Holly shows up in the town of Safe Haven with her sister's child, hoping to find the babe's father. When she does find him, he's kinder and more underHolly shows up in the town of Safe Haven with her sister's child, hoping to find the babe's father. When she does find him, he's kinder and more understanding than she expects, as are his family and so many of the town's residents. However, she initially holds on to the secret about Cash being Penny's dad - and she's also holding on to other guilts. Still, a relationship starts to begin. But when the "ghosts of Cash's past" turn up, what has become his fragile new family is in terrible danger. Partly because of Holly's secrets, and partly because of Cash's own angry reactions.
I loved the town. I loved the story. Main characters had there foibles but likeable - I was hoping for the best for them. Suspense kept me reading without being so lengthy that it drove me crazy - the bad guy getting his "just desserts" was more or less expected (although not promised).
LOW COUNTRY CHRISTMAS by Lee Tobin McClain is not a typical Christmas story, not the typical holiday romance either. But not a bad holiday read either. Check it out! You'll find it in the Xmas-themed books or in the mass-media book shelves!
Merged review:
Holly shows up in the town of Safe Haven with her sister's child, hoping to find the babe's father. When she does find him, he's kinder and more understanding than she expects, as are his family and so many of the town's residents. However, she initially holds on to the secret about Cash being Penny's dad - and she's also holding on to other guilts. Still, a relationship starts to begin. But when the "ghosts of Cash's past" turn up, what has become his fragile new family is in terrible danger. Partly because of Holly's secrets, and partly because of Cash's own angry reactions.
I loved the town. I loved the story. Main characters had there foibles but likeable - I was hoping for the best for them. Suspense kept me reading without being so lengthy that it drove me crazy - the bad guy getting his "just desserts" was more or less expected (although not promised).
LOW COUNTRY CHRISTMAS by Lee Tobin McClain is not a typical Christmas story, not the typical holiday romance either. But not a bad holiday read either. Check it out! You'll find it in the Xmas-themed books or in the mass-media book shelves!...more
I am way behind in posting my reads, and never even finished my list of books for 2022. I guess I'll just have to grab the books that are sitting in aI am way behind in posting my reads, and never even finished my list of books for 2022. I guess I'll just have to grab the books that are sitting in a stack and do what I can to catch up. The problem is: I would rather be reading MORE books than trying to "catch up!" Anyway, I enjoyed WITCH HUNT by Cate Conte (anyone who knows me also knows I truly enjoy Witch stories - although not too horrific ones!). This one was a kind of a rest between more compelling books, while certainly tweaking my attention. A nice pause between heavier stories. I would certainly read the next book in the series... although I have lots of other novels that will get my attention first!
I am rating Cate Contes' WITCH HUNT at 3 Stars. And hoping to get on to another review soon (once I finish reading another mystery novel that's #9 in a favorite series that's set in Ireland!)......more
This will be a short review. THE VANISHING TYPE by Ellery Adams is #5 in the "Secret, Book, and Scone Society series, which I have been following. AndThis will be a short review. THE VANISHING TYPE by Ellery Adams is #5 in the "Secret, Book, and Scone Society series, which I have been following. And who wouldn't want to at least try out a series that's set in a place titled Miracle Springs?
I have read every one in this series thus far and am hoping there will be a #6 in 2023. I have loved the main characters, always enjoy a bookstore-related novel, and was especially intrigued with the fact that, early-on in this plot, someone mutilated all THE SCARLET LETTER books on display at the store. THE SCARLET LETTER happens to be one of my all-time fave reads! In fact, there's a bride-to-be named Hester in this particular "Secret, Book, etc... story". Also coincidentally, I have since begun to read a 2022-titled novel titled HESTER by Laurie Lico Albanese (am about 100 pages into it at this point), which offers a different version of the original fictional tale! Geez, all of this could also result in my re-reading Hawthorne's historical novel. Not long ago, I noticed that Barns & Nobel had a bunch of copies of it on displayed with other classics!
That's all I've got to say, other than to note that Nathanial Hawthorne is one of the characters in the aforementioned HESTER book. So many connections here!!! And of course, I must note that I am awarding THE VANISHING TYPE by Ellery Adams with a well-deserved 5-stars!
