Book Nook Club: Reviewed by Applied Christianity

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March 1, 2013

The Tutor's Daughter

I recieved The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen from Bethany House Pulishers for review through their blogger review program.

This book takes place in a seaside manor in England during the 1800's. The manor is owned by the Weston family. The father has four sons: two elder brothers from a first marriage and two younger ones with the current Mrs. Weston. The story revolves around Emma Smallwood whose father has been hired to be the live-in tutor of the two younger Weston brothers. She has grown up in a boys' academy and is used to pranks, but life in the Westons' manor is getting out of hand. Pranks, secrets, and betrayal all come into play with Emma growing and learning through it all. I am sure this book was marketed as a Christian historical romance, but I found it a very refreshing mystery. I enjoyed the fact that the mystery does not revolve around a murder. Instead the family's secret is the main plot path. Julie Klassen adds plenty of twists and suspense to keep you guessing.

There is, of course, a romance in the book as well. The two elder Weston brothers are well know to Emma from their days at the academy. She admires one and is wary of the other. Throughout the book, Emma must learn to deal with the men they have become and leave behind the boys they were.

One of the morals of this story is to live life to the fullest today and not wait for "someday". Another moral is to be willing to take a risk to achieve your goals. Both of these concepts change Emma's life and it was very fun to see her change into a better person because of them.

I would really recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery and/or historical fiction.
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April 18, 2011

Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock

I received my review copy of Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock from Bethany House a few days ago. I offered to review it because I had gotten into a Christian romance rut and thought that this would be a change of pace, and it certainly was.

This book is still "Christian" though very subtly so. It is very down-to-earth with normal people and common problems living in a realistic late '60's America. It is a well-written book with very believable characters. There are many life issues explored in the book. Race relations, spousal abuse, old age, losing childhood innocence, and the Vietnam War are all woven into this intriguing tale.

The thing I liked most about this book is how it shows God’s hand weaving together the lives of two families. It shows how he can work in bad times to bring about good.

Despite all of the excellent writing, I can’t bring myself to give this book five stars. I read books for a relaxing escape. There was just too much real world here. Of course, this is probably a defect of mine and not the book.

So if you are looking for a break from romantic flights of fancy, this is a great book to read. It has depth and life lessons and other things worth contemplating. I guess that I prefer something more light-hearted.

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June 18, 2009

Urchin of the Riding Stars by M. I. McAllister

Urchin of the Riding Stars is a very excellent book if you don't mind two things: 1. talking animals 2. sad real world issues

This book is the first in the Mistmantle Series. (I think there are four total so far.) Mistmantle is an island inhabited and ruled by talking animals. The story is about a somewhat "freakish" squirrel, Urchin, who lives on an island called Mistmantle. The plot reveals some sad issues that reflect on our own world such as "culling" (killing of babies that aren't perfect by order of the king) and rationing supplies so that the bad guy can use the surplus for his own evil schemes.

Urchin is a good hero. He is hard-working, loyal, willing to learn, and respectful of others. He is young and wants to prove himself. You can't help but like him.

Mistmantle is protected by Heart who seems symbolic for God. We don't learn much about Heart in this book, but I suspect we will in the next ones. There are definite spiritual and governmental undertones that I enjoyed.

I think this would be a good book to be read by parents and children together so that the hard issues raised can be discussed.

5 stars.

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May 27, 2009

Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley

I received this book to read and review through the Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger Program. It's one of the first non-fiction books I've read in a long time, and it made me want to start reading more informational type books because this was thought-provoking for me.

This book is about what Stanley calls "The Principle of the Path." Basically the principle he sets out in the book is that the decisions you make determine your destination. He goes on to explain the more intricate details of this principle such as the fact that we tend to sway towards the things that grab our attention and that in order to be where we want to be in our lives, we need to make the decisions that will get us there not just think about what we need to do to get there.

So I know this doesn't sound that compelling but for me it was eye opening for the sake that it reminded me that no matter how good my intentions are, it doesn't do any good unless I take action on those intentions. I'm not going to lose weight if I just think about how I should not eat that second piece of cake (or first for that matter), and I won't strengthen relationships if I only think about calling up that old friend. Stanley uses a lot of real-life examples that really brought all of his points home for me, and I've definitely started thinking more about where I spend my time and the decisions I make since I read this book.

