4 stars. Remember when I said in book 1 that Boris wasn’t my fav? He made me straight-up mad here.
*coughs*
Let’s scale back. So, this goes back a bit 4 stars. Remember when I said in book 1 that Boris wasn’t my fav? He made me straight-up mad here.
*coughs*
Let’s scale back. So, this goes back a bit before book 3, and Anna + Boris are having a rough time. Anna’s scared, Boris is stubborn, and Arjun is stuck in the middle. I liked Arjun as much as always—I liked Anna too—and Boris made me angry, because he manages to be weak and obstinate at the same time. And he doesn’t listen to his wife. And he’s always mad. I know, it’s necessary to the plot, and he gets it out of his system eventually, but I still don’t like him!!
Besides my dislike for a principal character, though, I really enjoyed the book. It’s very suspenseful—more than the other books—with local mafia who are out to destroy the Turs and anyone helping them, plus the government cracking down on Turs and those helping them. There’s betrayal and angst and real uncertainty if people are gonna make it out alive. There’s Erkan’s family and backstory—finally!—and more of the amazing doctor and his wife, and Preen too. I forgot to say before that these books interlock also in how they sway backwards and forwards in time, so that adds another interesting dimension to how you see everyone.
My favourite part of this novel is for sure the deep themes that hit hard—doing the right thing, figuring moral dilemmas, and pushing through fear. I look forwards to the next book in this series and seeing everything wrapped up!!
Content: on-screen birth that was a bit too detailed for me personally, violence.
A Favourite Quote: “Yes, the worst thing. The White Horses kill me, right? So I'm dead. Finish. When I'm alive, I'm in God's hands. And when I'm dead?” He waited. “You're still in God's hands,” I finished softly. “We all are.” “So nothing changes. That's not so bad.” A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Thanks to God somebody has a brain that works,” I whispered. The future didn't look great for mine.
*Full content list to come. I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Merged review:
4 stars. Remember when I said in book 1 that Boris wasn’t my fav? He made me straight-up mad here.
*coughs*
Let’s scale back. So, this goes back a bit before book 3, and Anna + Boris are having a rough time. Anna’s scared, Boris is stubborn, and Arjun is stuck in the middle. I liked Arjun as much as always—I liked Anna too—and Boris made me angry, because he manages to be weak and obstinate at the same time. And he doesn’t listen to his wife. And he’s always mad. I know, it’s necessary to the plot, and he gets it out of his system eventually, but I still don’t like him!!
Besides my dislike for a principal character, though, I really enjoyed the book. It’s very suspenseful—more than the other books—with local mafia who are out to destroy the Turs and anyone helping them, plus the government cracking down on Turs and those helping them. There’s betrayal and angst and real uncertainty if people are gonna make it out alive. There’s Erkan’s family and backstory—finally!—and more of the amazing doctor and his wife, and Preen too. I forgot to say before that these books interlock also in how they sway backwards and forwards in time, so that adds another interesting dimension to how you see everyone.
My favourite part of this novel is for sure the deep themes that hit hard—doing the right thing, figuring moral dilemmas, and pushing through fear. I look forwards to the next book in this series and seeing everything wrapped up!!
Content: on-screen birth that was a bit too detailed for me personally, violence.
A Favourite Quote: “Yes, the worst thing. The White Horses kill me, right? So I'm dead. Finish. When I'm alive, I'm in God's hands. And when I'm dead?” He waited. “You're still in God's hands,” I finished softly. “We all are.” “So nothing changes. That's not so bad.” A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Thanks to God somebody has a brain that works,” I whispered. The future didn't look great for mine.
