Meg MoseleyCritiques

It was a little unusual for these that the bride was apparently made of red flags (as was her entire family) while the groom was . . . well, I kept wanting to tell him to run away from this woman and her family. . .

Very late in the novella, it was like the author suddenly remembered that Gray should also have flaws, and started mentioning them as things that Ellie was so fed up with . . . even though they'd never been mentioned before, or were in direct contradiction to his actions in earlier chapters.

Of course everything wrapped up neatly by the end (it's that kind of book) but many problems were not really addressed or left to be a mess for later, in pursuit of the neat bow (on a bouquet) at the wedding, on a deadline, naturally.½

I have to admit that I was a little concerned when I read the email from the publicist in which she told me that she was sending me a book that was popular with homeschool moms. I'm not exactly a traditional homeschool mom (notice I didn't say "typical" - there is no such thing as a "typical" homeschool mom), so I started wondering exactly what was in this book.

No need to worry. This book represents most homeschoolers in a positive light. Miranda's late husband has kept his family tightly under his control, and he in turn was kept in line by the leader of their church (read "cult"). The children were allowed no outside influences. This is not a healthy reason to homeschool and this author recognizes that and throughout the book, Jack slowly pulls Miranda and the children out into the world, without ever telling her she should put the kids in school. (Although I think there was one argument in which he told her she was doing her kids a great disservice by not teaching them certain subjects.)

As for the story, it's at turns heartbreaking and heartwarming. Because of a past tragedy and circumstances beyond her control, Miranda lives under a cloud of fear and guilt. This is part of what allows the church leader to control her even after her husband is gone. Jack comes into their life, and even as the children warm to him and Miranda gets to see more and more of the God of grace and mercy that Jack serves, she still can't completely let go. This book isn't about homeschooling. It's loving and trusting God and others and letting them love you.

My biggest issue with the book is a bit of a spoiler, and I usually don't put spoilers in my reviews, but it's something that really bothered me. As Jack and Miranda build a relationship, they become more affectionate to each other in front of the children. Obviously, they're not doing anything inappropriate, but after reading through the book that for the past 14 years, she's lived a very strict, pious life, and kept her kids in a bubble in which they were not even allowed to read fiction, I find it hard to believe that she would suddenly feel comfortable kissing a man in front of her children. It just felt out of character.

Over all, though, I did like the story... And I think other homeschool moms will, too. (Sorry. I couldn't resist.)

I received this book for free from Multnomah Books in exchange for an honest review.

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A short but sweet love story between two very different people. Ellie has been preparing for her wedding all her life. Now that she has found the man, Gray Whitby, life would be looking up except for her Mom, who is definitely not excited about Ellie's boyfriend, or marriage in general. Then there is her sister to think about and her upcoming marriage. Gray is a fun and thoughtful guy, but doesn't understand her family too well. I liked the way Ellie finally showed Gray how committed she was to him, when she decides to step out of her comfort zone and make this wedding happen.

I liked this story and the way the author dealt with the subject matter. It played with my emotions, making me sad sometimes and at other times mad and then laughing out loud. It kept my attention all the way through.

Miranda is a widow and mother of six children and lives a quiet private life. The pastor, Mason Chandler, of her VERY close-knit church announces his plan to move the entire congregation to another state and Miranda doesn't want to move. She then falls from a cliff behind their home and the kids have to call Jack, an uncle no one remembers ever meeting before, to come and be their guardian until their Mom gets out of the hospital. While with the family Jack will do his best to challenge Miranda and her kids to seek freedom, safety and love outside of the church they are wrapped up in.

There is so much more to this story than this brief description. My eyes were opened to how people can slowly have their freedom's taken from them, all in the disguise of a false religion. I fell in love with the children and the loving way Jack opened their eyes to so many delightful things in the world. This truly was a delightful yet sad story all rolled into one. I would definitely read more by this author.

A sweet love story that kept me entertained. I loved the minister at the church but Ellie's mom need to let Ellie live her life. Recommended read.

