Sarah Holman's Blog, page 124

Book Review: The Merchant's Daughter

From the back cover:An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice. Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf's bailiff---a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past. Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.
I love the Middle Ages and I am always looking for books set in that time period.  I had seen a lot of really good reviews for The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson so I decided to get this.  I even got a great deal, only $2.99 for the Kindle edition.
This book drew me in and didn't let me go.  The characters were well developed and believable.  The setting felt so real and very well researched without the author getting carried away with what she knew. My only complaint is that this book was so good, I got very frustrated because I couldn't sit down are read it in one sitting.  Why did God give siblings the uncanny ability to interrupt at the most pivotal parts of the story?  I mean when I wanted to take a break my siblings were doing things on their own. When I was reading they needed me.
Some of my favorite parts.I loved the faith the characters have in this book.  So many Christian books have a sappy faith but that was not the case in this book. I loved how God used Annabel's situation as an indentured servant to grant her the deepest wish of her heart.
Okay, for all of you who think I scorn romance I will admit that sometimes the girly-girl part of me comes out.  I really liked that this was a re-telling of a fairy tale.  Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite tales so the fact that this book retold that story, made it all the better.
Things you might want to know before you read.There is a man that tries to force himself on Annabel, however Melanie Dickerson handled it so well that it didn't really bother me.  However, younger readers may want their parents to look over the book first.For my readers who avoid romance, this book it a romance book and there is kissing so you wouldn't like it.

Need something to watch?

I just watched one of the best movies I have seen in a long time.  Watch Radio Rebel as soon as you can!  Disney has done another movie that made me want to get up and dance with joy with this heart warming TV movie.

Multitudes on Mondays; More books and family time

I love book!  This week I have been reading and hanging out with my family. Here are some of the things I am thankful for today
#131.  The Merchant's Daughter (review coming soon)#132. Sisters, there is nothing better#133. Molly Evangeline, her books are awesome!# 134. My bother, the basketball player#135. A mother that taught us to have fun without money#136. A dad that works hard to provide#137. Time away form the daily norm#138. Thanksgiving Square in Dallas (look it up)#139. Stained glass windows#140. A full inbox to come home to.

My Kindle

My aunt gave me and my sibling her old Kindle.  What a blessing that has been!  Yesterday I downloaded five books.  Three of them were 2.99 and one was only 99 cents!  Here are the books I got and the links to get them if you want.


I have seen so many good reviews on the book.  I can't wait to read it! You can get it here

I don't normally read fantasy but this one looked so good...and it was only 99 cents!
Yes another Molly Evangeline book.  I can't wait to read the sequel to the Pirate Daughter Promise.  Get it here

Okay I listened to this book and it was really, really good so I wanted to support the author and share it with my siblings My review of Red Rain is forthcoming

Awards

Rachelle and Julia gave me some awards!
The Award'sOfficial Rules:

It's given to up-and-coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you. (Did that)
2. Reveal your Top Five Picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog. (that is the best part)
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog. (Did that!)
4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love too! (of course they will!)
Now for myTop Five Picks
1. In the Bookcase by TessaI love this blog that helps me share and find book reviews, interviews, and other fun book related material
2. Molly EvangelineAfter reading her book The Pirate Daughter's Promise, I started following Molly's blog.  I love her how-to posts and writer updates.
3. Radiant Purity and True Beauty by Melinda.I love the encouraging, and thought provoking posts.  I also treasure the friendship of the blogger herself.
4. Big House in the Little Woods by BaileyI don't read this blog as often as I would like.  However, every time I read I am blessed.
5. Hope Scribbles by ElisabethElisabeth wrote my favorite book series of 2011 and I love reading her blog.  It is always so refreshing and fun! I'm giving this award to...Virtuous Girlhood! Young HomemakersHomemade MinistryBlue Skies
This award goes to...
E. Kaiser Writes-A-BlogLiterary PutsuitsMolly Evangeline Tales of Goldstone Wood

This goes to...Homemade MinistryYoung HomemakersRadiant Purity and True Beauty
This one goes to...All my readers!
Let's see. Seven random things about me:
1. I get a lot of laughs out of people's inconsistencies.2. I have a strong opinion on just about every political issue.3. I love to garden.4. I don't care for sports.5. I love Tex-Mex so much, I could eat it every day.6. I met many of my friends though blogging.7. I take a walk in the woods almost every day

The Verve Literary Awards

I just found out this award and I want you to help them out!  Go to their site and nominate your favorite book/books written in 2011 or 2012.  My books have already been nominated, but seconding the nomination couldn't hurt.

