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Customer Reviews for Bethany House Unrivaled
Bethany House Unrivaled
Lucy Kendall always assumed she'd help her father in his candy-making business, creating recipes and aiding him in their shared passion. But after a year traveling in Europe, Lucy returns to 1910 St. Louis to find her father unwell and her mother planning to sell the struggling candy company. Determined to help, Lucy vows to create a candy that will reverse their fortunes.
Average Customer Rating:
(39 Reviews) 39
Rating Snapshot (39 reviews)
5 stars
19
4 stars
15
3 stars
5
2 stars
0
1 star
0
35 out of 3990%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Unrivaled
Review 1 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
Great summer read.
Date:May 18, 2013
shanfromcan
Location:Canada
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This is the first book I have read by Suri Mitchell and it will not be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed the story from beginning until end. The characters were great, interactions not always what I expected, but as each chapter ended I couldn't help but want to keep reading.
A fun light hearted read.
I was sent this book through The Book Club Network, with no strings attached.
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Review 2 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
Unrivaled
Date:May 14, 2013
Fitzysmom
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
The rivalry between City Confectionary’s Fancy Crunch and Standard Manufacturing’s Royal Taffy in 1910 St. Louis is turning the candy world upside down. The Kendalls and the Clarkes used to be part of the same company, but at this point they resemble the Hatfields and McCoys. The animosity now extends to the children of the founders.
Through a chance meeting Lucy Kendall meets Charlie Clarke. At the time they don’t realize who the other is and a spark of interest begins to grow. Soon enough it becomes known and even though the attraction is mutual they just can’t seem to put aside the hurt and resentment of the past.
This is a story of jealousy, stubbornness, and revenge. It is also a story of caring, yielding and forgiveness. Once again Siri Mitchell transports us back in time with the sights, sounds and smells of the time period. She is a gifted writer that can paint a complete picture with words. I enjoy her ability to give a very detailed account of the timeframe without losing the magic of the storyline. I learn so much from her novels through the narrative and through the author’s notes at the end.
If you enjoy historical fiction I think you will delight in Unrivaled. My only warning is that this is a story about candy . . . better stock up on some before you pick up the book. You are definitely going to want some by the end.
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Review 3 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
Hilarious Romance Novel!
Date:May 9, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Lucy Kendall, a beautiful, privileged young woman, returns from a whirlwind year in Europe with her aunt and uncle. She feels the trip has changed her life, but nothing like what transpires when she returns to her home in St. Louis, Missouri. She finds during her absence her father has suffered a heart attack and is bedfast, all her peers have married except one, and her mother wants to sell their candy business, City Confectionery.
During her trip she gathered the most luscious candies she could find, planning to use them to create the best candy recipe ever to save her father’s struggling business. She begs her mother to give her a chance. Her mother gives her one month to work nothing short of a miracle. The catch is she must fulfill her obligations in society as debutante which is further complicated by being elected as Queen of Love and Beauty.
Charlie’s Clarke’s life was the exact opposite of Lucy’s, abandoned by his father at a very young age, living in poverty and becoming involved in crime to support his mother and siblings. He is sent to live with his very wealthy father whom he has not seen in 15 years. His father just happens to be the owner of Standard Manufacturing, the nemesis and competitor that is driving Lucy’s family out of business. Story also has it that Mr. Clarke conned Lucy’s dad out of his original recipe for Royal Taffy, the number one selling candy of the time! With bitterness toward his father, and the social shock suddenly being thrown into high society, Charlie is struggling this is own issues.
As if making all the public appearances and working on her candy recipe isn’t enough, things get even more complicated for Lucy when she meets Charlie (not knowing who he is) and finds herself falling in love with him. Charlie’s feelings match hers. That is until Lucy finds out whom he really is!
Lucy goes into full blown attack mode to save their company. Charlie not wanting to comply but desiring his father’s praise, does everything he can to stop her every effort. The ensuing battle is hilarious, with each one trying to outmaneuver the other. All along, they are fighting the strong attraction for one another and growing more frustrated by the moment.
While this book is a wonderfully entertaining, filled with romance and a lots of humor; it offers much more. Historically I was able to see a blossoming, and rapidly changing era. Ms. Mitchell allowed me to see the early 20th century through the eyes of both the wealthy and the poor. It held a surprising reminder of the great gulf that lay between the two social groups during that time. The conditions in the factories and the child labor was appalling enough without realzing how some business owners had no compassion or concern for their workers, especially the children.
