Book Review: The Dancing Master

ISBN #9780764210709

Finding himself the man of the family, London dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire, hoping to start over. But he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing, for reasons buried deep in her past.

Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch's daughter. Though he's initially wary of Julia Midwinter's reckless flirtation, he comes to realize her bold exterior disguises a vulnerable soul--and hidden sorrows of her own.

Julia is quickly attracted to the handsome dancing master--a man her mother would never approve of--but she cannot imagine why Mr. Valcourt would leave London, or why he evades questions about his past. With Alec's help, can Julia uncover old secrets and restore life to her somber village...and to her mother's tattered heart?

Filled with mystery and romance, The Dancing Master brings to life the intriguing profession of those who taught essential social graces for ladies and gentlemen hoping to make a "good match" in Regency England.

My Reflections:

To start off I am a big fan of Julie Klassen, her books are some of my favorites, so when I had the opportunity to review her newest book "The Dancing Master" it was with anticipation.

Unfortunately the storyline stepped on my toes a few too many times, I was left standing without a suitable strong character to lead me through the difficult choreography of this hefty book.

This book is told in the third person point of view between Alec Valcourt, the dance master, Julia the rich, pitiful daughter to Amelia Midwinter who has started this ridiculous no dancing law. Which by the way is an unofficial law.

Let's start with Alec, His character just got under my skin. After his family arrive to the remote village of Devonshire, he discovers there is a unofficial law prohibiting dancing. The problem being that Alec is a dance master. Unfortunately this gentleman is the epitome of lazy. When offered a honest laborers position he doesn't even show up at the interview. A man who is afraid of a little hard work is no man at all in my opinion, and certainly not one to fill the hero's dance shoes. I must add that I did find Alec to be witty and a perfect gentleman throughout the book, so this helps with the task of sidestepping through the 424 pages.

Julia Midwinter is really no better, her selfish, manipulative, I am rich and you will bow attitude is so true to character you will have no problem disliking this society gal. Klassen expertly paints a picture of what a person could look like if given everything on a sliver spoon. You do gain some sympathy for this character towards the end of the book when it is revealed that she is like everyone else and in need of grace and forgiveness. She eventually comes around, it just takes a while for her to grow up.

Now for Mother dearest, (Amelia Midwinter), Yikes, talk about ruling with an iron fist! This character will do what it takes to control every one around her, to the point of giving a job to a man she wants to keep away from her daughter. The saying keep your friends close and your enemies closer must be her mantra. The reasons for her "law" seem a little flat, and are not revealed quickly. Frankly, I was expecting a little more drama.

OK here I am picking everything apart, from one of my favorite authors. I am sorry, but I must be honest in my opinion..

Now what I enjoyed, the front cover of this book caught my eye it is "pretty" and begs you to pick it up. The writing is just what you would expect from Klassen, well researched, clear, and perfectly penned. This author knows how to write, and still remains on my favorite list, in spite of this book.


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent...

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Book Review: All Things Hidden

ISBN #9780764211195

 From the Back:

Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse Team Up to Deliver a Stunning Depression-Era Drama

Gwyn Hillerman loves being a nurse at her father's clinic on the beautiful Alaskan frontier. But family life has been rough ever since her mother left them, disdaining the uncivilized country and taking Gwyn's younger sister with her.

In Chicago, Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan finds his life suddenly turned upside down when his medical license is stripped away after an affluent patient dies. In a snowball effect, his fiance breaks their engagement. In an attempt to bury the past, Jeremiah accepts Dr. Hillerman's invitation to join his growing practice in the isolated Alaska Territory.

Gwyn and Jeremiah soon recognize a growing attraction to each other. But when rumors of Jeremiah's past begin to surface, they'll need more than love to face the threat of an uncertain future.


My Reflections: 

The well developed characters, the slow steady build all work together to deliver a tidy little package where mystery and history entwine.

I loved the idea of a story centering on the decision, Franklyn Roosevelt devised to help people destroyed by the depression of 1935. His idea was to send families to a remote area of Alaska to colonies and grow the Matanuska Valley. The really superb thing about this book is these two authors use real and fictional characters to develop their narrative.

Dr Jeremiah Vaughan's life is destroyed by allegations of abuse. When he uses a ground-breaking IV sedation technique with an influential patient, and the patient dies, the authorities are out for blood. This causes his license to be stripped away. Because of this, his intended and her mother want nothing to do with the shame. A has-been doctor is not what a high society woman wants on her arm. Fleeing from the hurt and rejection, from not only his fiance but also his own parents Jeremiah jumps at the chance to work alongside his mentor in a remote Alaskan village, far away from danger and pain...or so he thought.

