When You Are Mine

 

“When You Are Mine” by Michael Robotham

Published by Scribner

Finished 12/27/21 – 5/5 Stars

 LOVED this book from start to finish!  The characters, the storyline, the suspense – it was all great!  There are dysfunctional families, domestic abuse, stalking, gangsters, and corrupt cops all in one book, with a love story thrown in there as well.  This is the first book in a little while that actually had me planning ahead as to when I’d be able to pick it back up to continue reading.  You could definitely say I was invested from the very beginning.

 This is the story of a young police officer in London who is trying to overcome her father’s reputation as the head of a “criminal empire” and make an honest career for herself.  It seemed like things were finally going her way until one day she is called to an apartment because a neighbor hears screaming next door.  What she finds and the actions she then takes will change her life going forward.  You’ll have to read it to find out what happens.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for an advanced copy to read and review.  Please note, the above are my own unbiased, personal opinions.

The Maid

 

“The Maid” by Nita Prose

Published by Balantine Books (release date it 1/4/22)

Finished 12/17/21 – 4/5 stars

I fell in love with Molly from page 1.  She is a hotel maid who takes her job very seriously, taking utmost pride in her work. Cleanliness and proper etiquette are essential to her way of life.  It’s never mentioned, but I believe she’s probably on the autism spectrum, although highly functional.  As the reader, you know what is really going on around her but through her innocence and rose colored glasses, Molly sees nothing but the best in people.  It’s her trust in others that puts her in troubling situations, although she doesn’t see it.  Not until she finds one of the hotel’s guests dead in their room and her quirky behavior makes her one of the prime suspects.  Now she’ll have to figure out who her true friends are and who she can trust to try and clear her name. 

This book is a quick and enjoyable read that I definitely recommend.  Although there is a mystery to be solved, I wouldn’t consider it a mystery novel.  Molly is probably the only one not to see what is going on right under her nose.  But since it’s narrated by her, it’s a mystery to her. So, I recommend it as a good book, just not a good mystery.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Balantine Books for an advanced copy to read and review.  Please note the above are my own unbiased, personal opinions.

Once There Were Wolves

 

“Once There Were Wolves” by Charlotte McConaghy

Published by Flatiron Books

Finished 12/9/21 – 3/5 stars

 

My favorite parts of this book were all related to the wolves.  The descriptions of the animals and scenery were beautiful and well written.  And the storyline in general of reintroducing the wolves into Scottland brings hope for their conservation and environment.  If only it were true.  Maybe one day they will follow the United States’ lead and welcome them back.

The storyline involving the humans was good, just not my favorite parts of the book.  I loved the bond the sisters had even though some of the time it was a little over the top.  Maybe that’s because they’re twins.  Most of the story was fairly predictable, however, the ending did have a couple twists thrown in that I didn’t see coming.  Those were definitely done well but as enjoyable as the ending was, the book in its entirety is still just an average book for me. 

I know many people give this book a higher rating so my opinion is not the norm.  Give it a try and decide for yourself how good of a book it is.

Wish You Were Here

 

“Wish You Were Here” by Jodi Picoult

Published by Random House

Finished 11/23/21 – 4/5 stars

 

Jodi Picoult for another win!  I thoroughly enjoyed this one and, as always, learned a little too – about art.  Art appreciation is not my cup of tea, but it plays a part in this book and I actually found myself fully interested in learning it.  This is also the first book I’ve read in which COVID plays a part in the storyline, a pretty big part.  I felt it was done well, without taking over the story.  Even though there was sickness, death, and quarantine issues throughout, there was also romance and self-reflection to balance it out.  I definitely recommend this one – it would make a great gift for a reader while celebrating the holidays.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an advanced copy of the book to read and review.  These are my honest, personal opinions.

What Could Be Saved

 

“What Could Be Saved” by Liese O’Halloran Schwarz

Published by Washington Square Press

Finished 11/05/21 – 4/5 stars    

 

I won a copy of this book from Goodreads and am so glad I did.  It’s the story of an American family that has a child go missing while living in Bangkok in 1972.  In 2019, one of the daughters receives a shocking telephone call telling her that her brother is still alive.  The novel switches back and forth between the present and the past, telling the story of what happened, revealing long kept secrets, and keeping your curiosity alive until the very end.  There is drama, mystery, and even a little romance blended together into a great read.