As the story unfolds I saw Lucy and Charlie mature and grow as young adults; each one being forced to harshly examine their self. They faced their character flaws and faults, but most importantly desired to change. Lucy was a beautiful example of how we can become so focused on our desires we can sacrifice our values and end up making impulsive and sinful choices all in the name of ‘winning”. Charlie reveals that our past does not define who we are in the present, and we must not only seek God’s forgiveness but also forgive ourselves.
You will laugh, cry and even feel angry at the escapades of Lucy and Charlie. The book is 391 pages but you will find it difficult to put it down, and when you come to the end, you will be wishing for more! A very good book.
I received this book free from Bethany House Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
During her trip she gathered the most luscious candies she could find, planning to use them to create the best candy recipe ever to save her father’s struggling business. She begs her mother to give her a chance. Her mother gives her one month to work nothing short of a miracle. The catch is she must fulfill her obligations in society as debutante which is further complicated by being elected as Queen of Love and Beauty.
Charlie’s Clarke’s life was the exact opposite of Lucy’s, abandoned by his father at a very young age, living in poverty and becoming involved in crime to support his mother and siblings. He is sent to live with his very wealthy father whom he has not seen in 15 years. His father just happens to be the owner of Standard Manufacturing, the nemesis and competitor that is driving Lucy’s family out of business. Story also has it that Mr. Clarke conned Lucy’s dad out of his original recipe for Royal Taffy, the number one selling candy of the time! With bitterness toward his father, and the social shock suddenly being thrown into high society, Charlie is struggling this is own issues.
As if making all the public appearances and working on her candy recipe isn’t enough, things get even more complicated for Lucy when she meets Charlie (not knowing who he is) and finds herself falling in love with him. Charlie’s feelings match hers. That is until Lucy finds out whom he really is!
Lucy goes into full blown attack mode to save their company. Charlie not wanting to comply but desiring his father’s praise, does everything he can to stop her every effort. The ensuing battle is hilarious, with each one trying to outmaneuver the other. All along, they are fighting the strong attraction for one another and growing more frustrated by the moment.
While this book is a wonderfully entertaining, filled with romance and a lots of humor; it offers much more. Historically I was able to see a blossoming, and rapidly changing era. Ms. Mitchell allowed me to see the early 20th century through the eyes of both the wealthy and the poor. It held a surprising reminder of the great gulf that lay between the two social groups during that time. The conditions in the factories and the child labor was appalling enough without realzing how some business owners had no compassion or concern for their workers, especially the children.
As the story unfolds I saw Lucy and Charlie mature and grow as young adults; each one being forced to harshly examine their self. They faced their character flaws and faults, but most importantly desired to change. Lucy was a beautiful example of how we can become so focused on our desires we can sacrifice our values and end up making impulsive and sinful choices all in the name of ‘winning”. Charlie reveals that our past does not define who we are in the present, and we must not only seek God’s forgiveness but also forgive ourselves.
You will laugh, cry and even feel angry at the escapades of Lucy and Charlie. The book is 391 pages but you will find it difficult to put it down, and when you come to the end, you will be wishing for more! A very good book.
I received this book free from Bethany House Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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Review 4 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
Sweet story of romance and candy!
Date:May 9, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Siri Mitchell has written a very sweet story about romance and candy! Unrivaled is the story of two heirs to the candy making industry. How they manage to mix up a very delicious tale is one you will enjoy reading!
First, we have the candy lady. Lucy has just returned from a year-long tour of Europe. She hopes to invent a delicious new candy that will make her father's candy factory once again the leader in the candy making world. But to her dismay, her father has had a life-threatening heart attack, and is about to lose his factory to his rival. Then, Lucy is selected to be the "Queen of Love and Beauty". How will this help her to save her father's candy factory?
The candy man, Charlie, on the other hand, is first seen as an inmate in the local jail, accused of murder. He is acquitted, and his father - who long ago deserted the family - sends for Charlie to come to St. Louis to help him run his candy factory. Charlie's father is not a very nice man, and it seems that he is trying to take Lucy's father's candy factory away from her.
