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She Walks
in Beauty
Editorial Reviews
Mitchell (Love’s
Pursuit) sets her newest historical in Gilded Age New York, an opulent time
and place when marrow spoons and exceedingly tight corsets were in vogue
among the moneyed. The motherless Clara Carter is making her debut in
society, and her aunt and her physician father expect her to win the hand of
Franklin DeVries, the wealthiest catch of the season. Clara’s best friend
Lizzie is also aiming for DeVries, and Clara is caught between duty,
friendship, and her own desires, which tend more toward Byron’s poetry than
bombazine hats. Mitchell’s story is well researched, with fascinating
details, and Clara is a complex character. The plot machinery creaks loudly
at points: three overheard conversations is at least one too many. A social
consciousness plot thread dealing with New York’s slums is weak. But those
who love historicals can have their fill as well as any debutante supping on
oysters and clutching her filled dance card; Mitchell delivers the
historical goods. (Apr.)
—Publishers Weekly
As far as Clara Carter is
concerned, her aunt had just ruined everything. Instead of having another
year to seriously study with her governess, Miss Miller, Clara must now
prepare for her society debut simply because Franklin De Vries has returned
home early from his grand tour of Europe. What is even worse is that Clara
will be competing with her best friend, Lizzie Barnes, for the chance to
marry New York City’s most eligible bachelor. Clara knows how important
securing Franklin’s offer of marriage is to her aunt and family, but as New
York’s social season continues on its merry way, Clara finds herself hoping
that if she receives an offer of marriage from a De Vries, it will be from
Franklin’s brother Harry. Mitchell’s superbly written inspirational
historical romance brilliantly evokes both the fabled glitter and the
realistic grime of New York’s Gilded Age with skill and subtlety inspired by
Edith Wharton.
-- John Charles,
Booklist
4
Stars: Mitchell's new historical novel, set in Gilded Age New York, is
filled with romance, adventure and amazing characters. Her protagonists are
strong in spirit and their faith.
--Patsy Glans, Romantic Times Book Reviews
Love's
Pursuit
Editorial Reviews
Just as her faith in God is preordained, Susannah Phillips believes her
future with John Prescotte is equally certain. She quickly discovers that
her future isn’t quite as set as she first believed, however, when Stoneybrooke’s wealthiest bachelor, Simeon Wright, begins to court her.
While every other woman in town might consider Simeon to be the best catch
in their small settlement, Susannah only loves John, until Captain Daniel
Holcombe arrives. Sent by the governor to help train the town’s militia,
Daniel not only challenges Susannah’s secure and orderly thoughts about God
but also confuses her with the idea that she might be falling for him.
Christy-nominated Mitchell’s latest flawlessly crafted novel is a quietly
powerful tale of love, faith, and hope set in Puritan New England. With its
brilliantly formed characters and vividly detailed setting, this tale combines the best elements of inspirational and historical fiction into a
richly emotional, unforgettable story.
-- John Charles,
Booklist
Reader Reviews
5/5 stars: Once I turned the last page, I immediately started this gorgeous
novel again. Siri Mitchell has written the best 17th C novel I have ever
read in either the Christian or secular market. Weaving two seemingly
different narratives together, Mitchell juxtaposes themes of grace;
redemption and the harsh punishment of a society plagued by outward
appearance. Her Puritan dialect and setting is pitch-perfect and her story
tugs at you and will not let go. There are few novels in the Christian
market as searingly beautiful as this.
Siri
Mitchell is of a higher class of literary fiction and she uses her deft pen
to transport you from contemporary society to the harsh world of the
Puritans. I loved this novel! I will recommend it to anyone who enjoys
gorgeous prose and captivating stories.
--
Rachel on Amazon.com
There are few novels which have
knocked the wind out of me the way
Love’s
Pursuit
by Siri Mitchell did…This is literary writing at its finest. Siri Mitchell
breathes life and pitch-perfect Puritan dialect into her atmospheric story.
She also contemplates deep themes, pushes boundaries and develops characters
so startlingly real you are surprised they are not sitting across from you.
Not every one is exactly who they seem and there is more than one surprise
at the hands of this storytelling master. I cannot ---absolutely cannot
---wait to see where Mitchell takes us next. She is spell-binding. I will
read this until the binding comes apart, I assure you.