*Full content list to come. I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
4.5 stars. I wanted to love this story—and it’s a very good story—but it hit so close to home that it hurt. I can’t really review the message, consequ4.5 stars. I wanted to love this story—and it’s a very good story—but it hit so close to home that it hurt. I can’t really review the message, consequentially—there’s too much to unpack. But it was good; and most of all, I loved how vivid + alive the characters were (I love the one-legged man trope + the independent, bossy, rich old lady one XD). Magda was just so sweet (and so cool, being a mechanic and all!!) and everyone else was darling; and the writing style was simply beautiful… It was a lovely story and I can’t wait to reread it some day. <3...more
To Follow the Star by Courtenay Burden 5+ stars (6/10 hearts). I was not expecting this, but did I ever love it! This novella takes place over a shTo Follow the Star by Courtenay Burden 5+ stars (6/10 hearts). I was not expecting this, but did I ever love it! This novella takes place over a short period of time, instead of several days as most of these stories do. It’s 1831, so quite early, and about the very founding of Homewood—yay! I adored seeing the first Quinceys (and the aunts, uncle, and parents from The Star of Bethlehem, but as young people!). I’m loving going back in time and piecing the history of this town together. It feels so real!
Anyways, back to the characters, of course they were amazing, and I fell in love with them all over again—Susanna, Margaret, William, Blanche, Clara Jane, Great-Aunt… and then Stella & Alistair… <3 And the story itself is so sweet and gentle and wintry, and the MESSAGE! Oh my heart, it’s perfectly amazing. “The wise men had resolved to follow Christ’s star, wherever it went.” I can’t explain how good it is—just read it.
P.S. I love the chapter titles. :)
A Favourite Quote: The wise men lost the star, but they did not lose hope. They believed in the calling by which they had been led, even when its light no longer beamed on their way. In trusting, hopeful obedience, they refused to give up. And then—then: “Lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.”
The Star Over All by Chelsea Burden 5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Oh my word I loved this SO much. Chelsea Burden has such a lovely writing style (so similar to mine!!) and I love how much her story centered on her message, yet still delivered interesting characters and a hooking plot, all well-paced and smoothly wrapped up against all odds.
It was such fun seeing the characters from last year’sThe Star of Bethlehem, but older! And Grant was fantastic. I would absolutely love to see a sequel to this ;)
The message was the highlight though. I kept tearing up. Over and over the author gently reminds us how no matter what happens, Christ is sovereign. No matter how much we mess up, it never ruins things forever. No matter how dark things are, it’s always turned to good. I needed that message just now…
It’s a quick, easy, deep read and I highly recommend this to everyone. I can’t wait to read the rest of the stories in this collection!
A Favourite Quote: “However dark life gets, there is a Star that will rise over all.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Wow, this has a lot of the original Redwall feels!!
Bisky reminded me of Mattimeo a little, and he + Spingo are pretty cute. ;5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Wow, this has a lot of the original Redwall feels!!
Bisky reminded me of Mattimeo a little, and he + Spingo are pretty cute. ;) I do feel like there wasn’t much of the original-best-friends feeling between him & Dwink, but I like how Dwink + Dubble grew close through their adventures. Poor Dubble. Tugga Bruster doesn’t deserve the title of Log-a-Log and did deserve his fate. Samolus was a bit like Methuselah—rather an amusing old fellow—and Laird Bosie McScutta of Bowlaynee reminded me of Basil Staghare. Perrit was something like Jess or Springald, and Pikehead Nokko was also a familiar type of character—jovial, clever, light of paw, but a good friend. Poor clumsy Umfry and Corksnout Spikkle were endearing, and Rorgus, of course, was a simply splendid Skipper. I really liked Zaran, too. Brother Torilis was such a fun addition, and Aluco was a typical likeable owl.