What's really wonderful about the childrens' book MERRY WITCHMAS by Petrell Marie Ozbay is that its author even THOUGHT to create a Christmas story abWhat's really wonderful about the childrens' book MERRY WITCHMAS by Petrell Marie Ozbay is that its author even THOUGHT to create a Christmas story about such a young "minority" - a young witch! That little girl had been passed over by Santa several times, and she was determined that she would get his attention this year! It seems apparent that Santa never visited her house on Christmas Eve he didn't believe that witches even exist. So Ginger the Witch decides to make it clear that they do and that she's one of them!
This children's book will travel during this holiday season to a little boy a few USA states away from our home. He loves it when his mom reads to him and he is also learning to read himself. I am certain he will love MERRY WITCHMAS by Petrell Marie Ozbay. And I am awarding it with 5-stars!...more
ADDRESS UNKNOWN by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor is a truly short novel of a mere 66pp, with a 9-page Afterword. There's a 6-page Introduction written by ADDRESS UNKNOWN by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor is a truly short novel of a mere 66pp, with a 9-page Afterword. There's a 6-page Introduction written by Margot Livesey that addresses why it's resurfaced in print so long after the end of WW2. Here's a quote from that section:
"Good novels, as the name promises, keep bringing us the news, and we read them with both our outer and inner eyes. We bring to them the swirling chaos of the world around us and the seemingly endless negotiations between the forces of good and evil, and we bring to them our deep-seated, long-lasting preoccupations. ADDRESS UNKNOWN satisfies both kinds of reading and offers the additional delights of a piercingly good story."
Its plot follows two friends' conversations via letters back & forth between the USA and Germany. They also happen to own an art dealing business together in San Francisco. Both were immigrants to the USA, but one chose to return to his homeland with his family in tow because he never felt comfortable in America. The story was originally published in STORY magazine.
That's all I will say about this excellent, haunting 1938 Classic that's recently resurfaced - except that it should be read (or even re-read) in our own troublesome times. I awarded it with 5-stars here on Goodreads. ...more
I enjoyed reading the nonfiction story titled THE BARBIZON: THE HOTEL THAT SET WOMEN FREE by Paulina Bren. It took me to a place I'd never before enteI enjoyed reading the nonfiction story titled THE BARBIZON: THE HOTEL THAT SET WOMEN FREE by Paulina Bren. It took me to a place I'd never before entered, although sometime during the Coved Pandemic I did read a novel set in the Barbizon Hotel (THE DOLLHOUSE by Fiona Davis)- which had an interesting plot! The best part of this nonfiction narrative is that it's truly a part of women's history in the USA. The Barbizon provided a safe place for working women to live at a time when even a simple walk along a big city's streets could cause her to be "marked" as a less-than-nice female.
I loved that the telling of The Barbizon Hotel's history, from beginning until it was morphed into luxury apartments, includes famous people such as Sylvia Plath, Molly Brown, Grace Kelly, Liza Minnelli, Joan Didion, and lots more. And that at the time this book was published, there were five of the original occupants living in Barbizon spaces. And of course, men had been allowed into its living spaces. Not the same and yet its history mattered enough to finally be written for posterity.
I'm rating Paulina Bren's THE BARBIZON: THE HOTEL THAT SET WOMEN FREE with 4-stars (although I seriously considered giving it 5). If you decide to indulge in this interesting, excellently written, unique story set in New York City beginning with 1927, I don't think you'll be disappointed!
THE BOOK OF LOST FRIENDS by Lisa Wingate is an amazing historical novel that basically takes place in two time zones: Louisiana 1875 and Louisiana 198THE BOOK OF LOST FRIENDS by Lisa Wingate is an amazing historical novel that basically takes place in two time zones: Louisiana 1875 and Louisiana 1987, although there's serious movement to other locations as well. I cannot begin to describe its story, except to say that freedom for slaves following the end of the USA's Civil War was not as free as it should've been. And in addition to that sad situation, entire families had been sold and sent in all directions because they were considered to be mere possessions - so where does someone begin to search for lost loved ones? And how to do so? The stories of these former slaves are heartbreaking and yet their determination seldom falls away.
What I want to emphasize is the fact that this story is based in truth. But you'll have to read the book to understand how and why Wingate wound up looking into the "Lost Friends." She hadn't planned on such a literary journey, had never before heard about them, but she managed to create a storyline that alternates between two time periods, with characters that the reader cares about. And she wrote THE BOOK OF LOST FRIENDS with what I consider to be heart & soul.
