The Sheepish Scribe

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another classic that deserves to be read even if they have made untold numbers of movies about it. Lizzy Bennett will forever be one of the greats in literature and who hasn't swooned over Mr. Darcy at least once? The book is so much more in-depth with these delightful characters than the films could ever be. If you love the movies, do yourself a favor and read the original. Yes, it uses some big words, but stretch yourself. You'll enjoy it!

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What can be said?  What should be said?  This is a classic and if you enjoy classics - read it!  The old style of writing - as though a story told orally - is refreshing to read from time to time.  I enjoy our modern style as well, but it's nice to change things up.  And who can't but identify with dear Elinor Dashwood? Such a lady.  Such a book.  Dust it off and give it another read soon.

Writing the Christian Romance by Gail Gaymer Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everything you've ever wanted to know about writing a Christian romance - but were afraid to ask. Gail Gaymer Martin sets the dos-and-don'ts out in a logical, readable, and informative format. She explains not only what makes a book acceptable to the Christian marketplace, but goes much further into what it takes to write an excellent book. She is generous with her use of samples and challenges readers to get out their practice pens at the end of each chapter. I'm calling this one a "must read" if you're thinking about publishing a romance for the Christian market.

Cherry Blossom Capers by Cara C. Putman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Four short romance stories involving a group of four women who live in an apartment complex near Washington, DC. They are all connected and they all contain a bit of intrigue or mystery. I'll admit that mysteries are not a genre I'm particularly drawn to, but all four stories were engaging and would make an enjoyable summer read.

Forged in Faith: How Faith Shaped the Founding Fathers and the Birth of a Nation by Rod Gragg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you're at all interested in the faith of our founding fathers and how it shaped the birth of this nation, this is the book to read. A nice background of the state of religion in Europe prior to the first settlements in the New World, the book takes us through the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Well documented, the back 5th of the book is footnotes to back up the author's presentation and timeline of what was happening spiritually throughout these formative years. While not a "story" type of book, it is a very easy to follow and engaging account. Highly recommended!

Blowing on Dandelions: A Novel by Miralee Ferrell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A heartwarming story of an overbearing mother and a sincerely devout daughter who wishes to live out her Christian faith. I think this book would be an awesome group read for a women's group at church. The issue of conflict resolution within the Biblical context is well illustrated in its pages. The characters are engaging and story moves along at a good pace for such a group read and the author has included insightful questions at the end of the book. Don't overlook this one as a teaching tool.