This book is one of few Amish books that I think really gets it. By it, I mean it allows the reader to enter the Amish world, yet does not try to push Amish beliefs on them, does not paint the Amish lifestyle as ideal or makes the world feel as if you’re living in a bubble. I really enjoyed this book for the realistic way the Amish and the English worlds are portrayed.

This book talked a lot about subjects that I have never read in Amish fiction before. The one that stood out the most was the medical issues. This book mentioned a great deal about birth defects and other medical problems that stem from communities that continue to live in close proximity and only marry within that community. This is something I have never read in any other Amish book I have picked up and is a topic that I have always wondered about due to the circumstances of who someone can marry. Therefore kudos to Marta Perry for bringing this up. It may be a sore subject that no one wants to talk about but to deny that it exists because it makes the community look not so ideal is not helping anyone either. Honestly I feel like other authors don’t bring it up because it breaks the bubble of the image that they are trying to portray of making Amish lifestyle appealing.

I thought I was going to have problems with Daniel due to comments he made early in the book but after finding out about his background, I understood him a lot better. His family’s past was unique to the typical Amish storyline and even more so by the way he handled the situation. As for Johnny, I really liked the way his storyline played out. Everyone (for the most part) ends up where they want to be.

Honestly this is one of the most refreshing Amish novels I have ever read. I didn’t feel as if this book was unrealistically portrayed and the outside world is seen in a positive light for once. If the rest of the series continues to be written in the same manner and tackles difficult but necessary subjects, it might possibly rank as one of my favorite Amish books. That being said, if you want a dose of reality with your Amish fiction, pick up this book.

I will admit that I have not actually read the original version of Jane Eyre. I have however watched several movie versions, including my favorite starring Timothy Dalton as Rochester. Therefore I remember the original storyline even if parts might be a bit fuzzy. This tale is a modern updated version of Jane Eyre. In place of Jane, we have Jillian a 20 year old nanny who has been hired to take care of the daughter of Ethan Remington, a famous movie producer. Jillian is a very humble character who takes delight in her job and her new way of living while at the same time starting to feel affection for her employer. I really liked the scenes that took place in England. I love the castle and enjoyed exploring it with Jillian. I could almost see myself there and would have loved to have spent more time in that setting. The scenes in Virginia were exciting too but that was mainly due to the fact that I live in the same area as the story. It’s always nice to read books that take place in my area and I can identify the places and locations. However, one quick qualm: Jillian and her entourage go out to Tyson’s Corner to go shopping. Where they live though, Tyson’s would be extremely far and out of the way to go, and really wouldn’t be the best place to shop. At the most, it would be an all day event and not the quick trip taken in the book. I liked Jillian’s character. She just came across as very down to earth to me. She’s not meek like Jane’s character was yet she’s not brash or outspoken. She was portrayed very well and I felt her character to be good for the story.

I felt that there were several conflicting issues throughout the book though. I felt that Ethan acted way older than his actual age. The explanation might be because he’s British, but my argument would be that Jude Law is mentioned in this book and is the exact same age as Ethan. Jude is also British but he doesn’t act stuff or old fashioned like Ethan does. I mean the way Ethan would talk sometimes just made me picture a 50 year old man. At the end scene at the hospital, the dialogue between Ethan and Jillian had me cringing because at how dated the conversation sounded. I also did not like John’s character at all. After talking with other members of my book club, we discussed how his character vs. St. John in Jane Eyre acted totally different. John represents the stereotypical, preachy, condescending Christian that I hate reading about. Everything he did just got on my nerves. Also the fact that he wanted to marry his foster sister (warning bells!) but doesn’t love her pretty much goes against everything he’s supposed to believe in. I guess I was just really confused as to why John’s Christianity comes off so strong because the rest of the story is meek and mild compared to him. While Jillian is a Christian, she doesn’t feel the need to preach at everyone she comes in contact with. Therefore John seems to be a bad guy who wants it to be his way or no way at all.

Overall, while I enjoyed the story, I guess I just realize I’m not really a fan of modern adaptations. For this book, it comes from the fact that the characters acknowledge Jane Austen but either Bronte’s story doesn’t appear to exist or the characters just don’t see that their lives are exactly parallel to Jane Eyre. I think the story best stands by itself and not as a modern adaptation. It does make for an interesting read and I look forward to going back and reading Melanie’s previous books.

I want to first start off by saying this is NOT a Christian vampire story. The vampire in this book is NOT a Christian.

