Book Review - A Note Yet Unsung

I just finished the most wonderful book - A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander. I am part of a program by Bethany House Publishers that sends me books that I would like to read and in return I provide and honest, and unbiased critique of the book. I can't tell you how much I enjoy this program.

As I mentioned before, I recently read the historical fiction, A Note Yet Unsung, and it was AMAZING! I absolutely loved the whole thing. The storytelling was remarkable. I truly felt that it was a joy to read. The story is about a young girl, Rebekah, who's father passes away while she is young, and her mother remarries a brute of a man. Rebekah grows close to the servants and discovers her natural talent, and love, for the violin. After being attacked by her step-father, Rebekah's grandmother pays for her to study abroad in Vienna. She begins working as a governess for a famous symphony Maestro and learns to transcribe music and play the violin exceptionally. She begins to dream of one day playing in a big symphony herself, but her dreams continue to go unrealized since it is frowned upon for women to play the violin in public - it is much too scandalous.

The book begins when Rebekah is forced to return home to Nashville, upon the news that her grandmother, and benefactress, has unexpectedly died. This is the story of how she overcomes the demons of her past, gains confidence and independence, and strives to make her dreams come true. Oh, and did I mention the incredible love story interwoven throughout the book? It is one that you aren't going to want to miss!!

I highly recommend you read this book!! If you love historical fiction - this one is for you! After reading A Note Yet Unsung I realized that it was the last book in a series of 3! It is amazing as a stand alone story, but I am now intrigued and feel I must go and read the first 2!
I just finished the most wonderful book - A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander. I am part of a program by Bethany House Publishers that sends me books that I would like to read and in return I provide and honest, and unbiased critique of the book. I can't tell you how much I enjoy this program.

Book Review: For the Record

Gosh, I loved this book! Regina Jennings sets the story perfectly - a big city deputy from Texas, Deputy Puckett, comes to save a small town in Missouri from outlaws and stop a ban of townsfolk who have begun to take the law into their own hands. In the little town lives Betsy, a wide-eyed, adventurous gal with dreams of writing for a big city newspaper. The two form a friendship, but both have secrets.

Deputy Puckett has been accused of dishonoring a lady in Texas and his reputation is tarnished. Being sent to the small town of Pine Gap is his chance to start over. Betsy's submissions have been consistently turned down by the big newspaper in Kansas City because she doesn't have anything interesting enough to write about, that is, until the new deputy shows up! Betsy follows the deputy around and begins writing stories based on him, with a few added exaggerations. Although the young deputy tries to dissuade her attentions they two become friends. Together they begin to solve a growing puzzle of crime. As their friendship begins to grow deeper the secrets they both hold on to eventually come to light. I love the romance in the story - it isn't over the top and cheesy.

This is a quick and fun read! The characters were amazing, I couldn't help but become attached! This story seems like it would be so predictable, but I love how it surprised me at times! The only negative thing I have to say really has nothing to do with the story plot. Sometimes the sentence structure seemed a little off, or details were missing when describing a scene, so I would have to reread a couple paragraphs to fully understand what happened. Other than that, it was AWESOME! I would definitely recommend this book!

Book Review: Fatal Frost

Fatal Frost is perfect for any of those CSI and Law& Order fans! It is the story of a Mercy, a young U.S. Marshal who grew up in a broken home and less than favorable circumstances. The rough upbringing caused her to put up many walls when it came to relationships, but it also made her a very strong and independent woman. She is an inspirational character. Mercy works in very dangerous, gang infused St. Louis, bringing down the bad guys, and she is exceptional at her job! Unfortunately, a family tie makes her a target to a very powerful gang and her best friend and coworker (former boyfriend) work behind her back to keep her safe. 

This story is exciting! It is really easy to read and follow. The characters are endearing and I found myself rooting for them to succeed! It's apparent that Nancy Mehl studied up on the law enforcement and gangs. I appreciate how she captured my attention and put in enough twists to keep the story very interesting! Also, the romance factor was definitely there, always a plus! I would absolutely recommend this book! 

Book Review: Waves of Mercy

Every now and then I will read a book that allows me to peek into a religion different than my own I find that it strengthens and bolsters my own faith and desire to follow God! This is one of those books. Lynn Austin paints an amazing picture with her words. I appreciate the true history that is tied in beautifully with the fictional novel! In this story the lives of two very determined women, living very different lifestyles, and growing up in different times, are woven together perfectly.

