Month: June 2023

Reading Wrap Up

June Reading Wrap-Up!

Kristie

It’s been a good reading month! I discovered lots of wonderful books.

This month’s favorites:

Sons of Blackbird Mountain, by Joanne Bischof

Daughters of Northern Shores, by Joanne Bischof

The Managing Miss, by Heidi Kimball

Reforming Lord Neil, by Sally Britton

Hope Between the Pages, by Pepper Basham

The Lady and the Lionheart, by Joanne Bischof

Miss Devon’s Choice, by Sally Britton

and a reread of the unforgettable Letters to the Lost, by Brigid Kemmerer

An amazing month of historical and regency romance!

In July my book group is having a fun “Christmas in July” challenge. So between Christmas books and my beta reading adventure starting up again in a few days, July should be interesting! In the meantime, check out some of of my favorites, especially the ones I read this month by Joanne Bischof. Treasures, every one of them!

Happy Reading!

Historical Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Four MORE Historical Romances

Kristie

It’s so satisfying to be swept back in time and carried away in a clean, period romance. There is a group of authors I like, mostly with Covenant Communications Publishing, who churn out stories that are both delightful and deep. Once you’re able to get past the completely unoriginal cover art, you’ll find that some lovely books await.

Here are four I’ve read recently:

A Beautiful Love, by Megan Walker, was a shorter novel that reads as a Beauty and the Beast retelling. A scarred young hero must find his way back into a society that demands polished perfection. It was a decent read, but a bit thin. 8/10 Stars

Courting the Vicar’s Daughter, by Sally Britton, had great potential. I loved the main characters and the premise of a wealthy heir trying to find some purpose in his life while befriending a young lady who has motivation but no means. I did feel a slight disconnect from the story, however, and there was an irritating misunderstanding near the end that felt completely unnecessary. 8.5/10 Stars

The Managing Miss, by Heidi Kimball, was very fun and a book I would recommend. The oldest sister of an aristocratic, but orphaned and impoverished group of siblings, makes a last-ditch effort to save her family. She creates a ruse to introduce one of her cousins to eligible young men by means of a made-up connection to an influential neighbor. She schemes, but does so guiltily and with personal sacrifice. This was a great book with eccentric characters and a menagerie of pets that were hilarious. 9/10 Stars

Reforming Lord Neil, by Sally Britton, is the best of the bunch and a book I hope one of my blog followers will consider reading. A penniless widow has been turned out by her brother-in-law and must now fend for herself, her young daughter, and her mother. Her glittery society life has become one of hard labor and living by her wits. When a disheveled man shows up at her farm she has little to offer, but allows him to stay and work, unaware of his background and his own recent turn of fortune. There is growth, kindness, service, and admiration among these fantastic characters with an extremely satisfying ending. Just remembering the story makes me want to read the book again. I highly recommend it! 9.5/10

Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance

Two Superb Historical Romances

Kristie

Thanks to two wonderful books, my sensitive heart was left in pieces twice this week. A rare thing. Allow me to share them with you. Both are available now. Both are worth your time.

Hope Between the Pages, by Pepper Basham, is a dual timeline story. Set in Asheville, North Carolina, the modern plot follows Clara Blackwell, a bookseller struggling to maintain the family business. A trek to England weaves in the story of Clara’s great-grandmother Sadie, a plucky young woman who once worked at the Biltmore Mansion and followed her heart across the sea. There is mystery, intrigue, profound loss, and unusual romances in both time periods. The strong family connections and class distinctions add extra elements of thought-provoking drama in this surprising find by an author I’ve read before, but only an advanced copy rom-com. Pepper Basham’s historical fiction is definitely where her strength lies. 9/10 Stars

