The Sheepish Scribe

Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I haven't read a Gothic novel in... probably 35 years. My grandmother loved them. She read voraciously and Gothics were her favorite. They never were mine. But this story is good. Very good. A real page-turner.

This isn't a spoiler, but I'll tell you, the story doesn't end. It's the first of a series and it leaves the reader hanging. If you like that type of series, you'll love it. If it annoys you no end to have a story with loose ends flapping in the wind, wait until the rest of the series is written and then pick them all up.

Julia Elliston's life is a wreck and going downhill. As any woman in Victorian England, her only option is to marry. When her childhood love turns to the church - abhorrent to her atheist upbringing - she does whatever she can to find a husband before her mysterious guardian can send her away to Scotland and a life of servitude.

Wonderfully dark with crumbling castles and wet, gloomy days, Jessica Dotta hits a home run with the setting. The characters are strong and complex, adding a lot to the plot twists and turns. This is the author's debut novel and I am looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.

Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the humor and spark between the hero and heroine in this story. What fun! It reminds me of a good John Wayne movie, like "Rooster Cogburn" or "Rio Bravo." The humor is spunky and fresh, not slap-stick goofy. The characters are lively and original. The storyline is intriguing and page-turning.

This is the third in a series and I didn't even realize that when I started reading it. It makes a great stand-alone story. However - now I must go back and purchase the two leading up to it! Because this one is such a good read, I have to know what came before.

If you like historical westerns with a dose of romance and intrigue, I can highly recommend this story. It is suitable for any age.

I was privileged to get an Advanced Reader's Copy, but you can pre-order "Gunpowder Tea" at Amazon or through your local Christian Bookstore if you're blessed enough to have one.

Waiting for Summer's Return by Kim Vogel Sawyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I would read this book again. It's a prairie romance in a very "Janette Oke - Love Comes Softly" type of way. Thoroughly enjoyed it! Interesting characters with an authentic German Mennonite background and enough emotional upheaval and uncertainty to keep you turning the pages. Not a new book, but any Christian bookstore can order it. (Or use Amazon if you must.) Suitable for all ages.

Shadowed in Silk by Christine Lindsay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm very much enjoying this series of books set in 1920s India under the British Raj. I love learning history through fiction! I knew nothing - used literally as no thing - about India in this period except that is was under British rule. I'm fascinated by the mention of Gandhi and how the British viewed him as opposed to the Indian people. And it's all tucked into the story in such an organic way that enhances the story without overpowering it.

Along with the history is the story of a young woman who marries in haste before the soldier goes off to war only to learn - years later - that she made a very bad decision. But some amazing people enter her life who show her that God has never given her over to her circumstances. His timing is always perfect, even when ours is not.

This is the first book in the series. I read them out of order - as I am wont to do - and both can stand alone quite well. However, I do recommend you read them in order for the sake of the history within.

Captured by Moonlight by Christine Lindsay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christine Lindsay delivers an exotic tale. The jungle, the monsoon, the smells and sounds, the rhythm of speech transports the reader to post-WWI India. The British rule but the country is anything but settled. Old prejudices and superstitions clash with modern medicine and Christianity. A war-decorated nurse and a veteran with a wounded spirit also clash - caught between memories and reality.

I read this without reading Shadowed in Silk, the first in the series, but I'm starting on that one tonight!

Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yes, this is my 2nd 5-star review in a row. No, I'm not getting soft on authors. This book is that good! Not only is the cover art perfect for the story, but the title is perfect too. I loved it from the very first page.

Lily Winter is one of the most relate-able characters I've read in the long, long time. She's a little bit of so many women I know...myself included. Marcus Averill is the charming man every woman should meet on a park bench. And nobody can do the evil step-mother (even if she's not a "step") better than Iris Gray.

Toss in a trip around the world to track down an unknown twin sister, a confrontation with "the other woman" and the empty nest... and you've got a story that will keep you turning the pages long past lights out. Find out how they mix it all up and learn to forgive the past to build the future.

A Memory of Light by Robert Jordan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my word. I've been reading this series for more than twenty years. You read that right. More than twenty years! I can't tell you how much I've looked forward to this final book. And, of course, when Mr. Jordan passed away many of us Wheel of Time fans feared we'd never see it. But in his wisdom, Mr. Jordan passed the torch on to Brandon Sanderson. He could not have chosen a better stand-in to finish the series. Mr. Sanderson delivered the perfect ending. I love it. L-O-V-E-D it!

And a little part of me thinks - hopes - that Mr. Sanderson left the door open just a smidgen on another book... I can hope, right?!