I loved Wingates earlier historical novel (Before We Were Yours). I suppose I picked up this novel simply hoping it would be just as good. But THE BOOK OF LOST FRIENDS, in my opinion, is an even more outstanding tale. Therefore, I am rating THE BOOK OF LOST FRIENDS, written by Lisa Wingate, at 5-stars. Because it's one of the most engrossing stories I've ever read. ...more
I continue to try to catch up on reviews of books-read in 2022. Am now into July, having posted about another novel earlier today. So many yet to go iI continue to try to catch up on reviews of books-read in 2022. Am now into July, having posted about another novel earlier today. So many yet to go in order to really become up-to-date! Therefore, I'm continuing to make my reviews as short as possible, while ensuring that I make clear how I felt about them!
Having said the above, I can now state that THE LAST SKETCH by Gosia Nealon is a beautifully written historical novel. I keep telling myself, "Enough with the Holocaust stories, how many more such stories do I need to read? Are you trying to get depressed?" Well, I do seem to find more such excellent writings, most of them uplifting in various ways. And they often differ enough from other stories to deeply impress and even to teach. So why this one? Because it also relates to another topic that enriches any book that winds up in my hands: Art! And because my fraternal grandparents immigrated from Poland to the USA just a while before the Holocaust began.
The subtitle on the bookcover reads: "His redemption. Her revenge. A forbidden love." That adds other narrative effects to the scenario begining in Poland, 1944. And the story continues beyond Poland, past the end of the war, into the USA. There is still life-threatening danger to deal with for the main characters...
I highly recommend THE LAST SKETCH by Gosia Nealon to all my friends. It is such a powerful drama that I had to grant it 5-stars on Goodreads. Excellent storyline, well written characters, historical happenings worth learning about, and so much more!...more
I am SO TICKED OFF with Goodreads' changes in how one "finds" the version of the book-read. Note that I did NOT read the hardcover stated above. I reaI am SO TICKED OFF with Goodreads' changes in how one "finds" the version of the book-read. Note that I did NOT read the hardcover stated above. I read the paperback. And I am NOT going try any more to hunt for things like this because it wastes a lot of time. I DON'T CARE what version I read. I only care about whether the book was WORTH reading at all. And, by the way, I generally don't even try to review books that I did not like because I don't finish reading them.
So here is what I have to say about THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO: It thoroughly held my attention throughout the entire read. Yes, it's a Hollywood-based novel (which might make some readers avoid the read entirely, or to put it off for a while as I did). Finally, so many Goodreads reviews had praised it that I had to make it a priority! I found it to be based in an excellent plot, offering characters that felt real, as well as plenty of love & tragedy - & adversity such as, racism, sexism, and other topics that kept me reading! I didn't want to put it down!
I am rating THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenken Reid with 5-stars. I highly recommend it to all my book-loving friends!...more
I am so behind in posting this year's books, so this will be a short "review." I am rating Adriana Trigiani's latest publication, THE GOOD LEFT UNDONEI am so behind in posting this year's books, so this will be a short "review." I am rating Adriana Trigiani's latest publication, THE GOOD LEFT UNDONE, with a well-earned 5-stars. I believe I have read all of her published books (including the family cookbook, which I still own!), and this is one of her very best novels. It's a wonderful family tale, runs through decades, set primarily in Italy and Scotland, also includes WW2 issues and - of course - the good and the sad of family's lives. It's an historical novel well worth reading.
Do not miss out on THE GOOD LEFT UNDONE by Adriana Trigiani! It's worth the 400+ pages it will take you through... characters are excellently written, especially the strong women!
Note: Not sure if my "date read" is exactly accurate. I loaned the book to a friend and messed up my note on date-read, not realizing this at the time. Just know that I read it almost as soon as it arrived from Amazon!...more
I loved Tembi Locke's FROM SCRATCH: A MEMOIR OF LOVE, SICILY, AND FINDING HOME. I'd been reading about other people's positive raves about it for quitI loved Tembi Locke's FROM SCRATCH: A MEMOIR OF LOVE, SICILY, AND FINDING HOME. I'd been reading about other people's positive raves about it for quite a long time before I finally decided to get hold of a copy to read myself. And still it took a while before I opened up the book to read it. Then I wondered why I hadn't started reading it sooner (ok, I know why: So Many Books, So Little Time...). Now I have at least 15 books that I haven't yet posted about here on Goodreads and definitely must catch up on before the end of the year (for my list).
The problem is that I'd rather be reading than writing a review. Yet I love telling people about the books I've delved into and enjoyed. And so, now I'm in a position where I will be reading less for a while (or trying to) and also attempting to create much shorter reviews in order to do this "Catch-Up."
So... what I want to say about this read:
1. It's a memoir that's set in several places, but Sicily and Californica are the ultimate primary locations.
2. I had no idea beforehand that its author is a pretty well-known Hollywood actress, which added to the plot.
3. One of the beauties of its storytelling is the diversity of the family that eventually surrounds the author, despite some initial serious issues with the Sicilian father's longtime anger toward his son.
4. A serious illness ultimately cuts short husband/chef Saro's potential lifespan. And the couple worry about whether or not there will be a child...
5. I love this statement that I read on the "Praise for FROM SCRATCH" page when I first sat down in Barnes & Noble's cafe to check it out (and to decide whether or not I would purchase the novel): "This beautiful memoir takes on Tembi's personal journey of love, parenthood, and ultimately the loss of her husband, Saro. She learns to heal in the most beautiful way--through the support of three generations of women-- and yes, there's Italian food. Lots and lots of Italian food! - Reese Witherspoon"
6. AND THERE ARE RECICPES TO BE FOUND AT THE END OF THE BOOK! (What more could one ask for?)
I rated this loving, sad, beautiful, and ultimately uplifting Memoir at 5-stars here on Goodreads. Because it more than deserves it. And maybe a little bit due to the fact that, sitting here now, I have a few tears running down my face as I recall Tembi Locke's amazing personal story. ...more
Having read the excellent historical novel A SONG FOR BELLAFORTUNA, written by Vincent B. "Chip" LoCoco, I just had to read the next story by LoCoco iHaving read the excellent historical novel A SONG FOR BELLAFORTUNA, written by Vincent B. "Chip" LoCoco, I just had to read the next story by LoCoco involving that amazing village in Sicily, titled SAVING THE MUSIC. I would never have imagined that it would begin during WW2, at the Vatican of all places! But it turns out that there's a familiar Bellafortuna character in the plot who grew up in that village... and he plays an important role in this excellent novel.
But what truly blew my mind was the Vatican's involvement in saving as many of Rome's Jews as possible from the hands of the Nazis. Author LoCoco, in notes at the end of the novel, provides historical proof of Pope Pius XII's efforts via his own research. Being a former Roman Catholic, I was always interested in (& disgusted with) what I read about Pius's failure to aid the Jews via not speaking out against the Holocaust. However, LoCoco's research convinced me otherwise, at least to a large degree. That doesn't mean that the Pope was "perfect" by any means, but the history as LoCoco provided it, in regard to this story, seems to be accurate.
However, the heart of the story does wind up a good amount of the time in Bellafortuna, where many Jewish musicians and their families wind up, via the Pope's quietly sending them there, in the care of Father Biaggio during the journey - and afterword in the kind, clever, and caring homes of the entire village. Of course, they have music in common... and a lot more too. They feel safe for quite a while, until the Germans decide their village is the perfect place for their hospital. And then life gets drastically complicated.
I could go one & on, but you really need to read LoCoco's SAVING THE MUSIC to truly understand what I'm trying to put into a mere rating - which I am rating at 5-Stars. For someone who wasn't looking for another Holocaust novel, having read a ton of them, I must say that this is novel is unique and it will remain in my mind for a long time. And probably yours as well, if you choose to read it.
{And now I have a nonfiction book to read... eventually... titled OVERTURE OF HOPE: TWO SISTERS' DARING PLAN THAT SAVED OPERA'S JEWISH STARS FROM THE THIRD REICH by Isabel Vincent. Can you believe that I am really not a big Opera fan???}...more
I am terribly behind in listing and writing about my books-read here on Goodreads. I have just seemed to prefer to keep reading books whenever possib I am terribly behind in listing and writing about my books-read here on Goodreads. I have just seemed to prefer to keep reading books whenever possible, rather than stopping to write something about them here on GR. And now I have over a dozen of them to review in order to "do catch-up"! This historical novel by Vincent B. "Chip" LoCoco, A SONG FOR BELLAFORTUNA, is a more recent read. I will definitely get this review, as well as its follow-up book's review, done ASAP because I'm loaning them to a friend. I have been raving about its story (& especially about its follow-up novel) to everyone I know who loves historical novels!
A SONG FOR BELLA FORTUNA is beautifully written, making me love the characters, worry for their problems, care about their lack of freedom because of debts they can never quite fully pay due to the Vasaio family's control over their lives. The music is all they have, and they risk that in order to create a better life for their entire village. It begins in 1898, in Sicily... and the music of the opera follows it throughout the story.
I have never been a huge fan of opera, although I like some of the music, but my husband loves Opera - especially anything by Verdi. Because I read this novel, I discovered a Verdi album that he did not own - and he loved that I purchased if for him! But truly, the novel is about more than just the music. I fell in love with that little village in a remote area and with the awesome residents who didn't always agree with each other but could come together for the good of all of them.
I am rating A SONG FOR BELLAFORTUNA by Vincent B. LoCodo at 5-stars. Its story is one of my favorite books-read yet this year. And... believe it or not... I think that its follow-up book is even more excellent. That will be my next GOODREADS review. If not today, then definitely tomorrow! ...more
BANNED BOOK CLUB by Kim Hyun Sook, Ko Hyung-Ju, and Ryan Estrada, written as an illustrated print book, is an amazing and tense true story of the poliBANNED BOOK CLUB by Kim Hyun Sook, Ko Hyung-Ju, and Ryan Estrada, written as an illustrated print book, is an amazing and tense true story of the politics of fear. It's set in South Korea during its Fifth Republic. With changed names (to protect those involved in the protests), the storyline covers college students' issues with banning books, although the basic issues are deeper. It's about a regime that has entrenched themselves via other methods as well - such as other censorships, torture, and murder. While I marched in a few anti-war, pro-women's rights, and more issue-based protests in my hometown back in the late be 1960s and the 1970s, I never had to confront such terror as these students did.
Of course, being a reader, I was naturally angered at the many books that these students were not allowed to read, such as HAMLET, MOBY DICK and THE SCARLET LETTER (the latter of which is an all-time favorite of mine!). On the back of the volume, it states that "In BANNED BOOK CLUB, Hyuh Sook shares her dramatic true story of political strife, fear-mongering, the death of democratic institutions and the relentless rebellion of reading." Also on the back, there's a statement by SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Highly recommended for readers passionate about activism or political history, or for those who are simply looking for an excellent comic book"
I don't think I need to add any more to this review other than to say BANNED BOOK CLUB, by Kim Hyun Sook et al, other than to note that it more than deserves the 5-stars that I've awarded it. And I must note that there's a reason why books should not be banned and it's all about the right for everyone to read, learn, and make their own decisions about a story's truth and/or the value of its words and messages. ...more
I am, as usual, way behind re posting what I've read. Months behind. I guess I'd rather be reading than creating a review. (And then there are other mI am, as usual, way behind re posting what I've read. Months behind. I guess I'd rather be reading than creating a review. (And then there are other matters that get in the way...) However, I DO need to keep track of my books-read - and I am trying to catch up! In fact, I am going to try to "review" at least one or two books per day, most likely attempting to keep it short. I am starting with at least one children's book (pretty much a Middle grade novel) - titled ONCE UPON A TIME and written by Stuart Gibbs.
I enjoy reading a Middle grade or YA book once in a while. There are so many wonderful ones out there! And then I can pass the MG ones on to a youngster living a few USA states away from our NY capital area location. That young man loves to hear stories, and his mom enjoys reading them to him. He's now learning to read more on his own too! I expect he will love Gibbs's tale of a boy who wanted more out of his life than to remain a peasant like his parents are and all his ancestors were. And he is willing to fight dangerous beasts and ogres and to confront nasty humans in order to become a hero.
Author Stuart Gibbs provides a wonderful story in his ONCE UPON A TIM about a unique and determined boy, unlike any other "hero" and certainly nothing like the Prince who was supposed to be the brave person on their mission! It was a fun read - worthy of the 5-star review I am now posting!...more
I finished reading THE LAST DAYS OF NIGHT by Graham Moore a few months ago, and it was an eye opener about all three of the characters that the authorI finished reading THE LAST DAYS OF NIGHT by Graham Moore a few months ago, and it was an eye opener about all three of the characters that the author highlights - Edison, Westinghouse, and Tesla. And then there's the just-out-of-Law School, Paul Cravath, who took on the case basically because no one else was willing to risk going against Edison. In fact, Cravath was the only person that George Westinghouse would trust to take on the challenge against Edison's crooked efforts to destroy his business and gain sole ownership of everything to do with the Light Bulb. And both Edison and Westinghouse recognize the genius of Tesla, but each of them reacts to the man's issues and strange behaviors differently.
