Blog Move

 Hey guys, this is just a quick post to let you all know I’ve moved to https://oldfashionedbooklove.wordpress.com. I hope you come join us over here, and thanks for following along here! :) 

In the meantime, I’m switching this blog over to film/TV show reviews. Please bear with me as I set about changing the blog.

“Elsie’s Widowhood” by Martha Finley

Elsie’s Widowhood

(Elsie Dinsmore Series, Book 7)

 by Martha Finley

Synopsis: 

In this seventh volume in The Original Elsie Dinsmore Series, Edward and Elsie's daughter, young Elsie, is saddened by a separation from her beloved Lester, who decides to study abroad. Shortly after Lester leaves for Europe, Edward falls ill and dies. Elsie learns to rely on her father, Horace Dinsmore, for strength while depending on her heavenly father as well.
(From Goodreads)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. The title of this book gives the plot away, so that was a bit of a let-down for me. And everyone knows I don’t object to drama in my books, but I do object to inexplicable or arbitrary drama—and Elsie’s husband’s death annoyed me in that it was completely unexpected & random—he wasn’t shot or anything, & she never explained what happened to him! Other than that quibble, I did enjoy this book a lot. I admit I cried... but oh, I love the message of having hope & peace in spite of death, & of being glad for those who have gone on ahead of us. I loved getting to know more of Elsie’s children as grownups, & there were some amazing new characters too—and a lot of humour! As usual, I’m eager to read the next book. <33

A Favourite Quote: “‘And why shouldn't I be patient?’ he returned; ‘didn't Christ suffer far more than I do?’
“‘And he comforts you in the midst of it all, does he not?’ asked Mrs. Perkins.
“‘He does, indeed, ma'am.’ 
“‘I have always found him faithful to his promises,’ she said. 
“‘And I,’ remarked another lady...; ‘strength has always been given me according to my day, in the past, and I am glad to leave the future with him.’” 
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “[T]hey ... sat in the sand revelling in the delicious sea breeze and the sight of the ever restless, ever changing, beautiful ocean, with its rolling, tumbling, dashing waves.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘And young Massa Jones, he preach bery nice sometimes, but sometimes it 'pears like he disremembers what's in de bressed book, and contradicts it wid some of his own notions.’”

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“The Graham Quartet & the Mystery of the Day Maid” by Rebekah A. Morris

The Graham Quartet & the Mystery of the Day Maid

(Graham Quartet #2)
by Rebekah A. Morris

Synopsis: 

Arriving on the shore of Lake Michigan for summer vacation, the Graham Quartet senses that something is not quite right. When a slip of the tongue causes an unexpected reaction, Elsa, Matt, Selena and Tim jump into a mystery. But what is the connection between a cryptic note, a yellow door, and a boat called the Day Maid? When their friend, Lieutenant Ashwood, disappears, the Quartet feels the pressure of time and must turn to another source for help. Will the four siblings get enough information to unravel the mystery before the suspects vanish completely?

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎
5+ stars & 7/10 hearts. I loved the first Graham Quartet book and eagerly looked forwards to reading this one, confident I would love it even more. I was not disappointed. The characters are amazing—Lt. Ashwood, Agent Johnson, & Mr. Rhodes are awesome; and you get to see the characters of Elsa, Matt, Selena, and Tim better. There was a little more lying than last time—sometimes at places where a sentence/word left out would have made them speak the truth while not disclosing what they couldn’t. I didn’t quite get the whole why-they-had-to-talk-with-their-dad part but I’m not complaining about it—it’s nice to see kids who are respectful and obedient. The mystery was more mysterious than last time, and the ending was much more exciting! I also liked having the time period clearly established, and knowing I had guessed right. ;) I am eager to read this aloud to my 13- & 8-year-old brothers—they loved book 1 and they’re so eager for this book, and I‘m sure they’ll love it!

