While Love Stirs: A Book Review

 Hello all! Today (or tonight, I should say) I will be reviewing While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
 
From the back cover: After graduating from Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery in 1910, Charlotte Gregory is ready to stir things up. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution--the gas stove--and certainly doesn't mind that the gas company has hired the handsome Lewis Mathis to perform at her lectures. Lewis encourages her work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made--especially by this outspoken young woman.

When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?




 Where to start with this book? Well, from the beginning I wasn't entirely certain. I'm not the most romantic of readers, so I wasn't sure what to think of this book when I requested it, but it intrigued me enough that I did. Boy was I in for a pleasant surprise! This wasn't your average historical romance, that's for sure. There were nights when I had decided to read one chapter before going to sleep, and instead I found myself reading 'just one more' for several chapters more. If a book can keep me up late, it's a keeper.

 First there's the plot. I love food. I mean, if you don't then I don't see how you're living right now. The main character is an accomplished cook, and the book showcases her abilities... describing delightful foods that are liable to make your mouth water. Mmm. But in 1910 it's hard for a woman to find a professional cooking position--especially as a chef. She runs into Doctor Joel Brooks and immediately the fire starts popping. Those two just don't mesh well at all! Exciting things start to happen. She gets a traveling job and meets a sweet young man with a beautiful voice, but she can't seem to avoid the man she can't speak to without getting into an argument. And THEN she has to plan a charity ball with him? Uh oh! Besides the main plot, there is also an interesting subplot regarding to Charlotte's younger sister, Tessa, and the shenanigans she gets herself into at the local theater. I found this subplot just are riveting as the main plot, and I admit, that may be because of my love of the arts (and Peter Pan!!!! which is featured in the story.)

 The characters were equally enjoyable. I found myself feeling for them in their moments of disappointment, heart ache, and joy. Charlotte was a fun character. While she was feisty, she also had a heart for service that isn't always shown in a novel. Joel was also interesting. Sometimes I wanted to shake him, but he had many admirable qualities himself. Tessa was my favorite, I think. Maybe because she's similar to me in some ways. I can't wait to see her story.

 I liked how the book wasn't just fluff as you so often see. There's was a deeper message, including how some of the characters had a need to control their situations, and what comes of that, and how God always knows how to fill our vessels when we need them. I enjoyed seeing how little strings were dropped in the beginning or middle of the book that you wouldn't really think about, but at the end everything found itself tied up and making sense. I find that an admirable quality. I also liked all the history incorporated into the story. I didn't know when I requested this book that it was a sequel, and now I know I need to get the first one. Though this one was stand alone, I enjoyed it so much, I want to read the first.

 So yes, I enjoyed this book! And I will be passing it on to my mother to see if she agrees with my hypothesis.

 Buy it here.

~ a rambling author

On Writing the Second Draft

 Today I want to talk a little bit about where my writing has been going recently. Since I finished writing The Prince's Quest, I've worked on other various projects including Up the Scarlet Staircase and some short stories... Before Dusk, Do You Remember When We Met?, and Butterfly. I've had lots of fun with these projects-- I'm especially proud of Before Dusk, which is an experimental piece for me-- but I miss my 'baby.' So at long last, I began the process of writing the second draft of The Prince's Quest. 

 I'm only about 5000 words in, and I'm using the original as a formula, and making changes where they are needed. I am re-writing, not just revising, so I'm not using a lot of the original wording, and changing minor details in some cases.

 Here's my decision on re-writing. I actual have found it enjoyable in a way. There isn't the same feeling of adventure that you have when you are writing a first draft, when you sometimes don't know everything about the characters, and some pieces of the plot haven't quite fit into place. But that's also a pro. Because I know where the story is headed, I have more freedom to expand on my earlier ideas. I know what I'm doing, in a sense. I also feel like I can delve deeper into the characters.

 Like I said, I'm only about 5000 words in, so I'm not expert. And I probably won't ever be. 10,000 words down the road I might despise re-writing. I already have all these short story urges that I sometimes entertain since I can write them faster than a novel. But I'm hoping I can enjoy this process even more than I am now. If I can dedicate a little time to it every day, Draft 2 could be here in a short time.

