Review of "Beyond All Dreams"

Rating: 4 Stars

Review: I love visiting libraries, and the Library of Congress is one of my favorite.  When I learned that "Beyond All Dreams" is set in the Library of Congress, I immediately put it on my reading list. Elizabeth Camden's attention to historical detail brought the library to life at the pivotal point in its history when it transitions from the Capitol into it's own opulent surroundings. I definitely felt a deeper connection to the setting of the novel since I have visited the Library of Congress a few times and was able to clearly envision its design. The building has always captured my interest with its history and beauty, but I have never considered the stories of its past librarians and patrons. "Beyond All Dreams" gave me a new perspective into the history of the Library of Congress and the men and women who have worked there.  I definitely learned some information that I don't recall hearing on a tour; and the next time I enter the Library of Congress, my thoughts will go beyond an awe of the impressive design.  

While the setting of "Beyond All Dreams" is what I will likely remember most, the plot within is also interesting.  Alice O'Brien and Luke Callahan are characters with unique back-stories that play important roles in adding some tension and depth to the plot.  Alice's job as a librarian and Luke's position as a Congressman are ideal for capturing the political environment of Washington D.C. in the late 1890s.  Anna's search for the truth regarding the disappearance of her father's ship gives mystery to the plot, especially when we learn early-on that the government does not want the truth revealed. Cameo appearances by such figures as William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt, add authenticity to the plot, and a sense of "time travel" that I love.  

Alice and Luke are an unconventional couple. Anna's quiet ways were easy for me to relate to since I am also an introvert.  Luke never completely won me over because he often came across to me as cocky and flashy.  Some of his fashion choices raised my eyebrows too. Nevertheless, it was refreshing to read a love story in which opposites attract.  Anna's friend, Neville, and Luke's nephew, Philip, each offered their own subplots that complimented the main story.  

"Beyond All Dreams" is a great read for historical fiction fans.  Elizabeth Camden provides historical information in an entertaining plot.  Anyone with a love of books and libraries will find treasures within the pages as they delve into the Library of Congress with Anna. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. 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: Anna O'Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help.

Luke Callahan was one of the nation's most powerful congressmen before his promising career was shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship. Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglements with members of Congress. 

From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?

Review of "Mist of Midnight"

Rating: 4 Stars

Review: If "Mist of Midnight" is any indication, Sandra Byrd's new series "The Daughters of Hampshire" will be full of Gothic style suspense.  "Mist of Midnight" is as veiled in mystery as the title suggests with layers upon layers of intrigue.  Rebecca Ravenshaw returns to England following a deadly uprising in India, only to discover that a now deceased impostor has stolen her identity. In the first couple of chapters, the central questions are established:  who was Rebecca's impostor and how did she truly die? Those mysteries set the basis for the rest of the novel. It seems that deadly danger lurks around every corner, waiting to pounce on Rebecca. Characters and their actions are constantly in question, until truth is revealed.  

Byrd tells the story solely from Rebecca's perspective, which keeps the suspense high. As readers, we can only speculate about the motives of each character and form our own theories about some of the suspicious occurrences.  While I appreciate the first person point-of-view for the added element of mystery, it let me down in the love story.  The further I progressed in the novel, the more I realized that there was only one love interest for Rebecca; however, he was also a character whose intentions were in question. The interaction between him and Rebecca is limited, and hindered by Rebecca's uncertainty about trusting him. Ultimately, I felt no satisfaction when their love finally developed. In fact, I would have been less disappointed if Rebecca had chosen to remain single. The mystery soared above the romance, and kept me interested in the book.  Byrd threw in some unexpected twists when all of the simmering mysteries were answered.  True to a Gothic-inspired novel, there are some eerie scenes, like strange lights in the mist and late night visits to graves.  The fear factor is very light, but adds enough intrigue to keep readers coming back for more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Howard Books through NetGalley. 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 Howard Books: In the first of a brand-new series set in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are challenged by the man who holds her future in his hands.

Rebecca Ravenshaw, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca returns to claim her family estate in Hampshire, England. Upon her return, people are surprised to see her...and highly suspicious. Less than a year earlier, an imposter had arrived with an Indian servant and assumed not only Rebecca's name, but her home and incomes. 

That pretender died within months of her arrival; the servant fled to London as the young woman was hastily buried at midnight. The locals believe that perhaps she, Rebecca, is the real imposter. Her home and her father's investments reverted to a distant relative, the darkly charming Captain Luke Whitfield, who quickly took over. Against her best intentions, Rebecca begins to fall in love with Luke, but she is forced to question his motives—does he love her or does he just want Headbourne House? If Luke is simply after the property, as everyone suspects, will she suffer a similar fate as the first “Rebecca”? 

