Christian Historical Fiction

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The Dancing Master review

The Dancing Master imageDo you enjoy Christian Historical Fiction, but also love the elegance of ballroom dancing, beautiful gowns, and oh-so-proper courtships of Jane Austen’s Regency-era stories?  Well, award-winning author Julie Klassen has combined the best of both genres into a masterful tale you won’t want to miss.  The Dancing Master, published by Bethany House early in 2014, is an extremely well-written Regency novel filled with mystery, romance, drama, and enough plot twists to keep you guessing until the end.

Although The Dancing Master is longer than most novels of its kind, the intricate storyline and vast amount of historical details help it move along quickly.  Clearly Ms. Klassen has taken painstaking care to ensure historical accuracy, but only includes information relevant to the circumstances,  and does not overwhelm readers with unnecessary descriptions.  Many aspects of 19th century dancing are woven into the story, giving readers a taste of the grace and art required to master the often-complicated steps required in a ballroom.

Certainly one of the most enjoyable features of the book are the various quotes at the beginning of each chapter hinting at upcoming story events, but written by real people of the time period.  Advertisements for actual dancing masters, excerpts from diaries, and quotations from Jane Austen are just a few of the interesting historical samples chosen to open each chapter.

Although the in-depth historical depictions play a vital role in The Dancing Master, they do not in any way detract from the intriguing storyline and colorful characters, but rather intensify the feeling of reality for the reader.  Told from several perspectives, we see the story unfold through the eyes of two primary characters who, by the story’s end, we are certain to relate to in some way, big or small.  Woven into the story are the timeless themes, and truths, of love and grace portrayed in many different ways.

In short, The Dancing Master was a delight to read, both for its page-turning plot and fascinating attention to historical detail.  Although a few portions of the story were somewhat objectionable, including several interwoven scandals, they were treated and reacted to appropriately – as scandalous!   Ultimately, if you are looking for a longer, masterfully written novel set in the classic Regency time period and filled with truths of God’s design, look no further than The Dancing Master.

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group”.

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Song of My Heart review

SongOfMyHeart-TP_cover2.inddFans of Kim Vogel Sawyer will be delighted with her newest release from Bethany House Publishers,* entitled Song of My Heart. As with many of her previous works, this newest novel falls into the Historical Fiction genre, but could fit into both Inspirational and Romance categories as well.  Set in a small Kansas town in the late 19th century, Song of My Heart is a sweetly flowing, melodic story of love and forgiveness, but not without a share of drama and adventure, and even a touch of mystery, all of which came with prohibition laws and their consequent bootlegging operations.

A generally expected trademark of Kim Vogel Sawyer’s books is that her always colorful cast of characters will become as dear to you as beloved friends, and will captivate you from the first pages with their sweetness, and sense of physical – not merely imaginary – existence.  Sadie Wagner the heroine, and Thad McKane the hero, both fulfill these expectations excellently. Likewise, Sadie’s desperation to provide for her family, and Thad’s desire to clean the blemish from his family’s name, will become as important to readers as to each character.

Originally a resident of Indiana, Sadie responds to her cousin’s invitation to join him in Goldtree, Kansas, where the ‘perfect’ job awaits her, giving her the means to provide for her beloved family while putting her beautiful singing voice to use.  Soon after arriving, however, Sadie realizes that things are not what they appear to be, and that her new employer is hiding dark secrets and creating unlawful plans, both which involve her.  Sadie is forced to make decisions that will affect not only herself but the entire community, especially the man she is growing to love – Sheriff Thad McKane.

The main theme of the story is of releasing past regrets – of forgiving yourself, and others, for something that is in the past and must be left behind.  Thad realizes that he is only accountable for himself, not for the sins of his father before him – basically, he doesn’t need to become a preacher to make up for his father’s terrible mistakes.  Also shown in the story is the importance of trusting in God first and foremost, without leaning only on our own understanding.  Sadie finally sees that she need not struggle in caring for her family alone, but that God will care for and protect them all – her most important job is simply to trust Him.

Song of My Heart delivers all that readers have come to expect from each one of Kim Vogel Sawyer’s stories – simplicity, sweetness, love, and realistic characters.  Her books very rarely contain uncomfortable or questionable content, and are simply a joy to read.  This novel in particular contained plenty of drama, history, and humor (largely in the form of two very quirky secondary characters!).  Everything was tied up perfectly at the end, making the reader reluctant for the story to be over, but content that everything is as it should be. Finally, the writing style in Song of My Heart was very warm and relaxing, making the story truly feel as melodious and lovely as one of Sadie’s own heartfelt songs.

***Note:  I received this book free of charge for review purposes, courtesy of Bethany House Publishers and Graf-Martin Communications.  I would like to say thank you very much for sending it to me.

