Tag Archives: christian book reviews

Book Reviews – Nov 2025

9 Dec

Hello friends! Thank you for stopping by SGL – this post will be quite short as I wasn’t able to read much again this month.

Because of a Christmas Tree by Rebekah A. Morris – Old Marley decides to give Sonny a proper Christmas – tree and all, but problems arise around every corner. Will the boy take matters into his own hands? Or will they truly get a Christmas miracle?

~ This was a lovely short story focused on the Christmas season. I fell in love with Old Marley and how he cares for Sonny. Highly recommend getting yourself a copy to enjoy while you’re cozied up with a cup of tea. I received a complimentary copy for my honest review.

Currently Reading:

The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time #1) by Robert Jordan

Ten Days in a Mad House and Other Stories by Nellie Bly

Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens

Gate of Trust – Shaar Habitchon by Rabbeinu Bachya Ibn Pakudah

Hope When It Hurts by Kristen Wetherell

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Books I Love to Read – Modern Setting/Author

3 Oct

Over on my social media pages, I’ve been sharing with you some of the books that I absolutely love and this week is all about those books that I think about often.

Over the past several weeks, I’ve be doing, well, I suppose you could call it a kind of series. Sharing videos where I talked about books I love, with a different focus or theme, each time. I’ve also been sharing blog posts on those same books. If I’ve already written a review on the book, I’ll link it! This is meant to be a quick way to get to know me a little bit more – and these blog posts will be short reads! You’re welcome!

This final week’s focus is Modern Setting/Author:

Lights of the Veil by Patty Metzer – Mere hours after meeting her nephew, her late sister’s son, both Erica and Betul are kidnapped and taken to India. Back in the place of her birth, Erica meets Prince Ajari who helps her, and then revels that he’s Betul’s uncle.

Happily Ever After by Susan May Warren – Mona Reynold’s  dream of opening her own bookstore and coffee shop is about to come true. With the help of her friend and a handyman that leaves her breathless, she races to fix the old Victorian house up in time for opening day.

A Table by the Window by Lawana Blackwell – After receiving word that a grandmother she barely remembers left her an inheritance, Carley travels to the small town of Talullah, Mississippi. Instantly charmed by it as well as the friendliness of its residents, she decides to move there. But she’s unexpectedly caught up in a murder mystery.

Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes – Lucy Clairmont, marine archaeologist, hasn’t 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 that’s it for this little ‘series’ of mine! I hope you enjoyed it and found some books to add to your to-read pile!

~Laura

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Books I Love to Read- Grew Up Reading

18 Sep

Over on my social media pages, I’m sharing with you some of the books that I absolutely love and this week is all about those books that I think about often.

Over the next several weeks, I’ll be doing, well, I suppose you could call it a kind of series. I’ll be sharing videos where I talk about books I love, with a different focus or theme, each time. I’m also sharing blog posts on those same books. If I’ve already written a review on the book, I’ll link it! This is meant to be a quick way to get to know me a little bit more – and these blog posts will be short reads! You’re welcome!

The focus is very specifically, on Lori Wick and Janette Oke books that I grew up reading. I’ll definitely share other favorites from my growing-up years but this is it for now =)

I probably started reading these around twelve or thirteen years old.

Where the Wild Rose Blooms by Lori Wick – published in 1996. Just when love blooms between young Clayton and Jackie, tragedy strikes. How can Jackie tell Clayton the truth when it could ruin everything?

A Woman Named Damaris by Janette Oke – published in 1991. The idea of living away from her drunk, abusive father grows in fifteen-year old Damaris’ mind and one day, with her mother’s love and two family heirlooms, she makes her getaway.

Roses for Mama by Janette Oke – published in 1991. Angela and Thomas struggle to care for and raise their younger siblings after their parents died. The responsibility seems to grow harder as Angela works to raise them how their mother would have wanted.

A Gown of Spanish Lace by Janette Oke – published in 1995. When Arianna is suddenly kidnapped and the boss’ son set to guard her, she fears for her life and future.

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Books I Love to Read- Authors I Auto-buy

8 Sep

Over on my social media pages, I’m sharing with you some of the books that I absolutely love and this week is all about those books that I think about often.

Over the next several weeks, I’ll be doing, well, I suppose you could call it a kind of series. I’ll be sharing videos where I talk about books I love, with a different focus or theme, each time. I’m also sharing blog posts on those same books. If I’ve already written a review on the book, I’ll link it! This is meant to be a quick way to get to know me a little bit more – and these blog posts will be short reads! You’re welcome!

