I think we’ve all been horrified when discovering the story of how Gisele Pelicot was abused by her husband� it’s just unimaginable. I was reluctant tI think we’ve all been horrified when discovering the story of how Gisele Pelicot was abused by her husband� it’s just unimaginable. I was reluctant to read this book by their daughter, Caroline Darian. Partly because of the horrible crimes it would be talking about, but because it felt icky and voyeuristic. Yet you can’t help but be drawn to the strength Gisele has shown in bringing this out in the open.
The book is short; the audiobook being 3-1/2 hrs (at 1.25). It was the appropriate length. It detailed how it began with him being arrested for photographing two women in shops (up their skirts), but then how the case evolved as details were discovered on his phone and computer. It told how the images in the photos also helped show the timeline for how long this terrible violation had occurred. And how traumatized Caroline has been to discover unknown photos of herself.
While the book certainly includes details, its real focus is how something like this impacts the family. While we all respect Gisele Pelicot for her bravery in choosing to make this public, this book is about their challenges leading up to the trial and how they all struggled to reconcile this new evil man with the one they thought they knew. How the family was splintered at times, and how this man would reach out from prison to play sick games and try to garner sympathy.
Both mother and daughter are fighting to bring this issue of chemical submission into the light and to “bravely transform their private trauma into a collective fight�....more
Valerie Gillis decides to hike the Appalachian Trail. She’s hiking alone, though she meets many people on the trail and, and they find themselves forgValerie Gillis decides to hike the Appalachian Trail. She’s hiking alone, though she meets many people on the trail and, and they find themselves forging bonds in their similar searches and goals. While hiking alone, her husband Gregory supports her by meeting up with her as the trail crosses roads or towns, and helping to provision her. When she fails to show up at their pre-arranged spot, he contacts the game wardens.
Beverly is an experienced Maine State Game Warden, and they have a very high success rate for finding lost hikers. But as the days pass without finding Valerie, Beverly begins to question herself. We also meet Lena, who lives in a retirement community, but becomes involved in the search online.
I loved meeting these women. From outward appearances they are strong and determined, but internally they all are searching.
From Valerie: “No one hikes 2000 miles because they’re happy.�
From Beverly, about her sisters: “They learned to live with the mother they got. That real mother. The mother that you get. You’ve got to love her, there’s no choice. She is the mother you needed. She gave you strength, either because she loved you well or because she loved you poorly. She gave you your mission. It’s the dream mother that you have to let go of, the one you pined for, the one you thought your decency promised you. She’s the one you’ve got to bury. She’s a mirage� she’ll only break your heart.�
Beverly’s musings struck me. Whether it’s a parent, partner, job� How often do we hang onto what we think could be. It’s easier than admitting what is real and the steps we need to take once we accept that reality.
There’s lots more I could share about each of these characters and others. About how Valerie becomes lost, or the beauty of a wilderness you may not survive. The author does an excellent job bringing all those things together. But it’s the people� for they seem like more than characters, that will stick with me....more
I’ve read two other books by this author and I can say I’ve liked them all. The other books I would consider historical fiction, while this is perhapsI’ve read two other books by this author and I can say I’ve liked them all. The other books I would consider historical fiction, while this is perhaps that also but mixed with the cozy mystery genre. I found this book to be a lot of fun! Or at least as much fun as a book based on a woman’s murder can be.
The book features five women crime writers , set in London in 1930. Dorothy Sayers is disturbed that a club she helped create for crime writers looks down on their female counterparts. She brings Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham and the Baroness Emma Orczy together. She suggests they gain status by solving a current unsolved crime.
They decide to take on the case of May Daniel’s, who disappeared during a trip to France with her friend; May is later found dead. They start where the mystery starts, as a locked room mystery. And of course� they solve that part! They find out bits and pieces from shop clerks and others that saw the young woman, but will they really be able to identify the killer?! Based on Dorothy Sayers� life and certain historical elements, the author takes us all to this earlier time. Women have gained some rights, but there is still push back from society when women act too independent. And a woman can easily lose her reputation and face shame. I would love for the story of these crime writing, mystery solving women to continue!...more
This is a very unique book set on a beautiful but remote island near the Antarctic. Dominic and his three children are caretakers on the island, workiThis is a very unique book set on a beautiful but remote island near the Antarctic. Dominic and his three children are caretakers on the island, working to save the world’s largest seed bank before the island is underwater. The setting is beautiful but haunting. While the descriptions of the animals and nature are inspiring� they are offset by grief, dysfunction and a sense of hopelessness. Over the 8 years the family has been there, the island typically had researchers working� but now the family is there alone.
