Unnamed, unrivaled, and unorthodox

I guessed correctly when I stated that I would be finished with No Name within a week. I couldn't wait until tonight; I had to sit down this morning and finish reading the last 40 pages. If you're interested in classics, No Name was a good read. It reminded me of a female version of Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo.

The Goodreads description: Determined to regain her rightful inheritance at any cost, Magdalen uses her unconventional beauty and dramatic talent in recklessly pursuing her revenge. Aided by the audacious swindler Captain Wragge, she braves a series of trials leading up to the climactic test: can she trade herself in marriage to the man she loathes?

I'm still working through both I Became a Christian and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt and A Heart for Freedom, though I'm almost finished with the former.

Now I need to figure out what to read before bed! I meant to have a book picked out before finishing No Name but didn't get around to it. I have several Christian novels around the house but those are usually reserved for weekend reading.

Speaking of Christian novels...

I love Siri Mitchell's books and am always eager for the next publication. Normally, her books are historically well researched, contain believable character development, and tell a great story. Unrivaled is Mitchell's latest novel and it contains only one of these characteristics: research. The novel is rich in historical detail but falls short in other ways.

Goodreads description: 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?

Doesn't it sound sweet? It's a bit too sweet and left me feeling in need of substance. You can probably guess the ending based on the description above but the novel doesn't contain enough surprises to make the telling more than a light beach read. Hopefully Mitchell returns with one of her more traditional novels!

Thank you to Bethany House for providing the novel in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.