Tuesday, October 15, 2013

What Once Was Lost Review



A woman meant to serve, a child in the dark, a man standing apart—can these three souls embrace a God with new plans for them?
 
On a small Kansas farm, Christina Willems lovingly shepherds a group of poor and displaced individuals who count on her leadership and have come to see the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor as their home. But when a fire breaks out in the kitchen leaving the house uninhabitable, she must scramble to find shelter for all in her care, scattering her dear “family.”
 
With no other options, Christina is forced to approach Levi Jonnson, a reclusive mill owner, to take in a young blind boy named Tommy Kilgore. Levi agrees with reluctance but finds himself surprised by the bond that quickly grows between him and Tommy. As obstacles to repairing the farm pile up against Christina, she begins to question her leadership ability and wonders if she can fulfill the mission to which she's dedicated her life. And when an old adversary challenges Christina, will she find an unlikely ally—or more—in the aloof Levi? Can Levi reconcile with the rejection that led to his hermit-like existence and open his heart and life to something more, especially a relationship with a loving God?


What Once Was Lost by Kim Sawyer was a heartwarming historical novel with a touch of romance. While I would have enjoyed more romance between Christina and Levi I loved that it was more about the growth of each character spiritually. The relationship between Tommy and Levi was touching and I loved seeing how they both change as well as Cora and Christina. Each character Kim brought to life made me fall deeper in love with this book and you will too. 

5 out of 5. This Afternoon Snack is one you won't want to miss. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

A Talent for Trouble Review


For years, Miss Felicia Murdock's every thought and action have been in pursuit of becoming a minister's wife. When the minister she'd set her sights on has other ideas, she decides something in her life needs to change--and soon--before she wastes any more time pretending to be someone she's not. If that means spreading her wings and embracing a more lively way of life, who's to say nay?

Grayson Sumner, Lord Sefton, has had more than enough of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by some friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter an adventurous young lady with an unfortunate knack for stumbling into troublesome situations.

Just as Grayson decides he's had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in Felicia's life endangers her. As they work together to extricate themselves from this latest complication, will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping one another out of trouble?


A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano did not disappoint. Grayson and Felicia are yet another charming couple put together by Jen. With it's wonderful cast of supporting characters, A Talent for Trouble is certain to be a favorite among Jen's fans. The situations Grayson and Felicia get into are delightfully funny and their romance is now one of my favorites. I look forward to more by Jen Turano in the future. 

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that was no trouble to devour.

I got a free review copy of A Talent for Trouble from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.