Cynthia Marcano's Blog, page 5

Review: Bathsheba by Angela Hunt

Bathsheba: Reluctant Beauty
Author - Angela Hunt
Rating - 3 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: ProbablyBack Cover...After sending his army to besiege another king's capital, King David forces himself on Bathsheba, a loyal soldier's wife. When her resulting pregnancy forces the king to murder her husband and add her to his harem, Bathsheba struggles to protect her son while dealing with the effects of a dark prophecy and deadly curse on the king's household.

Combining historical facts with detailed fiction, Angela Hunt paints a realistic portrait of the beautiful woman who struggled to survive the dire results of divine judgment on a king with a divided heart.

What I Loved...Throughout the bible, we often see Bathsheba as David's lover, grieving mother and David's wife. Although we know is she also the mother of Solomon, I admit that I have never really explored that relationship while reading. Author Angela Hunt focused a lot of Bathsheba, as the devoted mother of Solomon. It is my favorite element of the book.

What I Liked...Biblical Fiction can get a little tricky and you have to remember that fiction is intertwined with actual biblical accounts and I had to mentally check myself to not blur the lines. That is good writing!

Other...The cover is beautiful. I love it!

I have read and loved biblical fiction and its probably a hard genre to write because you have to remember to keep what is factual in tact while adding your own fictional plots and twists. However, I feel like Bathsheba's plot fell short for me. I think Angela is a really good writer and I would read more of her books, but I think the fictional plot she choose just didn't do it for me. Whether Bathsheba willing slept with David and committed adultery or whether she was raped  isn't known. Hunt choose to center her plot around the latter, but how the book unfolded from that point of view left me wanting.

The book is a good book, just not for me.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

Bathsheba by Angela Hunt

Bathsheba: Reluctant Beauty
Author - Angela Hunt
Rating - 3 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: ProbablyBack Cover...After sending his army to besiege another king's capital, King David forces himself on Bathsheba, a loyal soldier's wife. When her resulting pregnancy forces the king to murder her husband and add her to his harem, Bathsheba struggles to protect her son while dealing with the effects of a dark prophecy and deadly curse on the king's household.

Combining historical facts with detailed fiction, Angela Hunt paints a realistic portrait of the beautiful woman who struggled to survive the dire results of divine judgment on a king with a divided heart.

What I Loved...Throughout the bible, we often see Bathsheba as David's lover, grieving mother and David's wife. Although we know is she also the mother of Solomon, I admit that I have never really explored that relationship while reading. Author Angela Hunt focused a lot of Bathsheba, as the devoted mother of Solomon. It is my favorite element of the book.

What I Liked...Biblical Fiction can get a little tricky and you have to remember that fiction is intertwined with actual biblical accounts and I had to mentally check myself to not blur the lines. That is good writing!

Other...The cover is beautiful. I love it!

I have read and loved biblical fiction and its probably a hard genre to write because you have to remember to keep what is factual in tact while adding your own fictional plots and twists. However, I feel like Bathsheba's plot fell short for me. I think Angela is a really good writer and I would read more of her books, but I think the fictional plot she choose just didn't do it for me. Whether Bathsheba willing slept with David and committed adultery or whether she was raped  isn't known. Hunt choose to center her plot around the latter, but how the book unfolded from that point of view left me wanting.

The book is a good book, just not for me.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

Review: Promises Kept by Scarlett Dunn

Promises Kept
Author - Scarlett Dunn
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: Back Cover...Victoria Eastman grew up in a Texas saloon—an experience that made her tough, resourceful, and determined to forge a new life. So she places an ad in a gentleman's newspaper... and soon finds herself a suitable arrangement on a farm in Promise, Wyoming. Only problem is that her would-be husband turns up dead the day she arrives.

Rancher Colt McBride is known for his true grit and business smarts. Yet when it comes to his new neighbor, Victoria, he's stumped: Who is she, really? She's lovely to look at, of course, and has proven herself a gentle soul. She's even causing him to question his staunch bachelorhood. But any kind of future may be shattered when a stranger reveals a secret about Victoria's past—one that could destroy them both. Unless, together, they can take a leap of faith—right into each other's arms.

