Books in review - February

A while ago I signed up to review new books for Revell. They specialize in "inspirational and practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life" (quote from their mission statement). In exchange for receiving print copies or ebooks, I'm required to post and submit a blog reviewing the titles I chose. Following is a short description of the three books I read and my opinion of them. I've also given them a star rating on a 1 - 5 scale. 

The Moonlight School 

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Historical fiction - contains romance

☆☆☆☆

This novel is set in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky and is based on the real-life story of how Cora Wilson Stewart brought education to illiterate mountain people. 

 

I enjoyed the mountain culture and setting of The Moonlight School. Cora's vision and determination to teach illiterate adults how to read was inspirational. One of the main characters in the story is Lucy Wilson, a second cousin to Cora. From a young age, her life has been overshadowed by her younger sister's mysterious disappearance. When Cora asks Lucy to come work for her, she is forced out of her comfort zone and her eyes are opened to the disadvantages the mountain folk endure. As she assists Cora, she blossoms and finds her purpose.

When Twilight Breaks

by Sarah Sundin

Historical fiction - contains violence, romance

☆☆☆☆

When Twilight Breaks tells the story of Evelyn Brand, an American foreign correspondent stationed in Germany at the beginning of WWII, and Peter Lang, a Harvard PhD candidate teaching in Germany. 

It's a fairly average WWII novel but I enjoyed the characters, especially Evelyn, a "firebrand" reporter in a male dominated profession. She is held to higher standards and her writing is more heavily edited than her fellow correspondents. When she finds out she is three quarters Jewish, things begin taking an ominous turn.

This is a Christian historical romance, but I wasn't overly impressed with the Christian part. It felt like references to God and prayer were thrown in here and there just to make the book fit into that category. It didn't add anything of real value to the story.

Even so, this book held me in suspense and the descriptions of historical events such as Kristallnacht were well written. 

A Dance in Donegal

by Jennifer Deibel

Historical romance 

☆☆☆

A Dance in Donegal is a historical romance involving Boston-born Moira Doherty, who becomes a teacher in a village in Donegal, Ireland, where her mother grew up.

I chose A Dance in Donegal because of its Irish setting, which I love to read about. The author did a wonderful job describing the landscape and culture, making the reader feel as if they were there. Those who enjoy historical romance will probably appreciate this book. Generally I am not a fan of Christian romance, and this book did not change that opinion. I found the main character, Moira Doherty, to be rather annoying. She often frightened easily and made immature mistakes. I liked the supporting characters better, especially the lovable Colm and Peg. 

It was a pleasure reading all of these books. Thanks to the publisher for making them available to me!

I received a free print copy of A Dance in Donegal and would love to pass it on to someone who might enjoy it. If you are interested, leave a comment below. In the event that more than one person expresses interest, I'll do a drawing. Shipping fees apply to non-local delivery.

adulting, work, and book club

My life is once again filled to the brim with work and basic household chores, making it harder to find time for blogging or my favorite leisure activities. On my 21 for 2021 list, I marked February as the month to spend 21 minutes a day doing something I enjoy. Unfortunately it hasn't exactly happened that way. Does sleeping or walking count?? I still like the idea of consciously taking time out of each day for a favorite activity. Maybe I'll have to make more of an effort in a different month. I am happy to report better success (so far 🤞) with other items on my 21 for 2021 list. Making notes and reminders in my planner has helped, and after a while habits start forming and it becomes routine. Amazingly, practicing self-control and discipline in one area has a positive effect in other areas that need it. Because I'm making a point of walking most days right after work, I can also remember to prep for work the next day, floss, and go to bed on time. Adulting is hard, people! 

Speaking of work, it's been much the same as my last post. There's not the same camaraderie I had at my old workplace and overall, it's "just a job." There's not really anything worth complaining about, but also nothing thrilling. I'm still being trained, which is a bore, so maybe I'll enjoy it more when I'm on my own. I'm also hoping once I get in the IV room things will improve. I survived my first weekend (barely). Going in to work at 2:30 pm always has a depressing effect on me. I was finally getting used to the people on first shift, and second shift was a whole new crew I didn't know. Friendly people are in the minority and I felt out of place and stranded. It was a  L O N G  8.5 hours. Another tech who started the same week as I abruptly resigned today. His last day at work he said something to me about it being a dark, negative place. He was also struggling to catch on to things. Some people aren't very patient with those who have a harder time. I'll say it again - starting a new job is no fun. 

We had our book club meeting this week and discussed Before We Were Yours. There were some questions in the back of the book specifically for book clubs, so that helped promote an interesting discussion. It was fun to get together and exchange opinions! Our new book is Flowers for Algernon, chosen by Dani. I'm excited to read a book that wasn't chosen by me! Although I have read this one, it's been a long time and I can't remember all the details.