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Jayne’s Endeavour Blog Tour: Special Recipe Post and Giveaway!

June 4, 2020 // Esther Filbrun 9 Comments

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!):

JE Blog Tour Banner

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!

Jayne's Endeavour by Lauren Compton

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!

Giveaway Graphic
a Rafflecopter 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

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Filed Under: Books Tagged With: Blog Tours, Book Reviews, New Books

About Esther Filbrun

I am a young woman in New Zealand. I enjoy writing, cooking, sewing, reading, editing, and, most of all, praising my heavenly Father.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Grace Spencer says

    June 4, 2020 at 8:18 am

    That looks like a very interesting novel!

    Reply
    • Esther Filbrun says

      June 4, 2020 at 1:45 pm

      I know, right?

      Reply
  2. Lauren Compton says

    June 8, 2020 at 12:54 pm

    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!!

    Reply
    • Esther Filbrun says

      June 16, 2020 at 1:11 pm

      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!

      Reply
    • Esther Filbrun says

      January 22, 2021 at 2:21 pm

      I finally got the review up! Sorry it took so forever long!

      Reply
  3. Natalie says

    June 11, 2020 at 11:51 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Esther Filbrun says

      June 16, 2020 at 1:09 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Lauren Compton says

        June 16, 2020 at 2:49 pm

        Glad you were able to have time to read it! And so happy to hear you enjoyed JE 😀

        Reply
        • Esther Filbrun says

          June 16, 2020 at 3:08 pm

          Me too! And yes, I can’t wait for the next book! Now to get my review written….

          Reply

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Hi! I’m Esther, lover of the Lord Jesus Christ and brainstormer behind helping families find good books (read more about that here). My goal is to live a purposeful, fulfilling life—whether that is in what I read, write, cook, design, or do with my wonderful siblings. My life is full and often messy. But God is good. Welcome to the adventure!

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