A Pretty Age By Barbara Mueller - a book review

A Pretty Age By Barbara Mueller

This is a turn of the century mystery revolving around women’s rights, and the use of the new technologies of that day.  Two friends from very different backgrounds attend a convent boarding school; both leave school early, but for very different reasons.  A missionary visitor comes to speak for a few days at the school and Sophiny Mumm is fascinated by him – Antoinette Dominguez is not.  Sophiny’s mother dies and she has to go home while Antoinette’s mother has disappeared.  Antoinette leaves to search for her mother and leaves clues for Sophiny hoping she can help. 

This book is very different from what I usually read but I enjoyed it.  It is very detailed with lots of historical facts given.  It was a little hard to get into it but ultimately I found it hard to put it down – as the many twists and turns of the plot kept me reading as fast as I could.  There were many characters to try to keep up with but in the end it all fit together and I wanted to know more about the future of Sophiny and the missionary.

This book was provided for my review by Booksneeze.  I was not required to provide a positive review.  The opinions are my own.

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"Letters to Katie," by Kathleen Fuller - a book review

"Letters to Katie," A Middlefield Family novel,  is the latest Amish novel written by Kathleen Fuller and this book in a winner! 

It is past time for Katie to be married, and most of her friends are already married, but she is in love Johnny, who does not seem to return her love. Then a new young man appears on the scene and Katie wonders if she should  accept his attention, but he abruptly leaves town and begins writing to her. Johnny has his own distractions with deciding to buy his own farm without his father's approval and struggles to make his own way and find himself.  Then a sudden illness leads them both realize they must make their own decision about the future. Their problems and discontent with life leads both of them on a search for God.   There are several other characters and story lines which keep you reading.

I enjoyed this book and the way several people from outside their community affect their lives. I always enjoy reading about someone's search for God, particularly the prayers and scriptures that lead them to making the right decisions. There are quite a few characters to keep up with which could be confusing - but at the same time add interest it the story.  I enjoyed seeing how relationships developed and the different ways people came to a decision on moving forward in their life. 

This book was provided at no charge by Booksneeze for my review.  A positive review was not required.  The opinions are my ow.

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When Jesus Wept - Jerusalem Chronicles, The Volume: 1 By Bodie and Brock Thoene

When Jesus Wept

Jerusalem Chronicles, The Volume: 1

By Bodie and Brock Thoene

What a wonderful book about Lazarus and his life at the time of Christ. It is based on scripture but adds Lazarus as attending or being involved in many of the New Testament miracles and happenings in the life of Jesus.   The story is really about life as a Jew in Roman times.   Lazarus owned a vineyard and spent a lot of his time tending the vines - then Jesus touches his life - and changes everything.  Jesus walks in and out of Lazarus’ life during his years of ministry and all the way to the resurrection.

I loved this book – the way they use scripture to tell parts of the story is wonderful.  I loved the history included regarding Roman times, the oppression of the Jews, John the Baptist and many other historical and biblical events. So many parables and people we briefly read about in the Bible are expanded upon to give greater understanding.  This is not your traditional Christian fiction book but I think would be of interest to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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.