This book was also recommended by Karla, and I see why she enjoyed it. It's a beautiful yet rough setting along the Scottish coast, has some interesting historical connections, and is a safe and clean romance. It's a very enjoyable read, but not particularly satisfying. Like Maisie Dobbs, it's going to the corner library for someone else to enjoy.
One part that intrigued me was the way this author wove the present into the past and vice versa. It was really two stories in one. That was well-done, but that wasn't enough to put it into a category that I would ever want to read it again. I think this is what romance novels are all about--safe and fluffy. I like more reality, I guess. And more interesting characters. But as a light summer read? Okay.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
My sweet young friend in Rapid City, Carrie, often attended book club. One night we were munching on the refreshments after an Agatha Christie discussion, and she said her favorite book was this one. She loves it so much, she reads it over and over. I thought I should try it, since I love Pride and Prejudice in that same way. Maybe I would find another favorite gem. When I ordered it on Amazon, I was surprised that it seemed so shallow, even in the description. But I ordered it anyway.
What a disappointment. I think "romance" writers are either totally lacking in reality or assume their readers are. This story was so vapid, the characters so unreal and predictable that is was absolutely frustrating to read. I persevered. No joy or satisfaction at all. The ending was predictable and obvious...
In thinking about this, I understand why a busy young mom would want to escape into a pillow-soft world, But that world was not well-described or populated. Not MY kind of escape at all...glad it takes all kinds of books and all kinds of people to appreciate them!
What a disappointment. I think "romance" writers are either totally lacking in reality or assume their readers are. This story was so vapid, the characters so unreal and predictable that is was absolutely frustrating to read. I persevered. No joy or satisfaction at all. The ending was predictable and obvious...
In thinking about this, I understand why a busy young mom would want to escape into a pillow-soft world, But that world was not well-described or populated. Not MY kind of escape at all...glad it takes all kinds of books and all kinds of people to appreciate them!
Thursday, July 12, 2018
The Development of Temple Doctrine by Jennifer Ann Mackley
This amazing book was a real eye-opener. I usually have to fight to stay with a history book, but this one was fascinating to read. I don't think it would hold much interest for a non-LDS person, but perhaps it would. Most of it focuses on temple worship and the context for how that developed in the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
The author exhaustively researched and documented her sources. Most of it comes from Wilford Woodruff's journals. He was a thorough journaler, and his early work in the St. George Temple is recorded in detail. There are other sources as well, and the notes section of the book gives even more background.
This book was recommended to me by Lolly Osguthorpe, who is a good friend and served as a Temple Matron. I trust her judgment, and her recommendations. It helped me understand that our temple work and ordinances have developed and changed over time, and will continue to. President Woodruff was pretty clear that this would be an on-going development. He was able to focus on gathering his own family history and doing his family's work while serving in the St. George temple for 13 (?) years. When he became president of the church, he had all of this experience to inform his leadership. A VERY worthwhile read!
The author exhaustively researched and documented her sources. Most of it comes from Wilford Woodruff's journals. He was a thorough journaler, and his early work in the St. George Temple is recorded in detail. There are other sources as well, and the notes section of the book gives even more background.
This book was recommended to me by Lolly Osguthorpe, who is a good friend and served as a Temple Matron. I trust her judgment, and her recommendations. It helped me understand that our temple work and ordinances have developed and changed over time, and will continue to. President Woodruff was pretty clear that this would be an on-going development. He was able to focus on gathering his own family history and doing his family's work while serving in the St. George temple for 13 (?) years. When he became president of the church, he had all of this experience to inform his leadership. A VERY worthwhile read!
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
My friend April sometimes brought her daughters with her to book club. They are all discerning readers and I value their opinion on books! This is one that one of the younger girls said she enjoyed, and so I snapped it up used from Amazon.
I was hopeful that I would LOVE it because there are more in this series. I like finding a good series, but this is not it. It's very sweet and nostalgic and the story and the sisters' relationship is fun to read about, but it's not very compelling in its message or delivery. Plus, I need good, interesting characters who are not one-dimensional. The Penderwick's meet this standard, but the rich woman next door and her evil boyfriend were too predictable. Still, the story is enjoyable, and it's fun to read about this family's summer in a cottage next door to a rich little boy. I think I will pass it on to my hairdresser who has a daughter who might relate to it.
I was hopeful that I would LOVE it because there are more in this series. I like finding a good series, but this is not it. It's very sweet and nostalgic and the story and the sisters' relationship is fun to read about, but it's not very compelling in its message or delivery. Plus, I need good, interesting characters who are not one-dimensional. The Penderwick's meet this standard, but the rich woman next door and her evil boyfriend were too predictable. Still, the story is enjoyable, and it's fun to read about this family's summer in a cottage next door to a rich little boy. I think I will pass it on to my hairdresser who has a daughter who might relate to it.
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