The Midwife's Tale - Delia Parr

The Midwife’s Tale  - by Delia Parr

            When I received my copy of The Midwife’s Tale, I was so excited.  I loved the premise of this story.  I loved the cover art.  I was ready to dive in to this wonderful story.  

            I opened the book and from the first several pages, I thought I had found a new favorite book.  However, my excitement faded quickly.  It wasn’t the story.  Honestly, it was me.  I really do not enjoy reading books for fun that are written from a third person perspective.   I love reading all the thoughts going on inside the heads of the major characters.    If I had a super power – and it is a good thing I don’t – it would be mindreading.  I am fascinated by what makes people tick.

            I made it to my “Five Chapter Rule” in the book.  AND I really do think MANY if not MOST will love this story.  I loved how the women worked together to help others.  I love it when people stand up for their beliefs.  I just evidently have personal problems that kept me from enjoying this story.

I was given a copy of the book by Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

The Hiding Place – Corrie Ten Boom (Adapted by Elizabeth and John Sherrill to a Young Reader’s Edition)

The Hiding Place – Corrie Ten Boom (Adapted by Elizabeth and John Sherrill to a Young Reader’s Edition)

            The Hiding Place is such a hard story to read.  I believe it is hard because the persecution of Jews is just a difficult topic.   Another reason would be that I ask myself if I would have put myself in danger for another people group.  I would hope so, but who really knows unless you are facing the unimaginable!

            This Young Reader’s Edition (geared towards ages 9-12) is a wonderful adaptation of the life, love, beliefs and hardships faced by the Ten Boom family.  This family read, believed and lived God’s word.  Their story is somewhat condensed in this Young Reader’s edition, but not watered down.  It doesn’t stray from the true story, or candy-coat the hard details.  I love the pencil illustrations that are seen throughout the book.

            Buy this book!  Read it aloud with your children.   Thank you Chosen Books for the copy I was given in exchange for an honest review.

Hearts Made Whole - Jody Hedlund

Hearts Made Whole – Jody Hedlund

            After reading Hearts Made Whole, Jody Hedlund keeps her spot on my favorite authors list.   

            Caroline is the dutiful oldest daughter who finds herself in the position of authority in her family.  Grace, worry and frustration fill her as she deals with raising her siblings, loses her job, and lives in her community.

            Ryan comes in to take over her job.  Haunted by demons in his past, he struggles with the right thing to do.

            What I liked about this book:

-       Caroline loves her family, and she grows frustrated with them.  That is real.  I do think she “got over” the frustration WAY easier than I would have, but at least it showed the struggle!

-       Ryan realizes he has major problems he needs to overcome, and he struggles through it.  He loses some battles, and he wins some battles!

-       Although Tessa works hard and seems to love her family, she is 18 and think she knows better.  TRUTH!  After she makes a serious mistake, she learns her lesson even though she is suffering the consequences of the mistake!

-       The bad guys lose.  Who doesn’t like it when the bad guys get what they earned?!!

I have yet to read a book by Jody Hedlund that I haven’t loved!  BUY this book! 

London Tides - Carla Laureano

London Tides - Carla Laureano

Hmmmm….where do I begin?  London Tides wasn’t quite what I expected.  I am still trying to decide if that is good or bad.   I didn’t realize it was in a series, and I found myself breaking MY rule of reading books out of order!

Grace made decisions when she was younger that led her down more than one rough road.  These rough patches led to a horrible case of PTSD, and away from her soon-to-be husband, Ian. 

            Ian is almost 40.  He has settled into a mundane life of rowing, work, and an occasional date.  Born into money he doesn’t have to work, but he still hasn’t decided what he should do when he “grows up”.

            What I liked:

-       Ian looked past what his “upper crust” expectations of what an “acceptable” mate would look like – and act like.

-       Asha, Grace’s friend, loved well.

-       Ian’s friends were willing to say the “hard stuff” to him.

-       Humanitarian needs were discussed and talked about in this book.

-       I did like the ending.  (You are welcome for the lack of a spoiler!)

What I didn’t like:

-       David C. Cook is a Christian Publishing House.  God wasn’t mentioned much – or at all – until very close to the end of the book.  Ian and Grace had lived together earlier in their life.  Then at the end of the book, they talk about God, there wasn’t anything that mentioned how they found their faith.

-       Don’t get me wrong, I am all for a good kiss!  I did like it only contained kissing, and they would stop before things got out of hand.  However, it wasn’t mentioned why they stopped.  I mean, they did previously live together!  I would have like to have been informed about their new found convictions.

Soooo…you will have to read it for your self and form an opinion for yourself.  I am NO help with this one…..However, I think I WILL read the third book in the series.

I was given London Tides as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Once Upon a Summer - Melody Carlson

Once Upon a Summertime – Melody Carlson

I first discovered Melody Carlson with her Dear Daphne series, and I am still hoping for a third book in that series to let me know what happened!  When Once Upon a Summertime became available for review , I was jumping up and down with my hand up in the air screaming, “Pick me!  Pick me!”  Thanks, Revell!

What did I love about this book?  Let me count the ways….       

1.                    The main character, Anna, had a good head on her shoulders.  She respected her grandmother, did hard things, was responsible, and loyal.

2.                    Although the story began in a small town, it quickly moved to NYC.  NYC is one of my favorite places in the whole world.  Granted I haven’t been around the whole world, but I love it there!  I  have walked the neighborhoods in the book.  LOVE IT!  It was like a little getaway for me!

3.                    The male lead, Sean, was a little too good to be true.  However, I did like him.  Sean had a plan for just about everything.  I do wish we could have had a glimpse of what was going on in his head!

4.                    Anna’s friend, Marley, got on my nerves!  It was like she couldn’t make up her mind…be nice to Anna or be a little controlling.  She did get it together, but I really didn’t like her!  (To me, that is a sign of great writing – when I have strong opinions about minor characters!)

5.                    I loved the cover! 

6.                    I was sad for the story to end!

I realize I didn’t reveal much about the story.  You will have to read it yourself to get the details!  You won’t be sorry!