*I received a copy of this book as a personal gift from the author. I was not required to write a review. This are my honest opinions.*

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“Anything (King’s Daughters Story Collection, #1)” by Erika Mathews, Rebekah A. Morris, Andrea Renee Cox, Jaybird Summers, Jae Fisher, Chelsea Burden, Angie Thompson, Hannah Foster, Tiffany Michele, Mary Polyakov, Sarah Susanna Rhomberg, Courtenay Burden, & Brianna Burden

Anything

(King’s Daughters Story Collection, #1)

by Erika Mathews, Rebekah A. Morris, Andrea Renee Cox, Jaybird Summers, Jae Fisher, Chelsea Burden, Angie Thompson, Hannah Foster, Tiffany Michele,  Mary Polyakov, Sarah Susanna Rhomberg, Courtenay Burden, & Brianna Burden

Synopsis: 

He was willing to do anything.
Talk about anything, they said.
She hadn’t ever done anything.
You can do anything.
In this heartwarming collection, thirteen Christian authors weave tales both historical and contemporary in a variety of imaginative settings. Anything features characters stretched to their limits: a pencil and a crayon who are best friends, a Tea-Dragon with a mischievous and mysterious habit, a terminally ill child with a lovely wish. In these pages, you’ll discover an eccentric gentleman who never stops reading, a foster boy who makes up in appetite what he lacks in conversational skills, and a single mother with a fault-finding mother-in-law and five rambunctious children who haven’t learned respect for a living room.
Watch as a couple sacrificially prays for a lost and dying sister-in-law, a young lady tearfully talks her best friend through a coma, a courageous brother offers to lay down himself for others, a camera-shy teenager faces her greatest fear, and a music camp applicant struggles mightily with writing an interesting bio. Warmth, hope, and encouragement pervade the pages, echoing the theme of “anything” from a refreshing variety of angles both insightful and entertaining, spiritually profound and eternally valuable. These short pieces will delight and encourage the whole family.

(From Goodreads)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Oh my, what a lovely collection! I enjoyed it so much. The stories were short but all so good.

Anything by Rebekah A. Morris — I loved this message. It was very good. 

Anything by Angie Thompson — Awww, this was just so sweet <33

Anything by Jaybird Summers — This story was super cute and reminded me of one I’ve written myself XD 

Anything by Jae Fisher — An excellent little poem. <3 Well done.

Anything by Courtenay Burden — This story was just hilarious and super sweet and had a great message. Wonderful work! 

Anything by Tiffany Michele — Okay, humorous and cute and totally original XD 

Anything by Brianna Burden — Ow, this one hit too close to home… and it was so good. Probably my favourite of the lot.

Anything by Chelsea Burden — How much more adorable can you get?! Ah! loved it! 

Anything by Hannah Foster — Okay, this was unexpected but fun XD 

Anything by Sarah Susanna Rhomberg — Okay wait this one was my favourite. MY BABY DANIEL. <3333 

Anything by Erika Mathews — Lovely message and such a fun addition to the Taerna stories ;) 

Anything by Andrea Renee Cox — Wow. This wasn’t what I expected but it was nice. I felt for Sarah Mae.

Anything by Mary Polyakov — Mmm, yes, I really liked this one!! 

A Favourite Quote: “But maybe, after all, it wasn’t really her job to worry about any of those things, anyway. Her job was just to give God something to work with. Something. Anything. Anything but silence.” (Courtenay Burden)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

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“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre

by Charlotte Brontë

Synopsis: 

Orphaned as a child, Jane has felt an outcast her whole young life. Her courage is tested once again when she arrives at Thornfield Hall, where she has been hired by the brooding, proud Edward Rochester to care for his ward Adèle. Jane finds herself drawn to his troubled yet kind spirit. She falls in love. Hard.
But there is a terrifying secret inside the gloomy, forbidding Thornfield Hall. Is Rochester hiding from Jane? Will Jane be left heartbroken and exiled once again?

