I was tagged by Nicole from Thoughtful Inklings to do 'The Lovely Words Tag'. You can read her post here.
 
  She created this tag, which goes like this - pick three books with prose that stands out in vivacity and beauty. Books that could stand on imagery alone without characters or plot.

   Here are my three books!

  1. The Pilgrim's Progress | Christiana's Journey

Most people have heard of John Bunyan's famous allegory, which has influenced countless people and been referenced to in many other works - including 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott.

  This book follows the journey of Christian, as he makes his journey to the Celestial City. Along the way, he meets many colourful characters - Worldly Wiseman, Faithful, the Interpreter - and passes through many dangers.

    However, 'Christiana's Journey' is spoken about less, even though it is equally as wonderful a story! I've enjoyed both these books since I was young, listening to the dramatized audiobook tapes over and over again, and then reading the books several times too. The story of Christiana following in her husband's steps, with her children, and Mercy joining her has always been a favourite. The part where Great-Heart joins them, and together with her sons goes down to destroy doubting castle was one of my favourites.

    But as I've gotten older, each time I read the book I find more interesting metaphors, and appreciate the writing more. Here are some of my favourite quotes from 'Christiana's Journey'.

•  When he heard your lumbering noises, he gave a wonderful innocent smile...

•   It is my duty, said he, to distrust mine own ability, that I may have reliance on Him that is stronger than all. 

•  This day I see that Grace doth shine in your faces, and that you are my Lord's Shepherds indeed; for that you have not pushed these diseased neither with side nor shoulder, but have rather strewed their way into the Palace with flowers, as you should. 

• I have loved to hear my Lord spoked of; and where-ever I have seen the print of His shoe in the earth, there I have coveted to set my foot too.

  2. Words Unspoken

   This is a modern book, unlike the other two books I've included in this post. However, it's really beautiful and well written. This book by Elizabeth Musser is about a teenager who lost her mother to an accident and now can't drive without having a panic attack. She begins to take driving lessons and soon becomes fast friends with her elderly teacher and his wife. The book also follows his life, as well as his middle-aged daughter's life.  

     I really enjoyed this book, it does have a great plot, but although it's not super dramatic, and begins rather slowly, the writing style pulls the whole thing together. Here are some of my favourite quotes from 'Words Unspoken'.

•  She had a smile on her face that to Ev looked like the sun's rays spilling through an opening in the clouds

•   Thinking too much just brings it back to me, me, me-- but thanking takes my eyes off myself and my mistakes and puts them on others, on things bigger than myself. I can't stand here very long without being humbled at how small I am and amazed at how big and beautiful our world is. 

• I believe in a creator God, a God of design and power. An omniscient and omnipotent God who loves humanity and loves the individual. A God who's in the business of redeeming. 

 3. Little Women & Good Wives

  It's probably not surprising that I've included 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott, I love this book so much. This book follows the lives of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, as they grow up and learn life lessons. My favourite parts of this book are the everyday scenes, where sisters are at home, acting out scenes, or making a disaster in the kitchen, or just sitting around talking. Some people might find those parts boring, but there are so many wise quotes hidden in those scenes.

    I think that the writing style of Louisa was ahead of her time, I've read several other classics from her era which take forever to read, and are bogged down by so many words that it's really hard to get through them. But her writing is simple and easy to understand, with the occasional flowery description that is well placed so as not to bog down the story.

    Here are some of my favourite quotes from the book.

• After that, the little brown hood slipped through the hedge nearly every day, and the great drawing room was haunted by a tuneful spirit that came and went unseen. 

•  Conceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long; even if it is, the consciousness of possessing and using it well should satisfy one, and the great charm of all power is modesty.

•   I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace.

•    As she lifted the curtain to look out into the dreary night, the moon broke suddenly from  behind the clouds, and shone upon her like a bright, benignant face, which seemed to whisper in the silence, ' Be comforted, dear soul! There is always light behind the clouds.'

•  Oh when these hidden stores of ours, lie open to the Father's sight, may they be rich in golden hours, deeds that show fairer for the light, lives whose brave music long shall ring, like a spirit-stirring strain, souls that shall gladly soar and sing, in the long sunshine after rain. 

 
    This January I had a month of no electronics. This past November I participated in NaNoWriMo, and in December I was busy studying for an online exam. That meant being on my laptop all. the. time. So, I decided it was time for a break.
    I will be the first to admit that I looked at my phone more than I planned to during January. But, I definitely went no social media, and stayed off my laptop! Instead, I read. 13 books all the way through, and a couple more that I abandoned. Here are my favourite books of the month!
 

