The Books Of Old Reading Challenge: Post Three

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The Books Of Old Reading Challenge: Post Two

Books Of Old Reading Challenge: Post One

The good LORD willing, 2011 is almost here. Therefore, the Ladies Library is hosting it's first reading challenge!

The Books Of Old Reading Challenge

What is this? The good LORD willing, this challenge is to start on January 1, 2011, and end December 31, 2011.

The challenge is to pick 1 to 5 books written before the year 1950. List the books on your blog, then link up your post to the linky that the good LORD willing, will appear soon.
After you have read the book, you can choose to review it and post it to your blog. Then let us know that you posted the review by commenting the link to the post on the Ladies Library blog. The good LORD willing, the link will be placed on a page at the top if your blog has nothing indecent on it.

Rules

1. Choose one to five books to read
2. List the book or books you plan to read on your blog
3. Link to the exact post of the list on your blog on the linky
4. You must be a lady, young or old, to do this.

If your blog has anything indecent on it, bad language, or speaks against GOD, Jesus, or the Bible, please do not link to The Ladies Library. This is to prevent readers from seeing or reading something they may not want to see.

Please join me in The Books Of Old Reading Challenge.

Book Review Of "Heartless" By Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Heartless is a tale of a Princess.

In the land of Parumvir there lived a princess named Una. The princess had a brother named Felix and a father whose name was Fidel, but her mother was dead. She lived near a wood, called Goldstone Wood, and there she and her brother went to play when they were children. Now she is of age to wed. Una, the princess, wants to marry, but who will have her?

Soon she is offered marriage by the Prince of Farthestshore, Prince Aethelbald. From the moment they meet he seems plain, making him not the most noticeable of suitors. This makes it hard for him when other princes, who are more interesting come to take, or attempt to take, her heart.

When Prince Aethebald comes, Una begins to have strange things happen to her. Her nights have strange dreams, and her hands burn. Prince Aethelbald says he can help her, but Una refuses his aid.

Join Una, prince Felix, king Fidel, and her cat named Monster, as they venture through trials, heartache, and love.

Can anyone stop the Dragon king, the one who seeks Una, before it is too late?

My Review: Heartless is one of the nicest fantasy books I have read. Yes, it is long, but once you get to the end, the pages and pages of reading are about worth the time you spent to find out what will happen to Una, her family, Prince Aethelbald, and her cat.

The story is an allegory. Prince Aethebald, I believe, represents Jesus. As he says when Una is called stubborn about her decision of not accepting him, he says something like "I Am Stedfast." No matter what, he loves Una, even when she is unlovable.

I think this would be a nice gift, Christmas or just to give, for teenage girls. It has a storyline where you can just see the love of Jesus for an ugly soul.

The good LORD willing, I look forward to the next book : Veiled Rose, which sadly is not scheduled to release for months.

Movie Review- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Hello, readers. I am sorry that this review comes a little late. Instead of a book this time, I have decided to do a review of one of my favorite movies: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1939, this is a masterpiece of movie history. It rings true with a patriotic message that is much needed in these times: a message of integrity, honesty, and I quote, "plain, ordinary, everyday kindness and a little looking out for the other fella, too".

Jimmy Stewart really outdoes himself in my opinion in this picture. He is so sincere and homely, unlike many other "tough guy" actors of his time. He throws himself into the role of Jefferson Smith so that you are captivated by him. His honesty and youthful charm is in direct contrast with Claude Rains's character, Joseph Paine, a puppet controlled by the crooked Jim Taylor, who will stop at nothing to pass a bill that will bring himself profit.

Senator Smith is the only senator who is willing to take a stand for what is right and must try to crush Taylor's political machine singlehandedly. But Jim Taylor frames Smith for his own offense, passing a bill that will bring himself money. Smith is about to be expelled from the Senate when he launches a filibuster, trying to buy time to rally support for himself and expose Taylor's treachery and lies.

Just get up off the ground, that's all I ask. Get up there with that lady that's up on top of this Capitol dome, that lady that stands for liberty. Take a look at this country through her eyes if you really want to see something. And you won't just see scenery; you'll see the whole parade of what Man's carved out for himself, after centuries of fighting. Fighting for something better than just jungle law, fighting so's he can stand on his own two feet, free and decent, like he was created, no matter what his race, color, or creed. That's what you'd see. There's no place out there for graft, or greed, or lies, or compromise with human liberties. And if that's what the grownups have done with this world that was given to them, then we'd better get those boys' camps started fast and see what the kids can do! And it's not too late, because this country is bigger than the Taylors, or you, or me, or anything else. Great principles don't get lost once they come to light. They're right here; you just have to see them again!

