Review: “The Master Craftsman” by Kelli Stuart

Thanks for stopping by to read my thoughts on The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart! It is a split time novel featuring events leading up to the Russian Revolution and the work of Fabergé in a historical aspect and a modern day family reconciliation and treasure hunt.

In 1917, Alma Pihl, a master craftsman in The House of Fabergé, was charged to protect one of the greatest secrets in Russian history–an unknown Fabergé Egg that Peter Karl Fabergé secretly created to honor his divided allegiance to both the people of Russia and the Imperial Czar’s family. When Alma and her husband escaped Russia for their native Finland in 1921, she took the secret with her, guarding her past connection to the Romanov family.

Three generations later, world-renowned treasure hunter Nick Laine is sick and fears the secret of the missing egg will die with him. With time running out, he entrusts the mission of retrieving the egg to his estranged daughter, Ava, who has little idea of the dangers she is about to face. As the stakes are raised, Ava is forced to declare her own allegiance–and the consequences are greater than she could have imagined.

This modern-day treasure hunt from award-winning author Kelli Stuart transports you into the opulent and treacherous world of the Russian Revolution to unearth mysteries long buried.

Goodreads | Amazon

The Master Craftsman delivered an interesting premise with a bit of a historical “what if” and a contemporary treasure hunt. I learned many things about the true history of Fabergé and his craftsmen through this story — if you read it, be sure to Google the different eggs mentioned along the way. They are stunning!

I enjoyed the historical chapters more, with Fabergé and Alma, somewhat of an apprentice craftsman, sharing points of view. Their rise to Imperial status and the subsequent perils of the Bolshevik revolution were gripping and heart wrenching.

The contemporary story was good, with Ava and her family, then an unlikely treasure hunting crew (complete with a sweet, heroic nerd with a big crush on Ava), learning more about the history of Faberge and the revolution. Parts of it were a bit predictable for me, and some of the time spent setting up the search for the egg felt tedious with little action. I did like the ending, though, and how a theme of treasure in relationship came to the forefront.

Thank you to Revell Reads for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Review: “Until Leaves Fall in Paris” by Sarah Sundin

Thanks for stopping by to read my review of Sarah Sundin’s latest standalone novel, Until Leaves Fall in Paris. With a unique perspective that sets it apart from many titles in the WWII genre, this story will appeal to historical fiction and romance lovers alike.

When the Nazis march toward Paris, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. The Germans make it difficult for her to keep Green Leaf Books afloat. And she must keep the store open if she is to continue aiding the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. But in order to carry out his mission, he must appear to support the occupation—which does not win him any sympathy when he meets Lucie in the bookstore.

In a world turned upside down, will love or duty prevail?

Goodreads | Amazon

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin embodies a poignant look at the determination and endurance of Americans who chose to stay in occupied Paris during WWII. This is shown through the eyes of its hero and heroine Paul and Lucie, as they make sacrifices and seek to find small joys — and even an unlikely romance — during the months leading up to America’s official involvement in the war. In my opinion, this would make a fantastic movie! Not every book is suited to such an adaptation, but I think the setting, romance, and high-risk elements would translate well to the screen.

One of the things I love about historical fiction, and stories centered around one of the World Wars, in particular, is the abundance of perspectives and the triumph of humanity during that time. This story explores an aspect I have not encountered in my reading: that of Americans abroad dealing with the German oppression of Paris and the dangers of resistance. Through Paul’s business activities and Lucie’s book store, they become increasingly involved in efforts to aid the Allies, though dangerous and in secret. This adds another layer to their growing friendship, as their activities are kept from each other yet their lives are becoming increasingly intertwined.

I appreciate Lucie and Paul’s convictions and how their initial distance is ultimately surmounted because of their integrity and beliefs. Their romance develops with a realistic steadiness and sweetness. Paul’s daughter, Josie, is a shining character who brings a ray of light to their lives.

