Book Review | Lucy's Legend: A Robin Hood Story

Happy Tuesday, everyone. I hope you're having a marvelous day. This past week, I've had the distinct privilege of being asked to review another book. It's been awhile, so I was definitely ready to get back in the saddle.

 

This book was written by my dear friend Amanda Grace (follow her blog HERE ). She and I have gotten to know each other over the past seven months and I can tell you, ladies, this young woman has a heart for Jesus. She's very encouraging and fantastic with kids. And, I've found out, a wonderful writer.

 

Now, this book might seem procedure; just another Robin Hood tale. Robin becomes an outlaw, robs from the rich, feeds the poor, marries Maid Marian, happily ever after.

Well, this is not your average retelling of the classic legend that has become as close to American hearts and seems as much a part of our history as the English.

 

Without giving a ton of the plot away, I will highlight what I loved about the book. Amanda is very skilled at character development. It's beautiful to see the personal spiritual journeys of each character; their struggles, sins and moral victories. Jesus' name is lifted high and that is rare in a Robin Hood. The plot is clever and, though it moves a little quickly for my taste, is well rounded and delightful to follow.

 

The only thing I can really say against it is that there isn't much in the way of character or setting description.

Miss Grace knows that each person has an image in their head of what each familiar character looks like. We know Nottingham Castle and Sherwood Forest; they're well grounded as a setting to many a sweet dream and, though I would have liked to have had a glimpse into the author's imagination, it certainly doesn't destroy the story. It's very character-driven and I've read many books where the author completely neglects his characters in favor of the world he has built. If you've ever wanted to get to know your dear, familiar characters more on an intellectual and spiritual level, this is the book for you.

 

I highly recommend this lovely volume! Get thee to Amazon and purchase it post-haste. The story awaits!

Playing Up Neutrals+Book of the Week

It's my first outfit post! Yaaay!!! I have been inspired by so many lovely modest fashion blogs lately, that I thought it was high time, after 5 years of blogging, I join in the fun and share my style :) And with today's outfit post, I'm also starting a new tradition: BOOK OF THE WEEK! 

But first, the outfit...

When wearing neutrals, it's important to include a splash or two of color to keep from looking drab. Oftentimes, even a tasteful, nicely pressed outfit can take on a frumpy tone if there is lack of color. Today, the basis of my outfit is a beige sweater with a denim-style linen maxi skirt. That's the "cake". The "frosting", or accessories, are a multi-animal-print scarf and a belt. The color to play up all these neutrals comes courtesy of rusty-red wedges (I know they look like flats; the wedge is only about an inch tall). 

 ::Outfit Specs::

:Beige Sweater-Old Navy (Thrifted):

:Linen Maxi Skirt-Saint Tropez West (Thrifted):

:Scarf-Flower Factory:

:Belt-(Thrifted):

:Shoes-Wanted (Thrifted):

And the book of the week is "Mother" by Kathleen Norris. This is one of my favorite books of all time! You may remember that I mentioned it for the Literary Heroine Blog Party . I have read this book three or four times over the past several years and still can't get enough! The sweet redemptive story of this potently pro-life book written in 1911 touches my heart again and again. 

"Mother" recounts several years of Margaret Paget's life in the early 20th Century and her introduction into secular society, away from the small town and large family she grew up in. As the personal secretary of the famous Mrs. Carr-Boldt in New York City, Margaret flourishes, feeling that her talents are finally getting the recognition they deserve. But all around, her morals and beliefs are questioned and everything her Mother taught her is brushed aside by society, considered "old-fashioned notions". They say children are a neusance, husbands should be kept in their place and a woman should not be expected to drudge her existence away as a housewife. Margaret must learn the hard way that though "society" has rejected the Biblical model of womanhood, the principles that her Mother taught her will always stand firm.

I recommend it for girls ages 12 and up. The language in the book is antiquated (which may make it difficult to grasp for younger readers, though it's certainly not Shakespeare!) and the subject matter may be a bit mature for young girls (the question is raised "how many children are too many?" and, as many of the secular, feministic viewpoints of our bereaved culture are discussed, it may confuse young girls). It would be a refreshing and encouraging read for mothers, especially young mothers who are adjusting to their new role in the sphere of the home.

What do you, dear readers, think of my outfit? Have you read "Mother"? Should I continue with "Book of the Week"? Do we really need the color chartreuse? Did you look that word up in the dictionary? Let me know what you think and comment below! Or email me at missmckennaray[at]gmail[dot]com. Have a beautiful day!