Sarah Holman's Blog, page 106

Book Review: Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Age Appropriate For: 13 and up (thematic material, romance)
Best for Ages: 15 and up
Description: Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn’t going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life. The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon’s Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family’s tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.
I am going to start this review with the one thing I didn’t like about this book: the cover. For me, the cover gave me pause. It made it look like the book would have content that might not be appropriate It isn’t so much what is shown as what is implied. Thankfully, the cover had nothing to do with the story. I hope this type of cover doesn’t become a trend for Zondervan books.
Thank goodness I chose not to judge this book by its cover, because it was an amazingly wonderful story. The romance in it was so clean and so God honoring that even younger readers might find themselves liking it. Seriously, I don’t think I have read a romance from a traditional publisher that made me jump up and down saying “That is the kind of romance I want!” until I read this book.
Both characters like each other from the beginning, but feelings are not the center of the romance, only a factor. Most of the time Nate and Susanna spend together is spent talking, often about faith. When they are apart, they don’t spend all the time dreaming of kisses, hand-holding, and such, the miss each other’s advice, thoughts, and presence.
Nathaniel was so amazing. There are not many heroes in books who think more about duty and honor than their hormones. He was the type of guy I am looking for – the type who treats girls with respect and honor; the type who cares more about a girl’s heart than her body. That isn’t to say he wasn’t attracted to Susanna. Let’s be honest, it would be weird to have a romance where there was no attraction. It is simply that he thinks more about who she is than the fact that she is pretty.
The fairy-tale aspect was so fun. So maybe it wasn’t 100% believable, but who cares. It was so fun! The settings were so lovely that I could hear the accents, and the history of the fictional country was well presented. Some of the political aspect was murky, but not too bad.
The faith message was awesome. It was well-constructed, not too heavy, and central to the story. Both Suzanna and Nate helped build each other’s faith.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a clean fairy tale, God-honoring romance, and characters that are strong of faith and character.
Was this helpful? Please vote it up on Amazon and like it on Goodreads.

I received this book from Zondervan through Booksneezein exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Book Review: Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Age Appropriate For: 13 and up (romance, and some situations)
Best for Ages: 18 and up
Description: On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can scarcely believe it when he's forced off the train by a retired outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the minister she requested for her birthday. Worried this unfortunate detour will ruin his chances of finally serving a congregation of his own, Crockett is determined to escape. But when he finally gets away, he's haunted by the memory of the young woman he left behind--a woman whose dreams now hinge on him. For months, Joanna Robbins prayed for a preacher. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. A man to help her discover answers to the questions that have been on her heart for so long. But just when it seems God has answered her prayers, it turns out the person is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett to stay in her little backwoods community? And does the attraction between them have any chance of blossoming when Joanna's outlaw father is dead set against his daughter courting a preacher?
Karen Witemeyer has been my author find of the year. I have only read three of her books, but she has already proven she has an engaging style, faith-building messages, and godly characters. When I was offered a copy of her latest book to review, I jumped at the chance.
It was good to meet up with one of the Archer brothers again. You might remember Crockett from Short-Straw Bride. Throughout the book, you hear of what Travis is up to, and his younger brother comes for a visit. These brothers are making a great series.
I wasn’t sure any of the Archer brothers could compete with Travis, but Crockett did a good job. He allows the LORD to lead him on a very different path, and he reaches out to those who need him, not only the most likable characters.
This book kept me turning pages. From the intriguing beginning (Kidnapping a preacher for a birthday gift? Brilliant!) to the blissful, happy ending, I was hooked. Karen Witemeyer has an engaging style that I love. There is never a dull sentence.
Finally! A book set in Texas that actually sounds like Texas. So many books sound like Hollywood’s version of Texas, which, if you live here, is far from the truth. Witemeyer is a Texan, so that helps, but she did an excellent job of representing the state I call home.
*Spoiler alert*The best part for me, however, was when Crockett confronts Holly, a girl who has been flirting with him. I wish more guys today had the guts to stand up for what is right rather than let their egos be stroked when a girl flirts. I wonder if more girls would value themselves if young men stood up and told them what was what.*End spoiler*
I didn’t think I could love a Karen Witemeyer book more than Short-Straw Bride, but I did. This book takes the cake, it was that good. Perhaps it felt more real, or maybe it was the heroine with the hair that she couldn’t control, or just maybe it was the message that no life is beyond redemption. I loved this book.I highly recommend this book for those who love romance, westerns, faith-building fiction, and swoon-worthy heroes that have godly character.
Was this helpful? Please vote it up on Amazon and like it on Goodreads.

I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Multitudes on Mondays: Gifts

I have been doing Multitudes on Mondays often on for a long time now. However, this Sunday I read the book that has inspired the movement. Yes, I finally read 1000 Gifts. Reading the book inspired me to thank God all the time for the gifts I have, here is some of the things I am thankful for today.
371. The book that has dared me and so many to see the blessings around us
372. Sunbeams through clouds
373. Texas summers
374. Free Kindle books
375. Twenty-three years of life
376. Five years of blogging
377. Wonderful memories
378. Wonderful present
379. A wonderful future
380. A God who opens my eyes to the beauty around me

DC trip Day 8

We were all so excited. On our way home, we got to go see the Creation Museum! We had seen concept drawings for it in 2004. To get to see it built was amazing!
Outside, ready to go in.
The exhibits were amazing!
You felt like you were really in the place they were talking about.
They had some awesome stuff

My favorite part was all the life sized wax figures and scenes they had.
The movies they had throughout, though not long, were so well done.
tunnel of lights

In Eden
Eden

Eating the fruit
The first sacrifice 
Adam working the ground for food.

Noah's ark diorama 
Entering the Bable
So pretty!
I loved this fountain
Dinosaurs!!
They're not real, silly ;)
I hope you have enjoyed the pictures from my trip! Normal blog posts will resume next week.

DC trip Day 7

We got up early and headed to the National Zoo. the wolves were so cool.
The wolves were cool, but my brother is even better. to much Awesomeness in one photo.
Sea Lions! I haven't seen any in a long time. They were my favorite at the San Antonio zoo until they got rid of them.
This Sea Lion loved our little suffed dog
I am so happy to be there
Pretty cool, no?
Yes, I have great looking siblings
We had to see the Pandas
I fell in love with the Red Panda
Isn't he cute?
Next stop was the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial
I have to say, this was the most emotional stop for me.
We made a brief stop to see the Atlantic Ocean.
It was fun. I had only seen the Gulf before this. I can't say they are much different.
My brother loved this stop best of all.

DC trip Day 6

We headed to spend a day in Philadelphia! Our first stop was Independence Hall. We had reserved spots on a early tour.
George Washington actor who was telling us all sorts of interesting things about his uniform

All us kids in the old court room inside Independence Hall.
I was so excited to see the signing room!
All of us were.
The building was tall. I think we all had visions of the movie National Treasure while there.

Having some fun and learning in the visitors center.
Franklin court.
Benjamin Franklin's printing press
We got to stop in front of Betsy Ross's House (it was very small).
The Liberty Bell!!
On our way back to the house, we stopped by Valley Forge
The House Washington stayed in

DC Trip Day 5

We got to go visit with some our best friends who also bloggers
Rachel, Sarah, Jessica, Rose
We had a lovely drive to their home
We had a blast playing the Wii together
And talking, and talking, and talking.

DC Trip Day 4

After such an exhausting day in DC, we needed something easier to do. We went to the Hershey Chocolate factory in Pennsylvania.  We arrive!
Yummy!
Yes, singing cows on the free tour.

Writing Saturday: H is for Harold

SourceAge: Middle Aged man

Occupation: Captain in the service of the king

Best friends: Maggie, the head cook at the kings castle

Greatest sorrow: The loss of his wife and daughter

Greatest joy: Seeing Maggie from time to time

A piece of his tale: “Well, if it isn’t Captain Harold. Back already from Lord Sittell? I thought that he would give you a hard time taking the dues owed the king.”
Alditha raised her head to see a middle aged man dressed in clothes that reminded her of Lord Sittell’s personal servants standing at the gate.Captain Harold pulled back on the reins of his horse and raised his hand for the rest of the company to stop. “That is why they sent me to collect them, Bane.” Captain Harold’s tone was cool.A cocky smirk appeared on Bane’s lips. “Yes, you always did have a knack for those things. And here I thought running the castle was an important job. Well, do you need some help getting them all where they need to be?”Captain Harold’s horse stamped impatiently, mirroring his masters own expression. “I know where to deliver them. I have five men here to work on the castle, and one family is here to work in the fields.”Bane shook his head and let out an exaggerated sigh. “That is where you would be wrong. All of them are heading to the fields. The king is very anxious that the rains will come before the harvest is complete. I told you that you did not know everything.”Despite the condescending tone he had just been addressed in, Captain Harold stayed placid. His horse took as step forward, but with a quick jerk of the reins the horse stilled. “I have a girl that was supposed to work in the kitchens. She can be of no use in either the fields or in building the walls.”Alditha held her breath as Bane’s eyes searched the peasants, resting for a moment on her before returning to Captain Harold. 

Finds of the Week

Treasuring His Beauty~A lovely reminder~

How to Make the "Write!" Shirt
~Learn to make this awesome shirt~


You Might Be A Book Worm If... The Sequel
~I laughed out load all the way through this posts~


Wise Things I Learned From My Dad
~an post full of wisdom~


“Single” is not who I am
~How we should define ourselves~


Ribbon-Covered Flip Flops {Tutorial}
~Make these cute flip-flops~