by Kathryn Albright | Oct 21, 2018 | Reviews
I have loved fairy tales since I was small. It’s probably why, after reading all the ones in the Red Fairy Tale Book and the Blue Fairy Tale Book, I graduated to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and then on to The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings by Tolkien. Lately though, I’ve been reading a lot of very heavy non-fiction and biographies. So, in recently discovering Jenni James and her individually unique take on classic fairy tales has been a ray of whimsy in an otherwise serious and practical stack of books. Even her book cover is enchanting!
The Frog Prince by Jenni James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sometimes I just enjoy pure fantasy and fun in the midst of all the strife and seriousness of the world today. This take on the Frog Prince fairy tale by Jenni James was a pure delight to read. Fast-paced, unique in its twists, and sparkling dialogue–I enjoyed it so much! Escape-reading to be sure. Recommended for anyone in need of a break from reality!
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by Kathryn Albright | Oct 12, 2018 | Blog, Reviews
One nice thing about finishing a contract with my publisher, is that it allows me time to read a few books on my TBR (To Be Read) shelf. I first heard of the man Dietrich Bonhoeffer a year ago, and from then on his name seemed to come up frequently. Everything about him fascinated me and so I knew I had to read Eric Metaxas biography on this man as soon as I was done writing my last book. I just finished and here is my take on this book…
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Powerful biography of a fascinating man and his life. The methodical illumination by the author of Bonhoeffer’s love for Germany and for God and the conflict brought about by Hitler’s regime that threatened everyone until he felt he had to make a stand, gave me new insight into the harrowing times and also into this intelligent, thoughtful, insightful man. His life was an example and challenge to move beyond complacency in one’s faith walk and strive for a deeper relationship with God and then put faith into action.
I wish I’d had the chance to meet him in person. What a humble hero! I highly recommend this biography.
QUOTE:
“If it is I who determines where God is to be found, then I shall always find a God who corresponds to me in some way, who is obliging, who is connected with my own nature. But if God determines where he is to be found, then it will be in a place which is not immediately pleasing to my nature and which is not all congenial to me. This place is the Cross of Christ. And whosever would find him must go to the foot of the Cross, as the Sermon on the Mount commands. This is not according to our nature at all, it is entirely contrary to it. But this is the message of the Bible, not only in the New but also in the Old Testament.” [Dietrich Bonhoeffer]
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by Kathryn Albright | Aug 17, 2016 | Reviews
My take on
Lone Heart Pass
by Jodi Thomas
I just finished reading Lone Heart Pass by Jodi Thomas. The book was a gift from the RWA2016 Conference in San Diego.
First…the blurb from the back cover:
With a career and a relationship in ruins, Jubilee Hamilton is left reeling from a fast fall to the bottom. The run-down Texas farm she’s inherited is a far cry from the second chance she hoped for, but it and the abrasive foreman she’s forced to hire are all she’s got.
Every time Charley Collins has let a woman get close, he’s been burned. So Lone Heart ranch and the contrary woman who owns it are merely a means to an end, until Jubilee tempts him to take another risk—to stop resisting the attraction drawing them together despite all his hard-learned logic.
Desperation is all young Thatcher Jones knows. And when he finds himself mixed up in a murder investigation, his only protection is the shelter of a man and woman who—just like him—need someone to trust.
I’ve become a bit jaded lately and unable to enjoy a book because it sounds like so many other books I’ve read. It was with this attitude that I started Lone Heart Pass along with a heavy dose of trepidation. I was extremely relieved (and delighted!) to know that my fears were unfounded when it came to this story. Although the initial set-up is tried and true about a woman who inherits a run-down ranch, the rest is delightfully original all the way to young Thatcher who catches rattlers and other snakes for money to survive.
Jodi Thomas has done it again! 5 stars for this book that made me root for the characters! Oh my–I was chuckling out loud at some of the unique, delightful turn-of-phrases by the quirky characters. I wanted to meet them all in real life–they are so interesting and original. The relationship between Jubilee and Charlie, starting out first as employer to employee and then changing slowly through mutual respect to friendship and then love, along with Thatcher’s growth is done skillfully and winningly by Ms. Thomas.
I highly recommend this book. Please write another Ms. Thomas!
by Kathryn Albright | Nov 24, 2015 | Blog, Books, Reviews
I just finished reading Wild Montana Sky by Debra Holland and thought I’d post my review.
From the back cover blurb:
“Stepping off the train in Sweetwater Springs, Montana, Elizabeth Hamilton is filled with relief, nerves and the thrill of hope. Life on her dear friend’s ranch will be very different than Gilded Age Boston’s high society. But at least here, Elizabeth is far from her spiteful sister-in-law and the bittersweet memories of her late fiance.
Nick Saunders has loved Elizabeth since he first glimpsed her portrait–not that he dare admit it. A ranch hand has no call to woo a well-born lady, especially when she is being courted by the town’s finest gentleman. Yet there’s something in her mix of courage and compassion that won’t let Nick quit.”
Loved this sweet, enjoyable story! The tender respect and the constancy of love shown by Nick, the hero is sigh-worthy and yet at times I thought he was almost too perfect. Considering Elizabeth’s background, I could understand her hesitancy at accepting him as her equal. It was a joy to watch her growth from a Boston high-society maiden who had everything done for her and who had been groomed to marry a rich man, to a competent flesh and blood woman who could handle herself and adapt to the rugged land of Montana. The story came to a head in an exciting conclusion that I didn’t want to put down. I’d happily recommend Wild Montana Sky to readers who enjoy a gentle heartwarming romance. It would be fun to see this made into a movie!
