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All the Flowers in Shanghai

Lauren — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:25 +0000

As a female living in the United States in 2012, it’s difficult for me to imagine having no choice about the direction of my life. In Shanghai in the 1930′s, however, a woman obeyed her parents, fulfilled her duty by marrying, and lived a life centered around her family’s honor, with no regard for her own desires or feelings. In All the Flowers in Shanghai, Duncan Jepson tells the story of Feng, a young Chinese woman. When Feng’s older sister dies, Feng is forced to marry a wealthy businessman to secure the family’s place in society and preserve the family’s honor. Feng, an innocent and naive teenager, finds herself in the midst of a rigid and harsh world, and she is ill-prepared for her new surroundings. Cut-off from her loved ones, Feng quickly learns that her sole purpose is to produce a male heir. As she learns to survive in her new life, Feng becomes bitter and ruthless, and vows to repay the pain that so many have caused her.

Set against the tapestry of a changing China, All the Flowers in Shanghai is an epic story about love, forgiveness, choices, and consequences. Feng is a vulnerable girl, happy to be the second-born without the pressures of her older sister. Feng’s abrupt removal from her peaceful life drew me into the story, evoking my sympathy and capturing my attention. The narrative, which covers several decades, is touching and gripping, but the story is not without faults. The primary expectation of Feng is that she will produce a male heir. The details surrounding this responsibility were entirely too graphic. As many of you know, I often review Christian fiction titles for this site, so I feel I must warn you about the descriptive scenes found in this book. While I am glad I finished the story, I was close to putting the book down on multiple occasions. Although I could have done without these scenes, I appreciated the historical context and the real consequences that Feng faced because of her actions. While Feng’s bitterness is understandable, her heartless choices are devastating. As the years go by, Feng moves forward, finding a measure of happiness, but a reckoning awaits. In the end, Feng must learn to live with her choices, while searching for peace in the midst of a country engulfed in a fast-moving revolution.

All the Flowers in Shanghai is a fascinating novel, and one I enjoyed. Although I recommend it with caution, Duncan Jepson has created a moving story and a dramatic glimpse into a world that is far removed from our own.

Lauren is a wife, mother of two, and an avid reader. She thanks William Morrow for the review copy of this book. Lauren blogs at Baseballs and Bows.

Chasing Mona Lisa, with Giveaway

Lauren — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:41 +0000

In late 2009, I reviewed The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey. In this novel, Gabi Mueller, a young woman working for the American Office of Strategic Services (the forerunner to the CIA) in Switzerland experiences excitement, peril, and love in the midst of World War II. I enjoyed this novel (as I do almost all of Goyer’s works), and I am happy to share Goyer and Yorkey’s sequel, Chasing Mona Lisa

In Chasing Mona Lisa, Gabi and her beloved Eric travel into France near the end of the German occupation. Throughout the war, German officers have stolen valuable art from the French, but the top prize, the Mona Lisa remains safe. With the clock ticking, Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring is determined to find the beloved painting, and Gabi and Eric find themselves in a race to save the treasure.

As usual, Tricia and Mike masterfully blend intriguing historic details with a thrilling plot and interesting characters. Everyone wants to find the painting, and although many of the characters have good intentions, their personal relationships and alliances add to the suspenseful twists and turns throughout the story. For fans of historical fiction, Chasing Mona Lisa is a fantastic read. Goyer and Yorkey captured my attention from page one, and I enjoyed following Gabi and Eric’s adventure while learning fascinating information about World War II. Chasing Mona Lisa is exactly what historical fiction should be.

I am excited to say that we have TWO giveaway copies to share with you. Please leave a comment if you are interested in winning.

The winner of Cherry Blossom Capers is #10 Linda Kish.

Don’t miss a thing: Check out our current giveaways. Subscribe to our feed or video reviews on YouTube. Follow us @5M4B on Twitter or on Facebook.

*****

Additionally, you can help Gabi and Eric protect the Mona Lisa by entering The Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway!

