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Category Archives: Romance
Louder than Words by Plissner
This is a story of an underage high schooler who learns to speak again after a terrible tragedy through intense physical contact. Read: sexual acts.
Louder than Words
by Laurie Plissner
Merit Press
December 2012
The young lady loses her whole family in a car accident, loses her memory and loses the ability to speak. A young man who can actually read her thoughts comes along and wins her heart and in the end her ability to speak back for her. Along the way, she also learns about the truth of the accident.
This isn’t your normal love story. This is smut with under age characters.
[SPOILERS]
This is not a book for teens. Not only does it have violence (Sasha is saved from imminent sexual assault), and massive quantities of cussing (including all the way up to many, many F words), but also includes explicit sexual activities up to and including oral sex. In the end, she learns to speak BECAUSE of the sex. This is an awkward chapter of the current sex-solves-everything book fad, along with the 50 Shades series, Twilight’s non-stop lust-a-thon in books 3 and 4 and so on. Sex is so degraded by the way it is inappropriately lifted up that readers can’t possibly be satisfied with real world love. When you find that sex is abusive, like in 50 shades, or doesn’t heal all wounds, like in this book, you are left more empty than before.
This book is smut. Teens should not read it because the violence, language and sexuality is inappropriate for their age and adults should not read it because reading about two under age lovers is also inappropriate.
This is the second book I’ve read from Merit Press and it’s clear to me that they are interested in pushing the boundaries of books about children and teens. The language, sexuality, and violence in the books they publish are simply unexplainable. I recommend you keep your teens (and yourself) far away from this publisher.
Arieltopia, Young Adult Editor, is an 12 year old avid reader – usually going through a book a day – who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager’s perspective.
Scott Asher is the Editor-in-Chief of BookGateway.com. His personal blog is AshertopiA – a land flowing with milk and honey… and a lot of sticky people where he turns real life into stupid cartoons, writes on Christianity, Zombies, and whatever else he wants and posts Bible studies from his classes at church.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Waterfall by Lisa Bergren
The book, Waterfall by Lisa Bergren, is a salient story about the Bettarini sisters.
Waterfall
River of Time Series
by Lisa Bergren
David C. Cook
February 2011
Gabriella and Evangelia Bettarini have been spending their summers Italy following their Etrusian Archelogist parents for years. After the girls’ father dies (before the book starts) their mother finds the site that she has been spending her whole life searching for, meaning the girl are going to be stuck in the middle of no where all summer again. Shortly upon arrival, the girls discover handprints inside one of the tombs that fit their hands and are transported to 16th century Toscana. Gabi wakes up to find that she and Lia have been separated, and that a gruesome battle is taking place outside the tomb. Upon the end of the battle, Gabi exists the tomb and, mascerading as “Lady Bettarini of Normandy” is taken into the care of Marcello Forelli, the future lord of a nearby castle. Will she be able to locate her younger sister, Lia and escape this crazy place of corsets and war, or will she be stuck here forever? Read this book to find out.
Waterfall is an intriguing tale that has every element I typically look for in a book. With its nonstop spunky feel, the reader is lead through 16th century Italy in the middle of the great wars between Siena and Florence through the eyes of a quirky 17-year-old girl from the 21st century. The book is humourous. An example is Gabi’s thoughts as she exits the tomb and spies Marcello for the first time, “He was certainly the first man I’d seen holding a real sword and in full-on knight gear-tunic, tights, breastplate, the whole enchilada. Somehow he made the look work.” The book does have some grotesque scenes in it, they are in a war after all, but not to the extreme were it would interfere with the story. I would recommend this book to high-school boys or girls still because of those few scenes and higher level vocabulary used by Bergren. This book states the idea that something that at first seems horrible or strange may come to be one of your favorite things, or places, of all.
Arieltopia, Young Adult Editor, is an 12 year old avid reader – usually going through a book a day – who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager’s perspective.
The Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen
Emma Smallwood has spent her life helping at her father’s school. Now, with enrollment dwindling and her father mourning the passing of her mother, Emma finds herself reaching out to the father of former pupils in order to gain new students to the school. A return letter brings an intriguing offer. Does Emma have the courage to step outside of what she’s known to bring new adventures to her life?
The Tutor’s Daughter
by Julie Klassen
Bethany House
January 2013
In an effort to bring additional students to her father’s boarding school, Emma writes to the father of former pupils, a baronet, who has remarried and now has two young sons. The response she receives is a surprising one. As his wife is loathe to allow her sons to leave home, Sir Giles Weston offers double the rate for them to come to Ebbington Manor to teach them.