This is an amazing film with good, Biblical morals, superb acting, and a beautifully patriotic theme: things that are becoming rarer and rarer in pictures all the time. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a monument of movie history, and I don't think there will ever be another of its kind and volume.

You think I'm licked. You all think I'm licked. Well, I'm not licked. And I'm going to stay right here and fight for this lost cause. Even if the room gets filled with lies like these, and the Taylors and all their armies come marching into this place. Somebody will listen to me.

Book Review of The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh

The Unfinished Gift

written by Dan Walsh

256 pages
published in 2009

I really enjoyed reading this book! It's a Christmastime story that takes place during World War II.

Recommended for adults, but teenagers/youth would certainly enjoy it as well. I think it would even be great for a read-aloud to younger siblings... after all, the main character in the book is just a little boy. He just has a big dramatic story.

Little 7-year-old Patrick only has 2 Christmas wishes. He hopes his dad comes home soon from the war. And he wants that hand-carved wooden soldier that he found one day in his grandfather's dusty attic. He's sure his grandfather doesn't want to keep it, but why won't he let Patrick have it?

Patrick has had a lot to happen to him recently. His mother just passed away. He was sent to live with his grandfather whom he has barely seen before. His grandfather, Ian, is a grouchy old man, and only took his grandson because it was a duty. As soon as Patrick's father arrives home from the war, then the boy will be off his hands anyhow. It won't be much longer will it?

Living in the dreary days in his grandfather's house, Patrick finds 2 people whom he likes. One is Mrs. Townsend, the government lady who checks on him from time to time. Also, there's Mrs. Fortini his Italian next-door neighbor. She sure knows how to get Patrick's grandfather moving.

This is the story of grudges, forgiveness, pain, and loving your family. A captivating tale, and well-written too. I'm excited to continue this family's story in the sequel, "The Homecoming."

Merry Christmas!! Enjoy your holiday reading!

Movie Review Of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader"

The movie is about three children, Lucy Pevensie, her brother Edmund Pevensie, and their cousin Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and their journey in the magical world of Narnia. The three are transported to Narnia, and soon embark on a journey with King Caspian, the king of Narnia, to find seven missing lords that had been gone for a long time. Join them as they set sail on the Dawn Treader on a journey you may not want to miss.

My Review: I have been waiting for this film to come out for at least over a year. It was a nice movie, and I only had a few things that are objectionable in it. One is that Eustace sounded as if he once took the LORD's name in vain, though I am not sure about this. Another character may have also, but he may have been referring to Caspian. I also thought Edmund's attitude toward his uncle disrespectful at the beginning of the film.

If you are looking for a film full of emotion, humor, and action, this is would be a nice movie to see.

(Note: this is a review for the movie, not for comparing it to the book)

Book Review of Persuasion by Jane Austen

In the start of the book Anne Elliot, the daughter of a regency-era baronet is twenty-seven. Her mother is dead, and her father is vain and self-important. Her sister had been managing the household but never considers Anne's wishes as of any importance. Her father is heavily in debt, so they decide to have their house rented and move to the English city of Bath. Anne stays behind with her married sister, 'because Anne will be of no use in Bath.'



It happens to be that the brother-in-law of the man renting the Elliots' property Anne had been engaged to eight years before. Frederick Wentworth was a sailor, and while vistiting near the Elliots had fallen in love with Anne. Anne loved him also and they were engaged. But Anne's father hardly approved of the match, since Frederick was not rich, and Anne's friend who had been like a mother to her, Lady Russell, persuaded her that it would be only fair to Frederick to break their engagement. Eight years had passed since that time, and time had softened Anne's love and sadness, but then Frederick Wentworth went to visit his sister in the Elliots' old home, and Anne met him again. He had grown wealthier, and Anne could see that all Lady Russell's arguments that it would be best for both of them not to marry each other had been unfounded. She could also see that he had not forgiven her for rejecting him and she watched him court her brother-in-law's sister Louisa Musgrove.



