As a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, this became a wonderful re-visit to a book I read long ago.
How can we not be touched by booCatching up鈥�
As a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, this became a wonderful re-visit to a book I read long ago.
How can we not be touched by books that are centered around dogs? Or a pet of some sort? In this case, a black labrador retriever named Lloyd-Cooper. Although on the cover of this book, he looks chocolate brown. Still, look at that cover, isn鈥檛 that face kissable?
Also, stories like this can certainly capture our attention. Especially when the main protagonist, Rocky, in this instance, are left in a place of such unsurmountable loss. And, just need to walk away from everything, not sure they can ever recover. And, of course, we know that when humans are in this difficult position, we sense intuitively, all they really need is the love of a good dog (pet) to bring them back to life. Or at least that is what we as readers can hope.
This truly is a story about healing. On so many levels. When Rocky escapes to Peak鈥檚 Island, to become an Animal Control Warden, we know this is going to be a new beginning for her after the loss of her husband. Her first rescues are an abandoned tabby cat, and Lloyd (whose real name is Cooper) who has been injured by an arrow. They all apparently need healing, too 鈥� and, not just the physical kind.
It is also a story with a mystery. Because the owner of Lloyd-Cooper was found dead under suspicious circumstances. Killed by whom and why?
So, now that Rocky has Lloyd-Cooper, is she willing to solve the mystery of his owner鈥檚 death in order to keep him and save herself, too?
The story is told from differing points of view, including the dog鈥檚. Which may or may not work for some. But it also can help the story flow and, provide a dog鈥檚 perspective to their world view.
The characters feel real, writing insightful, plot well-paced and the story heart-warming. Remember that book cover? That should at least make you somewhat interested, right? ...more
This is the 2nd in the Marlow Murder Club mystery series. And, even though this could be read as a stand-alone, there is too much background in book 1This is the 2nd in the Marlow Murder Club mystery series. And, even though this could be read as a stand-alone, there is too much background in book 1, 鈥淭he Marlow Murder Club鈥� that should be read first. Doing so provides readers a better understanding of all the main characters. Also, because the author has been very successful with his BBC One, 鈥楧eath in Paradise鈥� series, it was no surprise to this reader, when 鈥楾he Marlow Murder Club鈥� was also made into a successful mini-series. Which I truly enjoyed!
In this story, Judith Potts, our main protagonist gets an unusual invitation from wealthy, Sir Peter Bailey to attend his pre-wedding party. When Judith makes a joke about his concerns for inviting her because there is a chance for another possible murder for her to solve, she never intended for that foretelling to come true.
But what happens when it is a locked room mystery? How could someone have murdered the person with the room locked from the inside, and the only key to the room being in the victim鈥檚 pocket?
More frustration ensues when Detective Sergeant Tanika Malik, who has worked closely with the women, Becks and Suzi (the other members of the Marlow Murder Club) has been demoted to the office. Her boss has come back from a leave of absence to take over the investigation. And, he chooses to believe it is not a murder.
So, what will Judith and the women discover on their way to finding out the truth 鈥� including getting Tanika鈥檚 boss to believe this is truly a murder that needs to be solved?
With short chapters, many twists, and several suspects, readers will have the opportunity to follow along in this easy-to-read cozy.
I loved her story, 鈥淭he Lost Ticket,鈥� a lot more than I did 鈥淭he Last Chance Library.鈥� But I wasn鈥檛 quite ready to give up on this author, yet. So, whI loved her story, 鈥淭he Lost Ticket,鈥� a lot more than I did 鈥淭he Last Chance Library.鈥� But I wasn鈥檛 quite ready to give up on this author, yet. So, when I found this book on my local library book shelf, I knew it was time for me to take a chance by meeting the neighbors.
So, how does one best describe a nosy neighbor? Is it that person who seems to spy on everything we do, and if they don鈥檛 like it, they will record it in their journal and report it to the landlord? In this case, that would be bristly Dorothy who has lived at Shelley House for 34 years, and really cares about the building. Maybe she might be a bit annoyed at her neighbors, but her intentions appear to be good ones. At least, from her perspective. Maybe eventually from readers, too.