 What stage are you at in writing? Do you ever feel like you've hit a block? Or are just too busy to write?

 Thanks for reading!


~ a rambling author

Dear Mr. Knightley: A Book Review

 Hey everyone! Yeesh. Can you believe I haven't blogged all month? I guess that happens when your internet dies for long periods of time. The good news is, it's back up! Yay! So I'm back. And I have a ton of book reviews due! One thing about lack of internet... You have more time for reading. Later this coming week I'll be reviewing When Love Stirs but for now I'm reviewing Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

 Back cover: Samantha Moore has always hidden behind the words of others—namely, her favorite characters in literature. Now, she will learn to write her own story—by giving that story to a complete stranger.

Sam is, to say the least, bookish. An English major of the highest order, her diet has always been Austen, Dickens, and Shakespeare. The problem is, both her prose and conversation tend to be more Elizabeth Bennet than Samantha Moore.

But life for the twenty-three-year-old orphan is about to get stranger than fiction. An anonymous, Dickensian benefactor (calling himself Mr. Knightley) offers to put Sam through Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress.

As Sam’s dark memory mingles with that of eligible novelist Alex Powell, her letters to Mr. Knightley become increasingly confessional. While Alex draws Sam into a world of warmth and literature that feels like it’s straight out of a book, old secrets are drawn to light. And as Sam learns to love and trust Alex and herself, she learns once again how quickly trust can be broken.

This story is reminiscent of books like Daddy Long Legs. It tells the tale of an orphan who has been selected as part of a scholarship program to go to a school for journalism. This girl with trust issues has one requirement to fill: pen letters to her mysterious benefactor who dubs himself "Mr. Knightley" - a character from the Jane Austen novel Emma. Now, I'm a big fan of Daddy Long Legs, and though I have yet to complete a Jane Austen novel (I know... shame on me... but they're on my reading list!) I enjoy the films based on them, and plan on reading the books soon. Aside from these sources, I found quotes and references to many other famous works of fiction--my favorite being a scene taken from The Voyage of The Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis.This just made the book even more awesome.

 One thing that really added to the experience was that I read this with my mom. Reading a book out loud can be a hilarious occupation, adding to the humor. I found myself laughing out loud as I read to mom while she drove or made dinner. It became our special time, and that made me like the story even more somehow.

 I love the characters. Alex is awesome. I was jealous of Sam because of her friendship with an actual novelist. Okay, maybe not jealous, but you get the idea. And I felt for Sam. As her past was revealed, and she worked with other kids who had suffered similar things, it just made my heart ache.

 I loved this book. It had all the things I love, and this writer has a wonderful talent! With every reference and awkward situation I found myself more and more won over. This was a pleasure to read and review, and I can't wait for her next book. I can't believe this is her first published story. But congratulations to her for being nominated for a Christy award! She deserves it.

Buy it here.

I hope you enjoyed!

~ a rambling author

Oh, and by the way... I have another blog I'm apart of.... this one crazier than all the rest! See it here.

Body Wash

 Hola everyone! As you well know, I didn't post last week due to being incredibly busy each and every day. And I didn't post yesterday, but that was my fault. So you're going to get some crazy mixed up posts this week. I'll probably post a third Friday or this weekend to make up for the missing one. For now, I wanna talk about Herbal essences body wash!

 That seems like a weird thing to talk about, I know, but I'm part of an online community called CrowdTap, and was given the opportunity by them and Herbal essences to try out their body wash! They sent me a sample of Hello Hydration, which has coconut extract, and it smells delicious! I've not used it too much yet, but so far I love it, and plan to use it whenever I shower. Also, I'm going to let my mom try it and see what she thinks. You can purchase it here, and probably at any store.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/25490728?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227018897044&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=35472840756&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=53632896876&veh=sem

 Anyway, I really do like this scent, and I'm looking forward to trying their others in the future.