As for the villains, Jeg was reminiscent of Vitch and Chigid + his Painted Ones obviously similar to several villains that pop up through the book. Korvus Skurr definitely reminded me of General Ironbeak, and Baliss of course was like Asmodeus. There was so much of Doomwhyte that reminded me of Mattimeo, with the ravens and the statue and even Sicariss, who reminded me of Malkariss! The plot reminded me specifically of books 1-3 of the series, but also several others, and it was SUCH a fun throwback. At the same time, it’s still its own story and very good. So good that although it's been nearly a month and I forgot most of what happens, I do remember I read this in almost one day because I couldn’t put it down. There’s Brian Jacques’ signature constant twists, the rhyming treasure hunt, and the epic battle won with sacrifice and heroism. I’m so not ready for this series to end, and I can’t wait to reread this (and, incidentally, update this review)....more
Lethal Mark by Madisyn Carlin 5 stars. Very typical Madisyn Carlin story. I loved the friends-to-lovers, the memory loss, the sweet and realistic faithLethal Mark by Madisyn Carlin 5 stars. Very typical Madisyn Carlin story. I loved the friends-to-lovers, the memory loss, the sweet and realistic faith of the heroine, the hero’s protectiveness, and the very real danger that continued until the very end—all served with the awesome sarcasm and loveable characters that Carlin’s stories always include. <3
A Favourite Quote: …she watched the night gradually become cloaked with dawn’s radiant array of colors. Eyes gritty from lack of sleep, Eledy stared at the pretty colors. The Creator painted every sunrise, making each unique. He put such detail into something so few witnessed. She exhaled and closed her eyes. If He put such care into a sunrise, He certainly knew what was best for her, even if she couldn’t understand it.
Black is the Rose by Kristina Hall 3.7 stars. I had a bit of a harder time with this one because it felt much more modern American, and even Western—it just wasn’t what I expected from a fantasy. I love the sarcasm and the hero’s cheer and the heroine’s lessons of faith. I also enjoyed the kidnappings and sword fights and all the high-stakes action. I never knew what was coming next, and things ended up rather different than I expected!
A Favourite Quote: “Doesn’t it bother you just a little to know that a Mördare left that hideous rose in front of your door?” He smiled that crooked grin of his. “That rose is part of God’s creation.”
A Life’s Cost by Vanessa Hall 5 stars. Irish inspired fiction?! Yeahhh, so cool! I really liked the characters—I really liked how realistically weak the husband/father is—and I loved the blind sister and the Brian-de-Bois-Guilbert-type of hero. I specially appreciated the pro-life aspect of the story… it was so well done! I was so not ready to let go when the novella ended!!
A Favourite Quote: “You can’t undo the evils of this world by committing more evil, Roark. ’Tis not right.... The only way we can try to right the wrong is to resist evil and cleave to that which is good.”
Allies in the Shadows by K.R. Mattson 4 stars. I’m always a sucker for orphanage, rags to riches, and action stories. This reminded me of the stories my bestie and I used to write as teens… I enjoyed the characters—specially KRAMPUS—and the plot was definitely didn’t go the way I thought it would. :D It was just all-around fun!
A Favourite Quote: “I’ve been thinking about it and all this time I’ve been having a pity party for myself. Everything was about me. How I needed to do something before I died. How I felt about… well, anything, really. I don’t ever stop to think about anyone else. Like you.” ...“You’ve had a pretty rough life…” “That's not an excuse though, Garren. I’ve never really paid attention to how others feel or how I make them feel.”
The Hunted by M.L. Milligan 4.7 stars. I don’t know what it is but I LOVE stories set in wintry lands. Also wolves. I’m not a huge fan of Alpha females but this heroine was actually realistic and I liked her—also the hero is pretty swoon worthy. ;) I was a bit lost throughout the plot but I enjoyed the high stakes and action and totally couldn’t put the book down.
A Favourite Quote: “Lord… You’re right.” My eyes trailed up the gapped wooden walls and to the cracks of light in the ceiling. “It’s not my job to save those you call home.” Because, hard as it was to admit, I was not in control. I would do my part to save lives, but that couldn’t make up for the ones I’d lost so long ago. It wasn’t supposed to. “Lord, forgive me. For everything.” For shouldering a weight that was not my own. For thinking I could save everyone. I saw then how foolish I had been.
Rose of Fate by Kaytlin Phillips 4.7 stars. A Roman-inspired fantasy wasn’t what I expected, but I quite liked it! I appreciated the lessons the characters learned—especially the heroine—and the message of standing up and speaking out even when in danger. The hero was a realistic guy and I appreciated that a lot (because often they’re either way too strong or way too weak ;P). Again the stakes were high, and things didn’t go as I expected—but I was very satisfied.