 

This is the 3rd book this author has published but the first one I’ve read.  It won’t be my last though.  Based on my enjoyment of this story, I’ll be putting the other two on my to read list.

Oh William!

“Oh William!” by Elizabeth Strout

Published by Random House

Finished 10/24 – 3/5 stars

Well, at least I’m consistent with my ratings of the books in this series.  I looked back and I gave both “My Name is Lucy Barton” and “Anything is Possible” 3 stars as well.  Granted, you don’t have to have read those books to enjoy this one.  It probably gives you more insight into the characters and their relationships but it’s been 4 years since I read the other 2 books so I don’t think I pulled much from my memory.  However, it didn’t go by me when Ms. Strout gave a shout out to the Burgess brothers from another book of hers and I read that one about 8 years ago (that was a 4 star read).

This story is about Lucy and her ex-husband William whom she has remained friends with over the years.  After taking one of those genetic tests, William finds out that he has a sister that he never knew existed.  He is recently separated and Lucy is widowed so she decides to be his needed support and join him on his journey to find out more about his past.  There is no romance on this journey, just a true friendship.  Although not written in a diary format, it has that feel because Lucy is telling the story and while doing so, she is also reflecting on her past.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel so that I might share my honest opinion – I enjoyed it and recommend it to others.

All the Children are Home

 

“All the Children are Home” by Patry Francis

Published by Harper Perennial

Finished 10/11/21 – 4/5 stars

 

Lots of dysfunctional characters, but what else would you expect when the main setting is a foster home.  Obviously, each child comes with a troubling past but even the foster mom has her own personal demons to contend with.  I wouldn’t change a thing about any of them though.  As a family put together by chance, they share a loving bond and come to greatly rely on each other.

The story is told from different perspectives to allow you to get to know and understand each character better.  Each chapter’s heading tells you which point of view you are about to have so there is no confusion.  The ending does leave you wanting more but I don’t think a sequel is needed.  You can leave the ending to your imagination as to how each character’s life ends up.

Don't You Cry

 

“Don’t You Cry” by Mary Kubica

Published by MIRA Books

Finished 9/9/21 – 3/5 stars

Whereas I’m giving the book 3/5 stars I would give the concept 5/5 stars. It’s a mystery revolving around a young woman who goes missing from her apartment and her roommate who decides to play detective on her own.  There are a few twists and turns during the story with it all becoming clear in the last 50 pages.  Until then you are given small clues and insights to try and solve the mystery but I’m betting you won’t get it 100% right. 

Side note – I think it a good screenwriter could turn it into a decent movie.

The World Without You

 

“The World Without You” by Joshua Henkin

Published by Pantheon

Finished 8/31/21 – 2.5/5 stars

This is the story of a family coming together to memorialize their younger brother/son on the one year anniversary of his death in Iraq.  The storyline only held my interest part of the time, had no real climax within the story, and then felt like an incomplete ending that was a little rushed.  Maybe others will find it a little better but it definitely wasn’t for me.  Although I did finish it so it wasn’t horrible, just not very enjoyable.

When the Summer Was Ours

 

“When the Summer Was Ours” by Roxanne Veletzos

Published by Atria Books

Finished 8/21/21 – 4/5 stars

This is a love story that begins in Hungary, 1943.   As Eva’s wedding date approaches, she goes to relax at her family’s country home.  While there she befriends a gypsy who sweeps her off her feet.  A tragic event and World War II then interrupts their lives and Eva is left with neither man in her life, at least for a little while.  Whereas their lives all go in different directions, eventually their paths will cross again.  But which man is her heart’s true love?  Time will tell.

This is the first WW II historical fiction I’ve read that takes place in Hungary.  The city streets of Budapest and the small country town of Sopron make a beautiful setting, especially for a love story.  There is sadness and heartbreak but there is also love, courage, and determination.  I definitely recommend this one. 

