January YA Reads

I'm mad for Madly, speechless for Soundless, and leery of A Thousand Nights.

Madly by Amy Alward is the first book of in the new series, Potion. It was a mix between modern living and fairy tale themes. A magic potion goes horribly wrong and the kingdom announces a hunt for the cure. It's a race against time and ingredients. Will synthetics work or are all natural items only work? Can hunters work together or will their tear each other apart?

What a great adventure! The mix of old and new was fascinating. The alchemist details of different ingredients all over the text were delightful to uncover. Friendship and family ties are tested. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

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Soundless by Michelle Mead is a standalone novel. An entire village is deaf. They communicate by sign language and painted news. Years have passed by and now the people are slowly loosing their sight as well. Something needs to change or everyone will be lost. Unexpectedly, Fei begins to hear. With a new sense, she can save her town!

I thought this story was fascinating. I loved the descriptions of sound. It's something I've never thought about describing sounds beyond the sound my car is making or the occasional "did you hear that?" I also liked the quickness of the book. It's a shorter story than the usual YA novel and it's was refreshing to read something in a couple hours.

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A Thousand Nights by E. K. Johnston is a new twist on the title of an old tale A Thousand and One Nights. The king continues to seek a wife because he's killed 300 of them. There is something inside of him that has taken over. A sister takes a stand when the king comes to her village. She wants to save her sister from such a terrible and brief life.

This was an okay story for me. The thing living inside the king is a demon that tortures him and feeds off his people and his past wives. There is an energy from his new wife that battles him and gives strength to his people. It's a battle of good over evil, smallgods and demons. 

Review: The Mistress of Tall Acre

Happy release day, Laura Frantz! The Mistress of Tall Acre from Revell is now available and it is a fantastic historical fiction book!

The Mistress of Tall Acre takes place after the American Revolutionary War. General Seamus Ogilvy returns to his house Tall Acre with his young daughter. His neighbor, Sophie Menzies from Three Chimneys, is still his neighbor, but rather destitute and a bit of an outcast because of her father's political leanings. The Ogilvys need help as well as Miss Menzies. There different difficulties could be repaired by joining forces, but will a sensible arrangement bring them closer together or farther apart?

Key words that were used to describe this book include triumph, tragedy, loyalty, and betrayal. I would agree! I greatly enjoyed reading Frantz's story. The characters are trying to put their lives together after a war that torn their country a part. Sophie and Seamus are seeking security, hope, truth, and family. It seems obvious at times that of course Sophie and Seamus will work everything out and they will get their "happy ever after" but others in the story add twists and surprises to their lives. No all the surprises are good and not all the surprises are bad. I think it was a great mix of both. I also appreciated how faith was woven into the story. It wasn't heavy handed or too light. They needed the Lord and prayed to Him. Sophie knew she needed to keep the Lord's promises in front of her.

I had many favorite passages while reading this story. I'm looking forward to sharing them on GoodReads. I also want to read the whole story over again! I better add The Mistress of Tall Acre to my to-read book pile again and come back to it after reading a few other books on that pile.

Time Period: 1783, Post Revolutionary War
Location: Roan & Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

Reviewed from a complimentary copy. Thank you, Laura Frantz and Revell!

Title: The Mistress of Tall Acre
Author: Laura Frantz
Release Day: September 8, 2015
ISBN: 9780800720445

Review: My Perfect Pantry

My Perfect Pantry: 150 Easy Recipes from 50 Essential Ingredients by Geoffrey Zakarian


Any Chopped fans out there? That's my personal tie to Geoffrey Zakarian. GZ created this cookbook with Amy Stevenson and Margaret Zakarian with photographs by Sara Remington. He dedicated it to Madeline, Anna, and George - "May your pantry always be full."

Zakarian offers a unique look at the pantry. He pares down the essentials to 50 items which does not include spices. If you add spices, it jumps to sixty-nine essentials. It all depends on how you feel about math, spices, and food.

My Perfect Pantry is a beautiful book. The jacket offers photographs for each item listed in the book as well as the cover shot of GZ next to a pantry. It's clean cut and concise. The jacket's theme carries through to the book. Each essential is photographed with a small introduction and a few tips followed by a couple recipes featuring the essential.

Zakarian's essentials might not suite everyone. (I personally do not purchase a couple of his listed essentials.) But that's one of the joys of cooking - trying new things or customizing a recipe to your taste. I might not be ready to chuck out all my purchased goods and start over again with 50 essentials and 19 spices, but it's definitely food for thought.

Thank you, Blogging for Books for this review copy! I enjoyed this beautiful book.

