Rachelle J. Christensen

Romance, Suspense, Mystery Author

Book Review: Havencross by Julie Daines

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Havencross by [Daines, Julie]

Book Thoughts by Rachelle

I absolutely loved Havencross! The writing was incredible with the setting so real, I felt like I’d been pulled back in time to Cornwall, England. The main character, Elaine has essentially been banished from London society because of a scandal with her father. I found it interesting how each person dealt with their new place in Cornwall after being gone for so long. I loved how Elaine connected with her surroundings, while at the same time wishing herself back in London. The developing romance with Gareth was well-done surrounded by several different mystery aspects. I love a great mystery and even though this novel is a regency romance, the mystery intertwined in the story is strong enough to delight mystery readers as well.
And of course, who wouldn’t love the references to King Arthur of old as Elaine walked through the ruins of what might have been his castle. The little hint of magic around King Arthur and Gwenevere added another layer to the story that kept me reading. I look forward to reading more by Julie Daines.
Here’s more about the book:
When a shocking scandal involving her father spreads through London society, Elaine Cardinham and her parents are forced to retreat to their country home in Cornwall for refuge. But Havencross is no sanctuary for Elaine. She is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her brother—and the heartbreak she left in her wake all those years ago. It has been five long years since Gareth Kemp last saw Elaine—when she rejected his marriage proposal. Her reappearance convinces him of one thing: he has never stopped loving her. To put his feelings for her aside, he focuses his attention on the dangerous smuggling plaguing the Cornish coast. As Elaine attempts to run from her past, she ventures ever closer to a dangerous truth—and Gareth may be the only one who can save her from a deadly finish.

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Book Review: Check Me Out by Becca Wilhite

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle:

Check Me Out was the cutest contemporary romance novel! I loved reading it and almost didn’t want it to end. I’ve seen Becca Wilhite’s books around but I haven’t read enough of them–that’s a problem I’m definitely going to remedy after reading this one! I could tell that I would love this book just by reading the blurb–a librarian and a romance? Yep! I love the light sarcasm and wit in the dialog and also in Greta’s inner thoughts. I especially loved how Wilhite turned things around and helped the reader see people as more than their description. Excellent writing, lovely pacing, and plenty of kisses in this sweet romance. Yes, you definitely should read Check Me Out!

Here’s more about the book:

Greta loves her job as assistant librarian. She loves her best friend, Will, the high school civics teacher and debate coach. She even loves her mother despite her obvious disappointment that Greta is still single.

Then she meets Mac in the poetry section of the library, and she is smitten. Mac is heart-stoppingly gorgeous and showers her with affection, poetic text messages, and free hot chocolate at the local café where he works. The only problem is that he seems to be a different person in his texts than in his face-to-face conversation.

When the Franklin Library is threatened with closure, Greta leaps into action. She arranges for a “battle of the bands” book jam, hosts a book signing by a famous author, and finally, stages a protest that raises more than a few eyebrows.

Through it all, she slowly realizes that it is Will, not Mac, who she turns to for support and encouragement. Mac has the looks; Will has the heart. How can she choose between them?

Check Me Out is a contemporary romance–with just a hint of Cyrano de Bergerac–that reminds us that it is what’s on the inside that matters most.

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Book Review: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle:

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is one of my most favorite children’s books of all time! I have read this story many times and the way the story is built, the characters, and the beautiful connection I feel as a reader just make it magical!

Review from 2011: I love reading to my kids each night. Now that we have four munchkins, my hubby reads to the boys and I read to the girls each night for about twenty minutes. My girls, age 8 and 6, always beg for more, and lately they say, “Just one more page, please!”

We’ve been reading chapter books and I went downstairs to my bookshelf to find another book to read. I saw one of my favorite books and was delighted because in 2008, when I first read this book, I didn’t think my kids were old enough to grasp everything yet. Well, they are the perfect age now.

Through every chapter of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulaneby Kate DiCamillo, they gasped, they sighed, they expressed anger and heartbreak at Edward’s journey and begged for just one more page each night.

I love this extraordinary book about a china rabbit who learns what it is to love and be loved as he travels through life. This book is for boys, and girls, and adults, and everyone. Read this book.
The text is vivid and the story is unique. There is also a selection of detailed color illustrations throughout the book that make it even more inviting to younger readers.

Here’s more about the book:

Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who adored him completely. And then, one day, he was lost… Kate DiCamillo takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the depths of the ocean to the net of a fisherman, from the bedside of an ailing child to the bustling streets of Memphis. Along the way, we are shown a miracle–that even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to love, to lose, and to love again.

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Book Review: Room for Two by Abel Keogh

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

This is a true story which reads like a novel. Abel Keogh wove his story, Room for Two, in such an effective way that you can’t put it down once you’ve read the first page.

