Like a Ship on the Sea is a standalone historical romance novel with ties to both The Chronicles of Alice & Ivy and the rest of its upcoming trilogy, Like a Ship on the Sea is a standalone historical romance novel with ties to both The Chronicles of Alice & Ivy and the rest of its upcoming trilogy, The Hilton Legacy.
This novel is a work of adult Christian fiction and is not necessarily appropriate for younger readers. However, it is a clean romance novel written in a God-honoring manner, and any more mature discussions are written from a strongly biblical lens.
Official Content Guide for Like a Ship on the Sea:
Language:
None.
Expressions: thank goodness (x1), heavens (x1), heaven help her (x1)
Violence:
None.
Mentions of war, particularly the American Civil War.
Sexual:
It's a romance, so there are a few kisses, undescribed (no on-page make-out sessions!).
There's a reference to a newlywed couple desiring sex.
Two characters have a brief, vague discussion about "marital intimacy" and navigating sexual relationships between Christian married couples during grief and trauma. This conversation is the primary reason I've advertised this story as adult fiction.
The main character mentions she had "the talk" with both of her older siblings at "probably a too-young age."
Though characters from past novels who have dealt with sexual sins are a part of this story, those aspects are not really mentioned or important to the story.
An engaged woman is having an affair. She's unrepentant, but she's also a minor character, and the main character who deals with her has other things on his mind.
Other:
Discussions of miscarriage, stillbirth, and post-partum depression. A minor character has attempted to commit suicide off-screen, and this (and her depression) are discussed in non-gratuitous manners.
On the other end of the spectrum, mentions of pregnancy and childbirth.
Mentions of and discussions of anti-Irish sentiment in America, England, and even Ireland itself, which also includes anti-Catholic sentiment.
It could be argued that Clarence Hilton is emotionally and financially abusive. I would probably agree with that argument, but I haven't dug into it much.
* * *
If I missed anything, don't be afraid to let me know! I did this one after the fact, so it's not as fresh on my mind.
Not planning on rating/officially reviewing since the author is doing a rewrite, but I wanted to read the earlier version, too, to see what all is up Not planning on rating/officially reviewing since the author is doing a rewrite, but I wanted to read the earlier version, too, to see what all is up and so (maybe? if I become rich lol?) I can read the other two sooner rather than later!...more
Well, I wanted to like this book. I really did! This is a favorite author, and though this book won’t stop me from reading future novels of hers (it’sWell, I wanted to like this book. I really did! This is a favorite author, and though this book won’t stop me from reading future novels of hers (it’s the premise, I think, and also the hideous main character), I got to 35% and hit some serious issues that made me to decide not to finish.
Even before that, I had already rated in 3 stars in my head, for the reasons I’ll list before (the ones not related to the Baby Hating). As it is, I realized there was no way I was going to rate it more than 1 star. Therefore, I decided to DNF and spare Goodreads my rating. I won’t be posting this review to Amazon, though I will share it on NetGalley to fulfill my obligations.
The first issues I noticed with this story had to do with Calista. She is so incompetent! And she’s just a frustrating individual.
She says she’s good at making up stories, which is her primary skill, but honestly, she’s all fluff and nonsense. She’s good at making up lies, yes, but not at making people believe them, as literally no one does.
Like, how is this someone I’d want to root for? It’s not. She’s not even vaguely likable, and honestly, since I already find most kidnapping stories frustrating, this one was even more annoying to me since it didn’t actually spend any time dealing with the matter at hand.
It was mostly focused on unrelated things that had nothing to do with the kidnapping story they set up at the beginning. Mostly because Calista seems to have a mild case of ADHD (or probably ADD is more accurate, but I’m not putting that much thought into this).
Also, she’s unarmed?! When she brought this up, I was in shock. She’s wondering around in danger without a gun? In fact, she doesn’t even have a knife! This is pure insanity from every angle.
But none of that is what made me stop reading the book. Like I said, I’d marked it 3 stars mentally, but it seemed like, with Matthew being a pretty decent guy, I thought it might turn into an enjoyable book as it got going.
However, I decided to stop because … I’m too obsessed with babies to care about Calista anymore. Her calous comments drove me nuts, and honestly, since I was already skimming parts at this point, it just wasn’t worth it.
Quote from Calista: “Winning a baby? Prizes are supposed to be something beneficial, not something that will take all your time, ruin your clothes, and tie you down forever.” “It’s just a prize I wouldn’t want to win. Now, if you’re going to raffle off some kid gloves, or a beaded handbag, then I might buy a ticket.”
Small conversation snippet: Matthew: “My concerns are over the indignity to the child. People aren’t property. You shouldn’t be able to win one in a raffle.” Calista: “... this solves several problems simultaneously …” Matthew: “Morals aren’t just a matter of what’s financially beneficial.”
THANK YOU, Matthew! Thank you for being the only decent, relatable, strong character in this entire book.
Anyways, I just decided not to read any more. I ain’t bein’ in league with no baby-haters. Besides, I’ve got better books to read next!...more
This book was absolutely incredible, and I'm saying right now that it was the best read of 2020 for me (and yes, I finished it on the 26th of DecemberThis book was absolutely incredible, and I'm saying right now that it was the best read of 2020 for me (and yes, I finished it on the 26th of December).
