Review of "A Love Forbidden" by Kathleen Morgan

Rating: 3.5 Stars

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Summary from Revell: They're from two different worlds. Can love cross the divide?

Moved by a compassionate heart and the desire for adventure, twenty-year-old Shiloh Wainwright impulsively accepts a teaching position at the White River Indian Agency in northwestern Colorado. Eager to use her skills to help improve the lives of Ute Indian children, she looks forward to a fulfilling, independent life on the Colorado frontier.

But her new job isn't what she imagined it would be, and Shiloh soon finds herself caught in the cross fire between the Utes, their unyielding Indian agent, and a demanding US government. Her unexpected encounter with a half-Ute childhood friend, Jesse Blackwater, only complicates matters as they battle their growing feelings for each other amidst spiraling tensions that threaten to explode into a catastrophic uprising.

Set amongst the wilds of the Colorado Rockies in 1879, this tale from bestselling and award-winning author Kathleen Morgan explores the transformational power of forgiveness, compassion, and God's healing love with artistry and authenticity.

Review: A Love Forbidden by Kathleen Morgan immerses readers in the majestic Colorado Rockies during the era of tumultuous relations between Native American tribes and settlers. The plot is fraught with danger and tension with some unexpected detours along the way.  I initially expected more focus to be placed on Shiloh's attempts to educate the Ute children, but a significant portion of the novel is spent away from the Indian camps. The deteriorating Indian-white relations ignite a rapid plot progression during the second half of the novel. After learning in the Author's Note that some of the events were based on historical accounts, the tragedy became more real and heartbreaking.  While reading the novel, I felt a bit detached from the emotional turmoil that certain events would have caused.  Shiloh witnessed disturbing scenes but seemed to have little difficulty healing, and her emotions focused more on her relationship with Jesse.  Shiloh's strength and bravery is admirable, as well as her unwillingness to sacrifice her faith for Jesse's love. She faces each challenge resolutely, but I would have connected more with her character by witnessing more of her deep emotions and weaknesses.

Through Jesse's character, Morgan shows the vast differences between the Ute and white ways of life. Jesse has experienced life in both cultures, but faces an inner battle when he must decide where he belongs. As an adult, Jesse embraces the Ute faith and turns his back on his childhood Christian beliefs. The insights into his past make it easy to sympathize with his struggle to choose between life with the Utes and life with Shiloh; life with one means life without the other. A transformation in Jesse's faith is the key to his inner peace and future happiness and is pivotal in the ultimate outcome of the novel.  I find it more impactful to witness  life-changing events in a novel, but Jesse's decision to re-embrace the Christian faith is  recounted in a conversation.  Regardless, the ending is pleasing and hopefully Morgan will revisit Shiloh and Jesse into future novels.

Kathleen Morgan weaves messages of forgiveness and healing throughout the plot while incorporating romance and a breathtaking landscape.  She blends historical events into the fictional plot and conveys a factual account of the events leading up to the Meeker Massacre without overwhelming the reader. A Love Forbidden is an enjoyable read with some classic western excitement that will keep readers turning the pages.

Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell 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.”

Review of "The Pursuit of Lucy Banning" by Olivia Newport

Rating: 3 Stars

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Summary from Revell: She has a secret to keep. But will she give her heart away?

Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago's rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker from a respected family, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon her charity work and squeeze herself into the mold of the well-dressed wife who spends most of her time and money redecorating.

When she meets Will, an unconventional young architect who is working on plans for the upcoming 1893 World's Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. Can she break away from her family's expectations? And will she ever be loved for who she truly is?

Get swept away into the lavish world of Chicago's high society as Olivia Newport brings to life an age of glitz and grandeur, stark social contrasts, and one woman who dares to cross class lines for what she believes.

Review:  In her debut novel, Olivia Newport transports readers to the historic city of Chicago as both the city and its elite residents prepare for the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893.  Through vivid descriptions based on historical research, readers enter a world that is brimming with the possibility of change and the emergence of new ideas, while holding onto strict rules regarding one's social standing and expectations.