She initially questions the rash decision when she remembers her relationship with the older Weston sons-Phillip and Henry. Phillip she remembers with fondness. He was always kind to her when he was a student. On the other hand, Henry, the elder of the two, made it a point to torment her, as young boys are wont to do.
Emma and her father are met with surprise upon their arrival at the Weston’s home, Sir Giles having forgotten to tell his family that they were coming. This would be only the first of many surprising events that happen while they stay with the Weston’s. Strange happenings at night, a piano forte that seemingly plays itself, and many secrets exist in the Weston household. And in the midst of this, love blossoming from an unlikely place.
Having read another of Klassen’s novels before, I looked forward to reading this one. I, like Klassen, am a fan of Regency Period writing. As such, I enjoy the intent in Klassen’s writing. She really does make an effort to create novels in the fashion of the period, working to stay true to that time.
As for this novel in particular, I did enjoy the read the first time through. That is related entirely to the story. I loved the premise and what she was trying to write, as well as the suspense she worked to create and keep throughout the story. Klassen created a story that kept moving forward for me through most parts. While there were small lulls in the action and story moving forward, they weren’t cumbersome and didn’t impact the overall experience of reading for me.
That being said, Emma Smallwood is not one of my favorite female characters. I very much like the initiative she takes at the start of the novel, in writing to the Westons. However, after that point, she seems to be one who allows the events around them to happen to her, as opposed to actively working to be part of the action. I had higher hopes for her development as a character.
Additionally, regarding format, I really didn’t care for what seemed to be random quotes from other novels. I kept going back to see how those quotes related to the material around them. They seemed to be put into the novel to add credibility to Klassen’s work. Frankly, she doesn’t need it. Her work can stand on its own, and the extra quotes were cumbersome and offputting.
Overall though, I did enjoy the novel and would read it again. Klassen is dedicated to her craft and creating the world around her characters, which is something I can appreciate as a reader. The novel is a quick read and does have some points that are surprising and unexpected. It’s definitely one that’s work a look.
Robin Gwaro is a founding book review blogger at Bookgateway.com and has generously supplied this review. She describes herself as “a woman just trying to keep it all together. Most days, I have the juggling act down! Others, I have the broom and dustpan handy to clean up the mess. My life is not always easy, it is not always neat, but it is always worth every minute!” Her personal blog is Just Wandering. Not Lost.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
The Tutor’s Daughter by Klaussen
Julie Smallwood is the main character in this delightful book. She is fast on her way to being a spinster due to her vast knowledge of books. She reads constantly and hoards her books like they were gold. Her father runs a small academy for young men of the gentry.
The Tutor’s Daughter
by Julie Klassen
Bethany House Publishers
January 2013
The year is over, all the students have graduated and gone home. Julie’s father receives an offer to come to Cornwall and tutor Sir Giles Weston’s two young sons. The two older Weston boy were taught by Professor Smallwood and this seems an ideal situation for Sir Giles since the boys’ mother thought they were to young to be away from home. Her father is delighted by the invitation and soon they are on their way to Cornwall.
The Smallwood’s arrival at Weston Manner is anything but pleasant. . Something very strange is going on. Julie and her father soon settle into the routine of tutoring the boys and are enjoying their stay in the country. Julie is beginning to have feelings for one of the Weston men. She is aware nothing will come of her feelings, but she can dream can’t she. Why would a Baron’s son want to have anything to do with a lowly tutor’s daughter?
Suddenly Julie’s life is turned upside down. Pranks are being played on her. Strange love letters are being slid under her door, she hears music being played late at night, a large hand appears on her mirror, and someone is coming into her room at night. These are things she can live with, but when she gets locked in an abandoned chapel and almost drowns, her father calls a halt and they return home to their small academy.
Will Julie’s love be returned by Mr. Weston or will she live out her days as a spinster – longing for what might have been?
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is well written, a page-turner and the plot holds you spell-bound. I fell in love with Julie from the first page and you will too.
Highly recommended.
Romance Editor Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, is an 80 year old avid reader reviews the newest in Christian fiction and non-fiction with a sprinkle of the secular on top..
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Band of Sisters by Gohlke
Fleeing her Irish homeland, with shame on her shoulders and little sister in tow; Maureen O’Reilly sets sail for America to make good on a promise made to her father years ago.
Band of Sisters
By Cathy Gohlke
Tyndale House
August 2012
After surviving the long passage across seas and then the obstacles and unexpected help on Ellis Island, she finds herself thrown out into the cold confusing streets of New York. But she knows all will be well once she finds the wealthy family that owes her deceased father a favor. She was not expecting that family to close their door on her and leave her scrambling for work and shelter elsewhere.
Looking for a job becomes disheartening, especially after the lodging she’s had to lower her standards for. Against her own want, she decides to use the influence of a man who befriended her upon her arrival.
When she is given the job as a sales clerk in a distinguished department store, she is thrilled. But when she notices her coworkers getting promoted and then disappearing, the luster slowly wears off and danger sneaks in. So she decides to get to the bottom of it.
Playing sleuth at the store runs her into trouble, and she has no one to turn to. She has a sister who wont speak to her, a family who turned her out and a man she doesn’t trust following her around the city.
Will she find the answers she is looking for, and in the process let go of the past so she can finally allow someone to truly love her?
This book was very enjoyable. The writer really pulled me into the story. I stayed very absorbed, doing my own detective work. I enjoyed so many of her characters and all the different stories they each had. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction, with a little mystery mixed in!
Heather Ring says that books are her plane ticket into another world, “I’d feel lost with out them. Reading is a part of me. However I am also an avid lover of the outdoors and pouring into my creative outlets. But I think my biggest passion, is spending time with my family and friends.”
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
A Season of Tending by Woodsmall
Rhoda Byler has a gift. One that has caused her community to shy away from her. Not only does she have an herb and berry garden that seems to produce when no others are, she also has been known to predict certain harmful events.
A Season of Tending
Amish Vines of the Orchards, book 1
By Cindy Woodsmall
Waterbrook Press
September 2012
Already shrouded by the guilt of her unfortunate past, the town’s sneers and insinuations only push her further into her garden and the only work she loves. It’s the one place she can hear her sisters voice and try to drown out the constant ridicule.
Digging her fingers into the dirt one morning, she finds a girl sleeping in her berries, clearly having been there all evening. Finding she is Amish, despite her clothing, she finds out how to return her home.
She is nettled by the stern older brother who shows up to claim her. Frustrated at her attempts to get him to see things her way, she is glad to see him leave. And very surprised when she sees him returning not a few days later. And this time with a business proposition.
Who is this man who has waltzed into her life so suddenly? Helping to pick of the pieces of his failing orchard may be just the distraction she needs. Could this be the ticket out from under the accusing stares of her neighbors? Or will she get much more than she could have ever bargained for?
I have to say, I have not met a book by this author that I have not enjoyed. From her very first book I have loved her stories, and this is no exception. She does such a great job weaving so many types of characters into her books. I always love to see how the story twists and turns. I am on pins and needles for the next book in this series. Very well done! Highly recommend!
Heather Ring says that books are her plane ticket into another world, “I’d feel lost with out them. Reading is a part of me. However I am also an avid lover of the outdoors and pouring into my creative outlets. But I think my biggest passion, is spending time with my family and friends.”
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
A Home in Drayton Valley by Sawyer
A story of hope, heart aches, disappointments, and love.
A Home in Drayton Valley
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Bethany House
October 2012
Tarsie Raines and her friend Joss and Mary Brubacher with their two children leave 1880 New York for Kansas. Tarsie hopes to get her friend Mary to a warmer climate, Mary is sickly and conditions in New York are not helping her. They hook up with an unusual wagon train. All the members and the Wagon Master are black. Joss is very prejudice and is reluctant to follow a black man, but Mary’s pleas prevail and they set off. Tradegy strikes on the trail and Mary passes away from her illness. Before she dies she ask Tarsie to take care of her children and to love Joss and bring him to Lord. Tarsie promised Mary, but how can she love Joss – he is mean, prejudice and has a foul temper. However, she did promise Mary and she would try to honor Mary’s last wish. When the train arrives in Kansas, the wagon train goes on it way and Joss and Tarsie set out for Drayton Valley. Tarsie tells Joss about Mary’s dying wish and ask him to marry her. Joss is reluctant to do so, but he needs someone to care for the children so he agrees,
Life in Drayton Valley is hard for Tarsie. Joss isn’;t interested in her as a woman – he only wants her to take care of the children and him. Tarsie meets Ruth, a colored women, with three children. Her husband is the boss at the local winery where Joss is now employed. Ruth befriends Tarsie and she agrees to teach Ruth how to read. Joss is dead set against this and forbids her to teach Ruth. She ignores him and the entire town and continues to seek out Ruth.
Tarsie has come to the end of her rope. She is leaving Joss and the children. This is very hard on her as she loves the children as her own and to her surprise has fallen in love with Joss. Joss is arrested for stealing. and Tarsie is held captive by the men that are responsible for the theft.
A very interesting ending. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It will make you laugh, make you cry, you will experience the prejudice against the colored people, and you will pray that Tarsie finds the love and peace she so richly deserves.
Highly recommended.
Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, is an 80 year old avid reader reviews the newest in Christian fiction and non-fiction with a sprinkle of the secular on top..
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Touching the Sky by Peterson
Laura Marquardt has a problem. She is drawn to the dashing Captain Brandon Reid. The only problem – he is a Yankee and she is every bit a southern belle fresh from the tragedy of the Civil War.
Touching the Sky
Land of the Lone Star 2
by Tracie Peterson
Bethany House
June 2012
She is deeply concerned that her young sister Carissa is being courted by Malcolm – an ex-
Confederate soldier. He seems too good to be true. Her parents are all for the marriage, but Laura has her suspicions. Laura wants to educate the freed slaves. This, of course, is a no-no. Who ever heard of such a thing. Her father and the town people are deadly against a young women dealing with the Negros.
After the marriage, Laura discovers her sister is being abused by her husband. She takes matters into her own hands and brings Carissa to her parents home. Malcolm is very angry and kidnaps Laura and Carissa.. It is up to Captain Reid and his men to rescue the women and foil Malcolm’s plot to destroy the town.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Ms. Peterson does an excellent job of describing the feelings of the people that existed between the Confederates and Yankees. The war is over, but the hostilities remain. The defeat of the South is a bitter reality.
Highly recommended.
Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, is an 80 year old avid reader reviews the newest in Christian fiction and non-fiction with a sprinkle of the secular on top..
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Against The Tide by Elizabeth Camden
After her life is turned upside down as a child, Lydia Pallas battled back and used her incredible intelligence to create a new life for herself. Having gained a position as a translator for the Navy, she focuses on creating stability in her life. All of that will be changed with the acceptance of an offer from Alexander Banebridge.
Against The Tide
by Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House
September 2012
During his childhood, Alexander Banebridge, or Bane as he chooses to be called, was delivered into a life of control and imprisonment by the Professor. The Professor had spent years creating a very elaborate criminal system, dealing specifically in the trade of opium. After escaping the control of the Professor through freedom in Christ, Bane has made it his life’s work to destroy the opium trade.
In order to find the information he needs, Bane enlists Lydia’s help to translate documents. This is the only way that Bane will be able to gain the upper hand in his quest and stop the Professor for good. What follows is a journey through intrigue and political roadblocks, with a little love thrown in for good measure.
When I started the novel, I am not really sure what I was expecting. As the city of Boston is one of my great loves, I picked this book up based on the setting for the novel. Since Camden focuses mainly on story and not scenery, it’s important to note that there are not a great deal of long descriptive passages in the novel. There is also very little in the way of history of the characters. You get glimpses into their pasts, but it is just enough to keep you from wondering why they have ended up as they have. Camden explains their tales in a very straightforward way and focuses on the present tense.
That’s the only small quibble I have with the novel. I am a reader driven by the history and the motivation of characters. I like for this to remain a bit hidden, to be revealed through actions and climatic points in the novel. If you are a reader who likes the information to be given up front and without preamble, then this novel will work well for you.
That being said, I also allow work to stand on its own merit outside of my personal likes as a reader. Camden’s story has enough tension to keep you reading, and the story is fast-paced. There was no point in my reading where I had a desire to skip pages because of dragging story line. Her focus is primarily on driving forward, which is a great aspect to her writing.
Another high point for Camden is that she has created a strong female character in Lydia Pallas. There are few things that will turn me away from a book faster than a female character who withers in the face of adversity. Lydia faces adversity at every turn and refuses to back down from any challenge that Camden creates for her. From childhood through the end of the novel, Lydia has to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds in order to come out on top at the end.
And in the end: she does.
Robin Gwaro is a founding book review blogger at Bookgateway.com and has generously supplied this review. She describes herself as “a woman just trying to keep it all together. Most days, I have the juggling act down! Others, I have the broom and dustpan handy to clean up the mess. My life is not always easy, it is not always neat, but it is always worth every minute!” Her personal blog is Just Wandering. Not Lost.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Courting Cate by Gould
In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!
Courting Cate
by Leslie Gould
Bethany House
November 2012
But the sisters’ wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor-until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.
Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate’s hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?
My Thoughts: It’s easy to tell by my book reviews that I like Amish Fiction. This is the first book that I have read by Leslie Gould and I wasn’t disappointed.
Cate figures that she will be an old maid, since she doesn’t think anyone could put up with her temper. Having raised her younger sister Betsy since birth and being in charge of her father’s business office has made Cate fairly independent.
When Betsy starts courting, their father issues an edict: Betsy cannot get married or court until Cate does. At the same time as the declaration, Pete, an Amish man from New York, comes to Lancaster County, and begins to court Cate. She, however, is immediately suspicious.
Anyone who has read the Shakespeare play, or even seen some of the numerous movie, television, and book adaptations (including the Heath Ledger classic 10 Things I Hate About You) will be able to guess how the story goes. However, it’s still a wonderful book, and I couldn’t put it down. This is a great story with many twists and turns. Why did Pete leave his family? Will Pete and Cate get together? Can the fiery Cate actually be tamed?
Amish fiction fans will recognize Gould from the Women of Lancaster County series she co-wrote with Mindy Starns Clark, but this book showcases Gould as an Amish author on her own. Courting Cate is the beginning of the Courtships of Lancaster County series, and if the rest of the series is as good as this title, I have a feeling it will be in high demand.
Cate was a lot of fun and added a lot of personality to this story. All the characters felt real and very likable. This is somewhat of a twist on your Amish Fiction which I find refreshing. You still see Cate’s grace and dignity and her relationship with her Savoir shine through in all situations.
Thanks for a well written book with delightful characters. I look forward to reading more in this series and by the author.
ReneeK is a sweet tea addicted mamma who loves to cuddle up to a good book. She blogs at Little Homeschool on the Praire and writes about family, homeschooling, having a special needs child, and about whatever else tickles her fancy.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
The Memory Jar by Goyer
Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love. Since the tragic death of her best friend, Patty. She carries a lot of guilt because of her tragic accident. She holds her feeling inside.
The Memory Jar
Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors #1
By Tricia Goyer
Zondervan
October 2012
Sarah loves to bake cupcakes and would love to own her own bakery someday. She discovers that she has a talent that God created in her that is different than most in her Amish community. She finds herself at odds with most in the Amish community that believe that Sarah is going too far in her creativity and many find it prideful, but Sarah sees things differently.
Jathan Schrock came to hunt and try to figure out his future with his responsibilities that are expected of him from his family back home in Berlin, Ohio. What he wasn’t planning on was Sarah Shelter to captivate him.
My thoughts: Tricia Goyer did an amazing job with this story. Her characters were deep, heart touching and very likable. I enjoyed how different this story is from most Amish novels. It was very refreshing. I loved that I didn’t know what would happen next. The conclusion of the story was fun and nothing like I expected.
The Memory Jar is a captivating story that kept me wondering it was going to end. I hope to see these characters in another one of the author’s novels.
ReneeK is a sweet tea addicted mamma who loves to cuddle up to a good book. She blogs at Little Homeschool on the Praire and writes about family, homeschooling, having a special needs child, and about whatever else tickles her fancy.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
The Breath of Dawn by Heitzmann
Wow, another amazing story by Kristen Heitzmann. I requested the book because of the author and the other books I have read of hers. I was surprised that Noelle, and Rick and Morgan Spencer from,” A Rush of Wings” and “Still of the Night” are characters in this story.
The Breath of Dawn
by Kristen Heitzmann
Bethany House
November 2012
I like how the characters grew in their faith. It gave you enough history of the characters to know what the other two previous books are about without making it drawn out. Kristen does it and this story is just as good if not better than her other novels. You do not need to read those novels to enjoy this one. I promise this is a stand-alone novel, but it will make you want to read those two novels.
This was an amazing well written novel, with such endearing characters. I felt like I was right there in the middle of everything. I loved Quinn Reilly character. Her faith and courage are inspiring. This book is a real page turner that will inspire you and have you staying up late to finish it. If you like suspense then this is a wonderful read.
Reading about Morgan and knowing his history from the other stories is fun. He is so real and seeing how his relationship developed with the Savior is encouraging. Morgan is a fun character in this novel. This book is a reminder that Jesus never leaves or forsakes us. Thanks Kristen for inspiring and intriguing me.
ReneeK is a sweet tea addicted mamma who loves to cuddle up to a good book. She blogs at Little Homeschool on the Praire and writes about family, homeschooling, having a special needs child, and about whatever else tickles her fancy.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