The Lady and the Lionheart is by Joanne Bischof, one of the BEST author discoveries I’ve made in 2023. You’ll recall my recent glowing reviews of her Blackbird Mountain series. The Lady and the Lionheart is another beautiful, heart-wrenching novel that touches on the themes of trusting God and rising above our challenges. Set mostly in a Victorian-era circus, we follow lion tamer Charlie Lionheart as he cares for his infant niece. The baby’s high fever brings him to Ella, a nurse-in-training with her own tragic past. Compassionate Ella sees beyond Charlie’s profession and scandalous appearance. There is so much depth and nuance to this book, I do not want to reveal too much except to say it is a masterful piece of writing. Strangely, it parallels well with the contemporary More Than We Can Tell, by Brigid Kemmerer. If I was still in college I would write a paper about these two books. Read The Lady and the Lionheart. You’ll be glad you did. It deserves much more applause and acclaim than I can give it here. 9.5/10 Stars

Fiction, Short Stories

Theme: The Art of the Short Story

Kristie

When I was younger, short stories were mostly confined to fairy tales. A little older, I loved everything written by Roald Dahl, including his short stories for young readers in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More and later, those for adults in The Roald Dahl Omnibus.

Such high quality exposure to the art of the short story left me thinking that creating a rich plot in a mere few pages was simple. I now realize it was the naivete of youth and lack of experience reading works by different authors that made me think this way.

It was when I read Unaccustomed Earth, (which I highly recommend) by Jhumpa Lahiri, a few years ago, that I had renewed appreciation for the talent required to write an excellent short story. In just a few pages, the author needs to pull in the reader and make them care about characters, set a scene, and immerse them in a plot. Not as easy as it seems.

Which leads me to two books I’ve read this month. Like Unaccustomed Earth, which took place in India, Everything Inside is full of culturally-rich short stories. Author Edwidge Danticat (who was recently honored with a prestigious lifetime achievement award) takes us to the fascinating country of Haiti.

What I loved about this collection was the way it reminded me that, yes, cultures have their differences, but people are essentially the same no matter where they live or where they come from. We deal with victories and challenges, love and learn, and we all have choices in how we live and interact with others. Many of our external hardships stem from our cultures but, at our core, we all want health, happiness, and peace. I’m so glad to have found this author. 9/10 Stars

My online book group has several little challenges for Pride Month, one of which is to read a book with all of the colors of the rainbow on the cover. I came across Scattered Showers, by Rainbow Rowell (do I get double points?) and I was so impressed by these nine stories. Most are contemporary, one is a modern fairy tale, and the final one (my favorite) could be considered fantasy.

The three I loved the best were: Winter Songs for Summer, The Prince and the Troll, and In Waiting. I LOVED In Waiting! It tells of a purgatory-like place where book characters wait to be used. Walking around in different states of completion, they are all either in development or abandoned. Two characters make a special connection, knowing that their time together is limited. I wish this story could be a full-length book! It is one of the most creative pieces I’ve ever read. 9/10 Stars

There are so many wonderful short stories to be discovered! I hope this post will inspire you to seek them out.

Autobiography, Memoir, Nonfiction

Piece by Piece, by David Aguilar

Kristie

Disabled? No. Diff-abled? Yes. This is how David Aguilar sees himself. But his positive outlook has only happened after years of bullying, determination, and persistence.

David, of Andorra, Spain, was born with Poland’s Syndrome, a rare condition that left him with an underdeveloped right arm. His “bracito”–as he and his family have named it–might be small, but it has presented its share of challenges and shaped their lives in ways they never expected.

But first, let’s take a look at the book’s cover. That’s not Tony Stark. It’s David, with the fifth prosthetic arm he designed. Does he need it? No. But society responds to symmetry, and it was that pressure–plus his innate talent–that led David to create the world’s first prosthetic arm built entirely of LEGOs. Yes, you read that correctly. LEGOs.

Piece by Piece is David’s story from birth to the present. We learn of the obstacles he faced, he incredibly supportive family, and where he is now. A charming, witty, sensitive young man, you will root for David all the way. This was a great read!

