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oceanwriter's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Between the author and the synopsis of this book, I was super excited when I came across this book. The Old Hollywood feel jumps off the page early on in the book, granted, it highlights the darker side of show business.
Mina Sinclaire ran away to Hollywood with a dream of saving her family’s farm. Instead, she finds herself deep in poverty and making money any way she thinks she can despite the shame it brings her. Her only saving grace is her friendship with her agent, Max, and the hope that he will make her star despite a recent strain that’s been put on their relationship. Things get worse for her when she finds herself in the vicinity of a murdered industry man.
The lead-in is slow, and truthfully, I could only take Mina’s voice in small doses. I found myself more invested in Oscar and Max’s side of the story. The end of the book was worth the slower sections as the story has a beautiful theme of love and forgiveness. Particularly toward the end, there are some lovely quotes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Sexual assault
Minor: Abortion and Deportation
aldarakamey's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley for access to the ARC.
This book I highly recommend it if you like "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo"
Why would you ask, the author does an amazing job setting the time when the story occurs, the character are complex and the story goes with so much difficulties without making the story slow or uneasy to read, it follows the story rhythm.
I read that is inspired by the prodigy son, and honestly it sort of make sense because the book itself focus more on the negative aspects of hollywood, but at the same time is not so prude, is just the way it was.
I highly enjoyed it.
This book I highly recommend it if you like "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo"
Why would you ask, the author does an amazing job setting the time when the story occurs, the character are complex and the story goes with so much difficulties without making the story slow or uneasy to read, it follows the story rhythm.
I read that is inspired by the prodigy son, and honestly it sort of make sense because the book itself focus more on the negative aspects of hollywood, but at the same time is not so prude, is just the way it was.
I highly enjoyed it.
farmfreshlisa's review against another edition
4.0
Cover grabbed me, because it is simply gorgeous! This is a new to me author so I had NO idea what to expect. And let me tell you, I didn't expect this! by the 3rd chapter I had to make sure this was indeed a Christian fiction genre because I was feel like I'd sunk into Hollywood depravity. No, I don't mean there was like "Rated R", but it was implied. Promiscuity, prostitution, infidelity, excessive drinking, smoking, sleeping with a married man, theft, etc. So I was struggling to wrap my head around the book--but then Chapter 11 and *BAM* I get all emotional when I realize that this is a book simply exploring an oh so famous parable--The clue should have been the title "In a Far Off Land" which comes from the scripture Luke 15:13:
And suddenly it all made sense.
There are reviews of the book that criticize the author for not "weaving a thread of faith" through the book. But it was there. It was there every time it went back to Minnie's father. And what more do you need to understand the power of mercy than the parable of the prodigal son? The Bible didn't tell us all the things that happened to the prodigal son---to get him from point A to B. But we know his repentance from the way he responds to his father in the scripture. And this book fulfills that emotional arch to a T. Even down to the dialogue between sisters and their father at the end. This was a brilliantly done exploration into the age-old story retold in a new setting with females instead of men.
Now--I will add that BECAUSE this deals with more mature themes (ie. depraved Hollywood of the 1930s, plus the racism against Hispanics in CA (which was VERY MUCH real during that time period)--I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who isn't ready for that type of topic. It's going to feel at times at the level of Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers in the rawness.
I happily give this one 4.5 stars!
And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country...
And suddenly it all made sense.
There are reviews of the book that criticize the author for not "weaving a thread of faith" through the book. But it was there. It was there every time it went back to Minnie's father. And what more do you need to understand the power of mercy than the parable of the prodigal son? The Bible didn't tell us all the things that happened to the prodigal son---to get him from point A to B. But we know his repentance from the way he responds to his father in the scripture. And this book fulfills that emotional arch to a T. Even down to the dialogue between sisters and their father at the end. This was a brilliantly done exploration into the age-old story retold in a new setting with females instead of men.
Now--I will add that BECAUSE this deals with more mature themes (ie. depraved Hollywood of the 1930s, plus the racism against Hispanics in CA (which was VERY MUCH real during that time period)--I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who isn't ready for that type of topic. It's going to feel at times at the level of Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers in the rawness.
I happily give this one 4.5 stars!
lilac_cottage_library's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I loved the characters and their realistic struggles. However, I did find myself frustrated with our main character's seeming inability to ever learn from her mistakes. I appreciated the positive message being delivered without heavy handed or preachy writing. I also really enjoyed the 1930's vibes. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
jeaninetaniece's review against another edition
5.0
Papa says God never stopped listening to me and never stopped loving me, even when I was at my worst. All that time, he was just waiting for me to come back to him and tell him how sorry I was. Waiting to forgive me. ~ Mina
What an outstanding story of a prodigal daughter Hollywood style!
When the Great Depression hit Mina’s hometown hard, she decides she can save the family farm by leaving home and heading for California. Become a movie star, make some quick money, and come back to Nebraska the hero. Unfortunately, Hollywood is one tough nut to crack and Mina’s plans for stardom quickly turn to dust on a road to ruin.
