Prize of My Heart

I'll admit this is one of those books I was excited for mostly due to the cover. ;) It's just gorgeous... and there's a ship on it. <3
This story was SO sweet and captivating! I loved the characters and the constant use of nautical terms (and information). This is one of the first Regency books I've read set in America, and it was interesting to compare the American era to the British one. I appreciated the swift-paced plot line, and that all conflict was settled in a timely manner - not drawn out and tiring. ;)
I am really looking forward to reading Lisa's second book (which also has a gorgeous cover) and to re-reading Prize of My Heart sometime. :D
I highly recommend to all Christian historical fans.

Sincerely,

Wonderland Wednesdays: Crazy Refreshing

Hello, wonderful readers! :) 

Again- I'm a bit busy this week, and haven't had time to hunt down a good topic for my Wonderful 5. SO instead- here is a small glimpse into my day! 

My current (and fantastic) read, which I highly recommend + a Starbucks passion iced tea (lemonade instead of water, thank you) = the perfect afternoon. :D

Sincerely,

Cinema Saturday: Inconceivable!

Sincerely,

Wonderland Wednesdays: 5 Tudor Stories

Today I will share with you 5 books from one of my favorite eras to research- the Tudor era. Not everyone can write good Tudor fiction, and even fewer who will write clean Tudor fiction. I've made it my goal to find those few. :)

(This is one of my all-time favorite books ever!!!)

(These two are also at the top of my favorites list. ;))

(I enjoyed this first book in the Winslow series, but the rest of them got repetitive and a bit boring.)

(This was a fast-paced YA Tudor novel, and it was pretty interesting.)

Sincerely,

A Match of Wits

Aaah! This book had me laughing SO hard! Agatha is exactly the same with her tendency to wind up in trouble, and Zayne enjoys annoying her as much as ever. I really enjoyed hearing the conclusion to their story after seeing their relationship progress through the other books in this series.
One character I enjoyed seeing in the spotlight more this time was the mysterious henchman- Mr Blackheart. Assigned to watch over Agatha when threats on her life begin to be made, his annoyance but fierce protectiveness over her is super cute and had me laughing many times. "Paid companion" Drusilla also kept me in stitches. ;)
This story had an intense plot with lots of mystery, keeping readers guessing from the get-go. 
I loved hearing about all the previous characters as they made appearances once again; Piper has a slightly larger role in this story than in the second and third stories, and her relationship with "Uncle Zayne" was adorable.
The level of intelligence shown by the P-I-G was pretty unbelievable and slightly tiring at times; but then again, I've grown to expect the out-of-the-ordinary in Jen's work so I got used to it and wouldn't say it took away from the story at all. ;)
Also, I was glad I had been prepared for Agatha's independent ways over the rest of the series, otherwise I would have been a bit more annoyed at how stubborn she gets (especially with men). It ended up nicely, though. ;)
The continual appearance of "Charlotte's Invention" throughout the story was probably what had me laughing hardest, and most often! :D
I recommend this to all historical fiction fans who love a good hearty laugh and sweet/clean romance!

Sincerely,

Interview: Julie Klassen

Here is a little bit of a weekend treat for you all (and for myself!)- the amazingly talented and totally swamped Julie Klassen took a few minutes of her time to answer a few questions for me! I am so excited to get to share this with you all!!!

1) What got you interested in writing?
I have always loved to read and, according to a 2nd grade report card, enjoyed writing from a young age as well. I have wanted to be an author for almost as long as I can remember, and reading British literature like The Secret Garden and Jane Eyre at a young age no doubt influenced my love of all-things-England and is probably why I set my own novels there now.

2) What is your main goal you wish to accomplish through your writing?
My goals are to tell a good story that will delight readers, and to glorify God.

3) Tell us a little about your current project:
I am working on galleys for my next book, called The Secret of Pembrooke Park. It has quite a bit of mystery as well as romance. My editors are telling me it's my best yet--I hope so! The book releases in November and is available for pre-order now. Here is a description:
Abigail Foster is the practical daughter. She fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry, and the one man she thought might marry her seems to have fallen for her younger, prettier sister. 
Facing financial ruin, Abigail and her father search for more affordable lodgings, until a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll’s house left mid-play . . .
The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem acquainted with the manor’s past, the only information they offer Abigail is a stern warning: Beware trespassers drawn by rumors that Pembrooke Park contains a secret room filled with treasure.
This catches Abigail’s attention. Hoping to restore her family’s finances—and her dowry—Abigail looks for this supposed treasure. But eerie sounds at night and footprints in the dust reveal she isn’t the only one secretly searching the house.
As old friends and new foes come calling at Pembrooke Park, secrets come to light. Will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks . . . or very real danger?

Be sure to put The Secret of Pembrooke Park on your Christmas list this year- it's sure to be amazing!!!

Thank you so much, Julie! 

Have a wonderful Sunday, and God bless you all!

Cinema Saturday: Mad Tea!

One of the most famous tea parties and it's totally pointless. (And awesome. )

Have a fantastic weekend! 

Sincerely,

Wonderland Wednesdays: ....on Friday....

So I've been a bit swamped lately....as you can tell by the late post. O:-) But I decided to go ahead and do a Wonderland Wednes-Fri-day anyway- better late than never! :D

This week (like last week) I'm posting five pictures of another thing I really love and just think so gorgeous. 

Tea cups. :)

 That's me! ^ :D

Cheers! :)

Cinema Saturday: Super Patriotic

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE Day!!!!!!

Sylvester

Sylvester, in some ways, resembled Pride & Prejudice, in that the hero and heroine both have a level of pride but only recognize it and other faults in the other- denying (or rather, ignoring) their own.

I've probably claimed this before about another, but this Heyer couple has to be my favorite so far!! ^_^ Somehow this one seemed unique and set-apart from all her other stories, though it still had the same lively and witty style. 

I know this is an extremely short review coming from me, but there really just are no words to convey this level of literary brilliance. 

Sincerely,

Wonderland Wednesdays: Intricate Beauty

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us."

I have this random love for wrought iron gates...

...I think they are so gorgeous...

...and unique...

...intricate...

...and strong;

-rather like a butterfly.

 Which is simply a lovely thought. 

"The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings."

(And one more, just cause it's coo!l)

With a smile, 

:)