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arjayebrewerforestfern's review against another edition
4.0
Bea changes while helping out with the babies, she makes new friendships and a lot happens during the time that her Mamm and Molly are in Montana. Mollies plans before going to Montana didn’t include Bea and once she finds out she was both shocked and upset. Understandable so, but Bea treats Molly with grace during this time showing just how much she’s changed while they were gone.
I loved this last book in the series, it was wonderful to see how Bea changed as she relied on Gods love and became who he intended her to be. I found Bea relatable with her love of reading and poetry which both her and Ben share. Love is not without its trials too. I think it’s such a great idea of Leslies to retell Shakespeare in a plain way in this Amish series, while I’m not familiar with a lot of his work I loved the sonnet included in this book.
The ending is perfect and seemed less rushed than the previous books and summed everything up nicely. I’ve enjoyed this series, Leslies writing and look forward to reading another book or series by her.
I loved this last book in the series, it was wonderful to see how Bea changed as she relied on Gods love and became who he intended her to be. I found Bea relatable with her love of reading and poetry which both her and Ben share. Love is not without its trials too. I think it’s such a great idea of Leslies to retell Shakespeare in a plain way in this Amish series, while I’m not familiar with a lot of his work I loved the sonnet included in this book.
The ending is perfect and seemed less rushed than the previous books and summed everything up nicely. I’ve enjoyed this series, Leslies writing and look forward to reading another book or series by her.
xakyr's review against another edition
2.0
After reading [b:Minding Molly|17934563|Minding Molly (The Courtships of Lancaster County, #3)|Leslie Gould|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1371695246s/17934563.jpg|25142439], I was both looking forward to and dreading this book. Sadly, it lived up to my fears rather than my hopes.
It is an homage to Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, and this story was the clearest of the four in the set that were inspired by a Shakespeare play, almost to the point where I felt it was a blatant rip off of the above-mentioned play. The main characters are even named the same as those from the play! Bea in this story wound up being both Beatrice and Hero, though at different points in the story. Likewise, Ben became both Benedick and Claudio, which made for a distraction for me. It was the obviousness of the inspiration that made for such an unenjoyable read.
The conflict in the story was much the same as in the original play, and both could have been solved by some much needed communication. Admittedly, the characters said that they were horrible at communication, but for things to wrap up as quickly as they did, I didn't find the lack of full communication plausible.
While I have fond memories of both the Shakespeare play and the movie adaptation with Kenneth Brannagh and Emma Thompson, I did not enjoy this Amish vision of the play and would not recommend it to others.
It is an homage to Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, and this story was the clearest of the four in the set that were inspired by a Shakespeare play, almost to the point where I felt it was a blatant rip off of the above-mentioned play. The main characters are even named the same as those from the play! Bea in this story wound up being both Beatrice and Hero, though at different points in the story. Likewise, Ben became both Benedick and Claudio, which made for a distraction for me. It was the obviousness of the inspiration that made for such an unenjoyable read.
The conflict in the story was much the same as in the original play, and both could have been solved by some much needed communication. Admittedly, the characters said that they were horrible at communication, but for things to wrap up as quickly as they did, I didn't find the lack of full communication plausible.
While I have fond memories of both the Shakespeare play and the movie adaptation with Kenneth Brannagh and Emma Thompson, I did not enjoy this Amish vision of the play and would not recommend it to others.
cctblog's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely love Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. I also love modern retellings of classic literature ... even though the retellings often leave something to be desired. Leslie Gould is no novice at these reimaginings, as Becoming Bea is the fourth novel in her Courtships of Lancaster County series, each of which is based on one of Shakespeare's plays. I've read two of the previous novels in the series, and while I greatly enjoyed Courting Cate, I didn't particularly care for Minding Molly. I knew I wanted to read Becoming Bea simply because I love the source material, but I wasn't sure if I'd truly enjoy it. Fortunately, Becoming Bea exceeded my expectations.
