The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent - A Book Review

Do you like to escape to written worlds that bear no resemblance to your own? Lose yourself in one such world, one over three centuries old...

In The Heretic's Daughter, the debut novel from Kathleen Kent, you'll look at late-1600s life through the eyes of nine-year-old Sarah Carrier. Through her perspective, so indicative of an era when children were forced to grow wise before their time, were held accountable during insurmountable circumstances, we learn of a far different existence from what we know today.

It's during Sarah's tranformation from child to young woman that we learn, as she does, that her mother stands accused as the Salem Witch Trials commence. What will this mean for Sarah and her family? What does fate hold for her mother, Martha, one of the first women tried for witchcraft?

Kent's novel, written with beautiful, antiquated prose and incredible articulation, is based on true accounts of her own Puritan ancestors--including the real Martha Carrier. The reader will feel persecution along with the Carrier family, will understand the incredulity of circumstance. One will sense fear of the unknown, and the struggles of times so different from our own.

If I had stars to pass out... this book would get all five of them.

This review was written in association with Blog Stop Book Tours, which you can visit for additional information and reviews.

Taking a Look at Freezing Point by Karen Dionne

Imagine you work for a large corporation; a corporation wanting nothing more than to create - yes, create - the next greatest supplier of water for those who need it. How? By travelling to Antarctica, where the answer exists in the form of an immense iceberg. The plans have been hashed and rehashed. The iceberg will be liquified... for pure, clean drinking water.

And then...

Imagine you're a scientist. You've worked with a team of specialists for years, studied the polar ice, lived a meager existence. You support environmentalism. Your goal has been preservation. Then man steps in. And ruins it all.

What happens when the two worlds collide? And, worse yet, what happens when an unforeseen horror - bigger than anyone can imagine - threatens everyone involved?

Karen Dionne has been called "the new Michael Crichton." This debut novel, the eco-thriller Freezing Point, will be released in October 2008. I recommend you order your copy now! Her written voice is truly gripping.

And come back on September 15th, when I'll review Kathleen Kent's The Heretic's Daughter, an historical novel about the Salem witch trials, in connection with Blog Stop Book Tours.

The Bunko Babes - A Book Review

The cover of the book, by Leah Starr Baker, made me think I'd get a light, perhaps fluffy, read. With the main character's chatty (though oftentimes cliched) voice, I did. And there was more...

What I thought might turn out to be overwhelming - both because of Bunko, which I've never played nor seen played, and the initial introduction of eight characters just for playing said Bunko - ended up being relatable and uncomplicated...

The reader's initiation into Bunko connects us with a group of women: Women who lead typical lives on the surface but have, like most, underlying cause for concern. From life as a seriously over-stressed mom to the demands of an active soldier's wife, from marriage issues to worry over health concerns, it's all there.

Everything is seen from the perspective of Becca, the main character, who the reader follows through many ups and downs of her own. Though she can, at times, seem melodramatic and pampered, she's just an average, Christian woman who draws strength from Above, from her family, and from those special friends she plays games with. Those three elements are what get her through the most trying times of her life, as the reader tags along for the bumpy ride.

To view more, please visit Blog Stop Book Tours.

The Romantics by Galt Niederhoffer

I received this book in the mail last week, much like I do those I'm set to review for Blog Stop Book Tours. It came direct from the book's publisher, letter-form press release and everything. The curious thing is, neither my contact at BSBT nor myself had any expectation of this book's arrival!

It sounds fabulous and I'll certainly read and review it, but I do wonder how I came to receive it. If anyone lurking out there in Bloggerland is responsible, do let me know. I'd appreciate any details.*

If you're interested in learning more about the book, check out NYTimes.com. They've got some details up today. Have a good day. :)


*Alas, I can offer no reward... save maybe a writing tip or a frozen waffle or two.

Writing: What It's All About

Last week I got some much needed time away from home and its demands. Absorbing my freedom, I headed to the library with my alphasmart Sally, and copped a squat at one of the quiet tables. I succeeded in losing myself to the work in front of me, and completed the two projects I'd been unable to tackle before then.

First was a book review, for Christina Meldrum's Madapple, which I'll be posting here on June 16th, in connection with Blog Stop Book Tours. I can't wait to share those thoughts with you!

I also tackled what will be the latest intallment for my column. I have to polish it a bit, but it's not due until the 20th. Woo hoo! I can't wait to see it in print - it's always such a rush.

Anyway, I can't tell you how my time away to write rejuvenated me. That session served to boost my creative side. My thoughts were flowing and I felt such a relief at being able to express them. There's nothing like it, that feeling of accomplishment when you've written something and written it well.

How does writing make you feel?