Hello, friends!
Well, I have something rather special to share with you today—and something rather unusual for me! It’s a blog tour, but the first one (I think) that I’ve participated in for an author outside the United States. I’m particularly excited about this, though, because the book, Jayne’s Endeavour (don’t you love the British spelling?!) is set in 18th century Australia, and it has a very strong Christian theme to it. How often do you come across a book like that?
I’ve lived in New Zealand for ten years now, and even in that time, have come across very few set in this part of the world, even in historical fiction, and even less that are Christian stories. So I’m excited about this story, and am glad I can share it with you.
But a little disclaimer before we start . . . I haven’t actually read this book yet! Reading has not been a priority of mine these past few weeks, so that hasn’t happened. I’ll try to share a little of what I’ve been up to lately sometime soon, but for now, I’d love to introduce this story to you, because I’m sure it will be great (the first chapter is interesting, anyway!):
I was given a free ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest review, although I haven’t actually read the book yet! (Review coming soon, hopefully.) Also, links in this post may be affiliate links, which earn me a small commission at no additional expense to you. Thanks!
About the Book
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
Page Count: 276
Age Range: 12-18
Series: Book 1 of The JOY Series
Mysterious strangers, a Scripture verse, and a threat.
“Reids never give up.” The words once held so much truth. But at eighteen, Jayne Reid is beginning to wonder if she can live up to that standard.
When puzzling strangers appear and odd things start to happen, Jayne and her two younger sisters must find a solution—or lose everything.
What mystery lurks in the shadows of the Australian bush? Who is the man in town who thinks he can buy and bully anyone he wishes? And is it all somehow connected to their new farmhand?
Journey with Jayne as she struggles to change fear into boldness and boldness into a trusting relationship with her Heavenly Father. What adventure lies ahead?
Buy the book: Direct from Author | Amazon | AbeBooks | Book Depository | Add to Goodreads shelf
My Review
What a delightful story! Jayne’s Endeavour wasn’t the book I was expecting to read in the end—much better in some ways, I think, and perhaps not quite as good in other ways, but overall, I really enjoyed this read!
The history, of course, would be one of my biggest reasons for reading this story. There’s little enough Australian literature out there, and an Aussie story from a Christian perspective? Well nigh impossible to find! At least, I haven’t really seen any—and none written by an Australian themselves, if I remember right. The historical setting for this book was well done, I thought. It could have done with a bit more description, but the story was fine as it is. I didn’t get the same “immersed” feeling I’ve gotten reading other historical fiction books, but I suspect the author, in this case, was trying to stick as closely to known history as possible, and I applaud her for that.
I loved watching the sibling relationships in this story. It seemed very realistic, even though the characters weren’t quite as well-rounded as I hope to see in stories. Some parts of the way they acted felt a little forced or manipulated (especially the grieving process), but I feel like I can’t say much, because I don’t know how I would write it differently! But yes—this book is all about siblings, in a way, as there are three sisters and a brother and sister featured in here. I loved both their loyalty and determination to support each other no matter what—and no matter what it would take to help out everyone.
There are many pieces of Jayne’s Endeavor that I really enjoyed. Not everything was wrapped up in this first story, either—there’s a bit of mystery that will hopefully be solved in the next book (please, please?). In all, this was a fairly quick, fun read. As a debut novel, I think it shows good promise for more good stories to come. There were a few stylistic things that I wish were stronger (the setting and description weren’t as deep as I would have liked, and the characters didn’t feel as vivacious as they should have been), but I’m looking forward to seeing where this author goes in the future. If you’re looking for clean Christian historical fiction without romance, this is a great book to read. Recommended for middle-grade readers on up.
I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
And now, from author Lauren Compton . . .
Tasty Research!
Australia was settled by a diverse range of social classes—convicts, assisted immigrants, and free settlers. As well as a diverse range of cultures—English, Irish, Scottish, Chinese, and the list goes on! So a lot of what makes up our culture has its roots in other countries. 😀
All the immigrants came holding dear their own traditions, dress, language, and even recipes. And so it is in Jayne’s Endeavour! Though it’s an Australian novel, Jayne’s family immigrated from Ireland when she was just seven years old.
During the writing of this novel, I had fun experimenting with some Irish fare! This was definitely a fun (and tasty) part of my research! 😀 And the recipe I’m about to share was particularly scrumptious! In fact, I’m going to have to make it again sometime soon!
Yvonne undid Jayne’s braid, and began to run the brush through her sister’s matted hair. Jayne felt her muscles relax. Despite her best efforts, her eyes started to shut. Her head slumped forward, and the brush caught in her hair tugging it at the roots. Her senses reawakened, Jayne sniffed deeply. “Something smells good.” She motioned to the pot hanging near the edge of the fire. “Is it Colcannon?”
–Chapter 3, Jayne’s Endeavour
Colcannon
Colcannon (Cabbage and Potatoes) is an Irish dish that is simplistic, yet homely. It’s a fine example of making do with what you have in a tasty and filling way!
Ingredients:
1 kg (2 lb) potatoes
boiling salted water
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup warm milk
500g (1 lb) cabbage, finely shredded
1 tablespoon butter
6 shallots or spring onions, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
pepper
1 tablespoon of chopped parsley (optional)
Method: Peel and chop potatoes. Cook in boiling salted water until tender. Drain, return to pot, and shake over heat to dry. Mash potatoes with a potato masher. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and stir in half of the warm milk. If necessary, add more milk until you have reached a good consistency (not too stiff or dry and not too runny!).
Place chopped cabbage in a separate saucepan and cover with boiling water. Cook until tender. Drain thoroughly in a colander. Melt butter in the saucepan, add cabbage, and mix well over heat.
Stir the cabbage into the potato mixture, add shallots (or spring onions), salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley, if desired.
Recipe Notes: This makes a good side-dish, as well as a hearty and filling meal in its own right!
Do you like trying new recipes from different countries!? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to know some of your favorite dishes! 😀 (From Esther: I’ve always loved trying out different cuisine! We have a favorite family dish that originated as a Hungarian recipe!)
About the Author
Lauren Compton lives in Australia on a sheep farm—surrounded by mountains and plenty of Aussie wildlife! From a young age she has loved books and writing-related things (yep, that includes spending ages in the writing supplies department!). Now she has embarked on a mission to write books that both entertain AND encourage. Her desire is to weave stories that point readers to her Heavenly Father while at the same time being a whole lot of fun!
Connect with her here: Blog | Goodreads |Amazon | Newsletter
Tour Giveaway!
Join in the Rest of the Fun!
Be sure to follow along for author interviews, fun posts, and exclusive giveaways!
Monday 25th May
Abby Rose @ Photos by Abby Rose |Review
Tuesday 26th May
Leona @ Great Books for God’s Girls |Review and Excerpt
Wednesday 27th May
Becky @ Blossoms and Blessings | Review and Exclusive Giveaway
Erika @ Resting Life | Review and Excerpt
Thursday 28th May
Katja @ Old-Fashioned Book Love |Review
Malachi @ Brainstorms with Rain |Book Spotlight
Monday 1st June—Release Day!!
Kaitlyn @ Maidens for Modesty |Review and Guest Post
Lauren @ Novels That Encourage |Release Day Post
Tuesday 2nd June
Rebekah @ Read Another Page |Review and Author Interview
Wednesday 3rd June
Kassie @ Soldier Girl Stories |Review and Exclusive Giveaway
Esther @ Purposeful Learning |Book Spotlight, Recipe, Review
Thursday 4th June
Amanda @ With a Joyful Noise | Book Spotlight, Guest Post, Review
Monday 8th June
Ryana Lynn @ Life of Heritage |Review, Author Interview, Exclusive Giveaway
Tuesday 9th June
Michaela @ Tangled Up in Writing |Review and Book Spotlight
Abigail @ Read, Review, Rejoice | Book Spotlight and Guest Post
Wednesday 10th June
Sydney @ Singing Librarian Books | Review, Excerpt, Author Interview
Thursday 11th June
Tara @ Tower in the Plains | Review and Recipe
Laura @ Beautiful Things |Book Spotlight
Lauren @ Novels That Encourage |Tour Wrap Up
That looks like a very interesting novel!
I know, right?
Thank you so much for taking the time to put together this lovely post, Esther! It’s such a blessing to me how encouraging and helpful everyone has been with helping me spread the word about Jayne’s Endeavour! 😀 Thanks for being so excited!
That Hungarian dish you mentioned sounds interesting too. 🙂 I love trying out recipes from different countries!!
You’re welcome, Lauren! Thank you! And yes, it is interesting…almost everyone I tell about it thinks it sounds disgusting, but it’s a fun one everyone in our family enjoys!
I finally got the review up! Sorry it took so forever long!
I liked reading the first chapter too. Looking forward to reading more. 🙂
And yes, I love colcannon! I first made it a few years back for an Irish themed Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone loved it! This reminds me that I haven’t made it in a while, though. Guess it will be showing up on the menu soon! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Well, I’ve finished the book now, and it’s great! Really enjoyed it. Hope you found the same! 🙂
I haven’t heard of colcannon before–so I look forward to trying it one day! Sounds very simple, but delicious.
Glad you were able to have time to read it! And so happy to hear you enjoyed JE 😀
Me too! And yes, I can’t wait for the next book! Now to get my review written….