A captivating Gothic love story set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Mist of Midnight will leave you breathless. 

Review of "The Song" Chris Fabry, Richard L. Ramsey

Rating: 4 Stars

Review: I have seen the trailer for the movie version of "The Song", but I have not yet seen the movie.  I was drawn to the book based on what I had seen in the movie trailer and because Chris Fabry lent his writing prowess to the novel.  The foreword implies that "The Song" is a resource for readers in romantic relationships, so I wondered if connection would be lacking for a single reader.  It is definitely easy to see why this story is so relevant to couples, but its message of love, temptation, and forgiveness is universal.  

"The Song"takes readers on a journey through the life of a relationship.  Rather than focusing on the idyllic "falling in love stage," it delves into real-life trials and tribulations that couples can face.  The scope of "The Song" is broader than some of Fabry's other novels. "The Song" brings his story full circle, packing several years into its pages.  I felt like an outside observer reading the course of events.  Usually that leaves me feeling disconnected, but I found myself quickly connecting to the story and the characters.  It definitely reads like a movie, making it a quick read.

Rose and Jed are likable characters from the beginning of the novel.  With their likability and love quickly established, the subsequent events become tangibly painful.  The rifts that develop in their marriage are difficult to witness, especially knowing that such events really happen to married couples. The plot takes us down the rocky road of bad decisions.  While I don't agree with Jed's decisions, his character shows that anyone is susceptible to temptation. He is so confident in his morals and faith in the beginning of the novel, but just one ill-made decision starts him down a slippery-slope of deceit and betrayal.  From the prologue we know that Jed's path leaves him lingering between life and death. We know the big picture of the plot - the love and the heartbreak.  Anyone who has seen the movie will also know the ultimate outcome of Jed's life and his marriage.  Like any good song, "The Song"  is a novel that can be re-read even though its story is well-known.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers 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 Tyndale House Publishers: Jed King’s life has been shaped by the songs and mistakes of his famous father. He wants to sing his own song, but the words and melody are elusive. Haunted by the scars inflicted by his broken family, Jed’s dreams of a successful music career seem out of reach . . . until he meets Rose.

As romance quickly blooms, Jed pens a new song and suddenly finds himself catapulted into stardom. But with this life of fame comes temptation, the same temptation that lured his father so many years ago.

Set in the fertile mid-South, this quest for success leads Jed and Rose on a journey that will force them to deal with the pain of loss, failure, and the desire to be who God created them to be.

Lyrical and deeply honest, The Song asks the hard questions of love and forgiveness. When even the wisest of men are fools in love, can true love persevere?

Review of "Like a Flower in Bloom"

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:  Siri Mitchell has long been on my list of favorite authors, for both her historical and modern novels.  Some of them are serious in tone, and some are more humorous.  "Like a Flower in Bloom" combines Mitchell's rich historical depictions with a significant dose of humor.  Charlotte Withersby and her father are endearingly oblivious to social norms, lost in their world of papers and botany.  When Charlotte's world is flipped on its axis by  her well-meaning uncle and the arrival of Edward, a handsome new assistant, she is pushed into society to hunt for a husband instead of flowers. Charlotte's forays into Overwich's polite society, field clubs, and ballrooms soon lead to comical situations.  It's hard not to laugh aloud at some of her antics and mistakes.  Her friendship with Miss Templeton is another source of humor, as their decisions are not always the wisest.  Miss Templeton reminds me of Jane Austen's Emma, taking Charlotte under her wing as her pet-project. 

The description of the plot establishes Edward as Charlotte's love interest.  To my disappointment, their relationship felt disconnected.  Charlotte's plan to feign interest in two other potential suitors leads her to spend just as much time in their presence. Both characters are colorful and zany in their own ways. I enjoyed their presence in the novel, but felt that they overshadowed Edward at times. Reading the story from Charlotte's perspective limited the scope of the novel for me.  After finishing the novel, I don't feel as though I know Edward nor the depth of Charlotte's feelings for him. My emotional connection to Charlotte is not as strong as it could be, but I do empathize with her desire to be recognized for being herself and doing the work she loves.

Mitchell always excels in her historical details.  She brings unique aspects of the past to life, teaching readers, but most importantly entertaining us as well. "Like a Flower in Bloom" is a prime example. Charlotte's position as a botanist, shines the spotlight on the history of botany and the struggle of female scientists to be taken seriously.  Mitchell incorporates details with purpose to seamlessly blend historical realism into an engaging plot. Even specifics that seem like character quirks, like Miss Templeton's fear of dying during childbirth or Mr. Stansbury's practice of stumpery, have roots in historical fact. 

"Like a Flower in Bloom" is a blossom as refreshing as it's cover art.  I found reason to smile and laugh within its pages.  It also prompts introspection for finding our own personal happiness and being satisfied with our own unique bloom.  The world, like a garden would be a dull place indeed, if we all fit into predefined standards of conformity. 

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: He Stole the Work She Loved. Will She Let Him Steal Her Heart as Well?

It's all her uncle's fault. For years Charlotte Withersby has been free to pursue her love of plants and flowers by assisting her botanist father. But now that she's reached the old age of twenty-two, an intrusive uncle has convinced her father that Charlotte's future--the only proper future for a woman--is to be a wife and mother, not a scholar. 

Her father is so dependent on her assistance that Charlotte believes he'll soon change his mind...and then Edward Trimble shows up. A long-time botany correspondent in the South Pacific, Trimble arrives ready to step in as assistant so that Charlotte can step out into proper society--a world that baffles her with its unwritten rules, inexplicable expectations, and confounding fashion. 

Things aren't perfectly smooth between Trimble and her father, so Charlotte hatches a last gasp plan. She'll pretend such an interest in marriage that the thought of losing her will make her father welcome her back. Only things go quickly awry, and she realizes that the one man who recognizes her intelligence is also the person she's most angry with: Edward Trimble, her supposed rival. Suddenly juggling more suitors than she knows what to do with, Charlotte is caught in a trap of her own making. Will she have no choice but to leave her beloved flowers behind?

Review of Price of Privilege"

Rating: 4 Stars

Review: Jessica Dotta's "Price of Privilege Trilogy" arrested my attention like few others.  It's deep, dark, with intrigue powered by mystery and lead characters straight out of a Bronte or Dickens novel. Dotta created an amazingly developed series with so many layers and details, that each novel is completely dependent upon its predecessor. In fact, I re-read "Born of Persuasion" before reading "Mark of Distinction" and "Price of Privilege" back-to-back.  

Julia's story is definitely full of twists, turns, and nail-biting tension. Her first person perspective lends more mystery to the plot, because like Julia, we can only speculate about the true motives of other characters. Although she doesn't make the best decisions, it is easy to understand her confusion, fear, and desperation.  By the end of the first novel, I was invested in Julia's life and anxiously awaiting the continuation of her story.  I absolutely loved the pace of events in the first two novels. They offered the perfect balance of emotion and action.  In all three, Dotta employs foreshadowing, which builds suspense and reader engagement.  "Price of Privilege" leaned more heavily on Julia's emotions and introspection, particularly in the first half of the novel.  There are eventful scenes in the first 200 or so pages, and plenty of cryptic comments from Julia, hinting at pain to come.  Most of what is foreshadowed comes in the novel's final half, making it hard to put down. 

I questioned how the tale could end happily, and as the culmination of Julia's past decisions occurs there is unavoidable pain and heartbreak. A tidy happy-ever-after ending would have been a complete disappointment, but Dotta delivers some of the most powerful scenes of the entire trilogy in the concluding chapters.  Readers, prepare yourselves for a tear-jerking conclusion. It is an achingly bittersweet example of love and sacrifice.  The loss of a beloved character will leave your heart breaking alongside Julia's. I closed the book wishing that I had privy to the inner emotions of that particular character. But, knowing only Julia's perspective made me feel the loss more poignantly.  

Jessica Dotta's richly written "Price of Privilege Trilogy" is one that is not to be missed. Each novel definitely ranks high among the books that I have read in the past year.  These books are not in danger of being labelled as "forgettable," with a series that is so sweeping and encompassing. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers 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 Tyndale House Publishers: Having finally discovered the truth of her birthright, Julia Elliston is determined to outwit Chance Macy at his own game. Holding a secret he’d kill to keep, however, is proving more difficult than she imagined.

Just when Julia thinks she’s managed to untangle herself from Macy’s clutches, he changes tactics with a risky ploy. As the scandal of the century breaks loose, drawing rooms all over London whisper what so far newspapers have not dared to print: Macy’s lost bride is none other than Lord Pierson’s daughter—and one of the most controversial cases of marital law ever seen comes before Victorian courts.

Though Julia knows Macy’s version of events is another masterful manipulation, public opinion is swaying in his favor. Caught in a web of deceit and lies, armed only with a fledgling faith, Julia must face her fiercest trial yet.