One of the last parts of the principle is that sometimes we just need to allow ourselves to be directed by God's will for us rather than trying to decide what's best for ourselves. Stanley really demonstrates this point well as a final culmination on the principle that comes around full circle- our decisions determine our destination, but the destination we're trying to reach should ultimately be determined by God. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone really because do you know anyone that's really in the exact place they want to be in all parts of their life? We could all use a little guidance on making good decisions. 4 stars.

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May 22, 2009

The Restorer by Sharon Hinck

The Restorer by Sharon Hinck is the first in the Sword of Lyric series. After reading it, I am excited about reading the next two. This book is about a typical suburban mom, Susan, who is looking for renewal in her life and her relationship with the Lord. Her husband builds her a get-away nook in their attic. But he doesn't realize how far away she will get.

She is whisked away to an alternate universe where her faith is challenged and her weakness turned to strength for God's glory. The world she finds herself in is very interesting and rather reminiscent of the Old Testament days of the judges, but with some very interesting technology.

There are many interesting twists and turns in the plot. This kept the reading interesting. The ending was especially a surprise.

I found the way that marriage was honored especially nice. The hero and heroine are both married to other people but there is never a hint of disloyalty. They show brotherly love to each other and deep devotion/affection to their spouses.

I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars.

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April 21, 2009

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trinton Lee Stewart

Wickle and son introduced me to The Mysterious Benedict Society. After reading the first one I couldn't wait to read the second book entitled The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey.

The second book did not disappoint. In fact, in some ways I thought it was better than the first one. For example, Constance is less annoying. (Whether because she is more mature or I just understand her better, I am unsure.) And in this story they all have families instead of being all alone in the world.

Like the first book, Perilous Journey showcases how giftedness comes in various forms and sizes. We are shown that bravery isn't being fearless. Love is shown as requiring personal sacrifice.

The only thing that I found annoying was that there wasn't more violence at the end. But I suppose that you can't have kids blowing people up in a book meant for kids. And I suppose if all the villains were dead, there wouldn't be a book three. (Its coming out in October 2009. :) I already have it on my wishlist.)

I think this series will appeal to rather intellectual kids (and grownups that don't think kidlit is beneath them). There is lots of clue finding and problem solving (though less Morse code) just like in the first book. It is rather a long book, but well worth every page.

I give this book 5 stars.

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April 19, 2009

Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen

I do not remember how I stumbled upon Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen, but I am so glad that I did. It is a heart-wrenching (though not unbearably so) and heart-warming story of an unwed mother set in England during the early 1800's. It was quite the page-turner. This is not because it is suspenseful really but because I really liked the main character, Charlotte Lamb, and wanted to know what became of her.

It is a story of womanly issues (childbirth, breastfeeding, a mother's sacrifice) so I doubt many men would like the book. On the other hand, being an ex-doula and current childbirth educator, it was right up my alley. It was fascinating to see how far we have come in many ways. It was refreshing to read a tale of maternal sacrifice when so often children are treated as talking pets in our society.

Honor and romance also figure into the story. It pits the flattery and eye-lash batting kind against the thoughtful and subtler kind. It shows love as doing what is best for the other person. It shows marriage as a commitment and a tender thing between a man and a woman.

This book also made me think about the balance between God's grace and a world of consequences. It is a thought provoking book in many respects, yet it is not preachy.

I gladly give this book 5 stars.

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April 9, 2009

Spring Growth

Tis the season of new growth, isn't it? Well, the Book Nook is growing, too!

Applied Christianity found out about us through Wickle and is joining our ranks! She's a wife and mother of 2 from Texas. Her personal blog is Christianity Lived Out. Welcome, AC!

As always, if you are interested in become a Book Nook reviewer, email me (Ronnica) at thereaderscircle (at) gmail (dot) com. There's no requirement to be a reviewer, other than to want to share the books you've loved or hated!

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March 1, 2013

The Tutor's Daughter

April 18, 2011

Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock

June 18, 2009

Urchin of the Riding Stars by M. I. McAllister

May 27, 2009

Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley

May 22, 2009

The Restorer by Sharon Hinck

April 21, 2009

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trinton Lee Stewart

April 19, 2009

Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen

April 9, 2009

Spring Growth

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