What I Loved...Victoria is a very likable heroine. I thought she was well written. Most of the characters were extremely well written and I could see them all so clearly as I was reading.  The attraction between Victoria and Colt was great and I enjoyed their love story. Romance is what I look forward to the most in book and I wasn't disappointed.


What I Liked...You can't have a cowboy in a book and not expect some showdown action and brawls. Promises Kept was full of suspense and action to keep  me interested and interested I was indeed. The plot was good.

Other...I'm not a fan of the cover. It was a little boring for this book that is full of romance, action and suspense.

While I really did enjoy the book, there were two main reasons for only rating it a 3 out of 5.

First, there was some foul language in the book. I do not like to read foul language in any book especially in a Christian book. I have read many many many books with cowboys, rangers, thugs, and it made sense that the character would use foul language, yet the author creatively worked around it and expressed his bad language without actually using the word. I just can not stomach foul language and the fact that it was used quite a few times was disappointing.

Secondly, I found the "Christian" in this Christian Fiction lacking. I honestly checked twice to assure myself that I was reading a Christian Fiction book.

I am unsure whether I would venture to read another Scarlett Dunn book. The plot and characters were nicely written but that wasn't enough for me in this case.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

Review: Not By Sight by Kate Breslin

Not By Sight
Author - Kate Breslin
Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: To some more than othersBack Cover...With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover. Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country's cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she'll set off when she hands a feather to Jack. And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them--or the faith they'll need to maintain hope.
What I Loved...I know a few readers that love WWII Era books and this is one that I would definitely recommend. It was intriguing to read about it from the point of view of a country other than the USA. Jack Benningham has a touch of Mr. Rochester in him and I loved it! Grace is no Jane Eyre but I wouldn't have had it any other way. The two make for great leading characters.

I love history as well and was ecstatic that Breslin incorprated some into the book and in her notes.

What I Liked...Not By Sight had a bit of everything: suspense, romance, a little fun, espionage and a but of thrills. Made the book move along well.

Other...I like the cover of the book and I do understand why it was used, however I find that is misrepresents the book grossly. I was left wanting a more and a bit disappointed once I finished the book and having looked at the cover once more. In fact, I finished the book a little over a week ago and when I came back to write a review and looked at the cover, I had no idea what the book was about. When I began to read the back cover, it all came back to me in a flood.

I would definitely recommend for any historical fiction readers who like a little romance mixed in with lots more stuff.


Disclaimer: This free book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley in an exchange for a review. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.

Review: A Bride At Last

A Bride at Last
Author - Melissa Jagears
Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: SureBack Cover...Abandoned by his mail-order bride, Silas Jonesey has fought an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true and his estranged wife has contacted him with her whereabouts.

Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but upon realizing she'd been deceived about her intended groom, she's now settled into life as a schoolteacher. When the mother of a student passes away, Kate assumes she'll take on care of nine-year-old Anthony--until two men suddenly show up in town, claiming to be the boy's father.

Silas can see Anthony loves Kate, so he enlists her help in reaching out to the boy and attempting to prove his paternity to the court. When a common interest in Anthony leads to an interest in each other and Silas and Kate begin to think they can overcome their rocky start, neither is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony's wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?

What I Loved...I can't quite remember the last time I read a book where I wanted to just smack several characters including both Silas and Kate, the main characters! I loved that Melissa was able to bring about such emotion from me. I wasn't annoyed with the plot or characters but instead engrossed and just wanted to head out to the homestead and play matchmaker myself. I loved that the characters are so flawed and I loved them each anyway. Once or twice I wondered if I could ever survive in a homestead. While my brain told me no, this book made my heart really want to say yes!

What I Liked...Melissa Jagears writing caught me a bit by surprise when she took the bits and pieces of the book that are usually meantt to add charm and took them to a whole other level when they turned out to be very intricate details to the characters, their motives, their circumstances and a major part of the plot. I can't with spoilers. If you happen to read this book, and I suggest that you do, please let me know if you happened to pick up on what I am referring to.
Other...The cover is nice. I didn't picture Silas that way, however.