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Review: The Mix & Match Guide to Companion Planting

The Mix & Match Guide to Companion Planting: An Easy, Organic Way to Deter Pests, Prevent Disease, Improve Flavor, and Increase Yields in Your Vegetable Garden by Josie Jeffrey


As a beginning gardener, I appreciate every gardening book that I can access. I especially appreciate easy to read and imaginative titles. This title caught my attention from the title: The Mix & Match Guide to Companion Planting. Mix & Match, eh? Sounds like an imaginative and fun book to read for this Children's Librarian. (Here is the original press release.)

The book arrived in it's package and I could not wait to see beneath the cardboard and bubble wrap! (Thank you Reda for packing the book so carefully!) As I unfolded the plastic covering, I was immediately impressed at the sturdiness of the book. I expected the book to be a paperback, but it is a hardcover with wire binding (versus a more commonly seen plastic comb for binding books). The opening pages are glossy and colorful, while the mix & match section is printed on cardstock in earthtones and full color plant images. Well done, Ten Speed Press!

The opening chapters highlighted a variety of information from history to biology in gardening with a dash of beliefs and theories thrown in. It was a quick read and very informative. Certain sections reminded me of high school biology, but a little refresher never hurt anyone! The touch of background information gives the beginning garden (like myself) an understanding of the reasoning behind publishing "another book about gardening." This book is unique and created a niche for itself. If more information is desired by the reader, Jeffrey shared excellent science terms that can easily be researched. The only text that caught me off guard was the very occasional phrase of harmonizing with the universe or the cosmos. I'm just interested in growing a garden.

The Mix & Match Guide to Companion Planting by Josie Jeffery

Now to the Mix & Match section! There are three sections - aboveground companions, central crop, and belowground companions. Each section contains 25 different plants from flowers to veggies to herbs and fruit. I recognized most of the plants offered as companions. Each card contains a picture, the name of the plant, if it is a perennial or annual, and brief growing tips. Beyond that information is the companion system that Jeffrey created with different colored circles to identify different ways plants can be companions. Jeffrey shares 16 different ways plants can benefit each other, which are shared at the beginning of the book. (I do wish that the chart was a foldout, so it could be viewed at the same time as finding plant matches, but a photocopy will work just as well.) Not all plants will be all matches, but gardeners can mix and match and try a wide variety of different matches! This collection definitely goes beyond my companion planting of tomatoes and marigolds.

I think gardeners of any age or ability will enjoy this title. The Mix & Match pages will entertain and enthrall a wide audience. Thank you, Blogging for Books for this review copy! I cannot wait to try some companion planting!

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Review: The Cadence of Grace Series

The Cadence of Grace Series by Joanne Bischof
#1 - Be Still My Soul
#2 - Though My Heart is Torn
#3 - My Hope is Found

 The Cadence of Grace series is three separate books that are closing linked together. Each one flows swiftly into the next one. They are best read together in order, since they pick up so quickly.

Be Still My Soul features the beginning relationship of Lonnie Sawyer and Gideon O'Riley. Gideon is the playboy of the Appalachian hills and pressures Lonnie for a kiss. Lonnie's father discovers them together and a shotgun wedding takes place. Gideon resents Lonnie while Lonnie is seeking a refuge.

Lonnie finds a refuge in the Lord and Gideon begins to turn his life around when his past returns to haunt him. Though My Heart is Torn shares the grief of love being torn and lives being changed. The answer to peace rests in the Lord. Faith's journey is never an easy one, but the Lord will never forsake those who seek Him.

My Hope is Found wraps up the series with rebuilding trust and repairing relationships. Consequences and broken trust cannot be fixed over a day or a month. Healing takes time, but the Lord is sufficient and He watches over His children.

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I was so happy to read these books one right after the other. It would have been difficult to wait between books. Bischof wrote a captivating, emotional, and faith-filled series that amazed me.  I thought I would be able to predict parts of the storyline but every twist and turn brought new insights and layers. Gideon had his storyline, while Lonnie had hers and then their relationship together was a whole different storyline. Those three components are only the beginning - add in their families, neighbors, bosses, and enemies into the mix and it is a powerful load of information. These are stories that beg to be read quickly to find out what happens next, yet read ever so slowly to relish every detail.

I would highly recommend Bishof's trilogy. Her Appalachian books are books that you can sink your teeth into and savor for moments to come. They take the reader on a journey that follows the ridge line - the ups and downs of life - of sin and grace. It brought to mind the Bible story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel.

