The Misfit Shoe

I feel like my reviews pertaining to a certain series will be misunderstood, therefore blog post to go along with the coming reviews of Beverly Watt's Shackleford Sister's series.

First, I read a wide varitey of books. I have read and enjoyed books with language I do not necessarily like, approve of or want to hear, mainly the "F" bomb. I hate that word. I find it extremely vulgar. However, in some stories it does fit, but in others it feels like the author just shoved it in there.

Second, I've had personal issues with this series from the get go. Why? I will explain. My grandfather was a preacher. I have two uncles who are/were preachers. I have friends who are. Now, as for my grandpa and uncles - I cannot imagine any of them drinking a beer. However, I do not have issue with a preacher having a beer or glass of wine - they drank wine in the Bible. There is a fine balance to walk there, because "drunkenness is a sin". Say what?

Here's your proof: Galatians 5:19–21: "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: ... drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Ephesians 5:18: "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.

I cannot say that I have never been drunk. I have. It's easily done when enjoying a night out and not being extra mindful of it. Like I said, there is a fine balance to walk there and we're all human. We all make mistakes and I do enjoy a fine glass of wine or a martini here and there. Every once in while I slip and have one too many, but it is rare and I try to keep it that way.

Back to the issues at hand though as this is not a sermon post. The Reverend in the series drinks, regularly. I would have to re-read them to see if it says the Reverend himself got "too far in his cups" or not, but I'm not going to. This is a one and done series. The setting is in England and having had lived there fore six years I'm very familiar with the culture. Meeting up at the pub for a pint is normal, it's their culture. So I can see how it would apply to the books, but the Reverend is fond of a few words that I just can't grasp a preacher sayin'. I do know preachers are human too. They make mistakes and that we should not put them on a pedestal just because of their calling. That's a lot of pressure to put on a preacher and we need to keep that in check as well. The Reverend in this series is nothing like any I've ever known, heard or heard about. I struggle with this character, which may be largely in part to my own beliefs.

Now, my biggest issue with the series is the randomly tossed in F bombs. They don't feel as if they are well placed. They don't feel as if they belong in the story. If this was a Shannon Mayer book, oh yes, well placed and totally expected for the type of characters she has. I still don't like it but it fits better, if that makes sense.

With the use of it in the series I'm reading it feels like trying to stuff a size 8 foot into a size 5 shoe. It does not fit! It makes me think of Cinderella's stepsister trying to force the shoe on. Therefore, rather than ignoring it, skimming past it, it simply becomes irritating and makes me want to throw the book.

The only reason I'm continuing to read the series is because it is kinda funny and I like the stories of the sisters. I do not need the tossed in language or the open door sex scenes. I don't care if they're getting it on, it's none of my business, just get back to the story. A man can speak of his desire with better words, even more flowery than "cock". Again, vulgar.

I will say, some may even take issue with the behavior of the Reverend's daughters, and some of them putting the cart before the horse. However, just like with a preacher, you cannot put their children on a pedestal. They're gonna make mistakes, they're gonna buck and rebel. My mom is one of 7 and they are all vasitly different, even though raised the same way and in the same home.

The book I finished last night was Hope. I struggled with it more than the previous three. The language was tossed in a bit more and then an open door sex scene that had me shaking my head. I'm sorry, if I've been vomiting, kidnapped and tossed onto a cold stone floor facing imminent death the last thing on earth I'm gonna be worried about is dying a virgin. That was just stupid in my opinion.

The Shackleford Sisters are entertaining. They get into some fixes. I feel most sorry for the curate, Percy. The rest of it, I'm struggling with. So be warned if you are like me, you may have similar opinions or issues with this series. Your decision to read it is your own, but if you prefer "clean" books - these do not apply.