In true “Sundin” style, all story elements combine to make this a memorable standout novel in a sea of WWII stories. The Parisian setting comes to life as action and intrigue unfold with ballet, books, friendship, and one spirited storytelling child enduring the tumultuous time. A slight connection to Sundin’s novel When Twilight Breaks will delight readers of that story as they will recognize Paul as a side character from it.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Review: “The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck” by Bethany Turner

You know those books that seem to release with a blog and social media craze equivalent to a 7-year-old piñata frenzy? Yes? Well, The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck debut novel by Bethany Turner is one such novel that lives up to its hyped expectations. One search or visit to any of Bethany’s social media channels can result in hilarious interviews, videos, and quotes all showing her refreshing style (I highly recommend doing so). Now, I’m extremely happy to be a part of Revell’s blog tour featuring my own gushing review of this little story.

Isn’t this one of the cutest covers of the year?!

Becoming a Christian is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to Sarah Hollenbeck. Best because, well, that’s obvious. Worst because, up to this point, she’s made her very comfortable living as a well-known, bestselling author of steamy romance novels that would leave the members of her new church blushing. Now Sarah is trying to reconcile her past with the future she’s chosen. She’s still under contract with her publisher and on the hook with her enormous fan base for the kind of book she’s not sure she can write anymore. She’s beginning to think that the church might frown on her tithing on royalties from a “scandalous” book. And the fact that she’s falling in love with her pastor doesn’t make things any easier.

With a powerful voice, penetrating insight, and plenty of wit, Bethany Turner explodes onto the scene with a debut that isn’t afraid to deal with the thorny realities of living the Christian life.

 

 

Goodreads | Amazon | Bethany’s Website

 

This story is a literary TREAT! I was seriously laughing and crying in the span of paragraphs. It’s a new take on Christian fiction and a close look at the whirlwind which life (and romance 😉 ) can be through the eyes of a recently redeemed heroine. At times, her character’s perspective as a new Christian could be a little eye-opening for someone “used to” churchy norms. And I love that.

A part of this is “book inception”: character Sarah is a writer. Her own intent to write a Christian fiction novel appealing to the masses to candidly address attraction in a way not common in the genre is, in fact, what Bethany has accomplished with Sarah’s story. Bethany is not afraid to include the realness of physical attraction and how Sarah’s newfound convictions can be upheld while not altering her core (feisty) personality. (Ben is amazingly sweet and all the more #swoony because of his role in all of this.)

Apart from the romance storyline, The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck explores the deeper ripple effects of the lifestyle change Sarah is pursuing. From self-worth to forgiveness, jealousy, and even deception, deep truths are delivered in this story that starts out as perky but quickly turns serious and rooted in a journey to understanding LOVE in manifestations of family, commitment, choice, and even instant attraction.

Perhaps my favorite part of this story is the pop culture references!!! (You all know I love some good movie/TV references in story). Especially the rabbit trails of 1980s miniseries. Multiple situations referenced AND connected plot points to The Sound of Music  —- they left me giggling more than once. And the chapter titles alone are hilarious —– “ethical and professional leprosy”, for example, and it makes perfect sense. If you finish the very last page and are left searching for a Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman episode on YouTube, let me know, I can direct you to the right one because I found it! At like 2am. Immediately. 😉

Thank you to Revell Publishers and Netgalley for the complimentary review copy of this novel. This is my honest review.

 

“Surprised by Love” by Julie Lessman Review + Blog Tour

Julie Lessman is such a talented and sweet lady. You can see her heart for encouraging and sharing the love of Jesus through her writing. (And she’s fast becoming an absolute favorite author of mine!) This post is all about her most recent novel, Surprised by Love, the third in “The Heart of San Francisco” series.

Plot Summary: Shy and unattractive as a child, Megan McClare has always been teased by her classmates. But when she returns home from her senior year in Paris, the wallflower has suddenly blossomed into a beauty. With ambitions to become a lawyer or doctor, Megan accepts an internship at the district attorney’s office only to discover that she will be working with Devin Caldwell, a boy who mercilessly mocked her at school–and with whom she was hopelessly enamored. She turns to her dear friend Bram Hughes for support and advice. But Bram’s vision is clouded by his sudden unwelcome attraction to a girl he had always thought of as a kid sister. He advises forgiveness, but can he forgive himself for pushing the woman he loves into the arms of another man?

