Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball


Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: a Novella
By: Donita K. Paul

Back of the Book:
In a sleepy , snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. As she searches for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad's (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they've decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers' best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?


My Thoughts:
To start, I must admit that I was a little unsure of how a book could logically include a Wizard's Ball and a Christian theme all at the same time, but Ms. Paul has done a wonderful job of mixing the fanciful with reality. This little book is a wonderfully written, modern-day fairy tale. To top it off it has a beautiful cover!

The two main characters that are brought together to attend the ball have many personal obstacles to overcome. Simon is the main caretaker of his family and is very much an introvert. Not to mention he is Cora's boss. Cora has been hurt deeply by her family making it hard for her to let someone get close. Situations keep happening that bring Simon and Cora together in unusual ways - especially since they had had such little contact with each other in the 5 years they have worked together. The Sage Street matchmakers definitely have their work cut out for them and even end up with a little help from Simon's sister Sandy.

This book is absolutely delightful and I highly recommend it!




Thanks for stopping by!





This book was sent to me by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
I was not influenced on how to write my review.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Surrender the Heart

Surrender the Heart
by: Mary Lu Tyndall

Back of the Book:
On the brink of the War of 1812, Marianne Denton must marry to unlock her inheritance. Without the money, her mother can't receive medical care and her sister will be destitute. But Noah Brenin needs to sail his cargo to England before the war commences in order to prove his worth to his father and make enough money so he won't have to marry at all.

When Noah walks out on their engagement party, Marianne chases him down and ends up on his merchantman out at sea. The situation worsens when Noah's ship encounters a British man-of-war and the couple is impressed into the British navy.

While a young lad's prophecy of destiny looms over them both, Marianne and Noah are forced to face their darkest fears as they desperately try to escape and fulfill their destinies -- destinies that could change the course of the war and history forever.

My Thoughts:
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed another journey with MaryLu. Her characters always become so real to me. While I must admit I was disappointed that this was not to be another pirate book (surprising I'm sure to those who know me - that I enjoy pirate books - but I do!), I also love historical fiction based in war times and this is no exception. MaryLu does an excellent job depicting real life hardships that people face - material, physical and especially spiritual. This book really focuses on the need to trust God. Trust that He will take care of you when an unwanted marriage is in your future. Trust Him when an accident happens. Trust Him to take care of those you love when you can't be there with them. Trust Him to be with you when you face your deepest, darkest fear. I definitely recommend for anyone to take the journey across the sea with Noah and Marianne and learn a few lessons along side them about keeping your faith planted firmly in God.





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