And, for readers we have an opportunity to meet all the neighbors. Getting a sense of who each person is, why they live here, and what is important to them.
When everyone receives an eviction notice because a new apartment development is planned to replace this old, dilapidating building, this seems like something to fight against.
Will they win and save their old building?
There is something to be said about a story filled with quirky, readable characters that have a cause.
The question is, will they come together and get along? And, what personal mysteries will we as readers discover about them along the way.
This is a heartfelt, uplifting story, with unforgettable characters that will delight most readers. It is filled with friendship, community spirit, found family and love. Enough good feelings to make anyone want to meet the neighbors.
I remember reading this book years ago, so when it was recently donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I thought it would be interesting Catching up鈥�
I remember reading this book years ago, so when it was recently donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I thought it would be interesting to re-visit it. I particularly appreciated the sensitivity the author took in addressing one of the character鈥檚 disorders. It is particularly encouraging to read a story in which the inner-voice of a teen on the spectrum is represented so well in fiction.
In many ways, this may be considered a YA novel, since its characters are teens. But there is something poignant to the story, which makes its audience universal.
The story is told from two alternating points of view. Liana, who loves studying astronomy. Outer-space. The planets. And, then there is Hank, with Asperger鈥檚 Syndrome who has a love of music, but an awkwardness that makes him wonder if he will ever be kissed by a girl.
As we watch the character鈥檚 struggles, i.e., family issues, social anxieties, negative self-image, living on the spectrum, we can鈥檛 help but feel a sense of hope that they will be able to find self-acceptance and maybe even love along their journey. And, even if the story gets bogged down at times, we can still ponder and appreciate these characters and feel hopeful for them....more
This is a first in a series which features protagonist, widowed DS Declan Miller. He is a detective who appears emotionally unready to be back at workThis is a first in a series which features protagonist, widowed DS Declan Miller. He is a detective who appears emotionally unready to be back at work, but here he is, facing a case involving the murder of two men. Readers will recognize immediately his loss, as he has many mental discussions about the case with his late wife, Alex, a police officer that was killed in the line of duty.
Miller has a work partner, DS Sara Xiu. They seem completely mis-matched, but the chemistry still works as they tackle the case of the killings. There is also a memorable supporting cast of characters, and the mystery of Miller鈥檚 wife鈥檚 death that gives readers an interest in future books for this series.
The story is well-plotted, has some humor and also moving moments as it scurries quickly with its short chapters....more
I want to give credit to MJ Parfitt, author of 鈥淭he Onionologist鈥� for reminding me of this book. My review of her book is here: https://www.goodreads.I want to give credit to MJ Parfitt, author of 鈥淭he Onionologist鈥� for reminding me of this book. My review of her book is here: /review/show...
Re-visiting this book is an interesting experience, as the book was first published in 1978. And, since this book, there have been 9 more written depicting the life of a group of friends in San Francisco.
I also understand that 鈥淭ales鈥� was originally serialized as regular installments in the San Francisco Chronicle prior to becoming novels. Even the iconic apartment house that includes some of our characters at 28 Barbary Lane has become a part of popular culture. This included more bestselling novels, along with a Peabody award-winning 1993 television mini-series and staged musicals in 1999 and 2009. In 2019, Netflix produced a sequel mini-series. Another fun fact was that the BBC News in 2019 considered this book one of the 100 most influential novels.
And speaking about it being serialized, because he was writing in 鈥榬eal-time,鈥� the author included many current events into his stories. But reading this one in 2025, which as I mentioned was published in 1978, makes it seem somewhat dated. Still, it is nice to be brought back to a time when rents were affordable in California. Especially, San Francisco. Is that when we sigh, 鈥榯hose were the days?鈥�
Maupin also had a way of using this column to pave his way to his own personal truth. He shared in 2007 how he , 鈥溾€sed this column, in fact, as a means of finally telling the truth about myself, coming out to my parents in North Carolina.鈥� One of his characters uses that exact letter in the story. He also said鈥�
鈥淚 would not have been able to do any of this had I not felt so embraced by a city where everyone 鈥� gay, straight, and traveling 鈥� had learned to recognize, if not yet fully celebrate, the infinite possibilities of humanity.鈥�
I wonder how Maupin would feel in today鈥檚 world. Would he have been able to share his truth so readily?