This is one of those books that draws you in from page 1 and keeps you absolutely riveted until the last page, and then you want some more.
Read more here: http://from7eight.com/a-stillness-of-chimes/

Miranda is a widowed mother of 6, and a member of a very strict Christian sect. When her minister says that God has told him the entire congregation must move, Miranda begins to have second thoughts about his ability to communicate with the heavens. However, her minister Mason holds a secret over Miranda's head that threatens everything she holds dear. After Miranda has an accident, her brother-in-law Jack finds out that he was named guardian of the children. Jack becomes determined to bring Miranda and her children into a more modern way of living, but he finds himself at odds with Miranda herself. Miranda will do whatever it takes to save her family, and she'll need all the support that she can get.

I found myself totally drawn into this book from the beginning. Being fairly familiar with some of the very conservative Christian sects in this country, I recognized some of the things that Miranda's group believed in. Miranda is a woman who feels smothered by the mere memory of her husband. He found a vulnerable young girl and made her feel important and wanted. Unfortunately this also meant taking part in very restrictive lifestyle. Miranda is slowly starting to realize that this may not be the exact lifestyle she wants her children growing up in. Of course, there's also the matter of a secret that Miranda has been harboring, and it's a doozy. Miranda forces herself to find strength beyond herself to be able to deal with all this.

Then there is Jack Hanford. He's thrown into this situation as guardian of six very sheltered children with no advance warning. Jack is forced to confront his prejudices and his past when dealing with this family. This book does an amazing job of walking the line and showing the difference between extremism and just different beliefs. The author makes a very definite point in the differences between bad homeschooling and good homeschooling or the good and bad religion can do. This book was so interesting, and you get pulled into the story. Miranda is working toward finding the truth that works for her, and that's why this book is so fascinating.

Book provided for review.

I'll be honest: I'm kind of a snob when it comes to Christian fiction. To me, it seems that so much of it is either very much contrived and preachy or very much not-really-Christian with a few references to Jesus thrown in to make it (sort of) work. That's why I was so so SO pleasantly surprised by Meg Moseley's A Stillness of Chimes. It's like a real story. Written by a real author. With real talent. It's really good!

Laura Gantt has just lost her mother, so she's hanging out in her hometown of Prospect, Georgia for awhile to settle her household. Twelve years ago, she lost her father to a suspected lake drowning, but now rumors are circling that he's been seen around the area. Former fiance and lifelong friend, Sean, has his doubts, but he's willing to help Laura find out. Together, they discover the truth---with some very surprising secrets being unearthed along the way.

I love a good mystery and this one didn't disappoint---too much. I usually do have the mystery figured out early on, but it's always fun to see how it all plays out. Though I had this one about half way through, I definitely enjoyed this story of grace, forgiveness, and ultimate sacrifice. The scenes where Laura misses and remembers her mother lead me to believe that this author has dealt with that kind of loss on a personal level. The part where she takes the last blackberries out of the freezer and makes a cobbler---with the last berries ever picked by her mother---oh. my. goodness. Girls, that was too much. Really made me miss my mama so far away in Oregon.

I've been on the lookout for good Southern fiction---this one is a definite must-read. Do you have any other good suggestions for me?

The small town of Prospect, Georgia, has plenty of secrets in Meg Moseley’s A Stillness of Chimes. Never having been to Georgia, I really enjoyed the feel of entering a different place through the eyes of her characters. Laura Gantt might avoid going back into church, as she feels too many eyes on her, having returned to close up her childhood home after the death of her mother. But there’s always the possibility she might stay, or even the chance that her father, long mourned as dead, might somehow return.

Laura’s childhood friends are still around too. Cassie’s back from California and wondering if her marriage is worth saving. Sean copes with his abusive father and still makes music and instruments. Tig, Cassie’s once-annoying little sister, is happily making babies, and seems the only really settled one. Meanwhile parents and friends offer welcome, plus the occasional tuna casserole. Wind chimes play their tune. The widow lives in a dream world, and Cassie’s mother is turning her world into a dream.

With so many characters and so many needs, this story could be confusing. But the author does a good job with point of view, keeping the novel progressing forward, revealing detail at just the right time, and gradually building suspense as the chimes fall silent.