A Favourite Quote: “Life is full of ‘should haves,’ Noami, but we need to focus on the ‘cans.’ I can pray. I can go to the capital. I can speak out against this injustice. Standing here and mourning over the ‘should haves’ in life will get you nowhere. ‘Should have’ is a dead-end street leading to nothing but shame, heartache, and bitterness. Don’t follow that path, look to the ‘cans’ of life, focus on what you can do and not what you should have done.”
A Valley of Stars by Saraina Whitney 5 stars. I don’t know why I love cold heroines who thaw out, but I really do. I also love hardheaded hot-tempered guys realizing they’re in love. It’s so cute. ;P This story was just full of tropes I love! It was so NOT what I anticipated and didn’t go at all as I expected (although when DO books go as I expect??) I loved the danger-at-court atmosphere, and the open ending…
Also, side note: I LOVE how all the stories incorporated the Black Rose differently!! It was just so cool.
A Favourite Quote: “It’s the world we live in,” Lord Ebert said with a resigned shrug. “But it doesn’t have to be!” Ravenna shot back, sparks flaring to life in her eyes.
*Reviews to be updated. I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
5 stars. WOW. This was an amazing read. The allegory was SO well done. I was almost moved to tears by contemplating again how much Jesus suffered for 5 stars. WOW. This was an amazing read. The allegory was SO well done. I was almost moved to tears by contemplating again how much Jesus suffered for us. And oh, the message of trusting always, no matter what you see or don’t see... I needed that. The only thing that bothered me in this story was one place Justinius removed his shirt. And there was one hug, but otherwise the romance was very pure. And oh my, I can’t get over how good the allegory was! Sometimes we just need to remember how amazing our salvation is. Highly recommend this book.
A Favourite Quote: “‘Let me tend to your wound, Princess. I know this is difficult for you to understand, but I can't tell you why you needed to go through this right now. In time, you'll understand. Trust me with your pain if nothing else. You aren't hurting me by letting your wound fester. You're only hurting yourself.’” A Favourite Humorous Quote: “So far, the trip to the dark [Death] valley threatened her with nothing but boredom. Perhaps everyone becomes bored to death in the valley. Maybe that's how it got its name.”...more
5+ stars & 6/10 hearts. Oh, this story was so, so sweet!! I was barely holding back my tears. Bri is just a darling—such an inspiration. Her mother is5+ stars & 6/10 hearts. Oh, this story was so, so sweet!! I was barely holding back my tears. Bri is just a darling—such an inspiration. Her mother is darling. I loved Lainy and she was sooo relatable to me. The message was just ohhhh-so-good… It was just SUCH a good story and all about one of the best Christmas carols. <3...more
4 stars. This is a heartbreaking, beautiful short story prologue to a lovely series. Some bits did feel repetitive, but as someone who struggles with 4 stars. This is a heartbreaking, beautiful short story prologue to a lovely series. Some bits did feel repetitive, but as someone who struggles with depression repeatedly I understand that’s really how life does go. I loved Russell and I absolutely am HEARTBROKEN for him, and Eliza is so cute, and I need more of their story, pronto!!
*Quotes & updated review to come upon reread. I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
4 stars. I really wanted to love this book. I adore the Chronicles of Alive & Ivy and I was so excited about this spin-off of Alice’s best friend Cass4 stars. I really wanted to love this book. I adore the Chronicles of Alive & Ivy and I was so excited about this spin-off of Alice’s best friend Cassie, set around the time of A Prayer Unanswered.
Parts of the book fell a bit flat for me though. For starters, I didn’t connect with the characters super well. Cassie was realistic and relatable, but I felt like she didn’t really change throughout the book. She didn’t seem to have any big realizations and huge changes. And I know, that is SO unfair to say, because she DID, and her lesson was really good. But it didn’t FEEL like a big moment to me and she didn’t change enough for me to connect with her arc and enjoy her spiritual journey. Patrick, now, went through a lot more spiritually, which I enjoyed. However, as a romantic interest/hero, he drove me wild for the first 70% of the book. You thought Peter or Jordy were frustrating heroes? Patrick is twice as bad. He’s so blind, so scared, and so rude. He does become very, very nice at the last though.
