White

If you have read Ted Dekker's Circle series, or if you have been following along with these reviews and then decided to pick up the series, you may have noticed something very interesting about the books Black, Red, and now White. All three of them are thinly veiled allegories of the Christian faith and the story of Jesus Christ. Told through the wonderful imagination and fluid writing of Ted Dekker, each book in the series holds a story that, though fictionalized, has the ability to strengthen a Christian's faith walk by reminding him where it started. Black told the story of the fall of man and humanity's plunge into sin, Red was the daring rescue of all mankind carried out by Jesus, and White, the third and final book in the Circle series, tells the tale of Christian missions. It is a reminder of what God has called all Christians to do after the have become whole in Christ.

Thomas Hunter always knew this day would come. From the very first moment he was able to live in two realities at once, he knew that someday both his worlds would end. This knowledge wasn't always in the forefront of his mind, but it had always been present in his thoughts. The day of destruction has finally come. With a deadly virus ravaging earth's entire population in one reality and the Hoard constantly chasing Thomas and his friends in the other, there are no options left. Thomas is cornered on all sides and he has run out of ideas; both his worlds are expecting him to be their savior, but does Thomas have what it takes to fulfill their hopes? Can one man truly alter history, are enemies enemies forever, and could love be the answer to all this? 

I have thoroughly enjoyed Ted Dekker's Circle series. Black and Red were both excellent and, now that I've read it, White can stand beside them and receive the same praise. Building off of its two predecessors, White finishes the story of Thomas Hunter and does so in a satisfying way. I have grown very attached to Thomas and the rest of the characters in the Circle series; like any flaky reader, I grew to love these characters because they felt real to me. I felt their pain, were joyful with them in their triumphs, and were with them during every step of their journey. The story of Thomas Hunter is a special one told by a very gifted writer; it is a story that everyone can relate to and learn from in some way, so everyone should take the time to read it. In many ways, the end of this story and the end of the characters struggles in this last book was also the end of part of my story so I'm glad that it finished on a high note. These characters are part of me, they can be part of you to if you choose to join them on their journey. 

*****

RJ

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

Red

I do not read sequels or series often. Perhaps I have a short attention span or I can't sit still long enough to become invested in a long on-going story, but I think the most likely reason is my tendency to get bored when nothing new or exciting has happened in a while. After reading a book, I am just not ready to sit through another one about the same characters in the same setting; the concept becomes boring to me even through the story line of the sequel might be very good. I am more inclined to pick up a brand new book, one that I know nothing about, and throw myself whole-heartedly into discovering brand new characters and a whole new universe. Because of this, it takes a very good author to get me to sit through an entire sequel or series; I have to be completely invested to the point where boredom can't set in. Red, the sequel to Ted Dekker's Black, is one of these attention-holding sequels.

Fifteen years have passed since Thomas Hunter first began to dream of two realities, or maybe only moments have passed. Time seems to move differently in both realities and yet they are both as real as when Thomas first discovered them. He is a resident of both worlds now and, while he has led two separate lives, he is still entirely himself. In one reality, he is barely out of his twenties, a head strong young man who until recently wasn't very important; in the other, he is nearly forty, he has a wife and two children, everyone knows and respects him. Regardless of which reality he exists in, both his worlds are facing a crisis, a disaster that could wipe out civilization as Thomas knows it. And he may be the only man who has the knowledge or the power to save both his worlds. Old enemies rise up again, bravery will be tested, sacrifices must be made to see a new day come, and a promise will be fulfilled.

As I said earlier, I do not usually read whole book series; I find them boring and stray to greener, more exciting pastures. But to my great surprise, this typical boredom did not set in when I picked up Red, the sequel to Black. In fact, I really enjoyed the book and had a heard time putting it down. Though Red picks up right where Black ended, with all the same characters and locations in play, I found myself engaged in the story line to the point of real enjoyment. I wanted to keep reading, I wasn't tired of the world Ted Dekker had created, and I sometimes even read multiple chapters in a row. Maybe this was possible because I was so invested in the characters from Black; I really enjoyed reading about them and cared about them a lot. I was interested in their lives and wanted to see them get a happy ending. When Thomas Hunter and the rest of the characters migrated over to Red, I was more than happy to keep reading about them, to see if they finally found their happy ending. Regardless of all this, and my personal thoughts on the book, though the book is wonderful and I would highly recommend it, I would caution younger readers and parents when they pick up Red. There are intense chapters describing battle, torture, and execution that might be troubling to some readers. A good book can't be fully enjoyed unless a reader is fully prepared for everything contained in its pages.


