Review of "Playing by Heart"

Rating: 5 Stars

Review: Anne Mateer's "Playing by Heart" is a novel that tugged at my heart strings.  I was reminded that an emotionally driven plot can be as captivating as action and adventure.  Mateer led me to care about the characters in the early chapters; and by the end of the novel, I was emotionally invested in the outcome.  What struck me about the plot was the realism of the scenarios shaping the lives of each character.  Lula and Chet were endearing leads who faced real-life decisions and problems. Their families each had their own difficulties that became integral notes in the overall song of the story.  By the end of "Playing by Heart," every character made an impact on me.  My connection to Lulu and Chet was one of the strongest I've had to two protagonists.  The alternating first person perspectives allowed me to emphasize and understand their emotions and actions.  I felt a camaraderie with Lulu who was striving to find her place and purpose in life.  The details of Chet's life gripped my heart. His dedication to his mother and basketball team were admirable. Both Chet and Lulu grew significantly over the course of the book, and their love story was so beautifully portrayed as a product of their growth.  I was completely charmed by them and their romance.

The setting on America's homefront during World War I offered a different perspective on the war's impact.  Chet's decision not to enlist in the army gave insight to the personal and public doubts that men in his position would have faced.  His struggles with guilt, uncertainty, and his mother's bitterness created raw emotions that transcended the pages.

I was concerned initially that the basketball focus would be dull for someone who isn't a basketball fan. Mateer was light on the technical details of the sport, while providing enough detail to bring the games to life.  I was surprised to find myself excited by the game scenes, anxiously awaiting the outcome.  Anne Mateer succeeded once again in holding my interest with a meaningful story full of heart. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through their book review program. 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. 

Summary from Bethany House: Lula Bowman has finally achieved her dream: a teaching position and a scholarship to continue her college education in mathematics. But then a shocking phone call from her sister, Jewel, changes everything.

With a heavy heart, Lula returns to her Oklahoma hometown to do right by her sister, but the only teaching job available in Dunn is combination music instructor/basketball coach. Lula doesn't even consider those real subjects!

Determined to prove herself, Lula commits to covering the job for the rest of the school year. Reluctantly, she turns to the boys' coach, Chet, to learn the newfangled game of basketball. Chet is handsome and single, but Lula has no plans to fall for a local boy. She's returning to college and her scholarship as soon as she gets Jewel back on her feet.

However, the more time she spends around Jewel's family, the girls' basketball team, music classes, and Chet, the more Lula comes to realize what she's given up in her single-minded pursuit of degree after degree. God is working on her heart, and her future is starting to look a lot different than she'd expected.

Review of "A Home for My Heart"

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Anne Mateer tugs on heartstrings in "A Home for My Heart," a gentle love story. The characters and setting combine to create a tender plot. Although it is slow in places, there is enough conflict to keep attention and interest.  Not only is Sadie nursing a breaking heart and settling into a new job, but the futures of the Raystown Home and its children are at stake.  It was nearly impossible not to be moved by the plight of the orphans and think about real-life orphans of the past and the present. Sadie's love and care for her charges adds sentiment and reflects genuine emotion, which makes her a realistic character. I related to the doubts and challenges that plagued Sadie as the new Raystown matron.  At some point, we all search for our unique path in life, the home for our heart. Mateer shows that our right path may not always be the one we dream of for ourselves and it may be more rocky than smooth.

Mateer has a talent for writing love stories that don't focus solely on romance, and "A Home for My Heart" is an excellent example. Sadie's passion for orphaned children takes precedence over romantic love. The relationship between Sadie and her beau, Blaine, is already established at the beginning of the novel. Their love is put to the test when their plans diverge. Although the relationship between Sadie and Blaine suffers a rift that lasts throughout the plot, it allows their love to grow in a manner that is more emotional and less physical.  Because the story is told from Sadie's perspective only, it is hard to be certain of Blaine's emotions, but his actions demonstrate his love in ways that more physical scenes cannot.  I appreciate that Mateer chooses to build a deeper love between her characters and focus on many types of love, not just that of a romantic nature.

"A Home for My Heart" is not overly exciting or eventful, but its focus on everyday issues and challenges make it more realistic.  I have enjoyed Anne Mateer's other novels more, but this is a touching story that evokes emotion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through Net Galley. 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.”

Summary from Bethany House: A sweet story of hope and love set against the poignant backdrop of a 1910 orphanage.

Sadie Sillsby works as the assistant to the matron at the Raystown Home for Orphan and Friendless Children, pouring all her energy into caring for the boys and girls who live there and dreaming of the day she'll marry her beau, Blaine, and have children of her own. But when the matron surprises everyone by announcing her own engagement, Sadie is suddenly next in line for the esteemed job of running the orphanage.