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Fallen

 

“The Fallen” by David Baldacci

Published by Grand Central Publishing

Finished 8/12/21 – 3/5 stars

 This is the first Baldacci book I’ve read in quite a while.  I’m not sure why I haven’t picked one up before now because I always enjoy the ones I read.  Like this one, full of twists and turns that I always love.  I changed my mind multiple times as to who the murderer was.  And yes, at one point I had it right….but then I changed my mind again.

 This is the 4th book in the “Memory Man” series.  I haven’t read the others yet but plan to (didn’t realize it was a series when I started).  In this book, Alex Decker, is on vacation when he comes across a murder scene.  Come to find out, there have been other recent murders in this little town that could be related.  Vacation over – time to work with local law enforcement to try and solve the case.

Kitchen Confidential

“Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly” by Anthony Bourdain

Published by Bloomsbury

Finished 7/31/21 – 3/5 stars

This book was written before the world got to know Anthony Bourdain through his TV shows on the Travel Channel and CNN but the personality we fell in love definitely comes through in his writing.  Granted, if you have never seen his shows, he might come across as a little brash and/or egotistical and you may be shocked to read of all his drinking and drug use but his love of food and compassion for others and their cultures still shines through.

The book takes you behind the scenes in restaurants Tony has worked for in Cape Cod, New York City, Baltimore, France, and Tokyo as well as a glimpse into the Culinary Institute of America.  You learn how he went from dishwasher, to student, to chef and all the steps in between molding him into the person he became.  Through his story telling, you will also learn things like when not to order certain foods, what items to avoid altogether, and when best to actually go to a nice restaurant (not the weekend).  There are times when the book has a little too much detail (unless you’re in the business maybe) and it’s slow at times but overall, it’s a good book.  I will warn you, there are a couple sections that will make your heart ache knowing that he sadly took his own life in 2018, like when he talks about another chef’s suicide and the last chapter of the book when he’s speaking of how far he’s come as a chef.  He could have taught us so much more if he had just stuck around a little longer. 

 

The Strange Journey of Alice Pendelbury

 

“The Strange Journey of Alice Pendelbury“ by Marc Levy, translated by Chris Murray

Published by AmazonCrossing

Finished 7/25/21 – 3/5 stars

 

What a cute story!  The main character, Alice, is at a carnival with friends and decides to have her fortune read.  Is it all just fake or could some of it be true?  Is true love in her future?  The need to know these answers sends her on a journey to Turkey where she’ll discover more about herself, her past, and what the future may hold for her.  There are developing friendships, potential romances, and self-discovery all wrapped up into a little mystery.  Not your typical mystery though….there’s no suspense involved. It’s just a matter of putting all the pieces together to figure it all out.  If you’re like me, you’ll correctly solve the mystery fairly early.  If not, you’ll have to wait for the “ah ha” moment close to the end of the book.

Dark Roads

 

“Dark Roads” by Chevy Stevens

Published by St Martin’s Press

Finished 7/22/21 – 5/5 stars

I’m so glad I was able to read this during my vacation because it was a hard book to put down.  If not, I’m sure I would have been tired every morning from staying up late reading and then sneaking in chapters while I was supposed to be working during the day.  It is a definite page turner that grabs you right from the start and doesn’t let go.

 

Although this is not historical fiction, the author was inspired to write it based on true unsolved crimes from the 70s known as the Highway of Tears in Northern British Columbia.  This story takes place in a small town in Canada where multiple women have gone missing or are found dead along a small stretch of highway.  In Part 1 we are introduced to a local teenager who recently lost her father so is living with her aunt and  husband, who just happens to be the most feared police officer in town.  In Part 2 we are introduced to a young woman in her early 20s who has come to town looking for answers to her sister’s murder on the highway.  And then Part 3 brings both storylines together, solving the mystery.

 

Although she has written many books, this is the first novel I’ve read by Chevy Stevens.  It will not be my last!  She definitely knows how to write a good, suspenseful mystery. 

 

Thank you to both NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of the book. 

