Book Review: “An Inconvenient Beauty” by Kristi Ann Hunter

“An Inconvenient Beauty” by Kristi Ann Hunter

Book Five (I think!) in the Hawthorne House series

Review copy from Publishers/Launch Team

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

Griffith, Duke of Riverton, likes order, logic, and control, and he naturally applies this rational approach to his search for a bride. He’s certain Miss Frederica St. Claire is the perfect wife for him, but while Frederica is strangely elusive, he can’t seem to stop running into her stunningly beautiful cousin, Miss Isabella Breckenridge.

Isabella should be enjoying her society debut, but with her family in difficult circumstances, her uncle will only help them if she’ll use her beauty to assist him in his political aims. Already uncomfortable with this agreement, the more she comes to know Griffith, the more she wishes to be free of her unfortunate obligation.

Will Griffith and Isabella be able to set aside their pride and face their fears in time to find their own happily-ever-after?

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

This was my first novel by this author, and I know, who starts with the end of the series?! But I did. And I don’t regret that choice one bit, because it was such a lovely book!! My only sadness is that I haven’t had the delight of reading the others first, but I shall not hesitate to catch up on those.

The author’s writing style is engaging, and the plot just gripping, and warm, and emotional. I can’t remember what exact part it was, but I was reading along enjoying the book, but something just “clicked” and at that part I became emotionally invested – connected to this story, these characters. That’s when it became a five-star book to me.

The characters were marvelous. At first, I wasn’t sure what I would think about Isabella, honestly. I must admit I was leery of her “vast beauty”, and in those first couple chapters was routing for her less pretty, plain cousin, Frederica. However, as I continued to read and found out that it wasn’t your typical story of the main character being stunning and perfect, (and that Frederica had a story of her own…read it to find out!) I softened more, and almost immediately became endeared to Isabella.

I also have to say that I really understood Griffith and his wanting everything to be “just so”. He’s a character of order, of…well, control, and I could relate well. Yes, there are faults in that, and this book actually helped me remember that more, that life really doesn’t always fit in our perfect box, and God has a MUCH better plan than we could ever come up with, and to just allow it. Even if it seems messy at times. It will all come together.

The story line was fresh and not at all annoying (except when things didn’t come together and I wanted to cry along with Isabella. I told you, I got very emotionally connected!!), and I just didn’t want to leave its pages.

And there were some fantastic laugh-out-loud (literally!) moments that were just an utter delight. Reading in bed, I was giggling so hard my sister had to know what was happening. I ended up reading a few parts of this book out loud to both my Mom and sister just so they could laugh along with me. :)

I also appreciated that it wasn’t your typical plot where you know what turmoil is imminent. Yes, there were snags, and like I said, I almost cried with the main character towards the end, but the part I was expecting and almost dreading because I’ve seen it in other novels and not cared for it, didn’t come. It was so much better, and I was very glad for that.

The only thing I was a little “Hmmm” about was a scene where it was implied that God couldn’t show Griffith who to marry, as if He doesn’t show up like that in our lives, especially in very important matters such as marriage. I definitely agree that He lets us make our own choice, and what was said on that matter was good. But I just disagree that He wouldn’t show us His will if we’re truly seeking it. He’s got a great plan for our lives and will gladly show us when the time is right and if we’re earnestly seeking His counsel and guidance.

So yes, to wrap this review up, I very much enjoyed this novel and can hardly wait to read more by this author!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for being on the launch team. I was not required to write a positive review.

The Vintage Jane Austen Series: Spotlight & Book Review of “Perception” by Emily Benedict

Today I’m sharing about the Vintage Jane Austen series! So far I’ve had the pleasure of reading three of these novels and have enjoyed each one. They’re delightful. :) Read on to find out more about the series collection, and read my review of “Perception” by Emily Benedict!!

 

About:

What would it be like to see Elizabeth Bennet in 1930’s clothes? What if Emma Woodhouse was the daughter of a car dealership owner? What if Marianne Dashwood was seeking to become a movie star in the golden age of film? The Vintage Jane Austen series explores the world of Jane Austen, set in 1930’s America. Five authors took on Jane Austen’s five most popular novels and retold them set in the depression era, remaining faithful to the original plots. As an extra bonus to the series, there is a collection of short stories that were inspired by Jane Austen. Which of these books do you most want to read?