One passionate protector will receive:

iTouch (The must-have device for any spy. Camera, Maps & Music.)
Starbucks Gift Card (For all those late nights.)
Moleskin Notebook (For those important notes.)
Invisible Ink Pen (Don’t want anyone reading those important notes.)
Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey (Great handbook and intriguing tale for any spy-in-training!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on January 31st. The winner will be announced at the Chasing Mona Lisa Facebook Party on 1/31. Tricia and Mike will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from Tricia’s website) and giving away their books and a Book Club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Tricia and Mike.)

So grab your copy of Chasing Mona Lisa and join Tricia and Mike on the evening of the 31st for an author chat, spy training (do you know how to pick a lock?) and lots of giveaways.

Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!

Lauren is a wife, mother of two, and an avid reader. She blogs at Baseballs and Bows.

The Loom

Lauren — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:20 +0000

One of the things I enjoy about historical fiction is the opportunity to learn while enjoying a good story. Did you know that in the pre-Civil War South, older slaves worked in the plantation’s loom room? Because they were too worn out for physical labor, they spent their days weaving, creating clothing and other necessary fabrics. In The Loom author Shella Gillus tells the story of Lydia, a light-skinned house slave. Lydia has her family nearby and a loving husband, but her greatest desire is freedom, and she is willing to do anything to attain it.

The slaves and the plantation’s family are tied together in more ways than just the master-slave relationship (as was often the case). As slaves and owners deal with demons from the past, tensions on the plantation reach a boiling point. Lydia depends on the wise slaves in the loom room for guidance and support, but the pain and frustrations seem more than she is able to bear. Lydia leaves everything she knows to chase freedom. With her light skin, she is able to pass as a white woman, and she uses this to her advantage. When she agrees to marry a neighboring plantation owner, her deception leads to a series of problems, causing her to risk her own life and the lives of those she loves.

Although I thought that some parts of this story were poorly developed and tenuous, the subject matter and the relationships between the characters were fascinating to me. Whether the characters were black or white, the relationships they developed and the choices they made led to an interesting look at slavery and the many issues surrounding it. Additionally, Lydia’s pursuit of her greatest desire and her deceitful actions opened the door to potential disaster. Isn’t it true that we often think we want something until we get it?

The Loom is a fast-paced novel, and a fine debut from Shella Gillus. While I did think some parts of the plot were underdeveloped, I enjoyed the novel, and I look forward to more works by this new author.

Lauren is a wife, mother of two, and an avid reader. She thanks Summerside Press for the review copy of this book. Lauren blogs at Baseballs and Bows.

House of Secrets, with Giveaway

Lauren — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:00:51 +0000

Bailee Cooper’s life is going very well. She is on a successful career path at a growing publishing company, and the boss’s son Mark, who happens to be a really nice guy, would love nothing more than to develop a relationship with her. Unfortunately, Bailee resists emotional ties with anyone, except for her younger sisters. Although they are adults, Bailee can’t help but feel responsible for them, and she refuses to take on jobs or relationships that could interfere with caring for their needs. Bailee’s difficulties stem from the past–she saw her father drug her mother as a child, and her mother died during the night. She has kept this secret since childhood, while vowing to stay strong for her younger sisters who rely on her like a mother.

Curious? Read my full review of House of Secrets at 5 Minutes for Mom. Leave a comment over there through January 22 to enter to win your own copy.

Lauren is a wife, mother of two, and an avid reader. She blogs at Baseballs and Bows.

Don’t miss a thing: Check out our current giveaways. Subscribe to our feed or video reviews on YouTube. Follow us @5M4B on Twitter or on Facebook.

Hot (Sweaty) Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom, with Giveaway

Lauren — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:00:13 +0000

I am one of those people who likes to exercise. Honestly, I need to exercise. It lifts my spirits, energizes me, and makes me healthier and happier. Exercise has been a daily part of my life since my teens, and I never had too much trouble fitting it into my life…until I became a mom. As most of you know, motherhood shakes things up a bit. Fitting exercise into my daily schedule is not as easy as it once was! Authors Kara Douglass Thom and Laurie Kocanda understand the challenges related to making time for exercise. Not only have they experienced the challenges themselves, but they have spoken with thousands of women about finding ways to be fit as moms. In Hot (Sweaty) Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom, Thom and Kocanda encourage all moms (those who love to exercise, those who don’t love to exercise, and those who have never exercised) to make fitness a part of their lives.