    Phantom's Daughter - by Ashley Nikole

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

  Guess what, I'm finally back! With a book review.

     'Shelter of the Most High' by Connilyn Cossette follows the story of the daughter of a pagan priest, who is captured by marauders. Sofea finds refuge in Canaan, in a city with a foreign language, foreign culture, and foreign God. She must decide whether those around her are trustworthy - and everything she has ever known is a lie, or whether they are just the same as the people in the village she has come from.



     It was fascinating to be immersed in the historical culture of Ancient Israel. To see the difference in the cultures from the eyes of those who lived in those days was really interesting, and really impacted me with just how much God is different from false gods. Although people nowadays look at the rules of ancient Israel as confining, this book really shows just how protecting they were, and how contrasting they were from the cultures surrounding them!

But now - a closer look at the story. 

     It was so sweet to read about Moriyah again, and Derek. I was looking forward to reading about Eitan as well, as I loved him in 'A Light on the Hill' - the first book in this series. 

Sofea was a really well-written character. I loved how she was small, yet so fierce. Her character development throughout the story was beautiful. Her protectiveness over Prezi and the way that the two eventually switched places was so interesting. The way that she slowly began to understand the concepts of forgiveness, mercy, and grace was my favourite aspect of the story.

Eitan was such a complex character. To be completely honest, I found him frustrating for the first half of the book. He misunderstood his father so much, even though I found his motives so easy to understand! It seemed like he was purposely oblivious and clueless, and also a bit selfish. But the second half of the book explained some of that. His character development was rewarding.


The plot didn't lag, although I did find I didn't fully get into the story until the second half of the book. At certain points of the story I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next. 

I would recommend 'Shelter of the Most High' for readers 16+. There is a bit of violence, nothing graphic. The romance was a bit too much for my tastes. 

     Overall, I did enjoy this story. Connilyn is a talented writer, and the way she describes things is beautiful. She never fails to really open my eyes to the world of Moses & Joshua, a give me a better understanding of ancient Israel.

  I hope you all enjoyed this review. Soon I will be back with another one - of 'Phantom's Daughter'. It has been long put off, but I can't wait to share it!

    Sincerely,
      Rachel 

 

Ellie Daniels never saw it coming…Her life was peaceful and fulfilling, working as a successful young author in New York City. While she creates paper people to release the grief of losing her mother so early and not having the support network of friends and family, her father spends his time serving with the NYPD. Ellie and Martin Daniels have each other. They’re surviving. Not thriving, but they’re alive, and that’s all that matters, until the night a vicious attack leaves Ellie reeling. Traumatized and not knowing how to process her grief, Ellie flees New York and returns to the summer cottage of her childhood in Maple Ridge when mysterious people from history begin appearing in her house. From battered war heroes to charming U.S. Marshal Howie Robertson, Ellie begins to understand that not all those from history wish to stay there. 
The past is chasing her, and he has a name.

    A cunningly weaved plot, a stunning setting, lovable and unforgettable characters, and beautiful reminders and lessons, Present History is a timeless story which you will pick up again and again.

History is alive.
Who are those of the future to say the past is silent?
Let history speak for itself, and may those who have ears, listen.
For many hear, but few listen.
Fewer still are those who understand.
Howie Robertson

    When I first read 'Present History' I was amazed by both the quality of the writing, and the story itself. It was an original idea, but so well executed. When I read it again, I was able to appreciate everything so much more, and still be excited by the plot. It is not predictable at all.

    The plot is so well paced, and although it is quite intense, it's doesn't feel too exciting. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, but even so, there is plenty of time for exploring the setting, and developing the characters.

    Speaking of the characters.... Where do I even begin? Asking me to pick a favourite character is like asking me to pick a favourite book {it ain't gonna happen - although this book is definitely a contender}.




There's Ellie Daniels - the author, a thoughtful yet troubled girl, who is so much like a lot of us.

There's Tom Holt - a sweet {like seriously sweet}, kind, and wise guy. His family and him made me smile so much. Just reading about them made me feel like I was at their dinner table, enjoying the warmth and laughter. Also #Tellie all the way.

Howie Robertson- the wise marshal, who is just a tad bit protective.

Justice, Ethan, Jonathan, Hannah... The list goes on, they were all so amazing, and the character growth was seriously inspiring.



    The interactions between characters were also so good. They took time to find out who each person was, and appreciated their struggles and wisdom. Like can I just have them all as friends, pretty please?