Photo Credit: Amazon.com

*****
RJ

Black

Fantasy fiction is a genre of literature that is well-loved by many readers. Focusing on the fantastical rather than reality, there is something quite special about fantasy fiction. Within the pages of a fantasy novel, the reader is instantly transported to a reality far different than his own. He can read about far away lands filled with magic, awe inspiring beasts and monsters that could never live outside a story book, and great heroes that take on the ultimate evil for the greater good. When looking for a good fantasy fiction book, look no further than three well-known authors who specialize in this particular genre. Tolkien created a world full of Hobbits, Wizards, and Dwarfs; likewise C.S. Lewis wrote the story of four siblings in a magical land, and Ted Dekker wrote his Colored Books Series. The first of these was Black.

Thomas Hunter never thought he was special. He may have had an unusual childhood growing up on an army base in the Philippines, he may have done a few things wrong in his life, he might have the mind of a flighty wannabe author but he was never special. That is, until he is called upon to save the world. In a strange twist of fate, Thomas' mind is no longer his own; without provocation his mind is suddenly able to jump between two different realities when he sleeps. Both realities seem so real, as if they could be coexisting, though both realities are wildly different from each other and both contain their own unique set of challenges Thomas finds that he is completely at home no matter where his mind is. Thomas hopes that he can exist peacefully in either reality as a man that no one knows or cares about; he thinks he can lead a semi-normal life and one day gain control of his own mind again. But what will happen when worlds start colliding, when both fantasy and reality need a hero? Will Thomas rise to the challenge? Is Thomas Hunter strong enough to save his worlds?

I can't begin to describe this book accurately; it is simply too detailed and too vast to summarize in a few short paragraphs. Ted Dekker has written a wonderful piece of fiction that can stand alongside anything written by Tolkien or Lewis. To put it bluntly, I loved this book. I was surprised that I enjoyed Black as much as I did. I am not an avid fiction reader, I much prefer any other genre. While I can say that I had high hopes going into the book I never expected to come out hungry for more. Written in a beautiful style, Ted Dekker's book truly immerses the reader in a world unlike any other. Vividly described and meticulously crafted, it's not hard to get lost in the book for hours simply admiring the scenery. I genuinely loved the characters and felt attached to them by the end. Though I did typically enjoy series, I am excited to read the next book from Ted Dekker and I'm hoping I enjoy it just as much as this first book. I would suggest that younger readers skip this book for now or read it was a parent due to some graphically described deaths and tense situations; however, if younger children are interesting in reading this book on their own there is an abridged comic-book version for the first three books in the Colored series. That being said, Black would be an enjoyable read for anyone who loves fantasy fiction. Whether in comic book form or not everyone should take the time to read this book and the accompanying series.


*****
RJ

Photo Credit: Amazon 

Mine Is the Night

In 1745, Scotland was thrown into disarray and turmoil. For years, the people of this frigid northern land had been subject to the cruel treatment of their king. Ruling the land with an iron fist, King George cared little for his people; he taxed them mercilessly, demanded that they obey his every command, and punished any and all Scots who refused to conform to the state church of Scotland. Unwilling to let this tyrant's reign continue, a small but brave group called the Jacobites rose up to challenge the king; they alone dared to seek a new beginning for Scotland. Mine Is the Night, by Liz Curtis Higgs, is not the story of the Jacobite rebellion; rather it is the story of those who saw the conflict unfold, the story of those who lived to tell the tale.

Elizabeth never thought her life would turn out like this. She had supported the Jacobite cause because her husband had fought with it; she had spurned King George's authority in the hopes of creating a better Scotland. She had seen a brighter future for herself in the Jacobite cause. Now, a year after the Jacobite rebellion, all that Elizabeth had hoped for has vanished. The cause failed, Scotland remained the same, and, because she defied the king, everything Elizabeth lived for was taken away from her. Traveling with her mother-in-law Marjory, another casualty of the rebellion, Elizabeth is seeking out a new life and a fresh start. Rebuilding her life isn't going to be easy, but Elizabeth is determined to try. With hope in her heart, God's promise of provision in mind, and the love of good friends in her soul, she is ready to take the next step into a new life.

