A Novel Idea: An Essay About Books

Books have been helping introverts avoid conversation since 1448 (German inventor and craftsman Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press) and keeping readers up past their bedtime with just one more chapter by candlelight, lamp, booklight and sometimes a flashlight under the covers. 

The recent celebration of National Book Lovers Day celebrated on August 9th inspired me to write a brief essay on, you guessed it, books. As if bookworms need a reason to talk about or commemorate their fondness for books. A few other notable 'book' related holidays are:

• Library Lovers Day (February 14th)
• National Write Your Story Day (March 14th)
• National Read a Book Day (September 6th) - my personal favorite! 

In case you need a more convincing reason, reading just 6 minutes a day can reduce stress by 68%.  Other benefits of reading: 

• Can also improve vocabulary
• Increase writing skills
• Help to develop empathy
• Improves memory
• Boosts knowledge and brainpower 
• Improves your focus and concentration

In this 21st century, modern age of technology you can listen to audiobooks, read digitial/E-books on your kindle or choose the good old-fashioned book in your hands. There's nothing quite like the feel of a book in your hands. You're not limited to one style of reading. I often go between reading paperbacks and audiobooks.

I couldn't resist including a few of my favorite quotes about books:

1. “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." C.S. Lewis
2. "Some books are so familiar that reading them is like being home again." Louisa May Alcott 
3. "If a book is well written I always find it too short." Jane Austen
4. "No two persons ever read the same book." Edmund Wilson 
5. "Reading is a conversation. All books talk. But a good book listens well." Mark Haddon 

I hope these quotes and scientific facts inspire you to pick up a book and dive into the experience! What are you waiting for? Adventure awaits you in the pages of a story.  

Reading is adventure,

Emilee 

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor: An Enchanting Christmastime Romance

 

I've been daydreaming of diving into the cover of Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor since I first saw the cover reveal of Rosanna M. White's gorgeous new standalone novel.  When I found out I was on the launch team I was absolutely ecstatic. 

With Christmas around the corner at Plumford Manor, Lady Mariah Lyons, stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton can barely contain her excitement and joy for Christmas. I loved Mariah's eagerness for this holiday season, her bliss over sugar plums, and the happiness she receives from serving others particularly children. Her creative, fanciful imagination was infectious and delightful. I appreciated that her family accepted her whimsical personality and didn't try to change her.  

Mariah is at a crossroads in her life. She's trying to decide whether to leave what society considers as "childish" imaginations and becoming more of what the culture during the Gilded Age era expected of her.  

Childhood friend and heir to Plumford Manor, Cyril Lightbourne arrives prior to the Christmas festivities and finds his friendship with Mariah rekindled. What I loved about Cyril and Mariah's relationship is their reminiscing over childhood memories, but also, he sees her for the jewel she is. Who doesn't want to be seen and admired for who they are rather than be molded into what people deem acceptable? 

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor is an Edwardian retelling of The Nutcracker. If you LOVE reading Christmas stories early you need to add this to your TBR pile. It's an enchanting and romantic read coupled with the theme of this story which is striving to bring joy to whomever the Lord puts in our path, and it was beautifully illustrated in heroine Mariah. You can't help but be drawn to her because of the delight she radiates.   

I found myself smiling a lot while reading Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor and finished it in a matter of days. And I wanted to live the world Roseanna M. White created. It's on my "keep" and "re-read" shelf and not to be missed.

~~Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor was provided to me by the author and publisher in return for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

Meeting Her Match: Sadly Not a Solid Conclusion to Jen Turano's Matchmaker series

If you love to laugh while reading, I recommend picking up a Jen Turano book. She is known for her laugh-out-loud trademark humor that will have you giggling from page one. After loving A Match in the Making and To Spark a Match in her Matchmaker series, I was eager to read the 3rd book Meeting Her Match. 

