Book review: For Such a Time as This by Ginny Aiken

Olivia Moore is desperate. Her family’s farm is in jeopardy, and the drought has yet to end. When she decides to become a governess to some very rowdy children, she wonders if God has called her to this job or if it was her own ambition. When gossip starts circulating that she and the bank owner are more than just friends, she is forced to either leave town, or marry him. Although a purely business relationship, Olivia dares to dream that someday they will be a true family.

I liked:

• The cover. It is absolutely stunning! I could not believe how much I loved it.
• The Esther-like tale. The plot was gripping. Humor, suspense, and romance all rolled into one.
• The amount of faith. Although the publisher’s name is “Faith Words,” I had no clue how much faith there really was! I was so happy to find a book that put so much emphasis on a personal relationship with God. What a fantastic way to evangelize!
• The suspense. I can’t believe how much I was holding my breath. I was so scared towards the end. It was exhilerating!

I disliked:

• Absolutely nothing.

Overall:

I would like to say that this book is most definitely one of my favorite books this year. I think it is a well written, captivating, and faith-filled book. Although there is talk of a honeymoon, it is only implied, and I wasn’t uncomfortable reading it at all. I absolutely recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone and everyone who likes to read.

The publisher gave me this book in exchange for a review. Thanks Faith Words!

Book Review: Threads of Faith by Andrea Boeshaar

When Julianna Wayland accidentally stows away on a ship headed for America, she is scared tremendously. Where will she stay in America? Will she be able to get a job? She does not want to end up like her sister: drunk and a “working woman.” When the captain of her ship, Daniel Sundberg takes pity on her, and agrees to let her stay on the ship and mend clothing as a way for Julianna to pay for her ticket. When Julianna begins to fall for Daniel, she is dashed when he seems to want nothing to do with her; after all, he is nearly engaged. Will Daniel ever be able to see that there is more to life than money and titles?

I liked:

• The era. I can’t usually find many books about this era, much less books about immigrants during this unique time in America’s history.
• The description. Andrea does a fantastic job of describing the sight, smell, and feel of each character.
• The continuation. I didn’t realize this book was a continuation of the first (Threads of Hope) until about halfway through. I was so excited when I figured that out!

I disliked:

• Julianna’s aggressiveness. Until about three-quarters through the book, it was Julianna pursuing Daniel. Now, this is solely my opinion, I don’t love to read books where the female takes on the pursuing role. Totally just a personality thing.
• One mention of God “taking” people. Again, we can agree to disagree, but my personal beliefs are against this.

Overall, this was a fairly good book. I really enjoyed the characters, as well as the descriptive qualities. Although I had a couple of qualms about it, I realize I am most likely the only person on earth with those specific quirks. This book is a perfect sequel to “Thread of Hope.” Enjoy!

This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Lovelier than Daylight by Rosslyn Elliott

Susanna Hanby despises ever type of liquor. Check that, she absolutely hates it. Though always a part of the temperance movement, her disdain towards alcohol is deepened when her sister is forced to abandon her children at an orphanage, due to her husbands unceasing dependance on whiskey. Johann Giere would love to be a journalist. There is only one thing standing in his way: he is his father’s only son, as well as the heir to his father’s brewery. When Johann tries to help Susanna track down her missing sister,  Rachel’s heart is torn between Johann and her hatred towards alcohol, and she knows she must make a decision quickly; her nieces’ and nephews’ lives depend on it.

I liked:

• The cover. I absolutely adored it. Not to mention how much I loved her dress.
• The story. I really enjoyed the suspenseful, romantic, and humorous plot. I also loved how pure this story was. I love it when I don’t feel the need to flip the page quickly. In a lot of Christian historical fiction, I usually have to skip certain parts that are less than, shall we say, biblical.
• The history. Although what happened to Ben Hanby made me sad, I loved that these carefully written chapters are based on a real family.

I disliked:

• That this book was the last one in the trilogy! :)

Overall:

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction. On that note, the entire “Saddler’s Legacy” series was a fantastic read, and a spectacular choice for anyone who enjoys sweet, pure, historical fiction.

This book was given to me from the publisher in exchange for a review.