Author: ourbookconfessions

4 1/2 stars, Contemporary Romance, Dystopian, Five Stars, Four Stars, High Violence, Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Moderate Romance, Young Adult

Summer Reading

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Sometimes summer is so packed that my reading tends to drift to the light and quick. This romcom is exactly what I needed and exceeded my expectations.

I Hated You First by Rachel John

Not technically an enemies to lovers story. More like, pretend enemies because of forbidden love to lovers story. You might think with that kind of premise, as well as the bosses daughter and best friend’s sister going on, it’s a cliché waiting to happen. This story however, was delightful at every turn. Though you know they end up together, you are not quite sure how it’s all going to pan out.

Rachel had really great descriptions and a tension that ebbed and flowed at all the right parts.

I was especially impressed with the way she wrote the dynamic of their relationship. Her characters had such a perfect understanding of each other that they could both poke each other and meet each other’s needs in just the right ways. This really was the recipe of a perfect romcom, their interactions brought out the best laughs and the sweetest swoons. –N.C.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence

The Business Proposal by Nathaniel K. Gee

This story fits the mold of a quick romantic comedy. There were definitely some laugh out loud moments and the premise was entertaining.

It was however, a little hard to connect with the book. The writing lacked an experienced tone and the head hopping was confusing.

I did really enjoy that it was written by a man, it was a unique perspective that not many romcoms have. His male protagonist was well done and the character’s awkward bumbling made him endearing. His female character’s seemed a little stereotypical. However, I sat back and wondered, if that’s how men sound when written from a girl’s perspective. There were a few moments that made me hope that’s not how women appear to men, but as a female, I could be seeing the scenes from my personal skewed perspective. -M.V.

The book was a quick light read, and with a little more experience the author definitely has potential.

*** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s my favorite genre, I love dystopian reads. The world Sarah creates is really well built. I was pulled in from the beginning and can not wait to read the rest of the series.

I really like her characters and found myself anxiously wondering what would happen next. I love it when I can’t predict the plot of a story.

Just as a heads up, there is only one kissing scene, but quite a bit of innuendos. –A.B.

****1/2 Low Language, Moderate Romance, High Violence

Five Stars, Giveaway, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Victorian

Reinventing Yourself

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Ladies of London’s High Society are known for their social graces and poise. Vivian Kirby boasts neither of these enviable qualities, though she does offer impressive conversation on chemical compositions. Unfortunately, it appears that not many men want a brilliant wife. So it is that Vivian finds kinship with a group of young women who embrace each other’s differences: The Blue Orchid Society.

After an extended stay in China, Lord Benedict has returned transformed to his family’s estate, where an encounter with Vivian, whose scientific knowledge he once undermined, leaves him determined to make amends. He arranges to help forward her research—anonymously, of course. Through letters, Vivian establishes a warm friendship with her secret benefactor, even as she’s unexpectedly drawn into a murder investigation that forces her to work alongside Benedict to unearth the truth. Soon, Vivian fears she may be falling in love with two men, never suspecting that they are one and the same.

purchase here: https://amzn.to/3vrrOjy

If you recall from our review of Solving Sophronia I was instantly intrigued by all the women in the Blue Orchid Society and have been anxiously awaiting the next book.

Let me tell you something amazing. Jennifer Moore gives us an introduction to Vivian and then we see the same library scene from Solving Sophronia through Vivian’s eyes. Now here’s the interesting part, it didn’t matter that I’d read that scene before. I felt the same excitement, the same kinship I did the first time around, reading it through Vivian’s eyes. That my friends is the mark of an excellent writer.

I adored this book. On page two I was pulled in with the clever way Jennifer described the room, both from Vivian’s perspective and her aunts. We instantly got a feel for both the environment and their characters. And it didn’t stop on page 2. Jennifer designed and molded her scene and her characters every step of the way.

Vivian was written with such a unique voice, and Jennifer excelled at making that shine. Using analogies and words so fitting to her character. She was a determined female character with both strengths and weaknesses. The emotion woven through the book gave you glimpses of both sides of her.