I have enjoyed Tracey’s books in the past so I knew that I was going to enjoy the story. I was a bit worried though at how the vampire story was going to come into play. Would the vampires be real vampires or would they be vampire-like characters with addictive tendencies? Would they be Dracula type vampires or Twilight style vampires? Would this be a fantasy world or a realistic setting? There were many questions running through my head when I picked up the book.

After putting down the book, my thought was that Tracey had done an extremely excellent job. The story skillfully blends a story about alcohol addiction and the dependency on the drink and what it does to a person’s life. It shows how the yearning for one last drop can ruin a person’s life forever and cause great damage to the relationships with people they love. Thus this is the same as what it’s like for a vampire and the thirst for blood. Nina’s alcohol addiction parallels Markus’s vampire tendencies and the two tend to circle around each other like vultures. Markus is a real vampire who is out for blood and there’s nothing fake at all about him. The place where the story takes places gives off a creepy feeling. I kept picturing lots of fog everywhere. It’s a good place to set the story in. I was happy with the ending of the story, there is no “vampire conversion” scene thankfully.

If there’s any problems I had with the book, it’s the switching in narration without warning. The story goes from Nina’s first person past recollections like a diary, then switches to third person telling the current story and then goes to Hunt’s first person recollections. The problem lies in that it’s never told that it’s Hunt’s talking in first person, it abruptly changed and it took me a while to figure out who was doing the talking. Plus while, Nina’s first person is written in italicized font, there’s no change in Hunt’s and looks like it’s part of the regular story. It was just confusing to read at times.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. Vampires have never been a part of Christian fiction before. Mostly likely past authors had no idea how to use them or felt them to be so evil, that they didn’t want them in their stories. This book does nothing to make a vampire seem good or Christian like so really it’s just a story about good vs. evil. There’s just more story in between to make a statement. I feel like both fans of Twilight and other vampire lit would enjoy this book as well as fans of Christian fiction. It is NOT a light read however. It’s quite intense so I don’t know if I would immediately pass this one right off to teens without reading it first. HIGHLY recommended.

One would think that after a while all Amish stories start to blend together. While that may be the case, the trick is to write a good and unique story to make it stand apart. I think that’s what Beth Wiseman has done with her books, because so far I’ve really enjoyed all of them. Sadie is unique because not only is she a widow, she rents out her cottage (that has electricity!) to an Englisch single man, and she’s writing letters to another Amish guy in another state. That’s quite a bit of excitement for people who are supposed to be living simple lives.

I really thought it was interesting to bring a topic like autism into the Amish world and see how they would react to it. Sadie doesn’t really know what exactly is going on (I guess no one in the Amish gets it?) but she does her best to try to comfort Tyler whenever he starts getting antsy. The Bible verse speaking is a bit freaky but it adds to the story very well. To be honest, from the brief interaction we had with her and the way Kade described her, I was not a fan of Tyler’s mother and actually quite glad as to what happened to her. I know that sounds terribly sadistic but the way she handled the situation was done very poorly and she should have thought of the consequences better.

I did feel that this book did go into the over dramatic side at times with everything that happened in the book. Also the ending was a bit predictable, as I knew exactly what Kade was going to do as soon as I started reading. I think for once it would be interesting to have one spouse remain Amish and the other to stay non-Amish but I guess that would make things too difficult. Overall though, I did like the book. I enjoy this author’s style of writing as it is comforting and she does a good job of bringing the characters to life. I’ll be looking forward to when the fourth book in the series comes out next year.

This book pretty much is the downfall of Taylor. It’s been foreshadowed since the day we met her in the first book. Seriously, this girl is totally uninhibited and just out to have a good time. However she goes for the extreme in whatever she does and doesn’t seem to care about the consequences. I really could not stand her condescending attitude towards DJ just because she doesn’t want to drink or anything else Taylor does. It had nothing to do with DJ being a Christian, she just knew that it wasn’t healthy and it was dangerous. Yet Taylor keeps acting like she’s the cool one and DJ is a freak for not joining her. Therefore DJ feels that she has to be always on the watch for Taylor and can’t enjoy everything because she’s like the baby sitter. The whole story just builds up until the ending when Taylor finally realizes that she has a problem.

While I enjoyed this book, at the same time there’s also a bit of a fantasy with the situation. Maybe it’s just me, but there would have been no way, I would have been allowed to go to Las Veags at that age, let alone be on my own while there. It just seemed very unrealistic for a bunch of 16 year old girls to be on their own around in that city and no one really questioning them. Also DJ’s grandmother is REALLY getting on my nerves. Seriously, throughout the entire series all she cares about is looks and making the right connections instead of being concerned about the girls’ safety. I cannot wait until she gets a reality check.