This is Jane Austen's last finished novel and also one of her least known stories. In addition to the romance of Anne and Frederick it has interesting subplots including Anne's father Sir Walter Elliot, her sister, her sister's friend Mrs. Clay, and William Elliot, heir presumtive of the lands and titles of Sir Walter. I would recommend this book for ages twelve and up.

The Ladies Library Christmas Celebration List Of Participants

You can link as much as you want. However, it may be easier, if you use blogger, if you make a special label for your posts for the Ladies Library Christmas Celebration if you have more than one post for it. That way you can link to that one label, and if you have more than one post it will show up without you linking again.

The Ladies Library Christmas Celebration! (December 6 Through December 25)

Christmas is a lovely time of the year! This year, the first Christmas time for The Ladies Library, I would like to do something where you, the reader and/or reviewer can write reviews for other ladies for Christmas.

How does this work? The dates are December 6 through December 25.

First you can do one or all of the following:

1. One, you can write a review of a book or movie you like and think would make a nice Christmas gift.

2. Write a review about a book or movie that takes place around Christmas or winter that you like.

3. Write a review to warn people about a book or movie you found indecent so others can know about it before giving it as a Christmas gift.

You need to post it on your blog, or if you do not have a blog, you can use another person's blog if you have permission(for example, a mom or dad's blog, a friend's blog). I ask that if your blog, or the person's blog you may use, has things that speak against GOD, bad language, things that are not family friendly, things that are inappropiate, and praises bad things, please do not link to this blog.


The good LORD willing, after you have posted you can then link to it under the linky that will appear on the Ladies Library blog Monday. You can request to have your review published on the Ladies Library also(though The Ladies Library has all rights to not accept a review).

I have made a blog button for it. You can use it to put on your review post/ or posts, and you can put it on a sidebar. If you need a smaller button, please let me know.

Here is the blog button for it:



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I hope The Ladies Library Christmas Celebration will be lots of fun for those who participate. Feel free to spread the news about this. Have a lovely day!

Book Review of Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan

The scene was Norway, winter of 1940. The Nazis had just invaded and everything had changed. Unknown to the Nazis, the people of Peter and Lovisa's village were hiding nine million dollars worth of gold that had belonged to the Norwegian government. What would they do with it? The Nazis would someday find out and then it would be used to fight against their country. If they could get it to America, then it would be safe, but America was a long way off, and to get the gold onto a boat they had to bring it down many miles to a fiord, right under the eyes of German sentries. It they tried to just pick it up and carry it there they would certainly be caught and the gold confiscated. What should they do? Finally Peter and Lovisa's Uncle Victor had a plan. It was a risky plan, it was a dangerous plan, but it was a plan. Now it was up to Peter, Lovisa and the other children of the village to save their country's gold.

Snow Treasure is based on the story a Norwegian captain told when he arrived in Baltimore with a cargo of gold. Marie McSwigan has done a excellent job making the characters and the story seem alive. I recommend this book to read aloud or alone for all ages.

Book Review Of "The Wide Horizon" By Loula Grace Erdman

The Wide Horizon, the second book in the Texas Panhandle Series by Loula Grace Erdman is about Melinda's younger sister, Katie.
Unlike her older sister, Katie Pierce is more art like. When her mother's mother gets sick and needs help, Katie offers to take care of the household while her mother is away. Having to cook for her father, two brothers, and younger sister, Katie has her hands full. Can she take care of the household, or will it be too much?

My Review: This was my second favorite of the books in this series, and like the book The Wind Blows Free , before this book, there was nothing that I remember that is very objectional in it.

Book Review Of "Remembered" By Tamera Alexander

Remembered is the tale of a french woman named Veronique. Her father had left for America when she was a little girl, but never returned. Now she is on a mission to find him, though she does not know where he is exactly, or even if he is alive! Will she find him?

Jack Brennan has said his final goodbye to his dead wife and child at their graves. When he meets Veronique, what part will he play in her life, and she in his?


My Review: I really liked this book. It was the first story by Tamera Alexander that I read(she is now one of my favorite authors), and it is the third book in the Fountain Creek Chronicles (you do not need to read the other two books to enjoy this story). The only objectionble things that I remember is the mentioning of strong beverages and that some of the men in mining camps she visits are crude, but I do not remember if the things they say are actually written in the book. Other then that, it was a nice story. I recommend for ages sixteen and up.

