Expectations

The Oxford Chronicles #2

by Melanie M. Jeschke

"An unforgettable tale of dreams pursued in Tolkien's ""Oxford"" and romantic ""Paris"."" A beautiful autumn afternoon in 1965 finds Kate, David, Austen Holmes, and Yvette Goodman each on their way to the Eastgate Hotel to meet the others. Kate has just learned that she is pregnant. Yvette is struggling with her single status as her twenty-ninth birthday nears. Austen quickly pays a brief visit to the grave of his young wife. David is bursting with the good news that he has been invited to spend the winter term as a visiting lecturer at the American University in Paris.

They all have longings, hopes, and dreams. Will God provide as they trust He will, or is His plan for each of them something far beyond their expectations?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian, Christian Historical Fiction

372 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2005

Reviews

[Tracey Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore these characters and series.

[DiAnne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry to say this just wasn't my cup of tea. It was an okay read but I just could not really get into it. To me it was very dry in places and I found it very difficult to get into the story and the characters I found to be a bit hum-drum. Maybe it was just not the right time to read it...I will keep it and try to re-read it at a later date.

An unforgettable tale of dreams pursued in Tolkien's Oxford and romantic Paris. A beautiful autumn afternoon in 1965 finds Kate, David, Austen Holmes, and Yvette Goodman each on their way to the Eastgate Hotel to meet the others. Kate has just learned that she is pregnant. Yvette is struggling with her single status as her twenty-ninth birthday nears. Austen quickly pays a brief visit to the grave of his young wife. David is bursting with the good news that he has been invited to spend the winter term as a visiting lecturer at the American University in Paris.
They all have longings, hopes, and dreams. Will God provide as they trust He will, or is His plan for each of them something far beyond their expectations?

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy sigh! I am in love with this series. More please!

[Marije · Rating 3 out of 5]

Net iets te voorspelbaar naar mijn smaak, maar wel oke :)

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book follows a few couples and their friends who are members of a club at Oxford University and face trials and joys. It was another book I barely endured.

[Gayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story - it takes you into the countryside of England as well as to Paris France. The writer is so descriptive that you feel like you are right there seeing the old beautiful buildings. The story is very sweet. I cried, several times through this story, because it is so touching. Lot's of romance! When I finished this one, I could hardly wait to start the next book - Envasions - the third book in this series. Personally, I think it is worth the read if you like to travel via the reading!

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one in the series. It picks up after the marriage of the two main characters, David and Kate MacKenzie. It immediately jumps to an unexpected pregnancy and announcement that they are relocating to Paris for the term.

It expands on the relationships of the supporting characters which was nice. It felt like the author rushed through the development, leaving out what could be considered critical pieces to make it flow, and seems to end rather abruptly.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and I enjoyed it a lot. Still only short moments when it's a tiny bit syrupy. She wrapped up all the plot lines. I was disappointed to find that the 3rd book in the series is a prequel. I wanted to continue with these characters. But I am sure I will like the 3rd book too, once I forget about expecting it to be a direct extension of the first two books. Enjoyed the descriptions of Paris and more descriptions of Oxford.

[Debby Zigenis-Lowery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expectations was an enjoyable follow up to Jeschke's Inklings. It was fun to follow Kate and David into their new life together, and a pleasure to watch the lives and relationships of their friends and family broaden and grow. And of course, a little trip to Paris never hurt anyone. However, all is not chocolate candy hearts and roses. With expectations can come disappointment. There is a deep mix of sorrow and joy in this novel. It proves a satisfying read.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am being gently encouraged, blessed and actually spiritually challenged by this series of books just when I need it. Normally read historical thrillers not historical romance. But this isn't just 'that' kind of romance. It is the romance of place, of time, of words, of God's love. A lovely literary surprise for the end of our holiday/school holidays as I read in the dark nursing our small baby. Hurray for tablets! And right now I don't want or need grit. The author has a warm heart.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice to find out more about Kate and David, though I thought this story was a bit more awkward than the first in terms of flow and believability of characters. The locations seem authentic, though, and I especially enjoyed the Tolkien interactions.

[Sue Nall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and author!

[Christal · Rating 4 out of 5]

good follow up to Inklings, continuing story.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author has created some likeable characters and has beautiful real-life settings at her disposal; I wish she had done better by them. She has the right ingredients but her writing is rather undercooked.

On the other hand, I was glad to learn some things about Tolkien and his wife. And it was fun to be reminded about the old Dr. Doolittle movie, which I enjoyed as a kid.