    The villain was so so perfect. No, not perfect, but I mean he was completely shiver up your spine loathsome. He is the epitome of evil, but he still was realistic.

     The settings were so amazing. The story is partly set in New York, and partly in British Columbia - my home province - and there's plenty of forests, lakes, cabins and country roads.

   It is so easy to get into this story, and I highly recommend you do. You won't be able to put the book down. When you're done, you will feel so warm and fuzzy, and also a little bit like you've been run over by a train {but in a good way}. Can I have the sequel now please? No, I have to wait? Oh well, I'll go reread this book then.

   Hats off to Ashley for this masterpiece of a book. You have won yourself a loyal fan, and I am so looking forward to your future works.

  To all readers, be sure to add "Present History" to your to read list on Goodreads and mark down the day to publishing. Also - enter the giveway on Goodreads, and you could win a copy!

 Also, be sure check out Ashley's blog,  instagram account @toashleynikole ,  and facebook page.


Happy reading!

  Sincerely,
    Rachel

   A book review - I haven't posted one of these in a while! Well, I'm going to start off the year with a really good book.



    The Pattern Artist by Nancy Moser, is a story about a housemaid, who isn't afraid to dream big. Annie Woods decides to take things into her own hands, and make a life for herself in America.
      I found this book a delightful read! The characters were interesting and loveable. Annie was relatable, and realistic, which made her a good heroine. She worked hard to get what she could, but struggled with doubts and worries. Along her journey, she learned to trust God, and let herself begin to enjoy the moment. One of my favourite characters was Danny, who was brave, optimistic, and kind. He added lightness to the story, when things were looking down.
      The villain was also well-written. He was revengeful and mean, but didn't seem too unrealistic. He wasn't the completely crazy-looking, suspicious man that everyone would look at and shudder, a common cliche.
      The plot was adventurous, and kept me on the edge of my seat. It wasn't exactly a mystery, but it definitely had some suspenseful moments.
       I really liked the setting. From America - to Paris, it was all nicely detailed. The historical aspects were pretty accurate, so was the sewing details. I definitely do not know as much about sewing as the author, but I learned a lot from reading. I also liked how the author could write about sewing, without making everything seem to heavy and fact-loaded.
     One of my favourite historic aspect of the story, was about the Reform Dress Movement. I've always been an interested in that movement. In the book it addressed corsets, and I believe that corsets are not good for your health, so it was nice to read about how the movement started.
      Overall I would rate this book 5/5 - ages 12+. I really enjoyed it, and would read it again!

Be sure to check it out! Happy reading.
   Sincerely,
   Rachel R

  I'm getting closer to my book review a week goal! My book review of this week is "The Silver Suitcase" by Terrie Tod.

I'm reviewing this book for Netgalley, but the review is completely my opinion, and completely honest.

      The cover of this books is so pretty! I was drawn to it immediately, and I the description made me even more curious and excited to read it. I was certainly not disappointed.
     My favourite character was probably Corrie, aka Cornelia. I loved her stubbornness at the beginning, and her spunk. It really added a humorous tone to the story. Even though she was sometimes stubborn about the wrong things, it made her more realistic and I could sympathize with her.  She of course made mistakes so she wasn't that perfect and angelic character that always seems one dimensional. Seeing her struggle and learn through her problems, and find forgiveness and hope was really encouraging.

   I loved Henry. He was funny, kind, and had a charm to him, even though he could be shy and awkward. The author did a great job of portraying him, and making you really love him.

   Bonita was also a great character, I loved the Grandmother / Granddaughter relationship at the beginning of the book, it was so sweet. The legacy of the ice-cream maker was also a sweet touch to the story. When she grew up, Bonita was exactly what many people are like today. She had marriage problems, wasn't spending time with God, was worried all the time and stressed about work, and missing out on time with her children. But I don't think it was stereotypical, and thought it was a good thing this character was in that position, because this book can really reach a lot of people!

    The plot was great. It really had me guessing, and wanting to read more of the diary. Some of the plot twists really surprised me even though they're foreshadowed in the description on the back of the book.

    The ending was amazing, I really enjoyed it! Even though we never get to see the entire diary, I thought it was very well thought out, and satisfying.

     This book taught some hard lessons. Relationship pain, the danger of bitterness, and that we are never alone. It taught that we have to fight for our relationships, and try hard to make them work and understand other people's perspectives. There are so many more, but one that really hit me was that little things we do that seem so small and insignificant can change others lives.

   I would 100% recommend this book, for girls ages 14+. 'The Silver Suitcase' deserves five out of five stars.