A Place Called Bliss (Ruth Glover) Book Review

2017 Reading Challenge

24. A Place Called Bliss by Ruth Glover

Synopsis:Sophia Galloway, a rich and pampered lady of Scotland's renowned house of Heatherstone, and Mary Morrison, a simple servant, share a dream of traveling to a new land of freedom, promise, and opportunity: Canada. On the tumultuous journey overseas, Sophia and Mary both give birth. Neither mother knows how closely their destinies will be intertwined by a secret with the power to shatter their lives.

My Review:
In most stories (and not just in books), you read or hear about people moving from other countries to the US for freedom and opportunity. In this book, it follows the same concept except that it involves two families immigrating to Canada. However, getting to either place wasn't easy; many had difficult and tumultuous journeys. And for Sophia and Mary, it was no exception, made even worse that they were both pregnant and subsequently gave birth on their travels over to Canada.

A Place Called Bliss started off slow, which was when the two families were traveling by boat to Canada to start over in a new land. Once reaching Canada, they went their separate ways to opposite sides of the country. Sophia and her family had an easier time adjusting to their new surroundings since they had relations already there. It was more of the frontier life for Mary and her husband. Each family had their difficulties and struggles and stayed in contact with each other from time to time by mail. It was during this that it became more interesting and enjoyable to read.

What Mary and Sophia didn't expect was to find out a secret that changes everything that they used to know. The particular secret goes back to when they gave birth on the boat, but things didn't go as expected for both of them. Sophia and Hugh had somewhat of a distant marriage, but it made sense once the secret is found out. And no, I can't say what happened because that would be giving it all away.

A Place Called Bliss is a book filled with rich vocabulary and historical significance. Some of that was part of the reason why it dragged at times - for me, it was mostly in the beginning. The descriptive and detailed writing was enlightening. It was good to get to know more about Canada and its history.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

~Meg~

Love Comes Softly (Janette Oke) Book Review

2017 Reading Challenge

20. Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke

Synopsis:

Marty and Clem set out for the pioneer West full of hopes and dreams. They would stake a claim of their own on the new frontier, and build a home for themselves and their family.
But just after they'd arrived and Clem had chosen the perfect setting for their new home, an accident took his life...leaving Marty alone and pregnant. Then, on the day of his funeral, Clark Davis came along...and asked Marty to marry him!
Marty was infuriated -- but with no money, no shelter, and a baby on the way, what choice did she have? Besides, Clark said he only wanted her to be a mama to his baby girl, Missie. If Marty was still unhappy come spring, he would pay for her ticket back East.
Determined not to be a burden to Clark, and intending only to earn her keep. Marty threw herself into her new role of "Mama." But she had never been anyone's mama before, and she didn't even know how to keep a house! If only she could do right by this lonely man and his daughter just long enough to earn her train fare back home...
Now, Marty must learn wholeness and love through patience and faith.

My Review:

This story takes you back to the pioneer days. When Marty's husband dies in an accident right after making it out west, Clark just happens to show up on the day of his funeral. And to her surprise, Clark asked her to marry him and be a mother to his daughter. Marty had no other option but to accept his offer. It was agreed that it would be for a trial period and if she still wasn't happy after a few months, then Clark would pay her way back east. Things got off to a rough start, as Marty was inexperienced in housework, like cooking, and didn't know how to take care of a baby/child. She learned all that she could as she worked toward her goal of doing enough to earn her way back home. It took some time, but as the days and weeks went on, Clark and Marty grew accustomed to each other and their ways, as well as Missie getting to know Marty as a mother. During this whole time, Marty was still grieving the loss of her husband, but was also starting to get used to letting another man into her life and by the end of the story, they have a romance brewing. Both also grow in their faith, especially Marty, who exhibited a transformation throughout the course of the book. They come to the realization that they both needed each other in their lives.