She also does not leave the reader hanging at the end of My Hope is Found. More adventures would be welcome to read, but it's an excellent pause for Gideon and Lonnie's journeys, trials, and celebrations. I am content as are the O'Riley's. I would love to hear more about the other people who came into the lives of Gideon and Lonnie, especially Toby McKee and Cassie Allan. Perhaps a follow up will be coming in the future? I will be waiting to hear!


Time Period: Turn of the Century, 1900
Location: Appalachian hills, Virginia, USA

Reviewed from a library copy (#1), a library copy (#2), and a free book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review (#3).

Review: Ladies of Distinction series

Book One: A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano


Lady Eliza Sumner has come to America to find the scoundrel who took her fortune after her father passed away. She masquerades at a governess under Miss Eliza Sumner. Unfortunately, before any progress is made in her case, she lands in a quagmire. Her identify is uncovered, she foils the plans of the Beckett brothers, and she looses her governess position.

Hamilton Beckett offers Eliza assistance to help find her fortune if she will stay out of trouble. He also needs someone to watch over his young children. It would work well, but Eliza wasn't so headstrong to uncover the truth herself!

Quite a rambunctious romp through New York society! Turano wrote a very active story with mysteries, investigators, independent ladies, and finding faith. The characters were so much fun and how they played off each other was exciting to read. Eliza was the outsider, but she quickly gained friends and loyalties as well as some disgruntled individuals. The Becketts are a great family that readers will want to hear more about in further stories. Finally, add in socialite and writer Agatha Watson and private investigator Theodore Wilder. It's a very good read that is fast-paced, humorous, and wanting more. Looking forward to book two: A Most Peculiar Circumstance.

Time Period: 1880's
Location: New York, United States

Reviewed from a library copy.


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Book Two: A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano


If you have read, A Change of Fortune, you'll be able to pick this up and jump into a new Beckett family story. If you selected A Most Peculiar Circumstance to read before A Change of Fortune, I would recommend beginning with book one. It will add beautiful layers to this story.

Turano picks up where book one left off, but with different main characters. Instead of Eliza and Hamilton, readers will enjoy the outrageous antics of Arabella Beckett and Theodore Wilder. Opposite personalities, but both dear to the Beckett family. Theodore is sent to find the missing Arabella and he find more than he bargained for - jail, mysterious circumstances, and a suffragette. Arabella is thankful for the rescue, but her mission to help ladies won't be stopped!

Again, another riotous read! Being familiar with Theodore from the previous novel, this was a fun adventure to see more about his background, his faith, and his dealings with the outspoken Arabella. Arabella was absent in the first novel, so reading her story was also very enjoyable. She wants to help woman, but helping others leads her into more trouble. Characters from the first story also return for more adventure, mystery, and faith - the Becketts and the Watsons. I am looking forward to book three: A Talent for Trouble.

Time Period: 1880's
Location: Gilman, Illinois and New York, United States

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

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: The Measure of Katie Calloway

Measure of Katie Calloway, The: A Novel by Serena Miller

Katie Calloway survived Sherman's march through Georgia, but she might not survive the return of her unstable and abusive husband. After another hurtful beating, she takes her younger brother and ran away to the wild Michigan woods. Lumber camp owner, Robert Foster, offers Katie the job as camp cook and promises that everyone will treat her with respect. Katie revels in the daily camp life and keeps her fears to herself. Will her past catch up with her future?
Serena Miller shares an enjoyable story set in the Post Civil War era. She highlights the lumberjack life that is well known in the Midwestern states. Miller could have fleshed out a few details, but overall everything wove together for a great read. If you enjoyed this tale, I would recommend The White Pines Chronicles by Hilda Stahl.

Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge? Yes! Miller includes a memorable Christmas scene in her novel.

Time Period: Post Civil War, 1860's
Location: Georgia and Michigan, USA


Reviewed from a library copy.

Review: Mail Order Cowboy

Mail Order Cowboy by Laurie Kingery

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Laurie Kingery wrote a Western with a new twist! Mail order theme books are popular, but Kingery sets the scene with a husband coming to town instead of a bride. Mail Order Cowboy is the first in a series entitled Brides of Simpson Creek.

In addition to a traditional Western tale, the Civil War has ended and young men are scarce in the town of Simpson Creek. The Matthews sisters are running a ranch with help from their few hands. Milly and Sarah band together with the Ladies Aide Society and form the Simpson Creek Society for the Promotion of Marriage. Others in town simply refer to the group as the "Spinster Society." Enter the first mail order cowboy...Nicholas Brookfield from England. I'll let you finish the rest of the tale. I look forward to Kingery's next installment in this new series.



What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. ~ Micah 6:8


Time Period: Western, 1860's

Location: Texas, USA



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