Lucy Banning may belong to one of Chicago's most privileged families and live on the esteemed Prairie Avenue, but she has an independent streak and ideas regarding her role and contribution to society that her family and fiance are not ready to embrace.  In many ways, she is an outspoken and modern young woman who is somewhat ahead of her time.   Within the same household, Charlotte leads a much different lifestyle as a servant who attends to elaborate dinners and Lucy's wardrobe needs.  The lives of Charlotte and Lucy provide stark contrasts and an insight into the differing struggles among the classes.  Yet their lives and stories entwine within the Banning household in a manner that is reminiscent of the popular BBC series Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs.   

Because the setting was thoroughly developed, I was enchanted by the descriptions of Prairie Avenue and the opening ceremonies for the World's Columbian Exposition.   In fact, after being introduced to historic Chicago and learning about the Glessner House Museum in the "Acknowledgements,"  I would certainly like to visit the streets that Lucy traveled.  Unfortunately, I was less intrigued by the the characters within the story.  As I read the novel, I was hoping for more character development and additional focus on the budding relationship between Lucy and Will.   Although Newport alternated viewpoints among the main characters throughout the novel, I did not feel emotionally invested in the outcome of each of their stories.  The Pursuit of Lucy Banning demonstrates that Olivia Newport is a talented author with the gift to transport readers to another time and place, and it is a promising start to the Avenue of Dreams series.  

Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell 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.”

Review of "The Messenger" by Siri Mitchell

Rating: 5 Stars

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Summary from Bethany House: Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith... until her twin brother joined the Colonial cause and ended up in jail. She longs to bring some measure of comfort to him in the squalid prison, but her faith forbids it. The Friends believe that they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. She is not allowed to visit him, even if she were able to secure a pass.

Jeremiah Jones, a Colonial spy, needs access to the jail to help rescue men important to the cause. Upon meeting Hannah, a plan begins to develop. Who would suspect a pious Quaker visiting a loved one?

But Jeremiah is unprepared for Hannah, for her determination to do right, to not lie. How can one be a spy and not lie? Hannah, in turn, is surprised by Jeremiah... for the way he forces her to confront her own beliefs, for the sensitivity and concern that he shows her despite the wounds he still carries.

In a time of war, can two unlikely heroes find the courage to act?

Review: Siri Mitchell delivers yet another beautifully written work of historical fiction in her newest release, The Messenger. This novel reminded me why Siri Mitchell is one of my favorite authors: it is rich in historical and authentic detail, the plot maintains a steady pace, and the main characters are equally developed into believable and three-dimensional individuals.  I was so engrossed in the plot by the last 100 pages of the novel that I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to finish the last page. It was simply too good and too suspenseful to put down. Until the last couple of pages, I could not determine how the novel would end - would it be tragic or promising?  I've learned from Mitchell's other historical fiction novels not the expect perfectly tied-up happily-ever-after endings, and The Messenger is no exception.  Her realism is both refreshing and thought-provoking. 

The Messenger is told from the first-person perspective of both main characters, Hannah and Jeremiah.  They are vastly different, but united in their desire to overcome the injustices that they witness in the British occupied city of Philadelphia. By presenting the story from two perspectives, Mitchell allows the reader to delve fully into the motivations and emotions of each character.  I felt equally connected to Jeremiah and Hannah by the end of the novel.  They were both frightened of the dangerous task set before them and doubtful of their ability to succeed, but they found the strength to fight for their beliefs. Jeremiah and Hannah grow personally, spiritually, and emotionally over the course of their experiences. As a result, the love that develops between them is on a deeper and more meaningful level than one often sees in novels. 

I loved the incorporation of the Quaker faith in Hannah's daily life.  After recently traveling to Philadelphia and hearing about past and present day characters, Mitchell's descriptions gave me a deeper insight into Quaker beliefs during the Revolution. Hannah's inner battle to reconcile Quaker teachings and her personal convictions added extra depth to the plot. The combination of Quakers, unlikely spies, and the British occupation of Philadelphia make the plot of The Messenger truly unique and suspenseful.  This book will remain on my shelf for many repeat readings!