(from Goodreads)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5+ stars & 9/10 hearts. I LOVED this book. Wow. I did not expect to love it so much! I read it several times as a kid and was profoundly impacted by the setting and storyline. Rereading it as an adult, I was impacted by the themes, messages, and characters. 
Jane Eyre is often seen as a dark book. I, instead, found it very beautiful and hopeful. I loved Jane. She was so wise and strong and loving. Really, she became one of my favourite female characters ever. Her story is so sad and yet it is hopeful too. I would love to be a Jane—so willing to help, so eager to love, so strong in trial, so full of faith. 
Mr. Rochester was another character I loved. I related to his weakness and his desire to do good but his lack of willingness to TRY to be good. After all, he had a good heart. He could have done any number of things to the woman he was chained with and yet he did do her the best he could—as he thought. I loved seeing his redemption. And as a man, he was just a very entertaining, fascinating, interesting man.
St. John I strongly disliked. What a hypocritical, supericilous Pharisee. He was a “good” man and yet he was not a good man. He was certain that he and he alone was right. He even tried to play God with Jane. If she had obeyed him, she would have killed herself (no use at all to the Lord) and have run right by her true calling. And he was cruel and harsh to her—while pretending to be as merciful and long-suffering as Christ Jesus. 
The plot was fascinating. Jane went from depression and misery to being dependant on God and able to find joy in the worst situations. Of course there was the whole thing of Mr. Rochester having had many mistresses, Adèle maybe being his illegitimate child, and attempted bigamy. But I think it was well handled and was only used to make redemption and Light stand out. I really appreciated the narration and the writing style and characters and setting. Overall, it’s a simply beautiful book with a really beautiful message. Recommended age: 18+

A Favourite Quote: “I hold another creed … in which I delight, and to which I cling: for it extends hope to all: it makes Eternity a rest—a mighty home, not a terror and an abyss. Besides, with this creed, I can so clearly distinguish between the criminal and his crime; I can so sincerely forgive the first while I abhor the last: with this creed revenge never worries my heart, degradation never too deeply disgusts me, injustice never crushes me too low: I live in calm, looking to the end.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “I saw the fascination of the locality. I felt the consecration of its loneliness: my eye feasted on the outline of swell and sweep—on the wild colouring communicated to ridge and dell by moss, by heath-bell, by flower-sprinkled turf, by brilliant bracken, and mellow granite crag. These details were just to me what they were to them—so many pure and sweet sources of pleasure. The strong blast and the soft breeze; the rough and the halcyon day; the hours of sunrise and sunset; the moonlight and the clouded night, developed for me, in these regions, the same attraction as for them—wound round my faculties the same spell that entranced theirs.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘What age were you when you went to Lowood?’
“‘About ten.’
“‘And you stayed there eight years: you are now, then, eighteen?’
“I assented. 
“‘Arithmetic, you see, is useful; without its aid, I should hardly have been able to guess your age.’”

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“The Mystery at Lilac Inn” by Carolyn Keene

The Mystery at Lilac Inn

(Nancy Drew Mystery Stories, 4)

by Carolyn Keene

Synopsis: 

Nancy and Helen visit a charming old inn, recently purchased by friends. Soon after her arrival at Lilac Inn, Nancy discovers someone is impersonating her! The young detective’s enemy alters her appearance to resemble Nancy and uses stolen identification! When Emily Willoughby's diamonds are stolen, Nancy is determined to find Emily's inheritance. A mysterious ghostly figure roaming Lilac Inn's grounds, a strange message with the phrase “blue pipes,” and other unexplained incidents lead credence to the belief that the inn is actually jinxed! This revised text is a new plot from the 1930 original text. Some of the same or similar character names remain. 

(From Goodreads)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

1960 EDITION REVIEW:

5+ stars & 6/10 hearts. This is my favourite Nancy Drew mystery so far! It was exciting and intense, but not creepy. I loved the characters and the plot and mystery, and although I figured some of the mystery I didn't get it all and was surprised at the ending! This was just funny and intense and enjoyable and I loved it.

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“Promise’s Prayer” by Erika Mathews

Promise’s Prayer 

(Truth From Taerna Series, Book 1)

 by Erika Mathews

Synopsis: 

Kaelen is restless for adventure and relentless in his efforts to bring the land of Taerna back to the blessings of Adon Olam and the prosperity of the days of his ancestors. Fueled by a solemn promise and his mother's secret, he finds himself in the forefront of a desperate scheme that is crucial to Taerna’s future. Can he keep his promise? Can he save the people of Taerna from the corruption and rampant lawlessness that threaten them with extinction?
Shy and quiet Carita knows she possesses what Taerna’s people so desperately need. But how can she help them when her own soul is simultaneously tormented by witnessing unmet needs and handicapped by her own paralyzing fears?
When Kaelen and Carita come face to face with the true nature of Adon Olam's call, will they each choose to embrace Adon Olam's plan for Taerna—and for their own lives?

(From Goodreads)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5+ stars & 8/10 hearts. Wow. I wasn’t sure if I would love this book. I mean, I ADORE the new cover (all the bluuuuue). But medieval kingdom fiction is usually a hit-or-miss for me. However, this book was an awesome cross between allegory and medieval kingdom fiction. While the land was imaginary, the situation reminded me strongly of the way our world works (and has always worked). The book has some serious messages. I really liked the characters (Carita <33 I want to be a Carita), and I was impressed by how the plot worked—kept me hooked without being tense. The only little thing that bugged me was that sometimes the dialogue and the narration became pretty modern and rather jolted me. But I became used to it after a while. As for the themes—!! Wow. I needed them so badly. Saving the world—how does one save the world? This book has the answer. So much of what I am struggling with right now, this book reminded me of the truths. I fully, completely, absolutely recommend this to EVERYONE, but especially those who struggle with depression & wanting to do more for the Lord... anyone who’s dissatisfied with their life, basically. It is amazing.

Content: veiled & frequent mentions to “houses of pleasure,” lust abounding, & girls being kidnapped for pleasure.

A Favourite Quote: “Kaelan, the work is His. That means the methods must be His. The timing must be His. And above all things, it must be bathed in prayer for His blessing. No step can be taken without Him.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “Carita raised her face to the vivid blue sky. “This is a wonderful time of year,” she sighed in delight. “I’m glad Adon Olam made autumn to last so long. It’s like a season of delight before the cold winter shuts us in.” 
“Yes,” Kaelan agreed. “The harvest is in, and now is the time for rest, joy, and delighting in the glories of the season.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: ““Briefly, my business is to bring to the people Adon Olam’s purpose, that the prosperity and blessings of old times may be once again restored.” 
“That sounds well; and how do you intend to go about such an important business?”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

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“Fanny’s Hope Chest” by Sarah Holman

Fanny’s Hope Chest

 by Sarah Holman

Synopsis: 

How old is too old for a hope chest?
When Ellie starts a new job as a home health aid, she doesn't expect to meet a woman in her eighties looking for her hope chest, nor a house as messy as Ellie's own emotional state. But as she cleans up Fanny's house, she begins to wonder if Fanny's hope chest might hold the answers to her questions about disappointed dreams and holding on to hope.
That is, if she can face both the mess and her own heart.

(From Goodreads)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5+ stars & 6/10 hearts. This story came just when I needed it.
It is a great book for singles. Really. There is so much hope and good advice and help. But it's also a good book for ANYONE. I've been struggling hard with my dreams and giving up on them or having them change. This book really touched me and helped me realize some things. The topics of faith, hope, and trust resonated so much with me. This book is just jam-packed with good quotes!! I totally recommend it for anyone who is struggling with feeling God is taking your dreams from you or not letting them come true. <33

A Favourite Quote: “How do you let go of your dreams?” 
“Daily, that’s how you do it. There are big and small ways that this life disappoints us: things that hurt, and often our plans get thrown out the window. We have to remember that through every one of those moments, God is not only with us, but He has a plan.”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Holman lives in central Texas with her amazing family. When not working on her next novel, she can usually be found hanging out with her siblings, reading, or taking long walks. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it’s because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined.

Website + Blog: http://www.thedestinyofone.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedestinyofoneauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahHolman/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sarah-Holman/e/B007QTJBJ4/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5072728.Sarah_Holman

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/sarahdestiny/_saved

“As the Heavens Are Higher” by Courtenay Burden

As the Heavens Are Higher

by Courtenay Burden

Synopsis: 

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” —Isaiah 55:9
Adelaide Westall had always believed that God’s ways were higher than earthly ways. She had just always imagined that God’s plan and her plan would have some similarities. A family of penniless orphans facing a hopeless future in a factory city—a heartbroken noblewoman shut up inside a forbidding fortress of grief and reserve—and a mysterious painting of a calm-faced pilgrim were all destined to challenge Adelaide’s faith in unexpected ways. Only God could orchestrate a plan high enough to reach them all.
Set amongst the rolling hills of the English border country, this story of Victorian life is a poignant reminder that we serve a God who brings light out of darkness, who works good out of evil, whose ways are higher than our ways—as the heavens are higher than the earth.

