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Fun Loving You

January 17, 2022 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

17 Jan

Title: Fun Loving You
Author: Ted Cunningham
Major Themes: Marriage
Synopsis: Marriage is intended to bring joy to people, and this book encourages couples to have fun together!

Even though we have been married nearly 24 years, I find it very worthwhile to read books about marriage every so often. Usually, though, I don’t find myself picking one out to read, but rather happen upon it and open it at random. That is how I started reading Fun Loving You a few weeks ago. I often start reading the next book in alphabetical order on my Kindle when I’m not sure what I want to read next, and this was the next one. I started reading it, and before I was halfway through, I decided I wanted to share this with my husband. We’re reading this book together and it is giving us a lot to talk about!

Ted Cunningham is a pastor who does a lot of marriage counseling. He is passionate about marriages, including his own. Fun Loving You is full of encouragement to couples to not allow themselves to stay “stuck” in their marriage, and to have fun with each other. In the chapter we just read together, he discusses a number of symptoms of a stuck marriage and the decisions that are necessary to become unstuck. The next chapter talks about making “fun loving you” lists. That chapter looks like it might be very helpful in dealing with all the little things that can be so annoying about a spouse and turning them into something fun instead.

There are chapters about spending dedicated time together daily, and weekly, and an extended time annually. It will be interesting to read those chapters together and discuss how or if we want to implement Ted’s suggestions! One chapter is titled “Enjoying Marriage More Than the Wedding”. What a catchy title! It sure makes sense, though; a marriage lasts a lot longer than the wedding! Then, there is a chapter about the intimate side of marriage (that might be fun to read together!), and the last chapter is titled “A Marriage and Funeral Worth Repeating”. I was a little taken aback to read about a funeral in a book about marriage, but if you think about it, that is the end of all lives—good and bad—and all marriages. It’s a good thing to think about.

I definitely recommend Fun Loving You to all married couples, whether they have problems getting along or not. It’s good to be reminded of why we got married and encouraged in our life together. I appreciated the reminder to enjoy our marriage—we had to chuckle at the chapter we read today, about the dreary beginning and ending of Ecclesiastes and the verse right in the middle that says to enjoy your marriage during your meaningless life!

Each chapter has a number of questions at the end, designed to help you think about your own life in light of the contents of the chapter. We are discussing these questions together after reading the chapter, and it’s been very good for us.

No warnings!

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

The Nature of a Lady

January 14, 2022 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

14 Jan

The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M. White

Title: The Nature of a Lady
Author: Roseanna M. White
Series: The Secrets of the Isles, book 1
Major Themes: Mysteries, Botany
Synopsis: While running from an engagement she doesn’t want, Libby stumbles across a mystery that seems to involve her, and has to solve it before anything bad happens.

I have a policy now of snapping up all new books I see coming from Roseanna M. White’s pen. Once I have them, it might take me a few months to sit down to read them, but I’ll get there—and The Nature of a Lady was my most recent read. This one has messed with my brain a lot, and not in the way I expected it to. So many elements have a feeling of the regency era—lords and ladies, the social ranks of maids and servants and the nobility, the London Season—so many things I’m familiar with from Jane Austen’s novels—and then that’s clashing (in my head) with people talking about electricity in houses. What?! But no, it fits, and it works well, and this was a most delightful mystery to follow!

Lady Elizabeth (“Libby”) Sinclair has a problem—her brother wants to marry her off to one of his friends, but she has no interest in marrying a man for wealth, especially not one that bores her to death with details of his archeological expeditions. Her solution? Escape to the Isles of Scilly for the summer—perhaps in the intervening months, her proposed fiancè will come to his senses about her, and in the meanwhile, she’ll have a whole set of islands’ worth of new flora and fauna to catalog and study. What could be a better use of a summer than that? Well, things don’t quite go as planned. Something seems fishy when she starts receiving packages addressed to her, but not intended for her. Then other things start happening—indications that there’s something more afoot than just a case of mistaken identity. But who were the packages supposed to go to, and are she and her maid really in as much danger as it looks like they might be?

