Author: J.C.

Hartly Manor by Amanda Tero

Hartly Manor by Amanda Tero

Posted on by J.C.

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Title: Hartly Manor

Author: Amanda Tero

Published: 2017

Synopsis: There were six of them…

And these six children have an important lesson to learn when it comes to Mr. Hartly and his manor. Is he the scary man that Rees says he is? Or will the children discover something else as they get to know him? (Taken from Goodreads)

Review:

I loved this book to pieces. It was sweet and adorable, short yet filfulling. I loved the characters and their unique interaction, and found their dynamic to be perfect. The whole symbolic level of the story was beautiful, too, and natural. Though it almost felt a little too upfront about the gospel in the end—I almost wish it could have all stayed symbolic—it still felt natural and it was delivered strongly, tying together loose ends. A short, sweet, and super insightful read that I would recommend to anyone and everyone!

Negative Content:

None.

Rating: 5.0 / 5.0

Recommended to: Anyone and everyone!

** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

Enjoy the Poodle Skirt by Kate Willis

Enjoy the Poodle Skirt by Kate Willis

Posted on by J.C.

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Title: Enjoy The Poodle Skirt

Author: Kate Willis

Published: 2017

Synopsis: 

Rule one: Keep your hands clean.
Rule two: Careful with the food trays.
Rule three: Visit the soda fountain as often as you like, but don’t make yourself sick.
Rule four: Enjoy the poodle skirt.

Canary is excited to spend a whole week helping her newlywed aunt and uncle run a 50’s diner along with her older siblings Rose and Michael. Even the rules for working there are fun!
But when a routine cleanup presents a mysterious, hand-drawn map, her vacation gets even more exciting than a banana split with hot fudge sauce. And that’s saying a lot! (Taken from Goodreads)

Review:

What a sweet book! I loved every word of it. It was so creatively done! Though I think it definitely could have gone on longer, I also thought it wasn’t a bad length by any stretch. I read it in one sitting, and was swept away by the absolute sweetness. Though intended for middle-grade readers, I could easily see younger (and older!) readers just inhaling this as well. What’s there not to like? The 1950’s theme, the lovable—but realistic—characters, the lighthearted mystery, the subtle Christian tie-in in the end.

Genuinely written and creatively told, Enjoy the Poodle Skirt is a darling read for anyone and everyone. Kate Willis’s tangible writing style bled through every passage and I was immediately drawn in. Also the names were awesome—Canary especially.  Despite its shortness, she still managed to develop the characters and the setting incredibly well—preparing the scene for the lighthearted mystery which, while not heavy or too suspenseful, added a fun tone to the story. Overall, it was short, sweet, and full of fun and ice cream!

Highly recommended!! I loved every word.

Negative Content:

None.

Rating: 5.0 / 5.0

Recommended to: Everyone and anyone!

** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

The Charming Life of Izzy Malone by Jenny Lundquist

The Charming Life of Izzy Malone by Jenny Lundquist

Posted on by J.C.

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Title: The Charming Life of Izzy Malone  (Izzy Malone, #1)

Author: Jenny Lundquist

Published By:  Simon & Schuster /Aladdin (2016)

Synopsis: Izzy Malone isn’t your typical middle schooler. She wears camouflage combat boots, the stars are her only friends, and after a month she’s set a new record for the most trips to her principal’s office.
But Izzy’s life isn’t so charming these days. The kids at school think she’s a mouthy misfit, her musical prodigy sister gets all the attention at home, and no one takes Izzy’s determination to compete in her small town’s Great Pumpkin Race seriously.


When Izzy’s antics land her in hot water, her parents enroll her in Mrs. Whippie’s Earn Your Charm School. At first Izzy thinks it sounds stupid—her manners are just fine, thanks—but Mrs. Whippie’s first assignment proves intriguing. Tucked inside a letter is a shiny charm bracelet and instructions telling her she will “Earn Her Charm” by performing a series of tasks. For each task Izzy completes, she’ll receive a charm to place on her bracelet. “Complete them all,” the letter says, “and you will have earned a prize unlike any other.”


Soon Izzy’s adding charms to her bracelet. But when a task goes seriously awry and threatens to derail her mother’s budding political career, Izzy has her hands full proving she’s not an emerging juvenile delinquent. Add in some middle school mean girls, a giant pumpkin that could be the answer to all her problems, and discovering she might have a crush on the boy she accidentally punched in the face, and Izzy may just pull it all together and Earn Her Charm. And she’s about to find out the best kind of friends are just like stars: Bright and beautiful, appearing just when you need them, to shine a little bit of light on a dark night. (Taken from Goodreads)

Review:

The Charming Life of Izzy Malone was an awesome read, one that will appeal to all ages and all people. It was easy to relate to and love quirky Izzy, who can’t seem to stay out of trouble, even though you know she has a sweet and genuine heart. Each friend is introduced in their own spotlight, first Violet, then Daisy, and finally Sophia. The way these characters eased their way into the storyline (and into your heart) was so beautiful and I absolutely fell in love with them and the friendships they formed.