I was pleasantly surprised when I finished this book. I didn't expect it to be such a good read but I am glad that I was mistaken. I picked up Mine is the Night randomly and decided to read it, if only to shorten my reading list. It had been sitting on my shelf for years and I had no desire to read it so I let it sit. I have read other books by Liz Curtis Higgs, one of which, Whence Came a Prince, is reviewed on this blog. I didn't like that book and found the story and writing sloppy. I expected the same from Mine is the Night. Luckily, the book dispelled all my worries in its first few pages. Unlike Whence Came a Prince, this book had wonderful writing, a solid story, and likable characters that are instantly enduring. I found the characters likable because they seem like real people, they have messy lives that they have to work through, they are not written as flawless protagonists. The book took a simple premise and expanded it into an interesting story that I highly recommend. I do think that the book is better suited for older readers because of some intense situations later in the book and parents may want to pre-read chapter 61 and decide if their child is ready for it's content, (the chapter depicts an assault.) But aside from that, all kinds of readers can enjoy this book. A nice diversion from what I thought is was going to be, Mine is the Night shouldn't be overlooked.



*****
RJ

Photo Credit: Goodreads 

Havah

Havah, by Tosca Lee, is a novel telling the story of Eve, the first woman to exist. The novel is written in memoir form from Eve's own perspective, and covers everything from her creation, to her death.

The story starts in the Garden of Eden, when Eve first comes to life, learns about the world around her, and has a personal relationship with God, or, as the book addresses him, The One. However, there is a tree she has seen, and been warned not to touch, as it will lead to death, a strange concept for someone immortal. But with the coaxing of a snake, Eve and her husband Adam eat the fruit, banishing themselves from The One.

I liked this book and thought it was a fresh perspective on the story of creation, and Adam and Eve's lives after the fall. I would not recommend this book to children, though, because the first few chapters have many sexual innuendos regarding Adam and Eve.

*****
AK

Lighthouse

Lighthouse, by Eugenia Price, is the first book in the Saint Simon's trilogy. It's a retelling of the building of the first lighthouse built on Saint Simons Island and follows the life of James Gould, who eventually built that lighthouse.

James Gould is portrayed as a very somber, matter of fact young man who has never been without responsibility. His father was badly injured in the Revolutionary War and can really only sit in the house all day. His mother has never really paid James any mind and always assumed that he would take care of himself. James' brother, Horace, is his mother's favorite; he has a very happy go lucky disposition that everyone but James finds charming. After his father dies, James goes off to find work as a builder, his adventures take him all sorts of places, and he becomes a successful business man. His dream is to build a lighthouse, though, and that dream seems too out of reach for a logical man like James.

I enjoyed this book; it was a sweet story of a somber man finding love, joy, and success. If you like historical fiction, then try out Lighthouse. It's a win!


*****
AK

Sense and Sensibility

The words "classic literature" brings to mind many different things: dusty old books a hand length wide, the charming English countryside, demure ladies and dashing men, and language so flowery that you can almost smell it. Many people are daunted by classic literature; they claim it would be too hard to read the works so why bother at all. This is a real shame because among the ranks of classic literature there are some brilliant works that everyone should eventually read. But there are also some very bad classic books that aren't worth the read. There is a good kind of classic and a bad kind; something like Wuthering Heights is an example of good. Unfortunately, this is a book review about a bad classic.

Sense and Sensibility is a product of its time. Considered  a romantic comedy, this book is not very romantic or funny. The story follows the daily lives of the Dashwood sisters, confident, levelheaded Elinor who spends her time in polite society and lovesick pianist and daydreamer, Marianne who would rather spend her days roaming over the green hills and little rivers around her home. Together these sisters navigate the perils of English society, endure tea time with notorious gossips, and spend their time conquering the height of 1790s drama. On top of all that, there's love and betrayal to navigate and the sensitive issue of over-staying their welcome at a friend's house. Gasp!

I didn't like this book at all. While I normally love the classics and all their idiosyncrasies, I found Sense and Sensibility quite hard to read. The language is so embellished that the small story line there is gets lost between overly polite banter and senseless phrases. The story began well enough, but was focused on only one problem; once that issue came to head in chapter five, the rest of the book dragged, with characters eloquently reiterating the problem every other page. Finally, while Sense and Sensibility was written in 1811, so the characters are characteristic of that time era, I can't stand the wilting flower attitude of every woman in the story. Their tendency to faint into nearby furniture upon hearing something slightly inconvenient or constantly complaining of their delicate constitutions makes the characters very unlikable and had me screaming at the page for them to man up. 

Read Sense and Sensibility only if you have to or, instead, spend your time reading Wuthering Heights or Dracula. 

*****

RJ

Photo Credit: Amazon UK

Wuthering Heights

Cold, windy, flat, and grassy. That's how I can describe the English moors; a land all on its own, the moors seem other-worldly. Only the most desperate people would make a living here, carving out a life from the rough, craggy cliffs and beating out happiness from the howling winds. The moors hardly seem the proper setting for a love story, and yet Emily Bronte did it. She set one of the most famous stories of passion her only novel, Wuthering Heights in this wind swept locale. Perhaps this is why Wuthering Heights works, the moors' coldness contrasted by fiery passion, and the stone cliffs' roughness overshadowed by a loves' tenderness. Drawing from her own home  on the moors, Emily Bronte's novel is as beautiful as an English spring while still remaining oddly mysterious like the moors of Wuthering Heights.

Who can know the depraved mind; who can find the man behind the beast? When Emily Bronte created the man Heathcliff, she created a very unique monster: a man who had spent his childhood on the moors, a gypsy with an unknown past, a man who only knew how to hate because all he had ever known was people's hatred for him. It seems inconceivable that anyone could love Heathcliff. But then Bronte created Cathy, a woman who was the complete opposite of Heathcliff and yet his equal in every way. Cathy loved a monster; she gave him part of herself. This is a story of forbidden love that spans two generations, a story of passion born on the moors, passion that is strong, strange, and everlasting even beyond death.

I found this book quite interesting but a little strange. While I like classics, and this is definitely that, I have a genuine dislike for many of the characters. The story its self is well written and tells a fascinating tale, but most of the characters are so rude, conniving, and ill tempered that I found it very hard to be invested in their struggles. Written in 1800s English, the languages is flowery and some might find it hard to read. There is also one character who speaks with such a thick Gaelic accent (the words are written how they would be spoken) I couldn't understand them. Wuthering Heights is an interesting book and is worthy of being a classic; I think it's a book everyone should eventually read. But there are many other classics which are much better and worth more time.

*****
RJ

Othello

I think that every house should have at least one work of Shakespeare in it. And every person should read one of those works in their lifetime. Shakespeare was a brilliant author and playwright who, through his great romances, tragedies, and comedies, brought to life the rawest of human emotions personified into characters. Shakespeare could craft a story like no other and he has contributed so much to modern literature. Everyone should be able to read his writing and be moved by the stories Shakespeare wrote. Unfortunately, not many people take the time to read Shakespeare; they are daunted by his use of language and the sheer size of some of his writings. They, therefore, miss out on these wonderful works. Othello, by Julius Lester fixes the problem for one gorgeous tragedy. It takes Shakespeare's play and retells it in modern English novel form.

Othello had fought in many wars and waged many battles. He had lived the life of a soldier ever since he came to Europe. Othello had seen many horrors too gruesome to speak of: his men slaughtered around him, his own sword taking a life before his eyes, and a shadow of death that he had grown used to. His lifestyle had hardened him and made him what he thought was unlovable. If his profession didn't turn people away, his color certainly did; as one of the only African men at court, many feared him for his black appearance. But she was not afraid if anything; she loved him all the more for it. Desdemona came into Othello's life like a spark of light that burst into brilliance. He loved her, she loved him, their love would go down through the ages. But would it be enough?

I loved this book! Before picking it up, I had not read many of Shakespeare's works; I found them challenging to read and not altogether interesting. But Othello rewritten by Julius Lester changed my mind. Written in plain English, with the occasional line from the original thrown in, the story packs no less of a punch. Though a tragedy, Othello is beautifully written and pulls at the heart strings as the doomed lovers' tale unfolds. With a love as strong as Romeo and Juliet, Othello and Desdemona capture the heart and break it in two. While not good for younger children, Othello is a tale that everyone should read. It will pull at your heart, bring tears to your eyes, and make you ache for a love so strong. It is a wonderful read.

Photo Credit Scholastic

*****
RJ

Beauty's Daughter

Beauty's Daughter by Carolyn Meyer is the story of what might have happened to Helen of Troy's daughter as she grew up on a war front without a mother.