A woman washes up onshore, the boat broken, her body bloody and battered. As they nurse Rowan back to health, they are suspicious of her secrets� and she is equally suspicious of theirs. Each family member is fragile and hurting in their own way. At one point she discovers “concrete cancer� in the tunnels, and explains that the structure will soon fail. They try patches, but that does little to help. I feel like it was symbolic of the cancer buried deep inside each of these characters. They try to make some surface repairs, but it’s not until the secrets and pain are exposed and cut out can they begin to move forward.
Most readers have highly rated this book, and I partly see why. But one GR friend (@Yun) discussed the heavy use of the miscommunication trope. And I think that’s what bothered me most. Not just between the family and Rowan, but mostly between this father and his children. Yes, he has had loss and been overwhelmed, but then he chooses to put his kids on this tiny remote island with little contact with anyone for eight years. Do they experience beauty and nature -yes. But they are isolated, have little access to medical care, and he’s too withdrawn to help them much. Beyond basic physical needs. They just sort of run wild, are left on their own to deal with devastating events, because their dad is so stuck in his own head to even have conversations with them. I kept wanting to say, “pull up your big girl panties and take care of your kids!�.
I do rate it 4 stars because I genuinely enjoyed the characters of the children. I did like how the family came together in times of need. And the setting was wonderful. Obviously parents suffer and lose their way and not one of us is free from making mistakes with our children. But isolating your kids is seldom the answer for me. Even if isolated in beauty. Again, my views are not typical as many have loved this book, so read or listen for yourself! ...more
Ginger Gold is a widow in 1923, traveling from the US to England on the SS Rosa. Ginger is traveling with her beloved Boston terrier Boss, and her deaGinger Gold is a widow in 1923, traveling from the US to England on the SS Rosa. Ginger is traveling with her beloved Boston terrier Boss, and her dear friend Haley. Not long into the journey, the captain is found dead. The suspects: His wife, mistress, one of his crew, or someone unknown? Luckily Chief Inspector Basil Reed is on board� as well, apparently Ginger worked as a wartime operative and has skills of her own!
It’s a fun time in history to read about. Women have gained rights and are feeling empowered. In fact, friend Haley has been a nurse and is looking to train to become a doctor. It’s fun to hear about the fashion of the 20’s. This was a fun cozy mystery, and ends with a peek into their next adventure in London. At just over 3 hours, this audiobook was a quick introduction to this series....more
A Quiet Life tells the story of 3 people dealing with loss, and what happens when they meet.
Chuck’s wife Cat died. They had many happy years together,A Quiet Life tells the story of 3 people dealing with loss, and what happens when they meet.
Chuck’s wife Cat died. They had many happy years together, and he is dealing with loss and regret. Ella lives each day, hoping to hear from her daughter. And Kirsten’s life feels stuck after her father’s death. Sound like a fun book?! Well, the beginning is dealing with a lot of grief and loss.
The three cross paths in unexpected ways. At first just peripherally, and then with more intention. They come to realize the pain within each other, support each other, and through that and other people in their lives, healing begins.
It’s a gently paced sweet book. It’s a reminder to let others into our lives, and that we can move forward, while keeping loved ones in our heart. ...more
The Agarwals are a wealthy but complicated family. The parents and their son Aseem and his wife Zoe live in India, where Aseem has been helping run thThe Agarwals are a wealthy but complicated family. The parents and their son Aseem and his wife Zoe live in India, where Aseem has been helping run the family business. Youngest daughter Aisha lives in the US and lives a very free lifestyle. Older daughter Myra has invited them all to the private, luxury island off Scotland that she is trying to rebuild into a resort. They are there to celebrate the parents� 40th anniversary. A close family on the surface� but underneath there is resentment, jealousy, greed and guilt.
The children are waiting for their father to finalize sale of his business and share how he plans to distribute the money from the sale, along with money in a trust. With the stress of the money, as well as other cracks in all of their relationships, harsh words are said, secrets are shared, and the situation for some becomes desperate.
When it comes to a dysfunctional family like this, is it more dangerous to be in the inner circle? Or one of the excluded? I enjoyed this audiobook and though none of them were very likable, it was entertaining and enjoyable. Rounded up to a 4....more
This is the 2nd in this cozy mystery series, and the fun continues. In book 1 Annie coordinated a murder mystery weekend for her little town. It was vThis is the 2nd in this cozy mystery series, and the fun continues. In book 1 Annie coordinated a murder mystery weekend for her little town. It was very successful for the shops, including the quaint bookstore she works at. Successful unless you were the man that was murdered!
Now a director has contacted Annie to coordinate the premiere of her new murder film. Annie helps plan a film festival, and again the town is all in. Imagine their horror and surprise when a film critic is found dead during the premiere!
Annie previously was working on a criminology degree and their police chief was her professor, so she enlists her help. Can they find the killer before another body appears?!
