MG Historical, Christian Fiction, MG Fantasy, KL Mystery
Home on Stoney Creek, The Keys to Gramercy Park, The Midnight Orchestra, Lights! Camera! Clues!
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Home on Stoney Creek (Sarah’s Journey #1) by Wanda Luttrell
4 STARS (Synopsis on StoryGraph) Middle Grade Christian Historical Fiction
11-year-old Sarah feels like moving to Kentucky was a big mistake and can’t wait for her brother to return from the war to take her back to Virginia. The many adventures of being in a pioneer family are shared in this middle grade tale.
Personal Review:
It took me some time to get into the groove of the writing of this chapter book, but once it became familiar I settled in for quite the adventure! Basically everything I could imagine a pioneer family would have to encounter, Sarah and her family come up against over the course of a year. They encounter **spoiler warning** Indians (some nice and some terrifying), a huge bear, a dangerous river, illness, losing siblings, and being stuck in a blizzard. **end spoiler**
I enjoyed following Sarah along this journey. Her Pa was a little “relationally” distant for my liking but I enjoyed her relationship with Ma and with her younger brother Jamie. The stories were sometimes a little choppy but by the end I really had a great picture in my head of what pioneering was like for them. It even sparked a conversation with my husband about who the Allegewi were. I look forward to my girls reading this, but because of the scary content they probably won’t enjoy it until about age 12.
Content Warnings:
Indian attack, animal attacks, several heart-pumping moments that make this suitable for more adventurous readers (the suspenseful parts all end on a positive note)
The Keys to Gramercy Park (Doors to the Past Series) by Candice Sue Patterson
2.5 STARS (synopsis on StoryGraph or Goodreads) Adult Christian Fiction, Dual Timeline
In the present day, Beau and Andrea fall hard for each other, but their lives just seem too different to make it work. In the past, Franklin and Edward Davidson face sibling rivalry and reap the consequences of their chosen paths.
Personal Review:
I was not a fan of the content of this book. I enjoyed the story and the dual timeline. And the writing was fluid and enjoyable to read. However, the historical timeline content was so difficult to read; Edward was an absolutely terrible person and I really did not like reading about his deception and evil endeavors. I won’t share the things that he did because most are spoilers, but just know I only completed reading the book because I received an ARC and felt I should finish to give my review.
The modern-day romance was also not my favorite. I really didn't mind how fast Andrea and Beau fell in love or anything, but I really was not a fan of the story from Beau's perspective when he and Andrea were together. There are a few moments of him all-out lusting after her, sharing his thoughts with the reader about simple non-sexual things (like an apron and strappy sandals) and how they are making him go wild. He has to keep reminding himself he’s a “patient man” and it’s hard to tell why he has to be so “patient”. Is it because he just can’t wait to satisfy his lusts or is it because he’s just really wants to marry his best friend? Who knows?
Edward (of the past) was represented as an evil man acting on his evil desires. But Beau (of the present) had sinful desires that were portrayed as normal. Not a fan.
I would also not consider this a Christian book. There are passing mentions of prayer, and there is a lovely moment in the historical timeline of a daughter trying to help her father convert. But other than that there was nothing that made me believe anyone in the book was a Christian.
Content Warnings:
murder, adultery, brothels, STDs, extreme manipulation and deception, lustful descriptions, a few descriptions of kissing (pushing my limits of comfort), several touches between a couple, implications of intimate relations (no details but the implications happen in sinful situations), drug abuse
The Midnight Orchestra (Mystwick #2) by Jessica Khoury
5 STARS (synopsis on StoryGraph or Goodreads) Middle Grade Fantasy
This book starts almost right where the first Mystwick book ends (see my review). Amelia discovers more about her friends, her past, and her flute magic in this fun adventure!
Personal Review:
When I finished this book I had to sit in silence for a few minutes to let the afterglow of the magic settle. I loved it!
I love the world of Mystwick and the music spells that keep the world running. Unlike the first book, in which I found Amelia kind of annoying, I loved her in this book. Her friendship with Jai is fantastic! They understand each other and have so much fun. Jai made me laugh out loud several times. Amelia is also better about including the adults on this journey. I thought she was a good example of asking for help when needed.
I also liked the new characters presented. My favorite is Miss Motte, Amelia’s new Mystwick Maestro! She is whimsical, motherly, and a kindred spirit :).
The story of the Midnight Orchestra was exciting! I would feel more comfortable with my 9-12 year-olds reading this book than the first one because the “bad” things that take place are more based in fantasy than the last book.
**Soft Spoiler: I have to add that I LOVED how Amelia overcomes her "anger" at the end. It was a great message for any young person who might be in the same situation she is in. Beautifully done. End Spoiler**
Content Warnings:
abandonment by parent, some suspenseful moments, bullying
Lights! Camera! Clues! (The Nancy Drew Notebooks #29) by Carolyn Keene
4 STARS (synopsis on StoryGraph or Goodreads) Kid Lit (early chapter book) Mystery
Nancy and her friends, Bess and George, make it their mission to find the missing turtle of a visiting child star named Lucy.
Personal Review:
This is a quick, fun, and cute read that I would put in the younger readers category. Nancy, Bess, and George are good friends who help each other out and stand up for each other. There is not as much suspense as you typically find in mystery, making it even more younger reader friendly. The three friends do more snooping than I would like for my own kids to do, but there are always consequences for putting their noses where they don’t belong!
Content Warnings:
mild bullying, lying, stealing, snooping
Have you read any of these books? What are your thoughts?