Review: The Miner's Lady

The Miner's Lady by Tracie Peterson


Chantel Panetta returns from visiting her grandparents in Italy, only to discover that her younger sister is stepping out with Orlando Calarco. The Calarcos and the Panettas have been feuding for decades - from Italy to their immigration to the United States. As she tries to keep track of her sister, she continues to bump into Orlando's older brother Dante. As Chantel's life changes, so does Dante's, until they realize a new love for life and a stronger faith in God.

Peterson continues the Land of Shining Water series with a focus on mining in Minnesota (in the far, far North). It's a fantastic occupation to highlight because of all the history. Residents, as well as visitors, can still visit mines and their museums in Minnesota. I really appreciated the highlight of these difficult and historic jobs.

Beyond the feud and the love story between the sisters and brothers, Chantel's single brothers also receive part of the storyline. It's a minor storyline, but influential to the total tale. It would have been great to see more of their stories in the book, but again, a minor storyline overall.

It looks like the Land of Shining Water series is complete with The Miner's Lady. I loved this series! It would be great to see more, but Peterson usually writes trilogies. Readers can enjoy these books together, but they can also read each book individually. Happy reading, friends!

Time Period: 1800's
Location: Ely, Minnesota, USA

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Bethany House!!

Review: Jim Henson's The Storyteller

The Storyteller by Katie Cook

Jim Henson created The Storyteller many years ago as a television program. A group of writers and artists came together to recreate the magic in a graphic novel format. Each story can be enjoyed by a wide-range of readers from older elementary students to adults.

The book is setup in little chapters by each story. Readers can easily sit down and enjoy the whole book or enjoy little snippets as time allows. The art is wonderfully varied, so readers will be able to see different techniques and forms by each artist. The stories also hold variety - an Aesop retelling to a Japanese folktale to an Appalachian Jack tale. It's a fantastic book for offering options to readers. I believe it will grab the attention of reluctant and avid readers.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Archaia Entertainment, LLC!

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Visiting!

Looking for a new post this week? I went over to visit my new blog friend, Juanita Nobles, who writes at Christian Living: Real-Life Stories and Book Reviews. Stop by and take a look around! Juanita is an author, interviewer, and reviewer (to just name a few). She's currently taking vacation, but will return with more articles, interviews, and reviews!

Thank you, Juanita!

Review: The Bramble

The Bramble by Lee Nordling


Nordling and Zick are very talented men. They have an amazing list of project they have helped to create (view the author bios on the dust jacket). Unfortunately, this title didn't strike home for me.

It's a nearly wordless graphic novel. The illustrations are intricate with a dark overtone and the reader can follow along with the overall story. The boy wants to play tag, but the other children don't want to play with him. He visits the Bramble and discovers new creatures and how to stand up for himself. He goes back to play with the children and he's finally accepted. I think the audience is for older elementary students. You could have some discussions about different group games, what would you see behind a Bramble, or situations where you showed bravery. If there is interest in wordless graphic novels, this could be a choice, but I prefer the Owly series by Andy Runton.  


Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Lerner Publishing Group and Carolrhoda Books!

ISBN: 9780761358565
Published: September 2013

Review: April Gold

April Gold by Grace Livingston Hill


The Reed family's circumstances took a drastic turn. Father passed away unexpectedly and he defaulted on his house payment. Mother, Thurlow, and Marilla need to move and find employment. College is a distant dream for Thurl and Rilla. Will they survive their new circumstances in their new neighborhood?

I've read many Grace Livingston Hill books, but I never picked up April Gold until the new publishing by Barbour. Although Marilla is pictured on the cover, everyone in the Reed family is featured in this story. I would say Thurlow is the lead character in April Gold. It's a tale of how each of the Reeds overcome their new lifestyle - a move to a neglected neighborhood and entering employment. They question God and find He is with them in their new life. Even with pain in their lives, they learn to lean on the Lord and find joy in their circumstances.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Barbour Publishing, Inc.!