This historical novel ended any of my childhood illusions about the "greatness" of Thomas Edison. I was schooled mostly in the 1960's, when history would make Edison into some kind of scientific god, but that was far from the case. What he wanted was to be the sole owner of all things concerning electric power, and he was vicious in his efforts to make that happen. I learned a lot about all three of the main characters - well, it's really four main characters, because Cravath pulls all of the pieces together as he attempts to find the truth and ensure justice for his client.
Moore also provides "A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR" in the back of the book, in which he states:
As a work of historical fiction, this novel is intended as a dramatization of history, not a recording of it. Nothing you've read here should be understood as verifiable fact. However, the bulk of the events depicted in this book did happen and every major character did exist. Much of the dialogue comes either from the historical personages' own mouths or from the tips of their prodigious pens. Yet many of these events have been reordered and characters appear in places they may not have. I've frequently invented situations that very well could have happened but were certainly not documented. This book is a Gordian knot of verifiable truth, educated supposition, dramatic rendering, and total guesswork. What I'd like to do in this note is to help untangle it for you...
The writer goes on in his "NOTE..." to provide further info via his excellent storytelling in THE LAST DAYS OF NIGHT - along with specific paragraphs related to several chapters. I liked that he made an excellent effort to make sure that readers could understand what was historical fact and what needed to be somewhat rearranged or imagined for the flow of the story.
I didn't want to put down Graham Moore's THE LAST DAYS OF NIGHT once I'd begun the read, although there were plenty of the interruptions that required that I did so. I did n0t expect to be so mesmerizes by such a "scientific" themed story. However, it grabbed my attention right from its first pages - which is why I have rated it with 5-stars on Goodreads!
I suppose I should first say that this book had been on one of my shelves of cookbooks for a very long time. Perhaps even as long as since it was firsI suppose I should first say that this book had been on one of my shelves of cookbooks for a very long time. Perhaps even as long as since it was first published. And yes, I sort of collect cookbooks - except that I can't keep all of them that I'd like to because it's a really small house - and the fiction and nonfiction books that are on my to-be-read shelves truly take priority over cookbooks that I am able to photocopy recipes from. Once LUNCH IN PARIS: A LOVE STORY, WITH RECIPES by Elizabeth Bard is listed and reviewed here on Goodreads, that is exactly what I will do: I will copy the recipes that I hope to use someday and then will pass the book on to either a friend that would enjoy it or to a library.
The above being said, I will mention that I am awarding this book with 5-stars. It's a story I wanted to keep reading - which might've gotten either 4 OR 5 stars from me once finished. And the recipes ensured the extra star! And to finish this review of LUNCH IN PARIS: A LOVE STORY, WITH RECIPES by Elizabeth Bard, as well as reviewing several other books read since the beginning of 2022, I will soon likely start on the approximately 20 recipes I've tagged for photocopying. This is not really a traumatic decision since there are still 15 books other French cuisine books on my shelves, plus 5 or six magazines about French cooking, and also a few books that were specifically published by Food Network chefs in that category. Then there are the stand-alone recipes (discovered in magazines, books, via friends, etc.) to be found in a file dubbed to indicate its contents. And believe it or not, French cookbooks are not my favorites - I've held on more Italian one!
FYI, the inside flap of this food-related Bard's memoir speaks to the author's unique experience as she settles into the experience of living in France. She falls in love French cooking. And there's also a potential romance blooming. There are issues with learning the language and traditions, but nothing seems to get in Elizabeth's way, or at least not for too long. Well, when there's the possibility of a wedding that both French and American parents will be attending... well, two sets of family have different ideas...
