A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile by Angela Bell*

 After an accident, Margaret Kingsley buries herself into mechanics and creating gadgets. Her loving parents (the main characters from Ms. Bell's previous novel, A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventures) care for her on a daily basis as her pain sometimes forces to remain in her wheelchair or rest in bed. The Daughters of Genius Society employ her  to design and make gadgets for their undercover agency. When a case requires Margaret to leave her workshop, she discovers how loyal and sincere her friends are and also encounters a man who truly sees her,  not her condition. 

I love how Ms. Bell incorporates real woman into her novels and fictionalizes them to suit her plot. Ms. Bell's focuses on chronic pain and panic attacks, revealing ways to live with them via her characters. God and His provision is proclaimed throughout in an authentic manner. 

After reading this book, I am curious about the real Margaret E. Knight. From Ms. Bell's bibliography, I requested two children's books about her-a picture book and a chapter book.

*Highly recommend. I would hand this book to a teen girl.

-Borrowed from the library.

Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell

 Elaine of Ascolat, known as The Lady of Shallot, has grown up with Arthur and his fighting men. She sews their clothes and mends their wounds. The only other woman in the camp is Morgan, who teaches her how to gather plants, flowers, herbs to create healing salves. Two events disturb Elaine's normal rhythms-Arthur becomes lead warrior and decides to attack the Saxons (they have only defended their home, were not ever on the offense) and another woman, Gwynivere, joins the group. Will her father and brothers die in this attack? Although Gwynivere is pledged to marry Arthur, she and Lancelot seem to be pursuing each other. Elaine is heart-broken---she loves Lancelot.

Labeled as "YA"

A novel in verse, which I read in one afternoon   

An exciting tale & perspective during the time of Arthur and his loyal men   I love Elaine's tom-boy nature & her relationship with her father & brothers.

Considerations: girl-power perspective (but the author does NOT degrade men or minimize their gifts), men check out Elaine's figure (not graphic-she can tell they are looking at her developing/changing figure), she & another young man become a romantic couple at the end-very sweet-they share a kiss-they had been friends for years (I like the author's emphasis on the importance of developing a friendship first before romance.), violence -Saxons kidnap the girls & are cruel/violent 

-Borrowed from the library

Seeking Persephone-miniseries**

 My friend told me about this 4-episode miniseries. My husband, oldest son, & I watched it on Roku (the commericals for the 1st three episodes were so annoying!! We aren't used to commericals!). This mini series is probably one of my favorites of all time! 

Persephone, the eldest child of the Lancaster family, has been holding the family together since she was twelve-years-old and her mother died. The brothers join the military to support the floundering family finances. When the Duke of Kielder writes a letter asking to marry her and also stating that he will support the family, her father consents. At her wedding, Persephone discovers her husband is a recluse and a bitter man. Will he ever come to love her?

I love the characters-so admirable & well-developed, the story line was engaging & well-paced, the romance was sweet & showed nothing inappropriate.  

Based on the book by Sarah Eden (she has written a series about all the Lancaster siblings-- Persephone is the 1st book.) The story incorporates elements from Beauty & the Beast and the Greek myth about Hades & Persephone.

**Highly, highly recommend. I cannot wait to read the book! I requested it via ILL.

Consideration: Sarah Eden, the author of this series, is Mormon. No religion is preached or woven into this film. The only connection it has to the Mormon community is that it is a clean romance. 

Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar*

I do not choose to read Christian fiction often (I have reasons.). My friend handed this book plus another one by this author to me one Sunday without me asking for them. I decided to give this author a chance. I ended up enjoying the novel!😊

Ms. Afshar reimagines how Lydia, the seller of purple, becomes a successful business owner and a believer in Christ. She begins in Thyatira when Lydia is a teenager and living with her father, a merchant and purple dyer. After a series of betrayals, Lydia travels to Philippi to start over. Readers experience what life was like during this era & interact with Paul, Silas, Timothy and others mention in Philippians. 

Consider: One gathering the believers are speaking in tongues. Readers can infer that one evil man would use young girls for his pleasure.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from my friend (But it is available in my public library system.)

Chapter One Again by Keelia Clarkson

 After living in NYC for a decade, Jane feels compelled to return to her teeny Colorado home town, Avila Falls, for her mother's birthday. The town she dreamed of escaping throughout her high school years. . . 

She thought she had her career path figured out in NYC-ghostwriting memoirs for famous actors/actresses/musicians and writing her own novel. Upon returning to Avila Falls,, however, she begins to question the identity she has formed for herself. Meeting her old crush and seeing how her parents and, also her mentor, are aging cause her to ponder anew if the life she has been living is truly fulfilling.

