Posted by Nicole on Jun 21, 2010 in Book Reviews | 1 comment
Summary:
Turn of the century novelist Lilly Westbrook learns that being faithful to her calling means more than just putting pen to paper.
It’s the summer of 1899 in Newport, Rhode Island, and Lilly Westbrook is struggling to conceal her career from family and friends because of the stigma attached to dime novels. Lilly feels good about her secret—after all, she’s enlightening working class girls with her books and honoring God by using her talents to His glory.
But her secret is threatened when Jackson Grail, a former suitor, becomes Lilly’s new publisher. He’s determined to revive his floundering publishing house by maximizing their most promising–and most secretive–author. His plan? Find “Fannie Cole” and convince her to go public.
When a gossip columnist discovers Lilly’s true identity, she finds that being faithful to her calling involves more than just putting pen to paper. It requires that she stand up for her faith and for herself, no matter the consequences.
I was instantly drawn to this book for many reasons. Of course, because it was about a novelist and it was historical. Got me there! But Lilly’s character was endearing and earnest and had me rooting for her all along.
I enjoyed the atmosphere of the Gilded Era in New York and Newport. I hope this new plethora of Gilded Era novels continues. It is a time of paradox and glamour. Society who would shun people and abandon the very values they laid claim to every Sunday.
The hero, Jackson Grail, is a hard working man with a devotion and drive that you rarely find. He rose from the bottom of the society into the top and finds that the prosperity isn’t all its cracked up to be. A lesson for us all to take note.
“Love on a Dime” was an engaging read but did lag a little in the middle for me. However, the ending was so delectably satisfying, The main character was so real and so passionate about her writing, I connected with her. A wonderful read as the summer draws near. I can’t wait to see what more Cara Lynn James has to offer in the future!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review.
Read More
Posted by Nicole on Jun 1, 2010 in Book Reviews | 0 comments
Summary:
For a young society woman seeking a favorable marriage, so much depends on her social season debut. Clara Carter has been given one goal: secure the affections of the city’s most eligible bachelor. Debuting means plenty of work–there are corsets to be fitted, dances to master, manners to perfect. Her training soon pays off, however, as celebrity’s spotlight turns Clara into a society-page darling.
Yet Clara soon wonders if this is the life she really wants. Especially when she learns her best friend has also set her sights on Franklin De Vries. When a man appears who seems to love her simply for who she is and gossip backlash turns ugly, Clara realizes it’s not just her marriage at stake–the future of her family depends on how she plays the game.
My Review:
Siri Mitchell, through the eyes of young Clara Carter, takes readers on a journey from girl to woman in the Guilded New York Society of the 1890s. Through corsets designed to constrict women’s waist to 18 inches, gloves several sizes too small, to the practice of pursing lips to make them appear smaller, Mitchell reveals the ugly side of beauty.
In this world, love and friendship aren’t an option, nor physical comfort or well-being. All in the pursuit of a husband and a lifetime of wealth and privilege.
This book sucked me in right away and didn’t let go. The rich descriptions and dialogue transport you to the posh society. Clara’s character is endearing and the reader suffers through the corset pain alongside her. Behind the scenes are the secrets and realities that she’s been shielded from all her life, before the carpet (or Persian rug) are pulled from beneath her silk slippers.
When it all comes unraveled, the rose-colored glasses and all, her true character shines through as does the true hero worthy of her stout heart.
I highly recommend this book – it will not disappoint.
Disclaimer: Bethany House provided me a copy of this book free in exchange for my honest opinion.
Read More
Posted by Nicole on Jan 11, 2010 in Book Reviews | 0 comments
My book club tackled “The Life of Pi” by Yann Martel for December, and it was quite the experience. We’ve read a novel where children were killed (“The Hunger Games”) and yet, “The Life of Pi” was disturbing in a whole new way.
The brutality of the animal kingdom comes through these pages, as a 15-year-old boy is stranded on a large lifeboat with a 450-pound Bengal tiger. At first, there are a few other animals on the boat, which the tiger picks off one at a time.
While the gory descriptions and detail didn’t bother me, it made me sad and my book club and I were surprised to realize how the animal deaths were more disheartening than the deaths of “The Hunger Games.”
It could be how the author handles each scenario. But in war movies, why is it we are more disturbed when animals are slaughtered than throngs of warriors?
In “The Life of Pi,” the main character forms an interesting relationship with this tiger, which comes to a strange conclusion that I won’t give away. This conclusion, however, was one of the most unfulfilling parts of the whole book, meaning the author succeeded in getting the reader to empathize for the protagonist.
In this ultimate “Survivor” meets “Castaway” book, Pi must do anything he can to survive, catching and eating fish, turtles and anything else he can find. Its unrestrained realism and in-depth explanations left me feeling a little seasick myself.
An interesting book with a unique writing style and execution, “The Life of Pi” is not for the faint of heart. Still, it is a noteworthy piece of literature. It is being turned into a movie directed by Ang Lee set to be released in 2011.
Read More
Summary:
Turn of the century novelist Lilly Westbrook learns that being faithful to her calling means more than just putting pen to paper.
Summary:
My book club tackled “The Life of Pi” by Yann Martel for December, and it was quite the experience. We’ve read a novel where children were killed (“The Hunger Games”) and yet, “The Life of Pi” was disturbing in a whole new way.
