Friday, November 22, 2013

DON'T LET THE PAGE NUMBERS FOOL YOU


Title: The Christmas Box
Author: Richard Paul Evans
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (October 9, 2012)
Pages: 87

Before I purchase or read a book that I purchased on a whim, I go to Amazon and read a few reviews. Typically, a couple of the five star as well as the one star reviews, getting a feel for both spectrums. The few negative/one star reviews that I read for THE CHRISTMAS BOX, didn’t deter me. Why they believe the book to not be good wasn’t concerning enough. The second thing I do is go inside the book and read a few paragraph to get a feel for the authors writing style.

If there was ever a book I was glad to have not been swayed by the bad reviews, it’s THE CHRISTMAS BOX by RICHARD PAUL EVANS. Wow! One would think it much easier to write a novella, but when in fact it’s harder. With a full-length novel, you have pages of words to convey your story. With a novella, not so much. It takes a skilled writer to pull off a novella that contains all the elements required to make a great story, and that’s exactly what RICHARD PAUL EVANS has accomplished in this wonderful short story.

Richard works hard to keep his family afloat with a shared business, while his wife cares for their soon-to-be four-year old daughter, Jenna. When his wife Keri spots an ad in the newspaper for a live-in family to make a lonely widow - Mary Perkins - meals, along with doing a few odd jobs, they are quick to apply, having outgrown their cramped apartment.

Richard and his family are quickly welcomed into Mary’s home where they soon become a family. There are secrets discovered in the attic, and even greater lessons to be learned.

THE CHRISTMAS BOX will keep your interest, wanting to read the next page before you’ve completed the one your reading. It will capture your heart, your soul, make you smile, and make you weep.

As I began to read THE CHRISTMAS BOX, I didn’t have high hopes for a well-rounded story with only 87 TINY pages. I certainly didn’t expect to be in awe of MR EVANS writing. But that’s exactly what happened. The way he strings words together with brilliant descriptions that flow naturally, is nothing short of amazing. RICHARD PAUL EVANS storytelling is of one that I will not only be reading to learn the craft of writing, but seeking out his future novels.

Monday, November 18, 2013

FIREMAN? DID YOU SAY, FIREMAN?


Title: The Fireman’s Homecoming
Author: Allie Pleiter
Publisher: Love Inspired (May 21, 2013)
Pages: 224

When I discovered the first book in the Gordon Falls series by ALLIE PLEITER, FALLING FOR THE FIREMAN, I knew I’d be reading the series. A story about a black sheep son, THE FIREMAN’S HOMCOMING didn’t disappoint. If I had to choose between the Gordon Falls books thus far, I’d say THE FIREMAN’S HOMCOMING is my favorite.

Clark Bradens moves back to his hometown after years away to take over his father’s position as fire chief. One may think it was joyfully handed to him, but having been the town’s bad boy, Clark finds himself needing to win over the residence.

Melba Wingate left her life in Chicago to move back to the town she grew up in so she could be there for her ailing father. Believing her biggest hurdle was dealing with her father’s failing health, she is shocked by a secret she discovers. A secret that threatens everything she knows, along with the growing attraction to the town’s former bad boy, Clark Bradens.

If there’s one thing I can count on in a ALLIE PLEITER book, its humor. Not only are they well written, with a wonderful plot, she comes up with so many great lines she’ll have you shaking your head, wondering how she manages to do so.

MS PLEITERS ability to write both historical and contemporary is remarkable. However, I must confess I have a strong fondness for her historical.

THE FIREFIGHTER’S MATCH is the next in the Gordon Falls series and next on my list to read.