The focus this time is those authors that I auto-buy. If I find them in thrift stores, garage sales or brand new, I have to buy them. (for complete transparency, if they’re brand new, I often do actually wait for a sale because my parents taught me right hehe)

Today I’m going to share a few of the reasons that I love these authors. If you’re interested in the specific book I have, follow the link!

Brandon Sanderson (Elantris) – massive worldbuilding, unique characters, clean fantasy, unexpected twists

Michelle Griep (The House at the End of the Moor) – historical fiction and romance with good depth

J.J. Fischer (Lumen) – clean fantasy with faith themes throughout. Fantastic characters and worlds.

Louis L’amour (The Trail to Seven Pines)  – writing style, easy to read plots

What authors do you auto-buy?

~Laura

~while linking these books, I realizes that two of them I’ve not read since 2020 and the other two need more proper reviews here on SGL!

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Book Reviews – June 2025

30 Jun

Welcome back to SGL, friends. I’m surprised by how many books I read, considering how much Other was occurring – and four of them were from my To-Read stack(s)!

I’ve been thinking these past few months of starting to do star ratings. What do you think? Would it add anything to my reviews, in your opinion? Or is there something else you’d like me to add to them?

On to the reviews!

Red Heart Cafe by Rebekah A. Morris (e-book)- During an enforced vacation, Ford Merrick’s truck breaks down outside of a small desert town. He has lunch at a small cafe, and ends up with a bruised jaw and the town bully getting arrested. He hadn’t planned on his defense of a harassed waitress putting not only the cafe’ at risk, but also Ariana’s farm. For the town bully’s father is the owner of the bank, and that man keeps a tight rein on those whose mortgages he holds. As things spiral into further chaos, Ford wonders if his presence has only hurt those around him or if he can help these people find justice.

~I’ve read one other book by this author years ago, so was excited to read another one. First – a male lead with the name of ‘Ford’ is perfection every time. Love it. I enjoyed the small town and how Ford’s perception of it shifted during his stay there. Since I read it as an e-book, it took me a little bit to get into it, but then I couldn’t get stop reading. It was a sweet story of standing up for what’s right and following God’s guidance. I liked how polite Ford was, well, so many of the people were really. It made it feel like it was set back in the 1950’s or something – very lovely. The only thing that made me wonder was when Ford considers a fairly serious step in a relationship that, to the reader, doesn’t yet feel fully mutual. It had a slightly too old-fashioned feel for a modern setting. It wasn’t enough of a thing to put me off though and the story ended sweetly and satisfactorily. A light cute read with good Christian themes throughout.

The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea (The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder #2) by C.L. Miller – Freya Lockwood and her Aunt Carole are called in when a painting goes missing and a body is found behind a museum. The newly-formed Lockwood Antique Hunter’s Agency goes on the case to find out why such a seemingly worthless painting was taken… and that investigation leads them to an antiques cruise sailing the Red Sea. But some of the items in the ship’s art gallery are stolen antiquities – listed in a journal that was left to Freya from unsolved cases. But chasing the thief and murderer turns into a much more dangerous and sinister game than either woman was expecting

~I admit it – I got this from the library because of the title. Did I even look to see if it was a sequel so to then read them in order? Nope. Murder mystery. Antiques. Sign me up (apparently). Because I knew nothing about it- or the author- I was a little trepidatious in whether it would be *clean* – on that score, there were a few swear words and one or two instances of immoral comments… But that was it. For the story and plot – I loved it. While there were definitely moments of ‘girl, think! you’re going to get yourself killed!’, there was another character thinking/saying that as well. Which takes it from an annoying thing about the character to a character trait that they *hopefully will learn from. The twists and turns kept me guessing and I appreciated the satisfying not-too-cliche’ ending. I do have book one on hold at the library. If you like Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers or the like, I think you’d like this one.

The Book Of Three by Lloyd Alexander- I had only seen the movie “The Black Cauldron” that was based off of this series, so I had no real knowledge of the story.
I found this story to be a fun adventure, following Taran, assistant pig-keeper, as he sought the escaped oracular pig, Hen-Wen. He’s realizing that his dreams of being a hero are easier than actually being one.
But Gurgi, Fflam and Eilonwy are there to hinder and help him along the way!
All in all, a cute story of good and evil battling it out. I am curious about the rest of the series now! I found this at a library book sale almost a year ago, so I’m glad I finally read it.

