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Abi Hensley #1
A Castle in the Sky
In 1915, it is believed that there isn't much hope for a woman beyond marriage. Yet Abi Leigh Hensley, lover of the written word, believes otherwise. Growing up as the daughter of a wealthy lawyer in the gold mining town of San Francisco, Abi never felt like she fit in with her mother and father's stilted lifestyle. And though she's been raised to believe that her lot in life is to marry, she's always loved to read and write, and has dreamt of being an author all her life.
After her parents' failed attempt at an arranged marriage, Abi leaves the comfort of her wealthy upbringing in San Francisco to pursue her dreams of becoming an author in New York City, a place she has always loved. Excitement seems to loom around each corner, yet Abi may be in for than she bargained for.
Full of hopes, dreams, and self-discovery, A Castle in the Sky is a novel fans of historical fiction are sure to love.
After her parents' failed attempt at an arranged marriage, Abi leaves the comfort of her wealthy upbringing in San Francisco to pursue her dreams of becoming an author in New York City, a place she has always loved. Excitement seems to loom around each corner, yet Abi may be in for than she bargained for.
Full of hopes, dreams, and self-discovery, A Castle in the Sky is a novel fans of historical fiction are sure to love.
- GenresChristian Fiction
262 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2016
4 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Atchley
12 books47 followersMiranda Atchley has always had a passion for stories and history. She’s the author of several books, and her work has been the finalist for an indie writing award. Miranda lives in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas where she works as an office manager for a funeral home. In her free time, she loves reading, watching old movies, and taking walks with her dogs. Visit her blog at: mirandaatchley.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 29, 2018
When I heard this story was historical fiction (in 1915-16) about a writer, I was interested.
Abi was dealing with a difficult upbringing as she was so unlike her parents, and wanted something other than marriage. While I understood her, and sympathized with her, I had a hard time connecting with her very much. But many of the other characters I loved. Mrs. Wood! Mrs. Ramone.
While I did get a small feel for living in New York, I felt like I was on the outskirts of the story most of the time. There was not a lot of showing, conversation, or watching the characters live. Most of the story seemed as though it was being told to me. Some of the phrases used had a decided modern sound to them. There were also historical things that left me very puzzled as to whether they are accurate or not. A few dates didn't add up right, and while the characters prayed now and then, or read a chapter of the Bible before spending half the night reading a novel, I didn't feel as though it was very "christian." They want to church I was told, but I didn't get to see the influence of their Christian faith portrayed in their lives.
However, this was a very clean story. The only thing that might bother some people were a few remarks like "Lord knows . . ."
I received a copy of this by the author, but was not required to post a positive review.
Abi was dealing with a difficult upbringing as she was so unlike her parents, and wanted something other than marriage. While I understood her, and sympathized with her, I had a hard time connecting with her very much. But many of the other characters I loved. Mrs. Wood! Mrs. Ramone.
While I did get a small feel for living in New York, I felt like I was on the outskirts of the story most of the time. There was not a lot of showing, conversation, or watching the characters live. Most of the story seemed as though it was being told to me. Some of the phrases used had a decided modern sound to them. There were also historical things that left me very puzzled as to whether they are accurate or not. A few dates didn't add up right, and while the characters prayed now and then, or read a chapter of the Bible before spending half the night reading a novel, I didn't feel as though it was very "christian." They want to church I was told, but I didn't get to see the influence of their Christian faith portrayed in their lives.
However, this was a very clean story. The only thing that might bother some people were a few remarks like "Lord knows . . ."
I received a copy of this by the author, but was not required to post a positive review.
March 11, 2018
I'm done already? How did that go so quickly!
The Characters:
Abi - I really liked her, even if she was a little independent!! One think I really liked about her was that she's a writer!
Mr. and Mrs. Ramone - aww, I loved them! They're so sweet!
Mr. and Mrs. Hensley - I had my likes and dislikes about them! ;) Their idea about the marriage part of things was rather annoying though!
Lizzy - she was great too!
Daniel - ahhh, he's so nice!! I need more of him!
Mrs. Wood - <3 <3 I don't know why anyone wouldn't like her!!
There's a lot of other characters I could mention, but then this list would be rather long!
The Story-line:
Very interesting!! I've really come to liking historical fiction, and this book was really great!!
Content:
Nothing bad/inappropriate that I can think of.
This is supposed to be a Christian book, and even though there were prayers and going-to-church scenes, it didn't seem to be the main priority of the characters' lives. But I'm glad there were even those scenes!
All-in-all:
I NEED THE SECOND BOOK! I had forgotten this was a series, so when I finished this book, I was disappointed something I wanted to happen didn't! Perhaps it'll happen in the second book?! I absolutely loved this book though - I need a paperback now! ;)
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review - thank you so much, Miranda!