-- Rachel,
www.thinkinggirlsguide.blogspot.com
on 19 May 2009
Historical fiction has never been one of my favorite genres, but that may
have changed since I read Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell… This story
is great on so many levels. Here are a few of the things I particularly
enjoyed about Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell – Realistic Tone,
Attention To Historical Detail, Point of View Sub-Texting, Strong Spiritual
Thread.
(You’ll have to go to Cathy’s blog to read all the details!)…
This message is one of grace and hope that leaves your heart touched long
after you've read the final page.
--
Cathy,
http://wordvessel.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-review-loves-pursuit-by-siri.html,
on 27 May 2009
On a rare occasion I
read a book that provokes me to deal with issues in my life, to dig deeper
in my faith, to be reminded of God's tremendous love. Siri Mitchell's
Love's Pursuit is one of those books… In my opinion, this is one of the
best written books I've read on the market today… (Read
Lynn’s complete posting for additional detail.)
If you enjoyed Francine Rivers Redeeming Love, you will enjoy Siri
Mitchell's Love's Pursuit.
--
Lynn,
http://faithfictionfunandfanciful.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-review-loves-pursuit.html
on 22 May 2009
A Constant
Heart
Editorial Reviews
Christy Award winner Mitchell makes a successful historical debut, immersing
readers in the rich historical detail of Queen Elizabeth's court.
-- Romantic Times Book Reviews
Reader
Reviews
I've long been a fan of fellow author Siri
Mitchell's style. She's smart, witty, creative and she knows how to
massage words into images that appeal to the senses.
Historical fiction intrigues me when it meets me in the
here and now. Tall order, I know. When an author wants to whisk me away to
another century, I always stop to ask what I get to bring back with me. If
it feels like a history lesson only, my interest wanes. If I want a history
lesson, I will read a biography. Fiction for me must not only take me some
place interesting but also send me home with party favors. Siri delivers.
The faith thread is subtle and organic, just the way I
like it. It speaks to how we live our lives most of the time anyway. Who we
are within our faith shows up in the choices we make. And everyone knows
actions speak louder than words. What the marketplace might call
"inspirational principles" Siri wove seamlessly into the prose, making it a
natural part of the fabric of the story. Fabric like that has a nice touch.
Great read.
—Susan
Meissner, author of The Shape of Mercy
There was so
much richness and depth to this story, I could go on for hours. But in
short, the definition of love and faithfulness is explored in detail in
A Constant Heart,
and the way the author showed the many different perspectives was nothing
short of brilliant. If you love realistic historical fiction that is honest
and contains some edgy content, you'll want to devour this book!
—Michelle
Sutton, author of It’s Not About Me
A Constant Heart is historical
fiction at its finest. Siri Mitchell effectively transports the reader back
through time to experience Elizabethan England.
What I enjoyed most about Mitchell’s writing is her attention to detail.
This is showcased in her stunning and sometimes shocking explanation of the
lead paint women used at Elizabeth’s court and the devastation it caused to
their bodies. She’s obviously done her research but manages to avoid
lecturing with her storytelling finesse.
A Constant Heart is a great read that elicits a wide range of
emotions. I’m putting it on my list of favorites, and once you’ve read it,
I’m sure you will, too.
—Michelle
Griep, NovelReviews.com
Moon Over Tokyo
Editorial Reviews
"Moon Over Tokyo is the first
book by Siri Mitchell I've read... What truly drew me into the book was a
its timelessness. Siri describes real people living real lives - lives that
don't necessarily have exciting things happening to them on a daily basis,
lives filled with real fears, uncertainties and struggles - and reveals how
truly magical those lives can be.”
—TitleTrak.com
"Siri Mitchell
excels in bringing different cultures alive in her novels hand in hand with
wonderful characterization. Moon Over Tokyo is delightful,
brimming with the beauty and contrasts that make Tokyo both fascinating and
frustrating for visitors. Allie and Gina's relationship is fun and though
provoking as Allie, a believer, is bound be her fears and Gina, a "heathen"
Aussie confidently takes on the world. Eric adds a whole new dimension to
Allie's world and yet she refuses to grasp the gift of friendship and love
she has before her. I appreciated so much that Allie continued to struggle
with her fears of a relationship even when love was exposed - her genuine
hesitation was as real as it gets and make this novel stand out from many a
traditional romance.
—RelzReviews.com
The
Cubicle Next Door
Editorial Reviews
“The Cubicle
Next Door is a delightful read about life, what makes a person, and
what makes a person change into someone they didn’t expect. Siri Mitchell
puts the reader right into the heart of the scene with vivid detail and
description but doesn’t lose the story.”