 

 Emmeline by Sarah Holman (Emma): The talk of stock market crashes and depression isn’t going to keep Emmeline Wellington down. Born to wealth and privilege, Emmeline wants nothing more than to help her new friend, Catarina, find a husband. Emmeline sets her sights on one of the town’s most eligible bachelors, but nothing seems to go right. Even her friend and neighbor Fredrick Knight seems to question her at every turn.

 

 

Suit and Suitability by Kelsey Bryant (Sense and Sensibility): Canton, Ohio, 1935. Ellen and Marion Dashiell’s world crumbles when their father is sent to prison. Forced to relocate to a small town, what is left of their family faces a new reality where survival overshadows dreams. Sensible Ellen, struggling to hold the family together, is parted from the man she’s just learning to love, while headstrong Marion fears she will never be the actress she aspires to be. When a dashing hero enters the scene, things only grow more complicated. But could a third man hold the key to the restoration and happiness of the Dashiell family?

 

Bellevere House by Sarah Scheele (Mansfield Park): It’s March, 1937 and Faye Powell couldn’t be happier. After moving to live with her uncle, a wealthy banker, she’s fallen into the swing of life with his exuberant children–including Ed. The one she’ll never admit she’s in love with. But she hadn’t reckoned on the swanky Carters getting mixed up in that vow. Ed seems to be falling for charming, sweet Helene Carter. And when Faye’s cousin BeBe trusts her with a secret about Horace Carter, Faye is in over her head. Will she betray the confidence BeBe’s given her? Will she lose Ed to Helene? The days at Bellevere House are crowded with surprises and only time will tell how God plans to unravel Faye and Ed’s hearts.

 

Perception by Emily Benedict (Persuasion): Upstate New York, 1930. Thirteen years ago, Abbey Evans was persuaded to break off her engagement to a penniless soldier headed to the front lines of the Great War. A daughter of one of America’s wealthiest families could never be allowed to marry so far beneath herself. But Black Tuesday changed everything. With her family’s prominence now little more than a facade, Abbey faces the loss of her childhood home. As if that weren’t enough, the only man she ever loved has returned after making his fortune – and he wants nothing to do with the young woman he courted before the war. With the past forever out of reach, the time has come for Abbey decide her own fate, before it is too late…

 

Presumption and Partiality by Rebekah Jones (Pride and Prejudice): Coming soon…A retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice… set in 1930s Arizona.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Impressions: Jane Austen’s stories have inspired writers for generations…in this collection they inspire fiction across the genres!

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the English Regency to the American 1950s, in Houston or a space freighter, fairytale land or a retirement center…Austen’s timeless characters come to life again.

Visit these blogs during this week to find interviews, book reviews, and much more!

 

 

Book Review:

 

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

 

I love the story of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. While I confess I have not read the original, I have watched the 1995 movie version more than 20 times. It’s my favourite Jane Austen story, in fact. So it should come to no surprise that so far, this book of the Vintage Jane Austen series is probably my favourite. :)

“Perception” followed closely with the original storyline, with all its richness, and yet had it’s own unique qualities that defined it as seperate. And it gave “insight” into things in the movie that you might have wondered about.

I really enjoyed reading this one, following along with Abbey’s life, and how even in the end she was able to look back and see the good in all of life’s transpirings. 

Freddy was a dashing hero, of course. How could he not be? “Captain Wentworth” (original hero’s name) will forever be one of my favourites. Always swoonworthy. ;)

There was also a tadbit of a mystery involved towards the end that was brought about to completion quite nicely. :)

I appreciate how easy “Perception” was to read, and how captivating it was. Even though I knew the story, it was fresh and new, and yet familiar and comfortable at the same time, always drawing back into its electronic pages.

Fans of Jane Austen, and “Persuasion” will definitely not want to miss this one!!

 

 

 

 

Blog Tour Schedule:

November 5

        Review of Emmeline – Once Upon the Ordinary

Review of Bellevere House – Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes

Series Spotlight – A Real Writer’s Life

Interview with Kelsey Bryant – Resting Life

Series Spotlight – Kelsey’s Notebook

 

November 6

Interview with Sarah Holman – J. Grace Pennington

Review of Emmeline – Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes

Mini-Reviews and interview with Sarah Scheele – Deborah O’Carroll

Interview with Rebekah Jones – Livy Lynn Blog

Review Suit and Suitability – Resting Life

 

November 7

Interview with Kelsey Bryant – J. Grace Pennington

Review of Perception – Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes

Review and Interview of Perception – Purely by Faith Reviews

Review of Second Impressions – The Page Dreamer

Series Spotlight – Finding the True Fairytale

November 8

Interview and Review Suit and Suitability – Once Upon the Ordinary

Review of Suit and Suitability – Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes

Review of Perception – A Brighter Destiny

November 9

Series Spotlight – God’s Peculiar Treasure

        Review of Second Impressions and Suit and Suitability – Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Father

Interview with Rebekah Jones – Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes

Series Spotlight – Christian Bookshelf Reviews

November 10

Review of Suit and Suitability – With a Joyful Noise

Series Spotlight – Liv K. Fisher

Review of Second Impressions- Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes

Review of Perception – She Hearts Fiction

Interview with Sarah Holman – Rebekah Ashleigh

November 11

Series Spotlight – Reveries Reviews

Review of Suit and Suitability – Faith Blum

Interview with Sarah Holman – Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes

Interview with Hannah Scheele – Peculiar on Purpose

Review of Bellevere House – Seasons of Humility

As part of this special blogging event, we are giving away a $25 Amazon gift Card.

Enter to win below:

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Book Review: “Deadly Proof” by Rachel Dylan

 

 

“Deadly Proof” by Rachel Dylan

Book on in the Atlanta Justice series

Review copy from Bethany House

 

My rating: 2.5 out of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.
Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower’s allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer. 
Determined not to make the same mistakes, he’s intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything–even murder–to keep the case from going to trial.

 

My Thoughts:

 

I’m not really sure how it escaped my notice upon requesting this book that it was a legal-thriller, but somehow it did, so that was a bit of a surprise upon beginning the story. ^.^

While I generally don’t read a lot of legal suspense novels, I didn’t hate this one. There were times when I felt a little lost because of the legal-setting/speech etc. but it wasn’t terrible for me.

Somebody who enjoys this genre won’t be lost at all.

There are two female characters that I literally couldn’t tell apart for the first 3rd of the book, and had to reread a couple of parts because I realized I read it thinking it was one character when it was actually another…they didn’t have distinct different personalities. But that could just be me.

The story revolves around fighting for a case against a big pharmaceutical company, and the court case surrounding that. It was interesting. I wanted to see how it would end, and what transpired with the characters. But for me, it was kind of just watching a Leverage episode, and I pretty much knew the outcome.

The romance wasn’t my favourite, but it was there.

For me, “Deadly Proof” was just an okay book – not my favourite, but I really don’t have any major complaints about it, and I know it could be a favourite among many! For me it just wasn’t my favourite genre and therefore not really a “me” type of book. :) Totally a matter of preference.

 

 

October 2017

The great month of October is over. That is rather sad, as it’s one of my most favourite months! But I do love Winter, too, which definitely starts in November here in Minnesota. We’ve already gotten our second snowfall, though it’s the first that has actually stayed a bit. We got 3 inches the other night, but now there’s only about an inch on the ground, with some ice. Because that’s how this time of the year rolls.

This wrap-up post is a bit late…but it’s the day that works to post this, so it’ll do. ;)

I’m rather awful at these wrap-up posts…I probably say that every month. But hey, it’s true. Life is hard to wrap up, even just one month.

“Too much, I sum up…”

Sooooo…October was great, with plenty of Fall weather to delight us with. I turned the whopping age of 22. And got my yearly bag (or two…) of candy corn. The changing of the leaves was beautiful, but too short. I’m thankful we got to see a good amount of Fall beauty while up north visiting my grandparents, and also just the beauty around here. Fall is such a pretty time of year! And for many places, it is still in progress – lovely! Here, as I mentioned, we’ve hit Winter. It’s a bit early this year, and there are still some leaves on top of the snow, but Winter it is nonetheless. In temperature if nothing else! But I’m sure no one really wants to read about the weather…

Another great part of October was the release for this book:

(You sick of seeing this graphic? Too bad. I really like how it turned out. XD)

In case you missed it, this blog was the host blog for the blog tour of “Out of the Dark”. ‘Twas fun! You can check out the first post HERE.

 

I also wrote a blog post that was NOT related to books. Shocker! You can find that here: “Social Media and Me”.

 

What else happened in October….

I just don’t know.

 

 

 

Well then, let’s move on to the book section! (I can hear imaginary groans here, but what can I say…I love books.)

 

 

So yep, as the pictures show, I swapped some books, got review books, bought a couple books for SUPER cheap at a used Christian bookstore up north, and then redeemed my reward points on MyReaderRewards (used to be Tyndale Rewards).

