Review: A Note Yet Unsung

A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander is the third and final book in the Belmont Mansion series. This book has not only become my favorite by this author but is also one of the best books I have read. The story moved me so much I cried, and I very, very rarely cry over a book. This story was masterfully written, and I felt the music portrayed even though I didn't hear it. Not only was I transported into another time and into the characters lives, but the music was written so powerfully I couldn't get enough of the story. I literally could not put the book down and stayed up late to finish reading it. Plus, the story stayed with me for awhile, and I spread news of it by word of mouth because it was all I could talk about for awhile. My mom and best friend can attest to that. haha ;-) I finally feel ready enough to write the review it deserves.

Rebekah Carrington has come back from Vienna since her grandmother has died. Too afraid to stay with her mother and stepfather, she starts looking for a job. When she sees that the Nashville Philharmonic is auditioning, she decides to try. Even though she excels at violin, she knows it would be too risky to play so she opts to audition on her oboe. The maestro enjoys her playing but has to refuse her since none of the board would approve of a lady playing in the orchestra. Disappointed, Rebekah gets a job as a violin tutor to Adelicia Acklen Cheatham's daughter. But when Maestro Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb needs help, Rebekah's employer insists she help him out.

I loved the characters in this book. They were well-rounded, had faults and foibles, and didn't give up on their dreams no matter the obstacles they had to overcome. The writing was superb, and it drew you in leaving you with no choice but to sacrifice everything so you could finish reading it.

I'm planning on rereading this book, but this time I'm going to the author's website where she has a playlist of the songs played in the story. Isn't that amazing?! I'll actually be able to hear the music as I read! *Excited squeal* I'm glad I didn't listen to the playlist the first time I read the book, though because I was able to appreciate how well the author wrote this book. She did such an amazing job! The characters were so real, their stories were well thought out and no detail was forgotten. The pain the maestro was feeling was so well written, and I think I felt it more powerfully because I understood his pain and frustration of his life spinning out of his control because of my own many health problems. I cried through the end of the story because it was so beautifully done all the way down to the smallest detail.

I highly recommend this book for anyone, but if you are a history lover, music lover, or have health problems I think this book will be even more powerful to you. Please, read this book. You will not regret it!

I was given this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen is the first book in the series Tales From Ivy Hill. Isn't the cover gorgeous?! It looks so peaceful and calm. This book reminds me of Cranford so if you like shows like that you will definitely like this story. The story itself is very well done and keeps you guessing who will be with whom and if the characters are good or bad.

Jane Bell has been widowed for a year and is still in shock that her husband left her in charge of the coaching inn, The Bell. Then when she found out that her husband had taken out a loan without ever telling her and they are about to lose the inn, she is propelled into trying to save the place. But they only have three months to come up with a plan to prove to the bank that they can make enough to pay it off. Will they be able to or is all hope lost?

First off, I want to say that it was hard for me to get into this book at first. The story moved differently and you read from several perspectives which has never been my favorite way to read a story. But after the first chapter, I became interested in the characters and really felt for their predicaments. Honestly, this book has become my favorite from this author simply because it had so much depth and mystery and realistic struggles with relationships and life in general. Even if you don't typically read stories from this time period, I highly recommend you try it out. It is just so good from the plot to the characters and to the myriad of problems scattered throughout the story. I was rarely bored or disinterested; instead I was invested in what would happen to the characters and couldn't put the book down.

I was given this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: The Pattern Artist

The Pattern Artist by Nancy Moser was an engrossing story even though I thought it was pretty unrealistic in a lot of ways and kind of irritating in others I still wanted to know how the author would get her character to her goal!

Annie Wood's dream is to become a ladies maid to one of her mistresses. She already fixes their dresses and redesigns them as needed to help the ladies maids out. She thought for sure she could rise in rank from a housemaid to her dream job since her designs were well received. But when Annie learns that the ladies maids accepted her work as their own, she realizes that she never had a chance to rise up the ladder. Furious, she escapes with another housemaid and her brother and they set out to live their dreams in New York City. But along the way her dream of becoming a ladies maid changes to a shopgirl and then to a designer. Will her dreams actually come true?

I felt the problems in the story were too easily resolved which made me struggle with the realism aspect. I did like the character's determination to make her dreams come true, but it just seemed too simple and incredibly fast. Also, Annie didn't really have any close girlfriends which made the story seem lacking in parts. But overall, I did like the story especially reading about the design process. I also liked that Annie wasn't perfect since she made some mistakes along the way to her dream.

I was given this book for free from NetGalley. No review, positive or otherwise, was required - all opinions are my own.

