darker and if you think Frollo is bad in that movie… Just give it a read yourself before giving it to a young teen to read, is my suggestion. (book pictured is my abridged version, 1956)

A Table By The Window by Lawana Blackwell – Carley has finally created a calm, orderly life for herself in San Fransisco. Her childhood was neither of those things, leaving her scarred. But, then she receives word that a grandmother that she barely remembers, left her an inheritance in Talullah, Mississippi. She travels to the small town and is instantly charmed by it as well as the friendliness of its residents. She decides to move there and open up a bistro. She loves her new life, and getting to know her family there. But she gets more than she expected when suddenly, she’s involved in a murder mystery.

~I’m not sure how I’ve never reviewed this book! I read it at least once a year, and that’s saying something since my favorites tend not to be set in modern times (unless of course, we are talking about Dee Henderson books…) I really enjoy how Carley learns and grows through the story. How she learns what it means to be part of a family and to let go of the past. The romance is good and sweet and unexpected. Plus, she opens a Bistro and there’s a murder mystery – as well as she gets migraines occasionally. Need I say more? Give this one a try!

Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life by C.S. Lewis – This is a partial biography by Lewis – his main goal of this book wasn’t to give a full description of his life. Rather, it was to share what he viewed as the main points in his life that drew him ever closer to what he’d been searching for all his life, that which he called – Joy. The longing for something so good and intense that it couldn’t be explained with words. However, he does cover quite a bit of his life, sharing stories with a mix of humor and sadness.

~My brother and I had been talking about Lewis and when he heard that I hadn’t read this- he loaned it to me! I’m glad he did as it was an interesting read. His younger years were entertaining to read about and yet sad. If you’re a fan of C.S. Lewis, I recommend reading this as well.

She: A History of Adventure by H. Rider Haggard – When Cambridge professor, Horace Holly, and his ward, Leo Vincey, open the package left by Leo’s late father. It contains artifacts suggesting an ancient mystery about the Vincey family. They quickly set off on an adventure to the interior of Africa, but they’ve no idea what is in store. Eventually they meet Ayesha and a primitive race of natives. Ayesha reigns as ‘She’ or ‘She-who-must-be-obeyed’ – and who does have an inexplicable connection to Leo.

~Now this is an interesting story – and quite different from probably any that I’ve read before.I first read this well over 10 years ago, but my copy from at the latest 1905 (thanks to the inscription), didn’t have the last of the story printed in it… And i never found another copy (or didn’t really look) until last year when I did find one! It was much more satisfying, with the ending, even though it is still a fantastical story. It can be pretty open/violent/descriptive in places, I found, so I wouldn’t recommend it for a younger reader. I’m really not sure that I’ll read it again anytime soon, but there’s something special about it to me, plus, just look at the book itself!

The Pillar of Fire by J.H. Ingraham – The Prince of Tyre, Sesostris, goes to Egypt as a state guest of Pharoah. His letters to his beloved mother describe Egypt and the plight of the Hebrews that are enslaved there; all the way to their subsequent release from their labors and set free.

~This was a book that I found at Powell’s – and then it sat on my shelf for probably almost two years, waiting for me to read it! It did take me about four months to finish, a large part of that because I got on a Brandon Sanderson kick. It started out rather slow for me, as I expected the part about the plagues to start quite early in the story. But the descriptions of how the author envisions how Egypt was, were incredible. I did get bogged down by them at times, to be perfectly honest! I’m so glad I didn’t give up on the story though as it was well wort the full read. How they took the Biblical account and gave it such life was very interesting – and I didn’t spot any glaring discrepancies. I highly recommend this book as a way to bring that story to life. My copy is from 1859 but you can buy newer copies on Amazon.

Elantris by Brandon Sanderson (book 1) – Elantris was once a golden city in Arelon – literally glowing from the magic of the Shaod. It was the epicenter of trade and the demigods used their power to help others. Ten years ago, all that changed – the Elantirans became like lepers, and the city became their prison. In the devastation, a new capital has risen, Kae -in the shadow of the walls of Elantris. From across the waters, Princess Sarene of Teod comes to wed Prince Raoden – eager at last to meet and fall in love with this enigmatic man, but instead finds out that he has died and according to the laws of Kae, their engagement vows are as binding as marriage vows. Hrathen is a high priest of the Fjordell empire, and stepping into Kae hours after Princess Sarene has only one goal – convert the people of Kae in a few months’ time or they will all be killed. As Sarene battles politics in order to save both Teod and Kae from Fjordell control, she finds out the truth of Prince Raoden. He had become an Elantrian – outcast in the decaying city, and while trying to help the wretches there, he just might find the answer to the secret of Elantris.

~ Yes, this book deserves a long review. I LOVED this book. I never would have chosen it myself, but thank goodness for friends that send you books out of your ordinary! This quickly became a favorite of mine. The story line twists and turns so that I never knew how it was going to end and the characters were very well written. Neither Sarene nor Raoden are your typical royalty, and even the villian, Hrathen, has depths that intrigued and kept him from being someone you grew bored of. All in all, an excellent book full of suspense and lacking in anything sensual or ‘sketchy’. Highly recommend.

I did finish the Chronicles of Narnia series, click here for a review I wrote in 2018

Mistborn Era series by Brandon Sanderson

Currently Reading:

Sherwood by Meagan Spooner

Book in a Month by Victoria Lynn Schmidt

~Laura

What have you been reading this month?

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