Book Review: "Golden Daughter," by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

BEYOND THE REALM OF DREAMS IS A WORLD SHE NEVER IMAGINED

Masayi Sairu was raised to be dainty, delicate, demure . . . and deadly. She is one of the emperor’s Golden Daughters, as much a legend as she is a commodity. One day, Sairu will be contracted in marriage to a patron, whom she will secretly guard for the rest of her life.

But when she learns that a sacred Dream Walker of the temple seeks the protection of a Golden Daughter, Sairu forgoes marriage in favor of this role. Her skills are stretched to the limit, for assassins hunt in the shadows, and phantoms haunt in dreams. With only a mysterious Faerie cat and a handsome slave—possessed of his own strange abilities—to help her, can Sairu shield her new mistress from evils she can neither see nor touch?

For the Dragon is building an army of fire. And soon the heavens will burn.

--image and description from Goodreads.com

I feel like I say this every time I review an Anne Elisabeth Stengl novel (though, to be fair, she says this almost word for word about what her favourite of her books is): Golden Daughter, the newest scroll in The Tales of Goldstone Wood series, is my absolute favourite of all her books.

Part of it is the fact that the setting is influenced by ancient Asian cultures. While I was reading, I was simply struck by the respect and love Stengl showed for both the achievements and histories of those peoples. I loved that Masayi Sairu, the heroine, was a warrior. I loved that she was smart, actually saved the day on numerous occasions, and, most of all, I loved how she--and the book--kept revealing new facets of their natures.

This book has a lovely, dreamy-dark atmosphere. Terrible things happen, but these terrible things are lightened by adorable fluffy dogs and a certain loud-mouthed cat.

The romance in this book was heartbreaking yet beautiful--subtle and true. Love, like in all of Stengl's novels, is explored in various depictions...each with a heartache of its own.

And it was amazing. This is the book that I will be toting with me to Oxford (if I can fit its near-600 page bulk into my suitcase).

Book Review: Cruel Beauty, by Rosamund Hodge

Image and summary from Goodreads.com

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

MY REVIEW

Wow. This book...All right, ever since I heard about it before it came out, I wanted to read it. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite fairy tales, in all its various incarnations, and Greek mythology? What's not to love!

It's difficult to discuss this book, because none of the characters are what they seem. So I'm going to warn you now, there may be SPOILERS in this review.

One thing I adored was Hodge's writing; it packed a lot of punches and really forced you to ponder "the nature of humanity", so to speak. I liked how she delved into something I've often thought about in relation to superhero myths. Heroes are always saving the "innocents", right? Well, Hodge points out that, in reality, there are no "innocents". The people who come to bargain with the Gentle Lord, such as Nyx's father, are just as much monsters as the Gentle Lord himself. Because it's all about motivation.

Though the book's setting is rather Greek and therefore outside the Christian sphere, I noted a lot of similarities to Christian beliefs. How we "cannot pay for our own sins" (a line almost straight from the book); loving others despite their flaws...it made the book spear my heart.

I have a thing against bad boys. I don't like it when heroines end up with them. However, Ignifex isn't just a bad boy. And the book had me falling for him alongside Nyx. That's all I can reveal--the book takes his character and completely sideswipes you by the end. And Nyx herself isn't some naive young woman being taken advantage of by a more experienced bad boy. No, she is the "cruel beauty" as much as Ignifex. Their relationship reminded me *SPOILERS FOR ANOTHER BOOK SERIES* much of Gen and Attolia's from Megan Whalen Turner's "The Queen's Thief" series--a HUGE compliment considering Eugenides is a major fictional crush and Attolia is such a sad, sweet, complicated mess of a woman that I just want to hug and heal.

Suffice to say, I adored this book, mainly for the twisted, complex relationship between Nyx and her husband. However, I also want to point out that this book was written in the darker, more mature vein of fairy tales. While there is nothing of an explicit nature, there is a husband/wife relationship going on, with all the bells and whistles. There is talk of murder, affairs, and demons are the antagonists of this book. So if any of that content would put you off, this may not be the book for you. I would say this book is best suited for older teens and up. 

Resistance Blog Tour!

I am very pleased to be part of the blog tour for Resistance by Jaye L. Knight, hosted by Amber Stokes of Editing Through the Seasons. It's the first book in The Ilyon Chronicles, a Christian epic fantasy series.

THE BOOK:

“Don’t you know? Animals like you have no soul.”

Could God ever love a half-blood all of society looks upon with such fear and disdain? Jace once believed so, but when a tragic loss shatters the only peace he’s ever known, his faith crumbles as the nagging doubts he’s tried to put behind him descend on his grieving heart. With them come the haunting memories of the bloodstained past he longs to forget, but can never escape.

Taken from home at a young age and raised to serve the emperor, Kyrin Altair lives every day under a dangerous pretense of loyalty. After her unique observation skills and perfect memory place her into direct service to the emperor, Kyrin finds herself in further jeopardy as it becomes increasingly difficult to hide her belief in Elôm, the one true God.

Following the emperor’s declaration to enforce the worship of false gods under the penalty of death, many lives are endangered. But there are those willing to risk everything to take a stand and offer aid to the persecuted. With their lives traveling paths they never could have imagined, Jace and Kyrin must fight to overcome their own fears and conflicts with society as they become part of the resistance.

Available for purchase on Amazon May 20th!

View book extras at www.ilyonchronicles.blogspot.com. 

THE AUTHOR:

JAYE L. KNIGHT is a 25-year-old independent author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean NA (New Adult) fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God's love shines as a light to offer hope.

Jaye is a homeschool graduate and has been penning stories since the age of eight. She was previously published as Molly Evangeline. You can learn about her latest writing projects at www.jayelknight.com.

Find her at:

·         Facebook Author Page

·         Facebook Series Page

·         Twitter

·         Pinterest

·         Google+ Author Page

·         Google+ Series Page

·         YouTube

·         Author Blog

·         Series Blog

MY REVIEW:

      I have not yet finished reading this novel, so my review will be incomplete. However, as I did before with another book, I will list what I love about this book so far. (It may contain some VERY SLIGHT SPOILERS, so be aware). 

     1) The setting: This book combines some of my favourite time periods--medieval and Roman. There are gladiators, castles, scholars... And I even garnered a little bit of a Western feel from one of the towns. It's such a creative blend that I would never have thought to put together, but which makes the world of the Ilyon Chronicles entirely new and fresh.

     2) A wolf: Alright, so I am an unabashed fan of wolves. I adore them. I own wolf shirts, wolf pillowcases, I wear a wolf necklace almost every day, I own the entire Julie of the Wolves series, and I have a wolf stuffie that makes its home on my bed. I think they are gorgeous, noble animals. I ADORE them. I try to write them into almost all my novels somehow. So when I read one of the main characters has a close relationship with a black wolf (I wrote one such creature into my first completed novel), I WAS ECSTATIC. The relationship between the boy and his wolf is so potent and wonderful. 

    3) Knowledge! So Kyrin, the girl character, has a knack for remembering things. I can name only one other story I've ever read in my life where this was the main character's skill. I loved it; I loved reading how it affected her everyday life. That she was lauded for this and not because she kicked everybody's butt was refreshing. I have a feeling Kyrin's going to be a girl to watch--she's going to surprise me, I think.

    4) Sibling love: I love books that emphasize sibling relationships. Kyrin's sturdy bond with her twin brother made me smile. It was so sweet, and I really pray that they can remain this close during the series. They may break my heart, though, because they are just that adorable.

    5) Character names: Alright, this is really egotistical, but there's a character named Rebekah in the book. Not quite how I spell it, but I was still pretty happy.

   6) Faith: These characters face a struggle I can only ponder: if I had to choose between being honest about my faith and my life, what would I do? This novel has a lot of deep questions subtly written into it.

  7) Lots of adventure: This book is large, and the author takes you through a good expanse of time. Her writing and how much love has clearly gone into this book reminds me of Jill Williamson and her wonderful "Blood of Kings" series. I have only read the first book in that series, but I loved it. If you love Jill Williamson, give Jaye L. Knight a try!

GIVEAWAY!!!!

Immerse yourself in the world of Ilyon! Fill out the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win an autographed copy of Resistance (Book 1 in the “Ilyon Chronicles” series), a Resistance-inspired necklace crafted by the author (Jaye L. Knight), a Better Homes “Warm Rustic Woods” candle, and a wolf paw leather bookmark from Lodgepole Leathercraft. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. 

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BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:

Find the rest of the blog tour schedule here.

Book Review: "The Treachery of Beautiful Things", by Ruth Frances Long

SUMMARY

The trees swallowed her brother whole, and Jenny was there to see it. Now seventeen, she revisits the woods where Tom was taken, resolving to say good-bye at last. Instead, she's lured into the trees, where she finds strange and dangerous creatures who seem to consider her the threat. Among them is Jack, mercurial and magnetic, with secrets of his own. Determined to find her brother, with or without Jack's help, Jenny struggles to navigate a faerie world where stunning beauty masks some of the most treacherous evils, and she's faced with a choice between salvation or sacrifice--and not just her own.

--picture and summary from Goodreads.com

REVIEW

I read this book way back in the summer, so some of my memories may be hazy. I'll try to give the overall impression I felt of this book. Please note that my opinions are merely that--opinions. To find out what YOU would think of it, I recommend you read it for yourself. Now, onwards...

First of all, the author has a flare for lyrical, descriptive prose. While reading, I felt Jenny's entrapment, felt the awe and wonder and terror of this creepy, beautiful world into which she had stumbled. The forest is a character of itself, deceptive and treacherous. It was horrifying and enthralling!

Looking back, this book had a very "The Labyrinth"-esque feel to it, what with a girl having to save her brother from some sort of otherworldly creatures. I loved that aspect--it offered a mythical feel to the world. As well, the author draws on Celtic and, I believe, Norse mythology in order to create the background of the story. As someone not as well-read in these as I would like, I did not quite understand the importance of some of the characters. For instance, there was one scene with Jack and another character that I felt had layers to it, but because certain aspects weren't explained, it was very vague.

Perhaps that was my biggest issue: for all the dreamlike, gorgeous quality of it, the story was vague in that I could not quite connect to Jenny and Jack as "real people". There are not many characters in the story--there's Jenny, Jack, her brother, Puck, and then a lot of fairy creatures that do not get any development at all. Jack and Jenny are the main characters, and for most of the book, the plot revolves around their romance.

To me, this detracted from the more emotional plot line of a girl searching for her brother, a brother who has been missing for so many years.

As well, because the book did not have a lot of characters, I felt it could have been shorter. It was almost 400 pages long, but there was no wide range of characters to make those pages sparkle. So at places the plot dragged.

But, I believe this is the author's debut novel, and with such beautiful writing, I would definitely pick up another of her works!

Blog Tour: "Bleeding Heart" by Amber Stokes--Book Review

I am honoured to be part of the blog tour for Amber Stokes' debut novel, Bleeding Heart. Make sure to check out all the stops along the tour to learn more about this amazing young author and her wonderful novel! You can enter for chances to win her book as well. At any time, drop by the Blog Tour HQ to see the blog post schedule. Now, onward....

About the Book

Five bleeding hearts. One profound journey. 

  
Summer 1886

Sally Clay’s livelihood has been snatched away, but in its place arises an opportunity to escape from her sordid past and an unrelenting, unwanted suitor. Boarding a train with a heartsick rancher and an enigmatic miner, she leaves Virginia City behind and heads to Northern California, waiting for the chance to make right what went wrong three long years before.

But the road to revenge is far from smooth. Sally soon learns that the jagged pieces of a broken heart can far too easily wound the hearts of others – and hers isn’t the only heart that’s broken. Tragedy and fear dog her steps as she flees from the redwood forests to the high desert and back again. Will her bleeding heart ever find a way and a place to heal?

A desperate soiled dove. Three men who come to care for her. One man determined to claim her. 

All on a journey that will show them what true love really involves.