Hermione was the daughter of King Menelaus and the spectacular beauty, Queen Helen. taking totally after her father, and her brother taking after Helen, Hermione was a bit resentful until Paris of Troy came and spirited Helen and her brother away. Left with her vengeance-seeking father, Hermione will journey to far off troy for a great war.

I very much enjoyed this book. I have read it twice for its beautiful composition of suspense, action, and romance. I recommend it to you if you are interested in those things, for Beauty's Daughter has it all.


*****
AK

A Touch of Stardust

A Touch of  Stardust, by New York Times bestselling author Kate Alcott, is a novel about life in the Golden Age of Hollywood. This, however, is an inside look into the lives of the stars.

Julie Crawford comes to Hollywood hoping to get a job as a screenwriter. Her big break comes when she gets a job working for Carole Lombard. Julie will watch the magic of Gone with the Wind unfold, as well as the romance of Lombard and Clark Gable.

I would recommend this book for ages 13 and up because of details regarding the Gable - Lombard affair, other Hollywood scandals, and the protagonist's own love life. All in all, an enjoyable read about the Golden Age of film.

*****
AK

Captain from Castile

Captain from Castile by Samuel Shellabarger is an adventure book set in the 16th century, when the Inquisition ruled and a new world of treasure awaited.

Pedro de Vargas is a young, wealthy Spanish youth. His father is an elderly and respected knight. Pedro has everything he would ever want but when his family is taken by the Inquisition, he must set them free and travel to the new world of Mexico for a new life.

This was a great book. I recommend it to anyone 13 and up. There is some questionable content when a woman becomes pregnant without being married and this is celebrated. Other than that, it's a good book.

*****
AK

Immortal Wife

It was an age of discovery. The west was completely uncharted and it seemed to call every young and adventurous soul to it. The America we know today was non - existent; only the shell of our borders could be seen. The government in Washington was just beginning, trying to find a way to continue after the deaths of its founders. The west called. What was beyond the wilderness? Where did the land end and meet the sea, and who would pull America's borders further than before? Such is the story contained in the pages of Irving Stone's book Immortal Wife. 

John and Jessie Fremont have been almost lost to history; true, they lived, but their story has been forgotten among the others stories of their time. Tales of great men and war heroes who shaped a nation. John and Jessie fell in love when they were young; they hardly knew what love was but they were determined to stay together no matter what joys, triumphs, pain or sadness they faced; they could not have imagined how hard their determination would be tested. The goal of a marriage is to help and sustain each other in your ambitions, thought Jessie, but what if the ambitions you aspire to pull your love apart?

I did not enjoy this book; this is unusual because I usually love Irving Stone's writing. But this one left a sour taste in my mouth. Perhaps it was the sheer length of the book - it has seven sections, each with at least nine chapters - or maybe it was the characters, who seemed demanding and needy. They didn't seem like people I would want to actually meet. The goal of good writing is to create or portray characters who pull you into the story and have you hanging on their every word; unfortunately, this book failed to do such and actually had me hoping for the end of each chapter. Not the best book I've ever read, I'ed give it a three out of ten.

*****
RJ

The Blue Sword

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley is the sequel to The Hero and the Crown. The Blue Sword is a fantasy book set in the land of Damar at least 100 years after Princess Aerin. Here exists a state of cold war, until the abduction.

Harry Crew waits miserably in the grand hall for breakfast. She has just arrived in the Outlander city and now lives with the elderly Sir Charles and Lady Amelia, who insist that she do no work. She is dreadfully bored. But when King Corlath of the Damarian Hills comes for negotiations, Harry's life is about to change forever.

Although I liked this book, I preferred The Hero and the Crown more. This is because I feel that there was a lack of character depth in this book, but it is an otherwise excellent and action packed book for all ages.

*****
AK

The Outlaws of Sherwood

The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley is a historical fiction book set in Merry Old England. The reigning monarch is Richard the Lionheart, but while he fights the Crusades, England is a bit run down.

Robin is a young Saxon. He lives under the heavy taxation demanded by the greedy Norman, Sheriff of Nottingham, who harbors a hatred toward Robin because the sheriff courted Robin's mother and lost her to another man. Robin's parents have died, and he is a king's forester. But little does he know what is to happen as he makes his way to the Nottingham Fair.