Anna, a young American women faces a crossroads in her life. Will she pursue the path she thought she always wanted to follow, filled with wealth, prestige in society, and a husband who'd be the envy of all the other young ladies? Or, will she follow the path her heart is pulling her towards, a church where she feels home and loved by God. To make things more complicated, she has is plagued by a nightmare that continues to haunt her. In this book Anna is staying at a resort away from home trying to figure out who she really is and which path she should take.

Gesje is a young girl, growing up in the Netherlands, who's family is persecuted because of their religion. Her story is about her strength in following God's plan despite the heartache of fleeing her country, loosing loved ones in their pilgrimage for religious freedom in America, and finding true love!

This book will not only capture your attention, but your heartstrings as well! I love the unpredictability throughout the story-lines, and felt very satisfied at the end of the book! Lynn Austin is a very gifted writer and I have already been recommending this book to everyone!

Someone Like You Book Review

I recently joined the Bethany House Publishing book review group! I love that I am able to read wonderful books and have the chance to share a few thoughts on them! Here’s a review for the first awesome book I read, Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin.

This is one of those books that just make you feel good! Victoria Bylin did a great job of putting together a few intertwined storylines that make you fall in love with the characters without feeling like you can predict everything that will happen. The love story between Zeke and Julia is sweet and develops quickly, but somehow doesn’t seem too rushed. The love story involving Julia’s mother is comical and I did not foresee it happening! The challenges and struggles with faith and relationships are realistic and helped in relating to the characters.

This is the classic story: boy and girl fall in love but end up going separate ways. Fate brings them together again, when life is more complicated, but they find that the flame is still lit. Slowly, they help one another with big life issues and inevitably fall in love. Mix in some super fun details, great characters, and unexpected turns and this book is a winner!

One of my favorite things about this book is the simple Christian influence and clean language. I would not hesitate to recommend this to a fellow romance reader! 

HuBurn Family Reunion

The long awaited visit from the Blackburns was well worth the wait! Tyler fetched them from the airport while I anticipated their arrival! Monday was so much fun! Tyler had to work so we hung out at home for a while... or rather Asheli, the kids, and I hung out while Kirk crawled around in the itchy attic and put recessed lights in our living room! Ash and I indulged in our traditional girl time -
pedicures!! We did some grocery shopping and just caught up with each other! Fabulous!
We spent a couple days at Disneyland which was SOOO fun! At one point Asheli and Kirk went to ride the huge rollercoaster and we got all three kids! :) As we were preparing to go on the Little Mermaid ride someone asked us "how we do three kids." HA I am not sure how anyone does! Three kids managed to keep us four adults plenty busy but we loved them all! The kids played perfectly and it was so nice having Caydon around!
We also visited the beach and turned into popsicles! The boys feed the squirrels, they kids played in the sand, and seagulls stole our food. :)
All in all, the trip was fantastic and much too short! We are now anxiously awaiting the next HuBurn family reunion! We missed our Beeeesties the moment they drove away in sweet rental car... nothing says coolness like driving a Crown Victoria! haha!

Potential

Sometimes I feel awful that I have misled people I care about (mainly my sisters) to think that I am better than I am. It almost feels like I need to prove to them that I am not really that great - but today I had a thought.... Maybe I should try to prove to them that I am! :) Genius!
This has been a weird week or two for me.... I felt like I was experiencing a little bit of depression. I have been trying to have an extremely tight budget, make sure my family isn't living off of crackers and pb&j, not drive anywhere to preserve gas, and I have really been missing working (especially with my awesome cousins). Poor Tyler would leave for work with a happy wife and come home to a monster! I pretty much wrote and rewrote blog entries inside my head everyday and thank heavens I never actually posted them or I may look psycho! ANYWAY... as I was exercising with Jillian Michaels - or her wii self - a little "tip" came up that said something to the effect of If you are feeling depressed or like an emotional glacier everyday find a healthy hobby! What a great idea!
So... I am taking up diligent scripture study! ha! It is free - readily available - will remove guilt from negligence - and I have to say.... I am a little addicted! Not only to scriptures but have you read Daughters in my Kingdom? It is FANTASTIC! I love it!
Perhaps this will help me to rise to the potential that my family and Heavenly Father see in me! What a blessing it  is to have a testimony. I cannot express my gratitude for a Savior who is willing to help carry my burden and lift me up.