Well, today was supposed to be the day on which I revealed the finalists for my Light and Dark Contest. Considering that I received exactly zero entries, however, that is rather difficult. I don't know what happened, ya'll. I was so looking forward to reading your stories, and you seemed excited about the contest. But I've got nothing. So, that's unfortunate. Nonetheless, I do have a post for you today. It's even a bookish post!
1. The Puritans by Jack Cavanaugh 3.5/5 – In 1600s England, all Drew Morgan wants is to be a modern-day knight, sweep a fair lady off her feet, and save England in some glorious fashion. He gets his chance when Bishop Laud gives him the opportunity to become an operative and save England from its deadliest enemy: the Puritans. This is the first book of a sweeping series called An American Family Portrait that I've read before and enjoyed. This book was never my favorite, but it's a good introduction to the rest of the series. There's a lot of head hopping that drove me nuts, and there's some homosexual subtext (not portrayed as a good thing). I do like the series, though.
2. The Colonists by Jack Cavanaugh 4/5 – This is the second book of the series, and I enjoyed it much better. It deals with the three Morgan children in early 1700's Boston, where the church has become a place of ceremony and the Half-Way Covenant seeks to keep hold over people's souls. In this mess, the competing interests of greed, revenge, and the Great Awakening will all converge.
3. Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin 4.5/5 – Caroline Fletcher was raised in the South. And now, as the Civil War erupts, her soul exemplifies the struggle of a nation. There's a really strong message about standing up for what's right in this book, no matter the cost.
4. Captives by Jill Williamson 5/5 – I rarely read young adult, but every now and then I come across one that just makes me happy in every way. This is one of them, and I wrote about it in last month's Happenings of the Month.
5. Fire by Night by Lynn Austin 4.5/5 – Book 2 of this series moves from the South to the North, where socialite Julia becomes dissatisfied with the pettiness of her life and enlists as a nurse. This book has a very different feel from the first one; it's telling a different story. I really enjoyed it, though.
6. Outcasts by Jill Williamson 5/5 – In Book 2 of the Safe Lands trilogy, temptations become stronger, stakes rise higher, and the remnant of Glenrock must fight to save their way of life.
7. Emma by Jane Austen (audiobook) 5/5 – I've always really enjoyed the story of Emma, partly because I identify a lot with her, and I love to see her story of growth. I'd never read the book, though (and clearly I still haven't). But ya'll, I enjoyed this audiobook so much! I listened to it in my car, and every time I got out, I wanted to stay and finish it!
So, tell me, what did you read recently? Have you read any of these books? Let me know in the comments!
I'm so sorry to hear about your contest! I was hoping to read other people's entries, but I should have considered sending one myself.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of these books (yet), but I've heard about the ones by Jill Williamson, and they seem interesting.
I would have liked to read something from you! ;) Oh well. It's okay.
DeleteYeah, her books are awesome! I also adore her Mission League series. You should check them out!
Thanks for commenting!