Fotografía de autor

Brandy Vallance

Autor de The Covered Deep

2 Obras 43 Miembros 8 Reseñas

Obras de Brandy Vallance

The Covered Deep (1739) 40 copias
Within the Veil (2016) 3 copias

Etiquetado

Conocimiento común

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Miembros

Reseñas

This book was ok--but it could have been so much more. The things that bugged me were little things---but they all added up to make it just kind of a "meh". I loved the idea of the adventure---but there was a LOT of "adventure"---to the point that it became ridiculous and unrealistic. I loved the symbolism of the characters' experiences in the Holy Land---but they had experiences in every place. They saw everything. Sometimes in the matter of just a few pages. It didn't seem real. The characters were fleshed out well, but there was a LOT of melodrama that made it difficult to imagine them as real. The dialogue was fairly good---except that almost every phrase was backbiting or dramatic and there were enough idioms "sprinkled" throughout to choke Jonah's big fish.

There were little inconsistencies that bugged me---like the fact that the housekeeper would have capped Paul's pen or Bianca's sudden "death wish" when things didn't go her way. I did mention melodrama, didn't I?

Finally, I felt like the end really dragged on. I'm not really sure where the climax of this story actually was...but I do know I was way past it once the two characters finally worked out their issues. What should have been a romantic and impactful moment came too late with nauseating predictability.

I would have loved to have read a lot more history of the places they stormed through (I can't say visited because there was way more time spent traveling or conversing in rooms than there was on this supposed Holy Land tour). Maybe take out about 25 adventurous and dramatic scenes and add in four or five interesting and educational scenes and it might be something I would have enjoyed a little better.
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Denunciada
classyhomemaker | 5 reseñas más. | Dec 11, 2023 |
This book was different than I had expected in some very neat ways. I felt a bit confused at first, trying to get the lay of the land, so to speak, as I started the book, but as I read, that feeling faded and I was able to follow along more easily. There was so much I loved about this book. It's unique in its plot and story line. Each character was unique and not like any character I've ever read before. I loved the way Ms. Vallance wove her characters and their stories together. I loved every aspect of Alasdair's character and the journey back to the Lord that he is set upon by his encounter with Feya. I loved Feya and her journey to finding the truest of all loves. And I loved them together. Even as I started the book and felt some initial confusion as I tried to sort out characters and their roles, Ms. Vallance drew me into their pain, into their doubts, into their despair, into their searching for hope, for love. And I loved the deep spiritual truths woven throughout. Loved this beautifully unique story with its one of a kind characters that simply drew me in and melted my heart.… (más)
 
Denunciada
Julie_Jobe | otra reseña | Nov 15, 2018 |

I was first captured by the title. Then the cover. Then the blurb.

Then I heard this book was 14 years in the making. Fourteen YEARS.

I alternately wanted to weep and gape at the literary genius I was certain these pages would contain . . .

I was not disappointed.

Read my breakdown of this novel (Heroine, Hero, Baddies, Plot, Setting, The Ending, Overall Effect) here:
target="_top">http://sweetsouthblog.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-covered-deep-reviewed.html

And ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR A PAPERBACK COPY. Giveaway ends 1.31.15.… (más)
 
Denunciada
NatalieMonk | 5 reseñas más. | Jul 3, 2017 |
Brandy Vallance is an author to be reckoned with. Her outstanding debut novel, The Covered Deep, announced that she was one to watch. In her sophomore offering, Within The Veil, Vallance proves that she will be a permanent fixture in the historical romance genre of Christian Fiction. With multi-dimensional characters, a plot that will appeal to those who love adventure and intrigue, rich historical detail, a uniquely fresh story, and a romance for the ages, this novel is a welcome addition to any book shelf. I highly recommend this one!

Feya Broon is a young woman of the tenements in Victorian-era Edinburgh. She is desperate to save her siblings from sure starvation and death, so desperate that she is willing to risk her honor and her life to save them. Alisdair Cairncross, Queen’s Guard and recipient of the Victoria Cross, knows only honor and duty. When their paths cross all they have come to know and expect is thrown to the wind.

First let me say that Vallance’s writing is lyrical. She gives her reader depth and texture as she relates the rough streets of Edinburgh, the rugged terrain of rural Scotland and the opulence of the seats of the wealthy. The poverty and disease of the poorest is contrasted with the sensibilities of the upper class. Characters’ motives and emotions are slowly revealed as the story progresses forcing the reader to reassess her feelings toward them. I know that I, like Feya and Alisdair, had to change my position on the worthiness of various characters. And worth is a powerful theme. Prejudice and pre-conceived notions had to be dealt with by all the characters. And while a modern reader may be tempted to be judgmental about Victorian beliefs, they are not so different from the prejudices held today. The spiritual journey of the characters was poignant and powerful. Alisdair must come to terms with God’s purpose for his life versus what society and family want. Feya has to overcome the sense that no one cares, let alone, loves her. As she soon finds, God is closer than her own skin —

This God she didn’t know. . . . This was personal. And raw. And terrifying.

Alisdair explains the nature of belief in a beautiful way —

He put his hand over his heart. ‘Felt Him here.’ He moved his finger to his forehead. ‘And I knew things here.’ He slid his finger to his temple . . . . I also recognize Him in the things I see.’

Feya and Alisdair fight off brigands, societal expectations, prejudice and temptation to achieve an ending any hopeless romantic will love. Within The Veil is a great read. I’m looking forward to more of the same from this talented author.

Note: Alisdair has an unusual gift that Vallance explains in her afterword. I loved that she incorporated something very personal within the context of her novel.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the author for a review copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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Denunciada
vintagebeckie | otra reseña | Sep 1, 2016 |

Estadísticas

Obras
2
Miembros
43
Popularidad
#352,016
Valoración
½ 3.5
Reseñas
8
ISBNs
7