Book review of "Against the Tide" by Elizabeth Camden

With the help of a friend, I discovered a great way to share my love of reading (especially inspirational historical romance) with other people.  Against the Tide is the second book I have had the pleasure of reviewing (in exchange for an honest review of the book) for Bethany House Publishers.  In this book, Elizabeth Camden combines romance and intrigue in the setting of post-civil war Boston.  Lydia Pallas is an orphan who has had to find her own way in the world.  Her affinity for languages helps her obtain a job in the male-dominated world of the US Navy.  It is her skill with languages that brings her to the attention of Alexander Banebridge (aka Bane).  Bane seeks Lydia's help as he tries to curb and ultimately stop mastermind of  illegal opium trade in the United States.  Bane fights his attraction to Lydia, believing that his previous life experiences leave him no choice but to spend his life alone on his quest to stop the opium trade.  He's afraid of the danger that his life could bring to any family that he might have in the future.  His faith in God guides him on his quest, as he tries to stop those who are destroying the lives of others.  Lydia, orphaned at a young age, wants to prove to Bane that their love is worth fighting for, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to show him that she belongs at his side.  She has fought hard to find security in her life, after growing up without any security at all.  She seeks security in every place but the place where true security can be found.  Little does Bane know, that his past, his present, and his future entertwine with Lydia's past, present, and future in ways that can only be described as the hand of God (through the writing of the author).  Lydia's journey has its ups and downs throughout the book.  Elizabeth Camden did not disappoint.  In fact, I found it hard to put down.  There is plenty of suspense and adventure in the book to keep the reader hooked as the story goes along.  I thought the author did an excellent job with the story line, the plot, and the characters.  I identified with Lydia, as she struggles to make her way, alone in a workforce dominated by men.  My heart ached with her, and the struggles that she faces throughout the book.  I also identified with Bane, and his belief that because of his past he is not able to pursue his love for Lydia.  This book wasted no time in capturing my attention and was able to hold my attention throughout the whole book.  I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a historical book with just the right blend of romance, intrigue, and suspense. 

Book Review of "At Every Turn" by Anne Mateer

I think most of you know that I like to read. I like to read romance, preferably historical romance. Recently I was introduced to an author I did not know about. I was given the chance to preview the book for free in exchange for a review here on my blog.  The review was not required to be positive.  Here is what I thought about it:

 At Every Turn by Anne Mateer takes the reader on a journey through the eyes of Alyce. Alyce is a young impulsive girl with a good heart and a love for speed. She has to keep her love for speed a secret from her family. The only one who knows is her father’s mechanic, Webster. Webster is a mysterious man, very “little” is known about his past. In a moment of impulsiveness brought forth from her good heart, Alyce pledges as large amount of money to help foreign missionaries. When her efforts (and her good heart) cause her to fall short of her goal, Alyce enlists Webster to help her enter a race to try to reach her goal. Throughout the rest of the book, the reader gets to know Alyce and Webster more as Alyce races towards her goal.

I found Alyce’s blend of naivete and impulsiveness to be refreshing. She does not let the fact that she was born into money affect her view of others whose social class is lower than hers. Webster was a hard puzzle to figure out. I could see pieces of his heart through his care for Alyce, and was very pleased when the fullness of his heart could be seen. This book did not disappoint. Anne Mateer takes the reader on a journey filled with twists and turns that will keep the reader enthralled through the end of the book. If you are looking for a good read and love historical romance, this is the book for you. Historical romance happens to be my favorite. I haven’t read many set in the early 1900s, and I usually don’t enjoy books written in the first person tense. This book is both, and Anne Mateer did an excellent job. I look forward to reading more of her books.

clarity

I need to clarify on the whole adoption issue. I have a good support system around me. My parents, sister, aunts, uncles, etc. I'm just not close enough to any Christian men on a regular basis that would have a positive impact on any child I might have in the future and I believe this is a factor that would influence my decision. I think I'm thinking too much tonight. What do you think?

Powerful Puff of Positiveness, Popped

I watched the car that I've driven for over 4 years drive off earlier.  It didn't bother me as much as I thought it would.  I was stuck in a debt cycle, and I knew I had to make some changes.  I have another vehicle I can drive for a few months, and I can focus on filling in my debt pit.  I got so excited when I first thought about selling my car to get out of debt, but it didn't take long for that balloon to sink.  Thoughts of travel and adoption and less stress over finances had me floating high for a while.  Sadly, reality soon sank in.

Travel is not an issue.  I'm single, no children, it would be easy for me to travel if I had the money.  I have my passport, family in a foreign country, and a job that gives me plenty of vacation time.  The pin that popped the balloon was the thought of adoption.  I am fairly certain that marriage is not in my future.  It doesn't bother me as much as it did.  I think, as I get older, I realize marriage does not hold all the ideals that I thought it did.  I have always been interested in children, and I would love to have children of my own. 

Being single, adopting a baby is not something I would consider.  I would love to take in an older child.  After listening to a podcast on adoption on a Christian website geared for singles, several issues with single adoption were brought to my attention, and I was reminded of this with my nephew tonight.  While I don't think a single woman can't raise a child on her own (double negative for emphasis only), I do think it is important for that child to be exposed to other Christian adults, especially males (if the child is being raised by a single mother).  This was a point that was brought out in that podcast.  While I have plenty of Christian women in my life, there is a lack of Christian males.  There are Christian men in my church, but none that would be involved directly with my child's (if I ever have one) life.

Of course, one also has to consider that being in a single parent family may be better than a child growing up in an orphanage.  That's something I need to consider as well.  I know of many successful single parents, women that have brought up their children in church (both girls and boys), and these children are leading very successful lives today.  It's just a choice of whether or not God has called me to be a parent in this way.

I have this one my mind, since my car drove away today, and yesterday was Orphan Sunday.  I have a lot of decisions to work through in the next few months and pray that God will give me the strength and His guidance through them all.