 ~ a rambling author

Firstborn: A Book Review

Sorry I didn't post yesterday, but you know why. So I'm doing book day today! And I'm reviewing Firstborn by Lorie Ann Grover.

(I received this book for free from the publisher in return for my honest review.)

Back Cover:  Where does a firstborn girl fit in a world dominated by men?
When Tiadone was born, her parents had two choices: raise their daughter as male and force her to suppress all feminine traits, or leave her outside the community to die in the wilds. Now, as the first female living as male in her village, Tiadone must prove her father didn’t make a mistake by letting her live. As her time of male initiation approaches, Tiadone desperately wishes to belong, and be accepted in her world---though at every step it appears the Creator allows traditional feminine gifts and traits to emerge, as well as cursing her with a singing bird the ruling culture sees as a sign of the devil.
Worse, as Tiadone completes her initiation rites, she finds she is drawn to her male best friend and patrol mate in ways that are very much in line with the female gender.
Confused and desperate, Tiadone tries to become what she must be while dealing with what she indeed has become: a young woman who may be able to free her people from despotic rule and allow the Creator’s name to be sung once more.

~

 I needed to pick a book to review and the idea of this book intrigued me. From the synopsis, I immediately thought this book might be about embracing your femininity and the way God made you. Or something of the sort. And I got that... partially. Here is my full review.

 Since I always seem to do it this way, let's start with the characters. Tiadone was interesting. She was a girl trying to be a boy, and I think it was portrayed pretty well for the most part. I felt bad that she couldn't be the woman she was, but... Anyway, Ratho was interesting too. I think that's every character. I wasn't happy with him part of the time, but as the story progressed he grew more likable. I really adored the birds, especially if Mirko, even if the relationships between bird and human stepped into strange a few times, but...

 As far as the plot goes, I didn't have the problem of some who found it confusing. I was able to follow along with what was happening pretty easily for the most part. I hope this isn't the only book and that it will be a series, because the ending left me wanting to read more. Which is generally a good thing. Anyway, it was enjoyable, and I read it in probably two days.

 Now, onto the part I hate. The parts I didn't care for. My biggest problem with this book was the PHYSICAL. I get that because Tia is a girl, they had to portray certain... female characteristics for realism, but I felt the author could have showed that without going into so much detail. Also, Tia's thoughts/relationships to boys made me squirm just a little. I don't like it when a book makes me feel all awkward and squirmish, and I feel really bad that I can't recommend it to any of my guy friends, and some others who wouldn't like reading so much detail. For both Tia's changing form, and her actions toward men. I know it might be necessary to show some, but I think less detail could have been shown.

 So, overall it was pretty enjoyable. I give it three stars. I think the author has a pretty good foundation, and I hope the next book (if there is one) is even better.

~ a rambling author

Prince's Quest Prologue

 As I said, I'm busy, and though it's technically not Wednesday anymore, I'm awake, so I'm posting. Since I am busy spending time with family, I'm going to share with you the most recent version of The Prince's Quest prologue. Hope you enjoy!

Prologue

Kaltine 23

 “Your Highness?”

 Elric stood from the threadbare chair, sending a cloud of dust through the air. “Yes? What is the news, Winston?”

 His manservant coughed before answering. “The girls have arrived.”

 Elric nodded, processing the information and what it meant. “Good.”

 He straightened the deep blue claok covering his tunic and followed Winston out of the room, empty except for the chair and an equally downtrodden bed.

 Had she come?

 He shook his head, hoping to dislodge the thoughts assaulting him. He would find out soon enough.

 A dark hallway with a faded purple rug running its length awaited him. He ignored the lackluster tapestries and the sad attempt at color they presented, intent to his purpose.

 Winston waited for him at two double doors that reached for the ceiling. “My Prince, the decision you make right now will affect your life in who knows how many ways.”

 Elric paused, inhaling the scent of the future. Mildew filled his nostrils. “I know.”

 “Are you read?”

 “As much as I can be.”

Winston bowed, giving his support as he always had. Without another word he pushed the door inward. It creaked on unpolished hinges, revealing those who waited inside.