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.”

The Messenger

A Visit to Pennsylvania

A few weeks ago we visited Philadelphia and some of the surrounding areas.  We had plenty of opportunities to fill our appetite for books and history.

The Schwenckfelder Library in Pennsburg, PA is not housed in an old building, but it is full of history, with Pennsylvania Dutch and German artifacts.  The library focuses on genealogy, and has shelves of old books, most of which are written in German. We were in a book lover's paradise.

Doylestown is a quaint town, and home to the Mercer Museum.  We were in awe of the concrete castle loaded with old artifacts from floor to ceiling, literally.  At times we felt like were were on the set of Jane Eyre, or some other period drama as we roamed the hallways and staircases. The Mercer Museum has a bit of everything, from old bottles to gallows. Henry Mercer amassed his collection so that future generations could appreciate and discover the past.  The museum is truly one-of-a-kind, as is his house, Fonthill.  Fonthill is another concrete castle laden with artifacts, mostly antique tiles and his own Mercer tiles. 

We also visited Philadelphia and its historical sites - Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Christ's Church, and Elfreth's Alley (the oldest residential street in the U.S.).  Philadelphia is a modern city with gems of history tucked among its streets. For a bird's eye view of the city, take a ride to the top of City Hall. The perspective is truly breathtaking... especially for those of us who are afraid of heights!

Schwenckfelder Library

Old Books at the Schwenckfelder Library

Old Books at the Schwenckfelder Library

Wedding Dresses at the Schwenckfelder

The Mercer Museum

Old Stagecoach at the Mercer Museum

The Mercer Museum

Recreated General Store at the Mercer Museum

Independence Hall

The Liberty Bell

Elfreth's Alley

A View to City Hall

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

Pennsylvania Hospital, founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin
This is the nation's first hospital and it is still in operation.

Christ's Church, where George Washington, Ben Franklin,
and John Adams attended

Christ's Church

Review of "Glamorous Illusions" by Lisa T. Bergren

Rating: 5 Stars

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Summary from David C. Cook: The first book in the Grand Tour series, Glamorous Illusions will take readers on a pilgrimage through Europe-and straight into the soul.

It's the summer of 1913 and Cora Kensington's life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. The crops are failing and worse, so is her father's health. Then a stranger comes to call and in one fateful afternoon, Cora discovers that her birth father is a copper king-a man who invites her to tour Europe with her new family. As she travels across America, then on to England and France, Cora faces the hardships as well as the privileges of assuming the family name. And though now she knows more of her true identity, she soon discovers the journey is only beginning.

Review: Glamorous Illusions is a captivating prelude to Lisa T. Bergren's newest series.  The novel's departure from the traditional settings of historical fiction is very refreshing. In a plot that takes us from Montana to Paris, France, Bergren's descriptions bring the locations alive from the relatable perspective of an average young woman. Amid the glamour of the Grand Tour, danger, romance, and family drama add levels of interest and intrigue.   

Despite difficult circumstances, Cora Kensington has the chance to embrace a lifestyle that many people can only live in their dreams. Although the plot is set in 1913, its message still rings true today.  It is easy to get caught up in dreams of the glamorous life, portrayed by the wealthy and the famous, but sometimes tarnish is revealed.  How much more obvious would the illusion of glamour become if we were give the opportunity witness a "privileged" lifestyle first-hand, like Cora?  For Cora, the Grand Tour is journey of growth and self-discovery.  Her doubts and questions are understandable; and her character is one with whom the reader can sympathize.  In addition to her struggles to claim her place in a newly discovered family and life, Cora must also contend with matters of the heart. Glamorous Illusions presents two potential but contrasting suitors.  Both have their charms, but will either win Cora's heart?   

Glamorous Illusions concludes in France, promising more European travels in the next novel. Bergren also leaves us with unanswered questions that pique our interest for the sequel.  I truly wish it was already released, but anticipation makes the wait more exciting. 

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from NetGalley, courtesy of David C. Cook.  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.”