Jane Austen

For anyone who has read Jane Austen's books, I have a question for you. Do you think that if Jane Austen was alive today and wrote the books she wrote that she would be published?   Her writing style is so different from modern authors and I confess it takes me longer to read.  It's just a thought I had.  Would she be able to get published in today's modern book writing world?

The Hidden Flame

The Hidden Flame is the story of a Jewish-Christian woman named Abigail. Her life seems to be in turmoil when a husband is to be chosen for her. The two available suitors do not share her beliefs, nor does she love either of them. When an unexpected husband is chosen, Abigail is relieved and filled with joy. However, she can not know the tragedy that awaits her and the level of trust in God that will be required of her.

This is the second book by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke in the Acts of Faith Series. I have not read the first book in the series, but I felt the authors filled in 95% of the background of the main characters. There were a few things that were left open. They did not harm the story; rather they made you wonder what the first book was about. An example would be: why were Jacob and Abigail reunited only a few hours before the first scene of the book? I’m sure that was probably explained in the first one. The plot was somewhat predictable as the story follows part of the Biblical book of Acts. I knew what was going to happen long before the actual tragedy. Overall, I liked this book okay. I would recommend renting if from the library before you buy. It was not Janette Oke’s finest book, nor was it what I would have expected as far as the amount of romance. I do suspect that there will be a great deal more romance between two particular characters in the third book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

How Great Thou Art

I don't ever want to cease to be amazed by God.

This week we had revival services at church and Friday night, I was really touched. I feel like God spoke to me about answering the calling of God on my life. It was one of the best spiritual experiences I have ever had.

It just amazes me that God cares so much about me. But I'm not the only one He cares about. He loves every person ever created. And speaking of His creation, nature is just amazing. How our bodies work. The beautiful flowers. The gentle breeze. All of it is amazing to me.

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

Miss Olivia Keene’s life completely changed in a matter of minutes. She is forced to flee her home because of her actions while defending another.  During her search, she meets all manner of people and accidentally overhears a secret conversation.  She is discovered immediately and forced to remain at the Brightwell residence because of the information she knows. While there she is part of the staff and eventually becomes a governess.  However, mystery surrounds the inhabitants of Brightwell and Olivia finds that her life is also woven into the mystery.  Her feelings for the darling children she teaches as well as the man around whom the mystery revolves grow daily and Olivia is faced with choices that will surely affect the entire rest of her life.

I enjoyed The Silent Governess.  In my opinion, the author did a good job of drawing out the mystery throughout the book. In fact, not every question pertaining to the mystery was answered until the very end.  The characters were quite believable, though I would have liked to have seen more of Miss Keene’s feelings relating to Lord Bradley. There were some indications given, but not as many as were given on Lord Bradley’s side. If there is a sequel planned, I think it would be very appropriate as there were some loose ends of the story that were not tied up. What will become of Edward? Will Edward and Olivia find the deeper faith they need?

Overall, it was a very enjoyable read and I would recommend it to fans of historical romance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."