Secondly, the plot skipped A LOT of time. I know, I know, usually I don’t have issues with that but this time it leaned into my whole issue with arcs not changing. I felt like too much time had passed for Cassie and Patrick NOT to change. It’s a stupid complaint, but for some reason it made me feel really disconnected from the characters and story events.
However, I really liked Patrick’s sisters, and his parents were very interesting. His whole plot was great and I really enjoyed it, minus the parts of him being an absolute idiot. Which, again, I know I shouldn’t complain of because it’s the whole plot and his whole character and the author warned us about this beforehand, but it REALLY bugged me somehow. I don’t know why. I really liked the family he ends up with in the end though.
Anyways, I loved meeting Peter’s family through Cassie, and the domestic life of Peter & Alice seen through Cassie was epic. Those parts were my favourite in the whole book. (But I don’t think my issue was that I was wanting Peter & Alice/the Chronicles of Alice & Ivy books, because I’ve read other Kellyn Roth books that are totally NOT part of this series and I loved them.) I also liked the part of the Irish family and Cassie helping them out, although it also felt to me like they weren’t developed to their full potential. I could have really loved that family and the whole Irish part of the book, but it was barely touched on, and I would have really liked seeing more of the village and U’s family and the racism against Irish and all that stuff.
After all that complaining, here’s what I loved about the book. Cassie’s theme of learning to trust God and move forward in faith even when God’s leading is completely wild and unwanted… it was GOOD. Patrick learning about courage and doing the right thing even if he’s alone? EXCELLENT. There were other mini themes too, and they were all SO good, definitely worth 5 stars alone. As always with a Kellyn Roth book, I needed that message right now in my life.
So, yeah, I’m really sorry I didn’t enjoy the book more. Maybe I was in the wrong mood, or maybe I had the wrong expectations. I could have loved it—I should have loved it—but it just didn’t hit it for me, sadly. However, despite my disappointments, I really did enjoy it, and I do plan to reread it (and hopefully love it more), and I honestly look forwards to the next book in the series VERY much (because y’all, I need more about Patrick’s sisters and also P & C now that they’re an adorable couple)!!
Content: The author has a great content list here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... Personally, the only things that stick out to me was the conversation about marital intimacy—It was well-handled/discreet, but definitely adult. Also, the mention of Cassie getting “the talk” from her siblings kinda bothered me. But it’s not a big deal—it’s just definitely for adults.
A Favourite Quote: Yet she heard a whisper again, soft but strong: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” What was there to fear with a promise like that? She turned her face toward a future open with possibilities that night. A Favourite Humorous Quote: “I’m sorry for dragging your husband off, Mrs. Strauss. I promise it was for a good reason, but I know we must’ve made you wait.” “Actually, it was my idea.” Peter slipped onto his seat. “Anyway, I didn’t think you would wait. I left a note.” Alice raised her eyebrows. “We determined that either you were going for a walk or that you were journeying to the center of the earth. Your handwriting allowed for either interpretation.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
3 stars. I’m not sure exactly what I think of it. As far as the book goes, it was super repetitive. Sounds like Moran wrote a pamphlet and wanted to m3 stars. I’m not sure exactly what I think of it. As far as the book goes, it was super repetitive. Sounds like Moran wrote a pamphlet and wanted to make it a book, so he added about ten more chapters trying to expand on what he already said, but just succeeded in repeating it. I liked all the quotes and some of the info was really encouraging, but overall the first 13 chapters took me forever because it was just “I MADE THE BEST THING EVER” but he kept telling me what it would DO to help and didn’t tell me what it actually WAS.
Once I finally got to the actual 12-week year set up, it was pretty cool. Right now, it’s not really something I can implement; but once my season of life changes, I plan to come back to this idea and try it out. I’ll update my review once I figure out what I actually think of the 12-week year!...more
4.5 stars (5/10 hearts). I wanted to read this for a while because a) I LOVE THE COVER and b) I have a huge weakness for animal fantasy war books (Red4.5 stars (5/10 hearts). I wanted to read this for a while because a) I LOVE THE COVER and b) I have a huge weakness for animal fantasy war books (Redwall, anyone??). I ended up being quite satisfied!