The Other Passenger

 

“The Other Passenger” by Louise Candlish

Published by Simon & Schuster UK

Finished 7/20/21 – 3/5 stars

The 2^nd half was definitely better than the first but it still only gets 3 stars from me.  None of the excitement happens until you get through the much slower first half and the twists and turns begin.  And then, just when you think you know how it will end, it changes on you again.  So yes, half of the book was my kind of book!  I also like how it was written.  It starts out on the day a person goes missing during the Christmas holidays in 2019 but then it goes back to when the story really began, a year earlier in January 2019 when this group of people all meet.  Luckily the chapter titles tell you when events are taking place – current time or the past, leading up to the disappearance.  So, if you like a mystery with twists and turns, I’d say give this one a try.  Just don’t read it right after a 5 star read like I did…..that might be why I didn’t enjoy the beginning as much.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Shuster UK for an advanced copy of this book and introducing me to this author.  I’ll have to pick up another of her books.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars

 

“The Forest of Vanishing Stars” by Kristin Harmel

Published by Gallery Books

Finished 7/16/21 – 5/5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this story!  It begins with a toddler being taken from her bed in Germany to then be raised in the forest with the old Jewish woman who took her.  As a young adult, she finds herself alone when World War II begins and the Jews start hiding in her forest.  But they don’t know how to shelter and eat year-round while living a hidden life so she must teach them if they are to survive.  Obviously, the German soldiers are going to make appearances throughout the story but the main focus is the “family” and their struggles to survive so not really a war story.  Religion also plays a role in the storyline but more in a thought provoking way, not pinning one against the other.

This story is completely fictional but inspired by true events of those that survived the Holocaust by hiding in the wilderness.  The Bielski family is mentioned within the book which took me back to another 5 star non-fiction book that I read awhile back – “The Bielski Brothers: The True Story of Three Men Who Defied the Nazis, Built a Village in the Forest, and saved 1,200 Jews”.  The author even interviewed one of the Bielski men while researching for this book.  I highly recommend both books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for a copy of this wonderful book.

"The Searcher"

“The Searcher” by Tana French

Published by Viking

Finished 7/8/21 - 4/5 stars

This is not an “on the edge of your seat” kind of mystery but more of a good story with a mystery mixed in.  It takes place in a very small farm town in Ireland, where a Chicago police officer goes to retire and get away from the world as he knows it.  As much as he tries to keep to himself on his beautiful plot of land with a dilapidated house, a local teenager decides to insert themselves into his new life rather than go to school.  Soon that leads to him helping try to find out what happened to their missing older brother and the mystery begins. 

This is my first novel by Tana French but it won’t be my last – I definitely enjoyed her writing style.  The Searcher is a stand-alone book but she also writes the Dublin Murder Squad series that I’ll be adding to my list of books to read. 

The Ride of Her Life

 

“The Ride of Her Life:  The True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across America” by Elizabeth Letts

Published by Ballantine Books

Finished 6/13/21 – 3/5 stars

This is the story of Annie Wilkins’ journey across the United States on horseback.  She was 63, had just lost her family farm in Maine, and was told that she only had a couple years to live with the current condition of her lungs.  With very limited funds, she packed up what she could onto her horse and hit the road with her trusty dog.  This was in the mid-50s with no internet or cell phones so she had to rely on gas station paper maps, word of mouth, and the kindness of others.  Oh, and she started out in November with hopes of getting to warmer weather before winter hit.  When traveling at 3 or 4 miles per hour and starting off in Maine, that wasn’t a very realistic thought.  But she also thought she’s be in warmer weather once she hit Pennsylvania…..still makes me chuckle.

The author tells Annie’s story based on interviews of a friend she met along the way, those whose families took her in, and all the news stories about her journey.  I found it to be well written and flowed well, however, I just found it to be a little slow at times.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

The Four Winds

 

“The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah

Published by St. Martin’s Press

Finished 6/1/21 – 5/5 stars

“A warrior believes in an end she can’t see and fights for it.  A warrior never gives up.  A warrior fights for those weaker than herself.  It sounds like motherhood to me.” 