(From Goodreads)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5+ stars & 7/10 hearts. What a beautiful story! I really enjoyed it. It was a restfully slow-paced, and yet intriguing and hooking. I really enjoyed all the characters (even Richard, who at first was really a pain to me). I particularly loved Lady B! (And the Duke xD). I really liked the plot as well. Sir H. was a greta addition. I was really impressed how well the plot was crafted. The writing style was delightful as well—old-fashioned but perfectly easy to understand. Also, I was very impressed by how accurate and well-researched this was. Finally, the themes/messages/lessons were SO good! I really appreciated them all. Overall, it was really a wonderful book and I highly recommend it!

A Favourite Quote: “…I thought of the verse I read yesterday, ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ Of course, kindness and consideration are part of the ‘way’ God means us to take. And it seems to me … that we shouldn’t get vexed over the disagreeable things that come along. Because they might be part of a bigger plan.” 
“Yes,” said her aunt, “I should think they generally are. Or more precisely, they are part of a higher plan. We can’t say whether a splattering of ink is a link in some great and noble chain, or merely a call to everyday kindness. I was thinking—in my solitary train ride—whether little things, after all, don’t make up the most important part of life. They certainly make up the greater.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “Rolling hills and green valleys stretched away on every side. Heather and gorse were tinting the pastures with purple and gold. The whole landscape lay peaceful and serene, while above—far above—stretched the vast blue heavens in all their glory.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Well, the storms that come up suddenly go off just as fast,’ Lady Bradstock declared. ‘I had a great-uncle Andrew who told a tale of the day he was caught in a rainstorm while following the hounds. He was wet to the skin riding ten yards to a little wood for shelter, but by the time he reached it, the rain had stopped! That’s his portrait on the north wall, you know[.]”
….This particular storm did not follow the illustrious example of the shower in Uncle Andrew’s tale. It continued in full force until Adelaide thought Uncle Andrew might have ridden all the way to Sherwood Forest and still have had cause to be thankful for the trees when he reached them.”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

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“Never Say Goodbye” by Sarah Grace Grzy

Never Say Goodbye

(Live Without You Series, Book 2)

 by Sarah Grace Grzy

Synopsis: 

They say time heals all wounds. But he was finding it a poor painkiller.

Tyler Collens has seen grief and loss in his years of experience as a paramedic—but he never expected it to touch his life in such a personal way. The death of his wife eighteen months ago shook his steady world and changed him in more ways than he can count. Time and routine have steadied his feet, and he looks toward the future as he raises his infant daughter—but the past has a tighter grip on him than he knows.

Alyvia Emmerson has never been certain of who she is or where she belongs. Her dad’s abandonment as a teen broke a fragile piece of her heart, but ten years later, she has moved on. Living on her own, she at last has a project to devote herself to: revitalizing a shabby bookstore. But she didn’t count on her dream job revealing the shattered pieces of herself she thought mended long ago.

In this sophomore novel featuring beloved characters from Live Without You, Sarah Grace Grzy explores themes of grief and hope in a story that touches both the heart and spirit.

(From Amazon)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

4.5 stars & 5/10 hearts. I was so excited for this story, and I was not disappointed. It’s faster paced and more dramatic than Live Without You, with more characters and more action. I loved Ty before, and I loved him more than ever in this book. He was such an amazing daddy and amazing medic. (He and Lilah... <33). Alyvia was humorous and sweet, and I loved her family. There are quite a few euphemisms (and one especially in the middle of a prayer), and this with some hugging drops my review by half a star. I also felt like God wasn’t really a big part of the story—for a Christian Fiction book, I expected a little more. I loved seeing Ez, Piper, and their kids; I teared up more than once; and I love the message and theme. Also, the sarcasm. XD All in all, definitely a book I love and I’m so glad I got to read it!

