Miranda Parker

MichelleSutton plans to read a book.

MichelleSutton reviewed a book.

“Since I've read a number of historical fiction titles over the years about Henry IV and Elizabeth Woodville, Richard III and the Nevilles, Lady of the Rivers (about Elizabeth Woodville's mother, Jacquetta, and her husband Lord Rivers,) The Red Queen (Margaret Beaufort) and numerous other stories...”

“Since I've read a number of historical fiction titles over the years about Henry IV and Elizabeth Woodville, Richard III and the Nevilles, Lady of the Rivers (about Elizabeth Woodville's mother, Jacquetta, and her husband Lord Rivers,) The Red Queen (Margaret Beaufort) and numerous other stories about the Tudors, Plantagenets, etc., I found this book quite historically engaging. I would have rated it higher, but it took me a year to finish reading it. Not because it wasn't interesting, but because of the many details including references and historical events. It takes me a lot longer to read non-fiction for this reason. Regardless, I think it helped illustrate the backgrounds of several prominent women during the Middle Ages and their political aspirations/issues. I would highly recommend it for history lovers, particularly those interested in the politics of the 14th and 15th centuries.”

MichelleSutton reviewed a book.

“This book was pretty intense, and at times quite convicting. Most people are curious about how things like sex slavery can happen in our world today, but most people don't want to get in harm's way to help change the situations for these girls. Believe it or not, I actually know a few women who...”

“This book was pretty intense, and at times quite convicting. Most people are curious about how things like sex slavery can happen in our world today, but most people don't want to get in harm's way to help change the situations for these girls. Believe it or not, I actually know a few women who are living in other countries (like Thailand) and helping rescue girls forced into prostitution. It has to be incredibly hard to see the pain they have gone through. And then to find out many times their families sold them to these traffickers... ugh.

The writing style was okay. At times I got lost in the book because I felt connected to the characters and drawn into the story. At other times, I got a bit stuck because of some stilted inner dialog and lost my connection. But overall, the story was quite compelling. I wouldn't recommend reading this book at night, though, or the reader might have some frightening dreams. I can't imagine being 12 or 13 and being raped 27 times the first night. It's unfathomable how evil some humans can be to innocent children. Then again, I've worked with abused and neglected children as a social worker for over 20 years, so there isn't much I haven't seen. This book just happens to show the worst of the worst.

People are understandably uncomfortable with prostitution. Men in the offending countries often think these girls actually want to be prostituting themselves. Maybe that's how people deal with the knowledge that this type of crime is happening around the world. Surely it has to be desired behavior, right? Calling them whores just dehumanizes them. So when these poor girls seek help, they may be victimized again, or worse, sold back to the pimps who will beat them or possibly even kill them.

Human trafficking is probably the sickest problem in this world today. I found it interesting that there were some faith threads in this book, and at the same time it was littered with some harsh and degrading terms. I suppose that did lend to the book's authenticity, but it still made me wince a few times. Anyway, I am glad I took the time to read this book. It has definitely opened my eyes even more to the plight of many children around the world.”

MichelleSutton plans to read a book.

hopeofglory/Nicole Petrino-Salter rated a book.

• Rated 3 stars

hopeofglory/Nicole Petrino-Salter rated a book.

• Rated 3 stars

MichelleSutton reviewed a book.

“This was an interesting, though quite long, novel. The omniscient point of view took some getting used to, but once I got the hang of the author's writing style, I found it effective. I liked how the author inserted many issues that are still common to women today into her novel set during the...”

“This was an interesting, though quite long, novel. The omniscient point of view took some getting used to, but once I got the hang of the author's writing style, I found it effective. I liked how the author inserted many issues that are still common to women today into her novel set during the reign of Edward IV. Some things may never change this side of heaven. I appreciated how she inserted the realism of the times when it came to faith, prayer, and culture. At the same time, the characters were not above cursing at appropriate times. None of the language felt gratuitous to me, though there were some terms that sensitive people would find offensive.

There were realistic scenes in the book that fit the plot. Nothing seemed over-the-top in my opinion, and though there were some pretty descriptive scenes, much of the intimacy was implied. The story focused on her relations with three historical men, so there had to be intimacy as part of the story. I felt pity for Jane in her first marriage. I could see how she felt cheated. Then to have the King of England requesting her... well, she didn't have much choice in that. The other other two liaisons made sense as well, especially to a grieving woman who didn't want to live on the streets.

