Starving Hearts by Janine Mendenhall

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage.

She yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God's existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .

Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After a failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.

Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette both endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter's faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man?

MY THOUGHTS:
I love that Jane Austen style, so I wanted to read Starving Hearts. Upon receiving the book, I noticed it was quite long (289 pages!)...with very small print.

The story read very movie-like, and though that is usually something I like, as it makes the reader feel like they are truly experiencing the story, I found Starving Hearts to be a bit wordy and tedious to work through. I had a hard time connecting with Annette, though I found quite interesting the people's perception during that time period of a health issue such as hers.

Mr. Slike, who is all things nasty, and the slavery side (bordered on the 'too descriptive') also made for very uncomfortable reading.

But, unfortunately, what disappointed me most, was the occurrence of profanity. About 2/3 of the way through the book (page 183), Peter's father swears. In less than 20 pages later (page 202), Mr. Adsley again uses inappropriate language.

This is something I just cannot tolerate. I find it very offensive and totally wrong in a 'Christian'-labeled story. I cannot recommend it.

That's what I thought! Click HERE to see what other reviewers are saying!

Thank you to Janine and Heritage Beacon through Litfuse for sending me a copy to read and review!

Did you find my review helpful? Please rate it on Amazon.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

An Elegant Façade by Kristi Ann Hunter

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Lady Georgina Hawthorne has worked tirelessly to seal her place as the Incomparable for her debut season. At her first London ball, she hopes to snag the attention of an earl.

With money and business connections, but without impeccable bloodlines, Colin McCrae is invited everywhere but accepted nowhere. When he first encounters the fashionable Lady Georgina, he's irritated by his attraction to a woman who concerns herself only with status and appearance.

What Colin doesn't know is that Georgina's desperate social aspirations are driven by the shameful secret she harbors. Association with Colin McCrae is not part of Georgina's plan, but as their paths continue to cross, they both must decide if the realization of their dreams is worth the sacrifices they must make.

MY THOUGHTS:

I really, really enjoyed this second story in Kristi Hunter's Hawthorne House series.

I must admit that it had been awhile since I read the first book, A Noble Masquerade...and at first I didn't remember Georgina. An Elegant Façade CAN be read as a standalone, but the two stories overlap for several chapters in the beginning (this was very unique -- I've never read a book with parts of the same story told from another's perspective). So...it's nice - and somewhat helpful - to read them both!

Georgina's 'flaw,' as she thinks it is, causes her to appear almost untouchable. I found Georgina's struggle with such a malady during that time period to be very interesting. As she is challenged by Mr. McCrae, a gentleman beneath her notice, I couldn't help but begin to like her more and more as I realized how her façade was just that. Her responses and mannerisms weren't really HER...but, my empathy and compassion grew during the fearful journey to find the real HER.

A very unique and enjoyable story that lends understanding to one of today's learning disabilities. I am hoping that Kristi will be writing next about the Hawthorne brothers! Because I'll certainly be reading them!

Thank you to Kristi and Bethany House through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!

Did you find my review helpful? Please rate it on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah E. Ladd

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Camille Iverness can take care of herself. She's done so since the day her mother abandoned the family and left Camille to run their shabby curiosity shop on Blinkett Street. But when a violent betrayal leaves her injured with no place to hide, Camille has no choice but to accept help from the mysterious stranger who came to her aid.

Jonathan Gilchrist never wanted to inherit Kettering Hall. As a second son, he was content working as a village apothecary. But when his brother's death made him heir just as his father's foolish decisions put the estate at risk, only the sale of a priceless possession—a ruby called the Bevoy—can save the family from ruin. But the gem has disappeared. And all trails lead to Iverness Curiosity Shop—and the beautiful shop girl who may or may not be the answer to his questions.

Curious circumstance throws them together, and an intricate dance of need and suspicion leads the couple from the seedy backwaters of London to the elite neighborhoods of the wealthy to the lush, green Surrey countryside—all in the pursuit of a blood-red gem that collectors will sacrifice anything to possess.

Caught at the intersection of blessings and curses, greed and deceit, two determined souls must unite to protect what they hold dear. But when a passion that shines far brighter than any gem is ignited, each will have to decide how much they are willing to risk for their future, love, and happiness.

MY THOUGHTS:
The Curiosity Keeper had all the right elements for a story that kept me turning the pages. Perhaps it is because movies during this genre are so popular, but Mrs. Ladd's descriptions of a cluttered shop, dank and dirty back alleys of London, and verdant gardens of the British countryside made me feel as if I were right in the places she pictured.

I fully enjoy the polite and proper, yet dark and mysterious side of a Regency era tale. And, The Curiosity Keeper had all of that, showing that no matter your station, greed will corrupt all around you.

I loved the twist of Camille's mother. *spoiler alert: I guessed her role early on...but was still surprised at the depth of her involvement.*

Overall, great story!

Thank you to Sarah and Thomas Nelson through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!

Did you find my review helpful? Please rate it on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Abigail Foster fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry to improve her charms and the one man she thought might marry her--a longtime friend--has fallen for her younger, prettier sister.

When financial problems force her family to sell their London home, a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll's house left mid-play . . .

MY THOUGHTS:
I've said it before, but most of Julie's books make me think I'm reading a movie – watching a book? The Secret of Pembrooke Park gave me that same feeling. The descriptions put you right in the manor or grounds or post chaise, and within the first few sentences I was already captivated with the story of Abigail and her family.

The mysteries surrounding the Pembrooke family and estate definitely kept me guessing. Each character had me wondering about their background and/or motive – from Mac to Polly and Molly to Leah to Mrs. Hayes to Duncan to Mrs. Webb to Miles...yes, just about everyone had something I questioned. I had several different ideas that changed as the book progressed...and I was pleased at the final conclusion.

The Secret of Pembrooke Park will make you want to curl up under a blanket with a warm mug and keep turning the pages until you've discovered the secret(s) for yourself!

If you enjoy Regency romance with a little mystery, you will definitely enjoy The Secret of Pembrooke Park!

Thank you to Julie and Bethany House through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!

Did you find my review helpful? Please rate it on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

I noticed Julie Klassen in my last CBD catalog. I immediately put two of her books on my paperbackswap’s wishlist. I just received my copy of The Apothecary’s Daughter a few weeks ago.

I have only read one book by Jane Austen, but I have watched several movie adaptations of her books.

Right from the beginning of The Apothecary’s Daughter, I felt like I was watching an Austen movie or several episodes of Cranford. I could picture in my mind everything about Klassen’s imagination-born village of Bedsley Priors.

In this village, lives Lilly Haswell. Lilly helps her father run his apothecary shop, while keeping watch over her brother and the new apprentice.

A surprise visit from an aunt and uncle gives Lilly the chance for a life in London, far away from the medicinal life she knows. Lilly, eager for the change, is swept into high society until a letter summons her back to Bedsley Priors.

Leaving suitors behind, Lilly returns home to find her father strangely ill and the apothecary shop near ruin.

I really enjoyed the story of Lilly Haswell. I wouldn’t call The Apothecary’s Daughter “slow” reading, but, like an Austen movie, you really have to be paying attention or you’ll miss something important.

The story is full of complex characters, “blending romance, family drama, and fascinating historical detail.”

Well researched, well written. If you like Regency-inspired romance, you might give The Apothecary’s Daughter a try.

416 pages by Bethany House.