Even so, as we travel back in time, Maupin has a wonderful way of creating believable and quirky characters, and sharing how they interact with one another. This was truly the 70鈥檚 鈥� very hippie, free love, drugs flowing and women finding their independence. Where finding themselves and a career, for our women characters, took priority over falling in love and getting married; and, having children. The author also touches on gay rights, black pride, gay pride, secrets and lies, and how it impacted the character鈥檚 lives.
The chapters are short which made the story an easy-quick-read. It is easy to form connections with the characters, and appreciate their journey. For anyone looking for an escape into the past, and some characters to pal around with, this is the place to be.
This author also wrote 鈥淔leishman is in Trouble.鈥� Review here: /review/show...
I should have known I would be in for it againThis author also wrote 鈥淔leishman is in Trouble.鈥� Review here: /review/show...
I should have known I would be in for it again, reading this book. What do I mean exactly? This author knows how to write stories that encompass dysfunctional characters. In this novel, the author tells the story of a wealthy, dysfunctional suburban Jewish family.
鈥淒o you want to hear a story about a terrible ending?鈥�
This is the first sentence of the book. Well, if that isn鈥檛 a set up, I don鈥檛 know what is.
The story begins in 1980, when the father, Carl Fletcher is kidnapped and tortured for ransom. He is eventually returned, but the event affects him and his family in ways they are unable to let go. Which is the rest of the novel. The emotional fallout.
The story is told in 3rd person perspective by their 3 children, now as adults. How does this kidnapping create generational trauma, repression and/or even insulate them from the rest of the world? The children will tell readers. And, this is where the author gets really good with her well-developed characters 鈥� as neurotic as they may be. They are believable. And, interesting. With the storyline, adding some humor to the quirkiness.
This is a somewhat touching novel with sad, anxious, messy characters who may also be annoying, too. Do they lead us to that 鈥渢errible ending?鈥� (No spoilers from me.)...more
Londoner Elle is a bit of a mess. She drinks too much, has a foul mouth and a penchant for saying exactly how she feels, that gets her in and out of tLondoner Elle is a bit of a mess. She drinks too much, has a foul mouth and a penchant for saying exactly how she feels, that gets her in and out of trouble easily. But she is a true friend and Lucy and Angus will willingly attest to her loyalty.
When she loses her job as a flight attendant, she also dumps her cheating fianc茅 and heads back to school to earn her degree in viticulture. Lucy who was also a flight attendant, gets a settlement after an office accident and, starts her own business. Angus still flies the skies (for now) but will do anything to be there for both of them.
So, when it is time for Elle鈥檚 college internship, the 3 of them decide to take a wild drive up the California coastline, Hwy 1, before settling in to intern with Jude, a winemaker, in Sonoma (CA). Along the way Elle finds a kitten she names Luis, and also learns what is really going on with Lucy. (No spoilers from me.)
For readers, pages will turn as they follow Elle, Lucy and Angus, and the many other well-developed characters, through travel and business adventures; and, relationship dynamics and health challenges.
How will the best friends be able to navigate these changes? What new futures can they look forward to for themselves and those they connect with along the way?
This is an easy-to-read, page-turner with some laugh-out-loud humorous moments. It also includes flawed, but quirky characters that will take readers on an emotional, sometimes whip-fast rollercoaster ride.
The story sometimes flips back in forth in time without notice, which may at times be confusing for the reader. But those flips also help to provide insights into the characters and their motivations.
Mostly, this is a heart-felt story of enduring friendship, family, finding oneself, grief and loss, vulnerability, and love in all its many forms. There may be some Kleenex moments.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary debut novel for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review....more
I had been on the waitlist from my local library forever to receive this book. So, I hadn鈥檛 really thought much about it, until it arrived. All 448 paI had been on the waitlist from my local library forever to receive this book. So, I hadn鈥檛 really thought much about it, until it arrived. All 448 pages of it, with 4 extra pages of notes.