It’s not a scary tale; readers will easily guess much of what’s to come, just as Laura does. It is dark and oppressive sometimes, with secrets untold, but the story’s lightened by naturally humorous dialog, and pleasing relationships. In all, A Stillness of Chimes is an enjoyable story with a pleasing lesson in the power and importance of love and trust, and communication. Just maybe, those chimes might be hiding a still small voice.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah blogging for books and I promised my honest review.

A May Bride (A Year of Weddings Novella)

Meg Mosely

Book Summary: Ellie has prepared for her wedding all her life . . . but she has forgotten the most important part. Ellie Martin, a country girl living in Atlanta, has dreamed of a traditional wedding all her life---a wedding just like the one her younger sister is planning back home. Even though Ellie is realizing her dreams in the big city as an up-and-coming real-estate agent, she’s missing a key ingredient to her plans for the future: a groom. Then Ellie meets Gray Whitby---at a wedding of all places. Gray is handsome and fun, and he sweeps her away in a whirlwind romance. In a matter of months, Ellie knows Gray is 'the one,' but her mother isn't so sure, judging Gray to be the freewheeling type, like Ellie's runaway father. When Ellie jeopardizes her own future for the sake of her sister, Gray feels like he'll always be second to Ellie's family. Can Ellie and Gray find their own way together amidst the demands and perceptions of others or will their romance end before it has truly begun?

Book Review: I really liked Ellie. She was great. Very realistic and fun to read. It is the only reason I continued to read. I did not like Gray. I kept waiting for him to get better but he only became more tolerable. The differences between families was realistic and Ellie’s mother was a bit of a bore but that made her more realistic. Alexis and Eric were fun secondary characters and their relationship and situation was realistic. I loved the mention of Publix and subs. The life Ellie lived was very real and comfortable. The idea of her gardening was fun and Pastor Mike made it sweet. Overall a worthy read, despite my discomfort with Gray.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Zondervan Fiction for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.

"What if the echoes of past heartaches uncovered an unknown sacrifice that changes everything?"

This sentence from the back of the book will haunt you through every page.

I love Meg Moseley's books. She writes with a depth that tugs at my heart.

A southern Georgia mountain town, a bluegrass festival, a dead man who may not be dead, even after 12 years, secrets revealed that shatter hearts, friends whose lives are in turmoil, a love that has endured for 18 years.......this is the stuff of this book.

Reading the prologue, (out loud to my husband) I was reminded of To Kill A Mockingbird. It has the same feeling, the same emotions running through it.

Meg Mosely has created characters as rich and full as a southern blackberry cobbler made from the berries pictured on the cover. Deeply satisfying relationships, haunting melodies and so much more make this book one for your keeper shelves.

The secrets kept by the characters herein are deep secrets, kept for over a decade and destined to never be revealed. Your heart will ache for these folks and what they've endured, you'll feel the Georgia clay on your feet as you read of the struggles in their lives and the hurts they've kept hidden in their hearts.

This is a book NOT to be missed. You will want to read it in one sitting. I have closed the cover but want to go back and read it again!

This book was everything I could have wanted in a novel. So. Much. Love. for "Gone South."

I wrote a full review which can be found here: http://heatherdaygilbert.com/2013/07/01/lazy-days-of-summer-book-review-brandy-h...

GONE SOUTH by Meg Moseley is an intriguing inspirational historical fiction set in Noble, Alabama. Ms. Moseley has weaved a tale of love,secrets,rejection, and the heart of the old South. Follow Tish,on a journey that weaves the past with the present. With carpetbaggers fir a family and named McComb, Tish soon learns the town is hostile to anyone named McComb. "Gone South" is a tale of looking for acceptance,suspense,action, and romance. A great story and one not to miss if you enjoy historical fiction, as well as contemporary fiction. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

Does anyone else ever get so frustrated with a book character you just have to put the book down and distract yourself elsewhere? Especially when it's an adult that you thought would have more wisdom than is being displayed...
hoping there will be some upcoming good news to make this frustration pay off!
____

Unfortunately, it only got worse...

Great cover and book premise that drew me to select it for reading. I loved the protagonist's sense of adventure, dream of a new beginning, willingness to step into the unknown. Sadly, it didn't remain true throughout the story...