—ArmChairInterviews.com
“The Cubicle
Next Door is a wonderful read, full of honest emotions, flawed
characters and fantastic writing. I am now an absolute Siri Mitchell fan and
I can guarantee that whatever she writes, I’ll be waiting to read.”
—Book Talk News
“I couldn’t put
The Cubicle Next Door down, and had to keep reading to see what
happens next. It is the perfect book to curl up with next to a roaring fire
as Autumn’s chill begins to seep in. Grab your favorite hot beverage and
pick up The Cubicle Next Door.”
—ARomanceReview.com
Something
Beyond the Sky
Editorial Reviews
Mitchell, a military spouse, looks at the
lives of military wives through the eyes of four diverse women... Mitchell
is at her strongest portraying the frustrations of women coming to grips
with careers and motherhood (or infertility or pregnancy) and the challenges
of military life. She is adept with flashbacks and withholds certain key
bits of information until the right moment, which adds punch to the
narrative.
—Publishers Weekly
Siri’s third novel
is a detailed education on military life woven through entertaining slices
of story. If you or your spouse are in the military, you’re going to love
this book. If you’re not in the service, you’ll almost wish you were. This
book really spoke to me, because although we’re not in the military, my
family has moved almost every year during the past seven years. Something
Beyond the Sky reminded me that friendships with other women are
critical as I struggle to settle in each new place, grow in faith, and wait
to see where God will take us next.
—Melanie Dobson
for FocusOnFiction.net
Reader Reviews
Something Beyond the Sky is a
profoundly moving book. It made me realize I am not alone in this journey as
a military wife. How fabulous it was to read something so realistic.
—Joyce Erwin, Senior Protestant
Chaplain’s Wife, Elmendorf Air Force Base
Chateau
of Echoes
Editorial Reviews
Many things make this book
a top priority for discerning readers. The descriptions of Frederique’s
culinary creations will have you raiding your cupboards. I’d never eaten as
well as I did in this book. I’d also never appreciated such variety of
clothing, the look and heft of fabrics, period furniture, or the color of
sun in hair... The author’s considerable talent of observation is on fine
display here. Clearly she senses the everyday wonder in the corporeal, and
the strange significance of common beauty. Here is an author who wants her
readers, like her characters, to experience life to its fullest... Siri
Mitchell has been called one of the freshest new voices in Christian
fiction, and for good reason. I am convinced that this author’s future is
bright, and that her achingly real characters will continue to emerge from
the echoes, revealing and breathing reality into our lives.
—Mick Silva for
FocusOnFiction.net
Reader Reviews
Siri Mitchell weaves a
witty, double-edged tale of intrigue, romance, and French culture that is
expertly researched, carefully spun, and deliciously satisfying. You will
want to pack your bags for a never-ending vacation in France when you turn
the last page -- this multi-dimensional story is that alluring.
—Susan Meissner,
author of Why the Sky is Blue and In All Deep Places
Reading Chateau of
Echoes is like taking a European holiday in an unforgettable inn, with
only the finest cuisine -- and all for the price of a book! I highly
recommend this lovely literary getaway that you can enjoy from the comfort
of your armchair.
—Melody Carlson,
author of Finding Alice and Crystal Lies
Kissing Adrien
Editorial Reviews
In Kissing Adrien,
new romantic fiction author, Siri Mitchell, demonstrates one of the
clearest, most original voices of any debut novel I’ve read. Period. Her
deft hand, skillfully wrapping serious subjects and vibrant, mature
characters into the story, leaves one hopeful that her next books will
continue the amazing promise put forth here. By all measures, I’d expect
exciting things from this new master of “restrained romance” in the next few
years... Kissing Adrien is a French excursion into nuance, pleasure,
and experience. Board a plane and prepare to leave the North American
Christian mindset. This book is a ticket to the pleasure of living, an
adventure you’ll be pondering for weeks to come.
—Mick Silva for
FocusOnFiction.net
Reader Reviews
A sheer delight! Smart,
funny, romantic, and intelligent. Loved it! C'est magnifique!
—Laura Jensen
Walker, author of Dreaming in Black & White
Enchanting! Sir Mitchell
weaves an irresistible tale. Merci beaucoup!
—Ginger Garrett,
author of Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther |
