Cadence :

Rating:
Summary: Heartwarming, Life-changing Tale
Review: "Cadence" is Book Two in the American Anthem Series by author B.J. Hoff. In her first book, "Prelude", Mrs. Hoff begins to weave a tale of beginnings for three sets of characters. In "Cadence", these people are brought together and relationships begin to unfold, growing and stretching the characters.

We are reunited with doctors Andrew Carmichael and Bethany Cole. They work well together as business partners, but will Andrew's past turn Bethany away from anything more?

The McGovern family settles into a new home, but what happened to the love they once shared? Will the happy, carefree days they knew in Ireland ever return? Will suspicion and bitterness destroy everything they're trying to build?

Susanna and Michael are faced with a question of trust. Can they learn to set aside past fears and broken dreams to embrace what God has for them now?

I found myself caught up in the beauty of Mrs. Hoff's lyrical writing style, and I fell in love with these characters from "Prelude" all over again. Like the titles of her books, the author's words sing like a glorious, poetic anthem.

Aside from just being a really well written story, "Cadence" also taught me something about myself. I could readily identify with Susanna, and as she faced her fears, I saw my own. The lessons Susanna learns will touch any reader's heart, and the ending will leave you singing.

Now I can't wait for book three!

Rating:
Summary: An entertaining read that illumines spiritual truths
Review: "Fiction can illuminate Truth beautifully. There are few adornments more lovely and compelling than good fiction artfully woven around the neck of Truth to bring out the eternal beauty of the face of Truth."--Christian author Jeri Massi

Nowhere is that quote more aptly illustrated than in the fiction writing of B. J. Hoff, and her latest book, Cadence, is no exception.

In this second book in Hoff's American Anthem series, we become further acquainted with the appealing cast of characters we met in Cadence. There's the handsome and brooding composer, Michael Emmanuel, and Susanna, the sister of his deceased wife, who acts as a governess for his young daughter. In Cadence, Michael and Susanna deal with the growing awareness of their feelings for each other...and Susanna must face her fear of failure in regard to her own musical talent.

We get to know more about the altruistic Scottish doctor, Andrew Carmichael, and his medical partner, Dr. Bethany Cole, and discover that there is something significant in the good doctor's past. Meantime, Andrew and Bethany are another couple that realize their dawning love for one another.

The Irish immigrant, Conn MacGovern, continues to be one of the most engaging characters in the series. Proud and strongwilled, he embodies the strong immigrant spirit, and you can't help but like him and his equally strong wife, Vangie.

I suspect --and hope--we'll be learning more about a few of the characters in the next book, including the intriguing Irish police officer, Frank Donovan, as well as Renny McGee, the former busker girl taken under the wing of the MacGovern family.

I really enjoyed this book's predecessor, Prelude, but I do believe I liked Cadence even more! Maybe it's because the characters now feel like old friends, and I'm even more involved in their individual stories. As always, I relished B.J. Hoff's lovely and evocative writing and the smooth flow connecting the characters' scenes.

Most of all, this book touched me on a spiritual level, causing me to look inward and challenging me to face my own fears with the help of God's Word. An entertaining, absorbing read that points you to spiritual truth...can you ask for more?

Just one problem, though. Now I can't wait until the next book in the series!

Rating:
Summary: And the winning beat goes on....
Review: As a musician, CADENCE fed my spirit. As a Christian, CADENCE fed my soul. As a reader...I remain constantly surprised, not because of plot twists and turns--but because none are needed.

BJ Hoff's signature style shines in this book; in fact, I enjoyed it even more than I did the first one, PRELUDE. I'm a reader; my usual preference is for books that not only offer depth of character, but include lots of plot as well. That's why, for me, CADENCE defies my usual personal definition of a "good read." This book was a GREAT read, because I care so much about the characters that I DIDN'T care about the lack of an intricate plot. That's not something I can honestly say about many other books, which is why I felt compelled to write this review.

Most fiction these days offers too much plot, too little character, and virtually no takeaway value. For those of you readers who thirst for a book that creates good enough characters to build a story on their lives alone, who need to chew over deeper spiritual truths instead of quickly gulp a glass of tepid water--read this book.

The lesson I learned about burying gifts to avoid failure is one I plan to hold close the rest of my life. In fact, I'm quoting it here, a two-sentence gift I'm sure the author wouldn't mind sharing: "Rather than pursuing and developing the gifts God had bestowed upon her, like the unfaithful steward she had <buried> them. She had been not only ungrateful, but <unfaithful.>

CADENCE, like all BJ Hoff's books, is most definitely a keeper.