Read my full review over at 5 Minutes for Mom, where you can also enter to win a copy.

Lauren is a wife, mother of two, and an avid reader. She blogs at Baseballs and Bows.

Wonderland Creek, with Giveaway

Lauren — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:11 +0000

Alice Ripley couldn’t be happier. Although she is living during the Great Depression, her father’s job as a minister keeps the family fed and sheltered, and Alice loves her job at the local library. For someone who can’t keep her nose out of a book, life couldn’t be much better. When her boyfriend breaks up with her for being too much of a dreamer, and budget cuts cost Alice her job, she questions her life for the first time. To get away from the small-town gossip, Alice travels to Appalachia to deliver books to a library in need. When she is stranded in Acorn, Kentucky, with an interesting librarian, a 100-year-old former slave, a county full of people involved in a feud, and suspicious activity at the local mine, Alice learns a lot about herself and about living a meaningful life.

Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin is Alice’s story. I confess that I am a Lynn Austin fan, so I was bound to like this story from the beginning. As usual, Austin has crafted an engaging storyline, charming characters, and a touch of suspense. I have to say, however, that I was surprised by the humor. As soon as I started the book, I was laughing! I also related easily to Alice. She is naive, she enjoys her easy life, and she interprets the world through the pages of her books. When thrown into an extremely challenging living situation, she whimpers and whines at first (sadly, I would probably do this). But Alice determines to make the best of things and meets the challenges with gusto (I hope I would do this as well).

Wonderland Creek is a delightful novel. If you are a fan of Christian fiction or historical fiction, I highly recommend it to you. Lynn Austin is one of Christian fiction’s best writers, and Wonderland Creek is a unique and enjoyable addition to her collection of titles.

We have one copy of Wonderland Creek to give to one of you. Please leave a comment if you are interested.

The winner of The Book of (Holiday) Awesome, a great host or hostess gift, is #4 RiTa.
The winner of Three Cups, a book to encourage kids to give and save, is #3 Annette W.

Don’t miss a thing: Check out our current giveaways. Subscribe to our feed or video reviews on YouTube. Follow us @5M4B on Twitter or on Facebook.

Lauren is a wife, mother of two, and an avid reader. She thanks Bethany House for the review copy of this book. Lauren blogs at Baseballs and Bows.

On Reading: Never Say Never (My Life with an E-Reader)

Lauren — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:00:26 +0000

When I first saw an e-reader, I thought I would never own one. After all, I loved books. I liked the texture of the pages. I liked the holding the book firmly in both hands. Books and I had a connection. And while I enjoyed technology, I didn’t really want to curl up with it on the couch.

That changed last February. I was preparing to run my first-ever half-marathon, and my family decided to give me a gift in honor of the big event. My son, who is an avid reader himself, suggested a Nook. Not wanting to surprise me with a gift I wouldn’t use, my husband mentioned it to me, and I started looking into it. I decided that it would be handy to take when traveling or to appointments, but I didn’t have high expectations. My husband and kids headed to Best Buy to make the purchase, and then happily presented me with the Nook.

I left for my half-marathon trip (an extended weekend) with my Nook in tow. I immediately fell in love with the convenience of having multiple books and a Bible at my fingertips, and it fit so nicely in my purse! The e-ink screen was easy on my eyes, and I appreciated that I could read it in bright daylight. (I also got a cover that included a light, so I could read it at night as well.) Although I had scorned the idea of an e-reader, my feelings changed quickly when I experienced the convenience and portability. I returned home from my trip a huge fan, and I still enjoy it almost a year later. I take it on trips, toss it in my purse for appointments, read with it by the pool and even curl up with it on the couch. My 9-year-old son uses it as well (we all know nine-year-old boys think that screens make everything cooler). The Nook has become a useful part of my reading experience.