And, I wasn鈥檛 sure I even wanted to dip my toes in the water of this one. But there are some of my 欧宝娱乐 friends who I absolutely trust, especially when they give 5-star reviews to a book. Like my 欧宝娱乐 friend, Suz. Her review is here: /review/show...
But I will say this, not everyone felt the same. I will share more in my review.
So, I went into this recognizing that this was going to be a long-read, that I may or may not like.
My first thought was, what is the significance of the title? Intermezzo. What exactly does it mean? Definition:
鈥淎 short light piece between the acts of a serious drama 鈥� a short movement connecting parts of a longer work.鈥�
Of course, I am leaving the words, musical, opera and play out of the definition, because that is not this book. But the definition still might work. Consider it as you read the book.
As readers we are introduced to two brothers, Peter, a successful barrister in Dublin and Ivan who is 10 years younger who plays chess competitively, and wears ceramic braces. We will learn later why he wears these braces. They are in mourning over the death of their father. We can feel a lingering resentment between the brothers. We will gain insight into this, as we read on.
And, as we get more into the story, how we feel about each brother will change. The author has a way of making us connect to the characters deeply.
As an example, the story is in and out of love relationships as it relates to the brothers and the people in their lives. And, going through the relationships may make some of us weepy. Have Kleenex handy.
As we navigate the relationships of the brothers, and get a sense of what has caused their own bitterness towards one another, we are also moved in some ways by their individual growth. The feelings displayed.
So, what was my reading experience in comparison to others? Because aren鈥檛 we sometimes looking at several reviews getting a sense of whether or not we want to read the book?
I could tell from other鈥檚 reviews that for some people they were ready for the ending. Some didn鈥檛 even make it to the ending. For some they wanted more, and were sad that the book was 鈥渙ver.鈥�
For me, I was charmed in some ways, but also annoyed because there were so many pages. I typically am annoyed by long books anyway, so take that about me with a grain of salt. And, even if I was able to get through all those pages, I was ready to say goodbye to the book, too.
Still, it was a compelling story with well-developed characters that made my time between the pages somewhat fulfilling, for the most part. Now it is your decision to determine whether you want to read the book, or not. Read Suz鈥檚 review. I think she will convince you what to do....more
Readers will find themselves in the midst of three triplet sisters. They just happen to be witches that run a magical tearoom that offer tea readings Readers will find themselves in the midst of three triplet sisters. They just happen to be witches that run a magical tearoom that offer tea readings in their community. There is just one slight problem for these sisters. Apparently, they have been cursed.
With whimsy and charm, this is an endearing, imperfect, enchanting mystery story of self-discovery in which readers root for the sisters as they search for a way to break the curse.
This is a cozy, heartwarming story for anyone who loves magical realism and stories of sisterly connection and community....more
This was recently donated to my Little Free Library Shed by a friend of mine. And, when I was looking through it, I realized that I had read it beforeThis was recently donated to my Little Free Library Shed by a friend of mine. And, when I was looking through it, I realized that I had read it before. So, it was interesting to re-visit it again.
This was not an easy read before or as a re-visit. How do I describe it? Maybe I don鈥檛.
There is a great expectation to understand that it was a fantasy read for one, and a love story on another level. Was there a moral lesson here, too? Was there something of comic genius, as well?
I say this and ask this, because I question it in my own way of attempting to understand all that I read.
Are we supposed to be caught up in some magic? Is there supposed to be some justice determined? An acceptance of responsibility? Good vs. evil?
Any way you look at it, the direct narrative triumphs in its magical realism depiction of a chaotic New York City world. So, either readers are going to love this book or hate it. Could there possibly be an in-between? I don鈥檛 think so. But readers will definitely feel something as they venture through Helprin鈥檚 view of this world.
