Book Review: Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding series by bestselling author Rachel Hauck, treats you to a modern-day fairy tale.

Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn’t going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.

The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon’s Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family’s tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.

Their lives are worlds apart. He’s a royal prince. She’s an ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel’s coronation.

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I'm a casual fan of Rachel Hauck, and I love fairy tale love stories, so I couldn't wait to read Once Upon a Prince. I really wanted to like this story. I read it to the end, desperate to find that sweet, unexpected plot point; unfortunately, I never found it.

This is a fun, easy read, but it's quite predictable and slightly juvenile. I could overlook the long conversations about love and politics between the prince and his right-hand man (even though my husband would never talk like that; then again, he's not a prince). The love story itself was a little weak, but it's fiction. What bothered me the most was the predictability. Imagine Princess Diaries 2 and The Prince and Me, smash them together, and this is pretty much the story you'd read, complete with stereotypical characters (although those movies were marketed toward the YA crowd, not adults).

This book wasn't bad, but it definitely wasn't what I had hoped. It's not going to surprise anyone, but if you're looking for a light story to pass the time, this book is a perfect fit.

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*I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review as part of the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze program. The opinions are my own.

Book Review: A Bride for All Seasons

It all started with an ad in a mail-order bride catalogue . . .

This charming bouquet of novellas introduces you to four Hitching Post Mail-Order Bride Catalogue prospects in the year 1870, all eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they'll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.

"And then Came Spring" by Margaret Brownley
Mary-Jo has traveled halfway across the country to meet her match, arriving just in time for his funeral. Returning home seems like her only option until her would-be brother-in-law proposes a more daring idea.

"An Ever After Summer" by Debra Clopton
Ellie had no idea she's not what Matthew ordered. And what's wrong with being a "Bible thumper" anyway? She's determined to show him she's tougher than she looks-and just the girl he needs.

"Autumn's Angel" by Robin Lee Hatcher
Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn't come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. ­ e trouble is, there's no money to send them back . . .

"Winter Wedding Bells" by Mary Connealy
David's convinced he's not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he's gone-nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?
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I picked up this book because I'm a huge fan of Mary Connealy. I've read Robin Lee Hatcher before, but wasn't as familiar with the other authors. I figured anyone paired up with Connealy must be good, so I read the novellas.

A Bride for All Seasons is exactly what I'd hoped for in a collection of novellas. Each story contained tension, romance, and a small cast of characters trying to make life work.

I've been disappointed by novella collections in the past because they tend to feel rushed, as if the authors simply cut chapters from longer books. That wasn't the case with these stories. Though short, each story provided all of the engaging plot elements I expect and enjoy in full length novels. This also gave me a chance to meet some new authors (who I will probably read in the future, now that I've sampled their styles).

An easy, entertaining read full of tricky situations and sweet romance.

*I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are strictly my own.

Reading Reviews: 12 Days of Christmas in Elk Rapids

##Reading Reviews has moved from my writing blog to this blog. In the future you'll find all book reviews here:##

I won't lie - this isn't a book review. It's a shameless plug. I love Christmas. I love Elk Rapids. I love young writers who pursue their dreams. For that reason I'm dedicating this month to a few elementary aged writers who put together a little book about one of my favorite places. Here's the scoop:

This book was written as a tribute to the beautiful village of Elk Rapids, Michigan. Mrs. Veith's third graders from Lakeland Elementary School worked as a team to brainstorm all the wonderful things that our village provides for us. The third graders than continued to research the topics that they choose to complete a page in our 12 Days of Christmas in Elk Rapids book. All the illustrations were also completed by these hard working third graders. This book shares many of the wonderful things that our great village has to offer and why Elk Rapids, Michigan is a great place to visit and live.