Recommend: YES




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Tags: Jane Austen Julie Klassen Christian fiction Bethany House book reviews apothecaries The Apothecary's Daughter

DVD: Compare and Review - Jane Austen's Persuasion

Are you tired of Persuasion posts?! :-) Well, this should be the last! I have watched both movie versions recommended to me...and, here's what I thought:


A friend kindly lent me the 2007 BBC version of Jane Austen's Persuasion. Starring Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones, I felt the movie stayed fairly true to the book. EXCEPT near the end. In reality, the end is the climax of the book and the movie portrayal was a bit disappointing - ok, a LOT disappointing. "Invalid" Mrs. Smith is running to catch Anne...Anne is running around Bath "like a chicken with her head cut off" (according to some other reviewers I read! lol!)...and, well...it just wasn't quite the same as the written book. I can never understand why movies do this! If they'd strayed so far with the entire movie, I would perhaps be more understanding. But, since the rest of the movie was done quite well, I don't know why they messed with the best part!

When I looked at the clock, saw that the movie only had about 15-20 minutes remaining, and I knew that they hadn't yet exposed Mr. Elliot's true character or Wentworth's letter, I had a sinking feeling that I was going to be dissatisfied.
Overall, it was a lovely depiction of the book. As with most books that have been made into movies, I would persuade you to READ THE BOOK FIRST! In the case of Persuasion, if I had not first read the book, I believe I would have been a bit lost and perhaps not been able to "get into" the movie. The cast was enjoyable, although I felt that Mary was more "silly" in the movie, rather than nervous, naggy, and sickly. I thought Sally Hawkins represented Anne Elliot wonderfully. She must have read the book... :-)

You can watch the first 10 minutes of the 2007 version below or here (again, though...I think you should read the book FIRST!!):



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I then watched the BBC's 1995 version of Persuasion. Having watched the 2007 version only days before, I, initially, disliked the casting of the characters. However, as the movie progressed, I found myself liking them a bit more. Amanda Root plays Anne Elliot flawlessly, and although Ciaran Hinds is not quite as dashing as Rupert Penry-Jones in the '07 version, he portrays Captain Wentworth quite well. Mary seems much more as I imagined her in the book and, well, I could go on and on to compare the characters of each movie. Honestly, I found most of them more likeable in the 2007 version.

About 20 minutes longer than the latter version, 1995's Persuasion has sufficient time to unfold more details of the book. Those who were disappointed in the 2007's ending, will be much happier with the handling of the infamous letter in this version! I also preferred the final ending in the 2007 movie! Neither endings are found in the book...but this one was a bit more romantic to me.

My only complaint: profanity. True, I only counted 3 outbursts, but in our home, 2 usually means: OFF! I am always disappointed when profanity is used - especially when it did not occur in the book. Never needed....! And, it certainly did not add to the movie, nor would it have taken away from it if it had not been used!

Other than the unnecessary language, the 1995 version is very true to the book and I enjoyed it. Because this movie reveals a bit more of the book, you may be able to watch it independent of reading and still enjoy it. However, I know you'd understand and appreciate the portrayal much more if you attempt to read the book first!

You can also watch the beginning of the 1995 version below or here (must I mention again how much better it is to read the novel beforehand?!):




Recommend: YES




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Tags: Jane Austen Persuasion 2007 version Persuasion 1995 version Amanda Root Ciaran Hinds Sally Hawkins Rupert Penry-Jones

Classics - Persuasion by Jane Austen

I am working my way through Persuasion by Jane Austen. I must say that the only classic I truly remember reading is Jane Eyre, which I enjoyed immensely. So far, I am also greatly enjoying Persausion. Interruptions by my children make classics a bit harder to read...but, I'm thinking it's worth the effort!

Waiting in the wings is this dvd:

I know many movie versions of Jane Austen's books have been produced, and I don't know which is the best. However, I have heard that the BBC versions are good and am anxious to watch this one...AFTER I finish the entire book...and see how true to the book it is.

How many classics have you read? Leave me a comment with a recommendation...and why!

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Tags: Jane Austen Persuasion Classic fiction Barnes and Noble book reviews Sally Hawkins Rupert Penry-Jones