*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I'm doing Christian Fiction Fridays here on my blog where I share my recommendations for books in this genre.
She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell
What It's About:
For a young society woman seeking a favorable marriage, so much depends on her social season debut. Clara Carter has been given one goal: secure the affections of the city's most eligible bachelor. Debuting means plenty of work--there are corsets to be fitted, dances to master, manners to perfect. Her training soon pays off, however, as celebrity's spotlight turns Clara into a society-page darling.
Yet Clara soon wonders if this is the life she really wants. Especially when she learns her best friend has also set her sights on Franklin De Vries. When a man appears who seems to love her simply for who she is and gossip backlash turns ugly, Clara realizes it's not just her marriage at stake--the future of her family depends on how she plays the game.
My Thoughts:
I've read this book like two or three times now! It's one of my favorite inspirational historicals. I love the time period and location - 1890's New York City - and that it's told in first person. Clara is a strong heroine and I love the guy she eventually ends up with - but I won't say who for those who haven't read the book. It's well-written and full of interesting historical details that add to, not distract from, the story.
On a personal note:
I had the opportunity to meet and have breakfast with Siri Mitchell about two years ago at a writers conference. She is as kind and gracious in real life as she is online!
Find this book here on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble.
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live, laugh, love, write
Stacy Henrie
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Friday, March 30, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo
*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I'm doing Christian Fiction Fridays here on my blog where I share my recommendations for books in this genre.
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo
What It's About:
Ellen and Mimi Dodge have never been close, but their mother’s dying wish sends them on a walking tour of Hampshire, England that follows in the footsteps of Jane Austen. Their mother also left them a mysterious diary that belonged to Jane’s sister, Cassandra. These private pages shed light on the secrets that nearly tore the Austen sisters apart and inspired one of the greatest love stories of all time.
As the Dodge sisters visit sites important to the Austen sisters, they are drawn together in unexpected ways. They also discover that Cassandra’s diary holds clues to the greatest Austen treasure of all: Jane’s diary. But someone doesn’t want the sisters to discover Jane’s secrets and will go to great lengths to keep Ellen and Mimi from uncovering the truth. As the sisters stumble along their own paths toward love, they discover how Jane and Cassandra inspired the characters of Marianne and Elinor Dashwood. Ellen and Mimi come to realize that despite their different sensibilities, they are a vital part of each other’s happy endings.
My Thoughts:
I loved this book - it was one of my favorites last year! And while there aren't any faith elements in the story, the romance is clean and enjoyable. If you're looking for a Jane Austen story with a modern twist, then this book fits the bill. There's humor, sibling drama and a lost love that shows up at the beginning. The sisters' relationship is authentic and the book explores deeper themes while still maintaining a light-hearted feel. It's a fast and fun read!
Find this book here on Amazon or here at Barnes & Noble.
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo
What It's About:
Ellen and Mimi Dodge have never been close, but their mother’s dying wish sends them on a walking tour of Hampshire, England that follows in the footsteps of Jane Austen. Their mother also left them a mysterious diary that belonged to Jane’s sister, Cassandra. These private pages shed light on the secrets that nearly tore the Austen sisters apart and inspired one of the greatest love stories of all time.
As the Dodge sisters visit sites important to the Austen sisters, they are drawn together in unexpected ways. They also discover that Cassandra’s diary holds clues to the greatest Austen treasure of all: Jane’s diary. But someone doesn’t want the sisters to discover Jane’s secrets and will go to great lengths to keep Ellen and Mimi from uncovering the truth. As the sisters stumble along their own paths toward love, they discover how Jane and Cassandra inspired the characters of Marianne and Elinor Dashwood. Ellen and Mimi come to realize that despite their different sensibilities, they are a vital part of each other’s happy endings.
My Thoughts:
I loved this book - it was one of my favorites last year! And while there aren't any faith elements in the story, the romance is clean and enjoyable. If you're looking for a Jane Austen story with a modern twist, then this book fits the bill. There's humor, sibling drama and a lost love that shows up at the beginning. The sisters' relationship is authentic and the book explores deeper themes while still maintaining a light-hearted feel. It's a fast and fun read!
Find this book here on Amazon or here at Barnes & Noble.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot
*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I'm doing Christian Fiction Fridays here on my blog where I share my recommendations for books in this genre.
What It's About:
Though she had planned to spend the summer in Vermont with her sweetheart, Abigail Harding cannot dismiss her concerns over her older sister. Charlotte's letters have been uncharacteristically melancholy, and her claims that nothing is wrong ring false, so Abigail heads west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. The endless prairie seems monotonous, but when her stagecoach is attacked, Wyoming promises to be anything but boring. Luckily, the heroics of another passenger, Lieutenant Ethan Bowles, save the day.
When circumstances--and perhaps a bit of matchmaking--put Abigail and Ethan together, there's certainly attraction. But Abigail is planning to marry another man and return to life in Vermont as soon as she is finished attending to her sister. And Ethan loves his life in the Army and the wilds of Wyoming. When summer ends, will Abigail go back East? Or will she fall in love with this rugged land herself?
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed the western setting (Wyoming) in this book. A lot of historical romances are set in places like Texas or the Midwest, which isn't a bad thing, but I appreciated the different location. It was also fun to learn about life at Fort Laramie in the 1880s - I had no idea it was so cultured. My favorite part of the book - hands down - was the hero, Ethan Bowles. I loved his character and how his past influenced his decisions.
My only complaint is the absence of a real kiss between Abigail and Ethan (ie. not just on the cheek)! That aside, I enjoyed the genuine friendship that developed between them, which eventually grew into love. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Find this book here on Amazon or here at Barnes & Noble.
Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot
What It's About:
Though she had planned to spend the summer in Vermont with her sweetheart, Abigail Harding cannot dismiss her concerns over her older sister. Charlotte's letters have been uncharacteristically melancholy, and her claims that nothing is wrong ring false, so Abigail heads west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. The endless prairie seems monotonous, but when her stagecoach is attacked, Wyoming promises to be anything but boring. Luckily, the heroics of another passenger, Lieutenant Ethan Bowles, save the day.
When circumstances--and perhaps a bit of matchmaking--put Abigail and Ethan together, there's certainly attraction. But Abigail is planning to marry another man and return to life in Vermont as soon as she is finished attending to her sister. And Ethan loves his life in the Army and the wilds of Wyoming. When summer ends, will Abigail go back East? Or will she fall in love with this rugged land herself?
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed the western setting (Wyoming) in this book. A lot of historical romances are set in places like Texas or the Midwest, which isn't a bad thing, but I appreciated the different location. It was also fun to learn about life at Fort Laramie in the 1880s - I had no idea it was so cultured. My favorite part of the book - hands down - was the hero, Ethan Bowles. I loved his character and how his past influenced his decisions.
My only complaint is the absence of a real kiss between Abigail and Ethan (ie. not just on the cheek)! That aside, I enjoyed the genuine friendship that developed between them, which eventually grew into love. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Find this book here on Amazon or here at Barnes & Noble.
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