A very predictable novel-Hallmark-like (Jane's friends even equate her weeks at home like a Hallmark movie 😀💖) I would have no issues sharing this novel with a teen. It is a very clean, sweet romance.

This genre is not my favorite, but I did enjoy reading (even though it was very predictable) & immersing myself into Jane's world and the beautiful Colorado setting. Mrs. Clarkson has created likable characters and a setting that you want to visit.

A great, light read with an uplifting tone. 

-Borrowed from the library.

*The author is Sally Clarkson's daughter-in-law. 

Page Two With You , the 2nd book in the series, is forth-coming.

Pride & Prejudice -DVD

 Over the Christmas break I was in the mood to watch a movie based on Jane Austen novel. We own a Pride & Prejudice dvd starring Keira Knightley (Before we had kids, we would buy a DVD at Walmart for date night at home--this DVD is one of those purchases.). During covid I borrowed the 1995 TV series starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. When we watched the Knightley DVD, we were disappointed. It moved too quickly and did not develop the characters compared to the 1995 TV series. Its catchy quotes are not based on the book! 

-I own the Knightley DVD.

The Old Peabody Pew-A Christmas Romance of a Country Church by Kate Douglas Wiggin

 Another delightful Christmas story by Ms. Wiggin!

The orthodox meeting-house in Edgewood, Maine is the center of this story's action. A group of women, the Dorcas Society, determinedly advocate for its upkeep and renovations. During this Christmas, the women decide to carpet certain sections and scrub the pews. Nancy Wentworth volunteers to oversee the Peabody Pew. Secretly, she longs for the young man who used to sit in this pew, Justin Peabody. Ten years ago he vowed if he could earn some money he would return for her. 

I loved escaping to this village during its Christmas season and experiencing reconciliation between two lonely people.

-Borrowed via ILL (my copy was 125 years old . . each page had a beautiful Christmas-themed border. The pages were thick paper! Such a treasure!).

The Romance of a Christmas Card by Kate Douglas Wiggin*

 As I read through Glad and Golden Hours by Lanier Ivester a few months ago, I jotted down Christmas book recommendations. This book was one of them. When Mrs. Larabee draws and creates a poem for a Christmas card, she has no idea it would restore two young men to their home town and their loved ones. I loved this simple and sweet Christmas story.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL (my copy was published in 1916!!)

Persuasion by Jane Austen*

 Disclaimer: I started reading this book over a month ago while staying in the hospital with a loved one who had a complex surgery. Hospitals are not the best place to focus! 

Almost a decade ago, Anne was persuaded by a mentor to break off an engagement. In the meantime, Captain Frederick Wentworth, her former finace,  has become quite successful. Now at age twenty-seven, she is resigned to a life without a husband or family. The years have dulled her countenance. Although she is often overlooked within her own family, when any of them has an issue, they turn to Anne for a resolution or for support. When her prideful, foolish father realizes he cannot afford their estate, Kellynch, he rents it out to Admiral Croft and his wife Sophia Croft. Sophia is Frederick Wentworth's sister. Will Anne encounter her former finace on a routine basis now? Will he still care for her?

  It took me awhile to organize and remember all of the characters and also how they were connected. I should have a created a character map! At first I thought this novel was inferior to Pride and Prejudice. I love the witty dialogue, the humor, and the fast pace in Pride and Prejudice. Persuasion is more contemplative and serious. The reader is privy to Anne's thoughts. After talking about it with a friend who loves this novel, I concluded that I will remember this novel better than Pride and Prejudice. I admire Anne as a character whereas Elizabeth was fun but not as memorable. I thought the ending was a bit abrupt.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

The Rushworth Family Plot by Claudia Gray

 A Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mystery #4

Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney have solved three murder cases over the past few years. Their friendship has grown into a romatic interest. Jonathan's parents, however do not approve of the relationship, and Mr. Tilney does not believe Jonathan truly cares for his daughter. It seems like the parents will be preventing future interactions.

Then Jonathan and Juliet are sent to London for the Season. Not knowing the other one is in London, they are thrilled to spy each other at a ball. When a murder occurs, their reputation causes the police and Bertram family to allow them to investigate together. The Bertram family's sister, Maria, is saturated with scandal (elopement, divorce, having a child with a man who is not her husband). With her former husband murdered, she is the number one suspect. However, Juliet finds Maria dead in her apartment. Are there two murders? 

Catherine Bingley longs for one of her daughters to reside in Pemberley, the Darcy estate. But Juliet seems to have captured Jonathan's heart. How far will Mrs. Bingley stoop to ensure a position as mistress of Pemberley  will be guaranteed for her daughter?

Ms.Gray has created likable characters in Jonathan and Juliet. I love reading about their interactions and their developing relationship. It's sweet. Ms. Gray also researches the time period well and incorporates authenticity throughout the novel.

