Reading Room: THE ROSE AND THE THISTLE by Laura Franz

It's been far too long since I've added to the Reading Room, and I can't think of a better way to start 2023 than finishing a wonderful book. I'm talking about Laura Franz's The Rose and the Thistle.

 

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The Reading Room is where I share books, because authors are readers, too. I don't rate books on my blog, but I do like to share books I've read and enjoyed (My mom recommends a few, too.). My tastes are eclectic, so expect to see everything from sweet, wholesome romance to edge-of-your-seat, sexy thrillers, and more in between.

THE LADY'S MINE by Francine Rivers - A Reader's Opinion

 

A Reader's Opinion

The Lady's Mine draws the reader into 1875 in the Sierra Nevadas where mines, misfits, and romance keep the reader engaged.

One part western and one part romance with a dash of mystery, the story drew me in with its setting, characters, and just the right amount of detail.

Kathryn Walsh is a fascinating character whose determination is apparent from the start. Her story is one of a great personal journey about a pampered woman faced with what she feels is her last good chance at a future. Her inner struggles and growth are interesting to watch unfold from start to finish.

The faith aspects are threaded throughout, though I did not feel they overpowered. I have not read a Francine Rivers book before, so I have no comparison to make to her previous works.

Matthias Beck is an equally intriguing character whose chivalry and good heart are no match for Kathryn's stubbornness. He is there, often grudgingly, to help get Kathryn out of her many conflicts, and these interactions make for a courtship worth watching. The title fits the book perfectly.

This reader recommends The Lady's Mine, and thinks it would be enjoyed by readers of historical Christian romance and clean western historical romance.

The Lady's Mine

A delightful new western romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers returns to the California frontier in this sweeping, romantic tale of a displaced New England suffragette, a former Union soldier disinherited by his Southern family, and the town they join forces to save.

1875. When Kathryn Walsh arrives in tiny Calvada, a mining town nestled in the Sierra Nevadas, falling in love is the farthest thing from her mind. Banished from Boston by her wealthy stepfather, she has come to claim an inheritance from the uncle she never knew: a defunct newspaper office on a main street overflowing with brothels and saloons, and a seemingly worthless mine. Moved by the oppression of the local miners and their families, Kathryn decides to relaunch her uncle’s newspaper—and then finds herself in the middle of a maelstrom, pitted against Calvada’s most powerful men. But Kathryn intends to continue to say—and publish—whatever she pleases, especially when she knows she’s right.

Matthias Beck, owner of a local saloon and hotel, has a special interest in the new lady in town. He instantly recognizes C. T. Walsh’s same tenacity in the beautiful and outspoken redhead—and knows all too well how dangerous that family trait can be. While Kathryn may be right about Calvada’s problems, her righteousness could also get her killed. But when the handsome hotelier keeps finding himself on the same side of the issues as the opinionated Miss Walsh, Matthias’s restless search for purpose becomes all about answering the call of his heart.

Everyone may be looking to strike it rich in this lawless boomtown, but it’s a love more precious than gold that will ultimately save them all.

Get Your Copy >>

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BOOK INFO

Genre: Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance

Release: February 8, 2022

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Format Read: E-Book

Source: Provided by the author or publisher via NetGalley

Content Rating: 1 Heart

NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more.

Disclaimer: Books & Benches received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely those of the reader/reviewer.

This review was also posted here: https://www.booksandbenches.com/post/the-ladys-mine-francine-rivers-review

A Reader's Recommendation: WISH YOU WELL by David Baldacci

AMAZON

The Book

David Baldacci's million-copy-plus bestseller is now a feature film available on DVD and video on demand!

Precocious 12-year-old Louisa Mae Cardinal lives in the hectic New York City of 1940 with her family. Then tragedy strikes—and Lou and her younger brother, Oz, must go with their invalid mother to live on their great-grandmother's farm in the Virginia mountains. Suddenly Lou finds herself coming of age in a new landscape, making her first true friend, and experiencing adventures tragic, comic, and audacious. But the forces of greed and justice are about to clash over her new home...and as their struggle is played out in a crowded Virginia courtroom, it will determine the future of two children, an entire town, and the mountains they love.

A Reader's Recommendation

Baldacci has written a few books which are a departure from his "usual," but when he departs, he does a wonderful job. Wish You Well is a touching and beautifully written story about two children, a family farm, and a way of life that was threatened. If you're looking for a heartwarming story that will leave you thinking of a simpler life with good values, delightful characters, and moving dialogue, then Wish You Well is worth reading. 

I recently watched the movie version, and while it doesn't go into the same depth as the book, it is phenomenal. The casting, the setting, the script—all wonderful. Plenty of tears were shed.

Book Source: Reader's personal library

Book Edition: Paperback (pictured above right); 432 pages

Movie Source: Rented from local store (will be adding to personal collection)

AMAZON