The Nature of a Lady is a great mystery story, set in a lovely place, with intriguing characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. And meeting Mamm-wynn? Well. She’s just a sweetheart, through and through. I find I tend to love spunky older women in stories—they bring a certain spice that no other character can! The romance in here wasn’t too strong, I thought; I was afraid it might be a bigger part of the story, but the mystery was the main point in the end. If you enjoy historical books with an eye to detail and have an appreciation for all things in nature (and a dash of mystery!), this would likely be a great book for you. As someone who appreciates the world around me, the focus on botany here was very fun to read about! And of course, pirate lore is always an intriguing subject. 🙂

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

WARNING: As with many of White’s other books, blasted, blighted, blamed, blazes, and drat all appear regularly throughout the story. Swear or sworn are used in ch. 2 and 3; curse is used in ch. 26 and 27; and dash is used in ch. 11, 13, and 16. “For heaven’s sake” or a variant is used in ch. 1, 4, and 22; “where the devil” is used in ch. 3 and 22; “be hanged” is used in ch. 16 and 22; and “for goodness’ sake” is used in ch. 20. Lying occurs in ch. 1, 13, 17, 21, 26, and 27. Pirates are mentioned in the prologue, and evolution is mentioned as a fact in ch. 4.

A man lifts a woman into a boat in ch. 3, and a man briefly holds a woman’s elbow in ch. 5. An unmarried couple holds hands in ch. 10, and there is more touching/holding in ch. 11 and 12, as well as a kiss in ch. 12; there’s more touching in ch. 13, touching and a kiss in ch. 16, and more kisses in ch. 19, 20, 24, and 27.

A young man is found dead after a fatal fall in ch. 6, and his death is mentioned again several times. In ch. 13, a woman is trapped by a man for a few minutes while he threatened her. Someone is hit very hard in the head in ch. 16, and someone tries to shoot people. In ch. 17, several more people are hurt. In ch. 27, several people are tied up, a man is shot, another is kicked, and someone is threatened with being shot.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Library Binding | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
Book Depository: Paperback | Hardcover

To Treasure an Heiress

January 12, 2022 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

12 Jan

To Treasure an Heiress by Roseanna M. White

Title: To Treasure an Heiress
Author: Roseanna M. White
Series: The Secrets of the Isles, book 2
Major Themes: Mysteries, Archaeology, Treasure Hunts, Romance
Synopsis: As she hunts for famed pirate treasure, Beth must figure out how to protect those she loves while staying one step ahead of those with less-than-noble intentions who are also searching for it.

Having enjoyed Roseanna M. White’s books for a good five-plus years now, it was a no-brainer to pick up To Treasure an Heiress when I had a chance to read it. I love the way she writes her mysteries—gripping, but not too full of the icky stuff that often comes along with mysteries. This series, especially, is almost what I’d call “cozy” mysteries—there are higher stakes at times, but nothing bordering the suspense line. It’s a treasure hunt, and watching the characters grow to know themselves and each other better while hunting for treasure is both fun and entertaining.

Beth Tremayne is a determined island woman. She doesn’t dream of staying here all her life—no, one day she will travel the world and discover all the sights she can only dream of now. But right now, she’s got a quest to take, and treasure to find. All her life, she’s heard stories from her parents, grandparents, and other villagers of the treasure hidden in the Isles of Scilly, and now she’s determined to find them—if she doesn’t, the greedy Scofields will find and take it all, and the treasure will be lost forever. Beth has spent too much time searching now to give up the fight, even if the Scofields were to be trusted—but what should she do about an overeager archeologist who is determined to help her, but has only managed to cause havoc so far? With trouble brewing and the Scofield’s net thrown even further than she anticipated, time may just be an obstacle they can’t overcome.

To Treasure an Heiress isn’t my favorite of White’s books, although it wasn’t for lack of strong characters or a good mystery. I was hoping for more of a focus on the mystery and historical period, but the romance became more dominant at times. That was tastefully done, and I wasn’t ever tempted to skip pages because of the description . . . but romance just became more of a focal point than I generally prefer. In saying that, though, the way one character handled the romance (especially in the beginning) kept me cracking up. They were so serious about it—and oblivious at the way it came across!

If you enjoy sweet romance combined with a gripping (but not gruesome) mystery, I’d recommend this book. The world-building was excellent, the characters clever, the writing style spot-on, and the setting delightful. I’m glad I got to read it, even though it doesn’t top my favorites by White, The Number of Love and On Wings of Devotion. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

WARNING: There’s a kiss in the prologue (a married couple), and an unmarried couple kisses in ch. 12 (also an arm around the waist). A man takes a woman’s elbow in ch. 16, a hand in ch. 17, there’s a kiss in ch. 18, a woman lands on a man’s lap in ch. 21 and there is more kissing, more kissing in 22 (including neck) and 25, a man strokes a woman’s fingers in ch. 26, a couple hold hands and kiss in ch. 27, a man catches a woman around the waist in ch. 28, and a couple hold hands and kiss in ch. 30. A woman thinks about how she gave herself to a man after he seduced her in ch. 3, 12, and 26; this is a reoccurring memory and sometimes a discussion through the book. Women are seen wearing dresses that draw attention to their figures in ch. 23.

“By Jove” is used in ch. 1; blast or a variant is used in ch. 1, 4, 5, 7, 9 (twice), 12, 14, 21, 22, 24, 27, 29 (twice), and 30; dratted or a variant is used in ch. 2, 14, and 16; gracious is used in ch. 3, 4, 7, 8, 21, and 23; “for heaven’s sake” is used in ch. 6; blighted or a variant is used in ch. 6, 9, 12, 13, 18, and 24; “to the devil” or a variant is used in ch. 6, 9, 24, and 27; swear or swore is used in ch. 8, 16, 17 (twice), 21, and 24; “good Lord above” is used in ch. 8; crikey is used in ch. 9; curse is used in ch. 12 and 30; blimey is used in ch. 12 and 26; blazes is used in ch. 24 (twice); goodness is used in ch. 28; and “good heavens” is used in ch. 28. There is lying in ch. 3, 17, and 29. There is a fight in ch. 7 and a woman gets trapped and could have died in ch. 16.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
Book Depository: Paperback | Hardcover

The Kitchen Madonna

January 10, 2022 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

10 Jan

Title: The Kitchen Madonna
Author: Rumer Godden
Major Themes: England, London, Icons, Art
Synopsis: When they realize that their house help, Marta, is unhappy, Gregory and Janet set to work to make her happy again.

I should have known we would really enjoy The Kitchen Madonna; it is published by Bethlehem Books. Their books are excellent! I was surprised by the plot of this book, but really liked it for the most part. There were two aspects of the story I didn’t care for, but the motive was good.

Gregory and Janet saw that Marta, the lady who cared for them and the house, was unhappy. They loved her, and did not want her to leave, so they set to work to make her happy so she wouldn’t leave them like all their other help had. What did she want and need to be happy? A “good place” in the kitchen! The children set off to various parts of London, trying to find an icon like Marta would have known in the Polish Ukraine when she was young.

None of the icons in the British Museum seemed to be what Marta had described. Gregory took Janet to the jewelers—but they didn’t have enough money to buy what was there. Then, they found what Marta had been talking about, in a church. Now Gregory knew what she meant, and he set about to make one for her! What adventures he had along the way. And, he learned to talk to people, astounding Janet to no end.

There were two things I didn’t like so well. One was pretty glaring; I marked it when we were reading, as something I wanted to mention in the review; the other is something I thought about later as I was mulling over the story. The first is the disobedience. The children were told not to go out of a specific area of London around their house, and Gregory decided to anyway, because his project was so important to him. The second is the fact that both parents were working, and were not involved much in the children’s lives. That is why Marta was in their life—she was the housekeeper and cared for the children more than their mother did.

On the other hand, The Kitchen Madonna shows how love for another person can transform someone. Gregory had been a withdrawn, shy, lonely boy, but through the project he undertook for Marta, he learned how to talk to people and made friends. Even with the aspects I don’t like very well, I can recommend this book—just make sure to discuss it with your child!

WARNING: See second-to-last paragraph. Also, on page 39, Gregory calls Janet, “Idiot. Silly idiot.”

Age levels:

Read Aloud—Ages 5 – 8, 8 – 12, Family Read Alouds
Reading Independently—Ages 7 – 9, 8 – 12

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Hardcover
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

The Finder of Forgotten Things

January 7, 2022 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

7 Jan

The Finder of Forgotten Things by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Title: The Finder of Forgotten Things
Author: Sarah Loudin Thomas
Major Themes: Accidents, Tragedies, Adoption
Synopsis: Three people are drawn together to witness the tragedy of the Hawks Nest Tunnel, and find hope and healing for themselves as they try to support the survivors.

After thoroughly enjoying Thomas’ The Right Kind of Fool early last year, I knew I wanted to read more from her pen. So when The Finder of Forgotten Things popped up, I immediately requested it. It’s not every day that you come across an author you appreciate, is it? I found this book quite gripping—moreso than I anticipated—and it wasn’t long before I decided that Thomas would end up on my long-term book watchlist.

Jeremiah Weber’s hometown Kline is in dire straits. They don’t have enough good water to go around, and when a water dowser showed up out of the blue, they were ready to try him. Instead of giving them water, his work produced two dry wells and he hotfooted it in the night with their money. Now, Jeremiah has to go after Sulley—and try to get their money back.

Meanwhile, Sulley is trying to find the next place to lay his head. Yes, it wasn’t right to take money for a job he didn’t do—but a man has to live somehow. And since this is the only way he’s learned to make a living, he isn’t sorry about it. Hard work is only for those who don’t know how to live by their wits, right?

Gainey’s life has held fairly steady over the years. As the postmistress of a well-off town, her life is full and busy. Then, news starts trickling in about the Hawks Nest Tunnel project, and for the first time in her life, she finds something she could do to help the families around her. Will the men at the tunnel accept her help? And what will happen when Jeremiah and Sulley show up, unintentionally joining her in her quest?

The Finder of Forgotten Things is quite a convoluted story, but the main portion of history—the Hawks Nest Tunnel tragedy—shows up brilliantly in here. I’d never heard of this event before, and seeing it through the eyes of characters who loved the men who suffered made it that much harder. And what made this story even more difficult is that the men who worked there—who were part of the tragedy—had no choice. The Great Depression was going on, and they had to support their families, even at the cost of their own lives.

Beyond history, this book touches on past hurts, identity, and forgiveness—themes I always appreciate seeing in fiction. I laughed with this story, wept with the characters, and identified deeply with their insecurities and triumphs.

The one thing I didn’t like? The water witching part. As noted below, this is a reoccurring theme in the book—and it eventually went beyond water witching to grave witching. I don’t believe that type of thing is of God, and from personal experience, I know that bringing God into situations changes the results of the witching. I understand why it’s in here, and know that not everyone would agree with me—but even though I enjoyed almost every other aspect of the story, this is one I couldn’t agree with.

Aside from the water witching part, this was a great story. The book pulled me in from the beginning, and I’m grateful to have had a chance to read it. I admire Thomas’ desire to bring these men’s stories to light in a way that we would all partake a little in their sufferings—and yet she didn’t let that drag down the story as a whole. She’s a talented author, and if you enjoy history, you’d likely enjoy this.

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

WARNING: Water dowsing or witching for other things is mentioned in ch. 1, 3 (describing how it works), 15, 37, and 41. “For pity’s sake” is used in ch. 1; “in tarnation” is used in ch. 1, 13, 19, 20, and 33; doggone is used in ch. 1, 2, 8, 13, 17, 19, 21, and 33; devil is used in ch. 1; heck is used in ch. 2, 4, 11, and 19; durn is used in ch. 2, 6, and 17; shoot or a variant is used in ch. 2, 4, 11, 14, 16, 18, 19, 30, 34, and 35; goodness is used in ch. 4, 8, 22, 30, and 36; golly is used in ch. 4, 8, 19, 27, 30, 38, and 39; “the dickens” is used in ch. 17; swore or a variant is used in ch. 20 and 42; dad-blasted is used in ch. 27; cursed is used in ch. 28; “good grief” is used in ch. 33; mercy is used in ch. 34; “for heaven’s sake” is used in ch. 37; and Lordy is used in ch. 40. There is lying in ch. 2, 3, 4, 22, and 27.

There’s a mention of “a woman to keep the bed warm” in ch. 5. A mother had to give up her child for adoption after getting pregnant out of wedlock, and that is mentioned in ch. 13, 20, and possibly elsewhere. A man holds a woman’s hand and there is other touching in ch. 24, 36 (a hug and a kiss), 37 (another kiss), 39 (another hug and several kisses), 40 (presumably more kissing), 41 (more kissing—at a wedding, more description than some). A man offhandedly suggests suicide in ch. 9. In ch. 10, a black man says if he was caught driving a mule and cart, he’d likely be killed for it because of racism. A man is beaten and dies from the beating in ch. 11 and someone else dies in ch. 12. A man remembers being beaten as a boy in ch. 13. A grave is partially opened up in ch. 20, and in ch. 29, a man tells of men killed in a cave-in.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
Book Depository: Paperback | Hardcover