Book Review: The Book of Longings, by Sue Monk Kidd

The Book of Longings is a heartwarming and inspiring look at Jesus' time from an interesting perspective.

Ana is our main character, and you know from the beginning that she will become the wife of Jesus. But we start with her life as a child, which was difficult. Being a woman at that time was an extreme hardship. Ana loved to write, which was forbidden, but her father indulged Ana and this made her happy. She thought he favored her so much that he wouldn't force her into an arranged marriage.

But she is betrothed to an (of course) undesirable old man. I won't tell you how that turned out. She encounters Jesus at a young age and is attracted to him, but he is of a different class. All along she tries to arrange to see him again.

Ana has an aunt that lives with them because she has been banished for allegedly poisoning her husband. She helps keep Ana safe and serves as a wise counselor.

I won't say too much more about Ana's life, although it is full of adventure and plenty of danger. We know how the story ends for Jesus, but for Ana??

Given my recent difficulties with reading, and after giving up on a couple of other books, The Book of Longings was just what I needed. Poor Ana. How difficult it would have been to be an intelligent woman living in those times. But Jesus respected her and made her happy. It was a romance that melted my heart. I'm so glad I found this book, and I highly recommend The Book of Longings if it sounds like your kind of book.

Published by Viking, April 21, 2020
eARC obtained from NetGalley
432 pages

Rating: 5/5

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Book Review: Stormbringers by Philippa Gregory

I like these characters, but somehow Stormbringers just didn't do much for me. Perhaps it's a "second book" issue? It has been a while since I read Changeling, the first book, but I remember there was a lot more excitement in that book.

Isolde and Ishraq are on the run after Isolde was accused of witchcraft. They are traveling with Luca and Freize while Luca continues his mission for the Order to find evidence of the End of Days.

And find evidence they do! We experience the Children's Crusade and the ensuing tsunami that ends it, which is of course considered to be a sign.  Then Isolde and Ishraq are accused of being the Stormbringers that caused the devastating wave.

Stormbringers starts out slow, which made me impatient. The tension mounts, and it does have an exciting ending. We meet the head of The Order of Darkness, which imparts a desire to continue the story. Ishraq, being part Arab, is constantly under scrutiny, and after meeting an Arab commander, the reader realizes this analysis may be justified. There is much to be curious about.

Fortunately, enough surprises and questions cause eager anticipation for Fools' Gold, the third installment of this four-book series. The fourth, Dark Tracks, has also been released. As for me, I'm not sure how enthused I am about continuing. For teens, Stormbringers is a pretty deep story, but those who enjoy interesting characters navigating the bedlam of the 1400s will certainly enjoy Order of Darkness.

Published by Simon Pulse, 2013
Copy obtained from the library
336 pages

Rating: 4/5

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