It was another week or reading and rereading some of my favorite authors. I even read a nonfiction book!
1. The Rose of Winslow Street, audiobook, by Elizabeth Camden
Another creative historical romance from this author. The heroine and the boys are good characters. I liked the way the hero was training up his sons, and his ability to identify fragrances was interesting, but otherwise he wasn’t very appealing. (That doesn’t mean I didn’t like the book; I don’t judge a book by whether or not I personally like the characters.) There is a secondary storyline about the father and his inventions that leads to changes in family dynamics – nicely done! My favorite scene in the novel is when the hero meets his next door neighbor and they compare battle scars. Funny!
2. Back on the Streets, paperback, by Deborah Ross
This nonfiction book is a testimony of God’s redemption. The author’s story of childhood poverty, neglect and abuse – and the healing, transforming grace and power of God – should be read by every human being. I met Deborah at a local ACFW meeting and purchased her book directly; it is not easily available. There is a printable order form at John Ross Ministries, or it can be purchased at Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, WI. I found a few used copies on Amazon. I recommend it highly.
3. Trojan Gold, paperback, by Elizabeth Peters
Another fun Vicky Bliss story, pretty much the same as the others. This one is about the Trojan gold jewelry discovered by Heinrich Schliemann and apparently lost in WWII. Someone has found it, lures Vicky and her pals to the site of the adventure, tries to kill them, etc… etc… etc…
4. Against All Odds, audiobook, by Irene Hannon
This is a cleverly-written story with a plot rooted in Mideastern diplomacy and terrorism. The male characters in this series are enjoyable, and I liked this level-headed heroine. She was annoyed and resistant to the intrusion of FBI protection, but once it was made clear that the threat was real, she was cooperative without being overly submissive or hysterical. One thing Ms. Hannon does very well is write of interactions between Christians and non-believers.
5. Presumption of Death, audiobook, by Jill Paton Walsh and Dorothy Sayers
This isn’t a good stand-alone book; all of the best scenes depend heavily on a knowledge of the main characters and their history. If you know and like the Lord Peter books, this one is rich with the matured characters living in their country home at the start of WWII. I liked it very much. It feels like Dorothy Sayers, but it was finished by Jill Paton Walsh and published posthumously.
6. A Rush of Wings, audiobook, Kristen Heitzmann
This is the first in the “Rush of Wings” series. Mountains, horses, cowboys. The heroine seemed to be in a daze for most of this book. While this was frustrating for the other characters (and me), it is appropriate to the plot. The rugged hero is so attractive that the reader doesn’t realize his failings until he becomes aware of them himself. Ms. Heitzmann’s skill is seen most clearly in the character of Michael. His gradual and inevitable self-destruction, woven into the larger story, is heartbreaking even when he is most villainous. Great writing.
I should be able to see a correlation between how much cleaning and sewing I have accomplished and number of audiobooks I have read that week, right? The house is pretty tidy. I’ve been doing some almost-spring cleaning – finally got all of the Christmas boxes back up to the attic – and a little baking.
I made several cards this week and some knitting, but I’ve been slacking in the sewing room. I worked on a quilt for myself, but I need to get some more quilts made for etsy. I’m not making enough money as a writer than I can quit my day job just yet!