The most beautiful part was that next to Vivian was Benedict, whose emotions were equally real and poignant. He was as equally strong and vulnerable as Vivian, but in different ways. Jennifer’s writing had them compliment each other and be strong where the other was weak. Two very different characters who created an absolutely beautiful romance.

Her well written secondary characters gave the novel depth. Chester was an instant favorite and gave the story a good balance of humor. Mr. Li’s character and how society treated him created a intelligent foil both for who Benedict wanted to be and what he was expected to be. Then there’s Ruben. Jennifer is walking an impeccable line with him. Making us both hate him and feel sorry for him. She’s creating the perfect storm and I can’t wait to see it play out on her pages.

I’m a huge fan of the you’ve got mail trope, for lack of a better term. So the part of me that loves seeing that back and forth wishes those torn emotions, between two men who are the same man, were addressed a little bit more. However there was so much else going on in the novel, so many other marvelous societal and relational emotions and expectations, that it was more of an afterthought than a real story concern. The story was exceptionally well done and I want to know where I can sign up to be part of The Blue Orchid Society, or am at least on board for every book following.

***** Low Language, Low Violence, Low Romance, Low Religion

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Contemporary Romance, Five Stars, Four Stars, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Violence, Moderate Romance, Three Stars, Young Adult

The Unexpected

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One of my favorite things is when an author does something unexpected. When they tackle an unexpected idea or take the plot in an unexpected way. Well I mostly love it. I always respect it, and am always impressed by it, but I don’t always love it.

Love Unexpected by Jenny Proctor

I have to admit that the story line of this book was not unexpected. It was slightly predictable, and yet, I loved this book. Like really loved it. I felt like it was incredibly real. The best kind of fiction is fiction that seems like reality.

I loved Rosie’s character from the get go. She was quirky and lovable and well developed, and yet still figuring out what she wanted. I loved that Jenny made Isaac unapologetically authentic, and then made him grow. It was excellent story telling for both their characters.

Jenny also allowed the side characters to be tangible. They weren’t two dimensional characters put in place to propel they plot along. They felt like they could be my co-worker or my friend with sound advice and lives of their own.

The substance of the story made it so, though what happened next was not unexpected, the character’s reactions were unexpected. Their vulnerability and honesty (I know she was lying for most of it, but go with me) honesty in how they felt and what they wanted, blasted all sorts of clichés out of the water.

The romance was a slow build, but perfect. I loved that it was from both of their perspectives, it didn’t take away from any surprises. There was added depth understanding how both of them were growing and adapting to the other. This story was full of heartfelt emotions and such concrete characters I’m a little bummed they’re fictional. I just could not put this book down. –NC &MV

***** Low Language, Moderate Romance (one kind of steamy make-out scene, and a few innuendos- but really clean in my book), Low Violence, Low Religion

The Seat Filler by Sariah Wilson

Let’s talk a little bit more about the unexpected. Did you know there is a kissing phobia? Like it’s a legit thing: the fear of kissing. Sariah’s character Juliet has this fear. I admit the phobia seems far-fetched, and yet somehow the way she wrote it made me not doubt it for a minute.

There were a few times I would have loved to get inside Noah’s head. I am a huge fan of the dual POV, but being solely inside Juliet’s head made her fears more real and having her anxiety front and center really worked for the story.

I loved their meet cute and adored Noah’s handling of both her phobia and their developing relationship. Sariah is an expert at chemistry, and even in a book based on a kissing phobia, there was plenty of it.

I felt a little bit like there was such a focus on her scars, and with her kissing phobia, that she had been hurt in a different way. I was surprised that wasn’t the case. I admit to feeling a little pulled out of the story with how much I felt she had been tying the two together. I was glad to be wrong in this case, but do feel like the background for both her phobia and her scars was rushed a bit with how much they were interwoven in the plot.

Even though I knew the big reveal was coming, and I expected it, his response was a bit unexpected. I had to take a step back and realize, it totally fit with his character and the situation they were in. So, though a bit dramatic, it was right for the story.