My thoughts: Megan McClare is beautiful on the inside and out. She and Bram are both so sweet and deserve each other – but he has burdens from past mistakes that are keeping him committed to his father. Because of this, he focuses on maintaining nothing more that the brotherly friendship he’s always shared with Meg. But, this proves to be a challenge for both of them!

Of course Meg and Bram are the main characters, but I was so pleased to see Cait and Logan getting plenty of story time because their rocky relationship has been evolving for 3 books now! Their banter and his humorous reactions are so fun. Plus, we get to see Logan learn a few lessons.

The spiritual journey of the characters, especially Logan, is full of natural ups and downs, twists and turns. We all struggle with our faith, trust in God’s plans, and our ability to forgive and forget. This is portrayed very realistically in these characters. The stories of Meg and Bram, too, are illustrations of forgiveness and finding happiness in God’s plans.

If you’ve read the Winds of Change series (or other books by Julie), you know her propensity to keep you in suspense until the last few pages! This one does, too, but wraps up nicely. I enjoyed seeing familiar characters of the McClare family sparring and, most importantly, loving each other. This is one you simply MUST put on your TBR list!

(By the way, Julie says a novella is coming in 2015 about Blake “The Rake” McClare….. so she’s not done with this family yet!! *happy dance*)

Thanks to Revell for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Connect with Julie Lessman at her website, on Twitter, Pinterest, or Facebook!

“Love’s Fortune” by Laura Frantz – Revell Reads Blog Tour

Have I mentioned that Laura Frantz is a favorite author of mine? No? Well, read my recent review of Love’s Awakening, then, to see more of why I love her stories. Her latest, Love’s Fortune, is just as epic and beautiful. It’s the third and final book in the “Ballantyne Legacy” series. It follows the story of Ansel’s daughter, Rowena “Wren” Ballantyne.

Isn’t this cover just breathtaking? I love the rich autumn hues.

Plot Synopsis from Goodreads: Sheltered since birth at her Kentucky home, Rowena Ballantyne has heard only whispered rumors of her grandfather Silas’s vast fortune and grand manor in Pennsylvania. When her father receives a rare letter summoning him to New Hope, Rowena makes the journey with him and quickly finds herself in a whole new world–filled with family members she’s never met, dances she’s never learned, and a new side to the father she thought she knew. As she struggles to fit in during their extended stay, she finds a friend in James Sackett, the most valued steamship pilot of the Ballantynes’ shipping line. Even with his help, Rowena feels she may never be comfortable in high society. Will she go her own way . . . to her peril?

With her signature attention to historical detail, Laura Frantz brings 1850s Pennsylvania alive with a tender story of loss, love, and loyalty. Fans will cheer for this final installment of the Ballatyne saga.

Wren is caught between a new family she loves dearly and the expectations that come with society –including a “season” with suitors. Unlike Ellie in the previous book, Wren doesn’t have a strong sense of her place in the Ballantyne family. She’s grown up as an outsider, so experiencing life with the Ballantynes — and the reputation that follows — is new and daunting. In addition, the lavish lifestyle of others in Pittsburgh makes her uncomfortable.

As she struggles to reconcile her new surroundings with what she knows of her father’s history, she finds some comfort in the companionship she shares with James. He, however, is caught up in perilous situations as his role working for Silas brings risk and new enemies. Because he’s afraid open his heart to Wren, another potential suitor comes on the scene, railroad magnate Malachi Cameron, causing Wren to question her destiny of finding love or fulfilling her responsibilities as a Ballantyne. (I’ll say no more about the romance element of the story — you’ll have to just read it for yourself! Laura definitely leaves you wondering which man she’ll choose…)

I thought the setting in pre-Civil War Pittsburgh unique and interesting, with the industry there, balls, concerts, and large mansions and homeplaces also in Love’s Awakening. This book is a good conclusion to this series, answering little questions I had about the characters from the previous story. Ultimately, the story illustrated the importance of following God’s path for your heart and life. And, trusting that His protection is there even when we feel vulnerable or confused. With this series finished, I’m eager to see what’s next from Laura!

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Revell!

What have you been reading lately?