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Tag Archives: fiction

Summer’s Best Surprise

26 Thursday Jul 2018

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Reviewed Books

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Best Fiction of 2018, fiction, Joanne Bischof, Sons of Blackbird Mountain

sons of blackbird mountain

 

This book was one of those books that made me sorry I gave other books five stars. I am flabbergasted by the amount of love I have for this book! It is such a great story!! I couldn’t get it to download onto my e-reader, so I literally read the entire thing on my tiny i-phone 6 with my Kindle app. There are not many books I would do that for outside of  a few long-standing favorites.  I am a long time reader of historical fiction and I cannot fathom how I have missed books by this amazing author. I am feel like I have found a new favorite author and I so excited to read her other titles.

What makes this book so special is the way Bischof brings you into the story immediately. I did not have to read two or three chapters to feel like I knew and loved the characters. The book flowed so well and from the beginning I found myself cheering on Aven in her journey to a new beginning. I loved the set up, the setting, and the other characters- especially Aven’s love interest,  He is not your typical hero and has a few obstacles to overcome. As soon as I read the last page, I knew I would read this book again. I highly recommend it!

I requested this book from the publisher because I love historical fiction. I was not compensated for reviewing this book and all opinions are my own.

Lovely Summer Read!

28 Sunday May 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Reviewed Books

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2017 Summer Reads, Celeste Fletcher McHale, Christian Fiction, fiction, Romance, The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories

Sweet Magnolias

After reading Celeste Fletcher McHale’s debut novel, The Secret to Hummingbird Cake,  I have been anxiously awaiting her next novel. If you have not read The Secret to Hummingbird Cake, you must! I recommended it to more friends last year than I can remember. This new novel by McHale is also a page turner and an excellent choice for summer reading.

I love the use and reference to the magnolia in this novel. The central character in this book, Jacey, is both strong and soft, much like the magnolia. Jacey suffered PTSD from an experience she had in the flood waters of the Mississippi.  She doesn’t want to remember the terrible day that her life was forever changed, but she also can’t forget.  Mostly, she can’t forget the man she spent three days with during the flood, Colin. They had an instant connection, but somehow in the turmoil of rescue, they lost one another. In this novel, Jacey and Colin try to find their way back to each other.

I enjoyed this book for its southern flair and interesting twists and turns.  Like any good book I read, I managed to finish in just a few late night binges. I didn’t love it quite as much as McHale’s first novel,  but I would definitely recommend it without hesitation. I would have loved a little more page time between Jacey and Colin. Other than that, this book is a must read! I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher and BookLookBloggers.  I was not required to give this book a positive. review. I have not been compensated in any way and all opinions are my own.

 

Unexpected Gem

28 Tuesday Mar 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Reviewed Books

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Billy Coffey, BookLookBloggers, fiction, Some Small Magic, Thomas Nelson

Some Small Magic

Tired of my typical reading fare, I opted for a novel outside of my favored genre of historical fiction.  Occasionally I find myself in a reading rut and books I would normally enjoy seem almost formula driven. I feel as though the plot, characters and setting are oddly familiar. Some Small Magic  is completely different from any novel I have ever read. It is so unexpected! I will admit that the first few chapters left me feeling like I might not finish because of the heavy subject matter. There were no cheery characters, uplifting moments, or lovely scenery.  The characters in this novel are raw, unpolished, and unsettling.

I dare not discuss any of the plot because too much would be given away. I will say, that this book begins with a boy born into difficult circumstances. Abel is poor, living in a dilapidated, rented trailer with his single Mother who works as a waitress in a crappy diner. Abel also suffers from a genetic disorder that leaves him broken in more than one way. I felt like I knew where the author was headed. And then suddenly, I didn’t! I was floored by the change of direction of the story.

I can easily see Some Small Magic as an eery movie meant for the big screen. I was a bit unnerved by several scenes later in the book. If you love books outside of the norm, interesting characters, and plots that rock your boat…this is likely a great read for you. I am excited to explore other titles by author Billy Coffey. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by BookLookBlogggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

Laura Frantz

02 Saturday Mar 2013

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE

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Courting Morrow Little, fiction, historical fiction, Laura Frantz, Love's Awakening, Love's Reckoning, The Colonel's Daughter, The Frontiersman's Daughter

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There are three things I look forward to every year with great anticipation:a new season of Downton Abbey on PBS, summer, and the release of a new Laura Frantz novel. (aside from my anniversary and my children’s birthdays, of course!) I stumbled across her first published book, The Frontiersman’s Daughter in our local library. I was searching for something new to read and was desperate for a great novel. I found it! I literally could not put it down. I stopped doing laundry and forfeited sleep for two days to finish it. As soon as I was done, I ordered Courting Morrow Little. Morrow has to be one of my favorite characters in historical fiction. When I run out of things to read, I read Courting Morrow Little again. (three times so far) Her next novel, The Colonel’s Daughter is also a favorite. ( 3 times as well) This past year she released Love’s Reckoning.(I have lost count) It is another stellar work of fiction. I instantly fell in love with Eden and Silas. There are books I buy on my Nook, and then there are books I buy in paperback because I know I am going to read them over and over. Laura’s books are always purchased in paperback to be placed on my shelf of favorites. Now that Downton Abbey Season 3 is over and summer seems within reach, I am counting down to Laura’s new book, Love’s Awakening. Check her out at Laurafrantz.net and happy reading.

The Blue Castle

02 Saturday Mar 2013

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE

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Anne of Green Gables, fiction, L.M. Montgomery, Laura Frantz, The Blue Castle

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“Valancy smiled through her tears. She was so happy that her happiness terrified her.” Ahhhh. A perfect conclusion to a delightful novel I just discovered. L.M. Montgomery is probably best know for Anne of Green Gables. I ran across this book in a list of favorites from my FAVORITE historical fiction author, Laura Frantz. It is short and sweet and leaves you cheering for Valancy, a would be spinster. While Valancy rescues herself, she still has a prince and a happily ever after. This is a must read!  I purchased it on my Nook, but I will have it in paperback soon because it deserves a place on my shelf of favorites.

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