"A Bride for Donnigan". By: Janette Oke

Well-known and loved storyteller Janet Oke presents a beautifully told tale in her best tradition. With both anticipation and anxiety, Donnigan, a man surviving on the Western frontier alone, and Kathleen, a young girl thousands of miles away with limited prospects of finding a husband and stirrings of adventure in her heart, are at last united to begin their lives together.


My Review: I LOVE reading about mail order brides and this one has such a sweet ending!! I have not read it for a while now as I have to get from the library but would love to own it:) I do not remember anything said that's bad, there is a couple characters that bother me and I don't like them but each book has to have someone like that;) A all together good book that everyone should read!

There is some things about a baby and a pregnancy that you may want to take caution in.
recommend for 14 and up.

Book Review of: An Old-Fashioned Girl. by: Louisa May Alcott

Polly's friendship with the wealthy Shaw's of Boston helps them to build a new life and teaches her the truth about the relationship between happiness and riches.Polly never questioned the way she was until she went to visit her city cousins. Fanny looks too glamorous to be Polly's age and wouldn't be caught dead sledding down a hill. Only Tom, Fanny's brother, supports Polly as she tries to see where she fits in.

My Review:I just got through reading this book and loved it!! every girl should read it!! I love the way Polly is pro-trade: a sweet, sensible girl willing to help anyone she meets! yet she is just like anyone else and gets tempers, gets heartaches and all that stuff that is in any romance book:) I didn't like Tom or Fanny at first but they both grew on me and by the 3rd chapter I couldn't put it down!! by the end of the book you will feel as if you know the people (I personally like this type) I think that Louisa May Alcott could have made the story longer 'cause at one time skips 6 years:( anyhow a all together good book.

I don't remember anything bad or bad words used! I recommend for 12 and up!!

Book Review of the Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

Set in the time of Jesus in Palestine, this is a wonderful story of hope, revenge, forgiveness, and love. Daniel bar Jamin's father and uncle had been killed by the Romans. His mother had died of sorrow and his sister Leah was so scared that many thought she was possessed by demons. After his parents death his grandmother sells him to a cruel blacksmith, but he escapes and joins a band of fighters in the mountain, struggling for freedom from the Romans. Freedom from the Romans! That was all Daniel cared about, all he lived for. The Romans had killed his family and he would revenge them. He thought of nothing else.

But one day that changed. He met on the mountain Joel, the studious and quiet, but patriotic son of a rich Pharisee, and his sister, graceful, beautiful Malthace. They brought the thoughts of his village back into his mind. They even convinced him to go see his grandmother and sister Leah. But he did not stay there for long. He went back to the band of freedom fighters on the mountain. Once he went to the house of Joel's father, to see if Joel would help them in their fight for freedom. But he always went back to the mountain.

Except for once. His grandmother died and he moved back to the village to take care of Leah. He even got full use of the blacksmith shop belonging to his friend Simon. Simon had left the shop in his care, for he was following this rabbi Jesus. Daniel had heard Jesus preach once. At first he though that maybe He would be the one to lead them against the Romans. But he gave up on that idea, this new Rabbi said nothing about fighting the Romans. And yet.....

This is an amazing book. I've read it three times and every time I seem to like it more. Elizabeth George Speare was a wonderful writer. There is nothing really inappropriate in The Bronze Bow. It has a little fighting and Daniel mentions how his parents died but it isn't in great detail. I'd recommend this book for ages 12 and up.

Book Review Of "A Lady Of High Regard" By Tracie Peterson

Mia Stanley has a compassionate heart. With a job at Godey's Ladies Magazine, she soon finds a a purpose to show her kindness. But a lady of society should not expose herself to the dangers of the world of the seaman's wives she is trying to help. Still, Mia foolishly puts herself in harms way, for who else will help the poor lives of the women and children whose father's and husbands are dead or away at sea? With the LORD's help, will she, a lady of high regard, be able to help them?

My Review: A Lady of High Regard was a nice book. Mia is a sweet natured character at heart, but she goes on impulse and does not think about the consequences of her actions. It was easy to like her character, along with others in the book like Garret Wilson, his step mother Mercy, Mercy's daughter's Agnes and Bliss, and perhaps others who make their appearance at different times in the book. Set in Philadelphia in the 1850's, it is a charming story, though some of the book's content is a bit dark, and there is also content not meant for a young reader. I recommend for ages sixteen and up.

Book Review of The Little White Horse.

