Gillespie and I by Jane Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was given this book while in the hospital. It was serendipitously wonderful.

It is the story of a strong, independent English woman who travels to Scotland after the death of her Aunt to see the big Exibition in Glasgow in 1888. Once there she encounters an artist named Gillespie and his family. After becoming friends with Gillespie's entire family, including his wife, two small children and his mother, she learns that there are many disturbing things going on in this family.

What starts out as a period piece turns into an intriguing look at Gillespie's entire family. Their various character traits and eccentricities. But just when you think you have the rhythm and flavour of the story, it takes another turn when Gillespie's youngest daughter is kidnapped. The entire second half of the book turns into a gritty who-dun-it including a fascinating court case. And the actual criminal is ... NOPE! I ain't telling.😄


This book is a rich journey told in flashbacks as we jump from the 1930s in London to the 1880s in Glasgow. This book is a satisfying read whether you're into period pieces, character studies or a good mystery. (Or if you just like Glasgow).

It made me want to read other books by this author and I have just Followed her here at Goodreads.

Hope this was helpful to you.

Always, Laura-Lee

View all my reviews

Hit by The Governess

 

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are familiar with my reviews I'm sure you know by now that Romance is NOT one of my favorite genres. Even/especially Christian romance novels which I find repetitive and pappy. But I'm glad to say this one is a cut above the rest.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall is a fictional, historical, stand-alone, romance novel with a Christian foundation. It starts with a widowed governess who accompanies her five charges to their new home at Penwythe Hall after they are orphaned and must go to live with their uncle. It proceeds as the usual book of this nature does. There is a time of adjustment, various enigmatic characters are introduced as well as a hidden past and a big mystery hinted at and "unspoken passions" constantly referred to. Same old, same old. (sigh)

However, I got my copy of this popular book from my library so I had to initially wait weeks for it, couldn't renew it immediately, had to wait weeks for it again, had to give it back, and then decided to switch to the audiobook format in order to finish it. I was surprised to see myself so determined to complete something that was "same old, same old". But the characters are what make this journey worthwhile. More complex than one would usually find in a book of this nature, I found myself continually drawn to them even if not finding the story itself anything unique. But in the final chapters, there were some events that were rather thrilling and unexpected and family relationships (apart from the main " Romance") that were complex and rang very true to life.

As far as the Christian elements, they are mostly in the periphery and merely hinted at as our main characters ponder human nature, how to deal with their pasts, and conquer their fears. That is until we are led to the deathbed of one of the "periphery" characters who hits us with God's truth right between the eyes, into our brains, and then planted into our hearts. So much so that I found myself reaching for something to wipe my eyes with. Yes. I admit I cried. Though not very willingly.

But I am happy to say my "standing" in the Holds lineup was worth my wait, the book worth my time, and the Governess of Penwythe Hall worth my recommendation.

Without any profanity or graphic sex and only some mild violence (some shoving, a few punches, and gunshots ringing out) it is appropriate for preteens as well as sensitive readers.

May I also add that the audiobook format was well done by English lady, Jude Mason. She read it with a good amount of emotion without being melodramatic and varied the voices and accents without overdoing it. There is a fine line between narrating a book and performing it. One enhances while the other upstages.

Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

View all my reviews

FREE Books: Clean Historical Romance Kindle

I've been roaming around Amazon and found 3 FREE ebook downloads for Christian Historical Romance stories.

These all had high ratings and good reviews in both Canada and America. You need to have the Kindle app  (which is also free) or a Kindle device so these can be downloaded.
But other than that, just choose and click.

I like to tell you about free or extremely cheap books from all different genres on a regular basis, so it may be worth your time to get the Kindle app downloaded on your device if free books interest you.

Follow the Links below. They are to the CANADIAN Amazon site but there is a link to Amazon.com on each book's page. (Top right corner)

These books are currently being given away NOW as a part of a promotion, so you will need to jump on these offers. I don't know how long it will last.

Also, you might like to leave a short review or at least a star rating as a "Thank You" for the book. Even if you didn't like it. 

But they all sound interesting although not overly complex. These are meant to be fast, easy, enjoyable clean stories.  If you have some free time why not spend it with a good book and your imagination?

And don't forget to visit the Master's Peace Theatre blog later in the week when we post short story, "Laura's Choice" by guest contributor Werner Lind who is the author of the popular Christian vampire book, "Lifeblood".

Thanks for dropping in for a blog visit. I hope I was helpful.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

LINKS TO CURRENTLY FREE BOOKS:


Let Your Heart Beat Again by Janith Hooper FREE Kindle Download

REDEMPTION'S EDGE by Shirleen Davies FREE Kindle download

THAT HEALING TOUCH by Kit Morgan FREE Kindle Download