Though there was a thing or two that made it so I didn’t love the story, I really did enjoy reading it. I thought Sariah did a great job with Juliet’s anxiety and fears and made the emotions real. -NC

**** Low Language, Moderate Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

The Charade by Judy Corry

Sometimes a young adult romance is exactly what I need. Judy developed the characters and their backstory really well. They both had an emotional connection and understanding that sometimes young adult novels are missing.

The dad mystery was completely unexpected. I was sure I knew the answer, and then I didn’t. It created some amazing tension in the plot and with the characters. From a moral standpoint, I’m not sure I loved the unexpected way she handled that tension, but I can completely respect it.

Judy admits in her author note that she knows “it might push things a little to far for some readers,” she knew “in order to write a story that was truly satisfying for me, I had to do it.” I love that she was true to the story she wanted to write and can admit from a technical stand point the strength and emotion the scene added to the overall story.

I must admit this book was a little more pg-13 than I expected. Mostly due to conversations and never due to physical intimacy getting out of hand on the page. It’s not something I would feel comfortable recommending to a teenager however it was really well written both in emotion and style. -NC & MV

***Low Language, Moderate Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

Fairy Tale Re-tellings, Low Language, Low Romance, Medieval, Middle Grade, Moderate Religion, Moderate Violence, Three Stars

Inner Beauty

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Sometimes a fairy tale retelling is fairly straightforward, and other times it’s a little more subtle.

Melanie Dickerson’s Castle of Refuge is a more subtle nod to The Ugly Duckling.

Ever since she was a child, Audrey wanted her life to be extraordinary. But as the daughter of a viscount born in late fourteenth-century England, the only thing expected of her was to marry—until an act of malice by her sister, Maris, four years ago damaged her face and her prospects. When her father announces his plans to marry off his damaged daughter and bring Maris home, Audrey decides to flee in search of her true destiny.

However, life outside her home is dangerous, and she soon finds herself attacked, sick, and in desperate need of help. She is taken in at Dericott Castle to be nursed back to health. While there, she decides to keep her identity a secret and work as a servant in the castle. But she doesn’t count on falling in love with the young and handsome Lord Dericott.

Meanwhile, Edwin—Lord Dericott—is curious about the new, well-educated servant’s identity. All he knows is that he’s quickly becoming smitten with her.

Purchase here: https://amzn.to/3hVxpvi

Melanie wrote the emotional trauma and struggles of both Audrey and Edwin beautifully. She gave great insight into their understanding hearts while still being true to their fears and vulnerability.

There was a time or two I wasn’t sure if I loved how Maris was portrayed. It was a tricky thing to show her as both equally damaged, and malicious. I appreciated the back story we were given and the small glimmer of hope for her future. She did present a really good foil for Audrey who had also experienced neglect and trauma and chose to stay positive.

Melanie’s stories can some time seem a little formulaic in their plot structure, but she teaches fabulous things in a way that can resonate with ya readers.

***Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Violence, Moderate Religion

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Contemporary Romance, Five Stars, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Violence, Moderate Romance

All My Senses

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Purchase Here: https://amzn.to/3fJJm4I

We have fallen in love with Emma St. Clair’s Love Cliche’s Series. So when she sent an email to her arc team about her next book in the series, we were so on board.

The interesting thing about this email however, is she added this note: “This book specifically deals with a main character who is neurodivergent. (I’m leaving it that vague because I don’t want to give too much away from the book.)”

I have to confess I had to google neurodivergent. What I found intrigued me.

May is Mental Health Awareness month. I’m a huge advocate for mental health. Not only because I’ve been there done that and seen how taking care of my mental health, and not, makes a difference; but also because I live with those who are still dealing with it.

I wasn’t sure if Emma’s character would have the specific diagnosis that I was familiar with, but I was excited to read it either way.

Here’s the thing, I was some what shocked when it was exactly the type of diagnosis I’m familiar with. I had no idea what our family dealt with fell into that category.

Like Emma I don’t want to give too much away, but I wanted you to understand that for the past 12 years I have loved two someones, my husband and my son, who both struggle with a neurodivergent diagnosis.

I needed you to understand this, to understand that when I say Emma did a fantastic job, you know, I know what I’m talking about.