Once Trish takes in the town's likeable miscreant, Mel, Trish's true colours of control are revealed. Mel is almost 21, so an adult for several years, yet she is continually disbelieved and treated as a disobedient child to be kept under surveillance, to be reported and worse, to have her will and wishes trampled on by Trish. All this, supposedly in Mel's best interests. Why? Because Trish says so. This is unconscionable treatment of a young, impressionable, and vulnerable woman. Any apology for these thoughts and actions? No. It's all treated as acceptable.

I was so frustrated by Trish's disregard for the will and person of Mel, I actually had to put the book down and walk away. The frustration included the fact that Trish is set as the Christian adult who doesn't show a personal lifestyle that follows the influence of Christ, yet Mel prays constantly, voicing her acknowledgement, dependence and longing for God.

I can't in any way accept the actions Trish takes in opposition to Mel's will; forcing her own will on another and over another's. Unkind, selfish, lacking in wisdom and not asking God or others for wise counsel, she just barrels on her way without thought for consequences that will inevitably affect them. Where and how does this example Christ? It doesn't. It showed clear and consistent disregard rather than the honouring of others that Christ calls us to; to see Christ in another, not looking down from some lofty self-made perch.

At the very least, discussion with a lawyer would have cleared up Mel's claims and satisfied any concerns Trish had. Most likely it would have brought wise and proper resolution to the entire situation. It wasn't even an option in any character's thoughts or conversation throughout the novel.

In other aspects, the book presented seemingly important inclusions to the story's outcome which are later swept aside as of nominal value without any further reference to the plot. What!? All that information on boxes of wills and deeds is just fill? Then why include it at all? What about the truth of Letitia and Nathaniel? I'm still left in the dark after completing the book.

To wrap up- Final analysis? Not at all what I'd expected. The book didn't live up to its promo. And the ending is nothing short of disappointing.

Gone South by Meg Moseley is a most enjoyable book that touches on several issues that are prevalent today such as homelessness, stealing, prejudice, learning disabilities, and low self esteem. Tish McCombs had her life all planned but then an accident took the life of her future husband and now her father has also died and her mother has remarried. Mom and new husband are moving to Florida to get away from the cold of Michigan and Tish decides to go along to help with the move. Tish decides to take a side trip to Noble, Alabama, to see the home that once belonged to her great-great-great grandparents and was built around 1870. The house was up for sale and on a spur of the moment decision, Tish decided to buy the house. She is happy with her decision and then trouble comes along. She goes to the bank to open an account and the lady helping her is all smiles and welcome until she looks at Tish’s driver’s license and learn that she is a McCombs. Tish cannot understand the change until the owner of the bank explains to her and tentatively offers her a job.

Mel is in Florida and hitchhiking back home when the guy who gave her a ride makes a pass and she jumps from the pickup and does not have time to grab her duffel bag from the back. This leaves Mel with no money, clothes, or food and when she finally reaches home in Noble, her dad will not let her into the house. He has kicked her out because she stole her Grandpa John’s pocket watch that was to go to her brother Stu. She does not feel it was stealing for Grandpa had told her that he was going to give the watch to her and he also told her that his 1956 Corvette would one day be her’s. Since Grandpa John did not leave a will, no one believes Mel.

George Zorbas seems to be the only person in town who is willing to give Tish a chance. George tries to persuade Tish not to give Mel a place to live but since Tish definitely feels like an outsider, she decides to permit Mel to move in hoping that they can accept each other and be a help to each other. Unfortunately, Mel is set in her destructive ways and several times Tish threatens to send Mel packing but she is determined to help Mel and at the same time Tish is trying to prove her own worth. The people of the town of Noble apparently have conveniently forgotten that everyone needs the love and forgiveness of God and also forgiveness from people.

At the urging of Tish and George, Mel gives the watch to Stu but will Stu give the watch back to Mel? Does the town come to accept Tish? Will Tish get the job at the bank and if she doesn’t why not? Will George and Tish end up together? Will Mel get help for her dyslexia and if so, who will help her? While Mel is working at George’s antique store, he figures out why Mel’s previous employers accused her of stealing. But was she stealing? These are questions that come up in the story and I think that it would spoil the story for future readers if I were to answer the questions. The book does have a happy ending.

