Christian

Book Review: Anna’s Crossing by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Anna’s Crossing
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Rating: 4/5
An Amish Beginnings Novel #1
Revell – Fiction | Historical Romance

As an Amish community sets off for the New World in 1737 to find a place free from religious persecution, Anna König has to go along because she is the only one who knows English. She has heard all of the horror stories surrounding voyages across the Atlantic, along with the challenges in the New World. She is set on returning home if she survives.

The Charming Nancy‘s ship’s carpenter, Bairn, is weary to be taking on more passengers made up of “Peculiars”. He would much rather have more cargo than passengers overloading his ship. Although he’s built bunks in the lower deck for their guests, he is convinced that something bad will happen on the voyage.

When Bairn and Anna meet, he can’t stop thinking about her. She is different and mesmerizing. She is all wrong for him and his lifestyle, but he can’t stop finding ways to interact with her. Even after he is warned to stop associating with her, he can’t seem to help himself especially when Anna starts seeking him out. Will Bairn be able to help Anna when she needs it most? Can Anna help Bairn find his faith? Will the ship make it safely to the New World? What surprises await Bairn and Anna as they fall in love?

I’ve only read one other book by the author, but I really enjoyed reading about Anna and her journey. I was not familiar with the struggles that the Amish went through when they immigrated to the New World, but I was impressed with all the author researched in order to write such great historical fiction. There’s a special place in my heart for Amish fiction and I really liked the intricate story. Her characters are so endearing and I absolutely adored the different relationships in the story.

I recommend this book for any fans of Amish romance and historical fiction.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

March 19, 2015 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: A May Bride by Meg Mosely

A May Bride
by Meg Mosely
Rating: 4/5
A Year of Weddings Novella
Zondervan – Fiction/Romance

Meet Ellie Martin, a witness to a “guerrilla wedding” in which she meets her would-be prince, Gray Whitby. As a new real estate agent in the ATL area, she still hasn’t found the time to meet her groom, even though she’s been setting aside money for her wedding since she was 18. After secretly admiring Gray at the local coffee shop, she finally meets him at the impromptu wedding. When she doesn’t call him, Gray tracks her down and asks her out. Thus a romance is born. Ellie is swept off her feet in a matter of months before she realizes she’s found “the One”. Ellie is sure that her drama queen sister (who’s planning her wedding) and her uber-conservative, Christian mother will get in the way of the relationship. Ellie’s mother is afraid one of her two daughters will end up pregnant before they say, “I do.” She is super strict about their relationships and tries to control their lives. Can Ellie find a way to patch up her relationship with her mother? Will Gray and Ellie find a way to make their relationship work when Ellie’s family issues arise? Will such a whirlwind romance spell heartbreak for Ellie and her wedding fund?

I am now a fan of Meg Mosely because this novella did not disappoint. From the beginning, I was caught up in Ellie’s world and smitten by the handsome and charming Gray. Obviously, since this story is a novella, everything had to move fast. Ellie’s character had a lot of baggage she needed to work through, which I’m not sure the author had enough time to develop. Ellie’s mother’s transformation happens a little too quickly, but I appreciate the effort. Her mother was probably my least favorite character portraying a Christian who can’t forgive herself – one who has let her bitterness and shame affect how she treats and sees her daughters. I am a big fan of redemption, but the story length doesn’t lend itself to a fully developed transformation. Gray and Ellie’s chemistry fizzles halfway through the story but I still had to keep reading to discover how it ended. All in all, an easy, fun, light read for the summer!

I recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary romance.

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

August 29, 2014 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden

With Every Breath
by Elizabeth Camden
Rating: 4/5
Bethany House – Fiction/Historical

After Trevor McDonough beats her in a competition to get a college scholarship, Kate Livingston spends years working her way up the ranks in the government in D.C. to help support her family’s boarding house. When she’s offered a job working with a research doctor from Harvard, she jumps at the chance until she realizes who the doctor is. For some reason, Trevor has changed his last name and offered her a job as his assistant. Trevor is trying to find a cure for tuberculosis and needs her help.

When Kate agrees to their partnership, she tries to discover why Trevor is the way he is, why he changed his last name, and what secrets he’s keeping. Along the way, Kate develops feelings for Trevor despite her loyalty to her late husband and high school sweetheart. Has Kate fallen in love with a man she barely knows? Can Trevor find a cure for tuberculosis before he loses everything? Will his past mistakes put Kate in danger?

I don’t believe I’ve ever read a book by Elizabeth Camden, but I definitely enjoyed her writing style. Her writing transported me into the late 19th century and painted a picture of what life was like for a woman like Kate. I honestly wasn’t too interested in the first 1/3 of the book, but I kept reading hoping the story got better and it did. As someone who majored in biology and is on her way to medical school, I was really interested in the history of tuberculosis and its treatment. I really appreciated all of the research that went into the book. Everything was fairly believable. The characters were well developed and relatable for the most part.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for a review.