Review: Bride of Distant Isle

Miss Annabel Ashton shares her story. It's Gothic and captivating. It brought to mind Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, but instead of poking fun at a Gothic tale, it's a true haunting mystery. Yes, there is a touch of romance and faith in the tale, but I think it's mostly a mystery told in the first person.

Annabel needs to uncover the mystery of her mother (if she was truly married or not) and if she is going insane (just like her mother). Beyond Annabel's personal mysteries, her cousin Edward is working on business dealings and asking Annabel help the conversation go well between him and new (possible) business partners. Edward and Annabel grew up together, but their views of each other are vastly different. Annabel desires the sibling friendship they had when they were younger while Edward wants to use Annabel for his own gain, a pawn for his debts and business dealings. Her faith in the Lord gives her strength when she is hurt by Edward and his wife's dealings.

Byrd weaves an interesting historical faith facts in this book. Annabel is Catholic which is a minority in England. She meets other devote Catholics around her family's estate, Highcliffe, but again they are in the minority. After Annabel's tale, Byrd shares an Author's Note about Christianity in England. It's a a very brief overview, but very interesting.

Bride of a Distant Isle is book two in the Daughters of Hampshire series. I previously read Mist of Midnight, book one. I think each story is a standalone piece with the location of Hampshire and the Gothic genre tying them together. GoodReads says that there will be a book three in the series called A Lady in Disguise coming in 2017. I am looking forward to reading it!

Time Period: 1851-1854
Location: Near Milford on Sea, Hampshire, England (and Malta)

Reviewed from an Edelweiss copy. Thank you, Howard Books!

Title: Bride of a Distant Isle
Author: Sandra Byrd
Series: Book 02, Daughters of Hampshire
Publisher: Howard Books
Release Date: March 22, 2016
ISBN: 9781476717890

Review: Tiffany Girl

Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist

Tiffany Girl is the third book by Deeanne Gist that is written around the Chicago World's Fair. Her previous titles include It Happened at the Fair and Fair Play. I was intrigued by her first books, because I've greatly enjoyed Gist's writing in the past, but I never go around to reading them. I picked up Tiffany Girl, because the picture was interesting, the title was straightforward, and I enjoy art.

I'm so happy I read this book! It captured me. I felt a very close connection to Flossie. She loved art, she wanted a career, and she wanted independence. At the same time as being this "New Woman," she wanted a close knit family and relationships. I've felt the same way at times. Yes, I want to be independent and do what I wish, but I also want my close friends and family with me. It's a balancing act. Sometimes it tips one way, sometimes the other, sometimes it balances, and other times it completely falls over. Not everyone is happy all the time. Out of all the choices in life, it's important to keep your eyes on the Lord. He will guide your path. The path might not be easy. The path might be different then your original plan, but He'll not lead you astray. God will give you the desires of your heart.

Beyond the story, I appreciated the unique backdrop of the Chicago World's Fair and Tiffany's glass. Gist also shared the "new" horror of the "New Woman." It was very amusing given today's women living independently of their families and holding jobs. I felt she put a lot of research into her story. She shares a an opening note to the reader as well as author's note at the end of the novel. In addition to the notes, personal thoughts, and credits, Gist shares photographs and images to give the reader a glimpse into her character's world. Some of the images are historical while others were created to give readers a feeling of Flossie's art. I think those were a lovely touch to the story.

If you would like to read an excerpt of Tiffany Girl, visit Deeanne Gist's website!

Time Period: Victorian, 1890's
Location: New York City, New York, USA

Reviewed from an Edelweiss copy. Thank you, Howard Books!

Title: Tiffany Girl
Author: Deeanne Gist
Publisher: Howard Books
ISBN:  9781451692440

Review: Wanderville

Wanderville by Wendy McClure

Are you familiar with orphan trains? Children from New York (or other big cities) were sent out West to live "better lives" with families and big open spaces. Yet, many children were fearful of the unknown.

Jack, Frances, and Harold were a couple of children sent out to Kansas on an orphan train. They didn't want to leave, but they couldn't escape their traveling fate. After hearing awful orphan stories on the train, they decide to "jump ship" in the middle of Kansas. They meet up with another orphan named Alexander who gives them a new look at life in the prairie wilderness.

When I began reading this story, I thought it would be historical fiction mixed with fantasy. I was completely wrong. The magic of Wanderville and the letdown was realized at the same moment as Jack, Frances, and Harold. It was rather ironic and heartening to relate so well to the characters. Just as the children came to grips with their new situation, I knew that this wouldn't be a fantasy story, but reality (albeit in history). Don't let the knowledge of no fantasy elements steer you away from reading Wanderville!

McClure mixes historical fiction with a kid's today approach. The book is set in history, but the children face many emotions and circumstances that kids' today can encounter. The emotions of loss, fear, hope, friendship, and survival are very relate-able to today's audience. The theme of overcoming circumstances is largely woven throughout the text in different ways, but not overpowering. The story ends with a gentle cliffhanger - one that will have readers imagining what's going to happen next. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in 2014!

I think this story would be very appropriate for 3-6 graders. The author offers many different situations that can open the floor to great classroom, book club, or family discussions.

Reviewed from an Edelweiss copy. Thank you, Razorbill!

Review: Dog-Gone School

Dog-Gone School by Amy Schmidt


Go "bark" to school with adorable dogs and poetry!

Amy and Ron Schmidt combined their talents for an adorable and creative poetry, picture book. The poems are short, sweet, and humorous about dogs at school. The photos are crisp and whimsical in a school setting. The photo setting could be considered generic and "Photoshopped," but that's looking at it with critical adult eyes. It's a very sweet book that children will enjoy if they like poetry, puppies, or school.

Wonderful additions for teachers and the curious include a brief "Note about the Poems" in the beginning and Class Superlatives at the end. The beginning note shares the poetry forms used in the book. The Class Superlatives lists the dogs' names and breeds used in the photos.

Reviewed from an Edelweiss copy. Thank you, Random House!



Once I Ate a Pie by Patricia MacLachlan, Emily MacLachlan Charest, Katy Schneider would be a fun companion book to Dog-Gone School.