Warning: Besides the scandals mentioned above, a painting depicting the myth of Pasiphae lusting after a bull is the catalyst for another scandal. No details are described.  Fanny Bertram writes to her brother. Her description of his life choices make the reader infer he may be homosexual.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell*

 Clara loves her eccentric family.  However, when her former fiancee threatens to utilize their pecularities and past for his gain, Clara immerses her days in trying to keep them out of the public eye. They do not need another family member institutionalized ! Life becomes more complicated when a stranger arrives at her grandfather's clock shop looking for work. Can he be trusted? Clara is forced to form a relationship with him when her grandfather flies off into the London skies on his flying owl machine. He leaves clues for her  to engage in a scavenger hunt all over Europe. A villian pursues them. Can Clara save her family's reputation?

A whimisical, fun, adventurous book   A book that celebrates family, redeemption, and a trust in God  I loved it! 

*Highly recommend. I would feel comfortable recommending this book to a teen girl.

-Borrowed from the library.

Christmas at Thompson Hall & Other Christmas Stories by Anthony Trollope

 A collection of five Christmas short stories by British novelist Anthony Trollope 

I had never heard of this author who wrote prolifically during the 1800s. These stories are heart-warming with some humor. Reading about a story with the setting of the U.S. Civil War by a BRITISH author was interesting! I like these short stories better than the modern Christmas stories by American authors.

I learned about this anthology from Lanier Ivester in her book, Glad and Golden Hours.

-Borrowed from the library.

William Shakespeare Twelfth Night retold by Georghia Ellinas illustrated by Jane Ray

 My favorite aspects of this retelling of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare are the bold illustrations and the oversized book. The retelling is a bit stilted. Also, the pronoun switch (from she/her to he/him) for Viola, who is disgused as a man, Cesario,may be a bit confusing. BUT the original story is confusing, so it is a challenge for anyone to retell it well for a younger audience!

I am glad I have it in my collection. (I own this book.)

The Castle on the Hill by Elizabeth Goudge*

 By accident my friend bought two copies of this title. She gifted me her second copy!

Summer of 1940 during WW II has brought despair and change to many people in England. Four sets of strangers come together at the Castle-Miss Brown (unexpectantly the new housekeeper), Mr. Birley and his nephews whose family owns the castle, Moppet & Poppet, two evacuees, and violinist Jo Isaacson. As they interact, some of the adult character face their love of self and learn to love sacrifically.

Ms. Goudge transports her readers to a specific setting and makes them feel part of it. Her settings and characters are well-developed and come to life. Her word choice and sentence structure are poetic. She weaves in deep truths and scriptural truths without being didactic  I really enjoy the way she writes. 

Consideration: One character swears throughout (d***), some characters wrestle with their view of God and His existence, a man and young lady have sex (no details are given, the reader knows they spend the night together) and later she is pregnant (so the reader infers what happens that night). The child is born early and is stillborn.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book. I wold like to own more of her books!

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 8 by Beth Brower**

 This series is one of my favorites. While reading this volume, I was staying in the hospital with a loved one who needed intense care for a few days. Even though the days were exhausting and challenging, this novel still made me laugh out loud and smile. Ms. Brower is amazing author who creates such credible characters. 

Emma spends most of May obeying her aunt's bidding and showcasing her cousin Arabella's beauty and desirous state. Relief arrives in June when Emma, Niall, Hawkes, and the Duke of Islington escape to the Duke's beloved country estate, Stonecrop. While there Emma discovers how the Duke suffered heartache in his youth and also encounters Niall's dysfunctional family and how it has affected him.

Full of wit and humor yet addresses heart issues and the fall of man and its consequences.

**Highly, highly recommend. (but before handing to a teen-Niall becomes drunk, physical abuse/child abuse, some swearing, Niall does not desire to have a relationship with God, Emma cares more about the poetry Hawkes reads during his sermons than God's Word, Niall and Emma kiss a few times but it is not graphic/descriptive or sensual)

-Borrowed from the library.

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

 Sam (Samantha) has experienced homelessness, abuse, and betrayal. As an orphan, she seeks solace in the classics and hiding behind the characters (especially Jane Austen's characters). When an anonymous benefactor offers to pay her tuition to attend Northwestern Univerisity's Medill School of Journalism, she seizes the opportunity. The benefactor requires her to write letters to him with updates on her progress. He will not reply. 

Through these letters, readers learn about Sam's past, the walls she has built, and how she slowly removes her sturdy wall, brick by brick. 

Minor characters who influence her seem to have a relationship with God. During the novel Sam does not accept Christ as her Savior, but the reader knows she is beginning her search for Him. 