I can pretty much guarantee there will be telling. Don't expect any deep point-of-view. Ignore the passive to-be verb. Take a few minutes and celebrate with some Elk Rapids 3rd graders who get to see their book in print. (If you want to get your hands on a copy, you can order it here.)
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Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig: Book Three of the Discarded Heroes series - perhaps a little risque for a Christian novel, but she presented realistic drama in a well-written, non-graphic way. Faith didn't seem as important in this book, but still a large piece of the plot. Just as exciting and suspenseful as the first two books. A great example of Kendig's style.***

Old Man & the Sea by Ernest Hemingway: The first Hemingway book I've ever read. It took a while to get used to - the older writing style is completely opposite of what I've been taught is good writing. Not my cup of coffee, but I would definitely recommend it to my husband.***

Dead Dancing Women by Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli: A fun book because it's set in a small town that used to exist near where I live. The plot, however, was a little unbelievable and it read like it wasn't sure if it wanted to be a literary novel or genre. Not my favorite book, but not the worst I've ever read. **

Book Review (and Giveaway!): Talon by Ronie Kendig

All Air Force veteran Aspen Courtland wants is her brother back. The US Marine Corps says he’s dead, but Aspen won’t believe it till she sees his body. Her only hope is her brother’s tracking dog, Talon, but a brutal attack has left the dog afraid of his own shadow.

The truth is something Military Intelligence Operative Dane Markoski has never faced. But now it’s the only thing that can save him—along with Talon’s help. But working with Talon means teaming up with Aspen as well, and Dane swore he’d never work with a woman.

Eventually they join forces to battle the elements and extremists. But if Talon can’t rise up to his former glory for one last mission, the only outcome for all three will be game over.
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Ronie Kendig consistently provides fast-paced plots, flawed-but-trying characters, and a bit of tortured romance in her military thriller books. Talon is no exception. From the very first page her expertly-trained characters engage, fighting the enemy as well as their demons. Kendig has a knack for including multiple points-of-view, so you have to pay attention while you're reading, but the different angles keep your attention and give a wider view of the unfamiliar landscape of special ops and military intrigue.

My only issue with the novel is the full-throttle intro, but this is a reflection of the industry, not Kendig. I understand that there's a push to start the story with a bang (literally in Kendig's work), but the immediate action with no character introduction always leaves me feeling lost and confused. Technically Kendig masterfully wrote the opening action, but it took me 40+ pages before the story really pulled me in because I felt like I was trying to keep up. Again, that's not a reflection of the author, but I wanted to mention it. If you're like me you may struggle through the first 40-50 pages, but stick with it. Kendig's stories are worth it.
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Leave a comment with your email address included for a chance to win a copy of Talon. The winner will be randomly selected on June 17 - good luck!

Book Review (and giveaway): Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig

In Venezuela, Danielle Roark and her Army Corps of Engineers team is captured. After six months of captivity, Dani escapes, only to end up charged with espionage and forced to return to the jungle to prove that a nuclear facility exists. On the mission, she is abandoned by God and country. Will she live long enough to make those responsible pay?

Haunted by memories of a mission gone bad, former Green Beret Canyon Metcalfe wrestles with his developing feelings for the feisty senator’s daughter. Setting aside his misgivings, he and Nightshade take the mission to help Dani unravel her lethal secrets. Separated from the team leaves Dani and Canyon vulnerable—and captured. After he is rescued, Canyon discovers Dani has been left behind. Livid, he sacrifices everything to save Dani—including his role with Nightshade.

Book Three of the Discarded Heroes series, Wolfsbane lives up to the excellent standard of the first two books. Wolfsbane, however, is a little bit different. First, Kendig shows the hero, Canyon Metcalfe, struggling to follow Christ, yet failing, committing sins that you don't usually read about in Christian novels. Secondly, the characters' faith seems to take a back seat, until the very end of the book.

While these qualities make for a non-traditional Christian novel, they make for a very realistic view of modern Christianity. They also make for a compelling, exciting book.

If you're looking for an great military adventure, then leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Wolfsbane (read once!). Leave me your email address so I can contact you, and I'll pick a winner on July 30. Good luck!

Book Review: From Darkness Won by Jill Williamson

Book Three of the Blood of Kings trilogy, Achan prepares to fight Esek and Lord Nathan to take his rightful place as the Crown Prince. Part of his duty includes marrying Lady Avarella, a woman he's never met, but will join with forever, even though it means abandoning his true love, Vrell Sparrow.


