The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Back of the Book

Unlikely romance is sometimes just an inconvenient marriage away.

Charlotte Beck may be entering adulthood, but she can’t seem to keep to her stubborn, independent spirit from bucking social protocol. Fed up with her behavior, Charlotte’s father Daniel pressures her to settle into a nice marriage despite knowing she is set on going to college. Then Daniel sees Charlotte with the handsome but annoying English astronomer Alex Hambly, and everything changes.

Though Alex and Charlotte can barely stand one another, Daniel offers them a deal they can’t refuse: if they agree to marry, he will save Alex’s family from financial ruin and grant Charlotte the freedom to go to college. Reluctantly the couple agrees, but in private they plot to annul the marriage as soon as possible.

But when Alex’s feelings change and he refuses to dissolve their contract, will Charlotte find a way out of her vows? Or will she discover that maybe this marriage isn’t so inconvenient after all?

My Review

This book took me just about a day to get through. I have quite a bit of downtime at work, and we’re allowed to read when there aren’t customers lingering about. The majority of it was finished in a 5 hours shift, and the rest I greedily finished up at home. Is it a thought provoking novel? By no means. But if you’re looking for an easy, fun read than Kathleen Y’Barbo has your book. I’ve heard good things about the author, though I can’t speak for her other novels, so I jumped at the chance to review this. And I have to say, I wasn’t disappointed.

Charlotte and Alex’s banter is amusing and it kept my attention. Some of the humorous scenarios the pair found themselves in seemed a bit… too perfect for me. I could see them happening before they did, and I could figure out the reactions before I read them. Even so, I wasn’t going into this not expecting that.  If you want a light, fun novel that you can take with on a day to the beach and read while you lay in the sun I would tuck this in your bag. You’ll finish it up just about the same time your skin becomes a lovely golden tan.

I was graciously given a copy of this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but was in no way compelled to write a positive review.

Mine Is The Night by Liz Curtis Higgs

An intriguing story that begins with a recently widowed young woman Elizabeth and her mother-in-law who, after the battle at Falkirk have lost everything including those they held dear. Seeking refuge with a cousin named Anne, Elizabeth strikes out to find means of supporting herself and her family. Having a talented hand with a needle she quickly finds a job, but is soon let go.

Eventually, she finds herself under the employ of Lord Jack Buchanan where she sews uniforms for newly hired staff. Romance unfolds threefold and a charming tale of love emerges throughout the novel. I have to admit that I love Liz Curtis Higgs from her previous novel Here Burns My Candle, so I may have come into this novel a bit biased. Nevertheless I was enchanted by the retelling of the book of Ruth from the Bible. For those unfamiliar with the story, the book of Ruth tells of how God aids a faithful young woman and ultimately rewards her. I do not mean that as a spoiler, as the novel is loosely based up the book, but the plot is a tad predictable. That does not detract from the enjoyment of the story, I assure you.

Ultimately, this novel is a lovely story of faith and love that leaves nothing lacking. Or, perhaps it does depending on how one wishes for a story to end. Higgs ties up the story in a neat bow with an ending most will find pleasing. However, if you're not one for perfectly wrapped up storylines then you might find it disappointed. I'd still give it a go though, overall it's enjoyable and a wonderful historical fiction. 

I was graciously given a copy of this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but was in no way compelled to write a positive review.

Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer

I have a problem with Ms. Sawyer and it has very little to do with her writing style. Its not often that I read the back of books, I like to be captivated by titles and covers (yes, I'm one of those who judge a book by its cover), but when I agree to write reviews for novels I read the little blurb they offer. I want to read something I find interesting after all, and I only get one choice at a time, so I put my hopes into these quick synopsizes. Each time I have read a novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer I had been completely mislead. That is not to say they are not lovely novels, as they are and I quite enjoy the stories once I get to the heart of them, but the focus in the summary is completely off. I wonder why no one at the publisher's office is annoyed by this. In Every Heartbeat, the other novel I read, the second to last sentence mention the tensions of the world concerning WWI, something that is not even mentioned until the end of the novel. In this novel, Courting Miss Amsel, there seems to be a focus on a trip to see Susan Anthony and the woman's suffrage amendment. Once again, its barely touched upon in the novel and the main focus of the novel? Not even close. 

Now that I've gone off on a complete tangent about my pet peeve with Ms. Sawyer's back covers, I have to say that I did enjoy this novel quite a bit. Its not anything to write home about, the storyline is pretty predictable and I wasn't entirely convinced by the sudden change in the characters at the end, but it was an easy enjoyable read. Edythe Amsel is fulfilling a goal of making something of herself. Coming from a less than idealistic home life, teaching seems the perfect answer. However, Miss Amsel isn't exactly what the sleepy town of Walnut Hill, Nebraska excepted and there a quite a few who cry out in opposition to her new, controversial teaching methods. One man, Joel Townsend, may not fully agree with her methods, but sees the value in her lessons. When Edythe steps too far out of the town's comfort zone, however, even Joel questions if he can support her forward thinking ideas. The revelations Sawyer writes about in her characters aren't exactly realistic, and boy are they sudden. But then again, this is Christian fiction and you know what you're getting into before you pick it up. And you should, pick it up. It's light and sweet, with a hint of history thrown in.