This is one of the best, most beautiful, and enchanting books I think I will ever read.  It was my Mum's favourite growing up as well, and I will definitely be reading it to my little siblings when they are older. 

The Little White Horse, by Elizabeth Goudge, starts off with the young orphan, Maria, who [along with her dog and governess] is going to live with her uncle at Moonacre Manor.  There are mysteries surrounding Moonacre Manor, though, and Maria plays a big part in them.  Who is the little white horse Maria keeps seeing?  What about the "Moon Princess", who some people seem to think Maria is? 

An almost believable blend of fantasy and reality, The Little White Horse is filled with love, revenge, friendship, and a simple sense of delightful-ness that will leave you wanting to travel to the magical land of Moonacre.  My Mum actually cried when she finished this, because you just have to go there, even though it doesn't exist.  Strange, I know, but still.  I highly recommend this book for ages 10 to 100. :-)

Oh, there is a bit of language, I think...it has been a couple months since I last read it, and it is currently packed up so I can't go check.  If there is any, it's not a lot at all.

Blessings,
~Hannah Grace

Review of O Pioneers! by Willa Cather

"I decided not to 'write' at all, - simply to give myself up to the pleasure of recapturing in memory people and places I'd forgotten." This is what Miss Cather said about her novel, O Pioneers!, another member of the Prairie Trilogy (for a review of My Antonia, click here). And it truly is a pleasure reading this story. In O Pioneers! she captures the heart of the prairie and the brave immigrants who had the grit and determination to tame it.

O Pioneers! is a tale of hardship, devotion, death, greed, love, and triumph, and reads like a eulogy for the old Nebraska and the people who cultivated it. Our main character is Alexandra Bergson, who is the eldest in the family and must manage their small farm once their Swedish immigrant father passes away. Eventually, through much hard labor and trials, she becomes prosperous and successful. Alexandra is like a rock, holding on to the land when all the other settlers find it too rough and leave. She is wise and determined, knowing that she can tame the land is succeed.

The book also contains the story of two young lovers, Alexandra's youngest brother Emil, and a lovely Bohemian girl, Marie Shabata, whose romance must result in tragedy, because she is bound to the jealous Frank Shabata in a loveless marriage. Another quieter love story lives in Alexandra and a discontented, restless Carl Linstrum, who leaves the prairie to find richer soil, but is disappointed when his wandering life offers him no prospects, which smacks of The Magnificent Seven.

"Freedom so often means that one is n't needed anywhere. Here you are an individual, you have a background of your own, you would be missed. But off there in the cities there are thousands of rolling stones like me. We are all alike; we have no ties, we know nobody, we own nothing. When one of us dies, they scarcely know where to bury him. Our landlady and the delicatessen man are our mourners, and we leave nothing behind us but a frock-coat and a fiddle, or an easel, or a typewriter, or whatever tool we got our living by. All we have ever managed to do is to pay our rent, the exorbitant rent that one has to pay for a few square feet near the heart of things. We have no house, no place, no people of our own. We live in the streets, in the parks, in the theatres. We sit in restaurants and concert halls and look about at the hundreds of our own kind and shudder."

As in My Antonia, there is a great cultural diversity as Miss Cather describes the everyday lives of Swedish, French, and Bohemian immigrants, and has a somewhat mournful nostalgic tone about it. O Pioneers! is a strikingly beautiful work, embodying the rugged grandeur of the prairie.

"Fortunate country, that is one day to receive hearts like Alexandra's into its bosom, to give them out again in the yellow wheat, in the rustling corn, in the shining eyes of youth!"

Book Review Of Lady Carliss And The Waters Of Moorue"

This book is about a young lady named Carliss who through certain circumstances needs to find the cure for a poison that threatens the life of another knight. Will Carliss find it before it is too late?

My Review: From what I remember, this was a nice book. Not very long, but great for ladies who want a book where the girl is the main knight, and decent. The story deals with escaping reality, and how easy it is to escape life and ignore what is really happening around you(for example, watching movies). I cannot remember anything in it that was objectionable, unless you do not like fighting and violence in books. I recommend for ages eleven and up.

(This review is for the story, not the questions in the back of the book)

Book Review Of "Wings Like A Dove" By Christine Farenhorst

Wings Like A Dove by Christine Farenhorst is the tale of Queen Jeannne D' Albert of Navarre, a queen who became a protestant during the Reformation. The story begins when she is five, "almost six" years old, and goes all the way to her public proclomation of being a protestant at age 32. It tells of the times when those who refused to pray to Mary were killed.