Overall though, I have enjoyed this series and this one seems to be the edgiest one of all. I think it really speaks to teens and shows what they go through. Also I really like the cover, I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen fishnets on a Christian fiction book! I would recommend this book and the rest of the series for older teens.

Susan Meissner is one of the most prolific authors that I have ever read. Whenever someone asks me to recommend a new author or some books to them, I ALWAYS include her on that list. Every single one of her books have been wonderful reads that are not only entertaining but though provoking and highly impacting. In fact, there have only been two books in the past five years that have made me actually cry: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner. That’s who much her books have affected me. So as always I was beyond thrilled that she had a new book out.

This book has so much going on in it, many multiple story lines that one would think how in the world can they all possibly tie together? That’s the beauty of Susan’s writing, that not only do they tie together but they all need each other in order to portray the full depth of the entire story. Within this story you have: a daughter who’s abandoned by her father, a wife and mother who’s trying to make sure that her family keeps up their perfect appearance, a son who’s trying to remember a horrific incident that happened when he was a child, and a family secret that has been kept hidden for over 60 years. I really like Tally and Chase. Not only do they get along well as cousins but they both try to help each other understand their past. By helping the other person rediscover their life, they are able to take a deeper look into their own soul. The Holocaust/Jewish story was extremely interesting and one I myself would like to delve in further. Amanda’s story, while not as intriguing as Tally’s and Chase’s, is worth reading as well. Her attempts at keeping up the perfect family lifestyle doesn’t go as plan, and neither does her relationships with her husband or male colleague.

I thought the cover of the book was absolutely perfect. There’s that idealistic white fence which represents the perfect household, but the paint is peeling and there’s a cobweb on it. It’s so simplistic yet speaks a thousand words. I thought it was interesting that I felt that I kept wanting Tally’s father to make an appearance in the story but he never does. It bothered me at first until I read the author interview which brings up this point and explains her choice to not put him in the book. I really like books that include those question/answer interviews in the back of the book so that the reader can automatically feel a sense of completion.

This book is another wonderful work of art from Susan Meissner and destined to be another highly recommended title. Honestly if you have not picked up any of her books before, you MUST. Seriously you will NOT be disappointed.

I can’t help it. Amish books are my weakness. I know, I know. However I have no desire to become Amish nor do I agree with all their beliefs. In fact I will state when I find something I disagree about. But still, they are good escape reading especially when you want to read something that is comforting.

I did like this book. The characters were all very engaging and interesting to read. Noah’s story especially was my favorite. Personally I would have loved to have read his book and read all the juicy secrets of the behind the scenes details of Amish life. I felt really bad for him because he wanted to live the life he felt called to do and his family shunned him instead. I’m really glad that he stays true to his self and doesn’t allow guilt from others to change his mind. The drama involving Samuel’s son is a bit soap opera-ish at times due to the rapid pace it took off but still made for good reading.

This is not spoiling the story at all but I just wanted to say I was thrilled that no one turned Amish in this book. I have been worried that this series would fall into the stereotype where every non-Amish person that gets a whiff of Amish life suddenly has the desire to give up their life and join the community. If your intentions are true then that’s fine but it just seem like it’s the latest trend in books. I mean, really, Amish life is more seductive than most romance novels it seems because people can’t seem to keep away. Therefore I was more than relieved when Carley showed no interest in giving up her regular life.

I’ve stated before in my review of the first book in the series that I didn’t really like Samuel. During that book I just felt that he came off as very standoffish to me. Well I was right to feel that way because he gets even worse in this book. Throughout the whole book I just wanted to scream at him for being so unreasonable. Also, to be honest I really don’t know how Lillian can put up with him. I’m also amazed at how quickly she adapted to the Amish lifestyle. It was like one minute she can’t even up her jeans, now she can speak fluent Pennsylvania German.

All in all I am enjoying this series. They are very refreshing reads. While I may not agree with all the beliefs of the Amish, this series doesn’t try to make me feel guilty for that. Plus there’s tons of food mentioned in the book, which as I’ve said before is always a plus in my book. This book is a great way to escape for the weekend. If you’re an Amish fan, you’ll enjoy this one.

I have enjoyed Maya’s story since she was first introduced in the Kim books of this series. She has struck me as a character that is very real, very down to earth and someone who is trying to figure out life each day at a time. Her story is different from other teens in most Christian YA fiction. First off, there’s the fact that Maya is biracial, which sadly is uncommon in most Christian lit. Then there’s the fact that she’s struggling with a mother who is unable to take care of herself or her own daughter. Maya is extremely mature for her age and it’s interesting to see her compared with other teens. While they may have more things material wise, she’s far more richer in knowledge of the future and mental growth.