I had a hard time warming up to little Anthony. I am the parent of an 8 year old boy and by all means should have probably found it easier to like him but I just had a hard time of it. I tried. I really did. It took most of the book before I finally wanted to wrap him up in my arms as much as Kate had and wanted to throughout the book.

This is my first read from author Melissa Jagears and I quite enjoyed it and would read her work again.


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

Eyes On Him Updated & Free

Hi! I just wanted to drop a quick note letting you all know that Eyes On Him has been updated ' corrected and now has included the second part of the book.

Today and tomorrow you can download it for free on Amazon.com

Save An Author!

Review: Refining Fire by Tracie Peterson

Refining Fire
Author - Tracie Peterson
Rating - 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: Not SureBack Cover...
Militine Scott, twenty-two, is in training at the Madison School for Brides in Seattle, Washington. Though she has no intention of pursuing marriage–believing no man will have her–she has found the school provides the perfect opportunity to hide her unsavory past.

Thane Patton, though fun loving and fiercely loyal to his friends, hides a dark secret, as well. He finds himself drawn to Militine, sensing a haunting pain similar to his own.Sure Will they finally allow God to make something new and beautiful from the debris of the past?

What I Loved...Thane is sweet and a firefighter. That is about all I need, but he is also just a plain old good guy. He's not the charming flirt or the brooding mysterious guy, but just hard working and loving. He's a refreshing character.

I loved the ending with Millitine's friend Arianna but no spoilers.

What I Liked...I always enjoy reading true history in fiction books and liked reading about the firefighters struggles during fires and how different life was 150 years ago.

Other...Although I enjoyed this book more than book 1 of the Brides of Seattle Series, I found the same issue with the first. I found Millitine, the heroine, wanting and her story seemed to be the background story to Arianna's story which I love.

I am looking forward to Arianna's story.

The cover is beautiful.

By the way, here is how I pictured Thane.




Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

In Good Company by Jen Turano

In Good Company
Author - Jen Turano
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: Absolutely!Back Cover...After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well-received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.

Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he's desperate for competent childcare.

At wit's end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance--with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children's parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?

What I Loved...Jen Turano is one of my go-to authors when I need a book to fall in love with. Her books are consistently AWESOME! I simply love In Good Company. I can't even pinpoint just a few things that I love because I loved the whole book.

Main character Millie is funny and smart and such a joy to read. Her strong desire to improve her vocabulary, yet seemingly always using the incorrect word is so hilarious and makes her character so endearing.

In Good Company is a light-hearted funny read full of romance and a Christian message to tie it altogether.

All of the characters are so well written as is the story. Kudos Jen Turano!

I enjoyed reading In Good Company so much that I went back and began to reread The Ladies of Distinction Series. I enjoyed them just as much as I did since the first time I read her books.What I Liked...See what I loved.

Other...The cover is really cute (although not my favorite). In Good Company is a part of the series A Class Of Their Own, but is a standalone book. I do recommend that you read After A Fashion before reading In Good Company. You can read my review for After A Fashion Here.


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

In God Company by Jen Turano

In Good Company
Author - Jen Turano
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: Absolutely!Back Cover...After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well-received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.

Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he's desperate for competent childcare.

At wit's end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance--with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children's parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?

What I Loved...Jen Turano is one of my go-to authors when I need a book to fall in love with. Her books are consistently AWESOME! I simply love In Good Company. I can't even pinpoint just a few things that I love because I loved the whole book.

Main character Millie is funny and smart and such a joy to read. Her strong desire to improve her vocabulary, yet seemingly always using the incorrect word is so hilarious and makes her character so endearing.

In Good Company is a light-hearted funny read full of romance and a Christian message to tie it altogether.

All of the characters are so well written as is the story. Kudos Jen Turano!

I enjoyed reading In Good Company so much that I went back and began to reread The Ladies of Distinction Series. I enjoyed them just as much as I did since the first time I read her books.What I Liked...See what I loved.

Other...The cover is really cute (although not my favorite). In Good Company is a part of the series A Class Of Their Own, but is a standalone book. I do recommend that you read After A Fashion before reading In Good Company. You can read my review for After A Fashion Here.


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.