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TC
The Captain's Daughter
10
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I grew up with a deep (DEEP) appreciation for theatre. I have been in several productions personally. And musicals are my lifeblood (my hubby and I are going to see Phantom of the Opera in a couple weeks). So you can imagine my surprise when I discovered that not only is this book set in one of the most fascinating time periods, (Queen Victoria was pretty amazing! Check out the new Masterpiece Series from BBC
"Victoria" Yes, I know they over dramatized some aspects in this...But it is still AMAZING...and Jenna Coleman...'nough said.) but that we also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the life of the theatre in 1873. An era where an occupation on the stage was heavily frowned upon. Not to mention that the operettas written by Gilbert & Sullivan are the productions we find in The Captain's Daughter. I had the opportunity to see Pirates of Penzance, oh my lands! I adore it! By the way, for all my love of the theatre, I had NO idea why it is called "the lime light". If you don't know either, you can find out more on Wikipedia.

Falsely accused, Rosalyn finds herself in London. Without a penny to her name she makes her way to the very theatre that Nate is working at(you will understand the significance of this when you read the book). Both Nate and Rosalyn must make peace with the past in order to move on. As Nate tries to earn forgiveness for his mistakes, he learns that forgiveness can not be earned. Our Heavenly Father gives it freely. All we have to do is ask.

Swept into the sea of romance, song, lights, costumes, and scandal...I found myself dancing through the pages (or at least swaying) as the anticipation builds for the ending that I was HOPING would play out a certain way. Forgiveness, true love, and living the life that God has called you to live are the main themes that struck my heart.

I received a complimentary copy of The Captain's Daughter from Bethany House Publishers through the Litfuse Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
TI
The Illusionist's Apprentice
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
An incredible story brimming with suspense, illusion, questions, romance, sacrifice, and redemption. Spanning the course of Wren's life, we jump around quite a bit as her story and character unfolds, but it is easy to follow. We also get to see the world through a few different viewpoints which helps to draw your heart into the world of vaudeville.

LOVE - LOVE - LOVE Elliot. He is protective and gentle, yet firm and carries a strength that Wren needs, although she denies it. Wren is such an incredible person. I fell in love with her from chapter one. With her eccentric style and lifestyle, a performer, giving the public the illusion of grandeur...when in reality, her lifestyle is quite simple. A woman with a past that tears at her soul, longing for freedom, but not knowing where to turn. When Agent Elliot Matthews bullies his way on to her stage, her life takes a dramatic turn and the impossible becomes possible.

Wren struggles to forgive herself for something in her past that she has been led to believe is her fault. We follow her on a journey of realization that forgiveness is not just an illusion, but something very real. That it penetrates the very heart and soul of who we are. It shapes and molds us. And that we can be free if we choose to be. But if we spend too long believing in an illusion, it will distort our view of reality.

So, embrace the truth. Let Papa God open your eyes to see yourself as He created you. To see your gifts, your strengths, and the forgiveness that He has poured out on you. Take a step back in time to the Jazz Age. Step into the world of Harry Houdini and Wren Lockhart in the center of vaudeville. Let them dazzle you with a story of truth, forgiveness...and illusion.

I received a complimentary copy of The Illusionist's Apprentice through BookLook Bloggers and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Review originally published at http://www.bookwormmama.org
  
The Innkeeper's Song
The Innkeeper's Song
Peter S. Beagle | 1994 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Multiple pov (1 more)
More than you'd expect
A surprising twist or two in these pages. Told through multiple POVs some main character, a few that are just observations from not quite random people but still ties into the story. Each person's pov is told to an unknown third party that they occasionally interact with/ talk to as they explain the events that happened so long ago that inspired a song. Some of the names are hard to pronounce like Lal's full name.
From the description and introduction it may seem a love story, which it is in a way, but it's also much more; it's a story about love, death, obligation, loyalty, betrayal, forgiveness,groing
  
AR
Adam Raccoon and the Circus Master
Glen Keane | 1987
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Adam Raccoon works every day in the forest with King Aren, but when the circus comes to town one day, Adam is enchanted and decides to run away to join the circus. Will that be a good idea? What will happen if Adam changes his mind?

This picture book is an obvious retelling of Jesus’s parable of the prodigal son, but that isn’t really an issue because the fresh settings gives it fresh life and drive home the point of God’s love and forgiveness anew. The colorful pictures will help hold kid’s attention in this fun book.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-adam-raccoon-and-circus.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Ghost (Boston Underworld, #3)
Ghost (Boston Underworld, #3)
A. Zavarelli | 2016 | Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
What an incredibly fabulous book!! I devoured the first two books in the series and Alexei & Talia's story sucked me in from page one! My heart broke over and over for these two, both two haunted souls unable to move beyond their pasts. Struggling to feel worthy in anyone's eyes... Talia finds strength in his overpowering dominance and in her he finds solace. A dark yet incredibly beautiful book about two people who slowly come to realize that no matter how screwed up any of us are, we are all worthy of love and forgiveness. HIGHLY recommended book, series and author!! Five stars just aren't doing my heart any justice on this one!? ;-)
  
Carolyn Miller introduces her new series The Regency Brides. In the first book, we are introduced to Catherine Winthrop who has been recovering from feeling rejected by the man who stole her heart and rejected her love, she is finally feeling like she can move on.

When Catherine's father suddenly passes away, she not only loses the only home that she ever knew, but who moves in and takes her father's title? None other than Jonathan Carlew, the man who broke her heart.

 With the rumors about Jonathan's birth and being a tradesman find him without the approval of the ladies parents, but now suddenly finding himself well to do and with a title, he now has plenty of prospects for a wife. Jonathan finds that his responsibilities keep him too busy, but also he only thinks of the woman to whom he lost his heart many years ago.

Can time and forgiveness bring them together?

In this novel, we see the value of forgiveness and how holding a grudge can hurt not only ourselves but those around us. It also teaches how we should always take time to listen to those who are precious. to us.
 Carolyn Miller has cleverly brought back some of our favorite characters that not only strengthens the storyline but adds some familiarity and nostalgia for her followers who have read her other novels.

This book was an enjoyment to read I look forward to the next in the series "Serena's Secret"

A must-read for those who like to read historical fiction.