This story is set in the LivingWood, where wolves and foxes are locked in a fierce battle. I really enjoyed learning about how everything function, from the outlying family houses in the bush, to the massive underground “palace” den, to the foxes’ learning and their relationships with the other animals around them... the worldbuilding was well done, even if the writing style is a little weak. And I really appreciated how the foxes have a relationship with the Creator. :)
The characters were probably my favourite part. Bramble was so feisty and cute, Roan, Shawn, + Fen are epic (like for real), the Prince is pretty cool (more like really cool), Bramble's friends are great sidekicks (quite humorous actually), and the Twin Princesses are a fascinating pair (IYKYK). So yeah. I really liked almost everyone here, and I kinda miss them already :) The romance is quite small, but super cute (AND WHAT IS THAT CLIFFHANGER ABOUT, MA’AM?!). The plot was nicely paced, too, with plenty of action & suspense, questions that had me waiting for answers, and some good themes.
Overall, I really enjoyed this—even more than I expected—and I look forwards to the sequel and to reading this to my siblings. (It also makes me wanna read The Green Ember more than ever because everyone keeps comparing the two!
*Quotes to come upon reread. I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
5 stars. A sweet, simple tale. I loved seeing the Raynors learn sacrifice in their own ways and give their best to their spouse and child.
A Favourite 5 stars. A sweet, simple tale. I loved seeing the Raynors learn sacrifice in their own ways and give their best to their spouse and child.
A Favourite Quote: But Janet was a thankful soul. She was very grateful that, by putting her face close to the window and stretching her neck up, she could get a peep at the blue sky; and that for two hours in the morning the sun cast a slanting ray into her room.… An unbeliever would have sneered at the thought of her “mercies”—the barest necessities of life; but that would be because he was not in the secret. How could he know about the treasured Bible and the sweet communion, the peace of heart, and, Janet would have added, her rocking-chair, the bit of blue sky, the brief sunshine, and her one plant?
**Featured on the historic fiction podcast The Gibson Girl Review! Listen as my cohost Amy Drown & I discuss this novel with a surprise guest at https**Featured on the historic fiction podcast The Gibson Girl Review! Listen as my cohost Amy Drown & I discuss this novel with a surprise guest at https://www.gibsongirlreview.com/seas...**
5 stars. Not gonna lie, when I started this, I hated it. Or, more correctly, I hated Vinicius. I was ready to take a poleaxe to him. It took me forever to get into the book, and I abhorred the romance/plot. It was most mystifying to me how my friends could have enjoyed it…
And then I realized what the book really was, and I fell in love.
Allow me to back up a bit first. This book is set in Nero’s time, which was what originally caught my attention. I love books about Ancient Rome. However, Sienkiewicz caught me off guard with his very open and un-whitewashed account of Neronian Rome with its rampant immorality of all forms, especially sexual. It was far and away more explicit than any Ancient Rome book I ever read, which is saying a lot. Looking back now, I understand why Sienkiewicz did it—to show the wild difference between the Christians and the pagans—but I still think he could have left some things out and said others a little more subtly. The content aside, this was a splendid account of the year A.D. 54-68. Sienkiewicz absolutely transports you into his setting. Every character here LIVED, and there were minimal, if any, stereotypes. It was the most vivid writing I have ever read, and the style was just as good.
Petronius might have been my favourite. Clever, noble, lazy, worldly, he was such a complex, fascinating man. In spite of his many blatant flaws, I couldn’t help loving him. I almost cried at the end… (view spoiler)[I WANTED PETRONIUS SAVED!! (hide spoiler)]...more
5+ stars (7/10 hearts). I think I might as well just assume from now on that every Madisyn Carlin book will be a top favourite. She just keeps deliver5+ stars (7/10 hearts). I think I might as well just assume from now on that every Madisyn Carlin book will be a top favourite. She just keeps delivering books that blow me away!