This book is simply incredible in every way. The characters, the plot, the themes, the writing ... I adored it. I think this may be my favorite Sundin novel, or at least among them.
Now, it didn't emotionally ruin me like some of Sundin's books, which is the desire result from every book, but it made me think, and it made me eager to read on, and it made me want to reread it almost as soon as I finished.
I wish every American could read this book. Especially now - but also as long as politics exist - it is very needed. It blew me out of the water with how much I was able to relate to the things people were saying, and all the perspectives it gave, and it just ... was great.
Section 1: Talking about Themes (& mostly politics):
I'm going to just ramble about the themes for a bit because they were so, so good.
Peter's perspective was so interesting, because I can 100% see how he would say, in 1938, as the son of a German immigrant to the US, that "too much freedom had flung the nation [USA] into decadence [...] violence [...]" etc. Isn't that what we're saying now?
But in truth, the restrictions were at least half of the problem (though I'd like to research it further) along with the free rides given to the American people by the government
Here's the thing:
A lot of gang violence in the USA started around the time of Prohibition (unfair restrictions that most didn't agree to and that were only passed due to massive propaganda from some very corrupt politicians and particularly that one corrupt speaker whose name I would have to look up).
Then the 1929 crash ... well, that's a bit complicated to attack, but the fact that the government got involved in our economy and continued to get more and more involved is an issue.
The same goes for all of Roosevelt's policies during the Great Depression. So problematic!
Then American writers supporting socialist and communist ideals ... ick. Steinbeck, I'm looking at you and your sick, twisted lack of independent thought. Grapes of Wrath alone is enough to confirm what a nutcase he was. (And then there's books like The Jungle.)
This is not to say that the USA didn't have some serious issues. This book discusses their problems with freedom of speech allowing people to do violent, hateful things (I'm looking at you, communist riots in this era and current riots in this!) - and with immigration (yeah, we've always had problems with immigration) (the Pilgrims had a problem with immigration) - and so on.
Basically, America has issues that need solved. This book showed a lot of the racism inherit in the thoughts of the day toward Jews and POC. (George, you disgust me.)
Anyways, I get Peter's perspective, but I'd argue that, through various factors, it's equally as likely that the tightening of government control, the unity under a common enemy (Great Depression) leading to dependence, and then control over things that are up to the individual's convictions largely led to the issues we were facing in the 30s and continue to face today.
TL;DR - it is always the individual's responsibility to take care of themselves and their people, and the government needs to butt their fat head out.
Anyway, long story short, it was so, so interesting seeing Peter's perspective change and shift as he saw the real evils behind Nazism (which I'll go ahead and remind you readers comes from "National Socialist").
The discussion of what community really means, and how liberty works in tangent with discipline and organization to create a good country was FANTASTIC. Yes, America suffers tons of issues because people abuse freedom. But they also don't suffer any of the billions of other issues a regime like the Third Reich introduces.
To quote Evelyn: "Every day the Germans lost a little more freedom, but they had jobs, and that was all that seemed to matter to them. But freedom mattered to Evelyn."
This book was also a good reminder for ME because sometimes I forget how very easy the Nazi policies were to fall for. Not just because the Germans were war-torn and impoverished for years, not just because Germans are stupid (they're not) ... but because the Nazi party was actually backing up their promises. They were giving jobs. They were taking care of perceived "threats" (and some real threats, too).
Honestly, you almost have to admire the evil, horrible, sickening precision with which they took over Europe and even succeeded in spreading their ideology elsewhere. It was well-done. Someone had been taking hints from Machiavelli (*Hitler smirks in the corner*).
But yes, it was just ... gah. So needed, so timely, so awesome. I enjoyed it thoroughly and am seriously considered buying multiple copies and giving them away or something. I don't know. This book just killed me.
Section 2: Peter and Evelyn:
Peter and Evelyn were also excellent characters. Their story was UNIQUE, their characters were UNIQUE, and it was just so different and original that I pretty much died.
Evelyn's struggles with feminism and living in a male-dominant world aren't necessarily needed for most secular people, but they are needed for Christians, in my opinion.
We need more balanced views of this which allow compromise while still embracing both God's design for womanhood AND the fact that woman are awesome, strong, and totally capable of work (or just about anything God calls them for which can be just about anything).
Look ... feminism isn't all bad. Women really were treated poorly for years in various ways. Every decade seemed to bring a new battle. And there's nothing wrong with a woman wanting a career. *steps off my fruit box and marches off*
*marches back* Okay, but seriously, I enjoyed all the discussion that was brought up from Evelyn's mistreat in the past and present from men who were pretty horrible to her.
The descriptions of the issues she faced in the present were so frustrating - but I enjoyed them because they were realistic and not overblown, and the way Evelyn handled them was realistic without being too "poor me." She didn't just receive the abuse & whine - she stood up and did something about it as best she was able.