What Achan doesn't know is that Vrell is Lady Avarella, but she's not ready to marry for duty. That's why she runs, and ends up stormed, forgetting Achan and her time with him.


Can Achan win the war for his throne? More importantly, can he win back the woman he loves?


In book three of the series, Williamson wraps up the series with all of the adventure, tension, excitement, and emotion of the first two books. I was honestly afraid of the length of the book, it's over 600 pages, but Williamson did a good job of keeping the momentum going. And for those of us who are die hard romantics, she doesn't disappoint us.


The first two books of this series are Christy Award winning novels. Book three continues Williamson's fabulous series. A great read, all 600 pages.

Book Review (and giveaway): In Stitches by Dr. Tony Youn

Tony Youn was too tall and too thin, wore thick Coke-bottle glasses, braces, Hannibal Lecter headgear, and had a protruding jaw that one day began to grow to an unthinkable, monstrous size.  After high school graduation, while other seniors partied at the shore or explored Europe, Youn lay strapped in an oral surgeon’s chair as he broke his jaw, then reset it and wired it shut for six weeks.

It was this brutal makeover that led him to his life's calling -- and the four years of angst, flubs, triumphs, non-stop studying and intermittant heavy drinking that eventually earned him an M.D. Thanks to a small circle of close friends and an obsessive drive to overachieve, Youn transformed from a shy, skinny, awkward nerd with no confidence and no clue into a renowned and successful plastic surgeon.

That's Amazon's description of Youn's memoir. It doesn't do the book justice.

I'm not usually a memoir reader. I've read exactly two - this was the second. The only reason I read it was so that I could write a story for the paper (you can read it here). When I picked up the book, I figured it couldn't be that bad - there's a Barbie carcass on the cover. I gave myself a few days to read it, but that wasn't necessary. I finished it in two days. 

Dr. Tony Youn

In Stitches is a candid look at life in a strict Korean home, the struggles of getting into and surviving med school, and Youn's determination to to succeed at it all while finding a girlfriend. At the risk of sounding like a cheesy 80s movie promo: you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wonder if Youn secretly analyzes everyone he meets and makes lists of things that need improvement.

Since I don't usually read memoirs, I don't have any history with which to compare this book. I can, however, vouch for its extreme entertainment value. I would give this book a PG-13 rating (R, if you're more conservative), so keep that in mind when you pick it up (because you really should pick it up).

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In fact, I'd like to help you pick it up, so I'm going to give away a free copy (isn't that just like me?). You know the drill - leave me your email addy in a comment and I'll put you in the running. A winner will be picked on July 30, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, you can learn more about Dr. Youn at www.dryoun.com.

Book Review: How To Write A Book Proposal by Michael Larsen

With more than 100,000 copies sold, How to Write a Book Proposal has been the go-to resource for getting your work published for almost 25 years. This Writer's Digest classic from literary agent Michael Larsen outlines in a clear step-by-step manner how to create an effective nonfiction book proposal. The 4th edition of the book features information about recent changes in the publishing industry, updated trend information, new sample proposals, a completely updated resources section, and a new chapter on online promotion.


Well, that pretty much sums it up - a clear step-by-step manner to create an effective nonfiction book proposal. I loved the organization of this book: sidebars, bullet points, indices, actual examples. It's easy to find the main points, then go back and review them. As an instruction book, it's very easy to read and engaging. 


*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the Thomas Nelson Book Sneeze program.

Book Review: A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad

It is the beginning of a new century at Lake Manawa Resort in Iowa, but some things never change. When 22-year-old Emily Graham's meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor. She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.

Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer at Lake Manawa, Iowa, before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father. 

When Emily crashes into Carter at a roller skating rink, neither could guess what would come next. Will Carter strike out? Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?


This is the second of Seilstad's Lake Manawa series and it's absolutely delightful. Emily and Carter's struggles (an over-worked, over-committed woman and a man torn between his heart and his responsibilities), though rooted in the early 1900s, translate well into today's society. It's very easy to relate with both of them.


Add to that an almost dreamlike setting, some interfering (yet lovable) aunts, and a little bit of love and A Great Catch is a great read. If you like Karen Witemeyer, I think you'll enjoy Lorna Seilstad.