P.S. I lost the tag where I'd written down the date when I'd finished this read. So I will have to estimate... I believe it was a good story to read during winter! Especially while mostly home during the Covid pandemic!...more
I don't have time to do a long review but suffice to say I loved this novel! Elizabeth Bass's A LETTER TO THREE WITCHES is intriguing,and lots of fun I don't have time to do a long review but suffice to say I loved this novel! Elizabeth Bass's A LETTER TO THREE WITCHES is intriguing,and lots of fun to read. There's a curse that goes back a century, which gets scary at times; witches that have no idea (or very little skill) re magic because it's been banned for their family by the Grand Council of Witches; and a sort-of family member who is drastically and dangerously causing problems for the others. To top all those interesting parts of the plot, there are enchanted cupcakes, havoc in a marriage, and other twists to the story. I also found myself laughing out loud as the "good witches" (my words) try to learn how to discover and safely use the Magic they've not been allowed to access all of their lives. Yes, there is suspense... but when a person unintentionally becomes a frog (or maybe a rabbit) and perhaps gets stuck in that body... and other happenings tweak your laugh-bones... that's what really comes to mind in a book review!
A LETTER TO THREE WITCHES by Elizabeth Bass is a fun novel with a plot that held by attention. It's also a well-written story and a fairly quick read. I highly recommend it - for now or maybe as one of your October/Halloween reads!...more
MURDER ON AN IRISH FARM (AN IRISH VILLAGAE MYSTERY) by Carlene O'Connor is the 8th book in this series, and I have read every single one of them! ExceMURDER ON AN IRISH FARM (AN IRISH VILLAGAE MYSTERY) by Carlene O'Connor is the 8th book in this series, and I have read every single one of them! Excellent series, with a woman main character, and an eventual potential relationship with another character who is a Garda. There are murders, investigations, the awesome Siobhan O'Sullivan who has become a mother to her brothers and sisters but longs for more, a family-run Bistro, and lots of changes and as the series moves along and, by this time, Siobhan has reached some of her goals (Book #8).
I don't have time to give MURDER ON AN IRISH FARM by Carlene O'Connor a long review, so suffice to note that I am hoping there will be another novel to follow this story. The author writes stories without adding horrific gore to them. I highly recommend that, if you enjoy this kind of series, that you try this one - each story is stand-alone, although it's probably more fun to start with Book#1 and eventually get to this one, #8!...more
As usual, Jacqueline Winsprear provided a Maisie Dobbs story that I didn't want to put down until I'd finished the entire book! Once again, with havinAs usual, Jacqueline Winsprear provided a Maisie Dobbs story that I didn't want to put down until I'd finished the entire book! Once again, with having completed A SUNLIT WEAPON, I am left waiting for the next Maisie book to be published. Unfortunately, it's likely not going to happen until next year sometime. In the meantime, if you haven't yet read any of these mystery/historical novel books: I highly recommend all of them! The current one, the one I am now "reviewing," is out and awesome!
Although the Maisie mysteries are stand-alone tales, I would think it's .better to read them in order. You get acquainted with so many of the ongoing characters that way! As for the current one, A SUNLIT WEAPON, it's now past the Pearl Harbor attack, and the American troops are in England. And some of the women who have been moving planes into and about England (dubbed "ferry pilots"), aiding the war effort, are a major part of this story - because they have become targets. Maisie is called on to investigate what's happening because one such pilot believes there's something strange and dangerous going on. Meanwhile, Maisie's husband is involved in trying to ensure that a visit to England by Eleanor Roosevelt will come off with no problems. Could that visit by the American First lady have anything to do with the death of a female flyer? Oh... and then there's the huge issue of Black American soldiers and their treatment - will one black suspect be found guilty because he was found, tied up, in the wrong place at the wrong time? Lots to read, learn about, ponder in this Maisie mystery.
And by the way, if you haven't read any of Winspears's books yet, you should know that she is an excellent author who utilizes many reliable sources as she writes her plots. Born in England, she also has strong memories of her parents' and grandparents' telling her about WW1 & WW2 experiences. She seeks out facts about what's happening during the entire time period of each Maisie episode. I have also read the couple of the stand-alone novels she's written (one won the Dayton Literary Peace Prize), as well as her nonfiction: a memoir: THIS TIME NEXT YEAR WE'LL BE LAUGHING. Loved the latter, especially because it lets the reader in on many of the locations, people, etc. that inspired her Maisie Dobs Series! (Note: the first book in the series is simply titled MAISIE DOBBS, by Jaceline Winspear!)
Don't miss this series! I warn you, though (just in case you haven't already figured it out via the above): it becomes addictive!...more
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