Sunday, December 22, 2013

Weekend Book Reviews Part 2

I didn't write any reviews during NaNo and then I got caught up in Christmas preparations so instead of doing one massive book review post I decided to break it up into two parts. 

On Thin Ice by P.J. Sharon
Genre: YA/Contemporary

First thoughts:  I was expecting a book that centered around ice skating so I was surprised to find it was hardly even a back drop to the story, just another element that was swirled in.

What it's about:   Penny loves figure skating but she doesn't like living up to her mother's dreams, not her own.  Her home life is stressful so when she finds the perfect guy she lets him think she is older than her seventeen years.  Trouble follows.

What I liked:  The story kept my interest even though it wasn't at all what I was expecting it to be.  

What I didn't like:  This story raced from one drama to the next.  I think it covered everything that could possible happen to a teenage girl.  It reminded me of the ABC family show "Secret Life of an American Teenager".  I was a bit overwhelmed.

Who I'd recommend it to:  I'd recommend it to older teens and adults that like non stop serious issues mixed with teen drama.

What I'd want to know as a parent:  This book deals with a lot of mature themes, cancer, rape, homosexuality, teen age pregnancy, eating disorders ect.

I received an ARC of this book for review purposes through NetGalley.



Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

Genre: Christian/Historical

First thoughts: I grew up reading Janette Oke books.  Her Canadian West series was one of my favorites so I was excited to see she had a new one out.  This latest installment was everything I hoped it would be, sweet, inspiring and relaxing to read.

What it's about:  Beth Thatcher has grown up in a sheltered environment under the watchful eye of her mother.  When she takes a teaching position out west in a tiny mining town her horizons and her faith are stretched beyond what she was expecting.  

What I liked:  There are a lot of things to like about this book.  Beth changes from a rich sheltered girl to a woman of courage with a heart for others.  The setting was wonderful. I loved the town.  The people in it were unique and their struggles added depth to the story.  

What I didn't like:  There wasn't anything unexpected about this story.  In a way, that was good because it made it like the Janette Oke books I loved as a girl but part of me was hoping to be surprised.  

Who I'd recommend it to:  I think anyone who loves a very gentle and inspiring story with whispers of romance would love this book.

I received an ARC of this book to review from NetGalley.


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