Books I Have Forgotten

Each month I revisit some of my past reviews. One of the reasons I started this book blog was to remember what books I have read. My memory isn't the greatest anymore and I found that I would read a book and then not remember if I liked it or what it was even about.

Maybe one of these will prompt you to seek out an older, but amazing book. Or, if you've read one of these and your review was different, please share!

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The Sweetest Thing by Elizabeth Musser
4/5 Stars
6/2011

"This is a compelling, rich novel. The secondary characters add as much color and richness to the story as the primary ones. With the alternating first-person perspectives of Dobbs and Perri we learn about friendship and love; misunderstandings and making up; and loss and grief and anger. Most importantly, we learn how life changing a bosom friendship can be.

This is a beautiful story for anyone who values friendship. "

I wish I remembered more about this one.

Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond

6/2011
3/5 Stars

"I've seen all kinds of rave reviews about Spring for Susannah and I had terrific hopes for it. This is not quite your typical mail-order bride scenario. Shy Susannah isn't sure what to expect when she accepts the offer to marry Jesse Mason and join him in Dakota territory. Raised to believe a woman should keep her thoughts and opinions to herself, she is unprepared to fall in love with a man who encourages her to be strong and to think for herself. Through trials and tragedies Susannah begins to blossom and it's wonderful to see her become a strong, independent woman.

I thought it refreshing that the story had a more intimate, romantic element that isn't usually found in historical Christian novels. There was nothing overtly graphic or inappropriate, but there is clear indication that Jesse and Susannah are a married couple who are attracted to each other and who enjoy marital relations.

I did struggle with the story when Jesse suddenly leaves in search of work. Susannah comes into her own but the story kinds of shuffles along and I found the ending somewhat abrupt. Still, overall, an enjoyable, easy read and a good debut novel from an author who I think will only get better."

I have no memory of this one.

A Lancaster County Christmas by Susanne Woods Fisher
9/2011
3/5 Stars

"A sweet Christmas novella set in Amish country and I enjoyed learning more about Sol and Mattie Riehl, characters from her Lancaster County Secrets series. Mattie adores her son, but longs for a houseful of children. Jaime longs for a photography career while her husband is happy as a small town teacher. A winter storm brings Jaime and her husband to Mattie and Sol's for Christmas. While the two couples come from very different worlds, they find that there are always lessons to be learned from one another.

I've enjoyed everything I've read by Suzanne Woods Fisher and I had high hopes for this novel as well. Unfortunately, I didn't like Jaime at all. I found her to be a whiny, selfish girl and even when she comes to the predictable epiphany and realizes that her selfish behavior is driving away her husband, I still didn't like her. I did enjoy the interactions between the two couples, one being very Amish and the other very English. Thoughtful conversations and understandings occur as Mattie and Jaime, especially, learn life lessons from each other. "

Bummer that I didn't like this one. No memory of it either.

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What about you? What are some of the books you've read in previous years?