This book made me cry, it made me laugh, it made me feel seen. My families’ diagnosis is not common, and I often have to explain to teachers, family, friends and others what it means and how it affects our every day life. Because it does affect our EVERY DAY life. Emma portrayed that beautifully.

I especially loved that it was from both Chase and Harper’s points of view. Not only did I understand Harper, because my husband and I are very open about what is hard for him, but I totally felt for Chase. It was fabulous story telling to get inside his head as well.

Lest you worry that the book won’t mean as much to you if this isn’t something you deal with, it’s has all the romantic comedy you’ve come to love from her other books as well. Between the baby goat, the skunk and Harper’s family you will love the romance and the laughter.

The growth of both Harper and Chase, in not just this area; but with their jobs, their families and their friends. Was all wonderfully woven into a story about understanding, appreciating and accepting who we are and all the hard parts of those we love.

***** Low Language, Moderate Romance (this is only due to one or two innuendos that would probably go over a teens head- just fyi) , Low Violence, Low Religion

Contemporary Suspense, Four Stars, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Moderate Violence

Little but Fierce

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You know that line from Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, “Though she be but little, she is fierce”? That line kept coming to me while reading the two following novellas. They are short, but they still pack a punch. They have all the suspense and edge of your seat goodness you have come to love with these authors.

Eye for an Eye by Stephanie Black

The emotions in the story are handled so well. I love how we enter this story with both heart ache and hope. I also appreciated that we enter the story with the main characters already having interacted with each other, so the romance doesn’t feel rushed or contrived.

Stephanie does a fantastic job of creating mystery and intrigue. I have to admit a time or two I wasn’t even sure if I believed the main character. This is the type of story where your mind is always whirring in the background trying to figure out who actually in the bad guy and how is the main character going to get out of this next scrape. A fantastically written romantic suspense, all wrapped up in a small package. -AB

****Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Violence, Low Religion

Dancing to Freedom by Traci Hunter Abramson

This story is a prequel to the Dreams’ Edge Series starting with An Unlikely Pair releasing in June. Though the story is short it packs a lot in it. The romance is quick, but doesn’t seemed rushed. The suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat, and holding on to hope. The emotions are reflected well in the metaphors and descriptions so you feel both Katerina’s loved for ballet and her feelings of being trapped. For a novella it was very well done. -NC

****Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

Just a heads up, if these stories sound vaguely familiar to you, both of them were originally published in anthologies. Stephanie’s was published in the Timeless Romance Anthology: Autumn Collection. Traci’s was published in With a Kiss: A Sweet Romance Anthology. I did not go back and read the original stories again to see if there were differences. I liked them when I read them in the anthologies and I liked them now. Enough that, even if you’ve read those anthologies, I would highly recommend getting your own copy of them as stand alones.

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Five Stars, Giveaway, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Victorian

Redeeming your Villain

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His scandals were right on track until she derailed everything.

As the successful owner of multiple railroad lines, Diana Barton is all too accustomed to fending off suitors seeking to stake their claim on her wealth. In order to keep the wolves at bay, Diana has contrived the perfect plan: appeal to the most notorious rake in London, the Baron Lord Bryant, to ruin her reputation and scare off the worst of the time wasters.

Lord Bryant is well aware of his questionable reputation. Indeed, he has cultivated the image carefully, and the last thing he wants is a wife. When he’s approached by the younger sister of a business associate, he tells her in no uncertain terms that he cannot help. However, when he sees for himself what she is up against, Bryant grudgingly offers his assistance.

Purchase Here: https://amzn.to/3uM3bi7

I don’t even know where to start. Let’s start with: Esther Hatch’s writing makes me smile. She has a way of taking a cliché and poking fun at it that is both excellent writing and absolutely delightful. I was literally beaming most of the way through the book. Her dialogue, her situational irony, her beautiful character development.

Ok, yeah, let’s go there next. The only way you haven’t heard of Lord Bryant is if you live under a rock. I feel like his face and his lines has been spread around the book community for awhile now, for good reason. Esther Hatch knows how to redeem her villain, in the best possible way. The rogue that isn’t what he seems is a common enough trope, one we all love, and Esther did it more than just justice. It was beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time. The reason he is plastered everywhere, is wholly due to how well Esther wrote the huge dichotomy between his charisma and his vulnerability.

