Persuasion by Jane Austen

Anne Elliot's family has financial trouble. So the only thing that can be done to save Kelly Lynch Hall is to rent it out. But due to her father's pride, it is not something that they want advertised. They are able to find a husband and wife who will follow their small requests. But the wife's brother happens to be Captain Fredrick Wentworth who was once engaged to Anne. Anne, eight years ago, was persuaded by her mother's friend Lady Russell that the man was not worthy of her. So Anne broke off the engagement even though she still had very strong feelings for the gentleman. Now that they are becoming re-acquainted. She wonders if their love can be rekindled?

Ms. Austen writes a fantastic story for the most part. The gossip was a little much at times. And the stereotypical situations and feelings were accurate even if a little annoying. The story flowed fairly well. I was impressed with keeping all the different characters and traits separate. Just a lot going on and different story lines. I was impressed with how much was in the book and everything was wrapped up neatly. Some things hadn't happened yet but you knew what was going to happen.

I truly felt for Anne. She was trying to follow the influence of a friend since her mother was dead. I understand but she finally had to figure out for herself what was right and stick to it. Things seemed to go better now that she was older. Family and friends didn't fight things for her so much. Of her family members I loved her older sister Mary the best. She had her moments where she would get “sick” or get frustrated with her husband for making plans when plans were already made. But she had to learn to speak up as well. The women just kind of sat back and did nothing sometimes.

All in all, I enjoyed the book. The drama was a little bit overwhelming but I had to find out how it ended. I wanted to know if Anne and Fredrick would end up together. I could see how things would all play out or at least how I hoped it would end up. Ms. Austen is an amazing author and I cannot wait to read more of her work. I only took half a point off cause of the drama. It got down right annoying.

Jane Austen/ Classic Novel/ 247 pages/ Family/ Drama/ 4.5 out of 5

I hope to make a library run tomorrow. We'll see how it goes.

FTC: This book was a gift to me.

Immanuel:Reflections on the Life of Christ by Michael Card

Different songs that were written by Michael Card head up this non-fiction book and express better than simple words can. It helps if you know the songs but the words are beautiful on their own without the music. After each song, Mr. Card writes a brief essay about the subject of the song and what it shows. I was so pleased cause I not only got a glimpse into his writing process but how he thinks things through for each and every song at least listed in this book.

I have grown up listening to this music and even though this book is a little old, I was so pleased with how things were put together. Things flowed well from each section from birth to the Cross. The songs a lot of them brought back memories of growing up. I was impressed with how his writing style really hasn't changed from A Violent Grace and this previous work.

I have other books of his on the shelf and cannot wait to read more of his thoughts! This review is only short due to the fact that the book should speak for itself.

Michael Card/Non-Fiction/Life of Christ/247 pages/ 4 out of 5

FTC: This is a book that I own.