This was a delightfully written book of adventure. There were parts of the book that tended to drone on with too much detail. I recommend this book to any age so long as the reader is patient.

*****
AK

The Hero and the Crown

The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley is a fantasy book set in the medieval land of Damar, where dragons, wizards, and witches lurk.

Princess Aerin, who is the only child of Arlbeth, King of Damar, is also the daughter of a woman from the north. All Demar knows the story of how the witchwoman enspelled the king into marrying her, and after having a daughter instead of a son, died of a broken heart. Because of this Aerin grows up wild: curing animals, fighting dragons, learning to fence. But now she must put her skills to the test as the Great Dragon awakes.

I would probably recommend this book to anyone 11 and up due to vivid and painful descriptions. McKinley is a wonderful author; I couldn't put this book down.

*****
AK

The President's Lady

The President's Lady is an exciting romantic drama set against the explosive mess that is politics. Irving Stone has brought to light a wonderful story of a woman who only wanted to be loved in a world that hated her, and whose husband was continuously dragged away into politics. The story also shows the life of Andrew Jackson, a man who did not know what he wanted, causing him to always fall into failure. But when he finally discovers what he wants, he may have to sacrifice his wife to gain it.

It is a time of frontiersmen, Indians and survival. And Rachel Roberts is right in the middle of it all with her own battles to win - but not the kind of battles you win with a gun. Lewis Roberts, Rachel's husband, is an alcohol-abusing man with an insanely jealous nature. As a result, poor Rachel is subject to Lewis' slanderous remarks on her character and even violence. Rachel cannot see any way her life could improve, but then on a trip to her family home, she meets a young man who is willing to rescue her from her husband. Andrew Jackson is a dashing young frontiersman with vastly unpopular ideas, but Rachel finds herself attracted to this man. Yet no matter how mush they love each other, the lives of Andrew and Rachel Jackson will always be full of slander. Is their love enough to protect from the storm? 

This was a wonderfully haunting story. Rachel Jackson is perhaps the most misunderstood woman in American history, and Irving Stone brings her story to life through wonderfully worded paragraphs that you will remember for a long time. I would suggest that children under ten not read this story due to some rather harsh allegations against Rachel Jackson later in the book. Many people were very suspicious of the Jacksons, and a few even accused Rachel of being and adulteress. I believe children under ten do not need to be burdened with those hateful allegations. This is a very good book that you will enjoy long after you close the back cover.

*****

RJ

Beauty

Beauty is a stand-alone book by Robin McKinley. It is set in about the mid 1700's in the quiet little town of Blue Hill. But, although the town lies peacefully, the forest beyond is a completely different story.

Beauty is a young girl who hates her nickname because she totally disagrees with it. Her general outlook is, "I am short and plain," Then, when her father returns from a trip with the horrible tale of finding a castle and a beast, Beauty must go to save her father's life.

I couldn't put this book down. It gives a wonderful new twist to the timeless story of Beauty and the Beast. I would recommend this book to anyone age 11 and up, or to anyone who is up to reading 40-page chapters.

*****
AK

Return to the Island

Return to the Island is the third and last book in Gloria Whelen's historical fiction series Once on This Island.  It is set on Michilamackinac Island, where Mary O'Shea must make a life changing decision.

Mary is back on her island. But now that she is back at the place she missed in London, she now misses London. Then, when someone who she never expected to see again appears outside her door, asks her a question, and is overheard, it seems Mary's world is going to pieces.

This book had a wonderful way of wrapping up all the loose ends from the other books, and I would probably recommend it to anyone seven and up because of its easy yet interesting read.


*****
AK

Farewell to the Island

Farewell to The Island is the sequel to Gloria Whelen's Once on This Island. This is a historical fiction and travel book that jumps from beautiful Michilimackinac Island to high class London, England, where a country girl would not fit in.

The War of 1812 had been over for a few months when Mary O'Shea's sister Angelique Cunningham, who is married, writes an invitation for Mary to visit her in England. "It  will only only be for a visit," Mary tells herself as the schooner drifts farther and farther from the island. But, when she meets seaman James Lindsay, who suddenly proposes, will it truly be just a visit?

I loved this book because of the way the characters were described. It is such clear description that it's like you know them. Honestly this book could be read by anyone over seven; it is such a delightful story that really captures the reader's attention.

*****
AK