 

I read 6 books:

 

          

The first three already have their reviews up (just click on the image to go to it), and I will be posting the other three shortly. The review of “Perception” will be up on the 9th. :)

They were each pretty good books. :)

 

This month, I have quite a bit of reading to do, as usual. So that hopefully means more book reviews, once I get caught up! :D

 

This is one of the books on my list. I’ve actually already started it! :)

 

So, how was your October? Are you still enjoying the Fall Leaves?

Social Media and Me

I have this inner war with myself regarding social media. I love it, I see the good in it, and then…I don’t. I hate it. I hate how much garbage there is out there.

And my heart cries for how many mislead people there. How many people claim Christ but don’t proclaim Him.

There are days where I scroll through one of my feeds and I just get disheartened by what I see. We live in a very technology-age where social media is basically everything. And our lives looking good on the outside are everything.

But it’s not. We’re messy on the inside. Aren’t we all? Who can say their life is truly as perfect as their instagram pictures? Or their Pinterest boards? Or what we portray on Facebook or twitter? It looks good. But does it reflect our soul, which should be a mirror of our Savior?

I do not claim to have this down myself. Oh how I wish I did. But I still want my life to look pretty. I want to be able to take these aesthetically pleasing photos, and make beautiful art that just makes you want to stare at it for hours. I want to join in with the crowd and proclaim my own accomplishments. Ouch.

 

So there are days where I get upset as I scroll. Disheartened. Angry, even. I sometimes want to shout “People! Let’s tweet about Jesus harder than we tweet about ourselves!!”, but then God stops me short. He pulls me back and reminds me of the verse about seeing the speck in the other person’s eye when I’ve got a log in my own. He leads me to posts by others that convict my soul. I read one just this morning.

 

“Oh my soul, do not be stirred up by what does not bring life to self or others” 

 

-This quote comes from the post, Just Delete the App, on author J.A. Marx’s blog.

 

When I think I am right in my “righteous anger” towards people on social media, I really am just judging. And that’s not my place, and so I repent.

Yes, there can be shards of truth in what I was feeling – social media can be a monster. But it’s not my place to be all judgey about it. What people post is between them and God. I cannot change anyone. I can inspire. I can encourage. But it is not my battle to tell them what to do. Basically, it’s not my issue, so stop taking it on. I’m to live MY life, learning how to make it pleasing to the Lord. To stop looking outward and start looking inward more. That can be hard. But I want to try. I don’t want to be stirred up by things that do not bring life to myself, to others, or is  not pleasing to my Lord and Savior.

So maybe that means I click out of twitter for a while, or don’t visit facebook as often. Again, to quote J.A. Marx’s post…

““If your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away” Matthew 5:29.
Seriously, it’s easier just to delete the app.”

 

 

(Image from google)

 

I want to be focused on following after God, not how to encourage other people to do that. Because if I first follow after God, encouraging people to do the same will happen naturally.

Yes, it is right to want to see Jesus more on social media. But it isn’t right for me to say where people need to put Him. We are all at where we’re at by the grace of God. And we’re all growing. Hallelujah! I’m so thankful to learn that it’s not up to me. The power is of God! And oh how I love Him.

 

 

“Out of the Dark” by MacKenzie Morganthal Wrap-up, character spotlight, and giveaway winner announced!

It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end of this fun blog tour celebrating the release of MacKenzie Morganthal’s second book, “Out of the Dark”! It’s been a lovely time, and we’re grateful to each blogger who participated!

And now I welcome back the author to take the mic, blogaphorically speaking!

 

The time is here to wrap-up the “Out of the Dark” blog tour. It went by too fast, didn’t it?! I hope you all have it enjoyed it as much as I have. “Out of the Dark” is such a special story to me and I hope you are now so excited to read it, and also to get involved in the fight against human trafficking.

What was your favorite stop on the tour? Leave me a comment and let me know! I want to thank each and every one of you that have joined us for any part of the tour. Now I’m sure you’re all waiting to find out who the giveaway winner could be. ;) You don’t have to wait any longer! The winner of the giveaway for a PDF copy of “Out of the Dark” is….

 

…………………

…………………………..

 

……………………………….

FAITH POTTS!!!

Congratulations, Faith!! I will be sending you an email with your prize and hope you will enjoy my story.

For everyone else, you can still order a copy through my website at: http://www.morganthalbooks.weebly.com.