Love Comes Softly was a good hearted story of romance and what it was like, especially for women, in the pioneer times. Marty was a strong female character who, despite her grief and struggles, strived to be the best at what she was given. She didn't want to be a burden to anyone and that showed when she married Clark. She didn't settle for nothing less than trying and being the best, as I've already stated.

Although I have read a couple of Janette Oke's books before, this one did move slow at times. The only main issue with Love Comes Softly was the dialogue between Clark and Marty. Both spoke with strong accents, which was hard in the beginning to understand a little bit, but became easier once I became accustomed to their accents.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

~Meg~

Gone With the Wind (Margaret Mitchell) Book Review

2017 Reading Challenge

10. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
      Topic/Prompt: book you got from a used book sale (in my case, a used book store)

Synopsis:

The story is set in Clayton County, Georgia, and Atlanta during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. It depicts the struggles of young Scarlett O'Hara, the spoiled daughter of a well-to-do plantation owner, who must use every means at her disposal to claw her way out of the poverty she finds herself in after Sherman's March to the Sea. A historical novel, the story is a Bildungsroman or coming-of-age story, with the title taken from a poem written by Ernest Dowson.

My Review:

I saw Gone With the Wind when I was about ten or so and enjoyed it, even though at that age, I probably didn't understand everything going on. I've wanted to read the book for awhile now before watching the movie again. 

This review has been so hard to write because as a popular American classic, everything that could be said about it has been said before. I will say that I'm glad I waited to read this book until my 30s because I can appreciate it more now than if I had read it as a teenager.

Everyone know the famous line from this when Rhett says, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." I'm pretty sure that everyone know what Gone With the Wind is about, so I'm not going to give too much depth into the plot.

Gone With the Wind is a rich historical novel about life before, during, and after the Civil War in the South. It delves into the times of racism on both sides of the spectrum, slavery, the Ku Klux Klan, politics, and the depths of the war taking place in Georgia (for the setting of the book). While I don't necessarily agree with racism and slavery, without writing about it would have made the book worthless. But considering this novel was written in the 1930's about the 1860's, it had to be included. It's all part of history and while racism still exists today, we can't forget about the past, as it shapes our world today. The characters are unforgettable and portrayed remarkably well for the time, for both blacks and whites, that this book was written. Margaret Mitchell did a great job with character development in the beginning and it made you feel like you knew them. Mammy is hands down one of the most memorable African American characters of all time.

Gone With the Wind follows the journey of Scarlett O'Hara during the time mentioned above. Yes, I couldn't stand her throughout most of the book. She starts out being a spoiled member of a wealthy family to losing it all when the Civil War starts. Then Scarlett does whatever it takes to keep Tara Plantation up and running, even if it involves deceit, betrayal, unethical business practices, and so much more. However, Scarlett is one of the strongest feminist characters you'll ever read about. There was so much she did despite what everyone else and society said and you have no choice but to respect that quality. I did like her transformation after the climax and the infamous line said to her at the end. She never gave up in her pursuit of survival and what she wanted. When she loses everything at the end (Rhett I'm talking about), Scarlett goes back to Tara Plantation and the caring hands of Mammy to rebuild herself back up in a time when you can't help but feel sorry for her. I love how, even in her grief and loneliness of losing Rhett, that the book ends with Scarlett thinking of a plan to win Rhett back.

Just like with Scarlett, I had a love-hate relationship with Rhett. While he was a caring father and loving husband at times, there were times when his ego and pride and the things he did made me mad at him lol. One of my favorite characters was Melanie because I could relate to her. She took everything in stride and mostly kept to herself, but she maintained a strong and powerful inner persona. I've already mentioned that Mammy is a memorable and strong African American character that kept Scarlett in line, the one person that Scarlett could count on to make everything better.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

~Meg~
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Only Time Will Tell (Jeffrey Archer) Book Review

2017 Reading Challenge

7. Only Time Will Tell by Jeffrey Archer
    Topic/Prompt: book that takes place over a character's life span

Synopsis:

