Monday, November 21, 2011

Future Doors by Jason Lethcoe

A mystery is afoot at 221 Baker Street, but will Griffin Sharpe be able to figure out the clues before the future catches up with the past?

When Sherlock Holmes moves out of Baker Street, a new tenant moves in—a mysterious woman who is not all she seems. With several criminals out to steal an invention from his uncle, Griffin is on a race against time to discover how to stop them before they change history itself.

The Future Doors is a very cute book. It is book 2 of the No Place Like Holmes series. It is not necessary to read Book 1 (No Place Like Holmes) first, but I think it would be a little helpful to understand the character development that occurs in the second book.

The novel contains an interesting mystery that does seem a little scattered simply because of the time traveling. However, overall, I felt it was an enjoyable, if simple, book. It is definitely a book meant for children between the ages of 9-12, though I think it would also be a good read aloud.

I received this book for free from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs

Mine is the Night was a wonderful portrayal of the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz set in eighteenth century Scotland.

Only weeks after her husband's death, Elizabeth Kerr must begin life again without fortune, title, or property. She is not afraid to work and soon finds work as a seamstress in order to support her mother in law and cousin. However, how will Elizabeth ever be able to stitch her life, and her heart, back together?

Elizabeth did not come to Selkirk alone. Her mother in law, Marjory Kerr, is a woman whose life's dreams have been shattered by the deaths of her husband and sons and the loss of her property. Having to depend on her poor cousin and Elizabeth, Marjory dreads the future as much as she mourns and regrets the past. However, she finds that there is still joy and hope in the world.

When a honorable hero comes into town, there is a new spark of life for Elizabeth and Marjory. Will he risk his reputation to defend the two women who have been labeled as traitors, or will he choose a rich, untainted beauty as his bride?

This novel, Mine is the Night, was a surprisingly enjoyable read. When the book arrived in the mail, I was a little apprehensive of it because the book appeared so long. However, as soon as I read the first chapter, I was hooked. I read through the novel in less than a day and wished it was longer. The book is set in eighteenth century Scotland, and it is filled with beautiful descriptions of the countryside and the lovely customs of the Scots. Mine is the Night also contains many instances of Scottish brogue which add to the wonderful flavor of the book.

My favorite part of the novel was its correlation to the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi. I was able to experience the story of Ruth with whole new eyes, and I really enjoyed it. The characters were extremely well developed. All had flaws which they were only able to work through by the grace of God. Elizabeth was a lovely character, and I enjoyed watching Marjory's progression through change as well. I fell in love with Lord Jack Buchanan immediately. He was the perfect example of honor, generosity, and kindness, and he was a very sweet man as well.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel, and I cannot wait to read more of Liz Curtis Higgs!
I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Press in exchange for an honest review.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall

The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall was a sweet little book which I read in one sitting, but warmed me through and left me thankful for solid, enjoyable novels.

Gideon Beiler has loved Mattie Eash since they were children. But when he is faced with heartache and pain, he decides to lie to Mattie and make up an excuse for ending their engagement.

Mattie is brokenhearted. She moves from Apple Ridge to Ohio where she follows after her dream to become a cake decorator. She also finds a new fiance -someone who offers the security that Gideon denied her.

When disaster forces Mattie to return to her home, she and Gideon must deal with the heartache caused by his dishonesty as well as address the powerful feelings that continue to hold them together. Who will Mattie choose at the Christmas singing - Gideon or Sol?

I really enjoyed reading this novel. I fell in love with Gideon immediately. He was a very dynamic character, flawed, but with strong positive characteristics as well. Mattie was adorable. She was like a whirlwind -forgetting things, messing up, but continuing to persevere and to show kindness. The Christmas Singing was a rather short book, but it had a heartwarming plot, and it was a wonderful book to curl up with on a cold night and dive into.