This sticky story is a sweet tale of taffy like problems, creamy chocolate romance and a few nougats of nutty situations, altogether a book of delicious treats, just waiting for you to enjoy. For another addicting book by Siri Mitchell, don't miss Unrivaled. PS, Don't forget a couple of pieces of chocolate to enjoy while you read this addicting, sweet book!
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Review 5 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
Started off good and then got boring :(
Date:May 6, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
When Lucy returns from her European trip with her aunt and uncle, though her mom really wanted to be the one to take her, she discovers her dad is ill in bed and she starts on her quest to terrorize Royal Taffy AND find a new recipe to save her dad's company. That is when all the fun begins. There is candy swapping, advertising poster problems, and a spy.
I was really hoping to like Lucy since that is my nick name but: Lucy was all about her and what she wanted and couldn't see past her own wants. She was very immature. She stooped to doing childish things to try and get her competitor down. I found her to be conniving.
I didn't trust Lucy's mom or Charlie's dad from the get go. Apparently Lucy's dad, who had a heart attack and was actually a very minor character, was not a good business man. So the company is being sold unless Lucy comes up with that new recipe.
The story started out good but got boring in the middle and just never picked up for me. On the other hand, I loved Charlie's character and he was the reason I kept reading. Charlie is a good guy who grew up with out his father and now his father wants to help him by giving him a job at his candy plant. Mr. Clarke often sends Charlie out to do things to help drive in more sales for Royal Taffy.
Charlie has to contend with Lucy, who he is attracted to, aah romance.
Charlie has to contend with Lucy, who he is attracted to, aah romance.
The plot was a good idea and it is the first book I have read around candy. I wasn't crazy about the ending and would have liked to have known more about how things turned out. I liked that the author had included some actual history, especially of President Roosevelt. It was well written and I did notice one editing error, words in the wrong order.
Its an ok story and its not one on my read again list, but I would try out one more book by the author.
I received this book for free from the publisher for an honest review.
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Review 6 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
An okay book
Date:May 5, 2013
sesquius
I chose to read Unrivaled because I thought the story line was pretty good, and it intrigued me. The cover art also pulled me in. Basically, Lucy Kendall has returned from an European adventure, to return home to discover that her beloved father is ill in bed. The company business, the candy factory, is having trouble. In turn, her mother, who has always hated the candy business is planning on selling it. However, Lucy loves the business and is determined to find a new recipe to bring the factor back to its original pride, that is, if she can take on the rival candy company, whom her father says stole their original recipe.
All in all, the story plot worked well, it's just the little things within the story that can sometimes get annoying. Such as the way Lucy would act sometimes. Despite these being merely characters in a book, I couldn't help but cringe at some of the decisions she made. Often times, they seemed a bit ridiculous. Such as the scene in the store window and giving out gifts. The story just seemed to hopscotch around, leaving me going back to reread what I must have missed.
Pleasant enough, can say I read it, but no interest in reading it again the future.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers to provide an honest review.
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Review 7 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
Date:April 30, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Lucy Kendall takes it for granted that she is going to take over her father's candy business. Back from the European trip that was supposed to mark that she'd "grown up", she finds that life at home is in absolute disarray. Not only is the candy business dying a slow death, her father is no longer able to keep the factory alive. While they are currently producing the candy that saved them from closing down when their bestselling candy recipe got stolen by the Clarke family, things aren't looking good for the future. Lucy is determined to keep the business alive and create a candy that will change everything for the better.
But Charlie Clarke is also determined. He wants to connect with the father who walked out of his life and never looked back. Charlie wants to give him a second chance, but in order to do that, he must find out how his father acquired his company and the famous candy recipe that the Kendall's used to produce. When the truth is discovered, will it be too late to salvage the relationship with a girl he only knew as Lucy? And will Lucy be able to succeed in creating an unrivaled candy that is going to save her family?
When Anne Matter said she ate a whole pan of brownies the day she read this book, I secretly scoffed that any reading material could make you hungry for candy. She was clearly on the right track. Mitchell takes you on an amazing journey into the hopes and dreams of two families in St. Louis in 1910. The way she describes everything makes you feel as if it is real, and all you have to do is reach out your hand and touch it. It is amazing how far people will go for their families and to save their livelihoods, but Mitchell portrays it in such a way that you sympathize with both sides. A fresh Romeo and Juliet story that will delight and inspire you to believe that the greatest commandment is to love.
