Review: Surprised by Love by Julie Lessman

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Shy and unattractive as a child, Megan McClare has always been teased by her classmates. But when she returns home from her senior year in Paris, the wallflower has suddenly blossomed into a beauty. With ambitions to become a lawyer or doctor, Megan accepts an internship at the district attorney's office only to discover that she will be working with Devin Caldwell, a boy who mercilessly mocked her at school--and with whom she was hopelessly enamored. She turns to her dear friend Bram Hughes for support and advice. But Bram's vision is clouded by his sudden unwelcome attraction to a girl he had always thought of as a kid sister. He advises forgiveness, but can he forgive himself for pushing the woman he loves into the arms of another man?

My Review

Like the other books in this series, the premise sounded fun but some things prevented me from fully enjoying the novel. Megan is an intelligent and dynamic character, but it bothered me that the unspoken message was that her confidence and self-worth came because of her physical transformation, and the reactions of the other characters reinforced the notion that a person must fit society's ideal of beauty to be able make a difference in the world. She is compassionate and forgiving, but also naively trusts in a relationships with red flags all over it. Bram's personal history was interesting to learn, but the way it prevented him from accepting his attraction for Megan was frustrating since he seemed smarter than that. There is also finally a conclusion to the three-book long angst-fest between Megan's mother and Uncle Logan, thank goodness.

(Thank you to Revell Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: Keeping Kate by Lauren Winder Farnsworth

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Orphan Kate Evans is determined to make a life for herself on a Utah ranch, taking care of a little girl named Addie. But when she meets her irritable employer, Kate is forced to confront the past she's been running from—and face a future she never dreamed possible. This latter-day twist on the classic Jane Eyre is a romantic and gripping read.

My Review

While it took some time for me to get into the book (I think because Kate spends the first chapter recounting her personal history in a detached manner) once the "irritable employer" Tyler makes his appearance, things started to get really interesting! Kate morphs from dry to feisty as she has a cause to champion- the little girl Addie that she's come to love and Tyler's treatment of her. The chemistry between Kate and Tyler is great as they spar and banter, fight then eventually give in to the mutual attraction.

I enjoyed seeing the story lines match up with those from Jane Eyre, but there are also twists that bring some surprises. For a character that started out so unemotional, Kate becomes an emotional mess as she navigates for the first time the drama and heartbreak of romantic relationships. The friends she makes that support her through these turbulent times are quirky and likeable, and add more depth to Kate's new experience of friendship and loyalty.

This book can be enjoyed by any lover of Christian fiction, however there are references to the Mormon faith since Kate is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

(Thank you to Cedar Fort Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: 52 Weeks to Fortify Your Family: 5-Minute Messages by Nicole Carpenter

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Each morning, around the breakfast table or cuddled on the couch, open your scriptures and read the verse. Discuss it as long as your children will let you. Talk about how it affects their lives or builds on the scripture from the morning before. If you like, add a quote, insightful question and finish with a prayer. It just may be the most important three minutes you offer your children each day.

My Review

The author shares the purpose of this book in the preface and it made me recognize how vitally important it is for families to implement some kind of daily scripture study routine to armor ourselves and our children against Satan's continual temptations and opposition.

The four sections (value lessons, life lessons, gospel lessons, and holiday lessons) each cover several principles, one per week. They can be read in order or you can jump around based on what topic will resonate with your family. Each week's lesson includes daily scripture references, a relevant quote, thoughtful questions to prompt discussion, and a supporting  address from General Conference. Some also have information to access a bonus video available online.

I appreciate that the author encourages reading the daily scripture from the actual scriptures, even though the whole reference is included in the book, so your children experience reading from the scriptures.

Each daily scripture builds upon the one from the previous day, so those should be read in order. Reading the scripture alone wouldn't take 5 minutes, but a thoughtful question and short discussion could take about that much time and also ensure comprehension.

My older daughter just turned eight years old and I am looking forward to developing a habit of daily scripture study with her. Some topics that I'm especially interested in starting with are Gratitude, Courage, Principles of Prayer, and the Light of Christ. I'd definitely recommend this resource to families and individuals who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as many other Christian faiths.

(Thank you to Cedar Fort Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

The manor behind Julie Klassen's The Secret of Pembrooke Park

I was so excited to see this "behind the scenes" look at Chalfield Manor which inspired the setting for The Secret of Pembrooke Park! Adding it to my bucket list...