Gwyn is struggling with fear, rejection, and trust as she tends to her beloved village as a nurse. Her father (who is also the town's only doctor) is ecstatic at the prospect of seeing his village grow with the new colonization. As they race to ready the settlement for the new families, Gwyn must come to a place where she is able to accept the change and uncertainties of her future.

This book was so surprising with it's villainous character and the twists and turns that ensued. It certainly was not the predictable book I imagined it to be.

If you love fiction, history, romance, suspense you will probably enjoy this one. There are a few slow spots where the author is developing you knowledge of the characters, but by no means does it continue through the book. I will be keeping my eyes open for the sequel to this one.

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

 See the trailer here: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1xsg0A7F8eI

About the Authors:

 

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over ninety novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in...

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Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse is a multipublished author of fiction and nonfiction. A popular speaker/teacher, she's shared her theme of Joy Through Trials with over 150,000 people at more than a thousand venues across the country. She lives, writes, and...

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Book Review: No One To Trust

From the Back:

Hidden Identity – Book 1

Summer Abernathy wakes up one morning to find her husband missing, three men in her home intent on finding him, and the life she’s been living based on a lie. Which Kyle Abernathy did she marry? The computer programmer she met in line at the bank? Or the one who was apparently using that image as a cover story?
The search for her husband–and answers–takes Summer ever deeper into a world of organized crime where people are used one moment and discarded the next. And with her deepest relationship of trust already shattered, Summer doesn’t know who to believe.
Always thrilling, Lynette Eason outdoes herself in this taut, breakneck story of lies, loyalties, and love that will have readers up all night to discover the truth hidden in the shadows.

My Reflections:

This book reminded me why I love to read!

No One to Trust is a spine tingling, roller-coaster, exhilarating read.  You will not find this book to be boring or predictable. The plot is complex and contains enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes. I simply could not put this book down.

The characters are genuine and spunky to say the least. I did however wonder how Summer stayed so calm, and collected when her very life was on the line. I am sure I would have froze with fear, but not our main character, Summer she held her own on several occasions.

I also enjoyed the character of David aka Kyle. He was sensitive yet dangerous and mysterious at the same time. You knew all the way through that he truly cared for his wife, even though his past was less than honest. Loved the ending, but that's all I am going to say about that!

If you are searching for a book that hits all the right marks, keeps you engaged and holds you hostage, this one is for you! A remarkable job by writer Lynette Eason. I will certainly be keeping my eyes open for this author.

  "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

 Download the study guide here: http://www.lynetteeason.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/RGG_No_One_to_Trust_Eason_Final.pdf

About the Author: 

Lynette Eason

Lynette Eason is the best selling, award winning author of the Women of Justice Series, the Deadly Reunions series and the soon to be released Hidden Identity Series. She writes for Revell and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Her books have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists. She has won several awards including the 2013 Carol Award for WHEN A HEART STOPS in the Romantic Suspense category. Lynette teaches at writing conferences all over the country. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.

Book Review: Chasing Hope

ISBN # 978 0 7642 0827 0

From the Back:

A Touching Story of Two Unlikely Friends.
The Power of Trust.
The Struggle of Pain.
And How, Sometimes, Following God Can Lead You to the Most Unexpected Places.

A talented runner determined to make the Olympics, Sabrina Rice had her dreams shattered by a devastating diagnosis. One forfeited scholarship and several years later, she's forged a new vision for her future that has nothing to do with running, which she's buried deep, intent on forgetting...

Until the day she sees Brandy Philip running across the college campus, easily outpacing security. Sabrina immediately recognizes world class potential, and it's all the more painful that it belongs to a troublemaking teen. When a chance encounter brings the two young women together, Sabrina realizes she's Brandy's best hope to salvage a life about to spiral out of control forever.

My Reflections:

An, oh.. so gripping story about dreams lost and unlikely friendships found!

This story had me running late for every appointment I had booked. Needless to say it is a fast paced read filled with passion and depth. Have you ever thought you knew exactly what God had in store for your life? You knew your calling, your gifts and your life's desires? This story will touch each and every one of us, in an inexplicable way.

We have all felt disappointments in life, a road that had a u turn thrown in. Personally, looking back on my life I see those u turns as events that were terribly painful, but ended in great joy and fulfillment. God is good and he always has a plan for our lives, it's just hard to see it sometimes.