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A Home for My Heart review

A Home for My Heart cover imageFrom the beautiful artwork of the front cover to the heart-melting words on the final pages, Anne Mateer’s newest novel, A Home for My Heart, is a warm, inspiring story reminiscent of beloved authors such as Janette Oke and Kim Vogel Sawyer.  Filled with unique twists and endearing characters, the story takes place in the interesting setting of a small orphanage and foster home.  Through the first-person narrative of assistant matron to the home, Sadie Sillsby, we observe as she encounters a life-changing decision, one that alters everything she thought was important, and every person she’s held dear.  As Sadie faces losing Blaine, the man she’s loved since childhood, the financial future of her beloved orphanage and its inhabitants hangs in the balance.  As questions and debates arise for Sadie, we as readers will find ourselves asking how we can trust in God’s plan, even when it seems we are being forced to choose between two good things.

Do you love perfect endings?  Then you will be sure to savour this one!  The beginning, however, gets off to a slightly slow start, perhaps due to the limiting perspective of first-person.  At times I would have appreciated the wider picture another one, two, or even three perspectives would be sure to add.  Sadie herself is not completely likeable, due to certain tendencies and attitudes about various issues, until at least halfway through the book.  Nevertheless, by the two-thirds mark her heart is changed and we find in her a friend worthy of sharing her story.  Sadie realizes that her work at the orphanage is only meaningful if her true worth is based in God, not in herself or the work itself.  As her thoughts reveal, “If I believed God truly loved me, I could share that love with others, and it would make a difference.  An eternal difference.  Because of the work the Lord had done in me, not because of the work I’d done for Him.”

Two significant aspects of this endearing tale stand out, making it memorable and touching.  First, the children of the story add several dimensions including humour, heart-wrenching backgrounds, and touching happy-endings when several are placed in families who love them.  Second, the love of Sadie’s life, Blaine, possesses a love for her that is truly reflective of the 1st Corinthians definition.  As Sadie depicts, “He’d never quit caring for me.  Never quit taking care of me, while I’d been selfish and fickle, sought out station and accolades to make me forget that little girl they brought out of her mother’s prison cell.  Could he truly forgive that?”  Blaine’s response shows his character, “I’d do anything to make you happy…  I love you, Sadie.  I’ve loved you since the moment Carter and I walked into that warm kitchen.  Ten years old with ancient eyes, you understood suffering the way I did.”

If you want to enjoy a heartwarming story of love, sacrifice, and second chances, you will not want to miss A Home for My Heart.  It is sure to bring a smile to your face, and if you are like me, a few tears to your eyes as well.  Although it may take a little while to become immersed in the story, the end results are worth it, guaranteed.

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group”.

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A Lasting Impression review

A Lasting ImpressionBestselling author Tamera Alexander’s newest novel, A Lasting Impression, was released by Bethany House* in the fall of 2011, and is sure to make a ‘lasting impression’ on your heart and imagination. Both humorous and tender, this novel will make you laugh and cry within the span of a few pages!  From a historical accuracy standpoint, this incredible story has clearly been researched down to every last detail.  In an online interview with Ms. Alexander, she states that the director of the Belmont Mansion today actually read her manuscript before it was published, simply to ensure that all aspects of the mansion were portrayed accurately!

An intriguing aspect of this sweeping story is its remarkable cast of characters, each vividly portrayed and soon ingrained in your imagination.  Claire Laurent is a young woman with a regrettable past who is given the chance to alter her future for the better.  Sutton Monroe is a beginning attorney whose past is also filled with regrets, but of a different kind.  Through an unexpected series of events, Claire and Sutton’s lives intersect at Belmont, a mansion and estate owned by one of the richest women in America at the time, Mrs. Adelica Acklen – an actual person in history, and a vital member of the supporting cast in this story.

Several years before our story begins, Claire was pressured into furthering her family’s business by using her abilities at painting… to forge the works of famous artists.  Now a young adult, Claire is forced to make decisions on her own when a sudden crises disrupts her entire world.  Soon she finds herself at Belmont Mansion, which turns out to be both the world she’s always dreamed of belonging in, and the worst place in which to keep her previous life a secret.  What will happen when Claire’s past finally catches up with her, threatening to tear down everything she’s been working so hard to build?

A Lasting Impression is a story about being authentic.  It’s about being yourself, and loving others for being themselves.  Throughout the story, Claire struggles with feelings of unworthiness, and constantly feels inadequate for all that she has been blessed with at Belmont.  By story’s end, however, Claire finds the courage to see herself, and others, for who they truly are.  This story is also about trust, and giving your ambitions to God, letting Him guide you and fuel your dreams for the future.  In one of the most touching scenes in the story, Claire hears God’s voice in her heart, asking her if she would use her talent for painting, if she were only painting for Him.    Each message is woven seamlessly into the story.

In conclusion, A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander is truly a masterpiece.  The writing style was a joy to read, as it was both humorous and touching.  The history in this story is extremely interesting, especially because the reader can be assured that it is as accurate as possible.  In addition, the characters in this story are lovable and realistic, and quickly become your friends, even though, or perhaps because, they have a good share of faults.  One more important element makes this story stand out from others, but is difficult to describe…  Somehow the incredible manner in which the entire story comes together really makes you feel as though Ms. Alexander was inspired by God when writing her story. Altogether, this book will leave an inspiring and lasting impression on your heart.

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group”.