Han Solo’s Revenge (Star Wars: the Han Solo Adventures #2) by Brian Daley – Short on funds, Han Solo and Chewie take on a no-questions-asked job that will pay them 10,000 credits. But once they make planetfall, Solo learns that it’ll also earn them both quick executions from the Corporate Sector Authority. The Authority can overlook many crimes, but the slave trade isn’t one of them. Thankfully, due to quick thinking on Blue Max’s part, they’re able to turn the tables on the slavers. But Solo figures that someone still owes him that 10,000 credits, so he keeps the appointment the slavers had with their boss. But who he meets with doesn’t seem to fit who he had in mind…Except of course, she wasn’t. Fiolla’s an officer of the Sector Authority. . .

~ Basically, these Han Solo adventures are swash-buckling rides in space where Solo survives with quick thinking, luck and his crew’s own skills. I liked seeing Blue Max and Bollux as part of his crew- despite how Solo feels about droids. I liked the bit where Chewie flies. Fiolla was an interesting surprise throughout. I enjoyed this wild ride through different planets, space and spacships.

Han Solo and the Lost Legacy (Star Wars: the Han Solo Adventures #3) by Brian Daley – Unable, for different reasons, to resist the allure of the lost treasure of Xim, Solo and Chewie join up with some old and new friends to locate it. Along the way, they’re hunted by a notorious hitman, the Millenium Falcon is stolen and a strange cult in the mountains kidnap them. And let’s not forget the killer robots that are hot on their trail.

~Sound fantastic enough for you? This one finishes off the trilogy with all the thrills and almost-deaths that you could want. Is it kind of ridiculous? Sure. But that’s some of what you want in a Solo adventure, isn’t it? I was kind of sad with the ending because I wish there would’ve been more to the series. But it was satisfying all the same.

~both of these were found last year at a thrift store – which means I’ve read three of the ten Star Wars books I own!~

The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook to Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson (audiobook) – When a man wakes up in what appears to be medieval England with no memory of who he is, where he’s from or why he’s there, he has to act quickly to regain his memories, because people from his own time are after him. Working to regain his memories, he makes allies with some of the locals and even starts to wonder about trusting in their superstitious boasts. His only other hope for survival should’ve been a handbook from the real world titled “The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England” but it was torn to shreds during his entry into this world. The pieces he has have clues on them – but will he figure them out in time?

~How have I never reviewed this on SGL before? This was probably my second, maybe third, read and its ridiculous tongue-in-cheek style is just… fun. It’s a light-hearted tale with themes of truth, loyalty, friendship and becoming who you want to be. I liked that you learn who the main character is along with him, as well as how the world works – its similarities and differences to our own. This is different than Sanderson’s normal style, so keep that in mind!

Anne of Green Gables (Anne of Green Gables #1) by L.M. Montgomery (audiobook) – Anne Shirley is an awkward, gangly redheaded orphan that is adopted by Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, siblings who live on their childhood homestead, Green Gables. Anne is prone to get into more scrapes and adventures than any other youngster in Avonlea, which proves for an interesting time for all.

~Somehow, I hadn’t read this in ten years. I adore Montgomery’s writing style so much. After so long, it was fun and interesting to read this beloved tale again – how Rachel Lynde is the first character you’re introduced to; understanding Matthew’s reticence in talking with people; Marilla’s softening over time; Diane’s staunch love and loyalty to Anne. Sighhh, bliss.

The First Fast Draw by Louis L’amour – Drawn back to Texas despite the bad reputation he has, Cullen Baker goes home to his land – the land that his parents put their sweat and tears into before they both died – to build a home and life there after years of wandering. But his homecoming is anything but welcoming. The Reconstructionists are greedy, his worst enemy has teamed up with a vicious outlaw and people have long memories. But instead of backing down and moving on, Cullen decides to fight back – and that includes a new style of gunfighting- the fast draw.

~I always love me a Louis L’amour book. But this one had something lacking for me. I can’t quite put my finger on it, unless it was something about Cullen himself…? I’m not sure. All the same, an interesting story on how the fast draw was ‘started’.

DNF’d: (did not finish)

Lust for Life by Irving Stone

Currently Reading:

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire (confession, read 20 pages and haven’t picked it up again.)

Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery (audiobook)

Upcoming Possibles:

Prequel: The Adamah Series by Nick Michael (re-read)

The Last Hero: a biography of Gary Cooper by Larry Swindell

Ten Days in a Madhouse & Other Stories by Nellie Bly

And just to repeat – I’ve been thinking these past few months of starting to do star ratings. What do you think? Would it add anything to my reviews, in your opinion? Or is there something else you’d like me to add to them?

~Laura

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Book Reviews- May 2025

3 Jun

Hello my friends, thanks for stopping by SGL. I read a variety of genres this month …. okay okay, I guess most of them are sort of fantasy-esque… whoops. Well, that’s what happens when you’re a mood reader, eh?

While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.

The Mad Girls of New York by Maya Rodale- Feeling fearless and unstoppable, young reporter Nellie Bly is in New York City in 1877 with ambitions beyond the ladies’ page. But the editors on Newspaper Row think women are too emotional and fragile for the job. So when she’s challenged by the editor of the New York World to go undercover, she accepts. It doesn’t matter that she’s mad to accept it; she’d be mad to refuse. She’s to go undercover as a patient at Blackwell’s Island Insane Asylum for Women.

~I’ve long been interested in Nellie Bly (she’s even mentioned in my own novel, Amelia) so when I received this novel as a gift (thanks mom and dad!), I was excited. It’s a fictional telling of the very stunt that put Nellie Bly on her path. I enjoyed this story so much, the research that was done, the well developed characters, the twists in the plot. There were a couple things that I wasn’t crazy about, slipped in but…I honestly can’t remember what they were. (hides face in shame). I do think that there were a couple of curse words. Definitely recommend – but not for younger readers.

The Last Battle (Chronicles of Narnia #7) by C.S. Lewis- Age-old treacheries come again during the last days of Narnia. Hope seems lost as the battle lines are drawn and old friends are called once again to Narnia during this conclusion of the series.

~I never remember much about this book when I start it. It’s enjoyable overall and the poetry throughout is simply lovely. Poor Puzzle, is all I’ll say. It’s not one of my favorites even though it was good. There are a lot of complaints of racism being rampant in this story and while I didn’t like some of the descriptions, I don’t think ‘racism’ was the intent. This is a darker tale for sure- dealing with end-of-world scenarios and death. Lewis showed loyalty and devotion quite aptly and what treachery can lead to.

New Spring (The Wheel of Time #0) by Robert Jordan –  Al’Lan Mandragoran, exiled king of Malkier is the finest swordsman of his generation. His city of Canluun sits close to the Blight- the place where it’s said that those who serve the Dark One reside- and when he arrives home after years of fighting, all is in chaos. But it’s there in Canluun that he meets young Aes Sedia, Moraine. She’s on a desperate quest to prove or disprove a prophecy- that the dragon reborn has been born.

~Having read all of the Wheel of Time series, I was glad to get into this prequel. We get to see Moraine become an Aes Sedai and her friendship with Siuan. We also see a slightly-less encumbered Lan. However, the first half (?) was really quite slow. And the …wait, if you’ve not read the series and want to, skip to the next book review, there will be spoilers…. where we see Lan and Moraine bond as Aes Sedai and warder was less than I was hoping for. All in all, I’m actually undecided if I’ll ever read this book and if it’s worth keeping on my (overflowing) shelves. The parts I did enjoy was the time that Moraine was seeking the child said to be the dragon reborn and when her and Lan were interacting. I’m putting aside the ‘carneira’ plot line that felt rather gross, and the ‘pillow friends’ that was much more subtle/ignor-able in the main series. If I did star-ratings, this would probably get a 2.

Caligo (Nightingale Trilogy #4) by J.J. Fischer – Cassius Vera is searching for a fresh start. But the ache in his chest, the memories in his head and the truth-telling gift are all things he can’t leave behind. Zaire Delmar, werebeast, is also running – from accusations of murder and heartbreak – and the last person she expects to meet on the ship she’s stowing away on, is Cass. He’s an alter, and offers his help, despite the fact that she’s half beast and can more than adequately take care of herself. But circumstances leave them with no choice but to rely on each other – will they be able to forget the betrayals of the past and trust each other?

~This is a sequel to The Nightingale Trilogy Review, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Although, honestly, why anyone wouldn’t want to immerse themselves in Fischer’s world as much, and as long, as possible, I don’t understand. I liked getting to see both Cass and Zaire after the events of the aforementioned trilogy. These characters were so much a part of that story that it was really lovely to get to see where they were at and where they… end up. Both of their personal developments were SO good and so many truths woven in that got me thinking! I love how Fischer weaves faith into the story so naturally.

Han Solo at Stars End (Star Wars: the Hans Solo Adventures #1) by Brian Daley- The Millennium Falcon is ordered to be brought in for inspection – but since Han Solo knows better to trust anyone, especially in regards to his spaceship – he does what he does best, slips out of the tight spot with barely an inch to spare. But when the galaxy’s best illegal ship rebuilder (the one they need to help with the required overhaul) disappears, Han and Chewie must find him. Their search leads them to some ruthless enemies and a desolate asteroid.

~First published 1979. This was one of a stack of original* Star Wars books that I giddily claimed at a thrift store. It was incredibly fun to read about Han Solo and Chewbacca on an adventure, where Solo’s priorities are his ship, Chewie, and making money. And not dying. I liked Blue Max and Bollux, two droids who join his crew for this job – and the villians! ah. Classic. This is a short, fast, fun read and I fully intend on reading it again. And reading more of Daley’s S.W. books.

*I do not know, officially, if this book or the others are technically considered original/canon Star Wars books. They seem like they would be to me, what with the publication date, so I’m going with it. Don’t yell at me if I’m wrong. I don’t need to cry today =)

Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both our Hearts and our Minds by Jen Wilkin- this study is about making sure that when you study the Bible, you’re not solely focused on your emotions but instead on feeding your mind first.

~I did this study with my sister-in-law and I appreciated Wilkin’s points of making sure that you’re coming to the Word with the right approach. She also shares study techniques to be intentional and mindful about what you’re reading. Recommend if you’re wanting a refresher on how important Bible Study is

Currently Reading:

Lust for Life by Irving Stone

The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook to Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson (audiobook)

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (audiobook)

Han Solo and the Lost Legacy by Brian Daley

Upcoming Possibles:

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander

The Last Hero: a biography of Gary Cooper by Larry Swindell

Ten Days in a Madhouse & Other Stories by Nellie Bly

What are you reading? Let me know!

~Laura

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Darcentaria Duology Review

20 May

I reviewed these books separately back in 2021 but they were on my favorites list for that year, so they need a separate post!! Also, I really need to read them again.

The Sword in His Hand

Synopsis: When a strange young woman named El, washes up on the shores of Darcentaria, brought somehow by a strange metal craft that is now a burning wreck, there is plenty of suspicion about her. The villagers wonder if she’s an agent of their cruel oppressors, the Dalriadans, sent to spy on them? Or is she from the Outside – the legendary lands that lie beyond their borders. Torsten Eislher has spent the last nine years wrongfully imprisoned. His uncle, the empire’s ruler, used him as an example to any who might oppose him. But now, as a young swordsman, and having escaped the fate planned for him, Torsten is staying alive and one step ahead of his uncle’s soldiers by keeping a firm grip on his sword. He hates anything to do with the Outside; but when he is inexorably drawn to El, he finds himself questioning everything he’s been told about her world. The hunt for Torsten and El is started in earnest when the ruler, Jurien Arminius decides to take the Outside world’s advanced military for his own. But it’s not just Torsten and El that he’s looking for, there were two others that landed with her. And he will stop at nothing to win the war against the rebellion that could destroy his empire.

The Secret of Fire

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.

I appreciated that this fantasy series had little to no magic, clean and with themes of faith, family and loss throughout.

There are mentions of the guards forcing themselves on the women prisoners, and El deals with a lot of suggestive behaviors and more from the strangers that she’s around while traveling through this world – but nothing too descriptive, thank goodness!

I thoroughly enjoy Fischer’s writing – I’ve since read several of her books and her imagery and themes are so beautifully done. I highly recommend this duology!

~Laura

I have also reviewed The Nightingale Trilogy Review!

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Of Gold and Shadows Book Review

29 Apr

I used to never buy new books, much less pre-order them. But over the past few years, I’ve been changing that stance. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “If an author is dead or famous, I use the library. If they’re new or need support, I buy the book.” I’ve started taking that more to heart, and even the well-known ones still need support, you know? =) Yes, that’s book-math in all it’s glory.

Anyway, I have loved Michelle Griep’s books for years (links for her other books that I’ve reviewed are at the end of this post). Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep is the first book in Time’s Lost Treasures series. It was published in September, 2024

This novel is set in 1888 Victorian England. It follows Ami Dalton as she struggles to make a name for herself as an Egyptologist amid the gender biases that academia is steeped in. However, her heart also lies in rescuing black-market artifacts, so she’s often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker.

We also follow Edmund Price, Oxford’s most eligible bachelor – after eight years in India, he’s returned to London to run for Parliament and to find an Egyptologist to value his newly acquired collection. He expects to find the esteemed professor, but instead finds the professor’s daughter, Ami. As she begins work on the collection, their connection deepens but then a golden griffin that supposedly bears the curse of Amentuk surfaces. Ami and Edmund must work together to decide whether there really is a centuries- old curse causing problems or if there’s a darker force hiding in the shadows.

The Shadows hold secrets darker than they ever imagined

My review:

I’ll be honest with you, I’ve not been reading very many historical fictions lately. It’s a shame but as I’m very much a mood reader, these things happen. I had this one on my shelf since it released back in September but never could quite start it for some reason… Once I started it, I was quickly hooked. I do adore Ami’s kindhearted, slightly absent-minded ways. Her determination to see historical artifacts where they can be appreciated and safeguarded. Her love of flowers and bees… Of course, Edmund is quite wonderful as well. His deep loyalty to those he cares about. His devotion to being honest, and to being vulnerable when necessary.

I found the storyline to be intriguing and appreciated the, perhaps, lesser known details/facts about that era that were sprinkled in. While I found some of the plot devices a bit expected, they weren’t heavily leaned on to support the plot! Huzzah! Which honestly, is what I expected from Griep – her stories are never cliche’ and her characters never cardboard-cutouts.

The ending was quite satisfying and sweet without being sugar-coated if you know what I mean. I did love that we got to see Ami and her father’s relationship grow through the story as well.

I’d definitely recommend this novel! If I rated via stars, it’d get a solid four, maybe a four and a half, from me.

Other books by Michelle Griep:

The House at the End of the Moor

The Captured Bride 

The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane – apparently I never reviewed this one. Suffice it to say that it was fantastic- plot twists and character depths that I appreciated. It’s been two years since I read it and I can still recall some of my favorite scenes. I’ll have to read it again this year and write out a proper review!

~ Laura

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The Nightingale Trilogy Review

14 Apr

Thanks for stopping by SGL again, my friends. I’m excited to share this trilogy with you as J.J. Fischer has easily become my favorite Christian Fantasy author. She writes intriguing stories and characters while weaving foundational truths throughout – and keeping it clean! This trilogy is a fantasy -retelling- of Hans Christian Anderson’s ‘The Nightingale’ and the myths of Hades and Persephone.

What if you could edit memories with a single touch?

Synopsis:

Caldera has raised a new society from the ashes of the world-that-was. Memories of the old world are highly valued, traded and craved by rich and poor alike. Nostalgia is a commodity worth dying – and killing – for.

Sephone Winter, a young mem, is forced by a harsh master to use her memory manipulation ability to numb the painful memories of the aristocracy.

Lord Adamo comes with a tempting proposition – he’ll get her away from her harsh life if she’ll help him forget his past. For he knows of an ancient relic that is powerful enough to permanently erase memories. But Sephone soon realizes that Lord Adamo isn’t all that he appears and she’ll have to decide whether to help him or journey to Lethe to possibly learn who she really is.

Review:

I am really enjoying that Christian Fantasy is becoming a popular genre. The main point being, that one can read fantasy novels without there being anything… untoward in them. Of course, I do love the allegories that are woven through as well.

I found the concept of trading memories intriguing. And of course, the idea that the memories that haunt us could be numbed holds a certain appeal, doesn’t it? I appreciated how Fischer dealt with that – the side effects (magical-esque and real) – that caused me to think about what I might choose if that option was truly available.

I liked Dorian Ashwood (Lord Adamo) immediately, although there are times that you do tilt your head, squint your eyes and wonder about him… But isn’t that the case with Cass as well? Oh, you don’t know who Cass is, do you. Cass is a character that arrives to help Dorian and Sephone on their journey and let’s just say that he absolutely does help them… and causes some problems along the way as well, of course. Dorian’s single-minded drive to accomplish his goal, Sephone’s wonder of the world as she travels it for the first time…

Sighh…

Well, friends, since I seem to be running out of proper, coherent words, I’ll wrap this up. If you enjoy fantasy- definitely read this trilogy. If you’re thinking you might be interested in fantasy- give it a read!

