Quick Lit ~ March

I have been reading some amazing books in the past couple of weeks. Here are the ones that really stuck out.

 

Legend of Sheba by Tosca Lee

Biblical fiction can be hit or miss for me. I like a realistic portrayal of the times. I feel like many authors inject too many 21st century sensibilities into their characters. I loved Legend of Sheba. It was authentic and gritty. 

The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki

I loved Allison's first book, The Traitor's Wife, so I could not wait to read her newest book when it came out. This fictional bio of Empress Sisi Hapsburg was filled with historical details and raw emotion. My heart broke for Sisi. She was a lot like Princess Diana. Loved by the people, but spurned by those closest to her. Allison hinted at a possible sequel in the future. I don't know if I can handle it.

Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman

I was pleasantly surprised by this YA historical romance. I did a review here.

I have a few more books I want to get to this month. Hopefully they are as good as the ones I have started out with. I love reading a lot of four and five star books in a row.

Check out more quick reviews over at Modern Mrs. Darcy.

Book Review: Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman

I thoroughly enjoyed this YA historical romance set during the tumultuous reign of King John. Lady Merry has lost her lands and her family because of her father's opposition to the king. She now has to care for the children from her village by stealing and hiding in the forest.   Her former betrothed, Timothy, has vowed to stop the thieves not knowing it's really Merry and  a group of children doing the thieving. 

The story is lots of fun and engaging from the start. I thought Merry was a great heroine. She was very strong and genuinely cared for the children she was caring for. She took her responsibilities seriously. Timothy was swoon worthy. He was determined throughout the story to do what was right and help the woman he loved. He and Merry had great chemistry. I loved the time period and the setting. The author did a great job of bringing everything to life.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical romance. It is geared toward YA readers, but I think adult readers would enjoy it as well. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House through Netgalley for the purpose of review.

Book Review: It's Just You and Me Lord

This book is a really nice collection of quotes, Scriptures, and prayers that apply to the everyday life of the Christian woman. I was hoping for more of an instructional format, but the set up was very nice. Each section had prayers and scripture devoted to a certain topic. I also really liked the quotes that were included. Some were by early Christians and some were by modern day authors like Ann Voskamp and Keri Wyatt. There wasn't any thing new or earth shattering in it, but I think it would make a great addition to any Christian woman's library.

I would recommend this book to any woman interested in expanding her prayer life. It would also make a great gift for any woman at any stage of life.

I received this book for free from Discovery House through netgalley for the purpose of review.

Waiting On Wednesday ~ Nobody's Cuter Than You

What I'm waiting on: Nobody's Cuter Than You

When will it be released? April 8, 2015

Why am I waiting? I am a big fan of Melanie's blog, Big Mama, and I have loved both of her previous books. She is such a funny writer.

Check out more upcoming releases at Breaking the Spine.

Top Ten Tuesday ~ Favorite Frame Stories

Frame Story

a secondary story or stories embedded in the main story.

a narrative providing the framework for connecting a series of 

otherwise unrelated stories.

a literary device that uses such a narrative structure.

I love historical fiction. I love women's fiction. Naturally, I love a combination of the two. Here are some of my favorite frame stories. Check them out. 

 

Secrets of a Charmed Life

The Shape of Mercy

Sarah's Key

Chateau of Secrets

The Butterfly and the Violin

The Story Keeper

A Fall of Marigolds

The Prayer Box

The Girl in the Glass

A Sound Among the Trees

Check out more top ten lists at The Broke and the Bookish.

Waiting on Wednesday ~ A Sparrow in Terezin

What I'm waiting for: A Sparrow in Terezin.

When does it release? April 7, 2015

Why am I waiting? Book one in this series was amazing, the cover is beautiful, and I love books about art.

Check out more up coming releases at Breaking the Spine.

Top Ten Tuesday ~ Favorite Books from the past Three Years

Here are some of my recent faves. I picked three from 2012~14 and my favorite so far this year.

2012:


2013


2014


2015


This was a hard list to make. I feel like I left out some good ones. I do see some trends. Most are historical. Several are frame stories, Susan Meissner makes several appearances. I think Wonderland Creek and Secrets of a Charmed Life are all time favorites now. What are some of your recent favorites?

Check out more top ten lists at The Broke and the Bookish.