Elsa is that warrior.  She fought for as long as she could to keep her family together and survive the Dust Bowl in Texas but eventually she had no choice but to pack up her children and leave her in-laws and the family farm behind to try to find a better life in California.  After all, that is what all the flyers had told them was possible.  But this was the Great Depression - there weren’t enough jobs for all the migrants and the farms job that could be found, didn’t pay nearly enough to live off of.  Plus, the Californians didn’t welcome the poor with open arms so there were obstacles to try to conquer around every corner.  But Elsa would do everything she could to keep her children safe, fed, healthy, and educated.  She was the warrior her children needed, whether they realized and appreciated it or not. 

 I greatly enjoyed this historical fiction and highly recommend it. Who knows….it might be the encouragement you need to be your own warrior.

"Red Leaves"

 

“Red Leaves” by Thomas H Cook

Published by Harcourt

Finished 5/17/21 – 4/5 stars

One of my daughters gave me this book for Mother’s Day and I’m so very glad she did.  I love a good page turner mystery, and this definitely fits that category.  I’ll be checking to see what other novels by Cook pique my interest. 

In this book, an 8 year old girl is abducted from her bedroom in the middle of the night.  The prime suspect is their neighbor, a teenage boy who babysat her the night she disappeared.  His father is the narrator of the story, struggling to completely believe in his son’s innocence as small things come to light.  During this time, he also begins to question some of his memories of his own childhood regarding the loss of his mother and sister.  Essentially, there is bonus mini-mystery within the book as well.   

I definitely recommend this book.  It’s a quick read that will keep your interest from beginning to end.

 

“The Lost Girls of Ireland” by Susanne O’Leary

Published by Bookouture

Finished 5/7/21 – 3/5 stars

 

Whereas I fell in love with the small oceanside town, I found much of the storyline to be predictable and felt the characters and their relationships could have been developed more.  With that said, it is an enjoyable story of picking yourself up after a devastating loss with a wholesome (G rated) love story thrown in as well.

Note – this is the 7^th book in a series but felt like a stand alone story.  I don’t feel like I was missing out on a backstory by not reading the other books in the series first but since that is a possibility I wanted to mention it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book to read and enjoy.

The Exiles

 

“The Exiles” by Christina Baker Kline

Published by William Morrow

Finished 4/26/21 – 4/5 stars

 Another enjoyable historical fiction with strong female characters and their struggles to overcome many obstacles life throws at them.  This story takes place during the 19^th century when England was shipping their convicts off to prisons in Australia.  It centers around female convicts Evangeline and Hazel during their journey on the ship, time in prison, and then a touch of life after prison.  There are also the stories of Ruby who was born on the ship and sent to an orphanage and of Mathinna, an orphan Aboriginal girl mistreated by the English Governor who essentially wanted to civilize her and put her on display like a trophy.  Not all characters get the happy ending but that is pretty expected based on the times and what they had to endure.  Overall, well written book with good storylines and characters.  Definitely recommend.

My Own Words

 

“My Own Words” by Ruth Bader Ginsburg with Mary Hartnett and Wendy W Williams

Published by Simon & Schuster

Finished 4/15/21 – 3/5 stars for the book, 5/5 stars for the legend

I wanted to love this book as much as I loved Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and all she stood for but it fell a little short for me.  I still enjoyed reading it but I think I would have enjoyed a typical biography format more.  This book is a collection of her writings and speeches spanning her career as well as a couple editorials from her teens.  I definitely learned more about her involvement and beliefs through these writings but I feel we are missing out on her full personality by doing it this way.  I always saw her as a little firecracker, fighting for the underdog, and making sure women got fair and equal opportunities in life.  The firecracker piece just doesn’t come through in these writings.  You get a better insight into the lawyer and justice side of her but not as much insight into her as a person.  I still recommend it though.

RIP Justice Ginsburg.  Thank you for all you have done to better my life, the lives of my daughters, and the lives of others throughout the USA.

