Monday, September 13, 2010

Valeria's Cross by Kathi Macias & Susan Wales ~ 3 stars

Valeria's Cross
Kathi Macias and Susan Wales
Abingdon Press
About the book:
*I'm not including the blurb for this book because it implied lots of things that were untrue about the book events and characters. If you want specific examples I can give them, I just didn't want to spoil certain things for readers.*

My review:
I was pretty disappointed in this book. But I’ll get to that in a minute. I had no *idea* that this book was based on true events and people. I thought it was completely fiction. However, I still thought that the writing could have been a little better. Especially at the beginning you were “told” things that were happening in Valeria’s life rather than experiencing them with her. It was a little like listening to a speaker who talked in a monologue. You were told things a little impassively and that didn’t help me to create a “relationship” with Valeria and be interested in her personally.

Now, I understand that for the most part this is a true story so they couldn’t change what happened in any big way, but I cried and cried throughout this whole book! The persecution of the Christians was well portrayed, but I tend to like stories that have the persecution and a redeeming ending. So for the most part, my disappointment in the book couldn’t be helped since it was based on real people’s lives, but I still think the writing could have been better. (I hate to give an unfavorable review, but this was my honest opinion. I sincerely hope that other people will enjoy the book more than I did.)

Thanks Abingdon Press for my review copy of this book.

21 comments:

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

I love it when books make me cry. Any time that I feel genuine emotion means it touched me somehow and for that I gave this book the highest rating. It's hard to coauthor a book. I have one coming out so you will see what I mean when you read it. You'll be like... where is Michelle's voice in this story? (That's for Deadly Accord.) But Letting Go, however, is all me and while that story may make you cry a little, it's all me. I love redemptive themes.

Sylvia said...

Well, this time period isn't my favorite so this probably isn't a book I would pick up anyway. Hmm...yes I can see where this might be disappointing. This kind of a weird example, but it's kind of like kissing scenes in books. It's very disappointing when the hero and heroine finally kiss and it just says, "They grinned, leaned toward each other and shared a tender kiss." I want detail of their feelings during the kiss; especially the female point of view. I'm a woman I like to feel along with the female character, not the male's.

Emily said...

Um, I don't really read many books like this, I like stories that happen more in this century. Your review was really good, and I believe everything you said. Not really planning on reading the book, but your review definitely helped me form an opinion.

deb said...

This actually looks like a book I would read. Your review was very good, but I think I might give it a try sometime.

John said...

Great review! Sorry you didn't like it, though. But I'll take your word for it!

Jennifer said...

Sorry to hear you didn't like the book! It has a really nice cover, though. Great review!

Elyssa said...

I haven't read very many books from this time period, but the ones I have were actually really good. I'm sorry to hear it wasn't one of your favorites!

Casey said...

Thanks for the honest opinion, Carmen! It helps to know what other readers think. And I think we read a lot of the same books, so very good to know. :) Great review.

apple blossom said...

just won this one I'm looking forward to reading it.

Julia M. Reffner said...

Hmmmm...thanks for an honest review. I've heard fabulous things about this book, but I think your point is well-said about wanting endings to be redeeming.

justpeachy36 said...

I recently received this one from one of the authors and I look forward to reviewing it, especially after reading this review.

karenk said...

i enjoyed reading your review :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

MaureenT said...

The thing that I would like about this book is that it was based on fact. I really appreciate your giving your review for this book, and I will place it on a very back burner.

alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

Amanda said...

Thanks for the honest book review! I really don't like when the book blurb is inconsistent with the actual story, and would not look forward to crying through the whole book!

Michelle said...

I think honest reviews are good, even when they're not favorable. I actually had never heard of this book before. Probably won't make it onto my TBR list. Thanks for the great reviews, Carman!

Michelle
scrraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

Trinity Rose said...

Greetings,
I really like honest reviews. It makes them so much more interesting. Thanks so much.
Blessings,
Trinity Rose
wandaelaine at gmail dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Thanks for your honest review and I like books that do make me react by crying, laughing and being in suspense or sitting on the edge of my seat.
I would like to read this book and see how it appeals to an older read.
Thanks

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Carole said...

Like many others who commented, I always enjoy your reviews and appreciate your honest thoughts. This book is on my wish list, but now I'm not sure whether I'll ever read it or not. Kathy Macias doesn't always write a "comfortable" read, but I like her writing.

Unknown said...

Thank you for honesty in your review. I respect your frankness. I don't know if I would read this book, but if I did, I would keep your words in mind. I like truth in facts in a story and enjoy a true story. I also enjoy feeling emotion in the characters of the writing. If it does include enough emotion to make me cry or sigh..then I would enjoy that part. Haven't been very succinct in my comment...guess that's called an impromptu comment. LOL
Thanks for requesting a comment on your review. it's a rare opportunity when what I think is actually asked for.

Blessings to You,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Anne Payne said...

For me, book reviews are a lot like movie reviews. If the critics are giving an overwhelming negative response, then I usually like it. I'll have to do some more research on this book and see if I want to read it or not. Thanks for the honest review, though. I really appreciate it.

Carman said...

Thank you guys! I read each of your comments and appreciate them all!

I think I do need to clarify this, though. (I guess I gave the wrong impression.) I do love it when a book makes me cry or laugh out of genuine emotion. What I don't like is when I cry through the whole book because it just seems like one sad event after another. (That's what I meant about the crying thing.)