Thank you again for joining us on the tour! I look forward to reading about your favorite parts. <3

 

And now for the last special character spotlight…

 

 

Character Spotlight:

Elaine Reynolds

 

Fifteen year old Elaine is a brand new character that shows up in “Out of the Dark”. She is still grieving the loss of her mother, and she’s looking for love and affirmation from her older boyfriend. But he proves to be more dangerous than she ever could have imagined, and by the time she realizes he’s more of a nightmare than a dream, it’s too late. She was tricked and now he has her trapped. We see many emotional glimpses inside her heart. The shame and guilt she feels…the brokenness of her heart. She puts on a tough exterior to the world around her, especially to Haley when they first meet. But inside she’s full of pain and grief and regret. She’s ready to just give up all together. But Haley and DesiRae aren’t willing to let that happen. Can they save her before it’s too late? I hope you’ll read “Out of the Dark” and follow along with Elaine’s journey to find out what happens!

 

 

 

 

 

It’s not over yet…

    It’s been three years since Haley Hampton rescued her sister, Avery, from a human trafficking ring. They are still struggling through the aftermath as both women desperately long for healing to come. But the emotional wounds are not easily forgotten. And the past is quickly catching up to them. A string of death threats leaves Haley on the hunt for a potential killer. As tensions run high, a single mistake could jeopardize Avery’s life.

    Then Haley encounters Elaine, a young teen trapped by human trafficking. Could she be their missing link in the case? Is there anyone they can trust? Haley must rely on God now more than ever if they intend to make it out alive. Will they find a way out of the darkness closing in? Because evil is lurking closer…and determined to win this time.

PURCHASE HERE

 

The Author:

 

 

 

MacKenzie Morganthal is the author of the Mission for Freedom series. Book one, “Not Abandoned”, was her debut novel. She lives in Pennsylvania where she is a monthly e-magazine columnist, Creative Artist, and musician. She loves Jesus most, sweet tea, singing along to the radio, and spending too much time at Starbucks.

 

 

   

GoodReads

 

 

And in case you missed some of the tour, just click on the graphics below to be led to those stops! Thank you for following along!!

 

 

  

  

          

 

 

Book Review: “Out of the Dark” by MacKenzie Morganthal

 

Yeppers, this book review is part of the lovely Blog Tour! Click on the image above to be brought to the first post that kicked off this amazing tour!

 

“Out of the Dark” by MacKenzie Morganthal

Book Two in the Mission for Freedom series, Released October 27th, 2017

Contemporary, human-trafficking awareness, action, redemption

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

 

 

About the Book:

 

It’s not over yet…

     It’s been three years since Haley Hampton rescued her sister, Avery, from a human trafficking ring. They are still struggling through the aftermath as both women desperately long for healing to come. But the emotional wounds are not easily forgotten. And the past is quickly catching up to them. A string of death threats leaves Haley on the hunt for a potential killer. As tensions run high, a single mistake could jeopardize Avery’s life.

Then Haley encounters Elaine, a young teen trapped by human trafficking. Could she be their missing link in the case? Is there anyone they can trust? Haley must rely on God now more than ever if they intend to make it out alive. Will they find a way out of the darkness closing in? Because evil is lurking closer…and determined to win this time.

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

Oh this book. Where do I start? I had the immense – and I do mean immense – pleasure of reading this book twice before its release. It was so fun to see how it changed and strengthened.

As with the first book in this series (“Not Abandoned”), “Out of the Dark” is a very strong, poignant story, full of action, and truths. The author deals with the topic of human-trafficking with such gentleness and expertise.

Revisiting the familiar characters was an absolute delight – I was so happy in particular to reaquaint myself with a character whom we met in the first book of this series. I was eager to see his journey continue, even though he’s not necessarily a central character. :)

Each of the characters are well-built up, and relatable. Sisters Haley and Avery each have to go through their own unique process of healing; their struggles are present, and very well-portrayed. I believe the struggles a character goes through towards healing is a very good element in novels, and that was evident in “Out of the Dark”. I really loved the healing aspect – the journey of healing. It was beautiful, and meaningful.

Not only is this book full of beauty, it is also full of danger and suspense. There is always darkness to overcome, but sometimes a character questions whether or not it might overcome them.

Have I mentioned that this book is exciting? I can assure you that it’s not a dull one. And that ending – you will just have to read it to find out what I mean. And I highly recommend that you do so!! “Out of the Dark” is a fantastic sequel to “Not Abandoned”, and it is a story I will cherish for many years to come. I can hardly wait to read the next installment in The Mission for Freedom series!

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Enjoy some sneak peaks into the story:

 

And don’t forget to see the first blog tour post to follow along with the other stops, and enter the GIVEAWAY!!!