Striking a Match Book Series Review

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Synopsis: the series tells the stories – both the triumphs and sorrows of a two-generational logging family living in 1800’s Texas on the cusp and unrest of a prejudicial “war.”  

STRIKING A MATCH BOOK SERIES REVIEW

My thoughts: Up until a couple of weeks ago, it’s been far too long since last I published my thoughts on whatever book I may be reading so I figure it’s time to add to my “book archives” – such as they are. (Over the next couple of weeks, I shall endeavor to have more such posts – as of now, that “goal” seems possible.) Since I began reading this series far too long ago to make a compelling review on the in-depth bits and pieces of each novel, I figured it was fine to post about the entire series since it revolves around the same family as opposed to different characters.

Forgive me if my ramblings and compacting of three books become too confusing. From the opening pages of series, the Vandermark family’s story pull us in but yet. Most of  the time, the settings have a “homey” familiar feel, as if we were being invited into their home. Each novel builds on the other in a way that is not unpleasant. It opens with daughter Deborah at her best friend, Lizzie’s wedding in Philadelphia. The two become the best of friends during Deborah’s absence from home, attending school on the East Coast.

In an unexpected change-of-heart, Lizzie decides she cannot go through with marriage to a man she does not love, and so Deborah whisks her away to Texas to live with her family. A household that consists of Deborah’s older brothers G.W. and Rob who have taken over the family business, as well as their mother, uncle and family friend and cook, Sissy. Right away I loved the set-up of these novels, told and re-told or not. Yes, it’s easy to guess where some of the sub-plots go but then that is half the fun and why I read Christian fiction in the first place. It isn’t because I want something challenging; it’s for easy, “pleasure” reading that still can often capture a spark that inspires its reader.  

There are four “love stories” over the course of the three novels and two year span, and each one charms. One starts out as an easy-going friendship another is a love that has only grown stronger over many years and the final two grow out of instant “sparks” of attraction.

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Hearts Aglow opens up more character development as we get into the head of Deborah’s brother Rob. His story is an interesting one. He finds himself challenged about not just his belief in God but in what He may be calling Rob to. Deborah, of course is the “main” story holding all of the vignettes of smaller plots together, and if one likes opinionated, ahead-of-their-tine heroines, she is one of those. Putting her schooling to use by helping her family or to a profession in the medical field is what divides her. When she meets the town doctor, she is only more drawn to the profession – as she is to the handsome Dr. Clayton. Everyone has a back-story including Christopher’s. I really didn’t like the petty addition of newcomer Jake Wrythe who re-appears on the Vanermark homestead late in Hearts Aglow.

The publisher wants us to believe that he rattles Deborah’s faith in her feelings for Christopher and that is simply not true. Yes, Jake has an interest in the pretty Deborah, but she never hints at returning them. As for Christopher’s story there are a lot of superfluous material and clichéd coincidences to make his past in the story sometimes bothersome. Instead I found myself annoyed at the second “interruption” in his and Deborah’s life in the opening pages of Hope Rekindled.

Additionally is the tension Peterson creates between the doctor and Deborah. I don’t have anything against some hardship entering a couple’s life but that doesn’t mean I have to like it – in this case, it seems too… manufactured. The one real flaw I did pick up on throughout this series is the lack of chemistry between these two. It isn’t until the second half of book three that they really have some sparks, something the author never fully explored in my mind.  

This series is more than just happiness and romances. Also entering into the equation is a “sinister” plot fueled by the man Lizzie spurns; a wealthy man wishing to exact revenge on her and the Vandermark’s who provides her a refuge. He seems to make it his business to ruin the family and anyone close to them. Another former friend of the girls’ from the east also plays an important role in the latter titles, and then there is the prejudicial attitude that people have against blacks.

Full of memorable characters and a faith in God that is not off-putting, it’s a strong series, sans the unfortunate way the series “fizzle” out in the latter half of book three and the somewhat disappointing conclusion that never reached its full potential. It just wasn’t as compelling as some of  Peterson’s past writing. When it comes right down to it, the 3-book saga is charming but probably not Peterson’s best. 

About the book(s):

Author: Tracie Peterson
Publisher: Bethany House Publication
Date(s): 2010-2011 Number of
Books: Three Novels
Titles: Embers of Love; Hearts Aglow; Hope Rekindled
Genre: Christian, Historical Drama