We readers spend a lot of time reading.  Let's take the time to support the authors that we love by nominating them today!




You can also find The Verve Literary Award on

Multitudes on Mondays; History

I love history.  Few things give me as much pleasure as studying the unfolding of God's plan for the world. So today, I am thankful for... #121.  For history book that take me to other times and places

#122. The great men and women who lived and died for their faith

#123. That when things seemed darkest, Gods light shown brightest 
#124. For authors of historical fiction; you guys are the best
#125. For the early church, may we never forget them
#126. For the Middle Ages, it never stop inspiring me
#127.  That I can find out about any time period I want
#128. For those who chronicled our past
#129. For the One who holds the future
#130. That it is HIS-story unfolding

Book Review; The Everlasting Flame

The Everlasting Flame by Linda Chaikin


"Courage, conviction, adventure, and romance fill every page of this exciting historical novel. Set in the early days of the Protestant Reformation, this powerful book portrays two people in love with each other and with the Word of God."
I love Linda Chaikin!  I discovered her last year while reading her Heart of India trilogy and she is one of my new favorite authors.  I was given about six of her books for Christmas and they are high up on my reading list.  The Everlasting Flame was one of the ones I was given and was high on the list.

I was very young when I read my first biography on William Tyndale and was inspired. I read everything I could get my hands on about this man who was willing to risk everything to get the scriptures into the language and vernacular of the common people.  In fact 90% of the 1611 King James Bible is Tyndale's work.

Linda did her research on this book.  However, at times she gets a little carried away with her research and forgets the reason everyone is reading her book, Justin.  There are two or three chapters throughout the book where she focuses completely on Tyndale and nothing is said of the hero.  Also, in order to be historical accurate, there are times where she skips a year or two.  Some of these transitions are better than others.What I loved about this book? It makes you want to read your bible out of sheer joy that you have it.  It renewed my interest in the reformers and all their work.  I also loved the character of Justin.  He was passionate, good with a sword as well as a pen.

As for the romance, there was some but it was not the focus of the group.  If I remember correctly, they don't even kiss until they are married.  The focus of this book was truly the amazing power of God's word, not the power of love.

If you want to be inspired by the work of the reformers, if you want to be amazed at the privilege of having scripture in English, or if you just want a wonderful historical tale, this book is for you.

Multitudes on Mondays; The Bible

I just finished reading a book called The Everlasting Flame (review coming tomorrow).  It was a fiction story that showcased the reformers and their dangerous mission to get the Bible translated into the common language.  It made me want to read and memorize more scripture.  It is good to be reminded sometimes of what a privilege it is to be able to read the scriptures. So today I am thankful for…
#111. My choices in Bible reading.  I can pick a version that speaks to me#112. For all of those that gave their lives so that I could read the words of God#113. That I can share the scriptures with anyone without fear of being thrown in jail#114. For the friends that encourage, bless, and rebuke me with words from the Bible#115. For the Heavenly Father who breathed the scriptures for us#116. That Christ speakers to my heart as well as through the Bible#117. For the church of God, what a blessing it has been to me#118. That one day, I will live with God forever#119. That God is with us always, though the good times and the bad#120. For Tyndale; may his work and sacrifice never be forgotten

Challenge Friday; Catch up

Books Read;Golden Palaces Behind the Veil The Pirate Daughter's Promise
Verse Progress;I am sad to say that I am very behind in my memorization. I hope to work hard on it this week and next to catch up