This book was provided for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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Review 8 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
A little too much Rivalry
Date:April 29, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
What happens when desperation meets desperation with a bit of candy making thrown in? You get Unrivaled, Siri Mitchell’s latest offering; a story about two desperate people. Exhibit A- desperate person- #1-a lovely young woman named Lucy Kendall who has just returned from a tour in Europe where she was hoping to gain inspiration from the fine confectioneries there in order to come home and create a new Pièce de résistance for her Father’s Candy Company-. Regrettably, her Father’s business has been going downhill for a while and Lucy’s great love for her Father and his candy company closing weighs heavily on her heart. Exhibit B- desperate person #2- Charlie Clarke who is new in town and just happens to be the son of a rival Candy company who is systematically running Lucy’s Father’s company out of business. Charlie grew up with a huge burden on his shoulders as his father whom he is now trying to become reacquainted with left him and his mother and sister when he was a young boy. This has created much hurt and many high walls between his Father and him. But now his father is trying to make amends by having Charlie work for him in his Candy business. Charlie is also trying to put his past behind him as he didn’t make the best choices and even had a run in with the law in Chicago before coming to St Louis where this novel takes place.
As this novel progresses, of course we have Charlie meeting up with Lucy and there is an immediate attraction between the two. You might say sparks were flying. However once the pair discovered who their parents were, we go from sparks to full-fledged fireworks! As each person tries their hardest to a) not be attracted to the other and B) try and run the other out of business, things continue to heat up and the back and forth between the two as they try to outmaneuver the other gets pretty intense.
Overall, I would say that I liked this story; I do believe each character goes on their own personal journey and grows as a result which is always what we want our characters to do. Where I had a little trouble with this story is I felt that the hero of the story tended to be more likable than the heroine. That’s a little problematic for me as I always want to be rooting the girl on (sister power!). Honestly I felt that the business dealings with each other got a little too underhanded and their tactics a bit too much and went on a bit too long and as a result, I found it a little unbelievable that all of a sudden at the end Boom!, they magically reconcile. That being said, Charlie is a pretty charming “rogue turned good “character and I greatly enjoyed reading his portions. ( Note, the book alternated first person point of view between Charlie and Lucy, which I did find interesting.)
So again, overall a good Historical Fiction Romance filled with candy making, intense business dealings and a pretty lovable hero to round things out.
3 Stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Review 9 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
Not My Favorite
Date:April 27, 2013
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
2
out of
5
This was a very interesting story! The plot was well done and full of twists and turns to capture and hold the reader's interest. I enjoyed both of the characters immensely. My favorite character was definitely Charlie Clarke. I found him to have great depth as a character and he never ceased to surprise! My only qualm with this book is the use of the spiritual themes. I didn't feel as if the characters truly turned to God. They realized they made mistakes, and there is a scene in a church. However, I felt that it was superficial. I still feel that the story was very sweet as a whole. I will have my eye out for more from Siri Mitchell. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
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Review 10 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
Enjoyable book
Date:April 23, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell wa a very enjoyable read. I enjoyed being taken into the world of candy making, which was a totally unique plot line. This is a book about love and forgiveness. I found myself not being very forgiving of Charlie's father, who left his family when Charlie was only seven, which left Charlie with old wounds to heal with his father. Lucy was a very headstrong young women that I admired. This was the first Siri Mitchell book I have read and it will not be the last. I give Unrivaled a 4 out of 5 stars.
I received this book from Net Galley and Baker Publishing for my honest review.
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Review 11 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
Competition in saccharine sweet world of candy
Date:April 23, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
This book took me by surprise in that it was a story of corporate competition in the saccharine sweet world of industrial candy making. It seems as though Royal Taffy has totally taken over the minds and actions of the characters as well as all the billboards and signage of the city in its effort to be the one and only beloved candy consumed by the populace. Whilst its smaller competitor makes a quality product, they simply don't have the drive, know-how, and funding to adequately oppose Royal Taffy.
Within the drama of the candy industry we have a not-so-sweet romance trying to blossom. Lucy's father was the developer and owner of Royal Taffy but lost it all in a take-over. Charlie comes on the scene as the long-lost son of Royal Taffy's wealthy owner. Lucy and Charlie are explicitly drawn to one another but also find themselves at constant war with each other mainly over their connection and involvement in the candy industry.
