Angry by Laura L. Smtih

Emma's parent's unexpected divorce has thrown her world out of control. Everything seems to be falling apart and Emma is the one stuck trying to hold it together. The guilt her parents inflict on her causes her to respond in anger and the last thing she wants to do is be around them. The two bright spots in her life are her friends and the upcoming school production of Les Miserables. When Emma lands the part of Eponine, she finds a unique way to deal with the pain. What she does not know is that God is going to use this play to draw her to him.

When I read the synopsis for Angry, I expected it to be heavy reading full of drama and teenage angst. I was pleasantly surprised to find that although the author deals with Emma's anger, the book is not depressing and heavy. Emma is presented as an authentic teenage girl whose life is changing. She is angry at her parents and a bit rebellious, but anger does not define all of who she is. Rather Emma is fun-loving and happy at some parts. She genuinely cares about her siblings, friends, and even parents. The story emphasizes the use of God-given passions as a coping technique for dealing with pain and anger. It's a good idea and far better than some of the unhealthy ways that some people cope with their anger. I would recommend this book for teenage girls as that is who it is aimed towards. However, as a 20-something, who hasn't been in high school for awhile, I still enjoyed the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

Tess Durbeyfield is beset by guilt over the accidental death of one of her family's horses – a main source of family income. In an attempt to create a social connection and to gain financial assistance for her family, she entreats the d'Urbervilles to acknowledge an ancient familial connection. Unfortunately, Alec d'Urberville is taken with Tess and rapes her. Her life is haunted by his sexual assault from that point forward. Eventually, Tess begins to recuperate and finds employment elsewhere as a dairymaid. Her days as a dairymaid are happy and peaceful until she falls in love with Angel Clare. She agonizes over telling him of her tainted past, and when she confesses the truth on her wedding night, Angel is repulsed over her past and her deception of waiting to tell him. Tess is parted from her true love and never fully recovers, even when he returns to her.

Tess of the d'Urbervilles is more than a sad story. It pays homage to the type of unhealthy family atmospheres that many children are raised in. The death of the horse is a direct result of her father's drunkenness and irresponsibility, though Tess never realizes this. When her parents hear of her misfortune, her mother reprimands her for not seeking marriage to the very man who raped her. The story also explores the mental effects that sexual assault can have on a person. Tess experiences extreme guilt, depression and feelings of unworthiness – common feelings for victims of sexual assault. In the end, as she is continually subjected to Alec d'Urberville, she experiences insanity which results in extreme actions.

This particular edition included an introduction and notes about the text which I found helpful. However, I thought the girl on the cover did not resemble the maiden of the book. The girl on the front is plain and unremarkable, whereas, Tess, according to the text, is remarkable.

I can see why this book is considered a literary classic, but I can't say I enjoyed it. That being said, I think everyone should read this book once. Tess is a memorable character that one can not help being fascinated with.

The Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry

Denise Littleton was already feeling a little hopeless when she went to church that Sunday morning. A cell phone call in the middle of the church service changes her life forever. Her husband, Craig, has been involved in an accident and is severely injured. She arrives at the hospital to find that Craig has no memory of her, where he was going or why he was parked on the side of the road when he was hit. As the days pass, Craig's behavior is more loving than it has been in years and his injury seems like a fresh start that Denise is eager to grasp. Though the path ahead appears long and difficult, she is willing to walk along Craig's side. Unfortunately, when Craig's memories come back suddenly, Denise finds she has already lost more than she could have imagined.

The Familiar Stranger is told from two points-of view which gives it an interesting tone. This works particularly well as it provides a unique perspective into what it would be like to completely lose one's memory. This book deals with a lot of family drama, emotional turmoil and mystery. However, despite the heavy topics discussed, the book is actually a pretty fast read. I recommend this to those who love fiction and mystery. The questions will definitely keep you guessing up until the end.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Publishers. 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Pumpkins

Having faith is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch and washes all the dirt off. He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate and greed. He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

Disclaimer: I've had this clip art on my computer for a long time. I have to idea where it came from. If it's yours, let me know and I will be happy to give credit!

Kindle for PC - Free!

Just in case, you haven't heard:

Amazon now offers a Kindle app for PCs - and it's free!  Which means that you can now download all the free Kindle books onto your computer.

Free books and no expensive equipment to buy. A truly great combination.

The Perfect Blend by Trish Perry

To elope with Rick Manfred seemed like such a good idea that Steph Vandergrift went against all the wishes of her parents and friends and left her home behind to marry him. However, on the day of her wedding, Steph finds herself in Middleburg without a groom. Rick's sudden disappearance is devastating, but when Milly Jewell brings Steph into her tea shop, Steph finds the hope to survive for the day. The last thing Steph wants to do is return to her parents and she decides to spend a few days at the Fox and Hounds Inn. Through a series of events, she meets Christie, Liz and the handsome Kendall James. Steph knows she's not ready for another relationship, but she can not deny that Kendall James is a great friend. When Rick shows back up in Steph's life, she is forced to choose between the two men. But is her choice really about who she loves or is it about her need for acceptance?

The Perfect Blend far exceeded the expectations that I had for it. It had me laughing out loud several times and I finished the book within 24 hours of starting it. The characters are extremely enjoyable though I am not sure there is any man out there as perfect as Kendall James. I am usually a stickler for authenticity in books and I had to question whether it would really be possible to fall in love with a person so quickly after being jilted by another. However, I am more than happy to suspend this question in lieu of enjoying the story for what it is: fiction. If you are looking for a light, humorous, sweet romance, this book is for you!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers. 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."