There's one glitch. The matron cannot be married. She must focus her attention on the financial, legal, and logistical matters of the Home. Sadie's heart is torn. Should she give up her plans for a life with Blaine in order to continue serving these children who have no one else? Does she, a young woman who was once an orphan herself, have what it takes to succeed in such a challenging career? And when the future of the Home begins to look bleak, can Sadie turn things around before the place is forced to close forever?

Review of "At Every Turn" by Anne Mateer

Rating: 4.5 Stars

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Summary:  Caught up in a whirlwind of religious enthusiasm, Alyce Benson impetuously pledges three thousand dollars to mission work in Africa. Now she just has to find a way to get the money.

Alyce harbors a secret passion for speed and automobiles, and she's spent many an afternoon driving around the rustic track in the field behind her home. When she discovers that her father's company has sponsored a racing car that will compete in several upcoming events--races in which the driver will be paid and could win as much as five thousand dollars in prize money--she conspires with her father's mechanic, Webster, to train and compete.

But when her friends cast aspersions on Webster's past, she realizes she may have trusted the wrong person with her secret. Will Alyce come up with the money in time, or will she have to choose between her hasty promise and the man who holds a piece of her heart?  - Bethany House

Review: A book about early auto racing usually wouldn't appeal to me since I am definitely not a fan of racing.  When I first picked up "At Every Turn," I wondered how much emphasis would be placed on the racing aspect of the plot.  In the past, novels that focus too much on sports have not ranked among my favorites, but Anne Mateer's latest novel is an exception.  A very pleasing exception. 

Mateer paints a unique vignette of the early 1900s.  There are parts of the plot that are predictable; but as a whole, it is fresh and exciting, mainly because of the auto racing.  What I originally perceived as a possible turn off, became one of the most intriguing aspects of the novel.  The racing sequences provided rushes of unpredictable action that kept me constantly engaged. Meanwhile, some of the garage scenes between Alyce and Webster reminded me of the interactions between Sybil and Branson in "Downton Abbey."   

Alyce and Webster's relationship is understated, yet satisfying. Mateer proves that building a romance between two characters does not need to rely heavily on physical affection.  Their interactions are restrained, but it is obvious that they each harbor deeper feelings under the surface. Adding to the interest, the novel is told solely from Alyce's perspective. Webster's past is cloaked in secrecy, and his true character is revealed only as the novel progresses.  

Alyce Benson is a feisty and charming heroine. Her impetuousness propels her into tense, and sometimes humorous situations.  Mateer adds depth to Alyce's adventurous and unconventional personality throughout the novel.  Alyce makes a number of mistakes and poor decisions, but they ultimately help her to grow spiritually and personally. Viewing the story through Alyce's eyes provides meaningful insights into her faith, her giving heart, and her motives.  Those qualities take her beyond the boundaries of spunkiness to a more multi-dimensional character. 

"At Every Turn" is definitely a book that will remain on my bookshelf.  It has the ideal combination of light-hearted moments and periods of  introspection. 

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.”

Read an Excerpt:

At Every Turn

Books on Our Christmas Wish List...

Now that the holiday season is upon us, I am looking forward to spending time with family, enjoying the Christmas season, and curling up with a few good books in the evenings.  There are a few books that have been on my wish list for a while, and a couple of others that will soon be released in late December.

Since reading Waterfall, the first book in Lisa T. Bergren's The River of Time Series, I have been eagerly anticipating Cascade and Torrent.  I have to admit that I would probably not have read Waterfall if it had not been offered as a free Kindle book in the summer.  Besides Jenny B. Jones'  YA fiction books, I have not read many other YA Christian fiction books; but if their writing is any indication of what else is out there, I need to search for more!  The River of Time Series packs in all of the elements of engaging fiction:  multi-dimensional characters, a plot full of adventure with twists and turns, mystery, danger, romance... and time travel.

I still love to have a real book in my hands; so I am looking forward to getting these paperback books for Christmas.   I am also a big fan of the free books that Kindle offers; and in several cases, it has introduced me to great stories and authors that I would likely never have known.  The free ebook monthly promotions can be a powerful marketing tool for authors and publishers.

I am also looking forward to reading Alice Wisler's A Wedding Invitation.  I have enjoyed all of her previous books; so I am sure to enjoy her new release as well.  Like Wisler,  Julie Klassen is an author that has become synonymous in my mind with good fiction.  I love traveling to historic England in the pages of her stories.

After reading The Lady of Bolton Hill last summer,  I have been looking forward to Elizabeth Camden's sophomore release,The Rose of Winslow Street, as well.  I love the cover, and I hope that the story is just as promising!

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

The Rose of Winslow Street

Wings of a Dream

A Wedding Invitation