Book Review - Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

 

Nitta Sayuri tells her story of her life as a geisha as she reminisces in her old age. Her story began in 1929 in a small poverty filled fishing village. She was nine-year-old girl with beautiful unusual colored eyes. Her father made the decision to sell her and her sister into slavery to a geisha house. There she transforms from a young girl into a young woman learning the rigorous arts of being a geisha.  She learns the art of dance and music while entertaining her clients. While at the geisha house she has to learn to deal with a dangerous rival who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

The book was an enchanting read and it felt like we were getting a glimpse of a previously unknown world. The novel did move a bit slowly in the beginning and it felt a bit rushed in the end but, I thought it was an enjoyable read. I liked reading about Sayuri's journey but, towards the end of the novel I didn't care for her. I understand that she was trying to take control of her life but, I felt like she treated people like pawns. Overall, I can see why this book is a fan favorite.

Book Review - The Bird King by G. Willow Wilson

Photo Credit - Amazon

Fatima is a royal concubine in the royal court of Granda, the last emirate of Muslim Spain. Hassan, her best friend, is the palace mapmaker. Hassan has the power to draw maps of places he has never seen and bend the shape of reality. When representatives from the Spanish monarchy arrive to negotiate the sultan's surrender, Fatima becomes friends with one of the women, Luz. However, she didn't realize that Luz will see Hassan's gift as a threat. Fearing for their lives, Fatima and Hassan escape the palace. Will Fatima and Hassan be able to escape Luz?

At first, I thought this novel was going to be a historical fiction novel but, it slowly became a fantasy novel instead. The novel was written beautifully in the beginning but halfway in the book, I started losing interest in the book. I felt like the story was a bit slow and boring. I found the parts with Vikram, the jinn to be the most interesting part of the story.  After finishing more than 75% of the book, I lost interest in the book and couldn't finish it.

**Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**  

Book Review - Minding the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Captain Reynolds Macy is returning home after sailing away six years ago. He left his newly married bride to sail across the sea in search of whale oil. He looks forward to returning to his beautiful bride, Jane. However, Ren realizes nothing is the same and everything has changed during his absence. 

Daphne Coffin is Jane's sister and is excited that Ren is returning home. When tragedy strikes, she urges Ren to "mind the light" and find solace in God. While Ren is traveling down the path of light, Daphne finds herself falling in love with Ren. However, she is promised to betrothed to someone else. Will Ren be able to find the path to happiness? Will Daphne be able to find love with Ren?

This is the second novel in the Nantucket series. I have read the other novel but, I find that this novel can be read as a standalone. I thought the novel was a good read but, it was a bit slow in some parts. I like how the novel showed that people are very dynamic creatures. The ending was a bit predictable but, it ended a bit abruptly. We found out a missing piece of the puzzle but, we don't know how the characters will react. I am assuming it is a lead way into the next book.  I also liked reading bits of Mary Starbuck's diary but, I felt the first book had a more cohesive theme surrounding the diary. Overall, a satisfying second book to the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book

Book Title: Minding the Light

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: July 3, 2018

Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship’s hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. “Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?” he whispers in despair.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn’t defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and “mind the Light,” finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be–honorable, wise, faithful–she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren’s business partner, cousin, and best friend–and Daphne’s fiancé. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high?

Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to the Quaker community on Nantucket Island for this riveting love story, full of unexpected moments.

About the Author

Carol-award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes untold stories about inspiring people. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction, ranging from Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World to the historical novel Anna’s Crossing.

 

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a $10 Starbucks gift card to five winners!!

Be sure to leave a comment on one of the blog stops for 9 extra entries into the giveaway. Click link below to enter.

 https://promosimple.com/ps/d1c4/minding-the-light-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

Book Review - Red Sky Over America by Tamera Lynn Kraft + Giveaway

 Photo Source - Amazon

In 1857, slavery is still common and accepted practice in the South. However, William and America are abolitionists and want to confront and end the evil practice. America is the daughter of a prominent slave owner. She believes owning slaves is immoral and want to become a missionary to spread her faith in China. William travels around the country preaching the evils of slavery. Together William and America find themselves struggling to spread the abolitionist idea. Will she be able to help slaves escape if it means going against her father? Will William and America be able to put their differences aside and work together to spread the message?

The novel portrayed a vivid experience of two different people with the same ideals. America's family has owned slaves her entire life. She is torn between the life she knew from birth and the ideals she wants. William's family has always followed the path of abolition. It was interesting to see two people who like each other try to accept each other different point of views while trying to compromise their own beliefs. While the book was an enjoyable read, I found it to be a bit of a slower cozy read than I normally read.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book

Title: Red Sky over America
Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: February 11, 2018

In 1857, America, the daughter of a slave owner, is an abolitionist and a student at Oberlin College, a school known for its radical ideas. America goes home to Kentucky during school break to confront her father about freeing his slaves.

America’s classmate, William, goes to Kentucky to preach abolition to churches that condone slavery. America and William find themselves in the center of the approaching storm sweeping the nation and may not make it home to Ohio or live through the struggle.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2^nd place in the NOCW contest, 3^rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 39 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren.

Tamera has been a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire For Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away a themed basket with autographed books of Resurrection of Hope, Alice’s Notions, Red Sky Over America, a copy of Uncle Tom’s Cabin (the book is mentioned in the novel) and a copy of Then Sings My Soul (stories about the hymns), plus a $10 Amazon Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cebb/red-sky-over-america-celebration-tour-giveaway