Becoming Bea is a completely endearing novel. I love the way Gould took the basic plot of Much Ado and adapted it to fit her story. Bea and Ben are obviously Beatrice and Benedick, but they also bear some resemblance to Hero and Claudio. And while many of Much Ado's events occurred in one form or another, they didn't always involve the characters I expected them to. This kept me on my toes and made the novel far less predictable than I anticipated. (I'd wondered how on earth Gould was going to work in a "Kill Claudio" scene, and it turned out that she didn't have to.)
Those familiar with Much Ado will enjoy the parts that reference it, and those who aren't will simply enjoy a great story.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Becoming Bea is a completely endearing novel. I love the way Gould took the basic plot of Much Ado and adapted it to fit her story. Bea and Ben are obviously Beatrice and Benedick, but they also bear some resemblance to Hero and Claudio. And while many of Much Ado's events occurred in one form or another, they didn't always involve the characters I expected them to. This kept me on my toes and made the novel far less predictable than I anticipated. (I'd wondered how on earth Gould was going to work in a "Kill Claudio" scene, and it turned out that she didn't have to.)
Those familiar with Much Ado will enjoy the parts that reference it, and those who aren't will simply enjoy a great story.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
kristi518's review against another edition
5.0
Bea Zook isn't really sure just who she is and where she fits in the community. When she is told the family will be vacationing in Montana and that she must go Bea decides to get a job. She gets a position working for the Millers helping them with their newborn preemie triplets. She is also able to spend more time with Ben Rupp, former classmate and spelling bee rival. Bea realizes her feelings for Ben aren't what they used to be and the two try to work out their past issues. Things stand in their way though and it is unclear if the two will be able to work through their issues. All of this helps Bea discover just who she truly is as she gains experience and confidence in herself.
This was a truly enjoyable book to read. It was easy to get into and stay interested in from beginning to end. I could easily relate to the main character,Bea, and found myself cheering for her and Ben to put their past behind them and be happy together.
I love Leslie's writing style and descriptions. There is a scene where Ben and Bea are in Ben's buggy and go through a lane of trees that is so well written I could easily picture everything in my mind. I felt as if I were there in the buggy with them, seeing everything they were seeing.
I loved this book and the characters so much that I stayed up late to finish it then was sad that it ended. When this happens I know the book has been great. This was the first book of Leslie's that I have read and if definitely won't be the last! I definitely recommend this book to fans of Amish fiction or just someone who likes a nice sweet romance.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion which I have provided.
This was a truly enjoyable book to read. It was easy to get into and stay interested in from beginning to end. I could easily relate to the main character,Bea, and found myself cheering for her and Ben to put their past behind them and be happy together.
I love Leslie's writing style and descriptions. There is a scene where Ben and Bea are in Ben's buggy and go through a lane of trees that is so well written I could easily picture everything in my mind. I felt as if I were there in the buggy with them, seeing everything they were seeing.
I loved this book and the characters so much that I stayed up late to finish it then was sad that it ended. When this happens I know the book has been great. This was the first book of Leslie's that I have read and if definitely won't be the last! I definitely recommend this book to fans of Amish fiction or just someone who likes a nice sweet romance.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion which I have provided.
booksforchristiangirls's review against another edition
3.0
{Yesterday we switched it up a bit here on BFCG…we talked about Music! Did you enter the giveaway? Click here to enter! }
About this book:
“Can Bea and Ben Turn Rivalry Into Romance?
Beatrice Zook knows God wants her to learn patience toward others. When assisting a family overwhelmed by triplets proves surprisingly successful, her confidence in dealing with others, both young and old, grows.
One person she'll never be able to find peace with though is Ben Rupp. They've known each other forever, and Ben understands precisely how to antagonize her. What neither she nor Ben will admit is that beneath all their bickering, attraction awaits. When friends decide to try and bring the couple together, will the pair be able to find true love? Or will they damage their relationship beyond repair?”
