While We’re Far Apart

by Lynn Austin

2010

I have to say, after reading this book, Lynn Austin continues to be my current favourite Christian fiction writer.

 

While We’re Far Apart takes place in the USA during World War II where men are absent, anti-Semitism is present and women are trying their best to carry life along.

Penny Goodrich has loved Eddie Shaffer for as long as she could remember so, when the opportunity to care for his children comes up, she jumps at the chance. After all, taking care of his children is a step closer to marrying him, right?

Little does Penny know how this one decision will impact her life.

And her heart. 

I loved reading this book though I have but one complaint: it wrapped up too quickly. After spending pages and pages on detail and depth, I felt that the story concluded without the same attention. The story deserved more.

All that to say, I'd recommend this book to anyone wanting an interesting and enjoyable read.

Reading on…

Death Comes to Pemberley

By P.D. James

2011

Loving all things Austen, especially all things Pride & Prejudice, I grabbed this book off the library shelf.

Death Comes to Pemberley takes place five years after Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett married. They are enjoying their quiet life at Pemberley, when a hysterical Lydia arrives - Wickham has been murdered!

 

This launches the whole Pemberley household into uproar. 

For certain, Death Comes to Pemberley is an interesting story, not that I have much experience with murder mysteries. I did, however, have no problems with putting the book down.

Always a telltale sign.

Did I love it?

No.

Throughout the entire book, I couldn’t shake the feeling that P.D. James had messed with characters that shouldn’t be messed with.

Not only did she add to the lives of these most beloved characters after Pride & Prejudice had ended, but she also fleshed out and suggested new thoughts and motivations influencing their lives during the time period of Pride & Prejudice itself.

In essence, she disrupted my impressions and ideas, which really didn’t sit well with me.

To all Pride & Prejudice fans, I would say, "read at your own risk."

Reading on…

Ben-Hur

by Lew Wallace

I believe Ben-Hur is best known as a 1959 Hollywood drama starring Charlton Heston.
Who can forget the chariot race?

But have you ever picked up the novel and read it cover to cover?

If you have, have a coffee on me.
If you haven't, let me warn you - don't expect a story like the movie.


Having watched the movie, Ben-Hur seemed like the right read for a trip to Israel, but honestly, I didn't get very far.

In fact, I didn't get very far the whole vacation and only finished two months later.
At home.


Truth be told - Ben-Hur didn't grab me.

Beautifully written.
Deep and provoking.
Amazing plot.


What more could I ask for?
Still, I felt wanting.



Despite my lack of interest, however, there are a few things that have stayed with me.

The dedication.
"To the wife of my youth who still abides with me"


The detail.
Lew Wallace describes to perfection.


The depth.
Judah discovers we are physical beings with bodies of flesh and blood, yet also spiritual beings created with eternal souls.



Would I recommend Ben-Hur?
Despite my humble opinions, definitely.




Reading on...

Don't Check Your Brains at the Door

by Josh McDowell & Bob Hostetler

1992, 2011

If you’re interested in Christian apologetics, but don’t have the energy for a major brain work-out, Don’t Check Your Brains At The Door is the book for you.

Written for teens, this book offers short, easy to read chapters that respond to some of the major   
criticisms people have against the Bible and Christianity.

It also delves into many of the ideas about life and self that are rampant in today’s culture.

So what topics are addressed? Here are a few examples:

Is the Bible accurate?

Is God real and personal?

Is Jesus the Son of God?

Is the Resurrection real?

Is there truth?

Is money necessary for true happiness?

Is it all about me?

Is premarital sex okay?

This book was a really great read from start to finish and I was both entertained and educated. 

I am sure an "adult version" would contain a lot more apologetic detail, but frankly this book was just enough for my brain power. 

I also really appreciated the book's layout as it is possible to read topically or from cover to cover.

Sigh, 

So much good information, I just wish I could remember it all.

Reading on… 

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

Ages ago I wrote a post about the lost art of letter writing. You can read about it here.

Finally, I have found a friend after my own heart. Check out her blog at http://www.ritewhileucan.com.

To write a letter to a dear friend, you only need a few simple things:

• time
• pen
• stationary

For everything pen and paper, check out Stargrass Paper Co. 

And time? You'll have to find that for yourself, but, without a doubt, it's the biggest gift of all.

Reading on...

Raiders' Ransom

by Emily Diamand

2009

I chose this middle grade novel by its cover.

I have a whole post about my tendency to do just that. Click here.

Thankfully, in this case, the fascinating cover was only a prelude to a fascinating story.

It was creative, to say the least.

Taking place over two hundred years in the future, Great Britain has been thrown back into pre-industrial age conditions due to extensive flooding.

Buildings are under water.

Landscaping consists of mud and water.

And, there are no computers.

Told from the point of view of Lilly, a fishergirl, and Zeph, a pirate, I was drawn into their world of conflict and strife.

I won’t spoil the plot, but I will say the book is full of adventure.

I do need to mention, however, that I almost put the book down.

At one point, the author stretched my ability to believe too far.

Almost is the key word because, in spite of this stretching, I still finished strong.

Raiders’ Ransom is Emily Diamand’s debut novel and it was the winner of the London Times/ Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition in 2008.

Impressive.

Reading on…

The Midwife of St Petersburg

The Midwife of St Petersburg

by Linda Lee Chaikin

2007

 I actually don’t have a lot to say about this book…

About a young woman in the last days of Imperial Russia, I found The Midwife of St Petersburg to be captivating.

I couldn’t put it down.

Of course, it was helpful to be stuck in a car on the highway for 14 hours.

This book is certainly what I would consider “a light, easy read”, however, it was enjoyable and a great refresher on the last days on Czarist Russia.

I love Russian history, but more on that another day.

My one complaint would be that I felt the story ended abruptly. In my mind, it’s not finished yet.
There are too many questions left unanswered.

Is there a sequel?
Apparently not.

Reading on…