My Review: The book itself is different. Instead of speaking of gowns and frills of roayl life, it depicts the hardships of those who stood up for GOD in their faith, and went against the Catholic Church. There is one bad word in the story, the other word for donkey, but Jeanne is referring to a donkey. There is also one bad word, a name that I do not want to repeat, that is used in the epilouge. This however, since I guess the epilogue was historical fact, was a name one of the king's from one of the surrounding countries called her for her not following the Roman Catholic Faith. Instead she followed the true Faith. Other then that, the language level is good.
This story, having taken place in the reformation mentions the deaths of huguenots by burning at the stake, and heads being chopped. However, these things did happen. The description for these are not gory, and so you do not have to worry about in depth details of the murders of the victims.
Also, there is a part in the book where Jeanne's Father, King Henri, slaps her mother after she prays with the protestants. Mentionings of Jeanne being hit from her father from the same incident are in the book, along with her beating's for refusing to marry a man, take place. These are also not entirely detailed.
To sum this up, this story tells of the life of the real Queen of Navarre(a small country between France and Spain). It may give you somewhat the feel of the times when those whose worshiped GOD as the Bible says to, and not the way the Catholic church says to. Jeanne was a brave woman in the end, and her faith in GOD was strong enough for her to stand up and defend the huguenots, and most importantly GOD's Word.
I recommend for ages 12 and up.

Book Review Of "The Wind Blows Free" By Loula Grace Erdman

The Wind Blows Free is the first book in the three book series called The Texas Panhandle Series.
The story is about Melinda Pierce, a fourteen year old town girl who goes to live in the country after a fire destroys her father's store. Melinda has always wanted to go to school in the town she grew up in, but how can she when she lives so far away? This book is the tale of how a young girl learns to love the simple life.

My Review: Though this was probally my least favorite of the three books, it was still nice. There is nothing that I remember in it that was very objectional. There is one part where some men force their way into the Pierce's home, which could be frightening. Other then that, it is just a sweet story for girls. I recommend for ages 12 and up.

(I realize there was no more then one post posted, and remained posted, last week. The good LORD willing, this week should have the full three.)

Review of "Before Green Gables" by Budge Wilson

Before Green Gables
The Prequel to Anne of Green Gables

written by Budge Wilson

390 pages
published in 2008

As soon as I heard about this book, I was immediately intrigued about the idea that a prequel had actually been written to the Anne of Green Gables series. And I was not let down. It took Anne Shirley eleven long years to arrive at her final destination… and now it's fantastic to have an idea of how those eleven years were spent.

The story begins before Anne is even born, so you will get to know her parents first, and discover where she came from. You’ll be taken through the entire journey Anne experiences… through all her difficult work, her playful dreams that leave a smile on your face, and through both the dazzling and the tough times of her young childhood. Most of all, you'll meet the people that improved Anne's life by inspiring her, and also the ones who left negative emotional scars... thus mixing together the combination that creates the red-headed girl that we cherish.

In reading this book, you’ll discover what one writer’s thoughts of who Anne Shirley was before she arrived at Green Gables. I think Budge Wilson did a superb job in writing a sound & wholesome story. She included many details that linked to the Anne of Green Gables books. Alert readers will catch on, and have appreciation for what those fine points mean. Of course, the deeply descriptive style of the original L.M. Montgomery has been neglected, but for the sake of the book, it was well worth it. Anne’s spunky, hopeful, dramatic, and in-the-depths-of-despair character is still there.

I would recommend this book to any other readers who have a substantial understanding of Anne’s charming ways. I have to say that you cannot fully enjoy this story unless you know who the real Anne Shirley is.

Note: There is some extra women's gossiping in the book (I didn't really think that this had to be included in the story). Also, the men sometimes have been drinking and do not treat their families well. Please keep in mind this is an adult book, and cannot be compared to the age range that the true Anne of Green Gables books might entertain.