I thought the twists were clever—though not shocking, to me at least—and the storyline was spectucular in its structure. Everything keeps going perfectly wrong for Izzy, yet it didn’t seem cliche at all. It was realistically painted and remarkably written.

I LOVED the way Austin and Izzy were done, which, that is, they weren’t done, because they don’t end up dating in the book. Instead the message sent is waiting is OK, which I thought was fantastic and a nice breath of fresh air, separate and different from the immature love stories clotting the pages of most middle-grade novels.

Throughout the book, I sensed that the author was a Christian, and I was very happy to find she was; I saw the threads of her values and beliefs make their way throughout the pages of this book, nothing direct or straightforward, but quiet and subtle. Way to go, Jenny Lundquist!

Wholeheartedly a great, sweet, charming read!

Negative Content:

None.

Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

Recommended to: All ages!

 

Ivy Introspective by Kellyn Roth

Ivy Introspective by Kellyn Roth

Posted on by J.C.

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Title: Ivy Introspective (The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, #2)

Author: Kellyn Roth

Published By: Kellyn Roth (2017)

Synopsis: Trapped in a world where she doesn’t belong, twelve-year-old Ivy struggles to keep her head above water as her simplicity is brought to light by her new position as a young lady growing up at Pearlbelle Park.
After much thought, Ivy’s parents decide to send her to McCale House, a boarding school in Scotland for girls and boys like her. However, scared and worried away from her beloved mother, sister, and nurse, Ivy can’t seem to focus.
Will Ivy ever learn what Dr. McCale is trying to teach her? Or will she remained lost in her own mind forever? (Taken from Goodreads)

Review:

Surprisingly, I actually liked Ivy Introspective a lot better than its predecessor. Though it started out with a sour taste in my mouth due to the fact that I disliked one of the main foundations of the story— how Claire and Philip ended up together—I was surprised to find as I continued to read how much I liked it. I enjoyed seeing Ivy’s life and watching through her eyes. I thought the author did a fantastic job, I almost even liked it better than Alice’s book. While the first book spiraled a bit more, IvIn felt more focused and centered, concise and sweet, every scene leading into the next. I thought the author did a fantastic job with Ivy and her disability and her relation with those around her, too.

As well, I thought for the first 3/4 of the book the “Christanese” was great. It slipped in here and there, embellishing on or making a subtle point. I actually was getting impressed…until the last quarter of the book hit, where it felt like every other character had an overnight transformation and while one moment they were devoutly convinced to never trust God the very next they’ve repented and decided to completely give their life to Him, and the next moment everyone else has completely accepted this without question or thought. I just found it a little rough and cheesy. I love the heart behind it, but it just became very cringeworthy very fast.

I love the author’s heart, but I think it needed to be toned down. Just like you can’t force the gospel down a friend’s throat, you can’t force it down a reader’s throat either. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the book and look forward to seeing if there’ll be a next one? 😉

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

Recommended to: Fans of Alice and Ivy 🙂

** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

The Dressmaker’s Secret

The Dressmaker’s Secret

Posted on by J.C.

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Title: The Dressmaker’s Secret (The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, #1)

Author: Kellyn Roth

Published By: CreateSpace (2017)

Synopsis: After a revealing conversation with the first children of her age she’s ever met, curious eight-year-old Alice Chattoway realizes that one ought to have a father … and she doesn’t. Having determined that his absence is making her mother unhappy, Alice resolves to find him and create a family for herself.
However, Alice’s mother, Miss Chattoway, is reluctant to answer any questions posed about a man she’d much rather forget. While Alice investigates, Miss Chattoway tries to balance her own spiritual turmoil with her need to be both mother and provider to her daughters.
Will Alice ever unravel her mother’s secrets? Can Miss Chattoway let go of the past to reach for the future? (Taken from Goodreads)

Review:

**This is a review of the second edition of The Dressmaker’s Secret, published June 2017**

Alright, here we go.

When I first read this book last year I liked it a lot. Having reread it this year with the revised changes, I have…rethought a lot of my original opinion. I’ll start with my positives…

One: Characters. I felt the characters grew a LOT from version one to version two. Ivy really came alive, and Alice was a lot more developed. Claire, unfortunately, still felt flat to me, which a lot of that is probably just her personality, but I wished we had seen a little more depth. Mr. and Mrs. Knight were the same, maybe a little better, and same goes for Mr. Parker. Nettie is awesome as always. I really, really liked her. I also felt the characters were more distinctive and individual than version one; while the first time I read this I kept looking back to see who was who, it was a lot easier to keep track of them this time around, which made it more enjoyable.

Two: Writing. I saw the author’s writing improve a ton from version one to two. I started this book with my mouth agape at her talent. Like whoa! Kellyn Roth, girl, you go. The words beautifully flowed across the page, pulling the reader in and describing everything in a way you can easily visualize.

Downsides…

In The Dressmaker’s Secret, there was pretty much a sermon about God’s love or God’s grace or God’s salvation every other paragraph. Which I love the heart behind that. I love what Kellyn was trying to do in this book, but it was forced on the characters too fast. Claire’s change of heart felt so forced. It didn’t even make any sense—she’s stubborn and against religion, but one day she wakes up and—poof!—sees the light. The message that was fantastic, but the way it was sent just didn’t work; it was too overdone and, honestly, very cheesy. Nettie’s messages to Alice would have been impactful, but I wish they hadn’t been every other paragraph. Having millions of small moments-turned-sermons—and then having Alice immediately recourse her life thereafter—was hard to believe. Then again, I could be missing it. I’m definitely not one to stand here and say that God can’t use this story, because He definitely can if He wants to, and He might fully want to!

Finally, my last negative is the whole end…. which got more developed and consequently increased my frustration…When you have two characters that you want to end up together, but one of them happens to be already married (due to a life mistake), I generally do not think it is the best idea to kill off said character’s wife in order to get them back together. It just kind of sends the wrong message. Especially surrounded by messages of God’s will, it almost seemed like it was saying God killed off the wife in order to restore his divine plan, which I know is obviously not what the author intended but unfortunately is how it came off.

Overall:

However, I still did enjoy the book. The author truly does have incredible talent, and I look forward to adding this book to my collection!

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 

Recommended to: Anyone and everyone! 🙂

 

** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

The Silent Blade by Jesseca Wheaton

The Silent Blade by Jesseca Wheaton

Posted on by J.C.

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Title: The Silent Blade

Author: Jesseca Wheaton

Published By: CreateSpace (2016)

Synopsis: Dromiskin, Ireland. 925 A.D.

Eira has no greater desire than to see her life returned to what it once was—before her older brother Kevin’s sudden disappearance four years earlier. But the simple life she hoped for seems unattainable; on the contrary, her life is about to get all the more complicated.
When she suddenly finds herself and Willem, her twin brother, taken captive by someone who claims to be Kevin’s enemy, things go from bad to worse. It soon becomes clear that she and Willem are to become bait in a trap set for Kevin, and Eira knows she must try to warn him. But how, when she herself is a captive?
As mysteries of the past are unveiled, and loyalties are revealed, Eira realizes how precious her friends truly are. And when mortal danger threatens those nearest to her, will she be able to trust God with the lives of her friends and family? (Taken from Goodreads)

Review:

Brilliant book. Brilliant title. Brilliant everything! * I have cut all spoilers from this review. To see my review with all it spoilery goodness, you can check out my review on https://www.goodreads.com *

Some favorite quotes and my responses…

How I do friendships:
“Eira twisted her hair around her finger… ‘I miss her.’ ‘Eira, you saw her yesterday,’ Willem reminded.”

That moment that makes me go, YASS!!

“ ‘Eira, if one of us do get injured or even killed, it’s not God taking us from you. We are His to begin with.’ ”

When I realize the characters are smarter than me:

“ ‘Jealously is like a sword, a silent blade that comes into our life and wrenches us from any good that may have been there before. And without Jesus’ help it will never stop. It will just keep twisting and twisting till there is nothing left and it finally consumes us.’ ”

Onto the actual review..

Firstly I’ll just say that as I was reading this, I had my doubts. I had trouble keeping up with some of the characters—who they were and such. I was having trouble understanding some of the plot or what the purpose of the plot was…that is—until I finished it and IT ALL CAME TOGETHER!

So bottom line: HANG WITH IT, because it will blow your mind!

Few negatives, expanded: I had confusions about characters and who they were and couldn’t keep track of most of them, except for Eira, Willem, Casimir, Kevin—all the rest, I felt, lacked depth or significance, and I got them confused easily.

While I loved the historical aspect, I felt at times it was either forgotten or overdone. I think it was trying to be portrayed as realistic as possible to that time period, but I thought at times it got overdone, going over the top to enhance the historical feel when not absolutely necessary. Not a true negative, but just a note.

Positives? I loved Eira. I loved Casimir. And I LOVE THEM TOGETHER! It was so sweet. A little cheesy, sure, but just really super sweet. I loved it so much. I also loved the relationship between Kevin and Eira. It was so sweet and touching!

Really, I’d love to just talk about the ending. Because everything came together, all the loose ends tied together, the assumed-emptiness filled. And it did BEAUTIFULLY.  I was in awe finishing this book, for I had not grasped the depth while reading.

The plotline was so unique and individual, and perfectly lining up with the jealousy theme. It was captivating from the start, though, and had me hooked. I loved the characters and the way they interacted with one another. I appreciated the foreshadowing and hidden hints that I didn’t even know were there, leading up to the final point. I loved the message this book delivered, clearly and cleverly. So while I did have my doubts reading it, they were all dismissed by the way it came together. The author has doubtlessly improved a lot since her last book (though that was great too) and I am looking forward to seeing what else she comes out with!

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

Recommended to: Fans of historical fiction!

 

** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**