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Review: The Revolt

The Revolt by Douglas Bond is set in 1300s England and centers around John Wycliffe. I was enthralled with this story because of all the facts I learned from that time period. I kept telling my husband all the tidbits I learned because I was so excited. haha

Even though the book centers around John Wycliffe, he isn't the main character. Instead, the book focuses on Hugh West'all and how meeting John Wycliffe at Oxford caused him to think deeper about what it really meant to be a Christian. Then when Wycliffe wants to translate the Bible into English for the common people to be able to read and understand, Hugh nervously agrees to help. But it's a dangerous thing to do since the church could excommunicate them for what they are accomplishing in secret.

I've never read anything from this author and was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't dull or dry like a history book, but it was still packed with historical facts making this history loving gal super happy! The author did a great job explaining what the customs and laws were like in the 1300s so that you could understand how unfair and hard the peasants lives were.

I highly recommend this book to anyone. Trust me, you won't regret picking this book up from the library or the bookstore. It is definitely a must read.

I was given this book for free from Netgalley. No review, positive or otherwise, was required - all opinions are my own.

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Review: Newton and Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace

Newton and Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace by Jody Hedlund was an incredible story. I have read all of the author's books based on prominent people and not one of these books has ever been dull or lifeless. Her latest book is no exception. As I read this story, the characters came alive with feelings of love and despair, happiness and bitterness, and contentment and sadness.

John Newton is a rowdy, irresponsible, seventeen year old when he meets quiet, good, kind fifteen year old Polly Catlett. Immediately drawn to each other they try to remain just friends since they are both so young, but it proves futile. Then when John is impressed into the Royal Navy everything changes. Filled with anger and bitterness of the unfairness of his life, John decides to turn one day of Christmas leave into a week because a few hours with Polly is not enough. When Polly's father finds out he tells Newton that he's not welcome in his house anymore. Newton leaves furious, and Polly is devastated. Will they ever see each other again?

I never knew how amazing John Newton's story was until I read this book. Intrigued by how much was true, I immediately checked out his story before I even finished reading the book because I had to know more! I see now why he wrote such a moving, popular hymn, "Amazing Grace", for he truly did live an amazing life and was redeemed by God's free gift of grace. I highly recommend this book to any book lover, and I know you historical fiction fans like me will especially love this story of love, redemption, forgiveness, and grace.

I was given this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: A Heart Most Uncertain

A Heart Most Uncertain by Melissa Jagears is the first book in the Teaville Moral Society series. I haven't read any from this author before so was pleasantly surprised with her engrossing story. Honestly, I was in a reading slump since I couldn't find anything good to read, and this book pulled me out of it and had me reading any extra minute I could find. Yay for good authors with fantastic characters!

Lydia King was challenged by her future mother in law to get a donation from Nicholas Lowe. Determined to show her that she could be a good wife and helpmeet to her son, she sallies forth to somehow convince Mr. Lowe to donate to the church's project, quilts for the poor. After being turned away again and again, Lydia finally convinces him to help her. But Nicholas has some conditions in exchange for the sewing machines....

Lydia King's character was amazing. Yes, she had things to learn, but so did Nicholas Lowe even though it surprised him. haha I loved how Lydia helped him see that there was more to helping the poor than just supplying for their physical needs but also having compassion and empathy toward their desire for beautiful things, too. Yes, serviceable items work well and you can buy more of them, but what about giving them pretty, nice things to cherish and keep. I really enjoyed this book and how Lydia grew and changed throughout the story.

I was given this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: A Haven on Orchard Lane

A Haven on Orchard Lane by Lawana Blackwell was a welcome surprise to me. I remember loving her books when I was younger, but I haven't seen any from her in a long time. When I saw a book written by her to review, I was so excited! But then when I read her premise I was hesitant. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy her story or not, but I was willing to take a chance to read her writing again. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I was into the story, but honestly, I shouldn't have been since her writing has always been superb. Her characters have always had depth and realistic problems to resolve.

Charlotte Ward has been in a demeaning, controlling marriage for the last few years so when she gets an unexpected opportunity to go back on stage she is ecstatic. But she has let herself go in her new life and is nervous if they would be happy with her. Because of her husband, Charlotte had to leave in the middle of the night to get to London where she happily reunites with the theatre. But at her first play she sees her husband smirking at her and blanks out.

Rosalind, Charlotte's daughter, gets a message about her mother at the school she teaches at. She hasn't seen her mother in years and doesn't want to renew her acquaintance with her, but her friend encourages her to help her mother out.

Charlotte is happy to see her daughter after years apart and is hoping that they can finally be close, but notices Rosalind isn't as happy about the situation. Will they ever be able to reclaim their lost relationship?

I really enjoyed the depth of this story. The mother and daughter relationship was superbly done, and I loved how Rosalind really desired to do what God wanted even if it wasn't what she wanted to do. I think this story would be enjoyed by anyone who loves stories with more depth. You don't have to be a historical fiction enthusiast to fall in love with this book!

I was given this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.