When I learned that The Shadowed Land is about a forgotten Scottish queen, the twin sister of the man who inspired the iconic character of Merlin, I dWhen I learned that The Shadowed Land is about a forgotten Scottish queen, the twin sister of the man who inspired the iconic character of Merlin, I dove in and was immediately swept away by this lyrical page-turner. Though the book takes place in the sixth century, the power struggles over religion and control feel all too contemporary. Historical fiction fans will love this gorgeous, sweeping saga!
I'm not always a fan of multiple points of view, but here, they were all compelling and I enjoyed spending time with each character.
My favorite line is: "There are moments that are thresholds. On one side, sits everything that has come before, and on the other, all that is waiting to begin."
LITTLE AVALANCHES is a gorgeous, gorgeous book. It is the story of a little girl who grows up in a tug-of-war between divorced parents. As an adult, sLITTLE AVALANCHES is a gorgeous, gorgeous book. It is the story of a little girl who grows up in a tug-of-war between divorced parents. As an adult, she looks back on her childhood, and wonders why her father, a decorated WWII vet, acted the way he did. Ellis writes her father's story. The reader understands along with Ellis the war that her father survived and continued to live, even when he returned Stateside. I hope you will read this debut memoir. I loved it and want Ellis to write an essay from her mother's point of view. I felt for all the characters in this book and want to spend more time with them.
Memoir is an important genre because it tells us how people live, how they survive, what matters to them. Memoir is a personal history as well as the larger history. I could not have written my last two novels without reading women’s memoirs from WWI and WWII. Memoir is precious....more
THE LAST TWILIGHT IN PARIS is imbued with heart and hope, twists and turns, betrayal and enduring love. It’s a taut mystery that will keep you readingTHE LAST TWILIGHT IN PARIS is imbued with heart and hope, twists and turns, betrayal and enduring love. It’s a taut mystery that will keep you reading into the night. Compelling and powerful!
When I finished, I googled the settings because I wanted to know more. I love books that teach me something and inspire me to do a little research!...more
Elise Hooper's latest marvel takes readers on an enchanting journey from San Francisco to Paris, love to war, deception to redemption, as her main cha Elise Hooper's latest marvel takes readers on an enchanting journey from San Francisco to Paris, love to war, deception to redemption, as her main character -- a little-known artist -- moves out of the shadows into the limelight. This beautiful page-turner kept me reading all night.
My favorite line is "Libraries are viewed as such solemn places -- but why? Reading is magic. Think of the imagination and sense of adventure that readers employ every time they crack open a book. There are few places filled with more magic than libraries, no doubt about it."...more
People around the world have seen the Eiffel Tower, and will now finally meet the family behind the masterpiece. The saying goes, "Behind every succesPeople around the world have seen the Eiffel Tower, and will now finally meet the family behind the masterpiece. The saying goes, "Behind every successful man is a woman," but in Mademoiselle Eiffel, it is a young girl. With great sensitivity, Aimie Runyan highlights the talent and sacrifice of Claire Eiffel, who gave up her own aspirations to support those of her father. Just like the Eiffel Tower, this book is beautiful, powerful, and eternal....more
In history class, many of us read about convicts sent from England to Australia. However, I never learned about the children sent from England to CanaIn history class, many of us read about convicts sent from England to Australia. However, I never learned about the children sent from England to Canada. Children! From 1869 to 1939, over 100,000 orphaned, abandoned, and destitute children were sent to Canada, where they were often used as a source of free farm labor. In this novel, Winny is an English teen who’s forced to leave her entire life behind as she faces the unknown. Through her eyes, we learn the plight of several Home Children—those who were adopted and cherished as well as those who were treated like slaves and abused. I love books that teach me something. The author’s note gave me chills. Genevieve Graham is my go-to author for historical fiction....more
My sister recommended this book, and we had a great discussion about it. The novel was one wild ride until the very last sentence. So many twists and My sister recommended this book, and we had a great discussion about it. The novel was one wild ride until the very last sentence. So many twists and turns. So original with an endearing main character. ...more
Heather Marshall is committed to sharing women's history. Her novel The Secret History of Audrey James is a poignant reminder that we never know what Heather Marshall is committed to sharing women's history. Her novel The Secret History of Audrey James is a poignant reminder that we never know what pain, sacrifice, and courage hide beneath the surface of loved ones until we start taking an interest in their stories. Marshall's latest novel is emotionally charged and brutally beautiful. Audrey and Kate will steal your heart and keep you reading into the night. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the end.
So many gorgeous lines in this book. Here are some of my favorites:
"Never ever lose anyone you don't have to," she says. "Life will take your loved ones without warning or permission, as we both know. And we must endure those losses as part of life. But never let petty circumstance and disagreement separate you; life is too short to let pride get in the way of love."