Series: Book #4 in “The Courtships of Lancaster Country”. {I have read #3, “Minding Molly” (review here—old rating system though!), but have not read #1 or #2.}
Spiritual Content- Psalm 143:8 at the beginning; Many Prayers & Silent Prayers over food; “Thank you, Jesus” & “Praise God” are both said a couple times; Talks about God (but the ‘H’s aren’t capital); A couple of Scriptures are quoted; Bea’s Faith becomes stronger in this novel.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: an ‘idiot’ and six forms of ‘stupid’; a curse is said but not written; a mention that a man was stabbed to death in 1593; mentions of hunting (a deer is killed (barely-above-not-detailed); Blood (barely-above-not-detailed).
Sexual Content- a semi-detailed kiss; Noticing (not-detailed); Poetry & Sonnets about Love; Many mentions of nursing babies; Nan says that she “can’t image having more children. Of course if that’s what God has for us…although at this point it’s not like Bob and I even have time to hug each other, let alone..” she laughs & says she’s balling; Don’s a flirt; a man tries to force himself on Bea (barely-above-not-detailed); Molly tells Bea that she’s “the most chaste person I know.”; Love, falling in love, trying not to fall in love, & the emotions.
-Beatrice “Bea” Zook
P.O.V. of Bea
345 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
What I really liked in “Minding Molly” and now in “Becoming Bea” was that the main character really grows in their Faith and outlook on people. That was neat! At first the rivalry between Bea & Ben was cute—it reminded me a bit of “With Every Breathe” by Elizabeth Camden, but one Amish, one Historical.
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/2014/11/becoming-bea-by-leslie-gould.html
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Bethany House) through Litfuse for this review.
About this book:
“Can Bea and Ben Turn Rivalry Into Romance?
Beatrice Zook knows God wants her to learn patience toward others. When assisting a family overwhelmed by triplets proves surprisingly successful, her confidence in dealing with others, both young and old, grows.
One person she'll never be able to find peace with though is Ben Rupp. They've known each other forever, and Ben understands precisely how to antagonize her. What neither she nor Ben will admit is that beneath all their bickering, attraction awaits. When friends decide to try and bring the couple together, will the pair be able to find true love? Or will they damage their relationship beyond repair?”
Series: Book #4 in “The Courtships of Lancaster Country”. {I have read #3, “Minding Molly” (review here—old rating system though!), but have not read #1 or #2.}
Spiritual Content- Psalm 143:8 at the beginning; Many Prayers & Silent Prayers over food; “Thank you, Jesus” & “Praise God” are both said a couple times; Talks about God (but the ‘H’s aren’t capital); A couple of Scriptures are quoted; Bea’s Faith becomes stronger in this novel.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: an ‘idiot’ and six forms of ‘stupid’; a curse is said but not written; a mention that a man was stabbed to death in 1593; mentions of hunting (a deer is killed (barely-above-not-detailed); Blood (barely-above-not-detailed).
Sexual Content- a semi-detailed kiss; Noticing (not-detailed); Poetry & Sonnets about Love; Many mentions of nursing babies; Nan says that she “can’t image having more children. Of course if that’s what God has for us…although at this point it’s not like Bob and I even have time to hug each other, let alone..” she laughs & says she’s balling; Don’s a flirt; a man tries to force himself on Bea (barely-above-not-detailed); Molly tells Bea that she’s “the most chaste person I know.”; Love, falling in love, trying not to fall in love, & the emotions.
-Beatrice “Bea” Zook
P.O.V. of Bea
345 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
What I really liked in “Minding Molly” and now in “Becoming Bea” was that the main character really grows in their Faith and outlook on people. That was neat! At first the rivalry between Bea & Ben was cute—it reminded me a bit of “With Every Breathe” by Elizabeth Camden, but one Amish, one Historical.
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/2014/11/becoming-bea-by-leslie-gould.html
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Bethany House) through Litfuse for this review.
sydneyelaine's review against another edition
1.0
This book was not my favorite at all.
The storyline was confusing and weird, there were too many characters to keep track of, and overall it just bored me to sleep, literally.