But let’s talk for a minute about Diana. Because if you have a character like Lord Bryant that the collective book community is swooning about, he can’t have just any leading lady by his side. Esther cultivated Diana’s character as much as she did Lord Bryant’s. Smart and impulsive, but rather adorable. I was so impressed with the way Esther wrote both characters to compliment each other’s strengths and weaknesses making for a rather stunning romance.

Speaking of romance, having their first kiss happen on page 33 was both a delicious pull and a genius bit of writing. Many have dubbed Esther the queen of chemistry and this book just may have solidified that spot for her. And yet one of their most important kisses near the end of the book wasn’t all passion and madness. It was soft and slow, and altogether perfect and real for these two characters.

So that just covers our main characters. That doesn’t even scratch the surface of how impressed I was with her story line for Lady Emily, did anyone see that ending coming? I secretly adored it. And how she handled Rachel. The slow way we learned information about their relationship was incredibly well pace with the highs and lows and growing understanding. Also, please tell me this isn’t the last we see of Mrs. Cuthbert.

Her pacing as a whole was so spot on, it was almost impossible to put the book down. She had small tender moments and big story changing moments with every single moment progressing the story and growing the characters. This book is in one word: phenomenal.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

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Contemporary Romance, Contemporary Suspense, Five Stars, Giveaway, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence

No Longer a Wuss

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Welcome to the Blog Tour for Danger on the Loch by Paige Edwards, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

“Raised by a cold and distant mother, photographer Paisley Clark has spent her life daydreaming about the father she doesn’t remember. Paisley’s dream turns to reality when a DNA test brings her in contact with the mysterious man. With her financial situation a disaster and her childhood friend James Pressley-Coombes working across the pond in Scotland, Paisley is emboldened to accept her father’s invitation to visit him.

She arrives in the Highlands only to discover that she isn’t Paisley Clark at all but a titled lady, the daughter of a Scottish duke. Despite the warm welcome and the comfort of James’s presence, dangerous undercurrents surround Castle Rannoch, her father’s estate. Overwhelmed, Paisley takes refuge in her camera and James’s steady presence to provide a sense of normalcy in her rags-to-riches transformation. But her once-easy relationship with James is changing, deepening beyond friendship in a surprising twist of events. Before they have time to examine their feelings, Paisley inadvertently captures a shocking image in one of her photographs—a picture worth killing for.”

This just may be one of my top five favorite books I’ve read this year. I was so incredibly impressed with the author.

This is the first Paige Edwards book I’ve read and I immediately liked her writing style and her descriptions.

This is a story I would read over again in a heart beat. I don’t usually do suspense, because I’m a wuss, but I loved the way the author balanced all the aspects of the story. It was definitely a page turner that I just could not put down, but I never got too intense, or too dramatic. She built both the suspenseful and relationship tension with such a fabulous ebb and flow I was captivated from page one.

The story had a little bit of a “What a Girl Wants” vibe but oh so better. The characters were actually likeable. The villain was not entirely clear, though not completely unexpected. I am completely in love with Paisley and James and you better believe I will now be reading all the other books in this series.

With incredibly intelligent writing and religious overtones which were subtle and incredibly well written. I am 100% a Paige Edwards fan now.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Danger on the Loch by Paige Edwards and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Giveaway began at midnight May 10, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 17, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Born and raised in Southern California, Paige Edwards is an award-winning author who thinks the color turquoise is almost as great, but not quite, as See’s Candy. A BYU-I alumna, she went back to school and graduated summa cum laude from NOVA with a degree in interior design. Her husband’s job transferred their family to the mid-Atlantic states where they have lived ever since. When she needs a break from writing, you can find her shooing deer out of her garden, biking battlefields, or kayaking on the lake.

CONNECT WITH PAIGE: Website | Facebook | Instagram

3 1/2 Stars, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Regency Romance, Royal Romance

The Evolution of Reading

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Don’t Miss the Giveaway at the end of the review!!