The world isn’t an easy place for a woman, especially one that is alone, broke, and far from home. Mina finds herself in one demoralizing situation after another. Practically selling her soul just to survive.
Then she meets Max. He offers her a life vest before she drowns in the sea of despair. Max knows the ins and outs of town, rubs elbows with all the influential people, and has invites to best parties. He takes her under his wing promising her a leading role. But the one party that is to be her big break brings Mina’s world crashing down.
I love the theme of this story and the diverse characters. We learn about the prejudices against of immigrants during the depression, but also pride of their heritage and loyalty to their families. Family ties, unconditional love, and undeserved forgiveness are beautifully presented. One never falls so far that God can not see or hear them. And Ephraim Zimmerman is the sweetest, most loving father a girl could ever ask for.
What an outstanding story of a prodigal daughter Hollywood style!
When the Great Depression hit Mina’s hometown hard, she decides she can save the family farm by leaving home and heading for California. Become a movie star, make some quick money, and come back to Nebraska the hero. Unfortunately, Hollywood is one tough nut to crack and Mina’s plans for stardom quickly turn to dust on a road to ruin.
The world isn’t an easy place for a woman, especially one that is alone, broke, and far from home. Mina finds herself in one demoralizing situation after another. Practically selling her soul just to survive.
Then she meets Max. He offers her a life vest before she drowns in the sea of despair. Max knows the ins and outs of town, rubs elbows with all the influential people, and has invites to best parties. He takes her under his wing promising her a leading role. But the one party that is to be her big break brings Mina’s world crashing down.
I love the theme of this story and the diverse characters. We learn about the prejudices against of immigrants during the depression, but also pride of their heritage and loyalty to their families. Family ties, unconditional love, and undeserved forgiveness are beautifully presented. One never falls so far that God can not see or hear them. And Ephraim Zimmerman is the sweetest, most loving father a girl could ever ask for.
randikaye's review against another edition
4.0
In a Far-Off Land was- I must admit- not quite what I was expecting, in more ways than one. First, I expected that it was going to be more of a murder mystery... and while there was certainly a murder, the whodunnit really wasn't the focus of the story at all. Aside from that, though this is from a Christian publisher, the first part of the story really doesn't read much like a Christian story at all. I mean, it's fairly clean considering there is no language and no graphic details are given, it does give a pretty clear look at the darker aspects of Hollywood during the 1930s so there is definitely open mention of alcohol, drugs, sex and prostitution... certainly not what you'd expect in a Christian novel. Towards the very end, we do see it come around to being more of a story about grace and forgiveness and a truly unique take on the story of the prodigal son, but I could certainly see where some more conservative readers might find it uncomfortable. I must admit, in the beginning, I almost stopped reading several times not because it wasn't very well written but just because of how unexpected this all was... in the end, I am personally glad I continued reading to the end, as I really did enjoy the story in the end.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
chloewakham's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Death of parent
Minor: Deportation and Abortion
heidirgorecki's review
4.0
I struggled thru the first half of the book but the second was excellent. The concept of a Prodigal Son (daughter) with so much truth and feeling about shame and forgiveness was relatable and inspiring. I liked the depression-era setting and running away from corrupt Hollywood, while Max fought for Mina.
The first half of the book though, I had a hard time staying interested. I think it was the way it kept relating small pieces of current timeline and then really long and drawn out backstory. You’d just barely start to get invested and then you’d be thrown back into another history of how we got here, so it felt like nothing was happening. Then I’d have to try to remember what was happening when we went down the rabbit hole. The second half was mostly constant and continuous which made it more enjoyable.
The first half of the book though, I had a hard time staying interested. I think it was the way it kept relating small pieces of current timeline and then really long and drawn out backstory. You’d just barely start to get invested and then you’d be thrown back into another history of how we got here, so it felt like nothing was happening. Then I’d have to try to remember what was happening when we went down the rabbit hole. The second half was mostly constant and continuous which made it more enjoyable.
paperbacks_and_ponytails's review against another edition
4.0
A heart-breaking story of a prodigal daughter.
When a young girl leaves her father and sister to take care of the farm and try to make her way into the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. But all she ends up finding is heartbreak, hunger and resorting to desperate measures to be able to stay. But when she wakes up next to a dead body, things go from bad to worse!
I loved the characters in this story, yes it's not a happy story but the ending did it justice and I loved the way Stephanie Landsem brought the parable of the prodigal son to life. I loved the era of the 1930s and I loved that the author mentioned so many famous people of that era. Being a huge movie buff, I was able to connect really well with the story.
When a young girl leaves her father and sister to take care of the farm and try to make her way into the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. But all she ends up finding is heartbreak, hunger and resorting to desperate measures to be able to stay. But when she wakes up next to a dead body, things go from bad to worse!
I loved the characters in this story, yes it's not a happy story but the ending did it justice and I loved the way Stephanie Landsem brought the parable of the prodigal son to life. I loved the era of the 1930s and I loved that the author mentioned so many famous people of that era. Being a huge movie buff, I was able to connect really well with the story.