Inspirational Historical Romance

Amazon  *  Book Website

About the Author

Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a passion for the written word - from blogging to writing poetry, short stories, and novels. After her brief time at college in Oregon, she is now back home among the redwoods of Northern California, living life one day at a time and pursuing her passion via freelance editing and self-publishing her debut novel, Bleeding Heart.

My Review

Bleeding Heart by Amber Stokes is self-published. There is huge stereotype against self-published works, but I want to go out there and say that Bleeding Heart's writing outshines many traditionally-published books in the world. Amber is a master of her craft, and each beautifully-worded sentence shows how much time and effort she has put into her novel. I loved her careful, vivid descriptions of the wild natural beauty of the setting, and how her characters related to it.

One thing I particularly loved was how she sprinkled allusions to actual historical events and people throughout the book. She didn't explain them, but left it to the readers to research it and discover for themselves. This book was told through the eyes of people who lived in that time; and realistically, what's history to us was life to them. Would they, in their thoughts, replay certain events that they would already know by heart and which would be as day-to-day to them as taking a shower is to us? So I enjoyed Amber's challenge to her readers to go out and explore history for themselves through the dropping of interesting name and hints at certain events.

Another aspect that was well done was the curve away from the usual historical romance novel in the Christian market. Many of those are humorous and lack any thought-provoking events. There are sweet moments in this novel, but it is definitely darker and more for those who realize and understand that life isn't one big cupcake. Christians love and lose and doubt. I can't tell you how many times I've wondered in real life why God would 'allow' a good Christian man to be ripped away from his wife, or a little girl to be murdered. These characters struggle with real-life challenges; and, while not necessarily finding answers, they find some sort of peace. And it is this peace that is integral to a relationship with God--the knowledge that, no matter what insanity happens here on earth, no matter how much injustice is done, "it is well with my soul". Because, as Amber shows in this novel, the one thing evil cannot rip away from you without your letting it is the condition of your soul.

This book ripped my heart to shreds for its characters, and sewed it up again. Certain ones I loved more than others, such as the immigrant Myghal and the quiet cook, Zachary Taylor. (Amber, PLEASE let them have their own stories!!!) At times I felt I knew them, and at others, I realized how little I knew them at all. While in other books this might be a cause to accuse the author of character inconsistency, one of the themes in this story is how little the characters know about EACH OTHER. They make assumptions and turn out surprised when they turn out wrong. As we, the readers, get into the heads of almost all the characters, why wouldn't their assumptions become our own, and therefore, their surprise as well?

However, this novel is very short, clocking in at just over 50,000 words, according to Amber's website. While the story is self-containing, there were times when huge time-skips of several months would go by. This did not allow for a lot of relationship-building in regards to the romance; everything went fairly quickly, at least in terms of reading it. I would have enjoyed more tender moments for me to become accustomed to the relationship that happens by the end of the book. As well, I think adding another couple-thousand words would have given readers the chance to dig even deeper into the heads of the characters and connect with them. I would have liked more time with Myghal and Zachary Taylor and Sally and Seth and Joe and even Rufus, who turned out to be quite the conflicting villain himself. I wanted to know MORE about them, to know all their likes and dislikes, outside of how they felt about love and heartbreak.

As well, in the copy I read, there were a few typos, and a mention of an "Annabelle" that Sally supposedly met and who was important to her, but whom I don't remember. Perhaps someone from an earlier draft?

All that being said, if you're looking for a fresh, original historical novel to sink your mind into, go for Bleeding Heart. If you're looking for a book that will make you think and ponder and cry and stare at your ceiling and think some more, get your hands on Bleeding Heart. And then promptly join me in a rally to get Amber to write more about Myghal and Zachary!

I received a free review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the opportunity, Amber, and best wishes on many successful novels to come!

Giveaway!!!

“Journey to the West” Giveaway! One U.S. resident (randomly drawn) will receive a signed copy of Bleeding Heart and a collection of items from the story’s settings, handpicked by the author.