There is, however, a deeper and more personal struggle going on in their lives. It is a spiritual and moral battle confronting them. How will this corporate struggle, personal romance, and personal spiritual battle resolve?
This is basically a very light read and doesn't seem to have a lot of depth which makes it a very good read for relaxed/unwind reading. I grew a bit weary reading about Lucy's candy making and petty personality flaws but that is simply me and my take. It is a good book, very clean read (which makes it rank very high in my list of qualities), and employs flawed but redeemable characters. I have another of Siri Mitchell's books on my shelf to read and anticipate it will bring a few hours of pleasant enjoyment.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the author and publisher, Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own.
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Review 12 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
A Sweet Lovestory
Date:April 22, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Lucy's life completely revolves around candy. Her father owns a candy company and has raised her in the kitchen. Who takes a trip through Europe and comes home with candies from various countries? Lucy does of course.
Charlie is reunited with his father. His father abandoned his family and has since become a wealthy candy company owner with a new wife and no heir to the fortune. Charlie leaves poverty & trouble in Chicago and becomes Charles in St. Louis. Charlie starts a relationship with a man who left him to fend for the family at a young age. He meets a mysterious beauty who smells like caramel.
This book is set in St. Louis when candy for the masses was still being made by hand. As a reader I was drawn into the world of making and identifying key tastes in candy. The love story was original and fun to watch. There are several times when you just want to smile as the rivalry gets taken in a awkward and hilarious direction. Life is full of surprises.
I think I need to learn how to make candy now....
I think I need to learn how to make candy now....
I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own.
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Review 13 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
A fine historical fiction novel
Date:April 18, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I really enjoy Ms. Mitchell's historical novels. She does a great job wrapping a novel around actual events and giving us a great look into history. This story takes place in St. Louis and brings together two rival candy makers. It shows the competitive nature that would arise between companies as well as a glimpse into the time before child labor laws. Lucy is in the midst of her debut into society but all she wants is to make candy for her father's floundering candy company. I enjoyed the tension between doing what was socially acceptable and what her passion for candy making wanted her to do. Which of course led to tension with the man she was attracted to yet her "enemy".
I enjoyed this book and anyone who enjoys historical fiction will not be disappointed.
I enjoyed this book and anyone who enjoys historical fiction will not be disappointed.
I received this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my review.
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Review 14 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
Unrivaled.
Date:April 17, 2013
Kristin
Location:USA
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
I've really enjoyed most of Siri Mitchell's previous novels, so I was looking forward to reading her latest one: Unrivaled. Not only is the cover very pretty (the girl looks like Lady Sybil!), but a plot involving candy is, of course, attractive to someone who happens to have a big sweet tooth. :)
I hate to say it, but honestly this book was a bit of a disappointment for me. It's difficult to explain why exactly. I feel like I never got really drawn in and attached to the story or the characters. Lucy and Charlie were both a bit ruthless with their tactics to succeed, but at the same time, they were wish-washy about the whole battling companies thing. One minute they're completely disgusted with each other and willing to do anything to take down the other candy company (Lucy especially), and the next minute they're wanting to kiss each other. Hm. Also, the chapters alternate between Lucy and Charlie's points of view, and it was a bit jarring. I felt that the ending wrapped up too quickly and wasn't very believable.
Also, I generally love Siri Mitchell's writing style. But quite often in Unrivaled, things were worded in unusual, awkward ways that left me puzzled or rereading sections. The main characters' conversations with Winnie Compton were completely bewildering.
I'm awfully sorry that this "review" is so vague! Something about this book just didn't click with me, and I'm having a hard time putting it into words. :) I didn't hate Unrivaled by any means. But I didn't love it...it didn't make me laugh or swoon or cry. I felt detached the entire time I was reading it.
Because I hate to leave this review on a negative note, I want to mention again that, with the exception of A Constant Heart, I have greatly enjoyed Siri Mitchell's previous historical fiction. She Walks In Beauty was definitely a favorite...I need to reread it soon!
