I usually enjoy historical fiction, and this book is no exception. Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer deals with the topic of women's suffrage in addition to the requisite romance.
Edythe Amsel is the new teacher in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Her teaching methods are at first considered outlandish and inappropriate by many of the town's citizens, but as the school year progresses and the children are excited about going to school at least a few of the parents are beginning to reconsider their initial opinions. This changes when Miss Amsel wants to take her older students to hear Miss Susan Anthony speak about women's suffrage.
Kim Vogel Sawyer's writing style is engaging and this story draws the reader in to the town of Walnut Hill. However, I wasn't as caught up in this story as in her last story, In Every Heartbeat. The only real antagonist in this book is public opinion against changing techniques in teaching and women's suffrage, although one of Miss Amsel's students does provide a challenge as well. This does provide enough motivation to move the story along, but just barely. Overall, the story is interesting but is not a nail-biter by any stretch. Just a good summer read.
I received a copy of this book to review from the publisher, however the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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I see you reviewed (a while ago) the book, The American Patriot’s Almanac. I’m writing to ask if you’re interested in reviewing on your blog and on Amazon the just-released book, The Mormonizing of America: How the Mormon Religion Became a Dominant Force in Politics, Entertainment, and Pop Culture by New York Times bestselling author Stephen Mansfield (Worthy Publishing, 2012) (http://worthypublishing.com/books/The-Mormonizing-of-America/).
ReplyDeleteThis book is highly relevant for your readers because it offers clear insight into the mind, heart, and experience of a man who could be the next president of the United States. Mansfield writes (page 265), "If a man's faith is sincere, it is the most important thing about him and it is impossible to understand who he is and how he will lead without first understanding the religious vision that informs his life."
Numerous reviews already on Amazon say, “Mansfield’s style is engaging, honest, informed, and powerful.” “A fascinating history and overview of the Mormon faith.” “Mansfield writes from an impartial stance and leaves the evidence to speak for itself.” “Essential reading.”
In an interview in The Washington Post, Mansfield (@MansfieldWrites) describes the “Mormon Machine” and the compelling story of Mormonism’s sweeping ascent in US society (http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/evangelical-author-sees-a-mormonizing-of-america/2012/07/17/gJQA3OvjrW_story.html).
Mansfield says, “We’re living in a Mormon moment.” See his interview video (http://mansfieldgroup.com/stephen-mansfield-the-mormonizing-of-america/):
• Mitt Romney, Glenn Beck, 15 members of Congress, and Stephenie Meyer (author of the Twilight fiction series) all are among the 6 million Mormons in America who are exerting tremendous cultural influence right now.
• “The Book of Mormon” is a Tony award-winning Broadway musical.
• Mormonism is the fastest-growing religion in America.
This informative, important, fact-filled book is of interest to your readers, especially during this Mormon moment of the presidential campaign.
• It’s meant to help your readers better understand and discuss how Mormons view matters of faith and doubt.
• It gives your readers an edge as their friends are talking more and more about Mormonism and wondering what it’s all about.
Read the first chapter online (http://worthypublishing.com/pdf/TheMormonizingofAmerica_Chapter1.pdf)
We’re looking for 100 bloggers who will commit to review the book on their blog as well as on the book’s Amazon page (http://www.amazon.com/The-Mormonizing-America-Religion-Entertainment/dp/1617950785/ref=la_B001JP490M_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343006516&sr=1-1) before September. Will you be one of those?
Reply to me with your name, Twitter handle, blog title, URL, email address, street address, city, state, and ZIP. We’ll rush the book to you.
Remember, this book is highly relevant for your readers because it offers clear insight into the mind, heart, and experience of a man who could be the next president of the United States.
Thanks!
Jon
Jonathan Petersen, MBA, CeM
Social Media / PR Evangelist
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