Rating:
Summary: Cadence
Review: I loved this book (and the first in the series, PRELUDE). Why? Because I love the passion and reality of the lives that intertwine. The characters spring from written words to become real people with real loves, tragedies, pain, problems, heartaches, despair, triumphs and faith that show the author's deep perception of human emotions. Just as an artist uses brushstrokes to create a masterpiece, BJ Hoff uses words to color a landscape of human emotions with people so real you feel you know them - and want to know them.

This is the story of Michael Emmanuel, a blind musician of incredible talent, and Susanna Fallon, the sister of his deceased wife. The tragedies that drew them together and the hope and love and faith that flow from their lives to touch the lives of all the other characters make the book(s) difficult to put down. I read this book straight through without any awareness of time.

Books that capture the imagination that thoroughly are rare. This saga of immigrants who fought and dared to become Americans who could have been our forebearers brings another time and place in history alive.

The book's final lines still resonate in my heart long after I've read the last page. The Gift...the Giver...the glory. This book moved me in a different time and place to see that God is the same...yesterday, today, and forever. And my faith is stronger for it.

Rating:
Summary: A masterpiece!
Review: I was once again drawn into the lives of each intricate character. I didn't want to put it down, but had to at times. (You have to eat and sleep at least a little, right?)

Susanna, haunted with fears of failure, refuses to play for Michael's orchestra when he asks her to.

Dr. Andrew Carmichael tries to find a way to tell Dr. Bethany Cole his feelings for her-and his secret past.

The MacGovern family finds that America (so it seems) is not so glorious as they had thought it would be. Will Mr. MacGovern ever find a job to keep his family afloat?

There are also other intriguing and entertaining characters such as police officer Frank Donovan, young Renny MacGee, and Paul Santi, Michael's gentle cousin.

The ending was so glorious and beautiful that I was actually weeping with joy, hearing the music Mrs. Hoff spoke of.

It was ALL wonderful-I loved it so much and want to read it again (many times, perhaps) in the future! I would recommend reading the equally good Book 1 first, of course, but this book stands on its own, too. Masterfully written! Bravo!

Rating:
Summary: A masterpiece!
Review: I was once again drawn into the lives of each intricate character. I didn't want to put it down, but had to at times. (You have to eat and sleep at least a little, right?)

Susanna, haunted with fears of failure, refuses to play for Michael's orchestra when he asks her to.

Dr. Andrew Carmichael tries to find a way to tell Dr. Bethany Cole his feelings for her-and his secret past.

The MacGovern family finds that America (so it seems) is not so glorious as they had thought it would be. Will Mr. MacGovern ever find a job to keep his family afloat?

There are also other intriguing and entertaining characters such as police officer Frank Donovan, young Renny MacGee, and Paul Santi, Michael's gentle cousin.

The ending was so glorious and beautiful that I was actually weeping with joy, hearing the music Mrs. Hoff spoke of.

It was ALL wonderful-I loved it so much and want to read it again (many times, perhaps) in the future! I would recommend reading the equally good Book 1 first, of course, but this book stands on its own, too. Masterfully written! Bravo!

Rating:
Summary: The "Storyteller" spins another heartwarming tale
Review: In her true story-telling fashion, B.J. Hoff brings us the next mesmerizing instalment in her American Anthem series. Revisit the characters first introduced in PRELUDE, and be swept away in the saga that unfolds, where love grows amidst heartbreak and misconception, and hope is restored despite grievous loss. The colourful setting of late 1800's New York is punctuated with the music of the era, presenting trials and triumphs that will resonate with the reader. Old and new fans of B.J.'s historical fiction will love this story. ~~Ellie Schroder, owner of The Christian Fiction Site

Rating:
Summary: The "Storyteller" spins another heartwarming tale
Review: In her true story-telling fashion, B.J. Hoff brings us the next mesmerizing instalment in her American Anthem series. Revisit the characters first introduced in PRELUDE, and be swept away in the saga that unfolds, where love grows amidst heartbreak and misconception, and hope is restored despite grievous loss. The colourful setting of late 1800's New York is punctuated with the music of the era, presenting trials and triumphs that will resonate with the reader. Old and new fans of B.J.'s historical fiction will love this story. ~~Ellie Schroder, owner of The Christian Fiction Site

Rating:
Summary: Cadence leaves you wanting more!
Review: Love LOVE LOVE these characters!! Just as in Prelude, I jumped in this book with both feet and didn't emerge until the last page was turned. If possible, this book was even stronger than Prelude...the characters more defined and even more rich and colorful. The ending left me breathless...I almost stood up and cheered along with the audience in the scene! I cannot wait until the next one... hurry!!

Rating:
Summary: Historical fiction at its best
Review: What a wonderful tapestry of relationship stories set against the backdrop of New York City in the mid-1800's. The vivid details and realistic characterizations make the reader feel as if these stories must surely have taken place. Each of the characters faces a challenge in his or her relationship to another person or persons, and the resolution of each dilemma is both satisfying and delightful.