Once again, I really enjoyed reading the Green tips at the end of each chapter. I may not agree with all of them, but the fact that they’re even there shows a nod to those who do care for this topic. I have yet to really see this featured in other Christian fiction books so this is a major plus for the series. I’ve also learned a lot about recycling and conserving which is something I need to work on. I also enjoyed seeing more about the band Redemption. I enjoyed reading about them in Chloe’s series so it was great to see first hand experience about what it’s like to be a rock band again. The outcome wasn’t what I had expected but still interesting.

The only thing that bothered me about this book was that I felt there were a lot of loose ties at the end of the book. I’ve read every book in the entire Diary of a Teenage Girl series and each time one of the other girl’s stories ended, I felt a sense of completion. However with this book I felt like I was left hanging. This is even more disappointing because this is apparently the last Diary book ever, therefore there won’t be another opportunity for Maya to appear in another book as a background character to finish up her story. I also felt that Maya got shorted in her story because the other 3 girls had at least 4 books in their mini series and Caitlin got 5. While each individual girl’s series can be read on their own, it’s best to read all the books in that particular series in order. For an even greater perspective, it’s recommended to read ALL the books in order: Caitlin, Chloe, Kim, and Maya.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. I think that teens will really enjoy reading Maya’s adventures. Carlson has done another wonderful job connecting with the YA audience and really speaks to them. I’m really sad to see this series ending as I think it’s been a landmark in the way that Christian YA fiction has become.

The reasons why people leave home vary and are numerous but many times it’s to escape the past that hurt us. That’s the reason why Piper Wick has left her hometown and shed her true name. Her past has been painful and she wants to do anything to remove herself from that environment. Unfortunately for her, she gets sucker punched into returning and finds herself having to confront with the very things she’s tried to run away from. If you like sweet tea, watching Paula Deen, and find yourself say y’all in your conversation, this book is for you. It’s very southern and brings alive the flavor of the culture. The main focus of the story is on forgiveness and it does this without being overly preachy. Also learned are lessons on judging and trust as well. The whole entire Pickwick game could stand to learn from these lessons as they are one big dysfunctional family.

Piper’s character allows you to hurt with her and understand why she’s become who she is today. I must say after reading what her aunts and cousins did and said in the past, I would have shaken the dust off my heels and left as well! Thank goodness the book insists on reading the rest of the verse in order for the lesson to truly come across the way it was originally intended.

While I enjoyed this book, I didn’t gel with it as well as I have with Leigh’s other books. I just felt like I couldn’t relate nor get as close to Piper as I have with Leigh’s other heroines. Also this book gives off a less chick lit feel that the others. The character is the same age but acts older and more mature. There is less humor in this book and the tone is more serious. I also didn’t find the romance to be as fun or engaging as past stories. Still though, I did enjoy the book and I’ll be looking forward to reading the sequel and finding more about the inhabitants of Pickwick.

I swear, there is no one that can write like Melody Carlson. Each of her books have been totally distinct and unique and just simply written wonderfully. This book is no exception. We’re taken this time to the story of a former It Girl from the Golden Age of Hollywood who’s suddenly found herself to be old, lonely and not knowing how to live life for herself. Claudette has to adapt from living a life with servants and staff doing everything for her to having to figure out even the simplest life skill on her own. It’s a moving journey for both Claudette and the reader as she has to move back to her childhood home and rediscover life.

There are parts of the book that are just hilarious yet at the same time I felt bad for laughing at Claudette’s expense. I really liked how she was willing to do all these things albeit grudgingly and didn’t use her age as an excuse. It really makes one think how we take all these things for granted, such as knowing how to use a washing machine or knowing that towels can be washed. To see her change throughout the book was a real eye opener that I totally enjoyed.

Something I found very interesting about this book was that there was a character who is gay, has been gay for years, and stays gay throughout the book. His lifestyle is not described in any fashion other than stating that he is gay and that he has a partner. No statements are made derogatory towards him and he is treated with respect from other characters. By the end of the book, there are hints that he has begun to go to a church that accepts him for who he is and he is interesting in knowing more about God, the Bible and church. One other thing I did find hilarious was the phrase “sex toy” being used. I honestly think that’s the first time I’ve read that in a Christian fiction book ever!

This book REALLY makes you think, not only about about how you view life, but how your life changes when you get older and when you need to learn to stop being so prideful and accept help. Claudette’s story is a wonderful read, full of humor, happiness, tears and hurt. This book is one of the best I’ve read this year and one that everyone should read. VERY HIGHLY recommended.