Not much into fossils, had a hard time staying engaged in book. Mary and her mentor friend Elizabeth had a loving bond that was special. Loved that thNot much into fossils, had a hard time staying engaged in book. Mary and her mentor friend Elizabeth had a loving bond that was special. Loved that their tiff was resolved and they were reunited in the end. Mary being uneducated, living in poverty, but a talented fossil finder needed educated Elizabeth to advocate for her in order to sell her museum quality finds without being taken advantage of. Felt sad for spinster sisters Elizabeth/Margaret/Louise as they were so dependent on their solicitor brother for support. Mary ended up a spinster as well, although all four women were plain, they desired to wed. They were strong/smart/resilient women, survivors!...more
Quick easy-breezy read. A tad wordy, had to skim somewhat. Other than Bryan’s socially complex childhood issues felt author shared very little. The neQuick easy-breezy read. A tad wordy, had to skim somewhat. Other than Bryan’s socially complex childhood issues felt author shared very little. The news had covered most already. Agreed that Bryan must have encountered one of the girls at the Mediterranean restaurant she worked at, stalked her possibly as his pray. Was his criminology obscession to create the perfect crime without getting caught? Surely the connecting evidence will give families justice, deaths will not be in vain. ...more
Sad read… Book a tad wordy, too many details. Tragic loss such a beautiful couple! Carolyn seemed to be an awesome, kind person, but as history has proveSad read… Book a tad wordy, too many details. Tragic loss such a beautiful couple! Carolyn seemed to be an awesome, kind person, but as history has proven being married to almost royalty comes at a big price, privacy. For John it was normal, for Carolyn it sucked the life out of her....more
Lorraine was a brave survivor during every woman’s nightmare, plus being a teenager. Deserted by baby’s farther Clint was so sad, a self absorbed cowarLorraine was a brave survivor during every woman’s nightmare, plus being a teenager. Deserted by baby’s farther Clint was so sad, a self absorbed coward! Her parents may as well have deserted her by sending her away, showing no support/love during her crisis/pregnancy. Their stigma of unwed pregnancy was toxic, considering they conceived Lorraine prior to marriage, but wed which was not an option for Lorraine unfortunately. The male/Clint moved forward, the female took all the shame. Loved that her eclectic true friend Alan stepped up, supported her and she ended up with him, a man-up guy!...more
Easy breezy read. Loved her life philosophy, “When they go low, we go high.” Loved her humor regarding having a short memory & thick skin to deflect tEasy breezy read. Loved her life philosophy, “When they go low, we go high.” Loved her humor regarding having a short memory & thick skin to deflect the bullies. She manages to take a negative situation and somehow end with a positive. Does not react, but proactively seek an outcome. Loved her moto to serve her constituents, “Get Sh-t done.” A great leader!...more
Hard to relate to a traveling medicine show, living in 21st century. Have only seen such on TV. I do remember when the fair came to town/Richmond,VA aHard to relate to a traveling medicine show, living in 21st century. Have only seen such on TV. I do remember when the fair came to town/Richmond,VA as a child every September. The workers were a tad scary, rugged and seemed weary/hobo like. Loved that Dr. Tucia was a female trailblazer, unwed raising a Downs Syndrome child. Loved the unique performers, their work family bond with one another. Huey was an opportunist big time and prayed on his workers, their secrets to retain them. He, Tucia and Darl seemed to be the glue that held the group together. Huey by blackmail, Tucia and Darl being humane. As devastating as the 1900 Galveston flood was, it freed the performers at last of Huey’s rule, gave Tucia the courage to trust/love Darl and be the doctor she worked so hard to become....more
Hard to believe case could not be solved. Police seemed totally inept, even losing court transcript documents. Thinking younger daughter Lizzie was the Hard to believe case could not be solved. Police seemed totally inept, even losing court transcript documents. Thinking younger daughter Lizzie was the killer, but was she cleaver enough to cover all the bases with all blood involved? With modern technology today, hard to commit a crime and not get caught. Book was a tad wordy, but legal cases always are....more
Lily was a force to be reckoned with. A true survivor/success story in spite of severe poverty much of her life. She was independent to a fault which Lily was a force to be reckoned with. A true survivor/success story in spite of severe poverty much of her life. She was independent to a fault which made her that much stronger. Growing up on a struggling ranch during dire circumstances made her the trail blazer she was. Thus “What does not kill us makes us stronger.” I thought the title was fitting, as Lily and her family were all “Half Broke Ranchers.”...more
