Love on the Line

Rural switchboard operator Georgie is proud of her independence in a man's world, which makes it difficult when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder and become her supervisor.  Luke is more than he appears, however.  A Texas Ranger working undercover, he's after a gang of train robbers, and dealing with telephone wires and the difficult switchboard operator is not something he wants to be bothered with.  But when his work as a Ranger puts Georgie in danger, he must choose between his job and much more.

I usually enjoy Bethany House publications, and Love on the Line was a fun read; I learned a great deal about switchboard operations, no doubt!  One thing I really enjoy about historical fiction is the amount of research an author typically puts into their story.  As a preface to the book, author Deanne Gist thanks all the individuals at various museums and societies who helped her prepare for the book.  I had no idea there was a museum for things concerning switchboard operations.  Another fun bit about this book was that the setting was a town in rural Texas with German heritage.  Gist also explains some German traditions and even allows the characters to speak some German words and phrases.  Don't worry- if you don't speak any German, you'll still be able to figure out the meaning of the words through context.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A Wedding Invitation

I'm back with some more book reviews!  I'm not normally a fan of modern fiction because I generally prefer historical fiction or classic literature.  However, I choose to review A Wedding Invitation by Alice J. Wisler since the main characters either worked in refugees in the Philippines in the 1980s or were refugees themselves.

Samanthan Bravencourt enjoys her quiet life in in Washington, D.C. after returning home from teaching English to refugees in the Philippines.  She receives an invitation to her college friend's wedding, she heads to North Carolina to celebrate and reconnect with old friends.  When the wedding turns out differently than she expects, a chance encounter leads her to Carson, a former fellow teacher in the Philippines who broke her heart.  Sam is soon forced to choose between her comfortable life and helping Lien, a young refugee girl who needs her help.  But helping the refugee girl will require working with Carson again, and Sam isn't sure if her heart could handle it.

What I liked about this book is that many people who read it may never have understood what a refugee is; after reading this story, perhaps they will be encouraged to learn more about refugees and their plights.  To me, the story was secondary to the issues highlighted about refugees.  The author apparently taught in the refugee processing center in the Philippines in the 80s; after learning that, I had a great deal of respect for her.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Forsaking All Others

Camilla Fox is rescued from a near-fatal snowstorm by Colonel Charles Brandon of the United States Army after she fled her home in an effort to escape from a faith she no longer called her own.  Eager to reunite with her daughters, Camilla tries to determine how she assure her children will not grow up with Mormon teachings.  Colonel Brandon offers his assistance, but as he begins to develop feelings for Camilla, she determines to return home to her mother's home and to continue her efforts to be reunited with her children.

I'll be honest, this book was uncomfortable and a little weird to read.  I don't think I've ever come across any type of historical fiction which addresses Mormonism and specifically, the issue of polygamy.  In the book, Camilla flees because she refuses to share her husband with a second wife.   I honestly am not that familiar with all the teachings of Mormonism and I don't think the author did a very good job explaining the basics of it.  She did, however, do an excellent job providing some interesting historical facts and Brigham Young and the building of the temple in Utah, but I still felt a bit lost and confused and not sure what bits of Mormon faith she includes to trust as accurate or dramatized.  I also was concerned that she develops this budding romance between Camilla and the Colonel when Camilla is still married; it was just a little uncomfortable at times. 

Apparently, this book is in a series called 'The Sister Wife Series'... honestly, I think the show about sister wives on cable is more than enough more me.  I don't plan on reading the other books. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”