The characters were so very well developed that I felt they were almost real and just might come to life. The plot had a lot of twist and turns and just when I thought I had something figured out, everything would change. I was fascinated by the dialogue for being a southerner I know how many people in the south feel about Yankees and the dialogue was right on target. Throughout the entire book I felt as if I were right there in Noble taking part in all the action for the author made the scenes so real. Even though I knew that I was reading a novel, I still became upset at times because of the way the small town southern people treated Tish because she was from Michigan. Even worse and what upset me more was the way she was treated because of something her great-great-great grandparents supposedly did. This is a Christian novel and I was glad to see that the author had God and Christianity as an important part of the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes a great story with lots of action, suspense, romance, and that has a Christian message of love and forgiveness. A sneak peek at the first chapter is available here: http://www.scribd.com/search?query=Gone%2Bsouth%2B%2B%2BMeg%2BMoseley&paid=f... Meg Moseley’s website is: www.megmoseley.com and her blog is available at the same site. Her bio on Waterbrook is available at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=123046

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers through their Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

An Enjoyable Read!

This is the first book that I have read by author Meg Moseley and it won't be the last. I really enjoyed the two main characters in this book, Letitia (Tish) McComb and Melanie Hamilton. Even though several years separate the two in age they are alike in so many ways. Both want acceptance and to be loved for who they are. One is being accused of being a thief and the other is treated as an outcast because of her name and heritage. Will both find acceptance and happiness that they are seeking?

Meg Moseley writes using such a depth of feeling that the reader is drawn into the story and roots for all the characters. I enjoyed her first, 'When Sparrows Fall' and I knew I would enjoy further books and I was right.

Tish McCombs, a Yankee from Michigan, decides to detour through Noble, Alabama, on her way home from visiting her mother in Florida. Noble was the town her ancestors lived in way back before the Civil War. She is surprised to see her ancestors' home up for sale. She walks through and has to have it. She is thrilled to be living there, but soon discovers that no one in Noble is glad she's there. She finds out that her ancestors, according to the local historical society, were not very nice. The only person who seems to want to be friends is the local antique dealer, George Zorbas, whose dog keeps escaping and running to Tish's house.

Tish then finds a homeless girl nearby and invites her to live with her. Melanie Hamilton is a Noble hometown girl who no one wants to hae anything to do with. She's hurting and in trouble and no one cares, not even her own family.

This set of characters inhabit a most wonderful novel. It's not a bit of fluff Christian fiction, but one that hits the heart with a bang.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the author, which in no way influenced my review.

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When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley was a pleasant surprise. With the religious overtones, I was of course concerned about where the book would go. It was a simple but charming story. I really enjoyed the author's writing style and pace. She kept the storyline moving and interesting. There was a few moments when I became confused about the era the characters were living in. Perhaps the author was trying to make a point about the isolation of the family from modern society. This did not distract me from the plot. Overall, it was a good read.

Great first book for this author and looking forward to more from her. I have heard about spiritual abuse but have not experienced it so this was a unique perspective. Except for some of the Amish fiction, you don't read much about it in fiction, either. I loved Jack and preferred his POV påssages to MIranda's and loved all the children, especially Martha.

As the book opens, we find Miranda Hanford, a widowed mother of six children, finding out that her church pastor has called a meeting of the single women of the church. He informs them that the church and its flock will be moving to another state and that the parishioners with property are expected to sell, pull up stakes, and donate the proceeds to the move. (Obviously, this set up warning bells in THIS reader's mind!)

Ever the black sheep of her strict fundamentalist group (no caffeine, homeschooling with no science or fiction books included), Miranda determines that she will not sell her property OR move with the church. The problem is that the pastor holds a secret over her head and threatens her with calling children's services and having her children taken away. Her dilemma is now how to avoid moving with the church while keeping the pastor silent.

As she is taking pictures one morning, Miranda takes a serious tumble down a steep slope and ends up hospitalized. Some time ago, she changed her children's guardianship from her church pastor to her husband Carl's half-brother Jack, a literature professor. When Jack is called to take care of the children while Miranda recovers, he drives up from Chattanooga and re-acquaints himself with the nieces and nephews that he was not able to know while Carl was alive. He brings a touch of modernity to the Hanford household, sometimes against Miranda's wishes, but in a gentle fashion, taking the children to the library to pick up real books to read, making coffee, and falling in love with the children whose lives have been so circumscribed that the girls dress in basic shift dresses only.

As Miranda recovers, she finds an unlikely ally in the pastor's own wife Abigail. Will Miranda be able to break away from the church and still keep her children?

This was an involving read. From the beginning, I had my fingers crossed for Miranda, who was isolated from everything by her husband Carl. The women of the church are not even allowed to vote, and Miranda was banned from making money from her photography by the church council. It may be hard for many of us to imagine a life so "backward", and I, for one, would have told the pastor in no uncertain terms to stick it where the sun doesn't shine (but that's just me).

This review first appeared on my blog: http://www.knittingandsundries.com/2011/09/when-sparrows-fall-by-meg-moseley-boo...

In this novel, however, we see how easily a woman married young to a controlling man and brought into a similarly controlling church society could be placed in this position.

This is Christian fiction, so it is a clean read, but it could be considered a general fiction read as well. The fundamentalist church that Miranda belongs to is not portrayed in a good light, and Jack has a quiet, understated faith that makes him a wonderful person to read about.

QUOTES
He still spoke softly, but this wasn't the genial pastor who preached on Sundays and prayed for the sick and made a mean chili for potluck suppers. This was a different man. A hard, unreasonable man.
"What's right for the church as a whole isn't necessarily right for me," she said, quaking inside.
"Remember, Miranda, 'rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft."

Jack asked more questions and learned that the children had never set foot in a school building or a McDonald's or a mall. A trip to the grocery store was an unusual event.

He gave himself a mental slap. She was his sister-in-law. Mother of six. Weird homeschooler whose religion forbade nicknames, fiction, and attractive clothing.

Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Characters: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Reading Immersion: 3.5 out 5 stars

BOOK RATING: 3.75 out of 5 stars½

"WHEN SPARROWS FALL" BY MEG MOSELY

A story of love, deception, and blackmail. A woman, Miranda Hanford, finds herself being manipulated into protecting her children and all those who know her from her secret past.

This is a fast-paced read full of intrigue and mystery.

-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club

This book was a really nice surprise. Miranda Hanford is a widow and mother of six. When she takes a bad fall off the cliffs near her house, Jack Hanford the estranged brother in law gets a call that he has been appointed the guardian for the children.

As I began to read this story, I realized that Miranda was actually part of what could be considered a religious cult. She homeschools her six children and has kept them sheltered from everything in life including trips to the store, car washes, movies, etc. She had married a slightly older man who completely controlled her every action including her dress, the books she and the children read, etc.

The book explores issues around victims of spiritual abuse as well as other types of mental abuse - isolation from society, etc. There are some dark secrets uncovered throughout the course of the book. With strong character and plot development, this was a very well written for a debut novel.

Note: Reader received a complimentary copy of this book through the Good Reads First Reads giveaway program. Thank you to the author and publisher.

I got this book from Members Giveaway. I started it and thought, 'Oh, crap, it's Christian fiction' but decided to give it a go. Glad I did. Turned out to be a sweet, if predictible, love story. A young attractive (of course) widow with six children is being pressured by the overbearing (of course) pastor to sell her family land, and move with him to another state. She has a debilitating accident, and while she recovers a charming (of course) brother-in-law steps in to care for her and her children. Exposing the whole family to wholesome (of course) lures of secular world, he manages to win everyone's heart and help our heroine shed the shackles of her cult-like congregation and expose the evil pastor as a selfish hypocrat. And everyone lived happily ever after. Maybe because I grew up on fairy tales, or because I mainly read violent or sarcastic fiction, I liked this story.

I was a little unsure of the book when I picked it up but I once I started I could NOT put it down. I was up all night reading it. Defiantly recommend to others to read. Thanks for the chance to review it !!