Within the last year I had read Daddy-Long- Legs by Jean Webster (which inspried Ms. Reay's plot for this book). I could predict the plot from page one.  Although the plot was very predictable, I enjoyed immersing myself in Sam's life and almost read this book in one sitting. It is easy reading (like a "beach read"). I loved the references to the classics.

I liked this book better than Ms. Reay's The Printed Letter Bookshop. 

Before sharing with a teen: Sam was abused by her parents and a foster family, her dad was going pimp her out but she runs away (a man feels her up and other men check her out), her boyfriend Josh pressures her to be intimate with him (the word "sex" is never mentioned but inferred)-she doesn't give into the pressure, her younger friend is abused by his foster parents

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Q by Beth Brower*

 Beth Brower is one of my favorite authors. She creates credible characters and enchanting settings.

Quincy St. Claire runs her great-uncle's publication, The Q, with efficiency and with cutting-edge ideas. She loves The Q. It is her life. When her uncle passes away, he leaves a list of tasks with The Q's newly hired (by her uncle) solicitor for Quincy to complete in order to keep The Q. The problem is-she doesn't know what is on the list! 

As Quincy expands her business to Paris and then London, she cannot imagine losing The Q. During this challenging year, Quincy learns a lot about her self and the importance of relationships.

I loved this book and losing myself in Rhysdon. The minor characters add quirks and delight to the story. James Arch was my favorite character (although Quincy is endearing). James's father and sister Mary are also wonderful, admirable characters. 

Thank you to Ms. Brower for writing well-written stories that are CLEAN!

Considerations if sharing with younger teens: some swearing (minimal), four men jump and badly beat a main character, slowly developing romance but nothing inappropriate (they share a kiss)

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

The Four Feathers by A.E.W. Mason*

 When reading an introduction in my geometry teaching manual, I read about a mystery series by A.E.W. Mason. Knowing that the series would appeal to my fifteen-year-old, I proceeded to search for it in my library system. They did not own the mystery series but had this title available to borrow. The storyline and the psychological aspects of it would intrigue my son. Both my son and I read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. We actually owned the movie based on the novel (but I did not realize it until after my son was reading the novel.). The story compelled him so much that he created a presentation with his thoughts. He presented them to us and the grandparents. We then watched the movie. My oldest son said he would not have understood the movie without his brother's beforehand summary.

Harry, the son of a reknown military hero, withdraws his papers from the military when learns his group will be leaving to fight in the Sudan. Three friends each send him a white feather, denoting cowardice. His finace is standing there with him when he receives the feathers. Upon hearing his decision to withdraw, she plucks a fourth feather from her fan and hands it to him, ending their engagement. Harry then spends years trying to redeem his honor.

The novel starts off a bit slow but gains momentum after the first quarter. A story of honor, friendship, love, and sacrifice

*Highly recommend.

-My son owns this book.

The movie: PG-13 (for violence, swearing and one sensual scene-this did NOT occur in the book! The book was so much better than the movie. I did like the movie. Just after reading the novel, I love the depth and development of the novel.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

 This book brought such delight to my days as I read it. The entire narrative is related via letters between the characters. I loved the character development, the witty writing, the setting on Guernsey, learning about WW II's impact on the Channel islands, and being reminded of the art of letter writing. 

Author Juliet Ashton, residing in London, receives a letter from a gentleman on Guernsey Island, stating he has one of her old books (her name & address was pasted on the inside front cover) and asking her to write him a note with the name of London bookshop so he can order more books. This letter opens a new life for Juliet-new writing ideas and new friends. 

I wanted to highly recommend this book but-Considerations: one character is gay (it mentions two times that he is -not graphic details nor is there a focus on it), when discussing predestination, one character says God is a devil if it is true (referring to Him allowing the Holocaust).

-I own this book (I bought it w/out knowing about the above considerations. Someone I trusted recommended it . . .why I ususally try to borrow and read a book 1st before buying it!)

Silencing the Witness by Laura Conway

 When reading my denomination's quarterly newsletter, I read about this author who is local and who is a member of my denomination.

Almost three years ago Avery witnessed a murder which involved a drug cartel. Immediately she is placed into a witness protection program. Winning the teacher of the year award results in her photo being leaked in the local newspaper. The leaders of the drug ring want her dead. When she steps outside her high school on the last day of school, her car explodes. Luckily the security guard sees the explosion and rescues her. Little do they know that the next few days will require stamina beyond belief as they dodge the savvy, evil group.

Warning-when you start to read this novel, you won't be able to stop! Very suspenseful. 

I found it a bit unrealistic and also predictable at points. But it is great escape novel that is actually clean!

-Borrowed via ILL.