SALLY W. (thameslink) -
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book absolutely delightful! For a chick-lit book, it deals with darker issues than is what is normally found in the genre -- it's protagonist was emotionally abused by her mother and sexually abused by her cousin, yet the book is a warm, wonderful, life-affirming read with bits of real life wisdom sprinkled amongst its pages. I love finding a book that is both thought-provoking and a bit of rollicking escapist fiction at the same time.
Another reviewer found this book offensive but I fail to see why. It is clean, no provocative or suggestive descriptions, the one hint of nudity is there for humor's sake and is a very funny scene. She took exception to a description of a minor character's freckled and ample decollete...we are bombarded with far more suggestive things from the media every day.
Another reviewer found this book offensive but I fail to see why. It is clean, no provocative or suggestive descriptions, the one hint of nudity is there for humor's sake and is a very funny scene. She took exception to a description of a minor character's freckled and ample decollete...we are bombarded with far more suggestive things from the media every day.
Karen R. (flwergirl) -
Helpful Score: 1
This is an interesting, heartfelt story filled with colorful characters, many who are trying to overcome difficulties, and with grace, courage, and the support of friends, are able to do just that. This is not your typical chick-lit, nor squeaky clean, but many of the main characters demonstrate the love of Christ in their lives, reaching out and helping each other.
I really loved Scarlett and her wonderful life lessons taught through everything from how to maintain a garden, to how to buy clothes. I could identify with Marion as she fought to let go of her abusive past, and forgive the ones who hurt her, cheering for her as she battled her shy, damaged self, refusing to give up.
The story flows pretty well, and is told from Marion's viewpoint, although it felt a bit disjointed in the beginning as she jumps back and forth between the present and her childhood memories. There are a few occasional curse words, fitting the character they come from; it's not pervasive though. It does have a few comical *ahem* flashes of a married couple caught in intimate moments, but nothing graphic. I liked the descriptions of the hushed Christmas scenes, sparking a renewed faith in Marion, and her sincere prayers.
If you're looking for a story with perfect people, neatly tied up storylines, happily ever after, this probably won't appeal to you. But if you, like Marion and the others in this story, have had some childhood trauma, battle social awkwardness or family dysfunction, and seek to move on with grace, faith and some humor thrown in, then you'll probably really enjoy this story. It grows on you. Besides, who can resist a story with a maid Marion and Robin Hood mixed in?
[I wish to thank the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book which I received in exchange for my unsolicited, honest review.)
I really loved Scarlett and her wonderful life lessons taught through everything from how to maintain a garden, to how to buy clothes. I could identify with Marion as she fought to let go of her abusive past, and forgive the ones who hurt her, cheering for her as she battled her shy, damaged self, refusing to give up.
The story flows pretty well, and is told from Marion's viewpoint, although it felt a bit disjointed in the beginning as she jumps back and forth between the present and her childhood memories. There are a few occasional curse words, fitting the character they come from; it's not pervasive though. It does have a few comical *ahem* flashes of a married couple caught in intimate moments, but nothing graphic. I liked the descriptions of the hushed Christmas scenes, sparking a renewed faith in Marion, and her sincere prayers.
If you're looking for a story with perfect people, neatly tied up storylines, happily ever after, this probably won't appeal to you. But if you, like Marion and the others in this story, have had some childhood trauma, battle social awkwardness or family dysfunction, and seek to move on with grace, faith and some humor thrown in, then you'll probably really enjoy this story. It grows on you. Besides, who can resist a story with a maid Marion and Robin Hood mixed in?
[I wish to thank the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book which I received in exchange for my unsolicited, honest review.)
Charity L. (kingsdaughter1611) -
When this book came in I had such high hopes for it. I enjoy a good clean comedy now and then and who could resist the Robin Hood theme? But after about 5 chapters I was pretty upset over things I found inside. I know this book isn't being marketed as "Christian" but I would expect it to be clean. And that is not what I found.
The plot sounded really interesting, even now it is a fun theme with the heroine finding her Robin Hood. Marion Miller has had a hard childhood and she stumbles upon a campground while looking for Sherwood Forest. The owner of this campground, Scarlett, gives her a job, even though Scarlett knows she has trouble in her past. I really liked Scarlett. A sweet southern belle who knows what she wants and gives of herself to a lot of people. Marion is a very troubled woman and at times I liked her but at times I also got fed up with her. Rueben(the Robin Hood prince) is a likable man. The secondary characters are really well done. One of my favorites was Valerie. What a sweetheart!
So, the plot was good, the characters were interesting, but I cannot put my stamp of approval on this book. In chapter 4 there was a somewhat descriptive account of a woman's chest. As in very descriptive. Then at the end of chapter 4 I was kind of shocked as Marion and her escort for the night return to the van(trailer) and she hears a noise inside. Jake goes to investigate and the door is opened on a couple in the middle of something. Yes, you guessed it. There is just enough written to know what is going on and way more than I wanted in my book. At this point I skimmed the rest of the book. I found several swear words including some that I never expected. Even if this book isn't Christian, it isn't clean either.
I hate doing a review like this because the book was interesting. But I have a line and this book crossed it. Maybe someone else will enjoy it and be able to overlook these things, but for me it was too much.
I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. All thoughts are 100% mine.
The plot sounded really interesting, even now it is a fun theme with the heroine finding her Robin Hood. Marion Miller has had a hard childhood and she stumbles upon a campground while looking for Sherwood Forest. The owner of this campground, Scarlett, gives her a job, even though Scarlett knows she has trouble in her past. I really liked Scarlett. A sweet southern belle who knows what she wants and gives of herself to a lot of people. Marion is a very troubled woman and at times I liked her but at times I also got fed up with her. Rueben(the Robin Hood prince) is a likable man. The secondary characters are really well done. One of my favorites was Valerie. What a sweetheart!
So, the plot was good, the characters were interesting, but I cannot put my stamp of approval on this book. In chapter 4 there was a somewhat descriptive account of a woman's chest. As in very descriptive. Then at the end of chapter 4 I was kind of shocked as Marion and her escort for the night return to the van(trailer) and she hears a noise inside. Jake goes to investigate and the door is opened on a couple in the middle of something. Yes, you guessed it. There is just enough written to know what is going on and way more than I wanted in my book. At this point I skimmed the rest of the book. I found several swear words including some that I never expected. Even if this book isn't Christian, it isn't clean either.
I hate doing a review like this because the book was interesting. But I have a line and this book crossed it. Maybe someone else will enjoy it and be able to overlook these things, but for me it was too much.
I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. All thoughts are 100% mine.