After her own heartbreak seven years ago, Camilla Pierpont became a prominent matchmaker for New York’s upper crust, vowing never to marry herself. Instead, she dedicates herself to helping other ladies of the ton find matches. When Owen Chesterfield seeks out Camilla, desperate to save his sister from being exiled by society, he turns to her with confidence. Having heard of her success with Adelaide Duveen, he believes she is the only one who can salvage his sister's reputation.

I really enjoyed the main characters chemistry. Camilla is accustomed to men fawning over her and Owen is unlike any man she's met. He often unintendedly insults her, and she's intrigued by this. I also really enjoyed Owen's grandmother Mee-maw who was an absolute hoot! She had the funniest lines in the story, and I loved how direct she was with everyone. 

However, while there were funny moments in this story, if I were to rank the Matchmaker series of which book I liked the most I'd say it would be To Spark a Match, then A Match in the Making and then Meeting Her Match. I didn’t enjoy the last entry in the series as much because the heroine felt a bit too proper for my taste, and the dialogue sometimes dragged on, making it easy to lose track of the story. I would have to give this 2.5 stars for these reasons. Which is a bummer, because I love this author, but this story just didn't resonate with me. 

Have you read this book? What did you think of it? 

~~Meeting Her Match was provided to me by the author and publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

Saved by the Matchmaker is Romantic Love Story

When I saw that book 2 in Jody Hedlund's A Shanahan Series, Saved by the Matchmaker, hinted at a (one of my favorite tropes, if you’ve been around for a while), I was curious to see how it would play out.

In Calling on the Matchmaker, Enya, the middle daughter is headstrong and outspoken. Her reckless nature landed her with an annulment and a sandal that could ruin the Shanahan name. To salvage her reputation her father enlists the help of a clever matchmaker.

Due to an ultimatum from his father, Captain Sullivan O'Brien is forced to marry or forfeit his livelihood as a steamboat captain. If he's grounded, he can't aid in his secret mission to free slaves.

Both Enya and Sullivan have scars: Her's are internal and his are external. I liked how the author showed how both characters deal with them differently. Both Enya and Sullivan have scars—hers are internal, and his are external. I appreciated how the author skillfully portrayed the different ways they cope with their wounds, highlighting their unique struggles. This contrast made Sullivan one of my favorite heroes that Jody Hedlund has created. His thoughtfulness and patience with Enya, despite his own visible scars, added depth to his character and made their relationship even more compelling.

The pacing of this book is set up so well. You are right in the action, starting with Enya's annulment then hasty marriage of convenience to O'Brien and then their adjusting to marriage Ms. Hedlund's provides a great blend of humorous, tense, and swoon-worthy moments throughout the story.

I listened to the audiobook version of Saved by the Matchmaker, and I noticed that in this book the author had more character internal analysis. Gaining insight into their thoughts gave you a greater understanding and depth to the characters. One of Hedlund's strengths as an author is a chemistry between the hero and heroine and she delivers in Saved by the Matchmaker. 

If you are a strict closed door romance reader, I'm noticing author Jody Hedlund pushes the envelope a bit in this series, with a little bit more suggestive language and focusing on physical side of a relationship and making it an emphasis to the plot. If you're okay with that I'd recommend reading this series, if you are not then I might pass. 

Saved by the Matchmaker is a romantic book that'll sweep you away with a beautiful love story. 

Julia Monroe Begins Again: Contemporary Romance, An Impressive Debut

I’ve seen my bookworm friends rave about this book on social media for months. Confession: I’m not usually a fan of cartoon cover art. But the title and premise intrigued me enough to "temporarily" set aside my dislike of illustrated covers

Debut author Rebekah Millet's novel, Julia Monroe Begins Again is a heartwarming story of second chances and forgiveness. I found Rebekah's writing to be witty, sharp, and engaging. Her clever use of pop culture references added humor and relatability to the story. Her author's voice was fresh and delightful. 

For widow Julia Monroe turning 40 opens up a new chapter in her life after the last decade of being a single parent and empty nest syndrome with her two boys off at college. 

Samuel Reed, former Green Beret and the man who shattered her heart twenty years ago is back in town and attending her church. 

Rebekah does a great job of "will-they-won't they" get together scenarios. And realistically, Julia has trust issues and is reluctant to date Samuel after having her heart broken the first time around. She wrestles with the question of if God does a work in someone can they truly change? 

One aspect, I appreciated was how the main characters attend church, but also volunteered their time and gifts to the church's outreach ministries. Also, I liked they she showed some of their struggles in their walks of faith. I felt like Julia and Samuel were striving purposely not perfectly to walk the walk and talk the talk. 

Reading about a heroine my own age was interesting and refreshing. If I was to rank Rebekah's debut novel, I'd give it 4 stars for the innovative writing, but ultimately knock off half a star (3 1/2 stars) because I felt one of the heroine's issues in the book dragged on a little too long for my taste. 

Rebekah Millet is a brand-new voice in the contemporary romantic Christan fiction, and I look forward to reading more books by her. Have you read this book? What did you think of the heroine’s journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Reading is an Advanture,

Emilee 

Between the Sound and the Sea is a Beautiful Dual-Time Love Story

If you have been living under a rock and haven't read any of Christy-award winning author Amanda Cox's books you are in for a treat. Her books have become automatic pre-order for me, and I had the joy and privilege of receiving an ARC copy of her newest release Between the Sount and Sea. 

Josephina "Joey" Harris' muddied reputation damages her event planning career in her hometown. Her best friend convinces to apply for a job restoring a decommissioned lighthouse restoration project in North Carolina.  And this is where the story gets interesting.

Hero Finnegan "Finn" O'Hare isn't initially impressed with Joey when he meets her and thinks his grandfather Walt's vision for restoring the lighthouse is not a wise financial move. When Walt takes a liking to Joey, he reluctantly hires her to appease his grandfather asking her to keep an eye on his grandfather's health and report back to him. Once Finn and Joey overcome their initial incorrect impressions of one another, a friendship forms between the two. 

The quirky side characters and charming town add another layer of richness to this story that makes it a hard book to put down.  

As a reader I'm starting to notice a trend in all Amanda Cox books, and she grabs at your heartstrings with beautiful stories that have the perfect blend of family, faith, restoration and second chances. And inevitably I am going to cry at least once if not twice. So, keep a box of Kleenex within reach while reading her books. 

If you love dual-time romance stories with depth you need to add Between the Sound and the Sea at the top of your TBR pile. Having read all of Amanada Cox's other books I think Between the Soud and the Sea might just be her most romantic story yet. 

~~ I received an ARC copy of Between the Sound and the Sea in return for my honest opinion I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. ~~

Until Our Time Comes is a Fantastic Debut Novel

Author Nicole M. Miller crafts a fantastic debut novel Until Our Time Comes. Set during WWII, this page-turning story, inspired by true events, combines danger, mystery, and romance all in one.

Adia Kensington is an American horse trainer working at the renowned Janow Podlaski stables in Poland where the best Arabian horses are bred. Little does she know that the beginning of the war will threaten her beloved horses at every turn. Confession: I've never been an animal lover. But after reading Until Our Time Comes, I had a deeper respect and appreciation for animals. Adia's devotion and passion for horses and children and her bravery were just a few of her characteristics that made you fall in love with her as a heroine. 

Bret Conway, a spy posing as a reporter at Janow Podlaski, is on a covert mission to gather intelligence. However, his most challenging task soon becomes protecting Adia, a mission more perilous than he ever imagined.  

I don't know if it was because of the WWII period or the author's brilliant writing, but I really liked how a lot of the scenes between Adia and Bret had an epic, intensified romantic feel to them. Also, the author did a wonderful job of crafting side characters you come to care about, and she really has you rooting for the horses to be saved and Bret and Adia to get their happily ever after.

If you love novels set during WWII, you need to add Until Our Time Comes to your TBR pile. I read this book in three days and probably would have finished it sooner if it wasn't for life responsibilities. This is one of those stories that stays with you long after you close the book. I can't wait to read more novels by author Nicole M. Miller. 

~~Until Our Time Comes was provided to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~