Review Wednesday: Ain't We Got Fun!?

I am so so so so SO excited to be helping out with the release of AIN'T WE GOT FUN by Emily squared! Joking...by Emily Chapman and Emily Ann Putzke!

Here's what it's about (provided by Emily Ann):

It was never much of an issue for Bess: living contentedly on her family's farm, despite the Depression which loomed around them. But when her older sister Georgiana takes off to New York City to make a fortune and help Papa out, feelings of adventure and wanderlust strike Bess at home. Through their lively letter correspondence, the sisters recount to one another their adventures, surprises, and heartaches, leaving little room for depression. For in a world of such wonder, ain't we got fun?

These ladies are incredible writers. I was instantly swept up in the down to earth, old fashioned charm that is AWGF. 

The book is a series of letters between Bess and Gi, as you might be able to deduce from the blurb. Usually, I'm not a huge fan of those kinds of books. I prefer action and drama and dialogue. However, all of this was manifested in the quaint letters exchanged by the two sisters, erasing my bias against "letter books".

The characters of Bess and Gi are so unique to each other. They're clearly sisters, but also clearly very distinct people. I loved being a part of their joys and struggles. I came to feel as though I was one of them, privy to their thoughts and feelings. The character development was extraordinary. Even though Bess and Gi definitely were kept "in character" throughout the length of the book, they were clearly grown by the end. 

Additionally, I loved how dialogue was apart of the letters. The dialogue was so smooth and natural, like everything else in the letters. I also liked the tone with which the sisters spoke of their every day happenings.The struggles of the girls are typical growing up struggles that the Emilys managed to capture beautifully; things girls have struggled with for years and will continue to struggle with for years to come.

This book was so refreshing. I've never read anything quite like it, and it was a nice detour from the dystopian/love triangle/sex-and-language smattered books that seem to litter the YA bookshelves of today. AWGF is unique and engaging and very different from everything out there. So go support Emily squared and buy a copy!

Also, head on over to either of the Emily's websites and check out the awesome GIVEAWAY (who doesn't love a giveaway!?) that they're hosting!!

You can purchase Ain't We Got Fun through:
Amazon (Paperback)
Amazon (Kindle)
Createspace (Paperback)
Smashwords (ebook)

EMILY CHAPMAN, also known as Bess Rowland, is a young hobbit living in the dear old South, and she is entirely bonkers. She's a dreamer, an optimistic pessimist, and an introverted people person. Blue skies, dancing, Disney, and whipped cream make her happy, and she swears she's once been to Narnia. She's been a reader all her life, became a writer because of that, and published her first novel, Cry of Hope, in March of 2014. But without her Savior, all of this would mean nothing. It is in Him that she puts her hope.You can learn more about Emily Chapman and her books at www.emilychapmanauthor.com and www.facebook.com/emilychapmanauthor.



EMILY ANN PUTZKE and Gi Rowland have two big things in common: their love for God and coffee. Besides writing historical fiction, Emily enjoys being an aunty, photography, Irish dancing, spending time with family, attempting to play the guitar, reenacting, and reading. She loves polka dots, war movies, and all things vintage. Her first novella, It Took a War, was published in December of 2014. You can learn more about Emily Ann Putzke and her books at www.authoremilyannputzke.com and www.facebook.com/authoremilyannputzke. 

(I'm privileged to be interviewing Emily Ann next month, so stay tuned!)

(...and in case you're wondering...my BONE GAP review is coming, I promise. Writers get distracted easily and sign up for too many bloggy things.)