I am so impressed with his story and that he was courageous enough to share so many heart-wrenching details. I think his book will help many people because it provides insight into several different situations which are usually judged harshly and incorrectly by others. It is so well written and draws you in with amazing power.

Please note that this book is about suicide and recovering from a spouse’s suicide. Abel handles the details extremely well, but if you are sensitive to this subject, be mindful before beginning the book.

He weaves a powerful testimony of the importance of following spiritual promptings throughout this story with examples of what happens when he does and does not heed promptings.

Here’s more about the book:

“Sweetie, I’m home.” I tried to put as much kindness into my voice as possible. I didn’t want to have another argument – at least not right away. Silence. “Sweetheart?” A gunshot echoed from our bedroom, followed by the sound of a bullet casing skipping along a wall. Everything slowed down. When a life is destroyed, when guilt says you played a role in its destruction, how do you face the days ahead? Twenty-six-year-old Abel Keogh chooses to ignore the promptings he receives concerning his wife’s mental illness, and now he feels he is to blame for her choices. If only he had listened . . . At some point in our lives, each of us face devastating afflictions and must eventually cope with loss. Regardless of how it happens, the outcome is still the same – we are left isolated, alone, wondering what we could have done differently, and where we can turn for peace. This is Abel’s story in his own words. His search for peace and the miracle that follows is proof that love and hope can endure, despite the struggles and tragedies that shape each of our lives.

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Book Review: The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

I love Sarah Eden‘s books! Her writing is stellar no matter the time period or type she writes in. Her latest proper romance is a slight departure from her Regency style of writing and more reminiscent of the award-winning Longing for Home books. The Sheriffs of Savage Wells was a delightful read full of witty banter, sparkling romance, and a mystery to boot! I loved the characters of Paisley Bell and Cade O’Brien and the way their romance developed amidst gun-slinging, neighborly battles over a chicken, and figuring out how to deal with a ribbon shop inside the town’s jail.

As soon as I finished this book, I lent it to my aunt the next day and you’ll probably find yourself wanting to share it too. So pick up a copy, do some early Christmas shopping and enjoy another soon-to-be classic from Sarah Eden.

Here’s more about the book:

The small town of Savage Wells is barely big enough for the people who call it home; it certainly isn’t big enough for more than one sheriff.

Yet when famed lawman Cade O’Brien rides into town, he finds he’s not the only man ready to take on the job. What’s more, one of his competitors is a woman.
Paisley Bell loves her town and the eccentric people in it. She’s been the job to anyone else. Not only does she love the work, but she also needs the income to take care of her ailing father.
It’s a true battle of the sexes, and sparks fly between the two as Cade and Paisley banter and boast, neither one ready to acknowledge the attraction they have for each other. But when Paisley’s former beau shows up, along with a band of bank robbers, Savage Wells is suddenly faced with the kind of peril that only a sheriff can manage. Who will be man enough—or woman enough—to step up, claim the badge, and save the town?

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Book Review: The World’s Greatest Adventure Machine by Frank L. Cole

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

I love reading books to my kids. Each night, my husband and I split up to read different books to the kids according to their age levels. Now that my girls are older, they have been helping out so that the 3 boys are read to every single night. Check out this cool eye-catching cover of The World’s Greatest Adventure Machine! It grabbed my kids’ attention.
Rachelle and 8 year old son’s thoughts: This book is a hit! I read this aloud to my son and he loved staring at the cover while I was reading. From the very first pages, he was hooked, especially because he said that Trevor sounded a lot like Dan Cahill from the 39 Clues series. We loved the mystery in this book, the way each character was introduced with something mysterious, the way that the Castleton’s seemed to have a lot of secrets, and the incredible twists and turns of the Adventure Machine! There’s an excellent mix of everything we love in this book–surprise, suspense, humor, wit, action, adventure…it’s just awesome on every level. Frank Cole is a master at building suspense and action and sprinkling humor in with the story. We thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and now my son is looking up more to read–can’t wait!
Here’s more about the book:

An adventure novel about four lucky kids and a mysterious, but thrilling ride for fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Jurassic Park!

CastleCorp and the famous Castleton brothers are unveiling the World’s Greatest Adventure Machine! The roller coaster is an experience like no other, and four lucky kids have won the chance to be the first to ride it.

There’s Trevor, whose latest stunt got him in trouble at school again. There’s Devin, whose father is pushing him to be the next Internet sensation. Nika’s wealthy grandfather isn’t too pleased about her participation. And Cameron, he’ll be the first to tell you, is a certified genius.

The whole world is watching. But as the kids set off on their journey, they begin to realize that there is perhaps more to their fellow contest winners than meets the eye. And the Adventure Machine? It might just have a mind of its own.

Join the contestants on their wild ride if you dare. Your adventure starts now!

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