I also appreciated how they didn't just brush over Evelyn's consideration of romance as far as it related to her career. There were a couple things I felt they could have discussed more thoroughly ((view spoiler)[children, for instance?? How y'all gonna handle children with Evelyn's career and all?? (hide spoiler)]), but I'm sure they talked about those things off-screen. Overall, though, they did a good job letting both Peter and Evelyn think it over.
Peter was also an excellent character. I've mentioned this before, but I so enjoyed his slow comprehension of everything. It was so much fun! I enjoyed him and his thoughts more and more as time passed, and Sundin handled him SO well that I could 100% see his perspective and was never angry or frustrated with him.
They also just had such strong personalities, and I could talk about that and character arcs and so on all day, but instead, I'll attempt to move on.
One thing I really enjoyed about both of these characters is that they were intelligent. I just found that highly enjoyable. When they first met, I was instantly in love with them both separately and as a couple.
Also, let's have three cheers for all the old timey newspaper talk! That's my favorite thing. (Made me want to rewatch His Girl Friday.)
Section 3: The Plot
The plot was really good, too. Just when I thought we might be given a break, nope, another plot twist showed up! There was so much to unpack, and it was really well done so I was never confused or bored. It felt like it moved at a good pace.
One thing I noticed is, I glanced down on my Kindle and realized I was at 60% ... and I felt like I must be at 75%. And I went, "Oh crap, what could possibly happen next if this is only 60% and the third plot point is next to come?" Thankfully, I was not disappointed.
Suffice to say, this book was a lot more adventure-y than I'd anticipated, but I really enjoyed that. I don't get invested in most of these kinds of things, but this one was so complex.
Anyways, that's it for now. I'm going to come back and do a better review and post it everywhere at some point once it's launched. And cry this book's amazingness to the rooftops!
But for now, just ... preorder this book. Now. Pleaassseee!...more
Don't let the cheesy title fool you - this is a really good book! Also, why is book 2 not out yet? *quiet weeping* I may die.
So a bunch of random likeDon't let the cheesy title fool you - this is a really good book! Also, why is book 2 not out yet? *quiet weeping* I may die.
So a bunch of random likes in no particular order:
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Jonah. Oh. My. Gosh. What an awesome team! And they're so great together. I remember them all distinctly even though it's been a while since I read the book - they really stuck with me! (I CAN'T WAIT FOR THEIR STORIES!)
Also, Josephine is now officially the Only Type Of Offended Feminist I will accept. Patent pending. That is a trope in historical romance that I HATE HATE HATE, but the author took that hated trope and made it work so. dang. well.
Like, Josephine is STRONG but she also has relatable flaws and weaknesses but she also IS WILLING TO STAND UP FOR HER STRENGTHS (e.g. she's like, "dudes, I am a doctor whether you like it or not, so I'm GOING to be HELPING this PERSON") - but she also admits she needs help and is respectful to people REGARDLESS OF THEIR FEELINGS ABOUT HER.
She's just so great. If every woman was like her, we'd have been voting ... whenever this novel was set. *checks book* We'd have been voting in 1893. So there.
She just has sooo much gumption, but it's not Scarlett-O'Hara-in-your-face-I-do-what-I-want gumption. It's good gumption. It's actual strength - not just "I'm a feminist - watch me fly" (followed by a jump into the swoony hero's arms) gumption. She's actually a powerful woman. How often do we see that?
Matthew also contributed to this by being legitimately respectful and strong in his own right. He was surprised at first - who wouldn't be? - and protective - who wouldn't be? - but he was never overbearing or cruel. And, again, I really respected Josephine's acceptance of his protection. (I am so dang sick of heroines who are like, "I DON'T NEED HELP!" and then immediately get kidnapped. It did not play out like that.)
Anyways. I'm a fan. Karen Witemeyer, you may add me to the list of "people who are a bit tooo obsessed with my books" because I loved this story!
5/5 stars - and much excitement for book 2!
Edited to Add (08/04/2021):
This book is very open and honest about all the characters' regrets on their involvement in the army. The people who are trying to cancel it are clearly people who didn't read the full book! The author is a historian who knows her stuff, and she honestly portrays the events of the characters' pasts as horrific, highlighting a sad period of American history in a tasteful way. (Note: I will also add that this is just a small portion of the book.)
The people pushing down this book are actually ridding the world of a book that is honest about the evils that occurred. How can we ever heal unless guilt is first admitted? How can we ever move on from the past unless we first speak openly and honestly about it? Not enough books are written where the treatment of Native American people is shown as unpardonable genocide, which it was. Not enough historical fiction will take on these tough topics because of inability of modern day audiences to be made uncomfortable. To read about how horrible these things are and be able to see where, in some ways, we are still ignoring things - still arguing only our own side - still failing to stand up for the people who need us. Americans need this awareness.
Even now we are the active participants in various human rights infringements around the world. And we do nothing. And yet, the imaginary hero of this story (based on and accurately recounting negative historical events in a negative light), who left the military because of the evils he encountered, is getting a lot of hate because he did take actionable steps and he did at least acknowledge and express his blame.
Instead of ranting on Twitter and posting negative reviews of a book we've never read, perhaps we should take actionable steps to make a difference in eliminating the social issues we're still facing. But that would be too hard. Ranting online about something we fail completely to understand is a lot easier....more
I opened this book not sure what to think, not even sure if it was something I could enjoy.
I was also a bit apprehensive of the author’s tagline, too,I opened this book not sure what to think, not even sure if it was something I could enjoy.
I was also a bit apprehensive of the author’s tagline, too, ‘cause usually when women are big, men are little … and I feel bad for the poor fellows. (Basically, absolute feminism often seems to shove our poor male counterparts into the gutter.)
But from page one, well, I was sucked in. This book manages to be action-paced and exciting while also grabbing at your heart and making you love the characters (wHHHYYY MS HANSCH WHHHYYY) while also hitting you in the guts with the themes (in a good, non-obtrusive way).
Also, the world-building was ON POINT. I don’t write fantasy, so I don’t know how to do that, but I would like to learn to do it so well. I was never like, “OMW TOO MUCH BACKSTORY” but I also never wanted for info. It was great getting to learn about this fascinating world (and I cannot wait for the next story in this universe!).
But calling back to my previous point about feminism often not leaving room for guys to exist (girls, they’ve got to EXIST at least) … wow. Celia’s husband was a favorite character because of his steady just not overwhelming support. That’s manhood, y’all - let her do her job (because it really was her job and if he tried to get all priestessy … yeah no man) but still BE THERE and be strong and great in your own right.
But yep, looking forward to the next story in the universe. I was surprised by how much I loved this story! Knew it would be well-written but wasn’t sure of much else.
I read this book in a couple hours, but I wasn't a huge fan. It was just ... eh. The writing style didn't work for me, and the novel's plot was prettyI read this book in a couple hours, but I wasn't a huge fan. It was just ... eh. The writing style didn't work for me, and the novel's plot was pretty predictable.
I skim-read toward the end because I thought it was boring. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood, though.
If you enjoy Christian historical romance and don't mind reading a book that's just for fun, this may be the one for you! Just not for me....more
I liked parts of this book and disliked others. I think I was at about 50/50 with just the teeniest lean towards things I d2.5/5 stars
Okay, here goes!
I liked parts of this book and disliked others. I think I was at about 50/50 with just the teeniest lean towards things I disliked. I wouldn't read it again, but I'm not sad I read it.
Let's just get the problems out of the way and talk about positives.
Negatives:
-There were some times when the way characters were talking seemed out of error or more American than British, and it was a bit jarring.
-There was a LOT of head-hopping. Basically, if the two leads were together, you could never know whose head we were in. As we all know, head-hopping is quite jarring and leads to constant confusion and the inability to really get settled in any one person's POV.
-The first 10% or so was quite fast, with non-stop crazy decisions (no character thought development beforehand, which I think was what made a lot of their random, sudden actions seem forced and far too quick), then for a long time the book dragged on, feeling quite boring, then the last 25% or so was quite well done and really saved the story for me.
-Random POVs outside the main characters, which I usually wouldn't point out, but they just felt strange with all the head-hopping and whatnot.
-The marriage between Helen and Jedrick was quite forced ... and I can't believe for a moment that it wasn't a huge mistake. Yeah, it turned out all right, for some reason, but it was pretty insane - and quite not-God-consulted, though it would seem neither protagonist was super close to God at the time? Not sure.
-I felt cheated on the character development. It seemed like a lot was let out, and things like Jedrick's emotional state was rather glossed over. He seemed happy and bubbly even though Kat (sorry, gonna call him that) described him as silent at one point. He never really showed through his POV or Helen's that he was actually experienced any of the feelings people kept telling me he was experiencing.
-Basically, I just felt like a lot of Jedrick and Helen's grief wasn't truly sucked for all it was worth.
And with that, let's move on to positives.
Positives:
-The last 25% or so was sweet and actiony in turns and overall really well done. I loved the conclusions the characters arrived at in the end, etc.
-It was quite clean, which I appreciated. Most arranged marriages like to dip into sex scenes, but this one didn't even go there.
-Throughout Jedrick was a sweet guy. I really liked him! He was always positive. Maybe a little faultless, but that's okay.
-I liked Kat! The nickname the kids gave him, especially.
-The historical details were great. It was a different perspective, and not one I've read before. I loved all the details about the Polish pilots and whatnot, as well as about the bombings in London.
And ... I think that's it! This book may be for some, but it probably wasn't for me. Still, I thought it was a decent read.
Okay ... *sigh* I'll admit it. I held off reading this book for FOREVER because I don't like mysteries (outside of television and movies, in which casOkay ... *sigh* I'll admit it. I held off reading this book for FOREVER because I don't like mysteries (outside of television and movies, in which case I CANNOT GET ENOUGH SIGN ME UP FOR A MARATHON), and I didn't think I'd like Jess that much (she just rubs me wrong), and I was being #stubborn.
But dude. We all make mistakes. Stop holding that against me! I HAVE CORRECTED THE ERROR OF MY WAYS! #forgivenesstime
In all seriousness, I did wait waaaaaay too long to read this book - and even after I started it, I delayed continuing to the point of "hooked."