This book makes you think, ponder and rejoice the goodness of a Savior who loves us in the little details, through the devastating life quaking events, that shape and grow us into mature Christians.

Sabrina Rice is a real to life character who's passion and strength flows through the pages. Brandy Philip is a force to be reckoned with...but,  her life is about to take a turn for the right...can these two forge a relationship and hang onto the promises God has for them?

This book was one of those rare books that I will be keeping, and rereading. Cushman is a favorite author of mine, and she sure didn't disappoint with this book. I highly recommend this book to young and old. The inspiring story line will have you rooting for the underdog and laughing as this mismatched pair forge an unshakable bond. A must read!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

About the author:
                          

Kathryn Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy. She is the author of five novels, including Leaving Yesterday and A Promise to Remember, which were both finalists for the Carol Award in Women's Fiction. She is also...

Continue reading about Kathryn Cushman

Book Review: Orchard of Hope

ISBN# 978 0 8007 3169 4

From the Back :

The smoldering embers of unrest are stirring--and even Jocie's sweet spirit can't put them out.
It's already been an eventful summer for Jocie Brooke. Little does she know, things have only just begun to heat up. Drought has gripped the quiet Kentucky town of Hollyhill and it seems as if everyone is waiting--for rain, for a fresh start, for the next step toward the future.

Into this tense haze of anticipation comes a new family, aiming to make a better life for themselves by planting an orchard on the outskirts of town. Fresh off the freedom train, Alex and Myra Hearndon are sensitive to what the color of their skin may mean in the segregated South. And even though Jocie quickly befriends the family, suspicion from both sides of the racial divide proves a formidable obstacle. Can Jocie help bridge the gap? Or will life in her quiet community fall apart at the seams?

Bestselling author Ann Gabhart invites you back to Hollyhill for a gripping tale of unexpected friendship, forgiveness, and the bright promise of a new beginning.

My Reflections:

I so enjoyed Gabhart's first book Scent of Lilacs, so revisiting characters in her new book Orchard of Hope along with a few new arrivals, felt to me like visiting long lost friends. This book is set in the tense times of the early 60's, when racism was rampant and many lives were in transition.

This is the second book in the Heart of Hollyhill series, and although it is a sequel it is written with enough detail and depth that it could be read as a standalone.

Jocie, the preacher's daughter is a character who is bold, tender and courageous. She knows what is right and is not afraid to stand up for it. It was so amazing to watch her character grow and learn in turn transforming from a girl to young adulthood. As with most people, this transition is rough, filled with heartache and trials.

David, Jocie's father is the unconventional pastor of his church. He is tentatively testing the deep waters of giving his love to another. Wes, the Jupitarian, and her sister Tabitha who awaits her baby out of wedlock, Myra Hearndon who has much to teach about love, acceptance and forgiveness. The cast is full the issues deep and meaningful.

This book is a savory read, I have to admit I found the first half of the novel a tad bit hard to get through, but that could have been that I was in full swing Christmas mode, so don't let that sway you. The last half of the book was very compelling, and let me warn you there may be a need for tissue.

I eagerly await the last book in this series "Summer of Joy".


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

 About the Author:

Ann H. Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--and...

Continue reading about Ann H. Gabhart

Christmas 2013

Well It has been a relaxing, Christmas and Boxing day season. My family and I enjoyed the real reason for the season this year opting to keep Christmas simple. We didn't ask for i pads, gaming systems or fancy vacations instead we decided to focus on family, faith and the reason we are celebrating.

We had some funny, crazy memory making moments yesterday some of them being the local musicals where the black sheep decided to pick her nose and scratch herself... instead of sing.

Another one was when we had the turkey to supper, that was one happy turkey! Crazy family thought it was hilarious..until it pooped..then he got kicked back out to the barnyard.

Obviously we didn't have turkey that night but we did manage Mexican, hey at least the turkey was happy.

Another memory maker was the Risk game that lasted for two days and turning our kitchen island into a ping pong table...I have to say.. I won....because well, I never win....just saying.

So today is Boxing day and so far we have loaded the truck and trailer with more of that dang boat, (I officially hate that boat)  taken down one of the Christmas trees (two to go) and watched a family movie together. I love Christmas, there are just so many memories to make and cherish.

So from my family to yours,
 Merry Christmas, May 2014 bless you with love, faith, friends and family!