The epic tale of Harry Clifton’s life begins in 1920, with the words “I was told that my father was killed in the war.” A dock worker in Bristol, Harry never knew his father, but he learns about life on the docks from his uncle, who expects Harry to join him at the shipyard once he’s left school. But then an unexpected gift wins him a scholarship to an exclusive boys’ school, and his life will never be the same again.
As he enters into adulthood, Harry finally learns how his father really died, but the awful truth only leads him to question, was he even his father? Is he the son of Arthur Clifton, a stevedore who spent his whole life on the docks, or the firstborn son of a scion of West Country society, whose family owns a shipping line?
This introductory novel in Archer’s ambitious series The Clifton Chronicles includes a cast of colorful characters and takes us from the ravages of the Great War to the outbreak of the Second World War, when Harry must decide whether to take up a place at Oxford or join the navy and go to war with Hitler’s Germany.

My Review:

This novel dragged quite a bit in the beginning and to be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect after reading the first couple of chapters. But I am glad I stuck with it. Harry's life is chronicled as he tries to figure out who his father was/is. He only knows what he's been told: that his father was killed in the war. As Harry grows up, he starts to question that story. 

Harry grew up poor and raised by his mom and uncle. His uncle teaches him the family workforce, the trade of the docks. It's expected of him to enter the shipyard when he's done with school. Everything changes when he gets accepted to a private school for boys on scholarship. His mother does everything possible to send him there, unbeknownst to him. As he grows older into adulthood, he finally starts to put the pieces together and gets to know the truth about his father (and his real father as well). Harry also realizes how much his mom sacrificed to be able to give him an education and a better life. She deals with her own tragedies and obstacles on her path to provide him with that, but doesn't let Harry know.

Once he graduates high school, Harry has to choose between going to Oxford or go to war with the navy. His past doesn't make it any easier to decide. When it turns out that his father might be his best friend's and lover's father as well, it complicates things even further. With his decision, he puts everything on the line. He ends up choosing the navy. When the ship gets sunk by the Germans, there are only a handful of survivors. To escape his past of buried family secrets, he assumes the identity of another crew member, not knowing what it might entail. The story has an ending you don't see coming and it leaves a major cliffhanger.

Throughout the story, Harry is guided by some great people to help guide him in life. There is a vast set of characters. Even though the story is told mostly from Harry's viewpoint, there are several chapters devoted to some of the other characters, which I thought was a good thing to help understand everyone involved in Harry's life, whether protagonists or antagonists.

This is the first book in the Clifton Chronicles series by Jeffrey Archer. Harry's life is chronicled in the six other consecutive books. That is why I chose this for the prompt listed above.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

~Meg~

To Dance Once More (Sherri Wilson Johnson) Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

42. To Dance Once More by Sherri Wilson Johnson

Synopsis:

Debutante Lydia Barrington lives a carefree, protected existence on Live Oaks Plantation in Florida. While her sisters happily prepare for their traditional roles as women and talk of courting, Lydia dreams of adventure and independence. She counts the days until she can leave home to explore the world, to dance with cultured gentlemen, to explore politics and art, to leave behind the confining expectations of her family and community—and her God. Even her friendship with handsome Hamilton Scarbrough isn’t enough to hold her back…until they dance, and her heart considers love.
Confused by her heart's betrayal, Lydia struggles to gain her independence. Then she overhears a private conversation about a business deal that has everything to do with her future. Now she’s faced with the biggest decision of her life—to concede or to fight. Either choice will require great sacrifice…and, perhaps, countless rewards. In an attempt to escape her imminent destiny, Lydia scrambles to find a solution—at all costs. Amidst the trials that follow, as Lydia runs out of time, she learns the meaning of sacrifice, forgiveness, hope and faith.

My Review:

Before I get started, I just wanted to say that I usually don't like to read historical fiction. There was something about the synopsis that made me want to read it. It was a little slow and hard to get into in the beginning, but I got hooked after several chapters. What I appreciated was how Sherri captured and conveyed the late 1800s in impeccable fashion.