One of my favourite things about Madisyn Carlin—as I’ve doubtless said before—is her world building. This sequel to Shattered Reflection is great. I love how it talks of the different lands and their different peoples, cultures, history, etc. Another of my favourite things is her characters. They were just superb here. I still love Marcus—and I’m still waiting for him to get his happiness—but he was doing so much better here and I just loved his interactions with everyone. They were either hilarious or super sweet (sorry, Marcus) ;P Arioch was epic. I love how Carlin has a big, quick-tempered, weapon-savvy, teddybear-hearted in almost all of her books. Arioch fit the bill perfectly. His sarcasm and his confusion over Anthi were AWESOME. And his (very) gradual story arc as he learned to let go of revenge and forgive and understand—yeah, I was so here for it. And Anthi was just as much fun as she was in book 1. Their relationship was laugh-out-loud hilarious and absolutely adorable. I loved, loved, loved it. Meanwhile, Zinnia was delightful and loveable, and so was Barrett, and Mrs. Klarkson. And the villains were really, really terrifying. And Bear was such an awesome addition to the group ;) Really, everyone was awesome and you should totally read this if you enjoy amazing characters. Because this book focusses heavily on character growth.
The plot here was honestly a rollercoaster. It didn’t end up as I expected—I kept waiting for a gigantic climax that wrapped everything up and start the war. Instead, everything builds up slowly, slowly… and while there are several (many) crises, there never was the all-out battle I expected, due tot he way Carlin’s books usually play out. The book is mostly centered on getting everyone together, dealing with emotional/spiritual crises, and preparing for the next book. It made for a very interesting lull. But a lull is not dull in Carlin’s world. Oh no. The plot is definitely crazy and exciting. There’s plenty of enemies and danger, and so much going on with all the travelling (BY THE WAY, I love how Thana & Boden from Shattered Revelation tie in!!) and the piecing together stories. I could not put the book down. It wrapped up enough to satisfy me, but has me on edge for the next book, where more will be wrapped up and the story of the Lands will continue. It’s so cool and so well done. And the humour in here (have I mentioned before that Carlin has the best sarcastic humour??) is through the roof. I was very ill when I read this, but I couldn’t help laughing aloud like a crazy woman at times.
When it comes to the messages—wow. One of my favourite things about Madisyn Carlin is I love how Carlin is very blunt about the things Christians doubt and complain about—the kind of things you totally think but feel kind of ashamed to admit. I can’t remember the specific examples that struck me in this book (let’s blame my sickness) but I really appreciated them. Also, I love how Carlin represents how little we understand each other. Over and over again the characters have miscommunications because they simply can’t see in the others’ head and misjudge their actions or words. It’s a striking lesson to me. Back to the actual themes of the book though, the messages of forgiveness, trust, and not comparing oneself were so good and deep.
In conclusion, I love this book so much. I can’t wait for the next one. And I am so eager to reread this. <3
*Quotes to come upon reread. I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
**Featured on the historic fiction podcast The Gibson Girl Review! Listen as my cohost Amy Drown and I discuss this novel at https://www.gibsongirlrev**Featured on the historic fiction podcast The Gibson Girl Review! Listen as my cohost Amy Drown and I discuss this novel at https://www.gibsongirlreview.com/seas...**
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Wow, this was so not what I expected and sooo good! I love Gilded Age American settings and writing styles, so of course that had me enjoying it from the start. And the immediately we fall into the “strong oldest sibling has to work because the family fortune failed and her mother/father is helpless and the other is dead/insane” trope, WHICH I LOVE.
And I loved Barbara! She’s so upright and unafraid to be so, yet she’s still very human and relatable. Following her journey through her struggles was really awesome. She reminded me a lot of Theodora from “Poor Dear Theodora!” which was epic. Freda was super cute and sweet, and their mother was really darling. Allan Thurwell was awesome, even if he didn’t show up as much as I’d have liked, and Don Farrington was also awesome in his own way. The other characters were all either humorous, awful, or pretty great, but regardless, all very vivid.
The plot was a rollercoaster and a half, and I couldn’t put the book down! Barbara’s tribulations and successes in the theatre world was as good as any play she starred in. (I mean, given that this is a book… eh, whatever. I stick to my comparison). There was plenty of cringing, indignation, worry, admiration, excitement… I really appreciated seeing Barbara cling to her morality and duty, and struggle with stuff like kissing and wearing pants (something I definitely related to, lol). The romance was very interesting (I so did not expect a triangle!!) but it was resolved SO much more satisfactorily than I expected. I can’t remember any theme/message but the story wrapped up perfectly and I loved how heavily it involved the plays… ;)
Overall, this is a great picture of the American theatre in the late 1800s and how it was perceived in society, as well as how it functioned, as well as just a great story in its own right.
Content: possible language?? Mention of women in trousers & tights, which causes a scandal. I don’t remember anything else but it has been a bit since I read this so this review might be updated upon reread....more
3 stars. I love the passion and wildness and colour of this story. It’s definitely original and different, and very dramatic. I can’t say I am fond of3 stars. I love the passion and wildness and colour of this story. It’s definitely original and different, and very dramatic. I can’t say I am fond of Carey—he felt very over-worshipped. I don’t like most of his actions. Tannis had issues, but I appreciated her loyal love and the strength of character she displayed at the end. And she was a fascinating woman. Everyone else was pretty pathetic, but all the same interesting. It was rather a bleak picture, yet it had comedy and pathos and the tang of the unknown.
Content: discrimination against Amerindians & French-Canadians (personally, as a French-Canadian with Mohawk blood, I find the snobbishness of the narrator rather amusing considering her own fully-white people are just as flawed. I also think there is a grain of truth to some of what she says—sadly, some of her observations were truth. However, her POV is definitely skewed and there is a nasty contemptuous/derogatory overtone. This is my own personal opinion and I don’t intend to defend Montgomery in her racism nor to insult anyone; I’m just saying I, myself, was not too bothered, although its definitely not my fav Montgomery story).
4 stars. I definitely get Rilla of Ingleside feels from this story—but also strong Anne’s House of Dreams feels (Leslie’s story, specifically). I real4 stars. I definitely get Rilla of Ingleside feels from this story—but also strong Anne’s House of Dreams feels (Leslie’s story, specifically). I really like Phillippa and Aunt Rachel reminds me of Susan Baker—and Isabella, well, she’s just her own slimy self. I can’t decide if I like or dislike Mark… it’s a very interesting story.
I don’t know. I used to like this but now I’m tripped up by the revival (which has a very … incorrect … feel to it?? I don’t trust all that show and dI don’t know. I used to like this but now I’m tripped up by the revival (which has a very … incorrect … feel to it?? I don’t trust all that show and drama) but also because I don’t understand why it’s such a big deal that David didn’t testify… but I understand why it bothered his family that everyone else cared… I don’t know, I need to think about this more and read it again. RTC someday....more
4/10 hearts. This story always hung heavy on my heart. I felt a lot for Eunice, so unloved and yet so loving. I can’t say I even like Christopher—he’s4/10 hearts. This story always hung heavy on my heart. I felt a lot for Eunice, so unloved and yet so loving. I can’t say I even like Christopher—he’s selfish, foolish, and weak—and Victoria was the same. Cynthia was a constant back-and-forth between nice and vindictive, but overall I kind of liked her. Charles came across as harsher to me. Naomi was cruel and basically crazy. Frankly, no one was nice here except Sarah—and Eunice, who wasn’t really good, just extremely loyal. The story is just sad and very bittersweet, but it makes me think a lot every time.
4/10 hearts. This story has always had strong October feels for me—bronze and dusky red hues, falling leaves, and wind-rustled pines. The aesthetic mi4/10 hearts. This story has always had strong October feels for me—bronze and dusky red hues, falling leaves, and wind-rustled pines. The aesthetic might be my favourite part. I enjoy the humour and I liked Stephen’s very masculine outlook. He was a nice fellow, and Betty was an enjoyable girl, and I really liked their relationship.
Note: I’ve heard people call this story creepy or pedophilic. I don’t see this at all in the story. Stephen fell in love with adult Betty, not child Betty. 18 is young, but back then it was quite mature and people were frequently married at that age or younger. Stephen is indeed 20+ years older, but again, it is not an unheard-of age gap (especially in those days, but still now) and if the couple is happy, I don’t see why I should object.
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