Available on Kindle Unlimited.

9/10 Stars

Learn more about David here: (Email subscribers, hop on over to the blog to see the videos!)

Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Series & Collections

Blackbird Mountain Series, by Joanne Bischof

Kristie

It is 1890, and 21 year old widow Aven Norgaard has traveled alone from Norway to Virginia. The only family who awaits are her late husband’s cousins and a kind aunt who assured Aven in a letter that she had a home there when she arrived. But after months of travel, nothing is as she expects. Aunt Dorothe is dead and the cousins are not small children who need care, but three brothers who live and work together in their orchards and cidery.

The oldest, Jorgan, takes on the role of father figure to all who live on their land, including emancipated slaves. Haakon, the youngest, means well but chafes under the rules of his older siblings. It is Thorald, the quiet middle brother, Aven’s protector and friend, who most intrigues her.

Over the course of 4 years, we grow to love these characters as they explore their faith, fight personal demons, and constantly work to save their land. These books have such rich stories, I cannot do them justice here except to say that they completely enveloped me. The best I can do it recommend them highly and allow future readers to be swept away by their beauty. They are treasures.

9.5/10 Stars for this lush series!

Autobiography, LGBTQ+, Memoir

Without the Mask, by Charlie Bird

Kristie

Yesterday I finished the touching memoir Without the Mask, by Charlie Bird. If you’re looking for a heartfelt book of a young person’s struggle with same-sex attraction, I highly recommend this one.

Charlie Bird was born in 1993, the year before I graduated Brigham Young University. Twenty five years later (yikes, my age is showing) he catapulted (literally) to the forefront as the beloved dancing, tumbling BYU mascot, Cosmo the Cougar. In 2017, Charlie’s Cosmo danced with the acclaimed Cougarettes for the first time and a video of their performance went viral. Instantly, Cosmo became the most famous university mascot in America.

But under the enthusiastic leaps and iconic costume, Charlie was grappling with the knowledge that he was gay in a very religious, conservative family and culture. His truth and his faith were at war. Encouraged by Sheri Dew, president of Deseret Book, Charlie decided to write an article, then this book, describing his journey.

His writing is beautiful as he describes his devotion to a faith that has shaped his life and feelings that contradict what he was taught in that faith. Never a victim and very clear that he doesn’t want to be a poster child for the “gay Mormon,” he writes of how he identifies himself, coming to the realization that his faith and his feelings can coexist.

Many will disagree with his approach and his decision to stay with a church that is working harder to show compassion to their LGBTQ+ members but does not condone gay marriage, but this is his story and no one else’s. I think there are many Christian families who will find Without the Mask to be a helpful stepping stone to discussion and understanding. I came away feeling great admiration for Charlie’s courage, testimony, and strength of character. It was a superb read.

9/10 Stars

Charlie talks about his book and coming out:

Watch Charlie as Cosmo the Cougar and the Cougarettes in their famous video:

Fiction, Historical Fiction, Suspense, Young Adult

Book Hangover Titles, 2023 Pt. 1

Kristie

This morning I saw an interesting post. Someone asked the question: “What was the last book you read that left you with a book hangover?” It got me thinking.

If you’re unaware, a book hangover can best be described as that feeling of numbness and mourning that happens when you finish a book that leaves you emotionally gutted. Some authors, like Diane Chamberlain and Brigid Kemmerer, are especially skilled at writing stories that have that effect on me. It’s probably why I keep going back to their books again and again.

Can a story still be great and not leave you with a book hangover? Absolutely! In fact, three of my favorite authors usually don’t (Katherine Center, Boo Walker, Mimi Matthews,) but I still find their writing engrossing and love their books. Like all reading, it’s a highly personal feeling. The important thing, hangover or not, is that special connection between an author’s work and the reader.