Not a fan of western/cowboy genre, but made myself read for book club. Eve was a freebird and older successful husband John could not relate to her frNot a fan of western/cowboy genre, but made myself read for book club. Eve was a freebird and older successful husband John could not relate to her free spirit or age difference. Post Office mural painter Val/Valentine passing thru was a kind/naive 25 yr old searching much like Eve. Loved no nonsense real cowboy Faro! Only killed when he had to, LOL. Left wondering if he did kill Eve’s ex when he went back to site where he left him with the $10K extortion money. Thinking Eve had no intention of selling the Renoir unless desperate. She felt John valued the painting and political aspirations more than her, sadly. Liked the mural title same as book title, “The Trackers.”...more
Unfortunately Orsola Rosso lived during a time when females were not valued. The males made all decisions, even who they married, to strengthen the faUnfortunately Orsola Rosso lived during a time when females were not valued. The males made all decisions, even who they married, to strengthen the family glass business. Antonio leaving broke her heart, but not her spirit to learn bead making/support her extended family. Reflecting back to her having her first cafe hot chocolate. In her mind thinking she could not afford it comparing what it would cost in 2/glass bead earnings was sad. She worked non-stop, was in a respectful but unloving marriage. Only lived for survival of her family business, keeping food on the table. Loved that her entire family mother/siblings/husbands/wife’s/children/family lived together and made it work....more
Not much into poetry, but book title drew me in. Actually no poetry in book, just 10/letters of critique/encouragement from well known poet Rainer MarNot much into poetry, but book title drew me in. Actually no poetry in book, just 10/letters of critique/encouragement from well known poet Rainer Maria Rilke to a young man aspiring to become a poet. A brief read....more
Her books move too slow/elementary for me. A sad read, stepfather/spouse emotional & physical abuse. As a senior brought back some sad memories for me,Her books move too slow/elementary for me. A sad read, stepfather/spouse emotional & physical abuse. As a senior brought back some sad memories for me, but I forgave a long time ago, at peace....more
An historical fiction history read about Jefferson Davis & his wife Varina. Sadly he was a southern President without a country via his support of slavAn historical fiction history read about Jefferson Davis & his wife Varina. Sadly he was a southern President without a country via his support of slavery, “ Man’s inhumanity to man.” I thought their marital relationship was sad, both unfulfilled. Varina was smart, independent and kind. She suffered a lot of loss, but persevered. Guessing Jefferson’s political aspirations and vanity were his downfall, placing them above his family....more
Sweet romantic read, although not my usual choice. Loved how Sullivan adored Enya despite her being pregnant by another man and their speedy matchmakeSweet romantic read, although not my usual choice. Loved how Sullivan adored Enya despite her being pregnant by another man and their speedy matchmaker/arranged marriage to save social face for Enya and her family. Loved how he was so patient/backed off and gave Enya time to know him. He showed her by his kind actions that there are good men out there, ultimately gaining her trust/love. I firmly believe it is easy to respond to love when you receive it so abundantly. Every woman deserves to be treated/adored by such an awesome man❣️...more
Had a hard time following story first several chapters, but grasped as I read forward. Scotland during potato/food shortage. Religious minister uprisinHad a hard time following story first several chapters, but grasped as I read forward. Scotland during potato/food shortage. Religious minister uprising /splitting from mainstream group/teachings. Idealistic John Ferguson one of the ministers floundering to start a new church, support wife/Mary, survive. Agreeing to do a difficult task, evict/clear only resident Ivar off the sea land for compensation he so desperately needed. Due to John’s nearly drowning upon arrival when departing from ship and Ivar rescuing him, they formed a bond in spite of language barrier. When the ship returned for them John was able in the end to persuade Ivar to leave with him and newly arrived Mary. Ivar aging, being alone finally had a family! Wondering about unusual title “Clear,” but title clicked regarding John’s task to clear the land of its final resident to enable owner to reclaim. Story reminded me of John Steinbeck writing....more
Harry Morgan had a pirate’s spirit. Desperate men do desperate things mentality. Loved 3/4 of book, so funny the way the local rum-head men treated oneHarry Morgan had a pirate’s spirit. Desperate men do desperate things mentality. Loved 3/4 of book, so funny the way the local rum-head men treated one another! In the end fearless Harry’s luck ran out. Last part of book went off on bar room tangents regarding couples drama which did not relate to Harry’s contracted boat adventures, weird ending. ...more
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