Jane was a likable character and not portrayed as a slutty woman, or manipulative. I liked that she was just a normal woman in unfortunate circumstances that would be easy to sympathize with. There was a scene in there where Jane finally reconciled with her father that evoked a lot of emotion in me. It was very well done. I was so glad to see Jane happy after so much tragedy and to finally get the baby she longed for and the legitimacy she craved. Then to find out it happened for her in real life and is recorded in history, well, that was especially touching. All in all, this was a good book. ”

MichelleSutton reviewed a book.

“This book was fun and a bit of a thrill ride for the first half. Then it morphed into a romance in the second half with a short spurt of danger. What I liked best was the dynamics between characters including the quick wit and sense of humor they had with each other. The dialog was great. What...”

“This book was fun and a bit of a thrill ride for the first half. Then it morphed into a romance in the second half with a short spurt of danger. What I liked best was the dynamics between characters including the quick wit and sense of humor they had with each other. The dialog was great. What wasn't as believable to me was the speed in which they developed feelings for each other. Even if they felt that way I don't think they would say it quite so soon. I'm sure it happens at times. The author just didn't convince me even though the hero was breathless over her beauty a hundred times. I liked the characterization overall and the way the author delved into technology. I feel like I got a mini-lesson on cyber security. That was fun. I enjoyed the spiritual part of the story, though some of it seemed a bit forced. At the same time some great points were made. Overall it was an enjoyable story and I would recommend it.
”

MichelleSutton plans to read a book. (see 2 more books added to shelf)

MichelleSutton reviewed a book.

“There were a few things I enjoyed about this story, but much of the plot seemed to drone on and on about a kingdom that is fictitious and not very exciting. For me, it felt like a different author wrote this book than the author who wrote other stories I've really enjoyed. The cover is beautiful,...”

“There were a few things I enjoyed about this story, but much of the plot seemed to drone on and on about a kingdom that is fictitious and not very exciting. For me, it felt like a different author wrote this book than the author who wrote other stories I've really enjoyed. The cover is beautiful, but it gives the reader an impression that isn't what the story is actually about. I don't want to post a spoiler, so I'll be vague, but it did create some disappointment in me as a reader. I hate to even say this, but in the end, I wasn't satisfied with the story. I found myself skimming the pages. The tension between them just didn't feel real to me. I saw what the author was trying to do and there were a few sweet moments between them, but for the most part it fell flat. Maybe it was edited to death and the heart was taken out of the story? I dunno.

I think what bugged me most was the story simply felt like a knockoff mixture of "The Prince and Me" and "The Princess Diaries." In fact, much of the plot even felt the same including his janitorial job at the restaurant and his body guards that he tried to leave behind so he could enjoy some "normal" activities. I kept picturing Julia Stiles while I read this book. Then when similar events took place like the paparazzi finding them after spending the night alone, it confirmed things for me. Only the difference in this book was the couple prayed and worshiped God all night long. So it was a Christian knockoff, but still a knockoff. The author is a good writer and I've enjoyed other stories she has written. This one just didn't do it for me.

I suspect the publisher and marketing department had some influence in the way the book was presented, so I won't fault the author for that. The author is a sweet person and I like her a lot, so I feel bad even saying anything at all. It's just my opinion, so take it for what it's worth... which isn't much.”

MichelleSutton reviewed a book.

“Courage to Change was an interesting story containing spiritual depth. It wasn't preachy or patronizing in tone. The title fit the characters' journeys very well. We all need the courage to change our preconceived notions when God is steering our hearts in another direction. This novel confronted...”

“Courage to Change was an interesting story containing spiritual depth. It wasn't preachy or patronizing in tone. The title fit the characters' journeys very well. We all need the courage to change our preconceived notions when God is steering our hearts in another direction. This novel confronted the issues facing guilt-ridden divorced Christian singles head-on. There are plenty of people in the church who may try to judge your motives, but only you and God know the truth. This should be the deciding factor regarding remarriage, not what people tell you in their opinion is right or wrong. This story illustrated that truth well. It also showed that there are long-lasting consequences to the choices we make. Whether we are Christians or not, it won't make the ramifications of poor choices go away. At the same time, Jesus will give us the strength to deal with them appropriately and in a way that glorifies Him, if we will just ask.