Okay, now granted, it was my least favorite of the series, and it did take me forever to read it (though only a few days once I read past the first chapter), but I did really enjoy it. The mystery part was interesting, and I liked Derek. I still don't really care for Jess - like, she's funny, but I never rooted for her or really got emotionally involved in her story, so that was just ... eh.
I also still don't see why someone as cool and smart and sweet as Derek has to end up with Jess, but eh. I guess it ... works ... ish? I just never really bought their relationship even though LITERALLY EVERYONE was telling me I should.
I also loved seeing Ryland and Miranda, though THEY SHOULD HAVE MORE KIDS WHAT THE HECK!?
Every couple Hunter has ever written may be in love, but there's nothing passionate about their relationships, no matter what they try to tell you (or even write out heh), BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT PRODUCING BABIES AT THE RATE THEY SHOULD. *tsks*
The only reason I read serieses is because then you get to see children from other couples. (I mean, not the only reason, but ... that's a big reason.)
I also wasn't a huggggeeee fan of the ending, but that's just me.
I'm reading so slow recently, so I'm glad this was a quick read! Not that it was short, but that it was a quick read. *that's difficult to unders4.5/5
I'm reading so slow recently, so I'm glad this was a quick read! Not that it was short, but that it was a quick read. *that's difficult to understand* *but y'all know what I mean* Like, it was ... not difficult to get through. xD This is a compliment in case you can't tell!
I definitely enjoyed this book! I am not a zombie person for sure, lol, at least insofar as I've never read a book with zombies in it and the only zombies I've seen in movies are like joking parody-of-something-else zombies. (James, my little brother, has apparently watched a lot of The Walking Dead, though. What???)
Anyways, I found this story intriguing! The "creepers" are essentially zombies only with a Christian allegorical twist, and I found it fascinating! (and creepy) (like, I walked out of my room last night just after finishing this book and heard a noise and I was like, "Here, Amy, Amy, Amy ...") (Someone tell me they get that reference!) (Also, "MY MOTHER WAS KILLED BY A DANDELION COVERED IN FABRIC SOFTENER.")
This novel is the Victorian era + zombies + awesome magic powers + male lead who isn't dramatic or immature while still being gruff (<3 <3 <3 reminds me of myself ... except I am immature ...) + misty smoky scary London + intrigue + lost princess cliche at its best + awesomesauce.
Negative Content: -Lots of violence, but none of it was particularly gory. Well, a little gory, I suppose, but it never bugged me even a bit. I have a high tolerance, but I really think it was minimal. -No language, I don't think. -No sexual content. There was a bit of a romance towards the end, but it was beyond squeaky clean: it barely existed. (If anything, I'd have liked more!)
I'd recommend this from teens 13+ just because I think it could be a little disturbing with the magic and the creepers, but it didn't bug me, and overall it was an exciting story.
Overall, I'd recommend it to lovers of fantasy + steampunk-ish-I-guess-I-don't-know + horror-ish-but-not-super-bad-and-it's-clean ... okay, I don't know who I recommend this book to, but I do recommend it. ;P Sorry, y'all ... this is out of my usual genres!
ALSO ... yes, I don't usually read fantasy-ish stories, but I do love them ... I need to read more. This was fun! And heartbreaking. That, too.
4/5 for the quality of the book (which was overall excellent!) and 3/5 for my personal enjoyment + how well I related to it = 3.5 stars. RTC.
New Revie4/5 for the quality of the book (which was overall excellent!) and 3/5 for my personal enjoyment + how well I related to it = 3.5 stars. RTC.
New Review, December 2020:
I'm ashamed to say I don't remember the plot of this book that I read in September 2018! It was a while back. I think I'll leave my rating and review as is, for that reason....more
Welllll ... I know there are lots of people who loved this book, but I ... didn't. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood. I have issues with it, but most ofWelllll ... I know there are lots of people who loved this book, but I ... didn't. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood. I have issues with it, but most of my low rating comes from a simple fact: I was bored. Bored out of my mind.
I cannot be bored while reading. And I rarely am - I mean, I read lots of thick tomes which other people think are dull as dishwater. (See The Scarlet Letter, Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, etc.)
But this one just ... bored me. With the characters, with the plot, with the writing ...
And that's not really the book's fault. Lots of people loved this book. I was not one of them. I disliked it greatly. I didn't hate it; there wasn't anything hateable. But I did dislike it.
Before I begin, for the readers who loved this book, here are a couple positives:
Good Stuff:
-It was fairly well-researched as far as the plot, the setting, etc. It was realistic. It gave a very clear idea of the bloody reality of WWI ... which was one of the most horrific conflicts ever. The author did a good job with that as far as I can tell.
-All the plot points seemed to be in order. I know, because I was constantly checking the percentage on my Kindle to see how much I had left. xD
-There was some throwbacks to Downton Abbey. (Too many for my taste, given the book, but eh.)
-There was nothing wrong with it. Not really.
Bad Stuff:
-Gwyn. I'm sorry, and I know lots of people liked her ... but I just can't. I'm sorry. I'm sooo done with this kind of historical heroine.
What kind of historical heroine, you ask? Here are the five requirements of this type of historical heroine:
1. She will have a weird, "masculine" (for the era) hobby, and she will be unashamedly confused by people who don't get it. Essentially, she's a special snowflake who is "different" from everyone else. ("THERE MUST BE MORE THAN THIS PROVINCIAL LIIIIIFFFFEEE!") 2. At some point, she will decide to wear trousers/pants. It is inevitable. And anyone who wants her to not is being ridiculously old-fashioned (except that she IS LIVING IN AN OLD-FASHIONED ERA ... but whatever). 3. She will have a dream. (SHE JUST WANTS TO SEE THOSE FLOATING LANTERNS GLEAAAM! No, wait, that's wrong ...) But of course she'll either give up or adapt that dream the instant a guy comes into her life, or she'll spend the book trying to decide whether love is more important than said dream. (Psst, it is!) 4. She's a tomboy most of the time, but sometimes it's hard to tell. It's almost like either the author wasn't a tomboy and wrote a tomboy and didn't get the tomboyness ... OR the author didn't bother with consistency ... OR the author is a tomboy but doesn't translate it well to paper. Any of those are options. 5. ONLY her one true love will understand her. While everyone else thinks she's quirky, he thinks she's original and special.
Usually, I'm chill with this. This is the way books are written. Who am I to stand in their way? But this time? It just grated on my nerves. Predictable. The same as every other historical heroine. I wanted her to be different; I wanted her to NOT be cookie-cutter. But she was. So.
-The kisses were so randomly ... kissy? Like, y'all got it right on the first try, I guess, but like why are you kissing right now? Stop? I do not understand how your relationship got from friends to lovers so quick. But whatever.
-The romance. I don't know why, but it just didn't seem real to me? It never hopped off the page and into my mind. Also, it doesn't count if the hero JUST like the heroine because she's different from every other girl he's met. Why? BECAUSE YOU'VE USED THAT LINE TOO MANY TIMES, HISTORICAL HERO. Not every girl can be special or different. In fact, most of them aren't.
Well, let me correct that. Everyone is special or different. A lot of girls try to be something they aren't. But why is the historical heroine ALWAYS the person who DOESN'T try to be what they aren't?! Like, seriously. Girls nowadays need more roll models of women who were like ... debutantes ... and they went along with EVERYTHING (like modern girls following the fashion magazines and celebrities) and ... they changed.
That would be more powerful, imo. I'm sick of the special heroines. :P I want someone normal for a change. I'd rather read about Cecelia, who seemed badly abused both by the book and the characters.
Which brings me to another point ...
-Cecelia. Feels like the book wanted me to hate her, but I was not hating her, so I was like, ".......... I don't think I got the hate-Cecelia?" She was there because the Dashing Hero Was So Dashing that Another Woman Must Want Him, but ... I mean, the poor girl left behind all her riches to become a nurse and rocked it? Given her background? She deserved more. Cecelia should've married William and let Gwyn go back to her beloved cars. xD
Sooooo ... book about Cecelia, please? I would read that.
-I don't know any other reasons why I dislike this book. I just did. I don't need a reason. I am a woman with a brain and reasonable ability; I'm going to stop whining and find something to do. Like leave a bad review of a book even though it wasn't bad in and of itself. I just didn't like it. xD
Random Stuff:
-I literally cringed when the book quoted Matthew and Mary's song: "If you were the only girl in the world, and I were the only boy." (STOP. This couple does not deserve their song!) Then at the end the author said she was inspired by Downton Abbey, and I was like, "... inspired by being a lose term ..."
-I skim-read the last ~60%. Anything that was descriptiony, basically.
-I loved the author's note.
-Again, the history was good.
So yep. That's all I have to say. (All being a ... word.)
I hope you enjoy this book! You probably will. Lots of people did! I just didn't. :)
Whhhhyyyyy must the only thing the hero and heroine care about be getting to know each other ... Biblically? xP
Okay, I'll bOriginal Review, July 2018:
Whhhhyyyyy must the only thing the hero and heroine care about be getting to know each other ... Biblically? xP
Okay, I'll be serious and stop shocking y'all. ;) And I suppose it could be argued that they developed a relationship beyond being so moonstruck by each other's appearance that obviously they had to trust each other. Because hot people aren't evil. :P
It wasn't a terrible book, but there was a lot more physical attraction rather than actually developing their relationship.
Actual review shall follow!!
New Review, December 2020:
I read this book years ago, but I remember being bored by it. Not wanting to finish it. And just in general finding in unimpressive and appearance-focused....more
Source: from author in exchange for an honest critique. No review required and no compensation exchanged.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 stars
The Thief, the Damsel, and the Dragon by Angela R. Watts
“… the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.” ~ Psalms 91:13
Edward Prosner is going to steal from the small town mayor of Fall Springs, North Carolina. He’s got a flawless plan of action and is determined to return honor and justice to his father’s good name. The problem he faces? He needs a date for the mayor’s dinner party.
Lucy Levitt is a huge romantic at heart, but with her family’s ranch and her part-time job, she has no time for dating. She believes God will place her soulmate in her life when the time is right. When the new man in town asks her out, how can she say no?
The first date seems ordinary enough, but then they begin to realize that they can’t fight their dragons alone.
Review:
I originally read The Thief, the Damsel, and the Dragon as a beta-reader for Angela. Though not quite in its completed form then, it was amazing!
It was immediately the kind of book one begins and goes, “Hey, I gotta keep reading!” This was mostly due to the writing style, but it wasn’t long until the characters, setting, and plot dragged me down, and I was a goner!
You may think I’m biased. After all, the author is a very close, very dear friend to me and sister in Christ. I beta-read this book and have since helped the author get ready for publication and organized her blog tour.
However … this review contains my honest opinions. It really is good. I promise. Read it yourself if you’re not convinced!
PLOT: 4/5 Wow … definitely not what I was expecting!
Well, I guess I wasn’t sure what I was expecting going in. The only other story I’ve read by my friend Ang, Seek, was of a completely different genre (more spy thriller than romance, haha, and certainly a bit darker!).
I knew Ang and I think a lot alike when it comes to romance in books, so I wasn’t concerned about that, but … I was wondering what all was going on in my action/adventure-writing friend’s mind! Contemporary Christian romance? Like a Hallmark power-puff thing??!!
Turns out, there was a beautiful, lazy Southern summer romance with amazing Christian themes and a fantastic writing style! From the very first sentence this novel sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go!
CHARACTERS: 5/5 Lucy and Ed are now one of my favorite couples! <3 They belong together. Hush, no arguing!
Lucy is one of the sweetest, most fun female leads I’ve ever met. From the first time I met her, I was enchanted! Honestly, so much Southern charm and honey and just … ugggh! I love her! She is my best friend, okay? (Apologies to Bailey; you’re not Southern, so you’re gonna lose.)
Ed … well, I wasn’t sure what to think of him at first. He’s a rebel, and though I felt bad for him, I was also a bit annoyed at his flesh-ness. (You know, the lack of Jesus Christ and the much of Ed!) But by the end, I was on his team! <3 Also, I felt so bad for him, poor baby … *huggles him*
There were other amazing characters such as Lucy’s family (THE WHOLE FAMILY! <3 ) and Ed’s Irish friend (he needs no other descriptor!). However, if I went into each of them, this review would run too long, so I’d better stop!
SETTING: 5/5 LET ME GO TO NORTH CAROLINA. PLEASE. I’LL DO ANYTHING! (relatively speaking)
Maybe if I bug the Marine Corps* enough, my sister’s husband will get stationed close to there, and we can visit. Not that *coughs* I want her to move even farther away, butttt … y’know. It’d be a nice perk. I don’t like Cali all that much, sooo …
Seriously, though, the setting was absolutely perfect. <3 Love the Southernness, love the summerness, love the people who inhabit this Southern summer!
*yes, I do realize that government agencies are not at my beck and call … I just wish* …
**the more I think about it, the more I wish I had some sort of diplomatic immunity …
WRITING: 4/5 WHOA, there! This writing style! <3 <3 <3
CONTENT: 1/5 Language: n/a
Violence: n/a
Sexual: n/a
Other: romance and denial (y’know, the river in Africa). Not really content, but y’know …
Probably good for all ages, recommended for teens.
OVERALL: 4.5/5 Recommended to any lovers are fun characters, an amazing plot, a grabbing writing style, Southern summers, and sweet romances. Definitely get this book and read the heck out of it!
The best way to describe this novel: Whoa, that was fast!
I’m still not 100% sure about the rating, even now, but I think I’ve settled on 3/4 stars. I The best way to describe this novel: Whoa, that was fast!
I’m still not 100% sure about the rating, even now, but I think I’ve settled on 3/4 stars. I just had a lot of mixed feelings!
Here are my general thoughts:
FIRST: Well, I don’t like to hear about married folks’ bedroom habits. Not a bit.
But if you make a point to say that both groom and bride are nervous about the wedding night and then just stop talking about it … you kinda make a reader curious?
Two problems with this.
Made me think about it more than I wanted to and search the text trying to figure it out. DID THEY OR DIDN’T THEY IT’S DRIVING ME CRAZY BUT I FEEL TERRIBLE EVEN THINKING ABOUT IT HELP HELP! SECOND: WILL SOMEONE PLEASE SPANK THE SNOT OUT OF THOSE TWO KIDS?!? I know they’re only 2 and like eighteen months, but they are super badly behaved and no one is dealing with it.
There’s nothing more frustrated than an undisciplined child, especially if everyone keeps pretending they’re babies when they’re obviously not …
THIRD: Things were not wrapped up. I’m sensing they will be in the next book(s) of the series, so that’s all right.
FOURTH: The pacing – perhaps inspired by the brief writing style – was kinda hectic.
I mainly worried for one thing that the hero and heroine barely knew each other and their relationship moved too fast.
I mean, come on, they went from “absolute strangers” to “lovey dovey feelings” just like that! *snaps fingers*
On the other hand, I was super excited to see a romance without hate, lust, or unnecessary complications involved.
FIFTH: I don’t believe that Trace would have survived for several years in the Sierra Nevadas by himself.
Escape from Warsaw by Ian Serraillier, originally titled The Silver Sword, is the adventure story of a family which was separated during the war. TheiEscape from Warsaw by Ian Serraillier, originally titled The Silver Sword, is the adventure story of a family which was separated during the war. Their father protests Nazi Germany’s tyranny and is taken to a prison camp which he later escapes from. Their mother is taken away to work for the Nazis. This leaves Ruth, Edek, and little Bronia alone, trying to survive in a hostile land.
Though based on true events, the characters were made up for the purposes of this story. It was quite interesting - though very unbelievable! I just can’t believe all these things really happened … but I guess they did! Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.
Jan was my favorite character. He was such a funny little guy. His pets were funny, too. I felt bad for him … he must have had a terrible childhood!...more
Source: from Netgalley (in exchange for honest, unsolicited review)
Overall Rating: 3/5 stars
Overall, this was a good novel, but I did have a couple problems with it. The primary had to do with the relationship between the main characters. It seemed to be primarily based on attraction, though I think they did eventually grow a strong relationship.
There were a couple other things, some of which affected my enjoyment of the book. There were also some content issues.
PLOT: 3/5 Overall I did like the plot. It was a wild ride with traitors and smugglers and a Bow Street Runner and the inn almost going under and Mr. Nutbrown.
However, there were a couple problems. First, I don’t think gambling is right? Pretty much ever? Especially not for high stakes. Yet it’s never really dealt with that Alex is a pretty frequent gambler.
Also, there was a lot – and I mean a LOT – of physical attraction between the main characters. Alex acts like he’s never seen a girl before Johanna, and from the moment he meets her, he seems to think she’s the most attractive creature he’s ever met. Johanna reacts in a similar manner.
I was very surprised by the ending! I really had no idea how the plot would turn out.
CHARACTERS: 4/5 The characters were very well developed. I liked Johanna a lot, though at times she was a bit stubborn, and Alex was honestly one of the coolest heros I’ve read about in a long time.
Mr. Nutbrown was a favorite minor character of mine. I wonder about his future, though … I feel that the plot concerning him wasn’t completely resolved? Thomas was also pretty awesome.
SETTING: 5/5 Very well done! I felt sucked up into the setting and era! I loved the feeling of the inn, the seaside town, etc.
WRITING: 4/5 Well done! The style was flowing and easy to understand.
CONTENT: 3/5 Language: n/a
Violence: lots of gunfights, injuries, etc. Probably mildly disturbing.
Sexual: lots of attraction between the main characters, oftentimes semi-detailed, a couple kisses described in detail.
Other: disturbing scenes at a prison with lots of filth, being trapped in a small area, etc. Drinking and gambling, not necessarily condemned.
15+ for the extreme attraction between the main characters, gambling and drinking not seeming to be dealt with properly, and some mild gore.
OVERALL: 3/5 It was an excellent concept, but there was a bit more content than I was comfortable with personally and a few plot points were left unresolved. The ending was just too sudden!
No Promises in the Wind by Irene Hunt was an okay book, but it didn’t deserve to be an award-winner. The best word to describe it would be ‘mediocre.’No Promises in the Wind by Irene Hunt was an okay book, but it didn’t deserve to be an award-winner. The best word to describe it would be ‘mediocre.’ There wasn’t anything terribly wrong with it - but there wasn’t anything terribly right with it, either. It was a bit interesting … but not terribly. The emotions were there … but not vivid. The writing was average … but not amazing. The characters were believable … but not truly three-dimensional or the kind you can root for.
There are some great themes in this book - brotherhood, standing together through hard times, family, survival, hard work. However, none of them really stood out to me in a major way. I didn’t really feel effected by the book at all.
Josh wasn’t a likable character at all. I’m not talking about his treatment of his younger brother - he was actually a really good big brother in my way of saying it. Expecting more from him considering the circumstances seems ridiculous to me. (Therefore, any theme concerning Josh growing kinder to Joey fell flat for me.) (Or Josh growing better … probably because there was no change in tone in his observations, etc.)
It was really Josh’s continual “romances” that bugged me. He “falls in love” (haha, no) with a thirty-year-old woman … and then is stupid enough to tell her. Granted, Emily deals with it well enough, but that’s still ridiculous and silly and just … ugh, I can’t stand people with immature crushes, mmkay? (Reasons why I don’t get along with most highschoolers, lol.)
And then Janey. Uh … she’s fourteen! That is waaay too young for some (creepy) sixteen-year-old boy to decide he loves her (and vice-versa) and will marry him someday. Look me in the eyes, you two: You. Have. No. Future. Mostly likely. I’m willing to bet on it (if this were real life, not a fictional story). Also, it was just a totally unnecessary and unlikely subplot. Pointless.
Joey actually annoyed me. Especially how everyone deferred to him over Josh. That’s super annoying! He seemed like a fairly sweet kid, but … it’s just annoying how everyone always talked to him like Josh wasn’t in the room.
I liked Lonnie. He seemed like a decent sort of guy. I don’t think we ever found out for sure if his wife ran off or died, but I feel bad for him either way.
In summary, this was a mediocre book, and though it was good to learn more about the era and such, it wasn’t a great classic or anything.
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