The Characters:
Abi - I really liked her, even if she was a little independent!! One think I really liked about her was that she's a writer!
Mr. and Mrs. Ramone - aww, I loved them! They're so sweet!
Mr. and Mrs. Hensley - I had my likes and dislikes about them! ;) Their idea about the marriage part of things was rather annoying though!
Lizzy - she was great too!
Daniel - ahhh, he's so nice!! I need more of him!
Mrs. Wood - <3 <3 I don't know why anyone wouldn't like her!!
There's a lot of other characters I could mention, but then this list would be rather long!
The Story-line:
Very interesting!! I've really come to liking historical fiction, and this book was really great!!
Content:
Nothing bad/inappropriate that I can think of.
This is supposed to be a Christian book, and even though there were prayers and going-to-church scenes, it didn't seem to be the main priority of the characters' lives. But I'm glad there were even those scenes!
All-in-all:
I NEED THE SECOND BOOK! I had forgotten this was a series, so when I finished this book, I was disappointed something I wanted to happen didn't! Perhaps it'll happen in the second book?! I absolutely loved this book though - I need a paperback now! ;)
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review - thank you so much, Miranda!
January 3, 2022
Rating: 3.5 (But, I think this young author deserves the higher rating, because encouragement is always the best praise.)
I enjoyed this story. I've always loved historical novels, so this one, by virtue of its historical setting, immediately won a place in my heart.
However, there were a couple of things that took away from my enjoyment... actually, EXACTLY two.
First, the author had difficulty with one word: WHOM. Without exception (as best as I can recall), the word WHOM was always used throughout the story, when in fact, many, many times the word WHO was the needed word, not WHOM. (A gentle suggestion that the author read through the story again herself and ask for help in identifying whether WHOM or WHO is correct in a given sentence.) There is a difference in usage. I found myself "stumbling" each time the incorrect term was used. It was distracting.
Secondly, this author used present day terminology in a number of places. These snagged my attention each time I ran across them.
Having said all the above, I want to say that this young author wrote a lovely simple story that is worthy of a read.
* I received a free copy of this story from the author, and was only asked to give an honest review.
I enjoyed this story. I've always loved historical novels, so this one, by virtue of its historical setting, immediately won a place in my heart.
However, there were a couple of things that took away from my enjoyment... actually, EXACTLY two.
First, the author had difficulty with one word: WHOM. Without exception (as best as I can recall), the word WHOM was always used throughout the story, when in fact, many, many times the word WHO was the needed word, not WHOM. (A gentle suggestion that the author read through the story again herself and ask for help in identifying whether WHOM or WHO is correct in a given sentence.) There is a difference in usage. I found myself "stumbling" each time the incorrect term was used. It was distracting.
Secondly, this author used present day terminology in a number of places. These snagged my attention each time I ran across them.
Having said all the above, I want to say that this young author wrote a lovely simple story that is worthy of a read.
* I received a free copy of this story from the author, and was only asked to give an honest review.
May 9, 2016
I thought this was a sweet story. In an era when women were expected to get married and be taken care of by their man, author Miranda Atchley has created a female character that defies those norms. Abi is a strong-minded female determined to become an author even though it alienates her from her family. I liked her independence and even liked some of her innocent assumptions about life. I liked the friendships that Abi made that caused her to grow and mature as a person and as a writer. The message that I took away from the story was that pursuing our dreams sometimes requires sacrifice, but achieving those castles in the sky will bring great happiness and fulfillment to our life. I look forward to a sequel to A Castle in the Sky to see how Abi's career is progressing.
July 18, 2019
Absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read the second book! 😍
June 24, 2021
A great book and really great book.
January 17, 2017
Lovely story! :) I'm a HUGE fan of Christian Historical Fiction and so I was very excited when Miranda sent me a review copy!!! I love love love these characters!!!! I really felt for Abi through her journey. For me it held touches of Beatrix Potter's story, but with many unique circumstances and differences! The flow of the story is nice, leading you through sweet moments, trials, and pain right along with Abi! I also truly love how her Faith grows through all she must overcome and I LOVE the ending of this story, though it made me long for more and I definitely would enjoy returning to Abi's story and seeing where else she is led and what other Castles in the Sky she visits! ;) Overall I really enjoyed this entertaining read!!!!
Songs: "He Leadeth Me (Album Version)" performed by Candi Pearson and "Deeper" by Meredith Andrews
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC
Jeremiah 29:11
~ASC
*I received a copy from the author for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about A Castle in the Sky. ~ASC
Songs: "He Leadeth Me (Album Version)" performed by Candi Pearson and "Deeper" by Meredith Andrews
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC
Jeremiah 29:11
~ASC
*I received a copy from the author for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about A Castle in the Sky. ~ASC
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews