Showing posts with label Kim Vogel Sawyer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kim Vogel Sawyer. Show all posts

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Book Review: A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer


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Title: A Silken Thread

Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical Romance

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

For readers who love a heartwarming romance and a rich historical setting comes a tale of a young woman with a heavy burden, the International Cotton Exposition, and the pursuit of true love.

Eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard, youngest of seven children, is expected to stay home and "take care of Mama" by her older siblings, but Laurel has dreams of starting her own family. Operating a silk loom at the Atlanta Exposition will give her the chance to capture the heart of a man wealthy enough to take care of Laurel and any children she might bear, as well as her mother.

Langdon Rochester's parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. At the Exposition, Langdon meets Laurel. Marrying her would satisfy his parents's command, she would look lovely on his arm for social events, and in her besotted state, he believes she would overlook him continuing pursuing rowdy adventures with his unmarried buddies. Langdon decides to woo Laurel. Willie Sharp is not well-off and must take on an extra job at the Atlanta Exposition as a security guard. When mischief-makers cause trouble in the Women's Building, Willie is put in charge of keeping the building secure. He enjoys visiting with Laurel, who seems like the little sister he never had, but his feelings for Laurel change to something much deeper. Can Willie convince Laurel that he can give her better life - even with so little to offer?

~ MY REVIEW ~
**3 stars**

A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer was a fairly quick, entertaining read. Set not long after the end of the American Civil War, it follows eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard and three young men, Willie Sharp, Quincy Tate, and Langdon Rochester during the International Cotton Exposition. Each have their own goals and dreams, and each will have to find their way during a tumultuous time in history.

I have loved some of this author's novels, yet others have fallen a little flat for me, personally. A Silken Thread didn't reach my favorites list. It was interesting, and each of the characters had their part. But it took so long for some of the characters to make the right decision - it was kind of difficult. However, it was still a good story. And there were some very poignant moments that stirred my heart.

Some readers are sure to enjoy this simple, heartfelt tale of love and lessons learned.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of A Silken Thread from WaterBrook & Multnomah and all opinions expressed here are honest and completely my own.

Friday, December 1, 2017

Book Review: Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer


Purchase HERE

Title: Beneath a Prairie Moon

Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Estelle Brantley grew up in affluence and knows exactly how to behave in high society. But when she is cast from the social registers due to her father's illegal dealings, she finds herself forced into a role she never imagined: tutoring rough Kansas ranchers in the subjects of manners and morals so they can "marry up" with their mail-order brides.

Mack Cleveland, whose uncle was swindled by a mail-order bride, wants no part of the scheme to bring Eastern women to Spiveyville, Kansas, and he's put off by the snooty airs and fastidious behavior of the "little city gal" in their midst. But as time goes by, his heart goes out to the teacher who tries so diligently to smooth the rough edges from the down-to-earth men. How can he teach her that perfection won't bring happiness?

~ MY REVIEW ~
**3 stars**

Beneath a Prairie Moon was a cute story. And it had a little twist, making it different from the average mail-ordered bride tale - our main female character is not a bride, but a tutor of the men ordering brides. She must teach uncivilized frontier men proper manners, etiquette, and other social rules.

I enjoyed this book for the most part. The romance. The danger. The unexpected happenings. I especially liked the little parts where the mistress of this particular mail-ordered brides organization spoke to men about how women wanted to be treated. How they need to be treated. How their hearts are things to be gently cherished. Ultimately, though, I didn't feel Beneath a Prairie Moon was quite what I was expecting/looking forward to. It had more of a humorous slant than an authentic western/frontier feel. The storyline and some of the characters weren't very believable, though entertaining. I don't mean to bash the book, it just seemed quite different than Kim Vogel Sawyer's previous two books I've read - which I really loved.

If one is looking for a fun, (with some drama and danger,) Christian romance set in the as-yet perfectly civilized prairie, they might give Beneath a Prairie Moon a try.

I received a copy of Beneath a Prairie Moon from bloggingforbooks review program in exchange for my honest review.