BOOK REVIEW MONDAY: Playing by Heart

Playing by Heart

by Anne Mateer

I would give this book:

4.5 out of 5 Stars

First off, isn't this cover fabulous? I love the grace and beauty here, not the mention the color choice. I was a bit surprised that there wasn't any basketball reference on the cover, since the sport is so prevalent in the book. I did, however, enjoy the basketball photograph on the back--that black-and-white photo of the girls adds an element of fun!

 

I'd never read Anne Mateer's work before, so I chose the book based on the cover. I am pleased to report that I enjoyed the story and will probably read her work again.

 

Mateer's writing is less descriptive than what I am used to reading. Most of the time, that didn't bother me--I could imagine the scenes, the movements, the clothing, etc. just fine. I adored her clipped sentences and occasional fragments. This writing style really moved quickly.

 

The pacing of the story went very well at first. I was sucked in and hanging on every word. Then, the pace slowed, about the time when the heroine, Miss Lula Bowman, is hired as the music teacher/girls' basketball coach and didn't pick up until the moment basketball season began. To be honest, I'd hoped for more fireworks between Lula and Chet throughout most of the story. I was a bit surprised at how Chet could think of nothing else but Lula, yet he really hadn't had much of a conversation with her until basketball season started. I would've loved to see more connecting moments between the two of them. The pacing picked up again, near the end, when the basketball season was at an end and everything barreled toward the black moment. I really connected with the characters and sympathized for them at this point.

 

I found the storyline to be unique. I liked how Mateer linked WWI, basketball, and music. I felt like I was walking around in the time period, so that was wonderful. In fact, this old time "flavor" was my favorite aspect of the book!

 

I recommend Playing By Heart by Anne Mateer.

This book was given to me by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.



BOOK REVIEW MONDAY: Miracle in a Dry Season

Miracle in a Dry Season

By Sarah Loudin Thomas

I give this book...

3.5 out of 5 Stars

I was excited to read Miracle in a Dry Season for a number of reasons. First, I love Bethany House Publishers, and from them I always expect top-notch writing and storytelling. Second, I've never read this author before, so I wanted to check her out. Third, I really enjoy this cover; it intrigued me. Fourth, I haven't read anything from this era in Inspy literature, so I was excited to take a look. Fifth, the back cover copy is written like the story will be a romance, and I'm always excited for those!

The first chapter was great. I was immediately charmed by Casewell, the story's hero. I was smiling at the unique turn-of-phrase the author used. I also immediately liked the heroine, Perla. I could tell she had a secret to hide, and I was intrigued by it enough to keep reading.

But as the story continued, I began to grow more and more disenchanted with the story, I'm sorry to say. While the characters were very strong (loved the father, the elderly twins, Perla's family, etc.), the writing grew into a "telling" style, more so than I prefer to read personally. I found myself skimming in order to get to the action. That really dragged the pacing down for me. I also kept waiting for the romance, but it never blossomed into what I hoped to see. I honestly felt this was a historical fiction with a light romantic thread, instead of a historical romance. That would've been fine by me, had the back cover copy not portrayed it as a romance.

I did love the era though. Thomas did a great job weaving in the spirit of the time period, and I plan to read more of this era in Inspy lit. I have Thomas' novella, Appalachian Serenade, on my Kindle (which also has an awesome cover!), so I do plan on reading that. I do hope to love this author, given time. I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the opportunity!

BOOK REVIEW MONDAY: "Captured by Love" by Jody Hedlund

BOOK REVIEW MONDAY:

"Captured by Love" by Jody Hedlund



5 out of 5 stars!

Jody Hedlund has done it again. "Captured by Love" was a beautiful story with realistic characters and a strong sense of history. It follows Angelique MacKenzie and Pierre Durant as they navigate the struggles of being in Michigan Territory in 1814 when the British Army controls their land. I enjoy the way she weaves danger and/or suspense with the love story--every time she has me captured. Not to mention, a little mystery is usually involved. But ultimately, the romance is the heart of the story, and Angelique's and Pierre's love is not one to miss. I hope Bethany House continued to publish Jody Hedlund's work. It is the essence of the quality work I have come to expect from them. **I received this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

BOOK REVIEW MONDAY: Here to Stay

Here we are, Book Review Monday. And have I got a treat for you this time!

 

Melissa Tagg's

 

HERE TO STAY



HERE TO STAY is seriously one of the best books I've read this year. Simply lovely. If you like Christian contemporary romance--with some laugh-out-loud moments along the way--you'll love this book as much as I did.

This book receives:

5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis from Back of the Book

After playing nomad for five years, Blake Hunziker has finally had enough of adventure. Not sure what receptions he'll get from everyone back in Whisper Shore, he's stunned at not only a warm welcome from his hometown but also a job offer. The job is his if he can successfully pull off the annual Christmas festival. If only he knew the first thing about coordinating events . . .