If nothing else, I would say that this may be a great book for group discussion. Because for me to try and explain it would be fruitless. Perhaps this makes 鈥榃inter鈥檚 Tale鈥� a great gift just for be-ing its own interesting piece of literature. I have to believe rating it is all over the place, too.
To be honest, I had no idea who this comedian was until I read a fellow 欧宝娱乐 friend鈥檚 review of this book. I was so intrigued with the review andTo be honest, I had no idea who this comedian was until I read a fellow 欧宝娱乐 friend鈥檚 review of this book. I was so intrigued with the review and the author鈥檚 story I thought it would be interesting to read her book.
This is another reason I appreciate my friends here on 欧宝娱乐. They introduce me to books I may not have otherwise read.
Apparently, Bamford has starred in a Netflix show for 2 seasons, entitled 鈥淟ady Dynamite鈥� playing a character that is not unlike herself. Her sense of comedic humor comes through the pages, with her jokes about herself. We soon discover that she finds humor necessary to her own healing and recovery.
In this 3-section book with 23 chapters, she shares her life with readers by shining a light on family, fame and mental health care. On page 13 she tells readers 鈥淗ow to Use this Book.鈥� It is clear through her memoir, that her sense of humor reigns. Still, as she describes her various misadventures, some not always funny, she does have a way of making a joke at her own expense. Thus, helping her to embrace her messy life and come to a place of self-acceptance. This book feels like her journey to find what will work best for her in best addressing her mental health.
Readers will quickly appreciate her recipes at the end of each chapter, which are not meant for traditional baking.
Her openness definitely allows readers to laugh and cry at the same time. Grateful that she chose humor to address her life challenges.
The subject matter may seem dark (i.e., discussions of suicide, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder {OCD}) but she is empathetic and honest in giving readers insight into her mind. In many ways, her story shines an important light on mental illness. And, through our reading experience, we find understanding.
Be sure to read her 鈥楢ppendix鈥� titled: The Twelve (Silly) Steps of (Super Stupid) Twelve-Step Programs....more
For the most part, this stand-alone novel is an interesting legal thriller with good courtroom drama scenes (when provided), and a compelling cast of For the most part, this stand-alone novel is an interesting legal thriller with good courtroom drama scenes (when provided), and a compelling cast of characters. But are these characters believable?
When readers think everything is solved, they will soon find out there is more to unravel in this sometimes, engrossing page-turner.
We first meet Charlie Webb who has an average law practice. But when he is assigned Guido as his client, everything changes.
As a quirky artist, Guido has high expectations about where his art that is bought by others, should be hung. When restaurant owner Gretchen Hall doesn鈥檛 hang his art where it gets maximum exposure for the public to see, he decides to take his painting back, and while doing so, rob her safe. The thing is, what he took from the safe means something to a lot of 鈥渋mportant鈥� people.
What did he steal that has everyone out to collect it and possibly putting Guido in danger? And, when we learn that Gretchen has been arrested for her role in a more serious crime, and then murdered, and Guido accused of her murder, is everything quite as it seems?
I couldn鈥檛 help but wonder if this story felt 鈥渞ipped from the headlines鈥� 鈥� i.e., the Epstein/Maxwell case comes to mind. Which made this aspect of the story feel somewhat uncomfortable in its execution.
And yet, aspects of this novel may be interpreted as entertaining, quick-paced, and twisty enough that readers may possibly hope that Charlie Webb can get to the bottom of it all before the last page.
The question is, will we as readers be patient enough to see the story to its end? Or, will it be a skipper read because we just want it to be done?
If you were looking for Jack Reacher, you will not find him here in these short crime stories by his former author, Lee Child. What you will find are If you were looking for Jack Reacher, you will not find him here in these short crime stories by his former author, Lee Child. What you will find are 20 short stories that explore different characters and themes with unexpected twists and sometimes puzzling, rushed endings.
I was initially attracted to this story because it was an 鈥極tto Penzler presents American Mystery Classics鈥� series book. It also appeared to have an iI was initially attracted to this story because it was an 鈥極tto Penzler presents American Mystery Classics鈥� series book. It also appeared to have an interesting premise. Also, having the crime occur on a cruise ship gave it an almost 鈥渓ocked room mystery鈥� feeling.
Although this book was published in 2023, the story was originally written in 1932. So, for anyone looking for modern techniques to help solve the case, it doesn鈥檛 occur here. Instead, in this story, the ship鈥檚 captain, when faced with a complicated murder, he decides to turn to four eminent psychologists on board the ship to help him solve the crime.
Each doctor brings their own unique perspective to how they believe the crime was committed and why. And, while they continue to pontificate, other crimes occur that lend interest to this imperfect, but interestingly plotted mystery. Still, as a reader we can鈥檛 help but wonder, who would want a ticket on this dangerously crime-filled cruise?
Also, which doctor will figure out the culprit? There is a clue finder at the end of the book that is only supposed to be used after the story is finished. How well as readers, did we do as amateur sleuths?
An interesting aside, readers are encouraged to read the introduction for insights into the author, who was also a psychologist....more
Ruddy McCann steals cars 鈥渓egitimately鈥� for a living. He is a 鈥渞epo man.鈥� And, one night he has a dream in which he believes he sees himself dead. ButRuddy McCann steals cars 鈥渓egitimately鈥� for a living. He is a 鈥渞epo man.鈥� And, one night he has a dream in which he believes he sees himself dead. But what actually happens is that suddenly he is hearing in his head the voice of Alan Lottner, the actual dead man.
So, is Ruddy going crazy?
And of course, as readers we are curious about how these two characters could possibly have ended up together. One person alive. And, one person a 鈥渄ead man鈥檚 voice鈥� in the alive person鈥檚 body.
So, what do we as readers think or want to happen?
Well, once we suspend disbelief, readers will most likely want Ruddy to find out, was there really a person named Alan Lottner, who was murdered? Sounds logical, right?
And, of course, if Alan Lottner was murdered, who murdered him and why? And, maybe while he was at it, could someone explain how his voice ended up in Ruddy鈥檚 head? Because, as long as his voice was going to be in his head, he might as well make himself useful and help solve his murder.
Not too complicated, right?!
This is not a typical Cameron novel. If you have read Cameron before, readers have been treated to stories from a dog鈥檚 point of view. So, having a repo man as an unlikely hero, in a small town, seems a rather interesting direction for this author. We can still count on a dog in the story. In this case, it is Ruddy鈥檚 dog, Jake, even if he plays a lesser role. A rather easy-going dog that doesn鈥檛 like to go on walks.
This story also features a kooky cast of characters in Cameron鈥檚 first mystery outing. With, definitely an odd-pairing of Ruddy and Alan. For anyone who enjoys a sense of humor, likes a different quirky take on a murder mystery, with a dash of romance, this might be a fun, quick read....more
What did I just read? Let me just say that I wanted to love it. Well, first I wanted to like it. Because I really wasn鈥檛 sure what I read here. I justWhat did I just read? Let me just say that I wanted to love it. Well, first I wanted to like it. Because I really wasn鈥檛 sure what I read here. I just know my emotions were left between these pages here. This was a deep, moving, tale, and it got me鈥ut鈥�
Was it real? Whether or not it was, there is something to be said about this deeply moving story.
Helen, an 80-something widow has given up on herself. Her life. And she has left everything behind and moved to her old home. That she grew up in at one point in her life. But everything she knew once, has changed, so why did she do it?
We can tell that Helen鈥檚 spirit is gone. And, it certainly is at this point as a reader that we are feeling her aloneness and sadness and loss of self and hope for anything more from this life.
Does this make it a depressing saga? Not necessarily. But it definitely will touch readers with its heart-felt moments. There is something relatable here. And, we can鈥檛 help but pay attention.
Helen is alone. Very alone. And, we definitely can feel that intensity of aloneness that is felt through aging. The author highlights it so well. And, for this I give him credit for having readers feel it so deeply. And, as readers, experiencing this intensity of aloneness, we can鈥檛 help but feel Helen, as we inhabit her movements, when one night, late, she goes out, and picks up her neighbor鈥檚 trash. There is something surreal about this, especially as she finds memories of her son in one of the toys she finds in that trash.