A Favourite Quote: “‘You can’t save the world, Tyler. You were never created to, and you’re gonna fail every time you try. Because only one Person can do that job. And He never fails.’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “[A] simple, soft, sad melody sounded out. Closing his eyes, he let his fingers pour out the notes he couldn’t put into words, the melody rising as a prayer. After several minutes, it crescendoed, his long fingers stretching to octaves in the left hand. It continued that way, the deeper tones of the lower keys almost discordant at times, wrestling, fighting for dominance. And then they stilled, as if a hush washed over them, and the melody wound down to a single, final note.... Tetelestai. The Greek word that meant It is finished floated into his head, bringing a calm to his mind along with a hint of grief. Endings could be both joy-filled and grief-filled. Endings were bittersweet.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “His mom had immediately texted back that she was on her way. Shortly after that, another text came through asking if he wanted her to come. He chuckled slightly. He knew his mom’s first instinct would be to show up immediately, but then he envisioned his dad calming her down and suggesting that maybe just showing up wouldn’t actually be that helpful.”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

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“Understood Betsy” by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Understood Betsy 

by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Synopsis: 

First published in 1916, Understood Betsy depicts the tale of Elizabeth Ann. An orphan, she is raised in the city by her great-aunt Harriet and her cousin Frances. Although the pair are capable in caring for young Elizabeth, their existence is a sheltered one. To Elizabeth's surprise, her mother's family - who live in rural Vermont - find her and offer her a place in their country home. Although Harriet has reservations about the manner in which the Putneys raise children, she duly packs Elizabeth off to stay there. Much of the novel regards Elizabeth's adapting to the countryside - many of the duties which are taken care of for her in the city are expected of her there. However the beauty of the country, and the practical things she learns during her upbringing, are ultimately to her benefit.
(from Amazon)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5+ stars & 8/10 hearts. I love this book so much. I have read it many times, but I still love it so much. So sweet, relaxing, quiet-paced, realistic... and the reading of “The Stag at Eve” is so beautiful. <3 There are only a few mild euphemisms. It's written for a younger audience but that never bothered me, and I strongly encourage everyone to read it. ^_^ It is seriously so good. 

A Favourite Short Quote: “‘There were real people living when the Declaration of Independence was signed—real people, not just history people—old women teaching little girls how to do things—right in this very room, on this very floor—and the Declaration of Independence just signed!’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “The little girl's heart beat fast. She fled along through the next lines, stumbling desperately over the hard words but seeing the headlong chase through them clearly as through tree-trunks in a forest.”
A Favourite Humourous Quote: “Betsy looked feverishly among the bottles ranged on the counter, selected two marked ginger ale, and glared at their corrugated tin stoppers. How *did* you get them open?
‘Here's your opener,’ said the man, ‘if that's what you're looking for.[’]”

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“Fair in War” by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick

Fair in War

(The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott, Book 8)

by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick

Synopsis: 

She expected popcorn and cheap prizes -- not a front-row seat to crime and conspiracy...
When Brent's brother Carter, unexpectedly arrives in Phoenix bearing important intel, Brent disappears into their world of espionage and world-saving, leaving Emily feeling left out. Telling herself she doesn't really belong in their world anyway, she determines to enjoy her afternoon at the state fair with Izzy.
But as she sees more and more familiar faces in the crowds and among the vendors, and when Izzy is arrested by security on trumped-up charges, it becomes clear something more is going on. She's never been happier to accidentally run into Brent Peterson, but finding Izzy might come down to her own determination more than either of them expect.
"The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott" is a series of clean spy-comedies set in Phoenix, Arizona.

(From Goodreads)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Okay, so did I read this in maybe 30 minutes flat? Yes. Did I freak out at the end? Yes. Am I more hooked than ever? YES!! Oh, man, I LOVED the interaction between Brent and Carter!! It was sooo awesome. Emily & Brent were as fun as ever. And Santa barely showed up but he was pretty cool. XD This was a very intense story with a crazy plot but so, so cool and snaps some more pieces from the past 7 books into place. This one does deal with a sensitive/triggering/intense issue, so recommended for ages 14-16+ depending on sensitivity. 

AND CAN WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT HER REMEMBERING TO TALK TO GOD ABOUT THE ISSUE AND BEING SORRY SHE CALLED BRENT BEFORE SHE PRAYED???

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Carter glared at Brent. ‘But this  mission? Surely you can see why this is possibly the worst idea you’ve had since you decided to try making a candle out of pieces of straw tied together with baling twine.’
“Brent rubbed the back of his neck. ‘Look, she was already here at the fair…. I didn’t ask her here. And at this point, it’s safest for her to be where I can keep an eye on her—don’t you think? This is nothing like the candle incident. That was literally 20 years ago.’”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

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