If there's one thing Autumn Kingsley knows, it's Whisper Shore. For years, she's been stuck running her family's inn when all she wants is to see the world. Now she has a visit scheduled from a potential investor who could take over the inn, as well as a dream job over in Paris. But with just two weeks to whip the inn into shape, her chance at escape is a long shot.

The Hunzikers and the Kingsleys may not get along, but Blake knows Autumn's the only one who can help him. She agrees to a trade--she'll help with the festival and he'll help with inn repairs. But what was meant to be a simple deal quickly becomes much more than that when the guy who's done running away joins forces with the girl who can't wait to leave.


My Expectations as a Reader (and if They Were Met)

I've read this author's debut novel, MADE TO LAST, which I also loved, but this book blew me out of the water. I know I sound a bit over-dramatic, but it seriously met all my expectations . . . hilarious moments, toe-curling romance (while still acceptable to recommend to conservative readers), realistic characters, and a perfectly-orchestrated plot.


My Expectations as a Writer (and if They Were Met)

Melissa Tagg's writing is strong and witty. Her voice is excellent for contemporary romance. Her characters deal with real issues and real pain. Not everything is wrapped up in a neat bow at the end, but enough is to make this hopeless-romantic reader sigh with content.

Trust me, you won't want to miss HERE TO LAST, and I am SO looking forward to Book #3!


** This book was given to me by Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and comments are my own. **

Good-Read Monday: Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride.

Another historical romance for you hopeless romantics out there (I also speak to myself). For this week's Good-Read Monday, we'll head back in time to rugged 1880's Texas for Karen Witemeyer's fourth book, Short-Straw Bride.

Historical Romance

Bethany House Publishers

368 pages

About the Story

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a long-standing debt compels her to take the risk.

Years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer comes across a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can’t bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt prompt him to attempt to rescue her once again.

Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she vows to stand by his side. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her as merely a short-straw bride?

About the Author

Two-time RITA finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

She also writes for blogs Petticoats & Pistols and Writes of Passage. 

About My Reaction

This selection received 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, but I would personally give it 5 out of 5. 

. . . As a matter of fact, is 6 out of 5 possible?

The characters are endearing. The growing love story between Meredith and Travis was good. Really good. She handles the physical attraction between husband and wife in a very touching way: while it upholds Christian-fiction standards, it gives my heart the good ol' heated pumping that a romance should. Crockett, a secondary character, was just as strong as the leads (without stealing the show). Needless to say, I was intrigued when I discovered that her latest book Stealing the Preacher focuses on his love story. Yay!

Where to Buy

This wonderful book can be purchased at Bethany House Publisher's website, Baker Retail, Christianbook.com, Amazon.com, and at many of your local bookstores. By the way, if your local store doesn't have Short-Straw Bride on its shelf, ask for the bookstore to order it for you!

Good-Read Monday: Rekindled by Tamera Alexander

At a different time, in a different place, 

under different circumstances . . . could two people fall

 in love once again?

For the first-ever Good-Read Monday, I've compiled information that I hope will encourage you to read Tamera Alexander's romantic debut novel Rekindled. 

Historical Romance

Bethany House Publishers

336 pages

About the Story

A Gripping Story of Love, Loss, and Second Chances

When her husband disappears into a mountain snowstorm one morning, Kathryn Jennings is flung into the world of ranching, banking, and business. Penniless and pregnant, Kathryn is determined to keep her land as a legacy for her child. The man who offers her a job seems to have an awful lot of secrets, but she is desperate. Most disconcerting of all is the uncanny familiarity she feels toward the badly scarred ranch hand who works in the dark shadows of the horse stables.

About the Author

Tamera Alexander is a bestselling novelist whose works have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the Christy Award, the RITA Award, and the Carol Award. After seventeen years in Colorado, Tamera and her husband have returned to their native South and live in Tennessee, where they enjoy spending time with their two grown children.

Tamera invites you visit her Web site, her blog, on Twitter, or Facebook.

About My Reaction

Receiving an overall status of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com--though I gave it 5 out of 5 myself--this is a book you'll want to read. Rekindled touched my heart. The romantic story lingered in my mind long after I finished reading. The characters were rich, the descriptions were beautiful, and the message was so important. As a good Christian love story does, Rekindled not only introduces the reader to a wonderful earthly love story but a heavenly love story as well--between God and His people.

Where to Buy

This wonderful book can be purchased at Bethany House Publisher's website, Baker Retail, Christianbook.com, Amazon.com, and at many of your local bookstores. By the way, if your local store doesn't have Rekindled on its shelf, ask for the bookstore to order it for you!