And, as readers we can鈥檛 help but be caught up in her aloneness and routines. And, her fascination with this trash, when there is this moment, as she is exploring and cleaning, she finds a鈥ouse? That she names Sipsworth. (Hence: the name of the book!) And, she makes it her mission to bring this mouse back to health.
Or does she? Hence, my confusion.
And, eventually she starts to meet people. And, now she has a life, worth living? And, friends who are helping her, help Sipsworth live? Yes, these are question marks.
But when it is time to have other people come and get Sipsworth the help it needs鈥o spoilers. Because that would give away everything. And, perhaps my confusion, most of all.
Still, the closeness of the community connection, takes Helen out of her head and creates something she didn鈥檛 have, which gives Van Booy鈥檚 writing a softness, and a sensitivity even in my confusion about the story. Because, even if I struggled to like or love it, I recognize there was something deep here. A place we all know that could happen to any one of us.
Questions that we might even ask ourselves.
How do we overcome this loneliness as we age? When people we loved in partnership are no longer with us? And, it is just us navigating this life on our own?
This was a very quick, one sitting read. But even as eloquent as the prose was, it was still a confusing read. Of a lonely lady who didn鈥檛 want to live, who found something (a mouse?) that gave her a reason to live. And, maybe that was the point? Definitely a compelling one. Maybe we all need something to give us a reason for living.
Side note: I know, even this one was an unusual one for me to pick as my last book for the year. But I have come to recognize that even around the holidays, not all people are in celebration mode. Look around you. Be sensitive. Be open to the private and hidden stories others might be harboring. Some might be in shadow or challenged by grief. I know that the holidays aren鈥檛 always filled with presents and joy for everyone. Wherever you are on your journey, please know you are not alone. Sending love and hugs and hearts and prayers and light to all who need and want it today and always. And, a radiance of blessings in 2025. 鉂わ笍鈥�...more
I was actually looking for another book when I was searching the online catalog of my local library. The one I wanted wasn鈥檛 available, and instead thI was actually looking for another book when I was searching the online catalog of my local library. The one I wanted wasn鈥檛 available, and instead this one came up in my search. I couldn鈥檛 resist the cover or the header, 鈥淎 Magical Bookshop Mystery.鈥� So, I decided to order this one.
Now, having said that, I will be the first to tell anyone that the best thing to do with any series, is to begin by reading the first in the series. So, needless to say, even though it was an easy cozy read, I probably would have benefited more if I had started this series from the beginning. Unfortunately for me, this was the only book in the series that was available at my local library. But I still couldn鈥檛 resist trying it out.
I know, that had I had the opportunity to begin the series at the beginning, I would have had a better understanding of the charm and magic of the 鈥淐harming Books鈥� bookstore. Especially as it relates to the many characters that inhabit the place. Like its talking crow, Faulkner. Or the beautiful magical birch tree at the center of the store. Or the insightful tuxedo cat, Emerson, and the flying books that open to specific pages to give the proprietor, Violet important messages for the day to help her solve mysteries. And, then there is Grandmother Daisy who is also Mayor of the town, who was the previous proprietor. And then there is Police Chief David Rainwater who at the beginning of the story, is Violet鈥檚 fianc茅, soon to be husband.
Of course, there are more characters that make up the small village of Cascade Springs outside Western New York.
And, I have to believe their characters were given center stage in the first book to explain how they came to be through backstory. When you come into the 5th book in the series, like me, the backstory isn鈥檛 there, but their magic is, and well, I just went with it.
So, besides trying to get a handle on all the various characters, there is the mystery. And, in this case it involves the death of person and a 1st edition copy of the book 鈥淲alden鈥� by Henry David Thoreau. Oh yes, some people do die, even in a cute, cozy mystery.
Now, Violet, our main protagonist, happens to find herself in the middle of a crime scene by being present when the body is discovered. She also tries to figure out who did it, and she is also in a scene trying to get away from a probable killer. Yes, she managed to get herself in all three of these circumstances throughout the story! It is a good thing she is marrying/married to the Police Chief!
