Kate Willis's Blog, page 122

Book Review: Home at Last

“Orlena Mavrich little dreamed what winter on Triple Creek Ranch would be like. Her awakened conscience and inability to “be good” are not the only cause for tears. Will the long winter days ahead bring only trouble and quick tempers? Join Mr. and Mrs. Mavrich, Mrs. O’Connor and the ranch hands as they face winter’s storms within and without, relying on the Lord’s help to bring some wanderers home at last.” (from Amazon)

This is the second book in the Triple Creek Ranch series by Rebekah Morris, and it is just as wonderful (or even better) than the first! The cover is, once again, very beautiful and accurately portrays the tone of the book.

The Setting:

This story was set on a ranch in the Midwest during winter which added an extra danger and excitement to ranch life. It was great to be able to learn more about the setting of the series, and their little town featured more into the story this time. The illustrations are just fabulous and really bring to life the world of cowboys and prairies.

The Storyline:

The storyline was really great! I loved “watching” the continued journey of Orlena and those around her. The plot was very interesting (and even set up some more for the next book!!!), and I loved how it mirrors the struggle going on in the Orlena’s life at the time. Lessons in controlling a temper, loving difficult people, and leaning on Christ for help, as well as a clear Gospel presentation, were integrated into the book. And it was so awesome that Christmas got to be in the story!!!

The Characters:

The characters were delightful, (though there almost were too many ranch hands to keep track of). As always, I very much enjoyed Mr. and Mrs. Mavrich, and their relationship was a beautiful reminder of how wonderful marriage can be under Christ’s headship. Once again, Mrs. Mavrich was sooo sweet, and Mr. Mavrich was awesome in his own way! : ) Their friends, ranch hands, and housekeeper Mrs. O’Conner (as well as a few new people added) made up the rich group of side characters. Orlena has definitely improved since the last book, but she still has lots to learn. (I love the way that turns out!)

The Concerns:

Parents should have caution in considering this book for younger readers because of some things that Orlena says in her arguments with her older brother. Also, although the marriage relationship between two of the main characters is very sweet and godly, some parents may not want younger readers to read this yet because there is a lot of married kissing throughout the book. : ) Also, a small scene takes place with a drunkard in the town, and there are small mentions of drinking and gambling throughout the book (but the character comes around!).

I was very excited to read this book! It tells the continuing story of the transformation Christ can bring to our lives and added to that it is a really good story! I can’t wait to read the next book that just came out!

If you found this review helpful, please consider voting for it on Amazon and Goodreads.

Book Review: Rustlers

“The ranches around Rough Rock have been hit by cattle rustlers, and Norman and the sheriff both suspect that someone local is involved. After the Triple Creek Ranch hands discover unknown riders on their range, Norman is determined to put a stop to the whole thing. Join the Mavrich family as they hunt down rustlers, celebrate new life, and experience the joys and challenges of living a Christian life.” (from Amazon)

I was very excited when I heard this book by Rebekah Morris was out. Especially since the cover gives away a very special aspect of the story. : )

The Setting:

This story was set on a ranch in the Midwest during late spring. Awesome descriptions of ranch life. Their little town figured much more into the story than in the first two books, and we get to see a couple other ranches as well this time. The illustrations—they are fabulous. : )

The Storyline:

The storyline was really great! I loved seeing how the Mavrichs’ story continued as they worked together as a Christian family. This story is a little more action packed than the first two, but it was exciting and clever plot! I would have never guessed how the rustlers were working. Lots of sweet home life stuff too which I like a lot. : ) Really awesome lessons about dealing with worry, loving people as Christ does, living as a Christian, and leaning on God’s strength were integrated into the book. The fact that it is spring in the story is really fun too since there are baby animals to enjoy hearing about. : )

The Characters:

The characters were awesome! Same awesome cast (love the Mavrichs!) and crew (love Scott, Hearter, and Mrs. O’Conner!), plus some new characters. (My only complaint—too many ranch hands to keep track of. Fortunately all of them aren’t main characters.) Mr. Mavrich and Mrs. Mavrich are so sweet, and Orlena is definitely improved! : ) Everyone is very realistic, and it is interesting to note how people’s motives can move them to act in different ways. (I hope Ky is cool in the next book.)

The Concerns:

Parents should have caution in considering this book for younger readers because of (SPOILER ALERT!) a western shootout. While very not-graphic, two characters do get hurt, and there are slight mentions of wounds and blood. (They are going to recover though!) The main thing I thought would not be good for younger readers is that Orlena has to walk by a saloon, and someone drunk is trying to be mean to her. (One of her brother’s very nice friends helps her out before anything happens, though.) There is also a mean little girl at the school that Orlena goes to that says some uncharitable things, but Orlena is learning to deal with that and reach out to her. Also, although the marriage relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Mavrich is very sweet and godly, some parents may not want younger readers to read this yet because there is a lot of married kissing throughout the book. : )

Once again, this awesome author provided me with an amazing book to read and enjoy!

If you found this review helpful, please consider voting for it on Amazon and Goodreads.

Book Review: Stephen

“Norman Mavrich has no need for another hired hand, but when a young boy shows up asking for work, he can’t turn him away. But where did the boy come from and what really brought him to the Triple Creek Ranch? The search for answers sends Bruce on an investigation and brings an unexpected conflict to the ranch family. Join the Mavriches, Mrs. O’Connor and the ranch hands for an eventful summer of hard work, fun and excitement.” (from Amazon)

It’s pretty hard to decide which of the books in this series by Rebekah Morris is my favorite, but this one probably comes the closest. ; )

The Setting:

The story is, of course, set on the fabulous Triple Creek Ranch during summer. Awesome descriptions of the season and ranch life (including how to fix a fence, though I still don’t think I’ll ever be able to do it since I’m not strong enough). ; ) Probably my favorite part of the whole setting is the horses especially since there are a few new ones added in this book.

The Storyline:

The storyline was really amazing! Although the book is mainly about Stephen, the author didn’t drop the continued story of Orlena’s growing in Christ. I loved the lessons on reaching out to other and loving them especially the part where Norman says, “God made love to grow, if we share it. We can’t use it up.” Once again, the love of Christ really shone through the characters, and I loved the story of how they cared for Stephen.

The Characters:

The characters were delightful (and I almost have the ranch hands’ names down!) as always. The Mavrichs are just the cutest ever, and I love watching their family grow. Lloyd, Ky, Stephen, and Orlena rank next in my favorites; but I enjoy just about every character there is. (Nice detective work, Bruce! Thumbs up!)

The Concerns:

Parents should have caution in considering this book for younger readers because of some schoolgirl spats including calling another girl a liar. (Resolved, of course.) Also, the marriage relationship in this is very sweet and godly, but some parents may not want younger children to read this because there is a lot of married kissing throughout the book. : ) My main concern however would be SPOILER ALERT!!! an evil, distant relative that has mistreated the boy and is coming to take him back.

I was very excited to read this book and bought it ASAP! I’m sorry if this review is a little sketchy since I usually like to write them directly after I read the book the first time, and this is written from a re-read.

If you found this review helpful, please consider voting for it on Amazon and Goodreads.

The Twin Arrows: Father and the Sisters

Chapter one: Father and the Sisters

“I am giving you this with the prayer that you will never need to use it.” The knight took a long parcel out of his saddlebag and gravely handed it to his daughter. They had paused a moment before the walls of the convent to talk a little before it was time to go in, and the sound of peaceful singing rose up from the white-walled commune.

The girl took the slender leather case from him and asked softly, “What is it?”

Her look of uncertainty smote him to the heart, and he wished his errand were an easier one. “Open it.”

She fumbled to untie the thong that held it shut and unrolled the something bright and shining. A sparkle came into her eyes; and she gasped with delight at the silver arrow. The shaft was not much thinner than her smallest finger, but the head was tiny and very, very sharp.

“In the other half of the case you will find a bow, equally as delicate but very powerful,” he added, watching her carefully.

She unrolled it again and fingered the light bow that was at that moment folded with the string lying ready by its side. Vines and flowers had been carved into its soft wood making it beautiful enough to match the silver arrow. “They are beautiful!” she exclaimed, looking up at her father with blue eyes that sparkled even more than the gifts.

Her father smiled a little at her words, then placed his large hand under her pointed chin and gently lifted it so that their eyes were on the same level. “These are neither playthings nor mere decorations, but instead they are something very rare and special. Ryla, my daughter, for your protection you have been given one of the twin arrows.”

“Twin arrows?” She echoed. Something in his tone told her his next words would be very important.