I have such incredible respect for authors. For how often they pour their whole hearts into something, to then hand it to the world to decide it’s worth. I always feel honored that an author would trust me enough to do that for them. But guys, sometimes it’s really hard. Not nearly as hard as creating the work I’m critiquing mind you ;). I want to be honest, I want to be kind, but above all else I want to support and promote those authors who have trusted me with their work.

There’s a line in a book I read recently, “It’s not a perfect book – I do not think such a thing exists.” * that resonated with me. Just as books aren’t perfect, neither are authors. Very rarely have I liked every single thing an author has written. Often it has nothing to do with my respect for the author, or my love of their other works. More often it’s more of a personality thing or personal preferences. I don’t know why I felt compelled to dump all that, but I guess I was more nervous than usual for my review this morning…

I was so incredibly excited for Jen Geigle Johnson’s next book in the Royal Regency Romance Series. I was captivated with A Foreign Crown. I was slightly surprised when I had a hard time getting into A Torn Allegiance. I love Jen’s writing and am as impressed with her as a person as I am with her writing.

I kept coming back to it through out the day and while at my “real” job. Was it me, was I in a weird funk? (Mood reading is totally a thing.)

I loved Lady Elsie’s character. She craved knowledge and wanted to make a difference, but was not always sure of herself. Jen’s characters are always multi-faceted and well developed. Both Elsie and Hays weren’t just one thing, they were unique and layered. Jen showed Elsie’s ability to be queen and to love a country and a people so well through out the whole book. Which mirrored Hays’ feelings and his dedication in such a beautiful way.

I did want a little bit more background on her family, why they were so invested in the spy business, was it simply their station or was there more to it. I felt like we were kind of dropped into their desires to protect the crown without it ever building to that desire.

I also found this book moved a little slower than some of her others, which isn’t a bad thing, just different than I was expecting. Especially considering the spy aspect and threat of war I had anticipated a faster moving pace.

I have always been incredibly impressed with Jen’s research and her ability to weave historical details flawlessly into her story making me fascinated with the simplest of facts. I felt like this book had a lot less of that. Which again, is not bad. There are plenty of wonderful books that are slim on historical detail. It just came back to a matter of expectations.

I loved the conclusion of the story. The way she wrapped up their understanding of each other’s needs and their respect for each other was really stunning. I really loved their romance. In spite of their quick attraction to each other, Jen grew their romance slowly. Their back and forth chemistry and learning about each other was more of a slow build and incredibly well done.

Though I didn’t initially connect with this story like I have so many of Jen’s other stories, I appreciated her art and am really interested to read it again and see my impressions change and evolve with subsequent readings.

***1/2 Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

*This quote is from Sally Britton’s A Companion for the Count

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Four Stars, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Victorian

Growing in Love

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“Isabelle Rackham knows she will not marry for love. Though arranged marriages have fallen out of fashion, hers has been settled for some time to combine the upper-middle-class wealth of her father’s coal mines with Alexander Osgood’s prospering Northern country textile mills.

However, her marriage is not what she expected. Alexander is distant and aloof, preferring to spend his time at the mill rather than with her at home. Their few conversations are brief, polite, and lacking any emotion, leaving Isabelle lonely and desperately homesick.

Sensing his wife’s unhappiness, Alexander suggests a trip to his country estate. While riding together on horses, Alexander is thrown from his and becomes paralyzed. The help and care that Alexander now needs is Isabelle’s opportunity to forge a connection and create a deep and romantic love where nothing else could.”

I really enjoyed Rebecca Anderson’s writing style. The story dealt with a lot, but still had a sweetness about it.

The author portrayed the awkwardness of an arranged marriage really quite well. The story was emotionally compelling as far as Isabelle was concerned, but I felt lost a time or two not having Alexander’s perspective as well.

I often found myself wondering what Alexander was thinking and feeling. The nature of the story was such his thoughts and inward emotions would have drawn me into his character as well, deepening the story.

In spite of yearning for a little more of him, I did enjoy the story. The author handled the deeper topics with grace, showing the character’s growing compassion and love in a beautiful way. -MV

**** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion