Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Book Review: A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer


The book ‘A Worthy Pursuit’ by Karen Witemeyer is a really good read. Charlotte is the kind of main character/heroine that a reader can really rally around. Her motives, her reasons for acting are so good & honorable. She dearly loves the children in her care, those who might be considered “the least of these” according to the Word. The way in which Stone enters the story is really fun and a great introduction to the back-and-forth relationship/feelings between the two main characters. The children in the story are precious and Mr. Dobson’s protectiveness hilarious, at times.

The inclusion of music as a balm to one’s soul/a place to seek shelter seems especially realistic. The author writes, “The music became a prayer, the groans of her spirit that were too complex for words.” Such a good illustration of worshipping & sitting at the feet of God in a personal way. He uses so many different manners to reach into our hearts, personal to each one and I think the author did a really admirable job of expressing this.
 
There is just the right amount of anticipation which builds throughout the book, a perfect degree of twists & turns which make this a very fun read. I have always appreciated Witemeyer’s stories and this one did not disappoint. Book is appropriate for all ages.

NOTE: I was given a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.

Book Review: After a Fashion by Jen Turano

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The book 'After a Fashion' by Jen Turano is a good read. The author delivers again on just the right combination of historical details, believable romance and humor. Speaking of humor, the banter between Oliver and Harriet is very witty and roommate/lady's maid, Mille, is plain hilarious. This character is so craftily constructed and I found myself especially anticipating the chapters where she played a role and often referenced her always-in-hand dictionary.

My only minor critiques are (1) the far-fetched connection between Harriet and the Duke's family [light on detail here so as to not 'spoil' the story and (2) that Miss Peabody's dream of opening a shop selling refashioned gowns to the working class was not expanded upon in more detail.

A very easy read, a very fun read by an excellent author. Appropriate for all ages.

NOTE: I was given a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.