Another Great Historical Fiction

"A Most Unsuitable Match"
By Stephanie Grace Whitson
I have always stated that my least favourite  genre is historical fiction!! AND what do I choose to review- just that!! But , you know, the more you read it, the more you like it- or in my case LOVE it!! You need to find the right authors and the right subjects and I have done just that.


Stephanie has done a fabulous job of involving you in this story. As the plot thickened, I became one with the characters. There were so many twists and turns that there was always a shock or wave of surprise at the next event. What a great talent, Stephanie has to be able to so engross you in her story, that you "forget",  to get supper or go to bed at night!!


The main character, Fannie is a young lady of privilege. When her mother dies and she is left alone, she discovers that there are some secrets that have been hidden away for many, many years and she finds herself traveling west to uncover the truth behind a  very important family secret.  Fannie is quite a determined young lady, although starting out quite innocent, discovers that she has the strength, with God's help, to  meet the challenges that she encounters, and there are many!!!


Meeting Samuel Beck on the steamship , during her journey to Montana, throws a complete surprise into the bucket!! He is on a mission to atone for his past failures, that still haunt him. Their meeting sparks a very unlikely attraction.  Opposites in every way, except..... they cannot stop thinking of each other!!


The journey ends and the attraction continues, although many obstacles and complications occur. And these are NO minor challenges!! I must not say more, to avoid giving away spoilers.


Will Samuel and Fannie  end the relationship with the journey or will it become just the beginning?  You MUST read to find out!! Just be ready for a page turner!! And GREAT surprises in the plot!
Well done , Stephanie! Loved this book!!!!


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".  

Review of a Historical Fiction:" The Midwives"

Lady in the Mist
By Laurie Alice Eakes
 As I have previously mentioned, historical fictions are not my favourite books to read, thus I picked up this book, looked at all 400 pages and groaned, however there were some things in this book that I did enjoy. The book started out on a very interesting note- with a midwife being blamed unfairly for the death of a mother and her premature infant.  The midwife, Tabitha, who is the main character in the book, appears to be a very innocent person bearing the brunt of a grieving/ angry husband who is obviously hiding some details that clearly caused the deaths- nothing to do with the midwife's  part in the delivery process.
I found the themes, twists and turns in this book very difficult to follow. They did not keep my attention focused as I felt they should have, to truly enjoy this story. Perhaps, others' opinions would differ, because, as I said, it was just not "my kind of book" , so I don't want to judge it unfairly.
Tabitha, as a midwife in these times, is the keeper of many secrets. Some are revealed throughout the story while others are not.  Dominick is another main character who has his own secrets to keep , mainly that he is a British aristocrat working on American soils as an indentured servant.
The  book details much of the political feelings at the time when the relations between England and America are edgy. Dominick and Tabitha cross paths , leading them on a journey that is full of intrigue, public disgrace and love- I, myself, did not find these to be keeping me completely engrossed, as I would lose track of what the current situation was and who was involved. The world seems against them finding true love.
I did enjoy the  theme of midwives and their importance and involvement in society . They become heroines in the  situations in which they become part of. I had not realize before reading this novel of the secrets that were very much a part of their lives.
Soooo...... historical romantic lovers, this may be the book for you. I must say, it was not my favourite book, however, the author, Laurie Alice Eakes, certainly possesses a talent of describing her characters and having a very involved plot.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Historic Romantic Fiction at its Best!! : A Book Review

The Preacher's Bride 
By Jody Hedlund

Jody's book was inspired by the real-life story of the great hero of faith , Paul Bunyan. writer of the famous Pilgrim's Progress. Behind this great man in history was his wife and Jody has chosen to make her fictional character (although much about her is fact) , Elizabeth, into the woman that loved and stood by a man of faith and helped shape him into the hero we got to know and love.
The setting is Bedford, England and the year is 1659.  John Costin, a Pilgrim preacher has just lost his wife due to childbirth. He is left alone to fend for his small children and a newborn infant. Of course, everyone in his following thinks they know best what should be done for this tiny newborn- he is so paralyzed with grief, he chooses to think it would be best if the little one joined his mother in a better place. Then, in walks the real heroine, Elizabeth, who amidst obstacles of all sorts,  from bossy ladies to gruff men, takes over the job as housekeeper to attempt to help the situation.
John goes on his way to preach the gospel although threats are constantly made against he and his family. Elizabeth stands by him, defending his family and suffering herself, mentally and physically , in order to keep this household safe and together. Violence abounds as John refuses to bow down and stop preaching his beliefs. 
As the challenges and the warfare between people and beliefs continue, the beginnings of a loving relationship develops- whether it is true for both John and Elizabeth is for you to discover in your reading of this book.
I found this book enthralling,- adventuresome, excitement and fear all abound.  The book is certainly well written and keeps you reading until all hours of the night, as my husband can attest to!!
Well done, Jody!!!! Keep writing and I will keep reading.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."