Now, to leave you with a quote from the book!
"But sometime I hope I get a chance to be young before I get too old to enjoy it." ~ quote by Anne Shirley, in Before Green Gables

Book Review OF "Mercy Clifton: Pilgrim Girl"

Mercy Clifton, Pilgrim Girl, written by Peter Marshall, David Manuel, and Shelldon Maxwell, is one of the books in the Crimson Cross series. It tells the story of Mercy Clifton, a sixteen year old pilgrim who travels on the Mayflower to the New World. Mercy struggles through problems such as death, disease, hunger, and feelings for a young man. Mercy never blames GOD for her problems that I remember. In the story she makes friends with a chief's daughter, Amie, and the two of them later come to a point in life where they must try and prevent war. Will they be able to? What is the beautiful silver cross with five red gems William Bradford has?

My Review: This book was a nice read. I only remember one objectionable thing, and that is when Mercy lies, though she does admit, if I remember correctly, that she ought not have. I do not know the age range for this book, but I believe I will recommend it for ages thriteen and up.

The Apothecary's Daughter By Julie Klassen Review

The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen is the tale of Lillian Haswell, an apothecary's daughter who does not forget anything. She is also without her mother, because she ran away before the story begins. All her life, Lilly, as she is sometimes called, wants to see more of the world than her home of Bedsley Priors. One day she is given the chance to go to London where she can be in society. Yet, though she finally gets to see more, her old life is with her. When Lilly is needed back at home, will she return and stay at the place she has known most of her life, or will the frills of the world outside of Bedsley Priors draw her back?

My Review: This was a sweet tale, one of the best books I have read this year. The story was set in regency era England, a time period I have not read much in stories. It was amazing, and the characters were lovely. It has a sweet part to it since Lilly, though her brother is of a slow mind, still loves and cares for him. I cannot really remember anything specifically wrong with the book except I believe there was reference to drinking, card playing, and characters mentioning previously being unfaithful to marriage vows. For the age range, I am not quite certain. Since I am not sure, I wil recommend for ages sixteen and up.

(Note: I realize I just did a post for ages sixteen and up. Since I did, The good LORD willing, I hope to do one for the younger age group next time I review.)

Review of "Fire" by Bill Bright and Jack Cananaugh

Today's review is of Fire by Bill Bright and Jack Cavanaugh.
The story is about twenty-six year old Josiah Rush. The book begins with his return to Havenhill, the town on his youth. His childhood friend, Phillip Clapp, had met Josiah and asked him to come back to be the town's pastor. Josiah agreed, and that is why he has returned. Only, this is no average return home. Josiah had been exiled from the town eight years before for an accident that resulted in the death of three people, and the town being destroyed.
Josiah hopes that this will be his chance for the people to forgive him, and perhaps, the chance to be with the girl he loves, Abigail Parkhurst. Yet, an evil in the town causes an ache in his stomach, which he has come to learn is a gift from GOD. But after eight years, the people are still not ready to forgive. Josiah hopes revival will come back to the town, and for the next while, Josiah will have his hands full, but GOD is in control.


My Review: This is one of the books in The Great Awakening series, but it is the only one I have finished. It was a nice read, though it took some time to finish. The story is supposed to take place during The Great Awakening(a time when there was much revival in the early American colonies that started in the first half of the eighteenth century.) The book has appearances from Jonathan Edwards, and George Whitefield, two of the preachers during the Great Awakening. I do not have any major objections to the book, but it does have parts in it that can be frightening because of violent things that happen. Other then that, nothing to object to. It is adult fiction, so I recommend it for older teens and adults.

Review of My Antonia by Willa Cather

Hello, readers! I am excited, as this is my first post on The Ladies Library. I am Hailey Renée, and I will be posting reviews of classic literature. Well, for part of my literature studies this year, I had to read My Ántonia by Willa Cather.

My Ántonia is a beautiful work of craftsmanship, written by Cather in 1918, but set in a bit earlier times in rural Nebraska. The story is about a boy named Jim Quayle, who is orphaned in Virginia and is sent to live with his grandparents on the prairie. There he meets a beautiful Bohemian girl named Ántonia (pronounced AN-toh-nee-ah). The first part of the story follows Jim's idyllic childhood and friendship with Ántonia. In the second part, Jim, his grandparents, and Ántonia's family move to a town called Black Hawk. Here, Jim begins to mature, and so does Ántonia. He makes friends with many other immigrants at this time, and it ends with him graduating and ready to go to college. The third book picks up with Jim at school, where he is re-acquainted with his old friend, Lena Lingard. I don't think I ought to tell more of what the story goes like, for fear of giving away anything I ought not.

