Our Top 12 of 2012

Here are our top 12 reads of the year in no particular order....

 

  

 

 

Review of "Love in Three-Quarter Time" by Dina Sleiman

Rating: 4 Stars

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Summary: In the style of Deeanne Gist, Dina Sleiman explores the world of 1817 Virginia in her novel Love in Three-Quarter Time. When the belle of the ball falls into genteel poverty, the fiery Constance Cavendish must teach the dances she once loved in order to help her family survive. The opportunity of a lifetime might await her in the frontier town of Charlottesville, but the position will require her to instruct the sisters of the plantation owner who jilted her when she needed him most. As Robert Montgomery and Constance make discoveries about one another, will their renewed faith in God help them to face their past and the guilt that threatens to destroy them in time to waltz to a fresh start? ~ Zondervan

Review: Dina Sleiman whisks readers to old Virginia, when Thomas Jefferson resided at Monticello and Charlottesville was considered a frontier town.  Sleiman refers to the novel as "Scarlett O'Hara meets Jane Austen" in her historical notes.  There are definitely elements of both throughout the plot.  "Love in Three Quarter Time" is easier and lighter reading than an Austen novel, but the dance scenes and early 1800s setting are elements dear to Austen enthusiasts. Constance Cavendish has the spunk and fortitude of the infamous Scarlett O'Hara, and likewise fights for her family's well-being. 

Sleiman introduces readers to a younger Constance (a.k.a. Gingersnap) Cavendish in the prologue. She is full of fire and passion for life, and used to having her own way.  When tragedy strikes, and the Cavendish's gilded world crumbles, Constance is forced to confront some of life's harsh realities.  The first chapter begins five years later, and Constance has shed her nickname and mellowed her personality.  As the story progresses, Constance's fire is rekindled, but she begins burning for her faith and the survival of her friends and family rather than solely her own desires. I enjoyed Constance's personal growth, and I am glad that the flirtatious Gingersnap only appeared in the prologue.  I'm not sure I could have tolerated her the entire novel, especially with three potential beaus waiting in the wings.

While love and romance are prominent themes, the abolitionist cause also plays a prominent role. I appreciated the depth and heart that Sleiman's incorporation of the abolitionist movement provided. Robbie and Constance's decisions to go against the ingrained beliefs of Southern culture and friend and free slaves is heartwarming.  There are many historical references in the plot, including cameo appearances by Thomas Jefferson and his daughter and a visit to Monticello.  

"Love in Three-Quarter Time" is told from several different perspectives, with hints that we may meet the characters again in future novels.  While Constance's and Robbie's story ties up in this novel, one wonders what will become of Contance's sisters and her two other admirers - Mr. Franklin and Lorimer. Hopefully Sleiman will delve into their lives in her next book. 

I received a complimentary e-copy of this novel from NetGalley, courtesy of  Zondervan.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review of "A Patchwork Christmas Collection"

Rating: 3.5 Stars

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Summary: Join three of today’s bestselling inspirational fiction authors in a collection of Christmas stories from Victorian-era America that are full of second-chance romances. Jilted by her fiancé, Karla packs away her wedding quilts and her plans for marriage. Widow Jane travels to marry a prosperous man she barely knows in order to give her daughter a better life—then is stranded in a winter storm. Ada, a wealthy ingénue, inadvertently causes grave injury to a poor man she once considered quite a catch. Each must search her heart, change her plans. . .and patch together a tender, unexpected life filled with love. 
~ Barbour Publishing  

Review: Christmas is in the air with this collection of holiday-themed novels, accompanied by quilt-making and baking.  Judith Miller, Nancy Moser, and Stephanie Grace Whitson bring three unique stories to readers in "A Patchwork Christmas." Despite their differences, all three novellas felt melancholy until concluding with a happy ending. It is often difficult for me to develop connections to the characters in short stories, which proved to be the case in this collection. 

"The Bridal Quilt" by Nancy Moser is my favorite among the three. It contains its share of loss and heartbreak, but the plot has dimension and the characters feel more fully developed. The messages of unselfish sacrifice and love for even the lowest on the social ladder are prominent in Moser's story, and especially relevant at Christmas. 

Judith Miller takes readers to the Amana Colonies in "Seams of Love."  I enjoyed revisiting the colonies in Miller's novella, after reading about them in one of her novels.  Karla Stuke, though not an unlikable main character, suffers from insecurity and a broken heart.  While such struggles are relatable, she dwells on them throughout the story.  As a result, the overall tone of the novel becomes a bit heavy.  

"A Patchwork Love" by Stephanie Grace Whitson is a story of hope. Jane and her daughter, Molly, find themselves sick, injured, and stranded when their train hits a wall of snow.  A local farmer, Peter, offers them shelter in the home he shares with his mother. Peter is scarred visibly and emotionally from his time in the Civil War. The beginning of the novel centers around Molly overcoming her illness while Jane and Peter deal with their injuries. Peter's mother adds some charm to the novella, and the tone lightens as Molly improves.  Love blossoms in the snug little home as once strangers become an inseparable family. 

Although "A Patchwork Christmas" was not my ideal holiday collection, the stories convey good year-round messages.  


I received a complimentary e-copy of this novel from NetGalley, courtesy of Barbour Publishing.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review of "A Change of Fortune" by Jen Turano

Rating: 3 Stars

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Summary: Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. After losing her family, her fiancé, and her faith, the disappearance of her fortune is the last straw. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner, governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.

Much to Mr. Hamilton Beckett's chagrin, all the eyes of New York society--all the female ones, at least--are on him. Unfortunately for all the matchmaking mothers and eligible daughters, he has no plans to marry again, especially with his hands full keeping his business afloat and raising his two children alone.

When Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune put her right in Hamilton's path, sparks instantly begin to fly. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces, but with all their plans falling by the wayside and their enemies getting the better of them, it will take a riot of complications for Hamilton and Eliza to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.

When all of Hamilton's and Eliza's best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along. - Bethany House

Review: I was first introduced to Lady Eliza Sumner and Hamilton Beckett in Jen Turano's prelude novella, "Gentleman of Her Dreams."  The novella sets the tone for spunky, quirky characters and entertaining situations.  Those qualities continue in "A Change of Fortune," with comical and sometimes over-the-top events.  The plot is quite lighthearted, but does contain themes of faith, trust, and true fortune. 

I had high expectations for "A Change of Fortune," but it did not capture me as much as I expected.  The balance between fun and depth tipped more in the direction of fun and quirkiness.  While I appreciate comical scenes, I like them to be interspersed with more realistic and serious situations.  There are many moments in "A Change of Fortune" to make readers laugh with the amusing outlandishness of the characters' escapades.  The characters are somewhat larger-than-life, but they are still likable.  Hamilton's children are especially charming and sweet.   

Much of the plot is carried by dialogue, which I found distracting at times.  Some scenes felt cluttered when they featured several characters contributing to a conversation.  The emphasis on conversation did not allow me to delve below the surface of the plot. As a result, I was not completely drawn into the novel.

"A Change of Fortune" provides readers with an escape into a world where humor can be found even under unfortunate circumstances, and laughter can develop in tense moments. Jen Turano's "Ladies of Distinction" series promises to be entertaining.  It is easy to see the potential for future novels within the pages of "A Change of Fortune."  My first impression of the series was developed when I read "Gentleman of Her Dreams."  Hopefully the other novels will follow in its footsteps. 

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bethany House.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”