The Thorn Keeper

Friends, I am a bit of an oddball when it comes to pop culture. I’m not always into fads and stuff…just look at my closet and you’ll know what I’m talking about. #Ilovevintage #glovesandsaddleshoes

One of the things that makes this difference apparent, is my…well, how do I say this…I’m just not a Downton Abby fan.

 *dun dun dunnnnnnn*

Are you shocked? Well, it’s true. HOWEVER, one thing that would induce me to watch, are the costumes and the interesting history that follows the characters. One of those historical events being WWI. It has only been recently that I have learned more about that incredible time in recent history and I can honestly say it's really opened my eyes in may ways.

Now, if you ARE a D.A. fanatic, and you DO go gaga over those styles like I do, and you LOVE that era in history, and you are a HUGE fan of the English countryside, and you KILL for awesome romance (ok, maybe not "kill"...;) )—then I think you’ll like the book I’m reviewing today.


Book Rating: Up All Night’er


I have known this author for a while, but I’m slow when it comes to reading these days, and I FINALLY had the chance to enjoy her work, and let me tell you, it's phenomenal.

Pepper Basham is a delight, and her writing is just a lovely as she is. Her second novel THE THORN KEEPER releases February 28, and I know you will be consumed by it, like I was.

First of all, I must take a moment to comment on that cover!!! The flowers and the colors and the HAT???!!! Very beautiful.

For a quick understanding of the story...

Here’s the blurb:

With her newfound faith, Catherine Dougall hopes to take the remnants of her threadbare life and make something beautiful, even if society shuns every choice she makes. 

Dr. David Ross must save his war hospital from ruin, but when his notorious aunt makes an offer he can’t refuse, he must choose between his surprising affection for a reformed flirt or his dreams. 

From the beautiful Derbyshire countryside to the trenches of World War One, Catherine and David must learn to trust in a God who never forgets his children and fashions beauty out of the most broken things.


Sounds fantastic, right?? Now, I will admit. I haven’t read the first book in the series, THE THORN BEARER, (though I have heard incredible things!!) and it had an impact on how I was able to connect with the story and the characters—which is the only reason I wasn’t able to give it my highest rating. So, if you do plan to read this one (which I highly suggest you do) then I would recommend you pick up that book first. I will definitely be reading it pronto and reviewing that one as well.

The romance in this book is absolutely insane!! Wow, wow, wow. The tension gets CRAZY and I loved it!!! We all enjoy a bit of romantic agony, right?? This fits the bill, I'm tellin' ya. As for the historical element, I found it captivating with incredible details, but I didn’t feel like it took over the plot, which sometimes happens with historicals. Instead, it enhanced the story, and I felt I could really envision everything!

Now to the part I love best. Her style. Pepper's "voice" is like a peaceful, summer stream--you just want to hop right in and once you do, you don't want to leave. She writes such lovely prose and gorgeous imagery, I was really swept away. She also does a masterful job with the Christian element, as well. I was often very moved by the spiritual strength and growth of the characters and it made me reflect on my life and growth. Bravo, Pepper!

So, friends, be watching for this book's release on the 28th. This story is...dare I say it...a keeper. BAHAHAHA Get it?? Man, I'm hilarious... ;)

Congratulations, Pepper!!

Happy Reading!
BUY IT!

Hope At Dawn

There are so many great things about this story--none of which have to do with the fact that Stacy wrote the hero to look like Chris Evans. Abbbbbbbsolutely nothing. ;)

Book Rating: Best of the Best

We were enjoying a few blissful days on the Oregon coast whilst I was savoring said book--such a perfect read for a vacation. I kept turning to my husband and saying, "Holy cow! This book is amazing!" And I meant it every single time. Not only does this novel have a gorgeous cover, it has a gorgeous story inside, as well.

Stacy Henrie has done a brilliant job with this first book in her Of Love and War series. Livy Campbell and Friedrick Wagner are so delightful and SO REAL that it made the story truly come to life for me. Their romance bloomed just like you would imagine real romances would--delicately, and faithfully over time and I believe that is what sold me on this from page one.

OK, hold on.... I take that back.....

I LOVED the setting as well!!!! I believe this is the first WWI story I have read and it captured my imagination and really got me thinking about a time in history I know so little about. (Then again I am a history nerd, so I get excited about that kind of thing...)

Livy lands a teaching job in a German community--and during the Great War, that was not something to be taken lightly. Soon, everything she thought she knew about family and love is put to the test. Especially when a strapping young German comes into the picture....

Friedrick loves his adopted country of America, though others in the surrounding areas refuse to believe so and continue to threaten him and his family. As his affections for Livy grow--and his for her--will they be able to keep each other safe amidst the turmoil, or will their hearts be broken as their world crumbles around them?

I can't recommend this book enough! I know you will love it--and please let me know what you think after you've read it!!

Happy Reading!!