 I was graciously given a copy of this book for free from Bethany House Publishing for this review, but was in no way compelled to write a positive review.

The Charlatan's Boy by Jonathan Rogers

     I know that I am pretty much alone in this assertion, but I simply could not get through this novel. It wasn’t that the story wasn’t interesting, or that is was poorly written; that’s not it at all. I honestly don’t understand why this novel was able to grab everyone else, while I sat there wondering what all the hype was about. Truth be told, it has taken me so long to write this review and I have yet to finish it. Maybe the ending is what ties it all together, maybe I’m just missing a deeper meanings. One day I may get around to finishing it, but I’m not so sure.

The Charlatan’s boy describes the journey of a young boy named Grady. Abandoned as a child Grady’s only sense of a family is a crooked man called Floyd. Together the pair travel from town to town swindling money out of people while putting on a Feechie act. Grady, a sweet natured, ugly boy spends the novel, or at least the portion (aprox ¾) I have read, searching for who he is. Like I said, the premise is original and seems promising, but I just couldn’t join in the fun.

I was graciously given a copy of this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but was in no way compelled to write a positive review.

The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall

Lena Kauffman is a young Amish school teacher who has lived all of her life feeling ashamed of the large birthmark upon her cheek. At 25 there is little hope of marriage, and with the mark upon her face she doubts the possibility of any man wanting her. Channeling insecurities throughout her life Lena has become a strong-willed, outspoken women; which is half her problem. When things at school go awry, and with Lena fighting for one of her students, she is at risk of losing her beloved position.

Grey Graber has found himself in a facade of a marriage. His wife Elsie refuses to acknowledge a problem within their relationship, and yet insists on shutting him out of her life. Question over their son's competency only causes tensions to rise higher between the pair. As they finally begin to work towards a better marriage tragedy befalls them.

Despite it all lifelong friends Lena and Grey are drawn together even as their begin to crumble around them.

I only began this book today I simply could not put it down! I have always been fond of Amish fiction, a simpler way of life seems to hold some sort of appeal to me, but Mrs, Woodsmall's characters are really what captivated me. I found all characters, but Lena especially to be fully developed with as many issues and insecurities as anyone else. This book, I only just realized, is the second in a series but I feel it easily stands alone. I did not notice any missing gaps that could have been filled in by a first book, but I will certainly go back and read it. Hopefully reading it out of order hasn't spoiled too much of the first story. This is definitely at the top of my 'must read' book list for friends!

I was graciously given a copy of this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but was in no way compelled to write a positive review.

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

Lucy Wiltshire believes she has found the perfect man. Matt is stable, reliable and loves helping people just as much as she does. There's one problem, instead of proposing he tells her that he's taking a job promotion halfway across the country. Flash forward two years and her pride and joy Saving Grace, a home she has created for girls who have aged out of the system, is in jeopardy of closing due to lack of funding.

Insert Alex Sinclair, a notorious heart-breaker who is running for congress and needs to revamp his playboy image. When pictures surface of him and the wholesome, down to earth Lucy the public eats it up. His polls skyrocket. It seems they each have what the other needs; Alex will personally fund Saving Grace if Lucy agrees to pose as his fiancée. But when Matt suddenly reappears Lucy's world gets turned upside down.

This is a quick, easy read for anyone who enjoys romances. The references to God are not overwhelming, although a bit kitschy. I couldn't help but think that everyone in the book were such wholesome characters, it was almost too unbelievable. And totally predictable. I'm all for happy endings, but too many tied up endings left me a little disappointed in this cookie cutter book. Where's the villain? Where's the conflict? I would definitely recommended for a fun read, but don't expect anything insightful.

I was graciously given a copy of this book for free from BookSneeze®  for this review, but was in no way compelled to write a positive review.

Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner

Jane Lindsay is contently married to her husband of 22 years Brad, so when he decides to pack his bags and leave for New Hampshire she is more than stunned. Struggling to pick of the pieces of her recently shattered marriage, Jane stumbles upon a ring inscribed with her name hidden inside an old Protestant prayer book sent to her antique store. Wishing to escape her own life she journeys deeply into a mystery over 400 years old.

Lucy Day is a 16^th century dressmaker who finds herself under employ of the Grey family, specifically their eldest daughter the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey. The two develop a strong bond as the young Jane becomes horribly entangled in the dangerous plots of her advantageous family. At the center of this is a beautiful ring that ultimately teaches both Janes a very important lesson.

This is a story of figuring out oneself and finding a voice to make one’s own decisions, no matter how difficult they might be. The stories of both Janes interweave with the help of one very precious ring. I found the book absolutely stunning and I easily devoured it in two evenings. Normally I am not one for modern fiction, but Susan Meissner was able to write such captivating characters I was drawn to both stories. Being a 20 year old girl its hard to empathize with a middle aged woman who’s marriage is crumbling, but the writing is so compelling I couldn’t help but feel a part of the story that unfolded between the pages. This is definitely a must read, even for those who are not fans of Christian literature. Susan Meissner creates a clean, enchanting story that incorporates God without becoming preachy.  I will definitely be on the lookout for more of Susan’s books, especially if they’re just as wonderful as Lady in Waiting!

I was graciously given a copy of this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but was in no way compelled to write a positive review.