Back in the 1800s, the men worked, while the women took care of the household and children. And the children were raised and prepared for those traditional roles. It was also a time when the father chose and approved of who would marry their daughter(s). As I'm writing this, it reminds me of The Fiddler on the Roof - except that in that, they're Jewish and in this story, the family is Christian.

This is a great coming of age story. Lydia's sisters have always accepted their expectations and are ready and prepared when they come of age. Lydia, on the other hand, has been more restless and a dreamer. She would rather travel and experience other parts of the world than getting married off into what society wants her to do when she gets old enough. She has wanted freedom from the protected and sheltered life she has grown up in. 

Since this is also historical romance, Lydia has dreamed of marrying her childhood friend (also her twin brother's best friend). When she overhears that her father has made a deal to marry her to someone else, she's crushed and becomes more rebellious. At each of her sister's coming of age and community parties, there's dancing involved, hence the title. Dancing with Hamilton makes her fall in love even more with him, but knows it's not possible. Her mission is to become more determined to have one more dance with him and be with him for the rest of her life. When Lydia goes to visit family with one of her sisters, she discovers that they're not perfect either. Lydia also happens to fall in love with another guy, despite the warnings from her family. It leaves her feeling more conflicted than ever. Unfortunately, it ends in tragedy, leaving Lydia to sink into a depression like state back home and her family puts up with her demeanor for a little bit. At Lydia's coming of age party, she dances with all of the men who are interested in calling or courting her. After she gets over being selfish over the one she lost, Lydia realizes that she has no choice but to marry Frank. It's a deal that their respective fathers made as a bargain like thing. Frank and Lydia get married and put on an act to make it seem that they're in love and happy with each other. After Frank's father dies, they finally get the chance to end the marriage and get married to their original lovers. 

Throughout her journey of coming of age, Lydia gradually becomes a woman of grace and maturity. I also liked the fact that this was a female empowerment story in a way. Lydia has so many dreams that she wants to accomplish before starting a family and she gets the encouragement of her teacher. I wanted to remind you that we, as women or girls, can do anything we put our mind to. Never stop going after your dreams.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

♥Meg♥

Accidentally Amish Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

14. Accidentally Amish by Olivia Newport

Synopsis:

Escape the helter-skelter of the modern culture and join software creator Annie Friesen, hiding at the home of an Amishman. With her high-tech career in jeopardy, Annie runs from fast-paced Colorado Springs—and straight into the hospitality of San Luis Valley’s Amish community. There she meets cabinetmaker Rufus Beiler, and the more time she spends with him, the more attracted she becomes. When Annie finds she shares a common ancestor with Rufus, she feels both cultures colliding within her. But is her love for Rufus strong enough for her to give up the only life she’s ever known?

My Review:

     It's not everyday that someone shows away (aka runs away from her problems, so to say) in a pickup truck and ends up in an Amish community. That's exactly what Annie did when she had enough of a certain situation. Deciding to hanglow for awhile, Annie stays in an inn just on the outskirts. In the meantime, Annie and Rufus, despite the their stubbornness to admit it, start to fall for each other. When an accident happens, Rufus' family takes in Annie to help her recovery. Rufus has to deal with problems of his own as someone tries to sabotage his work. After Annie heals, they depart, knowing that their different lifestyles won't work out well together. That is until something tragic occurs, bringing them back together. Both of their situations end up well and Annie decides to make a radical change by (thinking about) converting to Amish. 

     I thought that the storyline and plots were well-developed. I've always admired the Amish lifestyle, in particular how they all come together (without question) to rebuild after tragedy strikes and their power of forgiveness. In this story, it was interesting to see the difference between the Amish ways and English ways. Both Annie and Rufus had somewhat similar situations, but handled it differently. Getting revenge isn't always the best solution as Annie comes to find out.

As Annie gets to know about Rufus and his family, she ends up discovering more about her family, like finding out she has some Amish blood. Genealogy plays an important part in who we are. Did you ever find out something interesting about your family history?