Still, despite the predictability of Violet鈥檚 role, and the over-cuteness of the magical creatures that reside in the bookstore, it was a delightful easy read, while I was waiting for my PET CT. And, most likely will be the same for any reader who is looking to enjoy a sweet winter read that has likable characters, heart-warming moments, and a well-paced plot that will keep readers engaged....more
To be honest, as I have grown older, along with living with cancer, I have come to appreciate more what it means to be living in this present moment. To be honest, as I have grown older, along with living with cancer, I have come to appreciate more what it means to be living in this present moment. Simply put鈥resent moment living.
And, as I am now one year into a new decade, and not quite the decade that Augusta Stern inhabits, I recognize how each day does make a difference. Especially when we appreciate that we are experiencing it, with the people we surround ourselves with 鈥� whether they are family, friends or special loved ones, including our beloved pets.
So, it is not uncommon for me to be attracted to stories that introduce characters such as Augusta, as strong鈥ven if it is considered headstrong, independent, fiercely capable and also in her case, recently retired as a pharmacist who heads off to Florida to live in a special retirement community.
But little did she expect to run into the love of her life, Irving who 鈥渞ejected鈥� her when she was young and impressionable, who also now happens to live in the same community.
At first, I wasn鈥檛 sure I liked Augusta. She seemed rather angry and resentful towards having to retire and having to see Irving, especially believing that he didn鈥檛 love her in the same way she loved him. She was always so quick to judge him!
Could we as readers be more patient with him, and want to understand what really may have happened between the two all those years ago? And more importantly, would I become more patient with Augusta?
As readers go back and forth through time, they learn the truth of what really happened between these star-crossed lovers. They also learn about the special 鈥渉ealing gifts鈥� that Augusta possesses.
And, surprisingly for me, I did become more understanding towards Augusta. In fact her energy made me feel a sprint of it, too. Enough to come up with different questions鈥�
Will Augusta and Irving be able to find an HEA even at 80 and 82 respectively? Can Augusta ever really retire? Should she?
Sometimes we need stories where we find characters that believe in the power of women and medicine and miracles and moonlight and chicken soup that can heal. And, that have stories with characters that just happen to be 80+ years old.
鈥溾€his book is a reminder that age doesn鈥檛 change who we are, that second chances are always possible, and that it is never too late to try to recapture the lost magic of our youth.鈥�
I use to have very vivid dreams. And, I was usually fairly successful in interpreting them. Don鈥檛 ask. Anyway, one of my favorite dreams was when I woI use to have very vivid dreams. And, I was usually fairly successful in interpreting them. Don鈥檛 ask. Anyway, one of my favorite dreams was when I would levitate and fly across the sky, looking down at life as I knew it. I remember mostly how I felt so free and joyful amongst the clouds. And, when I would wake up, I felt so light. As if every burden I had once carried no longer existed.
So, when I read the premise of this book about a levitating woman, I thought, 鈥渨hy not read this one?鈥� Maybe this might be what was needed in my life, a bit of magic and freedom and belief in possibilities.
Sometimes as readers, we need to find different ways to handle grief, and in this story, levitation was a unique emotional response to the death of our main character鈥檚 husband. There was definitely a sense of whimsy with her levitation as she navigated her loss.
Tere, our widow, is vibrant, funny and relatable. As readers, following her journey, we can鈥檛 help but feel her emotions, too.
The magical realism of the story (one of my favorite genres) blended with cultural heritage helped to create a cozy comfort feeling. And, an opportunity for any of us to reflect on life鈥檚 greatest questions when faced with important losses and changes in our lives.
Of course, there is a mystery to her levitation, and so Tere sets off on an adventure, that she takes readers on with her. Thus, allowing all of us to find healing along with her.
Maybe in healing 鈥� we also can believe in living life fully, despite the sadnesses or disappointments we may face along the way. Which makes this story although, imperfect in its telling, still uplifting in its message. ...more
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