Bride Ships, History and Romance! --"The Runaway Bride" by Jody Hedlund—Review

My Review


Are you looking for a swoon-worthy read with lots of heart?  “The Runaway Bride” by Jody Hedlund is exactly that.  This book is the second book in the “The Bride Ships” series but can be read as a standalone. 

"The Runaway Bride" by Jody Hedlund tackles some fascinating subjects—one being “bride ships.”  Prior to reading this book, I did not know anything about this subject.  I loved reading about Arabella, an aristocrat from England in the 1860s, who rode on a bride ship to Vancouver Island.  Like the author states in her author’s note, I was interested to read about what might make someone take this journey. 

In addition to Arabella, there is Pete, a hero that many ladies will swoon after.  He is the town’s baker in this wild new land, and he has a soft heart.  He cares about the Natives, even though many look down on them, especially during the smallpox outbreak.  He defends them and helps them.  This book shows that we are not all that different, despite our race or our class.  There are so many divides during this time period, but the characters of this story learn that the Lord looks not at the outward appearance, but at the heart. 

I really appreciate the faith aspects in “The Runaway Bride.”  Arabella has been through a lot in her past and she is able to learn that God can use one’s suffering and pain to help others in the same situation.   Pete and Arabella learn to not live life according to the expectations of others but to find direction from God alone.  They also experience lessons in courage and forgiveness.  What a wonderful and encouraging read!

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating.  Some examples of the content are: mention of half-naked natives; a woman was physically abused and she has flashbacks; people drink alcohol; a man struggles with desires of the flesh; a man tries to force his attentions on a woman; a brief scene of a man beating a woman.

Rating:  I give this book 4 stars. 

I want to thank Jody Hedlund and Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author 

Wife, mom, teacher, author, kisser of scraped knees, encourager of the downtrodden, guzzler of coffee, and, most importantly, passionate follower of Jesus. 

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Visit the Story of Esther in a New Way--"Star of Persia: Esther's Story" by Jill Eileen Smith—Review

My Review


"Star of Persia: Esther's Story" by Jill Eileen Smith is a retelling of the book of Esther from the Bible.  I love the story of Esther and Esther as a person.  She has always struck me as being so brave amid some very scary and life-threatening circumstances.  This retelling by Ms. Smith does a wonderful job of bringing this well-known story to life.  I love entering Esther’s world and the opulent world of the palace.  Ms. Smith transports the reader to the biblical time period.  I especially love how she makes these characters come to life, with fears, thoughts and motives.  I especially enjoyed reading more about Queen Vashti.  "Star of Persia: Esther's Story" makes me appreciate the biblical story even more and I loved reading the story from my Bible along with the book.  Fans of biblical fiction and the story of Esther will especially love this retelling.

Content:  I give this book a PG-13 rating.  Some examples of the content are: talk of sharing a bed; concubines; mention of people sleeping together; a man is said to be a drunkard; fade-to-black married sex; talk of sleeping together; a steamy scene when Esther first visits the king, but no sex.

Rating: I give this book 4 stars.

I want to thank Revell and Jill Eileen Smith for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author 

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, the Daughters of the Promised Land, the Wives of the Patriarchs, the Loves of King Solomon and Heart of the King, the nonfiction When Life Doesn’t Match Your Dreams, and Star of Persia, Esther’s Story. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.

When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable, “helpful” cat Tiger. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

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A Fun and Handy Accessory for every Household! --Magnetic Leather Pen Holder—Review

My Review

I love these Magnetic Leather Pen Holders!  They are great to keep your pens and pencils handy so that you’re not always trying to find something to take notes with or write with.  I know for me; we are always losing pens and I can never find one when I want to add something to the grocery list.  This pen holder will go perfectly on our refrigerator next to our grocery list.  It’s also great for writers and book reviewers, like myself.  I can now have a pen handy for when inspiration hits or I need to take notes on my current review book.  I put it on my metal library cart in my study, right by my reading and blogging area.  These are very well made, and they look great.  They can also fit more than one pen or pencil.  I highly recommend this product and my husband is already trying to steal mine!

 

I want to thank Heyrtz for the complimentary product for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.  

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