♥Meg♥

The Day of the Wave Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

10. The Day of the Wave by Becky Wicks
      Topic: book that takes place on an island
     

Synopsis:

Isla and Ben were just sixteen when the Boxing Day tsunami tore through their beach resort in Thailand. Just days after forming a life-changing bond, both were missing and presumed dead. Unbeknown to each other and haunted by one of the biggest natural disasters in world history, Isla and Ben are living very different lives, until over a decade later when a chance encounter throws them back together.

My Review:

Ben and Isla are only teens when they become friends while on vacation and experience a tragic event. Not knowing if the other survived, Ben and Isla go back to their regular lives - Isla back to London parentless as they died in the tsunami and Ben to rebuild what was destroyed and start all over again. Life moves on for them as normally as possible, with Isla living in fear and Ben living with tremendous guilt over what they experienced. Ten years later, Isla gets a chance to go back to Thailand for work and as the fates would have it run into Ben. Together, they are finally forced to open up about that fateful day years before. Isla has to face her fears and Ben gets to let loose his emotions/guilt which he has buried deep inside himself. In the process of doing that, they are finally able to move on and feel free from everything.

Note: On December 26, 2004, a 9.2 magnitude earthquake occurred off the western coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia, causing a tsunami that hit 14 countries and affected 5 million people worldwide. 230,000 lives were lost that day. This book is based on the events of that day and the days following. It's been known as the Boxing Day Tsunami, among other names.

I chose to use this as a book that takes place on an island. It does take place on islands during parts of the book, but not for the whole book. I may have cheated a little with this one, but I don't think it matters.

♥Meg♥

Uncle Tom's Cabin Book Review & New Blog Update

Writing Tuesday

2016 Reading Challenge

9. Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
    Topic: book at least 100 years older than you



Pictured is the title page of the first edition published in 1852.

Synopsis

Uncle Tom's Cabin changed forever how Americans viewed slavery, the system that treated people as property. It demanded that the United States deliver on the promise of freedom and equality, galvanized the abolition movement and contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War. The book calls on us to confront the legacy of race relations in the U.S. as the title itself became a racial slur.

My Review
I have wanted to read this since my theatre company did the musical The King and I. That was several years ago (2012). One of the scenes in the show is the telling of Uncle Tom's Cabin in a play format. Although it wasn't my favorite scene, I wanted to read the book to understand it better in a way.

Harriet Beecher Stowe took a huge risk when she wrote this as slavery was considered acceptable back then. While there were people who knew it wasn't okay, no one really said a word because it would have been defying the government (in a way). I attempted to read Uncle Tom's Cabin back in 2012, but I just couldn't get into it and I put it on hold. Now that I've read it completely, I'm glad Harriet Beecher Stowe took that risk to portray that slavery was wrong.

This was an eye-opener to me. Although Uncle Tom's Cabin is fiction, Harriet's portrayal of slavery and what really went on is one of the truest accounts of that time. In this book, I appreciated how the different characters viewed slavery, from the ones who supported it in cruel ways (like Simon Legree) to the ones who saw it as wrong but couldn't do anything about it (like Eva and Mrs. Shelby).
Eva, along with Uncle Tom of course, were my favorite characters. I enjoyed how Tom stuck strong and true to his Christian faith despite everything he went through. Eva may have only been a child, but she had the wisdom of someone much older, who was also strong in her faith and that there's good in everyone. It was heartbreaking when she died.

As an American, America has had it share of mistakes. Slavery was one of them. Racism is another. I'm happy that slavery got abolished with the Emancipation Proclamation and the years after. Our country has come a long way since then in terms of racism and although we still have ways to go, I'm proud of what we have done accomplished.

I think Uncle Tom's Cabin is a must read for teenagers and adults alike.


So, I am happy to announce that my new blog is now out and I have my first post published. Check it out here: Writing With Meg.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

Meg