*I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.*
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Review 15 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
Enjoyable Story
Date:April 15, 2013
Callie
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell is a story set in St. Louis in the early 1900's. Lucy Kendall returns from a European tour with tons of ideas for a new candy that will help save her father's struggling confectionary, but no matter what she tries, it's not enough. At the same time Charlie Clark comes to town and is reunited with his father, who owns a rival candy company. Charlie and Lucy have a connection right away, but it's quickly stifled when Lucy realized Charlie is the son of her father's archenemy.
I enjoyed this book. The Christian message is pretty light in it, but it's there - the message that it doesn't matter what we have done, it matters what God has done to save us. I liked the character development in the book s Lucy realizes that she has done some things wrong and that her preconceived notions about the Clarks may not be correct.
The romance in the book was cute, and the story kept me interested. You could also tell the author did her research, which I always appreciate - I enjoyed this book! I would recommend it.
Note: I received this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for this review. This is my honest opinion.
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Review 16 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
sweet story
Date:April 13, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
I read most of this book in one sitting. Once it hooked me I found it quite engrossing. It had a few mysterious elements to it as well as some rags to riches themes. Perhaps the most touching was the desire of a son for his father's love. The heroine was a bit harder to bond with because she was pretty self-centered and prickly, but she had her moments when you felt sorry for her. At the same time I had a hard time connecting with her. I think she'd spurned the hero one too many times, which made me lose my affection for her. So while I was glad how it ended, I wasn't sighing and excited because I was still trying to figure out what the hero loved about her beyond the pretty face and the passion for candy-making.
A few times I wondered about secondary characters like Jenny and Sam and how they might put a damper on things. I thought they would have more scandalous roles than they ended up with. That would've make things more agonizing for sure. At any rate, I enjoyed the story. It was compelling reading and the chapters were short enough to make you think, "I'll just read one more" and then before you know it you've finished the book. I liked how the author switched chapters between the hero and heroine's points of view. Charlie seemed like more of a nice guy than expected given his history, but it was his concern for the poor and children who had to work to help feed their families that really made me love him. The kiss to shut the heroine up was quite yummy as well. All in all, I enjoyed it.
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Review 17 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
One Sweet Read!
Date:April 9, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
A bit of competition stirs the heart.
Lucy's family has long been in the candy making business. Changes are sought to be made due to the declining health of her father.
Charlie, whose father also owns a family candy making business, markets a product that people cannot seem to get enough of.
When Lucy and Charlie meet the results are less than favorable. In constant odds with each other each try to make a success of their creations in the business world. Will they create a common bond or will they remain less than friends?
Charlie, whose father also owns a family candy making business, markets a product that people cannot seem to get enough of.
When Lucy and Charlie meet the results are less than favorable. In constant odds with each other each try to make a success of their creations in the business world. Will they create a common bond or will they remain less than friends?
Hardship, Competition, Romance and Secrets come together to create a read that offers a unique topic, candy. Smooth flowing plot, easy to follow dialogue, impeccable scenery and wholesome and lovable characters creates a read that offers no dull or dragging parts. Although I rolled my eyes from time to time at Lucy's insecurities, I loved Charlie's character who seemed more down to earth, genuine and realistic. I was entertained and will recommend this book to others. I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for my review
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Review 18 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
Sleep, who needs it?
Date:April 9, 2013
Jamie
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I mean really, is sleep that necessary?
That’s what I kept telling myself when I started Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell one Monday evening and then couldn’t stop. It got later and later, but y’all I had to finish. Half way through the book is “almost done” right? But there was simply no choice in the matter. So I stayed up and finished the book in one sitting. Kindle Paperwhite, thank you for existing and making my midnight reading so easy. Let me tell you how awesome I was Tuesday morning though. Surprised I didn’t crash at my desk.
But it was worth it!!
This was my first read of Mitchell and if her other novels are anything like this one, I’m reading them all.
Lucy Kendall always assumed she’d help her father in his candy-making business, creating recipes and aiding him in their shared passion. But after a year traveling in Europe, Lucy returns to 1910 St. Louis to find her father unwell and her mother planning to sell the struggling candy company. Determined to help, Lucy vows to create a candy that will reverse their fortunes.
St. Louis newcomer Charlie Clarke is determined to help his father dominate the nation’s candy industry. Compromise is not an option when the prize is a father’s approval, and falling in love with a business rival is a recipe for disaster when only one company can win. Will these two star-crossed lovers let a competition that turns less than friendly sour their dreams?