After seeing the original question, I went to Goodreads and browsed books I’ve read so far this year. There are lots, many of which I’ve rated very highly on this blog, but only fourteen qualify for the book hangover category. If you’re a reading slump, and it happens to all of us, I’m certain that one of these books will save you. Most have reviews on this site. Happy Reading!

Moonrise, by Sarah Crossan

Making Faces, by Amy Harmon

Whiskey When We’re Dry, by John Larison

The Stolen Marriage, by Diane Chamberlain

More Than We Can Tell, by Brigid Kemmerer

The Escape Artist, by Diane Chamberlain

The Spectacular, by Fiona Davis (just released!)

The Last House On The Street, by Diane Chamberlain

The Homecoming of Samuel Lake, by Jenny Wingfield

One, by Sarah Crossan

Restart, by Gordon Korman

Entitled, by Cookie Boyle

What to Say Next, by Julie Buxbaum

The Child Finder, by Rene Denfeld

History, Nonfiction

The Library Book, by Susan Orlean

Kristie

During the first few months of 1986, the world was swirling in a double-helix of tragedy. In January, the space shuttle Challenger exploded, extinguishing the lives of six astronauts and a beloved teacher. The Russian nuclear disaster at Chernobyl happened on April 25th, bringing with it an apocalyptic panic that resonated for years.

So it is no wonder that when the Los Angeles Central Library caught fire on April 29th, the event did not get the press it deserved. I can attest to this personally. I was fifteen years old, a sophomore in high school living ten miles away, and I never even knew this devastation took place until reading about it nearly forty years later.

But Central Library has a life beyond the fire. There is richness in its design and in the ebb and flow that has mirrored world and national events for decades. Wars, Prohibition, the Depression, women’s rights, homelessness, politics–whatever is happening outside the library’s doors also affects its interior.

And then there is the mystery. Was this conflagration a crime or an accident? Old wiring or arson? There are conflicting theories, but some facts were undeniable. The inferno raged for nearly eight hours, reaching nearly 3000 degrees, becoming the worst library fire in American history. Restoring what was damaged would take years. Recovering what was lost would be impossible.

Susan Orlean has written a fascinating book that is about so much more than a building on fire. We learn about the colorful characters who worked on and in the library, the directors, the conflicts, the changes, and the employees. We also learn about the eccentric suspect who may or may not have been behind the blaze, whose story kept changing, and who basked in all of the attention.

This was a great read. You’ll never look at any library in quite the same way again.

9/10 Stars

Some interesting links:

Who Started the 1986 Fire at the Los Angeles Library? (LA TIMES, 2018)

Susan Orlean Dissects the Catastrophic LA Library Fire (Daily Beast, 2018)

ARC (Advanced Reader Copy), Fiction

The Last Exchange, by Charles Martin

Kristie

AVAILABLE October 3, 2023

You never know quite what to expect with a Charles Martin book, and that philosophy certainly carries over with his upcoming novel, The Last Exchange.

Despite the serene-looking cover, a lot happens in this story, centering around the bond between the oddly-named young actress Maybe Joe Sue and her Scottish bodyguard, Pockets. Yes, Charles Martin wins the award for unique character names!

“Joe” skyrocketed to early fame after being discovered while waitressing, garnering awards, millions of dollars, and plenty of unwanted attention. But a troubled childhood has left a lot of emptiness that she attempts to fend off with pills and bad relationships.

Kelly MacThomas Pockets, with his experience in the military, has now been hired as Joe’s bodyguard while her husband films on location and philanders with other women. Pockets is a firm believer in “the line,” that boundary of emotion and physicality that you never, ever cross with an employer.

Yet, within this platonic team is fierce devotion, and it goes in both directions. Between Joe’s resources and Pockets’ unusual methods, they go to great lengths for each other in a story that has suspense, action, and a plot that grabs hold of you until the very end. I don’t want to give anything away, so this vague review is done by design, but I really enjoyed this surprising book!

9/10 Stars