Kate had been astounded at Audrey's description of the Red Orchestra. "But why have I never heard of any of this?" she'd asked. Audrey had shrugged, scratched her scalp. "I don't write history books, dear. And I've never met anyone who does. Have you? Makes you wonder where they get it all from." ...more
Vivien gets an encore in this star-studded romp in Rome that is at once a love story and a reflection on war. Every Time We Say Goodbye shows how we sVivien gets an encore in this star-studded romp in Rome that is at once a love story and a reflection on war. Every Time We Say Goodbye shows how we seek to make connections, no matter the cost, and how writers continue to create in the face of censorship. Quite simply Jenner's best!
Merged review:
Vivien gets an encore in this star-studded romp in Rome that is at once a love story and a reflection on war. Every Time We Say Goodbye shows how we seek to make connections, no matter the cost, and how writers continue to create in the face of censorship. Quite simply Jenner's best!...more
I loved being a part of this anthology and am grateful to author Jim Grady for including me in this project set in our home state. I enjoyed each writI loved being a part of this anthology and am grateful to author Jim Grady for including me in this project set in our home state. I enjoyed each writer's take on place. Writing a mystery is one of my goals and penning this short story has brought me closer....more
I fell in love with Ruth Hogan’s writing after reading her novel Madame Burova. She is my go-to author for uplifting stories filled with wit, heart, aI fell in love with Ruth Hogan’s writing after reading her novel Madame Burova. She is my go-to author for uplifting stories filled with wit, heart, and humor. The Phoenix Ballroom features two of my favorite elements – intergenerational friendships and second chances.
I enjoyed spending time with Venetia, Kite, and Liberty as they faced old secrets and found solutions to new challenges. The novel is as satisfying and exhilarating as a turn around the dance floor. Ruth Hogan’s latest will make your heart soar and your eyes tear up as characters who feel like old friends find the courage to make necessary changes in their lives.
My favorite line: 'Kindness isn't a reward - it's a gift. And it's mine to choose wherever I choose. And I choose to give it to you.'...more
I loved this novel! A wedding in Burgundy brings up all sorts of feelings for everyone involved. The main character watches his brother get married, aI loved this novel! A wedding in Burgundy brings up all sorts of feelings for everyone involved. The main character watches his brother get married, and as happy as he is for the couple, the situation summons memories of his own lost love. The mother of the groom is not happy and shows her feelings in her own (passive-aggressive) way. The priest hears confessions, or rather admissions, in a cafe. Friends of the bride and groom each have their own perspective. Rowdy neighbors might save or ruin the wedding day. A beautiful look at love and friendship through many different lenses. A trip to Paris and the past. A glance at how we change or move on. A gentle meditation on love and loss and hope....more
I devoured this book and love its emphasis on nutrition rather than calories. It is a book I wish I could have read in my late 30s, when my body went I devoured this book and love its emphasis on nutrition rather than calories. It is a book I wish I could have read in my late 30s, when my body went through big changes. The book is less about diet and more about lifestyle and taking care of yourself. I can't wait for Dr. Mary Claire Haver's next book....more
This beautifully written, timely historical novel encompasses so much – difficult family ties, female ambition, and the sacrifices we make for love. WThis beautifully written, timely historical novel encompasses so much – difficult family ties, female ambition, and the sacrifices we make for love. With her meticulous research and heartrending descriptions of life in Brighton during the war, Anna Bliss had me turning the pages into the night....more
I was swept away to Brighton in the 1970s and enjoyed spending every minute with Imelda Burova. As a dual-time novel, there were a lot of characters. I was swept away to Brighton in the 1970s and enjoyed spending every minute with Imelda Burova. As a dual-time novel, there were a lot of characters. I loved getting to know them and unraveling a mystery around a young woman searching for her birth parents. This book had it all. I am very excited about Ruth Hogan's forthcoming novel, The Phoenix Ballroom....more
I read the book on vacation and thoroughly enjoyed it. Plenty of action. I was rooting for the characters. I appreciated the connection of the charactI read the book on vacation and thoroughly enjoyed it. Plenty of action. I was rooting for the characters. I appreciated the connection of the characters and would love to read a sequel....more
I adore this novel. It is on my keeper shelf. It is about family and love and loss and reunions, and about how we all deal with the same things differI adore this novel. It is on my keeper shelf. It is about family and love and loss and reunions, and about how we all deal with the same things differently. It is about siblings. It is about a mom who holds things together so tightly for so long, she becomes rigid. It is about how things go wrong, and about how things can go right. Life is so fragile, we are so fragile, and yet we are more resilient than we think we are. This book left me feeling hopeful and in awe....more
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