“There will be time enough to explain their origins later. Your brother has been given the other arrow. Keep it always by your side and never let it be taken from you, but do not be afraid to use it in time of need.”

Ryla slipped the thin case into the pocket of her skirt. “Does Mother have one?”

“No, she is already at the safe place therefore she does not need it. You will join her there when the time is right.” Her father pulled gently on the reins of the horse and began to walk it towards the gate of the convent. “One more thing,” he said as they drew nearer. “You must never leave their care unless I come for you or send Sir Wystan. You must trust him and follow his instructions to the letter.”

“Yes, Father. When do you think you will be back?”

“In war, one can never be sure,” he said, looking up to the very tops of the walls. That was all he would tell her and not a word more until they had spoken to the abbess and he was actually leaving.

“Goodbye, Ryla. Remember my instructions about Sir Wystan and the gift,” he said, hugging her and turning to go out of the gate.

All she could do was nod and give a little wave after him, for the lump in her throat made speaking impossible. The abbess put a gentle hand on her shoulder and wisely waited to speak until his horse disappeared in the distance and one of the sisters had shut the gate.

“Ryla, since you are about old enough to be a lay sister, it is my suggestion that you dress as one. This will be a good disguise if we have any unwelcome visitors, and you may find the clothes to be more suitable for the work we do here.”

Ryla nodded absently and reached into her pocket to touch the leather case. That was another thing Father had said, “Trust the sisters and follow their instructions to the letter.”

Her shoes sounded noisy in the quiet halls as she followed the abbess to what would be her new room. A lay sister walked by with a basket under her arm and nodded her veiled head kindly to them.

The abbess stopped suddenly in front of one of the doors and gestured inside, saying, “Here we are.”

Ryla looked around curiously as they stepped into it but was surprised to find that it was little different from her rooms at home. There were no decorations except a Scripture hung on the wall, but the window looked out on the garden where flowers and vegetables grew together tended carefully each day by the sisters.

“You will share this room with Chasity, another lay sister who is a few years older than you. I have told no one anything of your story except that you have come here for asylum, and they will not ask,” the abbess, said coming over to look out of the window as well. “They are to call you Angelique and treat you as one of their own. I do not expect you to act as one of the nuns since you are only visiting here; but I do ask that you let your rule be Christ’s love and be ready to help the sisters in their work wherever you are needed.”

Ryla nodded again. That was fair. There was a rustle of fabric as the nun turned to go out of the room, and the girl said quickly, “Thank you for everything.”

The abbess gave a little smile. “We hope you will find peace here even in these times of great trial.”

Ryla stood for a while longer looking out the window before going over to look at the clothes that were laid out on the bed. The simple black dress looked comfortable enough, but she wasn’t sure about the veil. A sudden giggle came to her at the thought of what her old friends would say if they saw her in it, but she stopped herself short. The sisters were good women who, although they had chosen a different way than her mother, were trying to serve Christ just the same. The abbess had also agreed to protect her and had done everything in her power to make her comfortable—that was nothing to laugh at.

She was just finishing buttoning her dress when there was a small tap on the door. Quickly sliding the leather case from her father into the inner pocket of her dress, she called, “Come in.”

The door opened and a young lay sister, dressed exactly the same, peeked in. “Hello, I’m Chasity,” she said coming in and depositing the bundle under her arm onto one of the beds. “Mother Superior told me that you were going to share my room and sent me with sheets for the other bed.”

Ryla nodded. “Did I put this all on right?” she asked a little shyly.

“Almost,” Chasity said with a dimple showing in her cheek. She reached up from her work and straightened the veil. “That’s better. You’ll get used to it in time. I did.”

“How long have you lived here?” Ryla asked, beginning to help straighten the sheets.

“Two years now.” Chasity’s face dimpled again.

“Will you always live here?”

“If that is the Lord’s will. I lived in another place before, and I may live in another place again. That’s what it is like when you are His child.”

“You have no family?”

“Only Him and the sisters here. I may have my own later if He wills it so.” Chasity spoke sweetly with almost no regret in her voice. “They took me in. Do you have family, Angelique?”

“Yes, but they are far away. Very far away,” Ryla said, pausing in her work to wipe away a stray tear.

“Then we are sisters for now,” Chasity said, her voice softening a little.

Ryla turned to look gratefully at her friend. This was all she had for now—Father and the sisters. It would be best to make the most of it.