*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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WIN THIS BOOK!

Leave your name and email address to get entered to win a copy of this book!! I have a few other books to review this month, and I'll be giving them all away on June 28. Leave a comment on each post and you'll be entered each time.

Good luck!

Book Review: Tea for Two by Trish Perry

Counselor Tina Milano has been visiting Milly’s Tea Shop regularly for the past several months. She has many friends but no steady man in her life. Zack Cooper is a local farmer who provides Milly with fresh fruit and vegetables. As a single parent, Zack is doing his best to raise his teenage son and daughter on his own.

When the kids get in minor scrapes with the law, Milly gently encourages Zack and Tina to work together to draw the teens back before their rebellious natures land them in even hotter water. At first Tina sees the relationship in only a professional capacity, but soon her friends notice the luscious scent of romance in the air and decide to help things along.

Tea for Two is a faith-filled novel that explores the delight of second chances, warm friendship, and unexpected romantic encounters.

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This book delivers exactly what it promises - a faith-filled novel of second chances, friendships, romance. It's a fun, light-hearted love story full of miscommunications and reconciliations.

As engaging as this story is, however, if you've read any of Perry's other books, as I have, this might disappoint a bit. Something was missing - it didn't pull me in the way her other books did. I felt more like an observer, whereas her other books made me a participant.

My pickiness aside, "Tea for Two" truly is an enjoyable book...but all of the talk of shortcakes and finger sandwiches will definitely give you the munchies!

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.

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Now it's YOUR chance to read "Tea for Two"! Leave me your name and email address. On May 1 I'll pick a winner!!

Book Review: Tomorrow's Garden by Amanda Cabot

Harriet Kirk is certain that becoming Ladreville's schoolteacher is just what she needs--a chance to put the past behind her and give her younger siblings a brighter tomorrow. What she didn't count on was the presence of handsome former Texas Ranger Lawrence Wood--or the way he slowly but surely claims her fragile heart. But can Harriet and Lawrence ever truly put the past behind them in order to find happiness?

This is book three of the Cabot's Texas Dreams trilogy. I have not read the first two books, but that didn't matter. This story picks up with a different character while giving a glimpse as to what happened in the first two books.

I admit that it took me a few chapters to really get into the story, but once I was hooked I had to know what would happen next. Cabot spares no detail in describing the characters, town, and situations that draw Harriet and Lawrence together. "Tomorrow's Garden" is a heart-warming historical romance, full of intriguing characters and intricate detail. If you enjoy Lori Wick's western romances, I think you'll enjoy "Tomorrow's Garden".

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In an effort to share the experience, I'm going to give away my copy of "Tomorrow's Garden". Just leave a comment and an email address. KEEP READING!!

I noticed that I still have two other historicals that I reviewed but did not give away, so I will actually be picking THREE winners this time! The first person gets "Tomorrow's Garden", the second get "Kaydie", and the third will receive "Love on Assignment". I've linked the reviews so you can see what I'm giving away. 

I'll pick winners on May 1 - good luck!!

Book Review: How To Be God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh

What does it take to be a princess? Sheila Walsh has some important answers to share for every little girl. This trendy design features black & white line art and a two-color pink and black interior. The art will tie to each how-to topic in the book—how to make the best pink cookies, how to wear a tiara, how to earn money at home, how to care for a royal dog, how to be respectful, how to use good manners, how to help Mom, how to follow Jesus, how to act like a princess when things go terribly wrong, and many more.


This is a cute book, but I'm not really sure for whom it is written. I got it with my 4 1/2 year-old niece in mind, who is very into pink, purple, and princesses, but a lot of the tips are more appropriate for my 11 year-old niece. The thing is, my older niece is "over" the princess thing, so even though there's good tips, I don't think I could get her to read this book.

As far as the tips and suggestions, I appreciate the Scripture verses, and Walsh's constant reminders to consult with "royal advisors" (parents). The interactive quizzes are nice, but, again, they're too old for my young niece, and too pink for my older niece. If nothing else, it gives adults a lot of good ideas on how to talk with their daughters about certain things. Definitely a good way to introduce younger girls to manners and etiquette.


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255