At the time, I chose a Nook for one reason: it supported the EPUB format, and I wanted to be able to check out library books for my e-reader. Last February, Kindles did not support the EPUB format. Although I am a loyal amazon customer, I am also very frugal, and I wanted to have access to the library’s e-books. This tipped the scales in favor of the Nook, and I have been pleased with my purchase. Less than a year later, Kindle now supports the EPUB format, and there are many types of e-readers. What’s the best option? Would I still choose a Nook today? I don’t know. I think that’s a decision that involves many factors and individual preferences. I prefer e-ink screens, so that is a priority for me. Some people want to use their e-reader for internet access as well, so a back-lit Kindle Fire might be the best choice. Whatever your preferences, I encourage you to give an e-reader a try. I still love books, and there’s nothing like the feel of turning real pages, but e-readers are convenient and offer benefits worth exploring. Although I thought I would never own one, I am now a fan and encourage you to check them out for yourself. I guess the old adage holds true: never say never!

What about you? Do you have an e-reader? What brand and type do you prefer? I would love to hear about your experiences!

Don’t miss a thing: Check out our current giveaways. Subscribe to our feed or video reviews on YouTube. Follow us @5M4B on Twitter or on Facebook.

Lauren is a wife, mother of two, and an avid reader. She blogs at Baseballs and Bows.

The Unexpected Miss Bennet, Review and Giveaway

Lauren — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:09 +0000

Several years ago, I decided to read Jane Austen’s novels. Over the course of a year, I enjoyed them all. Like many Austen fans, I have a special fondness for the Bennet sisters from Pride and Prejudice. Since first reading this classic, I have reread the book and experienced the story through the BBC movie many times. I am not alone in my interest. In the last few years, a renewed fascination with Jane Austen has led to an increase in the number of novels based on her works. Whether they are continuations of the original stories or present-day tales that involve Austen in some way, books connected to Austen are more popular than ever.

In The Unexpected Miss Bennet, author Patrice Sarath provides readers with the opportunity to visit Jane, Lizzy, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia one more. As the story opens, Jane and Bingley are living in London, Lizzy and Darcy are at Pemberley, and Lydia is far away, banished with Wickham. Kitty and Mary are left at home. Kitty is interested in society and eager to enter London’s social scene with the help of Jane, but shy Mary is not expected to follow suit. Although she prefers piano and books to balls and suitors, Mary worries about life as a spinster. Determined to give Mary a chance at happiness, Lizzy invites Mary to Pemberley for a season. During this time, Mary explores an independence that is new to her. As she learns about herself and her own desires, Mary surprises everyone, including well-known characters such as Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

The Unexpected Miss Bennet is a delightful continuation of Pride and Prejudice. At times, I felt that the author tried to copy Miss Austen’s style too closely (and who can truly copy Jane Austen?), but reading the novel felt like a visit with old friends. When I think of the Bennet sisters as depticted by Jane Austen, Mary and Kitty are the least memorable. I enjoyed following along as Patrice Sarath developed Mary into an accomplished young woman. I appreciated that most of the characters from Pride and Prejudice appeared in the tale, some with more prominent roles, and I thought the new characters added to the appeal as well.

The weather is colder–it is the perfect time to snuggle with a good book. The Unexpected Miss Bennet is a wonderful choice, and it would make a great gift for an Austen fan.

We have a copy to give away to one of you (U.S. and Canadian addresses eligible). Please leave a comment if you’d like to win. We’ll announce the winner in our giveaway column on December 14.

The winner of Hurry Less, Worry Less at Christmas is #6 Joy. If you didn’t win I (Jennifer) highly recommend that you buy this short but sweet guide paperback or ebook.

Don’t miss a thing: Check out our current giveaways. Subscribe to our feed or video reviews on YouTube. Follow us @5M4B on Twitter or on Facebook.

Lauren is a wife, mother of two, and an avid reader. She thanks Penguin Group for the review copy of this book. Lauren blogs at Baseballs and Bows.