 Elric strode through, attempting to show more confidence then he felt. He slowed when he saw the expressions of the townspeople and a prick of guilt wormed its way inside of him. He shoved it aside, knowing he had to let go of such feelings until he found her. That was all that mattered right now.

 “People of Redge,” he cringed inwardly at the cold tone of his voice. These were still the people he had grown to know over the last month, “I’m sure you are all wondering why I summoned your young women here on such short notice. The time is my own affair. I have but one question to put forth to you: is Anya, the daughter of Amos, among you?”

 His query sat unanswered for several long moments. He straightened, afraid sweat was going to break out on his forehead and ruin his collected façade. He was about to try again, using a more threatening voice, when a heavy man he recognized as a local shopkeeper stepped forward.

 “No. She is not among us.”

 Another man, the resident fool stepped forward. “Ah, but sir, we have many other young ladies… might you take your pick of them, and let us be? Eh?”

 Elric felt the thread of his authority being pulled apart, and he called for Winston to shut the doors. Recalling the cold voice he had used moments earlier, he hardened his face. “I will look at all of the girls.”

  There were a couple of fearful murmurings, but the handful of girls from the village and surrounding miles organized themselves into a line, most staring at the floor.

 That prick of guilt bit him again. They were afraid. He blinked. He didn’t want anyone to fear him. Fear was destructive.

 He walked to the end of the line, inhaling to keep focus as he walked by each girl, studying each face.

 A flash of honey colored hair caught his eye, and he held his breath, turning to find her. Two deep blue eyes filled with tears met his. She seemed to plead with him with her silent stare. She begged him not to choose her. He tried not to let the disappointment stabbing him show. He gave the girl a quick nod. “You may go.”

 He watched as if seeing through another’s eyes as she ran to the rest of the villagers, throwing her arms around the shoulders of a young man. He turned away. It wasn’t her.

 He walked past the rest of the other young women without much interest. The truth was hard to accept, but he knew. She wasn’t here. She was gone.

 When he reached the end of the line, he cleared his throat, staring at the opposite wall in an attempt to avoid eye contact. “You may go. All of you.”

 The villagers shuffled out, some casting curious eyes over their shoulders, some of the girls sending brazen smiles as if they expected he might accept the fool’s offer, and take one of them with him.

 He turned away, lost in thought once again.

 Honey hair, brown eyes. The thought of her smile sent a thrill through him. How could he have done such a thing? He clenched a fist. He would not make his mistake again.

 “Sire.” Winston’s voice was careful, as if he thought Elric might grow angry.

 He turned, giving his friend and aide a small smile. “Come. We must plan.”

 He led Winston to a small, unused room. He had chosen it for the withered map that hung on the wall. Pulling it down, he spread it on a short table, mindful of thick layer of dust covering the wood.

 “I must find her.”

 “Sire, are you sure? What will your father think?”

 Elric didn’t respond. What would his father think? He would deal with the answer later. He asked Winston for a pencil and set the lead against the old paper.

 “Where do you think she would go?” Winston’s question jolted him into action. He created a line from Redge to the Savage Lands.

 Winston gasped. “But sir! Surely she would not survive such a journey… to a horrible place like that. She’d have to pass through Snake Pass, and there are unknown dangers waiting.”

 Elric held up a hand, silencing his friend. “She is stronger than you think.” He glanced around the small room. “Bring the map. I must speak with my father.”

 ~ a rambling author

Busy as always! :D

 So, my blog posts will hopefully happen this week. I'm about to leave to visit with family. I've packed up some things, making sure I have notebooks and the computer. I hope I'll get some writing done on the way. But I'm super excited cause I get to see my adorable niece and nephew! I'll try to get some photos to share with ya'll when I get back. Next Tuesday I'll try to share with you the theater class I'm taking currently. By the way, I was cast in the musical Tarzan! WHOOP! Anyway, I know this is short, but life is life, and I have to make sure I'm ready to go. I love you all, and hope to be on here again tomorrow!

~ a rambling author