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."

Emma by Jane Austen

Emma is essentially the story of the transformation of Emma Woodhouse from a self-righteous, headstrong young woman to a wise, joyful woman. Emma prides herself on her matchmaking ability. The happiness of the marriage of her former governess is her obvious proof. When she takes on Harriet Smith as her charge and determines to find the perfect match for her, her attempts fail time and time again. Disappointed in the outcome of her attempts, she resolves to only contribute to Harriet's happiness as her friend. In the end, when it seems that a match for Harriet may finally be made between Harriet and Mr. Knightley, only then does Emma realize the truth she has denied for so long and the folly of what she worked so hard for may cost her heart.

Emma is a classic by Jane Austen and this is my first time reading one of Austen's works. I certainly understand why the book is considered a classic. Austen engages the reader who wonders about the outcome until the very end. The style in which it is written requires thought and time to truly understand the story. It is definitely not one that can be read through at a high speed and still comprehended at a high level. I browsed the introduction to this book as it was probably close to 50 pages long. The writer of the introduction seems to think that Emma had some gender-identity issues. I completely disagree. The portions he cited did not seem to prove his point to me and I believe the ending settles any question of if Emma is attracted to men or women. Personally, I loved this book. I would not recommend it to anyone who does not enjoy reading, but I would recommend it to people who are fans of romance.

That Certain Spark by Cathy Marie Hake

When Doctor Taylor Bestman, a woman, agrees to move to Texas with her twin brother, Enoch Bestman, a veterinarian, she had no idea of how her life and practice will change. Both of the Bestmans have signed four year contracts to serve the people of Gooding, Texas and while Enoch is readily accepted by the town, many leaders of the town balk at Taylor offering medical treatment to the men of the town. Taylor is not daunted by the opposition and quickly finds a friend in her first patient, Karl Van der Vort. As their friendship grows, so do the dangerous threats to Taylor's practice. Taylor finds she must stand her ground, but be willing to serve as God calls her to.

I enjoyed That Certain Spark by Cathy Marie Hake. The story was quite entertaining and I loved the Taylor Bestman's character. It was an easy read that kept drawing me back for more. The only think I did not care for was the way that Enoch and Mercy's relationship developed. Somehow, it just did not seem believable and it was just too convenient. At one point, Mercy develops breast cancer and one of her breasts is removed. I wonder why this was even in the book. It did not really have anything to do with the main plot or serve to enhance the story. I suspect that Hake may have another book coming on Enoch's character as there were some loose ends left open at the end of the book.