In this book, Miss Cather has captured the very heart of the prairie. It is sweetly nostalgic, sometimes melancholy, but always simple and lovely. This is some of the most beautiful prose I have ever read, and Cather has a knack for creating very diverse characters.

But, with this diversity of characters, there are some rather violent ones. There is a side story in this novel of a husband and wife who hate each other, and it ends messily. Also, there is one suicide, and another girl commits a sexual sin that results in pregnancy. However, most of the violence is really in stories within the story.

All in all, I loved this book. You can feel Cather's love of the prairie and the people who live there, and the storytelling is superb. I highly recommend this for ages 13 or up.

Review of Gone-away Lake, by Hannah Grace.

Gone-away Lake

Author: Elizabeth Enright.

Length: 272 pages

Gone-Away Lake was once a play where several families got together in the summer to have fun. It became a tradition, until something happened and the lake was abandoned. But now, Minnie and her brother Pin have returned to stay there, alone for the rest of their days. Or, so they thought. After several years of living alone, they are suddenly discovered by two young explorers: Julian and his cousin Portia. Now everything they know is changing.

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Gone-Away Lake did not look very interesting, to me. But when I first opened it and started reading, I couldn't stop! It's not a thriller, or a murder-mystery, but it is a story of Summer. A story of memories, laughter, and fun. All in all, a VERY enjoyable book. There is a little bit of lying, in a way, because for a little while Julian and Portia do not tell anyone else about Gone-Away Lake, Minnie, and Pin. After awhile though it all works out, and the two apologize for lying and sneaking.

There is also a sequel to this, Return to Gone-Away I believe it is called, but I haven't read it yet.

I'd recomend this book as a family read-aloud, or for ages 8 and up. :-)

Blessings,
~Hannah Grace

Review of "Eight Cousins" by Louisa May Alcott

Eight Cousins

written by Louisa May Alcott

286 pages

 

 

 

A charming, darling book... just as any of Louisa May Alcott's works.

The story centers on a young girl named Rose and she is an orphan. (Don't we all love reading orphan stories?) She is sent to live on the Aunt-hill---that is, a place where her aunts live in houses all clustered together, on a hill. It certainly is a wonderful place. Rose has 7 cousins to play with---all of them are loud, merry, rambunctious boys. There is Archie, Charlie, Mac, Steve, Geordie, Will, and Jamie. Although it seems like a lot of characters to keep up with, you'll know each boy's own habits & personality by the end of the book. Rose immediately joins in their adventurous schemes---whether her aunts approve or not.

Her main care-taker is Uncle Alec, a man who reminds Rose immensely of her own father. He's a on a mission to get rid of all the aunts' advice about Rose taking daily medicines, and wearing those silly, fancy clothes. Because of Uncle Alec, and his well wishes for Rose, her life takes a turn... You'll have to read this lovely story to find out how it all happens.

I truly enjoyed "Eight Cousins"---it's a classic piece of writing. It certainly has that timeless appeal of vintage literary treasure. I did read the actual book, but if anyone is interested in listening to the audio instead, you can find a free download here >> LibriVox.org

Recommended for age 10 & up, but any age would really enjoy it. I loved every bit of "Eight Cousins" and look on with full expectancy for the sequel, "Rose in Bloom".

Review Of The "PostCards From Pullman" series by Judith Miller

One of my favorite series of books that I have read this year are the Postcards From Pullman series by Judith Miller. The series includes the three books In The Company of Secrets, Whispers Along the Rails, and An Unexpected Change.

The series follows the life of Olivia Motte, an English maid who dreams of working in the kitchen as a cook. One day the daughter of the lady she works for, named Lady Charlotte, gives her a chance to be that....through deceit. The two of them travel to the town of Pullman, Illinois, where Olivia is given the job of assistant chef, and Charlotte attempts to right a wrong. Soon they are in a huge tangle of lies so awful they have to write them down to memorize! Will Olivia stop the lying she know is wrong before GOD, even if it means hurting her status with her job, new friends, and a beau?

My Review: As I have written, it one of my favorite series I have read in the past year. The description above is for the first book, and the following two continue the lives of Olivia and Charlotte. They were an enjoyable read, full of lovable characters and a nice story line. If you like historical fiction, some romance, and food, this book is one to add to your "to read" list.

I recommend for ages sixteen and up.