The Sisters of Sea View: On Devonshire Shores #1 by Julie Klassen

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Some guests have come for a holiday, others for hidden reasons of their own . . .

When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers and her genteel sisters fear they will be forced to sell the house and separate to earn livelihoods as governesses or companions. Determined to stay together, Sarah convinces them to open their seaside home to guests to make ends meet and provide for their ailing mother. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect to receive, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is soon torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family.

Viola Summers wears a veil to cover her scar. When forced to choose between helping in her family's new guest house and earning money to hire a maid to do her share, she chooses the latter. She reluctantly agrees to read to some of Sidmouth's many invalids, preferring the company of a few elders with failing eyesight to the fashionable guests staying in their home. But when her first client turns out to be a wounded officer in his thirties, Viola soon wishes she had chosen differently. Her new situation exposes her scars--both visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.

Join the Summers sisters on the Devonshire coast, where they discover the power of friendship, loyalty, love, and new beginnings.

my thoughts:

What a charming and entertaining story! I just loved Julie Klassen's latest book, The Sisters of Sea View - it's the first in her new series, On Devonshire Shores. And let me just say, it is excellent! 

Sarah Summers' father has just passed away and now her family is in desperate need of money. So, she comes up with the idea of letting out rooms in their seaside home to guests. This will alleviate their financial concerns and help them to provide for their sick mother. Talk about a win-win. Except, that other problems manage to crop up and soon the sisters are dealing with guests, romantic entanglements, and so much more. 

Klassen has written a terrific story that introduces us to a family determined to find their footing in a new business venture that manages to open up their world in ways they hadn't imagined. I really enjoyed getting to know Sarah and her sisters, along with their guests - talk about a motley crew. I can't wait to read more about them in the stories to come in this lovely new series. The Sisters of Sea View was such a treat to read! Top notch writing, unforgettable characters, and an unputdownable story - what more could I want? 

I would happily recommend this book to fans of Klassen and anyone looking for their next great read - you are going to fallen love with this book! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publish for providing me with a copy of this book!

Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through The Prayers Of Jane Austen by Rachel Dodge

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

While much has been written about Jane Austen's life and novels, less is known about her spiritual side or the three prayers she wrote.  In Praying with Jane, Christian readers and Jane Austen fans can explore Austen's prayers in an intimate devotional format as they learn about her personal faith, her Anglican upbringing, and the spiritual truths found in her novels.

Jane Austen's faith comes to life in this beautiful 31-day devotional through her exquisite prayers, touching biographical anecdotes, and illuminating scenes from her novels.  Each daily entry includes examples from Austen's own life and novels, as well as key Scripture verses, ideas for personal application, and a prayer inspired by Jane's petitions. 

“This is the devotional I didn’t know I was missing. Dodge connects  stories from Austen’s life and the pages of her novels to her prayers and  Scripture in fresh and insightful ways. An inspiring and illuminating look at the life and faith of a beloved author.” —Anne Bogel, author, I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life and blogger, Modern Mrs. Darcy

“Rachel Dodge draws rich meaning and practical application  for modern readers from Jane Austen’s beautifully written prayers. Includes compelling accounts of Jane’s life and inspiring, heartfelt prayers to make your own. Praying with Jane is a wonderful devotional for anyone, and a  perfect gift for an Austen fan. Highly recommended.” —Julie Klassen, bestselling author, Tales from Ivy Hill

“Praying with Jane is full of rich insights into the faith of one of our greatest English writers. It offers a window into her life and writings, as well as  being a source of spiritual nourishment!” —Terry Glaspey, author, The Prayers of Jane Austen and  75 Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know

my thoughts:

As a huge fan of Austen, I was super excited to get my hands on a copy of Rachel Dodge's excellent new book, Praying with Jane.  A book that explores Austen's spiritual side and shares with us three prayers that she wrote - how could I not want to read that, right?! Especially, since I've been trying to connect with my faith more, too.  I just knew that this book would be the right fit for me.  Not only would I get to read about one of my favorite writers, but I would get to learn more about her.  Talk about the perfect combination!

This lovely slim-volume is a great guidebook to prayer.  I just loved how it was able to connect Austen's prayers to her life and her work.  The book begins with the author, Rachel Dodge, sharing with us about Jane's religious background - her father was an Anglican clergyman, prayer was a huge part of their daily lives, and she wrote her own prayers (which her sister, Cassandra, preserved).  I LOVED learning about Jane and her faith.  I felt that it provided us with a richer and deeper look at the more personal, private aspects of Jane's life.  And, I just really enjoyed reading her prayers. 

Praying with Jane is broken into three sections - one for each prayer.  The section begins with the prayer in its entirety, and then from there we get ten days of devotions.  Each devotion is made up of a quote from Jane's prayer and it is then connected to her life or a character in one of her novels. Dodge uses Scripture references to tie the prayer and correlations she makes all together.  She does a fantastic job of exploring Jane's life and faith.  I really enjoyed these devotions. And, I just loved how at the end of each daily devotion we are invited to pray.  I was drawn to each devotion by my love of Austen - I always love learning biographical tidbits about my favorite authors. I also really enjoyed Dodge's top notch writing - her love of Jane is evident in the respect and praise she shows when discussing these prayers.  I found myself enjoying this book in the evenings, as I reflected on the day itself and what I had just read in Praying with Jane.  Dodge has definitely created a terrific reading experience with this book - I just loved it to bits!  Not only did I enjoy reading Jane's prayers, but I also loved the links that Dodge made with Jane's life and novels.  In fact, this book has inspired me to reread Jane's work in the coming new year - (yes, I already have a TBR for 2019).

I would happily recommend Prayers with Jane for anyone and everyone - you will LOVE this book!!

About the author: Rachel Dodge

Rachel Dodge teaches college English and Jane Austen classes, gives talks at libraries, teas, and Jane Austen groups, and is a writer for the popular Jane Austen’s World blog. She is  passionate about prayer and the study of God’s Word. A true “Janeite” at heart, Rachel  enjoys books, bonnets, and ball gowns. She makes her home in California with her husband and their two young children.






 







Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!!

Five Days of Fear: A Novel by David Kovach

 about book: 

A RACE AGAINST TIME.

During a family picnic, Jessica Britton's well-ordered world is slammed against a brutal reality when her mom is kidnapped, her dad is shot, and authorities can find no clues to begin their investigation.  Jessica's own anxiety and fear for her mother's life compels her to help FBI agent Dan Hamilton look for motives and clues that would lead to rescuing her mom.  By chance, clues begin to emerge, and the once floundering investigation speeds to a hectic race against time and criminal minds in a desperate attempt to save Jessica's mom and the lives of many in San Francisco's business district. 

my thoughts:   

What a great read for the weekend! I spent all day Sunday plopped on my bed turning page after page of this unputdownable novel.  I couldn't help myself, I was hooked from the start and had to find out what would happen in the end.  Filled with suspense and thrills, this debut novel is a quick and engaging read.  It is the epitome of a suspense thriller - drama, action, twists and turns.  The writing is great, the characters are very relatable, and the mystery/suspense factor is exciting.  I have to admit that I was a bit hesitant to read this book, as it is labeled under the Christian lit genre - I was expecting a lot of preaching about faith and God.  I was so wrong - though faith and God are mentioned, the book never becomes preachy.  In fact, I think the word that would sum up the book's relationship to the Christian lit label is wholesomeness.  You see, for being a suspense thriller, the book does not contain obscenities or overly graphic/gritty details regarding crime scenes.  I actually liked that about the book, because sometimes, I think that all those swear words and grisly scenes in books are overrated. 

As for the story itself - I found it to be riveting.  Kovach did a terrific job translating today's headlines into his story lines - technology, terrorism, privacy.  I found myself terrified and swept away by the action - hoping that Jessica and Dan would get to the bottom of what was happening.  I wanted answers and I wanted the truth.  Plus, I enjoyed the love connection between Dan and Jessica - it was inevitable.  All, in all, this book was the highlight of my weekend.  I would definitely recommend to fans of suspense/crime thrillers and Christian lit fans - you will not be disappointed!

Here's a link to the book trailer.

And here's a link to the author's site.

Thanks to TLC Book Tours and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!