The story is written from both Lucy and Charlie’s perspectives and I have to say, I chuckled constantly at their inner commentary. We’d so be friends. And whoa, the candy biz does not mess around!
But more than just a great story, I love the lessons throughout of family, relationships, love and forgiveness. Did I mention it is a great story?? I highly recommend it!
(I received a free copy for review from Bethany House Publishers)
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Review 19 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
Unrivaled
Date:April 7, 2013
ddalebooks
Location:Texas
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Unrivaled
By Siri Mitchell
By Siri Mitchell
Lucy Kendall has returned to St. Louis from her grand tour of Europe determined to make a new candy that will save her father’s failing confectionery. The shock of finding her father ill and bed-ridden gives her even more motivation to save their company and put their biggest competitor out of business. Charlie Clarke arrived in St. Louis hoping to better his life and win the approval of his estranged father by making their family’s candy company the only candy company in town. When Charlie and Lucy find themselves alone by chance at a ball, their mutual attraction surprises them both. What Lucy doesn’t realize is that Charlie is the son of the very competitor that she wishes to eliminate. Is there a future for Lucy’s candy company? And can Lucy and Charlie find love in the midst of a bitter rivalry?
This is the first time I have read a book by Siri Mitchell, and I loved it. I was intrigued from the first chapter of the book. The story line was well developed and easy to follow, while still hiding some big secrets until the very end. One character, Winnie, encourages both Lucy and Charlie to look to God for help with their struggles. Winnie also explains that no one can do so much bad that God can’t save them, and no one can be good enough for salvation without God. This was a great underlying theme for the whole story – salvation is by grace through faith, not of ourselves. I give the book an A – a fun, engaging, and wholesome story for any woman to enjoy. (Warning: This book will make you want to eat candy!!)
I received a free print copy of this book from Bethany House publishers in exchange for my honest review.
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Review 20 for Unrivaled
Overall Rating:
SO WORTH THE READ!
Date:April 6, 2013
Stacelito
Location:Ohio
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The back cover says “Falling in love could be a recipe for disaster.” I didn’t read that until I had finished the last pages of the novel and this quote sums it up in a nutshell… or should I say in a caramel. I was instantly drawn to the two main characters and the way in which the novel was set up … alternating Charlie’s experience with Lucy’s chapter by chapter. I found both Charlie and Lucy to have genuinely likable personalities and both would be someone I would befriend!
And Winnie Compton…. To be like Winnie Compton. Lovingly straightforward with her thoughts and helping lead Charlie to the Lord. I loved her lines to Charlie on page 197:
Winnie: Haven’t I seen you in church, Charles Clarke?”
Charlie: “Every Sunday” Whether I wanted to be there nor not.
Winnie: “Don’t you listen?” “… No”
She threw up her hands. “Well, why on earth do you go?... You don’t have to be what you used to be…” And she goes on to explain that we can NEVER do enough to earn God’s love. That sin is sin and you just have to accept His love and forgiveness… Regardless of the nature or seriousness of the sin, you still don’t get to go to Heaven unless you are His child.
Winnie: Haven’t I seen you in church, Charles Clarke?”
Charlie: “Every Sunday” Whether I wanted to be there nor not.
Winnie: “Don’t you listen?” “… No”
She threw up her hands. “Well, why on earth do you go?... You don’t have to be what you used to be…” And she goes on to explain that we can NEVER do enough to earn God’s love. That sin is sin and you just have to accept His love and forgiveness… Regardless of the nature or seriousness of the sin, you still don’t get to go to Heaven unless you are His child.
There were many quirky, unexpected one-liners that literally made me laugh out loud! One was found on page 283 where the author deliberately allowed for creative license rather than obey grammatical rules. Peeking into Lucy’s thoughts, Siri Mitchell wrote “Father was right. Girls shouldn’t meddle in business. And Winnie was right: I was mean. But Charles was the right-est of them all: Maybe I really did have a cold, black heart.”
Best of all is that I wasn’t reading a predictable, romance-y type novel. Yes, there was romance but there was a solid plot full of a richly developed cast of characters from poor to working class to the well off! I haven’t read a novel in a while that was as enjoyable as this one!
Thank you to Bethany House for this book, which I received free for the purpose of writing an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions stated are my own.
Thank you to Bethany House for this book, which I received free for the purpose of writing an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions stated are my own.
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