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Book Review: "The Perilous Gard"

In 1558, while exiled by Queen Mary Tudor to a remote castle known as Perilous Gard, young Kate Sutton becomes involved in a series of mysterious events that lead her to an underground world peopled by Fairy Folk—whose customs are even older than the Druids’ and include human sacrifice.
-image and summary from Goodreads.com

NOTE: THIS REVIEW IS NOT SPOILER-FREE

I've heard rave reviews from many friends and authors about The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, and it's been on my to-read list for a while. Finally, this summer, I got my greedy, grubby reader hands on it.

And what can I say? I understand the raves (and I might join them sometime).

The Perilous Gard captures the atmosphere of England's forests and countryside in an eerie, rain-soaked setting full of lush green whispering trees and servants at a mysterious castle who know more than they let on. I was drawn in by the circumstances revolving around a child's disappearance and Kate's determination to bring justice.

What I particularly enjoyed was that Kate's journey was far from easy. She doesn't get answers by drawing them out of people who, true to their characters, stubbornly remain silent, but by making connections between events. She uses her smarts to find a way out of dangerous situations. There needs to be more heroines like Kate nowadays.

Another aspect I loved was that while Pope deals with subject matter that could get weird and occult, she keeps the story grounded in reality. The "Fairy Folk" are actually people whose customs have merely been around for many years, whose abilities seem to be more magical than those of mere mortals but who are actually just as human as Kate. While not all about them is explained and certain threads are left to the eerie conclusions of our imaginations, I was really happy that Pope went in this direction. Pope makes a point that much of what we deem to be 'magic' is actually easily explained--or simply the product of we as humans giving a certain object more power than it has. A lot of it is in the mind.

One thing about this story is that it's very short. Other than Kate, readers really only get to know Christopher, the brother of the lord of the castle Perilous Gard and the main suspect in the disappearance of Cecily, his niece. But, surprisingly, this works for the story. After finishing it, I was satisfied with its length. This is not a fast-paced novel by any means, and ends with a complete story, having made its point. I think its length suits its purpose.

I loved the writing--lush, lyrical, like poetry. I loved the characters and the feeling that this story might be a legend you hear of if you visit England.

However, the one drawback that kept this from a five-star rating was Christopher's continuous use of the Lord's name in vain. While I understand that many of that time period used God's name in a way that they did not see to be in vain, my 'modern sensibilities' couldn't help but shudder. It was used quite a bit, which disappointed me because it was so avoidable.

On the other hand, this book portrays Kate's strong faith and sense, which she uses to block the tempting words of the main villain. I wanted to cheer when I read that scene, and I finished it with a huge smile on my face and the strong urge to pump a fist into the air.

As well, this book boasts one of the most romantic speeches ever:

“I've never thought of you like that [....] How could I? If you were any other woman, I could tell you I loved you, easily enough, but not you--because you've always seemed to me like a part of myself, and it would be like saying I loved my own eyes or my own mind. But have you ever thought of what it would be to have to live without your mind or your eyes, Kate? To be mad? Or blind?” 

Excuse me while I faint.

Okay, I'm revived. 

Four stars!

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Blog Tour: "Dragonwitch" by Anne Elisabeth Stengl Review

Submissive to her father’s will, Lady Leta of Aiven travels far to meet a prospective husband she neither knows nor loves–Lord Alistair, future king of the North Country.

But within the walls of Gaheris Castle, all is not right. Vicious night terrors plague Lord Alistair to the brink of insanity. Whispers rise from the family crypt. The reclusive castle Chronicler, Leta’s tutor and friend, possesses a secret so dangerous it could cost his life and topple the North Country into civil war.

And far away in a hidden kingdom, a fire burns atop the Temple of the Sacred Flame. Acolytes and priestesses serve their goddess to the limits of their lives and deaths. No one is safe while the Dragonwitch searches for the sword that slew her twice…and for the one person who can wield it.
-image and summary from Goodreads.com

Barnes & Noble * Amazon

About the Author

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a passel of cats, and one long-suffering dog. When she's not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and studies piano, painting, and pastry baking. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. She is the author of HEARTLESS, VEILED ROSE, MOONBLOOD, STARFLOWER and DRAGONWITCH. HEARTLESS and VEILED ROSE have each been honored with a Christy Award. 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Book Review

Dragonwitch is the fifth book in "The Tales of Goldstone Wood", a Christian fantasy series by Anne Elisabeth Stengl. The events take place some centuries after those of Starflower, and chronicle the rest of Hri Sora's tale.

Buckle your seat belts.

This book is one of my favourites in this series. All of Stengl's books are full of loveable characters, twisting plots, and lovely, lyrical sentences. But Dragonwitch took all the wonderful qualities of the previous books and amped them up a few notches. Stengl has outdone herself with this book.

First of all, the characters. When I first heard of this story and understood a bit of Leta's character, I did not expect to like her that much. Yet she ended up surprising me and by the end of the story, she had made a lasting impact. Her struggle to find her voice while maintaining certain ideals is a struggle I find realistic and with which I empathize. It's so easy to feel that as girls, our voices should remain unheard--we should always be quiet and never speak up. This is exactly what I've been fighting with for the past couple of years, and Leta's fight to find her voice and strength in weakness was beautiful.

Eanrin, the cat-man, and Imraldera, a scribe and librarian, flipped my heart a couple of times through the story--as always.

When I first started reading the novel, I did not like Alistair that much. He seemed whiny and annoying. And then I reach around the middle of the story, and things start happening--and Alistair showed how awesome he was. By the end, I was as in love with him as (-----) one of the other characters. What, thought I was going to let a spoiler slip by? ;)

But what really caught me was Hri Sora and her story. By the end, my emotions had gone through several highs and lows. Hri Sora is one of the best villains I've ever read, because I could empathize with her. I was actually hoping beyond hope that she might reform and be saved. Does she? I won't tell. :) 

Secondly, the writing. Some of the scenes--especially the one with Leta and the star--left me breathless with the sheer beauty of it. I think I was even in tears at one point! And the intensity had me gritting my teeth and gripping the computer screen, unable to tear myself away. One scene--involving goblins--was so well-written I felt as though I were creeping through the castle with the characters, trying to escape the onslaught.  I couldn't stop reading; I had to see what came next. I could see it all in my head like a movie; could hear the epic, eerie music. I think of all the books, I would love to see Dragonwitch as a movie the most. It just struck me as an epic movie in the making.

Thirdly, the locations. This book revisits locations seen in previous books--and how different they are from when we first see them! One thing I love about this series is that it's like learning the history of another world; you get to see the places and people in different forms, just as our world's history would have been. Nothing is as it is without having been different before--people shape their enivronment quite a bit. And you see the consequences of this on one location in particular, the South Lands, where a horde of fire priestesses have taken hold....

Lastly, the feel of this book is very different from the others in the series. Its scope is wide, with daring escapes, journeys, and lasting consequences for the characters and their world. Even at the end, some strings are resolved but the very last page makes it clear that the story is not completely over. And that is completely fine with me, because that means there are many more Goldstone Wood books to come!

Five GREAT BIG HUGE GINORMOUS STARS!

I received a review copy from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for that opportunity!

Tour Giveaway!!!

Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

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Tour Schedule

July 29th

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer – Tens List

Making the Grade – Review & Interview

Blkosiner’s Book Blog – Interview

Tribute Books – Excerpt

The Other World – Review

Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Reviews – Review

July 30th

Magical Manuscripts – Review

Letters to the Cosmos – Review

Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews – Interview

Indie Author How-to – Review

Sassy Book Lover – Review

July 31st

Book – Marks the Spot – Review

Books Beside My Bed – Review & Guest Post

Tressa’s Wishful Endings – Review

August 1st

A Book Lover’s Library – Review & Guest Post

MK McClintock Blog - Guest Post

LDS & Lovin’ It – Review

August 2nd

Frankie Blooding’s Bookshelf – Review

Why Not? Because I Said So! – Review

Books, Books the Magical Fruit – Guest Post

August 3rd

Cuzinlogic – Guest Post

The Secret Writer – Review & Interview

Fire & Ice – Review

Characterized – Review

August 5th

Scribbler’s Sojourn – Review

Book Haven Extraordinaire - Guest Post

Good Choice Reading – Interview

Peace From Pieces – Interview

August 6th

Hott Books – Interview

Backing Books – Review

Gwynneth White – Review

Taking Time for Mommy – Interview

August 7th

Bunny’s Review – Guest Post

Colorimetry – Tens List

Splash of Our Worlds – Review

Aimee Lane – Interview

August 8th

Recent Reads – Review

Mythical Books – Interview

All Fantasy Worlds – Review

Curling Up with a Good Book – Interview

August 9th

Spellbindings – Review

Literary Sweet – Review

Fall Into Books – Guest Post

Christy’s Cozy Corners – Review

Mini Reviews: "Raising a Lady in Waiting Who Understands the Real Deal on Love and Men"

Raising a Lady in Waiting

Raising Daughters Who Refuse to Settle

In a culture that emphasizes finding the right pair of jeans over waiting for the right man, there is no time to sit back and hope everything just pans out. Mom, you are your daughter’s greatest influence, mentor, and relationship coach. It is time to take action!

The most important decision of your daughter’s life is who will be her Master; the second is who will be her "mister." You play a vital role in preparing her to make this choice. Bestselling author, Jackie Kendall, opens her heart and candidly shares four decades’ worth of experience with mothers who are raising daughters to navigate the challenges of relationships.

These principles help you effectively guide your daughter to: Maintain high relationship standards, guard her mind from false relationship images, and teach her the value of waiting for God’s best. 

Kids are passing school while flunking in relationships. Raising a Lady in Waiting  provides you with the keys necessary to safeguard your daughter from pursuing "Bozos" and prepares her for the "Boaz" God has waiting.
-summary and image from Goodreads.com

So I requested this book from Netgalley out of curiosity more than anything else. Whenever I see books like this out there, I'm always wondering what sort of advice is being offered. While I am happily single and not looking for a relationship, and while I'm not a mother searching for advice about how to raise my daughter, this book still touched me. Even singles can be tempted in this world to stray from the path they--and hopefully God--has chosen for them. So whether you're praying for God to bring you your knight or praying God will protect you from them, this book is full of helpful tips on how to become the best daughter of God you can be--or, if you're a mom, how to raise your daughter to become that woman.

Four stars!

Please note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and Destiny Image in exchange for an honest review.

The Real Deal on Love and Men

Bestselling author Michelle McKinney Hammond (1.5 million relationship books sold) fields women’s questions on love, men, dating, and marriage. With her unique “tell it like it is” style and compassionate understanding, Michelle helps readers navigate the male/female maze, including:
“Get a Life”—Finding and creating opportunities to meet godly men “The Man/Woman Thing”—Understanding and appreciating gender differences “Closing the Deal”—Identifying deal breakers and deal makers while dating “Cheating, Lying, and Other Love Traps”—When to stay and when to leave “New Beginnings”—Gleaning wisdom from setbacks and then moving on “Marriage”—Exploring expectations and establishing traditions

Everyone wants a love relationship, so why is it so hard to find and keep? Michelle answers the question and explores the ins and outs of love. “It’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty and find out what makes love happen…It’s time to engage our brains while following our hearts.
-summary and image from Goodreads.com

Again, I requested this book from NetGalley out of my own insatiable curiosity. But boy, was it fun to read. At school I'm surrounded by friends who want to get married (and I say, as long as I'm in the wedding party!), and I think this book would be perfect for them to read! I'm actually considering, whenever I have money (ha!) to buy a few of my gal-pals copies as gifts. This book was bright, engaging, and a fast read. But it had a lot of wisdom to offer, wisdom that is best not to dismiss because of the sparkly decor. This book delves right into the hard stuff--my eyes were certainly opened about certain things. While, again, I'm certainly not the target audience for this type of thing, I still found myself learning a lot to take away for the future. As well, it's good to learn wisdom so you can impart it to others. When any of my friends face challenges in their love lives, I hope to use what I've read from this book to help them through it, and be the best friend to them I can be in doing so.

I recommend this book to everyone who's old enough to dabble in romantic relationships, whether they prefer to be single or not. This book has something to give everyone so they can make the best decisions in their lives and live with no regrets!

Five stars!

Please note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.