One last thing – these hardcover editions are absolutely stunning!

I wrote reviews on two of her other books: The Sword in His Hand and The Secret of Fire. Ohh, I just realized that I still need to review her book, The Soul Mark!

~Laura

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Book Reviews- February 2025

4 Mar

It’s time again for some book reviews, my friends! It’s been a mood-read kind of winter for sure. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve picked up a book that I’ve been meaning to read for months, and sat down with it, only to stand back up and switch it out for a different book. Shrug. I did get three books off that TBR though!

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman- Lyra is hurrying to the North- where armored bears and witch clans rule. For the North is where all stolen children are sent, where Lyra’s friend Roger has been sent. It’s also where her imposing uncle is attempting to build a bridge to a parallel world.

~Having seen and enjoyed the movie multiple times, I wanted to read the book. While I did enjoy it- the writing was good, the plot was entertaining, there were a few things mentioned that I felt were unnecessary and actually pulled me away from the story. (and some that added nothing to the plot whatsoever, instead feeling like something that the author just really wanted to make a statement about). I had intended on reading the whole trilogy but, don’t have any intention to at this time.

Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia #2) by C.S. Lewis – When Susan’s horn is blown, the Pevensie children are called back to Narnia to help Prince Caspain reclaim his rightful throne. The false king is ruthless and will stop at nothing to kill the old Narnians and maintain his rule.

~ Prince Caspian is, I think, one of my favorites of the series as we see some of the growing up the Pevensie’s have to go through and of course, we meet Caspian and see Aslan again.

The Silver Chair (Chronicles of Narnia #4 ) by C.S. Lewis- Narnia is in danger and Aslan sends Eustace Scrubb and Jill Pole to help. They, along with marshwiggle, Puddleglum, set out on a journey across Narnia to find the missing prince. Their quest leads them to face many trials- snow storms, man-eating giants, underground tunnels and an evil witch.

~I listened to this via hoopla, Jeremy Northam narrating. I admit that it took me a little while to get into this story, this time around, but I do adore Puddleglum and his dire predictions. The giants are probably one of my favorite parts. And when Puddleglum speaks to the witch about Narnia. (I’ll say no more, no spoilers!) A lovely addition to the series, even if it does have a… different feel to it.

The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray- When Mr. Knightley and Emma, now happily married, throw a house party, they bring together new friends and distant relatives. Mr. Wickham was certainly not invited – but he arrives anyway – his latest scheme having created even more enemies, it’s not long before he’s found murdered. Everyone in the house is a suspect, except for the two youngest guests, leaving them to solve the mystery: Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy. Juliet is the daughter of Catherine and Henry Tilney and is eager for adventure outside of Northanger Abbey. Jonathan is the Darcy’s eldest son and he somehow makes his father seem almost relaxed by his own strict adherence to propriety. But these two must learn to work together and solve the crime before an innocent person is convicted.

~I thoroughly enjoyed this who-dun-it by Claudia Gray. This was an uncharacteristic splurge purchase, with no prior knowledge of author or book. It was fun to read about these characters that we know and love (although, I’ll be honest, I’m not too familiar with some of them) and see them interacting with each other. The relationship dynamics were written so well, creating doubt and a depth of feeling that I appreciated. There were some conversations about same-sex relations (an outside character) but, to me, it seemed to be well handled. I did thoroughly enjoy this story and look forward to reading more of the series.

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. Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was fun to see the events through both Yumi and Painter’s points of view and to be surprised by the revelations all over again. There are a few mentions throughout that, I’d suggest reading this prior to giving to a young reader, but, it is quite mild still. (I’m just overly cautious when it comes to such things). Highly recommend.

Shadow Moon by George Lucas and Chris Claremont – Did Not Finish (dnf). I was excited for this one (George Lucas!!), but struggled to make it even forty pages. I’m not sure if it was the writing style, the feel that we’d gotten dropped into the middle of a story at chapter one, or what, but I just couldn’t get into the plot. The dragon was cool. I like Willow… mostly. What was strange is that I thought the movie (which I do enjoy!) was based on this, but…apparently it wasn’t? All in all, it seems I agree with the reviews I’ve found on Goodreads that this book just doesn’t deliver. Such a bummer.

Currently Reading:

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Chronicles of Narnia #3 ) by C.S. Lewis

The Reverberator by Henry James

Up Next Possibles:

Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep

The Book of Three

What was the last book you gave up on?

~Laura

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