Will not be reading this book again.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.
The storyline was confusing and weird, there were too many characters to keep track of, and overall it just bored me to sleep, literally.
Will not be reading this book again.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.
lindz's review against another edition
4.0
Becoming Bea is about a girl and family. It looks into the relationship of Bea and Ben. They both have trouble communicating with one another. Bea hears Nan has just had triplets from a member of her community.
She wants to help out and so offers. There is matchmaking going on. Will Bea lean to communicate or will she not. She believes she made to be a spinner or old maid as the Amish like to call it.
The author does a decent job. Thought the plot of the story make me wonder what it really about. We do know that Molly is married. Bea does not want to move and be with her older sister and her husband.
Like I stated the author is good. It just do not know what the main plot of the story is about other than Ben and Bea have problems with communications. You figure that out early enough. Now if the author plot is to see the couple can figure it out and finally get together. Maybe what it was about. But to me it was unclear exactly what the plot was about.
The author does wonderfully for Minding Molly and Courting Cate and their plots. It not so confusing as Becoming Bea. Maybe it to see how Bea grows from a girl to a young woman.
You have the option to read it and decide yourselves. I believe this is an okay book. My only problem with the story and book is the plot nothing more.
She wants to help out and so offers. There is matchmaking going on. Will Bea lean to communicate or will she not. She believes she made to be a spinner or old maid as the Amish like to call it.
The author does a decent job. Thought the plot of the story make me wonder what it really about. We do know that Molly is married. Bea does not want to move and be with her older sister and her husband.
Like I stated the author is good. It just do not know what the main plot of the story is about other than Ben and Bea have problems with communications. You figure that out early enough. Now if the author plot is to see the couple can figure it out and finally get together. Maybe what it was about. But to me it was unclear exactly what the plot was about.
The author does wonderfully for Minding Molly and Courting Cate and their plots. It not so confusing as Becoming Bea. Maybe it to see how Bea grows from a girl to a young woman.
You have the option to read it and decide yourselves. I believe this is an okay book. My only problem with the story and book is the plot nothing more.
lindz's review
4.0
Becoming Bea is about a girl and family. It looks into the relationship of Bea and Ben. They both have trouble communicating with one another. Bea hears Nan has just had triplets from a member of her community.
She wants to help out and so offers. There is matchmaking going on. Will Bea lean to communicate or will she not. She believes she made to be a spinner or old maid as the Amish like to call it.
The author does a decent job. Thought the plot of the story make me wonder what it really about. We do know that Molly is married. Bea does not want to move and be with her older sister and her husband.
Like I stated the author is good. It just do not know what the main plot of the story is about other than Ben and Bea have problems with communications. You figure that out early enough. Now if the author plot is to see the couple can figure it out and finally get together. Maybe what it was about. But to me it was unclear exactly what the plot was about.
The author does wonderfully for Minding Molly and Courting Cate and their plots. It not so confusing as Becoming Bea. Maybe it to see how Bea grows from a girl to a young woman.
You have the option to read it and decide yourselves. I believe this is an okay book. My only problem with the story and book is the plot nothing more.
She wants to help out and so offers. There is matchmaking going on. Will Bea lean to communicate or will she not. She believes she made to be a spinner or old maid as the Amish like to call it.
The author does a decent job. Thought the plot of the story make me wonder what it really about. We do know that Molly is married. Bea does not want to move and be with her older sister and her husband.
Like I stated the author is good. It just do not know what the main plot of the story is about other than Ben and Bea have problems with communications. You figure that out early enough. Now if the author plot is to see the couple can figure it out and finally get together. Maybe what it was about. But to me it was unclear exactly what the plot was about.
The author does wonderfully for Minding Molly and Courting Cate and their plots. It not so confusing as Becoming Bea. Maybe it to see how Bea grows from a girl to a young woman.
You have the option to read it and decide yourselves. I believe this is an okay book. My only problem with the story and book is the plot nothing more.
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