When it comes to fiction, generally, my tastes run toward the edgy type. Lately for some reason I’ve even been reading psychological thriller novels complete with freaky serial murderers. However, from time to time I enjoy the pleasure of cozying up by the fire with a gentle, romantic book that’s sure to please. The Glassblower by Laurie Alice Eakes is just such a book.
I must admit, I wasn’t sure what I would think of a Heartsong Presents novel. It takes a lot of skill to fit all the elements of a strong story into such a short format, but Laurie Alice meets the task and then some.
Glassblower offers interesting characters, a charming plot, and an engaging writing style. However, my favorite aspect of the book was its thorough historical details. Laurie Alice has a knack for weaving history seamlessly into the plot. I met Laurie Alice through the Hiswriters historical fiction email loop, and I’ve been so impressed by her passion for history. No matter how obscure our questions, Laurie Alice is likely to know the answers. She has inspired me to become a more thorough historian in my own writing.
Glassblower takes the reader on a trip to New Jersey in the early 1800’s and through the world of glassmaking. The story reminded me of some of my favorite books by secular historical fiction author, Rosalind Laker, who centers many of her plots around European artisans and industries. Laurie Alice played it smart by bringing her European artisans to the new world, thereby combining the familiar with the unexpected.
As Colin Grassick arrives in New Jersey fresh from Scotland, he is met by the sight of lovely Margaret Jordan hanging from a tree, attempting to save a kitten. The attraction between them develops immediately. However, Margaret’s father does not allow her to associate with his glassworkers. In fact, he wants Margaret to marry their rich, handsome neighbor, Joseph Pyle instead. Margaret desires to be an obedient daughter, but she can’t shake her attraction for Colin, nor her dislike for Joseph. She fears Joseph will never let her follow her heart’s desire to open a school and teach the local children.
I appreciated Margaret’s preference for the gentle, God-fearing, red-headed hero Colin with his warm green eyes over the commanding and sought after Joseph Pyle. It spoke well of her character and sent the right sort of message about true love. Spiritually, the story included a powerful moment when Margaret realized she had been asking God to give her what she wanted instead of asking God to reveal His plan for her life.
So, yes, I did literally curl up by the fire on a dreary November day and dive into this enjoyable book. Cozy novels are popular for a reason, and Lauire Alice Eakes has mastered the skill of writing them.
Be sure to read the epilogue for a fun little twist at the end ;)
I must admit, I wasn’t sure what I would think of a Heartsong Presents novel. It takes a lot of skill to fit all the elements of a strong story into such a short format, but Laurie Alice meets the task and then some.
Glassblower offers interesting characters, a charming plot, and an engaging writing style. However, my favorite aspect of the book was its thorough historical details. Laurie Alice has a knack for weaving history seamlessly into the plot. I met Laurie Alice through the Hiswriters historical fiction email loop, and I’ve been so impressed by her passion for history. No matter how obscure our questions, Laurie Alice is likely to know the answers. She has inspired me to become a more thorough historian in my own writing.
Glassblower takes the reader on a trip to New Jersey in the early 1800’s and through the world of glassmaking. The story reminded me of some of my favorite books by secular historical fiction author, Rosalind Laker, who centers many of her plots around European artisans and industries. Laurie Alice played it smart by bringing her European artisans to the new world, thereby combining the familiar with the unexpected.
As Colin Grassick arrives in New Jersey fresh from Scotland, he is met by the sight of lovely Margaret Jordan hanging from a tree, attempting to save a kitten. The attraction between them develops immediately. However, Margaret’s father does not allow her to associate with his glassworkers. In fact, he wants Margaret to marry their rich, handsome neighbor, Joseph Pyle instead. Margaret desires to be an obedient daughter, but she can’t shake her attraction for Colin, nor her dislike for Joseph. She fears Joseph will never let her follow her heart’s desire to open a school and teach the local children.
I appreciated Margaret’s preference for the gentle, God-fearing, red-headed hero Colin with his warm green eyes over the commanding and sought after Joseph Pyle. It spoke well of her character and sent the right sort of message about true love. Spiritually, the story included a powerful moment when Margaret realized she had been asking God to give her what she wanted instead of asking God to reveal His plan for her life.
So, yes, I did literally curl up by the fire on a dreary November day and dive into this enjoyable book. Cozy novels are popular for a reason, and Lauire Alice Eakes has mastered the skill of writing them.
Be sure to read the epilogue for a fun little twist at the end ;)
Do you like your books cozy or edgy? What cozy books would you recommend for this holiday season?
The Glassblower is now available on http://www.christianbook.com/
The Glassblower is now available on http://www.christianbook.com/
Can't wait to read this book! Thanks for the review, Dina.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Dina! And I can't wait to read this one!!
ReplyDeleteYippee, a good book coming down the pike. And we just don't have enough red-heided heroes if you ask me.
ReplyDeletethanks Dina
thanks Laurie Alice!
Dina, thanks for a wonderful review for a book I have been looking forward to reading. You have really whet my appetite, now!
ReplyDelete; )
Wow, I think I might reach a new record for comments. Thanks everyone for stopping by. I hope you enjoy the book. I got a sneak preview since Laurie Alice sent me the PDF version for my kindle.
ReplyDeleteI'm edgy as a barracuda, a pirhanna, a sawtooth wave, a woman whose Prozac has expired.
ReplyDeleteThat's the way I like my books as well!!!
However, Becky Melby of Heartsong Presents fame trusts me to edit her stories, with a sawtooth comb, of course, and I trust her to smooth out my folks' rough spots.
Have a feeling I'd enjoy this Laurie Alice read. Truth be told, almost all books call my name!!!!!!
I've read Laurie Alice's work and she does weave a good story. I love history and find Laurie Alice to be a great "go to" person for information. You'll truly enjoy her efforts for historical accuracy in this and her other books. Have fun. This is a good one.
ReplyDeleteGreat review and I'm looking forward to finding a copy of Laurie Alice's book. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I'll be adding this to my reading list. I recently read Darlene Franklin's Beacon of Love from Heartsong and loved it. Susan Page Davis is another favorite.
ReplyDeleteI was one of Laurie Alice's early readers for The Glassblower, and as always, she blew me away with rich historical ambience and her signature depth of emotion. Well, and Colin Grassick is ever so yummy. This review makes me want to read the book a second time.
ReplyDeleteWow, lots of new visitors. How fun. Welcome everyone.
ReplyDeleteI want to read this it sounds good. When will it be in bookstores? Can't find it on Amazon.
ReplyDeleteRebecca, right now it is available only through the "Heartsong Presents" club. I think it will be available on amazon and in stores sometime in early spring. You can probably look up Laurie Alice Eakes through her website and get a more detailed answer.
ReplyDeleteWow!! I am a glassblower, actually, and I have always wondered why it isn't used as a basis for fiction more often. YOu know---like a book about a baker, or a chef, or a carpenter. Glassblowing is so ripe with the visual imagery---I would have expected this book sooner!!! I am going to read it, however, on your recommendation!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool. I've never met an actual glassblower. This book should be a real treat for you. You might have to wait a few months to find it on Amazon. You can see my comment above your.
ReplyDeleteHey everyone, Glassblower is now available on http://www.christianbook.com/
ReplyDelete