The author tackles a number of tough subjects, one being the issue of single parenting vs. abortion vs. adoption. These issues were handled well. There are many facets to adoption plans, and the author captured the many complexities in this story. I enjoyed the subplot with Lindsey as a secondary character. Marcus had a difficult situation to deal with, but he dealt with the issues appropriately. I felt bad for Phil and the problems his ex-wife had caused for him. I understood his guilt about his ex causing problems for Allison too. But in the end, true love wins every time. I enjoy stories where obstacles are fought and overcome, but not in a sappy way. There were realistic feelings and issues in this book, but none of them were over-the-top.

The author's writing was readable and not at all awkward. I would definitely recommend this series to people who want to read about tough issues but don't want to feel depressed afterward from the content. Courage to Change was encouraging and inspiring to read. These characters felt like they could be my friends.”

MichelleSutton plans to read a book. (see 2 more books added to shelf)

MichelleSutton now owns a book.

MichelleSutton reviewed a book.

“My review:

I love books that make me think. This is the type of novels that leaves you pondering things even after you finish the last page. I really liked how the story ended because it brought closure to everything. I also appreciated the realistic struggles that the hero and heroine...”

“My review:

I love books that make me think. This is the type of novels that leaves you pondering things even after you finish the last page. I really liked how the story ended because it brought closure to everything. I also appreciated the realistic struggles that the hero and heroine had. This author does a good job with stirring emotion in the reader and making hearts ache as well as rejoice. There were just enough "we think we've found out what happened" scenarios to make it seem suspenseful, even though it wasn't a suspense novel. There was also a mystery element to the book. It would be hard to sit around waiting when the trail seems to grow colder by the day.

The questions Mitch asked himself were legitimate ones. How do you know when it's time to let go? How do you get peace in a situation like this? Why did God let it happen and why did it take so long to find out the truth? Well, God knows what he's doing and if we tune into His will, we will find peace and a deeper relationship with Him, but we have to surrender our own plans first. It's really hard to talk about some of the characters' journeys without posting spoilers and this is the kind of book that you don't want to cheat and read the end first.

Half the beauty of reading the story is not knowing the outcome. The moral and spiritual dilemmas are more complex when the reader doesn't know the future... just like in real life. How many decisions would we change if we knew what the future held? It was a realistic and touching journey for me in that respect. I really enjoyed this story.”

MichelleSutton plans to read a book. (see 2 more books added to shelf)

hopeofglory/Nicole Petrino-Salter rated a book.

• Rated 4 stars

MichelleSutton added a book. (see 2 more books added to shelf)

MichelleSutton reviewed a book.

“Not sure what to say about this book, but I'll do my best to express my thoughts and opinion. It was definitely interesting for the most part, but there were a few places I skimmed because the content was a bit blah. The story had some touching scenes, especially around the death of Ruthy's...”

“Not sure what to say about this book, but I'll do my best to express my thoughts and opinion. It was definitely interesting for the most part, but there were a few places I skimmed because the content was a bit blah. The story had some touching scenes, especially around the death of Ruthy's mother. At the same time, there were realistic doubts and conflicts between characters. I found that refreshing and honest. Everything wasn't painted as rosy and perfect. That's not real life.

There was some harsh language, but it tended to be mainly in the thoughts of the one pastor's wife who didn't believe in God, so she wouldn't filter her thoughts or clean them up anyway. It was hard to tell if the author of this book sees the church as a do-good charity type organization where people had good intentions - well, at least some of them - because at the same time she portrayed some of the characters as solidly religious, almost like they were crafty, narrow minded, or stupid - like blind sheep who followed power hungry people. Some of them just plain scared me because they were so controlling and hateful.

Even the Bible verses quoted by characters were in King James English. I don't know anyone who reads that version anymore because it's too hard to understand. Plus, usually when the verses were quoted, it was to make a point or to control someone through religious guilt. The fact that the core church in the book was a bit weird with the rock band, smoke machines, and dancing in the aisles, not to mention the ministry focused on "all religions leading to the same God," was a bit off-putting. Most churches are not in favor of a "one world religion" and are not filled with con artists. Then again, maybe I've just attended good ones where the focus is on growing closer to each other as a community, serving others, and loving the same Jesus.

Anyway, all that to say I wouldn't recommend this book. I never really connected with the characters. They felt shallow to me. I wanted to feel their pain and to connect with them. I understood their desire to run away at times and how they often felt abandoned by their husbands, but I never really "felt" a true connection with them. I wanted to relate to them like real people who could be my friends, but I just wasn't feeling it.
”

hopeofglory/Nicole Petrino-Salter rated a book.

• Rated 4 stars

Erica C. plans to read a book. (see 3 more books added to shelf)