Beyond the Point

 

“Beyond the Point” by Claire Gibson

Published by William Morrow

Finished 4/10/21 – 3/5 stars       

 

Based on the average rating and some of the reviews I had seen, I was expecting a better read.  The storyline was good but I didn’t find the writing to be anything special.  There weren’t over the top descriptions, the character development could have been better, and the events that could have been suspenseful, just weren’t.  It was just on overall OK read.  Having been to West Point once for a tour with my daughter and then twice again with friends to see their son play football, I greatly enjoyed all the parts of the story taking place there.  It is an absolutely beautiful campus and I enjoyed “going there” again via the story.  But a walk down memory lane isn’t enough to bring my rating up.   

 Please know, I think this book should be labeled as being in the Christian genre.  There are a lot of biblical references throughout the book so if you feel that would bother you, don’t pick this one up.

When the Stars Go Dark

 

“When the Stars Go Dark” by Paula McLain

Published by Random House

Finished 4/6/21 – 4/5 stars

This isn’t just the story of girls who have gone missing and the search to find them.  It is also the story of a detective trying to heal from a recent tragedy in her life that has brought her back to the town where she was most at peace as a teenager.   Returning to town brings up another tragic event from her early childhood that haunts her still.  So while searching for these missing children in hopes of saving them, she is also searching to save herself.  And of course, there are other characters that need healing from past events as well.

The various storylines interact seamlessly and easily flow from past to present without confusion.  There were a couple offshoot characters whose storylines didn’t come full circle to let us know how things turned out in the end but that’s OK.  Sometimes you just have to use your own imagination to create happy endings for characters.  I prefer that rather than when an author will try to cram everything in at the end and tie it up with a bow.

When you finish the story, make sure to read the Author’s Note at the end as well.  It will give you a little more insight into the historical part of the story and the pieces of herself that Paula McLain has included as well.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.  I truly enjoyed reading it and will recommend it to others.

A Gentleman in Moscow

 

“A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles

Published by Viking

Finished 3/26/21 3/5 stars

 

I know I’m in the minority with this rating.  Most people consider this a 5 star read.  I’m just not one of them.  Yes, it was well written and had good characters.  Yes, there was charm and humor throughout.  Yes, there were relationships formed that I enjoyed following.  Truly, I enjoyed the beginning and the end but most of the middle just dragged for me.  Because most people do consider it a 5 star read, don’t let my rating deter you from reading it.  Hopefully you are like everyone else and will fall in love with it.  

Raft of Stars

 

“Raft of Stars” by Andrew J Graff

Published by Harper Collins

Finished 3/18 – 4/5 stars

 

I feel like the book Gods have blessed me for some reason this year.  Another great book!  And I believe this is the authors debut so hats off to him.  This is the story of two 10 year old boys who are summertime friends.  “Bread” lives in a sleepy farm town in Wisconsin with his dad and “Fish” comes to town every year to spend the summer with his grandfather.  Over the last few years they have become best friends.  One night a tragic event has them fleeing into the woods to escape a punishment they are sure is to come.  They decide to travel down a river to their destination.  This is the story of their adventure down the river as well as the story of the adults trying to locate them.  Obviously, there are plenty of obstacles along the way and many suspenseful moments for both the kids and adults.  And thrown in are also touching and sometimes humorous moments as well.  It’s just an overall good book.

Favorite quote – Something Fish’s mom would tell him when he couldn’t sleep.  “Just for a minute, just enjoy your pillow, just rest, let it go.  Close your eyes and sail away from troubles on a raft made of stars.”  Such a relaxing thought.

Thank you to GoodReads and Harper Collins for a copy of the ARC of this book.  Although not required, in return I am providing an honest review.

Anxious People

 

“Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman

Published by Atria Books

Finished 3/12/21 – 4/5 stars

 

A failed bank robbery turns into a hostage situation for a number of unsuspecting people who were simply viewing an apartment for sale.  Mixed in are stories of young love, old love, parental love, self love, and empathy for others.  Oh, and then there are some life lessons and comedy thrown in there as well.  It wouldn’t be a Fredrik Backman book if there weren’t.  This is the fourth book of his that I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed (obviously, since I finished it in just a couple days).  “A Man Called Ove” is still my favorite though.

My favorite quote from this book is “Anyone can nurture a myth about their life if they have enough manure, so if the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, that’s probably because it’s full of shit.”  If that makes you chuckle I bet this book will too.

The Paris Library

 

“The Paris Library” by Janet Skeslien Charles

Published by Atria Books

Finished 3/10/21 – 5/5 stars

When I picked up this book I didn’t realize it was Historical Fiction…..I just thought it sounded like a good story.  Turns out it is a WONDERFUL story and I learned something new as a bonus.  Not only did I not know about The American Library in Paris that recently celebrated its 100 year anniversary, I had no idea of the role its librarians played in World War II.  They sent books to troops and brought them to the local hospitals so that wounded soldiers could have some entertainment.  During the Nazi Occupation of Paris, these librarians also risked their lives to bring books to Jews and foreigners that were no longer able to enter the library. This is the telling of their love of books, people, and friendships.  And to top it off, there is a coming of age story mixed in to go with it.  Sometimes those types of side stories are a distraction to the main story, but not with this book.  They actually compliment each other well and give further insight into the main character.

I highly recommend this book.  It has great characters, beautiful descriptions, a nice flow, and quotes of other best sellers woven in.  Pretty sure the author is a big fan of “Their Eyes Were Watching God” – that one has multiple references throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a copy of this book for an honest review in return.  I honestly loved this book so that is easy to do.

 

“False Hope” by Lynne Lee         

Published by Amazon Publishing UK

Finished 2/26/21 - 4/5 stars

 

To me, this is a suspenseful story of motherly love…….

A dying mother’s wish for her son to grow up in a loving, safe home.

A mother’s love to protect both her birth son and her adopted son who was formerly her nephew.

A mother’s unconditional love for her troubled son and her need to continue to be a grandmother to his child.

And a mother’s love for her daughters and grandsons, wanting to ensure that her daughter that has died is not forgotten.

The question is, how far would you go to love and protect the ones you love?  Whose recollection of the past do you believe to ensure you are making the right choices for their future?

Although I would occasionally become annoyed with the authors use of very long sentences throughout the book, I enjoyed the storyline and characters and felt the past and present were well entwined to make it flow well.  It was a page turner as well so that was a nice bonus.  I would definitely recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an electronic copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The Children's Blizzard

 

“The Children’s Blizzard” by Melanie Benjamin

Finished 2/19/21 – 5/5 stars

Published by Random House

 

Bravo!  Bravo!  What a fabulous historical fiction.  I’m not a huge fan of reading books that take place in the 1800s but because the subject matter was children and the author is well known for other titles, I thought I might enjoy it.  And I truly did.  As a bonus, I learned about an event in American history that I was not aware of. 

A horrific blizzard in the prairies with zero visibility, in a time when there weren’t timely weather forecasts so people were unprepared and taken by surprise.  To make the situation worse, the storm arrives just as children have been released or are about to be released from school.  This is the fictional telling of this storm based on the lives of those children and their teachers trying to walk home, praying they are going in the right direction.  And after it passes, the aftermath it leaves behind of bodies frozen in the snow, amputations from frost bite, and lives ruined.  All of this makes for a true page turner. 

I highly recommend this book.  Not only do I think it’s a great book for pleasure reading (especially while snowed/iced in myself) but I think it would be a good book for high schoolers to read for an assignment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Whisper Man

 

“The Whisper Man” by Alex North

Published by Celadon

Finished 2/11/21 – 5/5 stars

 

It’s been a while since I’ve read a book as suspenseful as this one was at times.  And a very well written one at that.  One of the things I truly liked about it was that there wasn’t that gimmicky tell all scene at the end where the killer confesses.  Obviously, there were revealing moments to tie things together but it wasn’t forced.

Without giving too much away, when a young man lost his wife, he and his son moved away to start a new life.  What they didn’t know at the time was that they were moving into “the scary house” in town.  From there you learn about the dark past of the town in which 20 years ago people were murdered or went missing.  They caught the serial killer at the time but now another young boy has gone missing.  And from there, you’ll have to read it to find out what happens next.

Great book and highly recommended.