Robbin J. Peterson

If you’re a Jane Austen’s Emma fan, this is a must read! I have to admit Frank Churchill is one of my least favorite characters. I always felt that poor Jane was shortchanged in her choice for a suitor. However, Robbin J. Peterson added depth and a more sympathetic understanding of both Frank and Jane that persuaded me to like him, and that’s great writing.

This book is a prequel to Emma and shows what happens to Frank and Jane as children leading up to their reacquaintance in Weymouth. Frank’s aunt is horrible, to say the least, and it’s easy to see why Frank is the way he is when he’s been bullied and blackmailed all his life. He’s been brought up to marry well and only with his aunt’s approval or risk being disinherited. He feels abandoned by his father and resents the fact that he was sent to live with his aunt and uncle.

When Frank meets Jane in Weymouth he’s attracted to the shy, reserved, proper, beautiful young woman. She’s his opposite in every way, but that’s part of the attraction. He soon finds himself wanting to make her blush at every turn and get to know her better. The only problem, Jane is poor.

Jane for her part is a delightful young woman who was taken in by the Campbell family as a ward after her parents’ deaths. Her endearing friendship with Cassandra Campbell was a highlight for me in the story. Jane knows she’s on borrowed time with the family and either must marry or become a governess. She’s had a crush on Frank for years after a brief meeting as children, but meeting him as adults leaves much to be desired. He’s flighty, flirty, somewhat rude, and accusatory of her motives, but he can also be charming, and attractive.

The backstory of Jane, Frank, Cassandra, and Dixon is definitely well written and made me want to go back and reread Emma. I loved the insights the author provides in fleshing out these characters while staying true to Jane Austen’s vision. I loved seeing how Jane and Frank fell in love and the way they compliment each other. I also loved Thomas & Cassandra. I told my friends “Jane should have gone with the Irishman.” IYKYK

Highly recommend to Jane Austen fans, particularly Emma fans! I’m looking forward to reading more by this author. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher via AustenProse PR. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4-4.5 stars!… (mehr)

Conviction is a story about a Mormon Missionary, unsure of his readiness to serve and who is consumed with guilt over a deed he never confessed or repented of. As he arrives at the Mission Home in Ukraine, he unburdens his misdeeds to his companion and to the President.
He is assigned to a companion he thinks is great until he broke a major rule. As the young Elder Christensen, struggles with his feelings about his companion, that became the least of his worries when their apartment was raided at Four A.M. From then on he experienced a nightmare!
This is a story about judgement, misjudgment, rite of passage, repentance, restitution, endurance, faith, testimony, and survival.
The characters were created in a very believable manner and became "real". The scenes were vividly portrayed and the writing was superb! The reader's interest was not allowed to wander in the least.
Although this was directed at an L.D.S. audience, it is a novel anyone would enjoy.
The Book Title and over image were done very creatively and clever. The cover is eye-catching, yet, simple. It relates to the content very well.… (mehr)