These are the kind of books I have a hard time rating. It’s a fun adventure, and this one ends on an exciting cliffhanger. It’s not a great piece of literature but it’s very engaging. My 3-1/2 is being rounded down on this one, but it’s a fun 3!...more
Emily starts by trying to turn the townspeople against him, but over time she realizes what a good and caring man he is. They develop a friendship and help each other, and soon there are sparks between them. I enjoyed how they opened up and were vulnerable with each other. And overall it was a good and fun book, but somehow it seemed longer than it needed to be. And while I liked the characters, the premise that Jack followed a woman to another state and got engaged while knowing his feelings weren’t sufficient just seemed off to me.
It was fun to hear about the siblings that we’ve met in previous books, and I’m sure I will read the next one. ...more
In the previous book, The Perfect Marriage, attorney Sarah Morgan defends her husband when he is charged with killing his mistress. Now we return elevIn the previous book, The Perfect Marriage, attorney Sarah Morgan defends her husband when he is charged with killing his mistress. Now we return eleven years later, married to attorney Bob Miller. The two have a beautiful daughter they are both devoted too. Bob loves his wife, but Bob screwed up and Sarah found out he has been with another woman. For Sarah, there is no going forward together and she initiates their separation.
Things get complicated when the case against Sarah’s first husband is reopened with new evidence. Then the woman Bob was involved with disappears, and it looks as if she met Bob before her disappearance. People die, disappear, fingers are pointed, trust dissolves� who is behind these actions and who are the victims? The author keeps you guessing as the plot twists and turns. The book is full of fun characters you will love to hate. ...more
Paul is a successful trader on Wall Street. At a party he meets Tatyana and the two grow into a relationship. Tatyana is a photographer and he wondersPaul is a successful trader on Wall Street. At a party he meets Tatyana and the two grow into a relationship. Tatyana is a photographer and he wonders how she can support herself, while falling in love. He suspects she has some family help, but he is not prepared for the extraordinary home and wealth once he is finally introduced. As their relationship grows, Tatyana’s father offers him a job which he takes.
It’s not long before he realizes that he is in fact a Russian oligarch and there are suspicious things happening in his company. He’s approached by US intelligence, and as he gets more involved he realizes the risky situation he is in. When things explode he goes on the run, though fortunately he planned ahead and has an identity he can assume. He lives quietly in his assumed identity until the Russians track him down.
Once again he is on the run for his life. He finds himself depending upon the survivalist skills his dad taught him when he was younger, but he knows he can’t live the rest of his life this way. It’s a fight for survival, and those after him have tracking sophisticated methods. Is it the Russians after him, or his own government?
This was an interesting and fast paced adventure. Some of it makes you realize how scary our times are and what can happen when power is abused. I’m interested to try more by this author. Over 4 stars for me, but not sure about 5 - I really wish there were 1/2 stars....more
With Love From London is a sweet dual timeline story of mother and daughter. Eloise lives in London as a young woman but moves to America to start herWith Love From London is a sweet dual timeline story of mother and daughter. Eloise lives in London as a young woman but moves to America to start her life as a new wife. She has regrets about things left behind, and her life in America is lonely. But her happiness comes from her daughter Valentina.
Eloise returns to England when Val is eleven. What is intended as a short trip ends up separating mother and daughter. Val does not hear from her again, until she learns that her mother has died and left her a bookstore and flat.
Uncertain what to expect, Val is off to London. As a librarian it is easy to fall in love with the sweet Book Garden. She also has the opportunity to meet people who knew her mother and learn more about her.
There is some romance that is sweet, but the book is mostly about Val learning the secrets of her mother’s life. Through these discoveries she is able to heal, and learn to love. I listened to the audiobook and particularly liked the timeline of Val. It’s funny in an audiobook because I’m never sure how much the narration affects my perception� Eloise’s story is probably more interesting in some ways, but there’s a warmth and energy to Val’s narration that I particularly enjoyed. ...more
This is a very sweet romance. The setting is so beautiful and idyllic that it’s hard not to be envious.
Persephone (Percy) begins spending summers andThis is a very sweet romance. The setting is so beautiful and idyllic that it’s hard not to be envious.
Persephone (Percy) begins spending summers and holidays at “the lake� when her parents buy a lakeside cabin in Canada. She meets the two boys next door, Sam and Charlie. She and Sam become best friends - swimming every day, playing games, watching scary movies, etc. Throughout the years Percy begins to seriously crush on Sam, but they maintain just friends for a long time.
The story is told in two timelines. While we see their friendship and relationship grow in the past timeline, Percy is called back to the lake when Sam & Charlie’s mom dies. It’s clear that something happened in the past that splintered their relationship, yet their connection is clear when they see each other again.
It’s finally time to address the things that happened in the past that hurt them and pulled them apart� both for closure and to see if there can be any current relationship. In many ways part of the book feels YA, because of the past timeline. For me the book worked, with the sweet friendship, beautiful setting, etc. in reality probably a 3-1/2 but rounded to 4....more
This was a fun read/listen. Ivy Benton lives in London in 1848, but this romantasy is set in an alternate time. London is ruled by an immortal fae queThis was a fun read/listen. Ivy Benton lives in London in 1848, but this romantasy is set in an alternate time. London is ruled by an immortal fae queen. Queen Mor "allows" her subjects one wish, but she strikes a hard bargain to grant these wishes. People give up everything from fingers or toes to their most beloved memory.
The queen announces a competition to marry her son, Prince Bram. Ivy's family is in desperate circumstances, so she is first to sign her name in blood and try to win the prince's heart. The women soon find themselves involved in cruel games planned by the queen, who makes their plight to win his hand even more desperate. Ivy also meets Prince Emmett, who is the bad-boy brother of Bram. He wants to help her win... and explains the stakes are higher than anyone realizes.
Who will win Ivy's heart? Or her hand? And is there more at stake than even Ivy and Emmett are aware of?
I'm not sure how much I liked many of these characters, but it's also hard to judge people's actions when they are in desperate circumstances. I did think it was a fun and interesting book. While I can't find anything that says it, I am expecting a sequel to this....more
This is my first book by this author and I am impressed. She has a wonderful ability to bring characters to life and show them with depth and honesty.This is my first book by this author and I am impressed. She has a wonderful ability to bring characters to life and show them with depth and honesty. Actions are seldom just about the final act, but are determined by many complex emotions.
Our main character is Ebby Freeman. When she was just ten years old she was in the house as burglars entered and her older brother Baz was shot and killed. In the process, a treasured family heirloom was shattered. The Freeman’s are a black family, the only black family in their prestigious neighborhood. As such, Baz’s death gets enormous coverage, and Ebby feels eyes upon and whispers follow her throughout her years growing up. Then later, Ebby’s wedding gets called off and again their family has the eyes of the public upon them. She escapes to France for an extended visit, but her past follows her.
Interspersed with the timeline of Ebby and her family is a timeline showing earlier generations. We discover them as enslaved people, and many of the hardships and atrocities they endured. We also learn more about the large clay jar and ancestor created, and how it has been passed down through the generations. This is obviously an important part of the book, but because it included shorter bits from many generations, I didn’t connect with any of these characters as much� though some are discussed in more detail than others.
Throughout Ebby’s journey she learns much about herself and her family and how her brother’s death has affected them in deep ways� affecting their actions, thoughts, etc. Guarding oneself against pain merely makes it retreat deeper and makes the healing even more difficult. I’d rate this 4-1/2 stars rounded up to 5. I think anytime a current day story can also help us learn more about the past, it’s an important read, as well as this one being overall enjoyable. In our current culture, there are many including “leaders� who are trying to erase or reframe our history. That makes books like this even more necessary and important....more
I chose this book for my monthly "classic" read. It's a little surprising, but I don't think I've read Agatha Christie previously.
This is a classic lI chose this book for my monthly "classic" read. It's a little surprising, but I don't think I've read Agatha Christie previously.
This is a classic locked room mystery, with ten guests being invited to a private island owned by an eccentric millionaire. From the very beginning, things are off to a rough start. The butler-type staff person was instructed to play a record on the gramophone... which accuses each guest of being responsible for a murder. Then, the guests start dying.
They realize that the deaths are following the pattern outlined in the famous nursery rhyme One Little Soldier Boy. Who is behind these deaths? And what is their reason? And how do the police figure out who was the murderer is when all have died and it's not possible that anyone else came onto the island?
With ten island guests, I'll admit I lost track of some of the characters. But overall, it was a fun and interesting book.
Adulting is hard. Lucy is 26 and her life isn’t what she’d hoped. She feels like she’s not making progress at work, her room in the flat she shares haAdulting is hard. Lucy is 26 and her life isn’t what she’d hoped. She feels like she’s not making progress at work, her room in the flat she shares has water leaking from the tenant above. Her best friend is moving out, and she’s tired of the guys she’s meeting. While stuck walking home in the rain she enters a shop and finds an old wishing machine. She makes a wish to skip ahead to the good part of her life.
She wakes up the next morning in a strange room, in bed with a strange man. A hot man, but still a stranger. She has kids and a great job. But she can’t remember what happened during the 16 years that are missing. She comes to appreciate the things in this new life and that she’s ended up where she wanted in life� but she feels like she’s missed a lot. She missed falling in love with this amazing guy, giving birth to her babies� but she’s also missed some heartache.
Can she find her way back to her previous life? And as she falls more in love with her family, does she want to risk going back in life? This is really a very sweet and fun story. Lucy is a great character, but there are other supporting characters. She forms very sweet relationship with her son, who first accuses her of being an alien mom. This is my 2nd book by the author and I’ll definitely read more....more
This is such a heartwarming and sweet book of how humans often overlook things in the natural world, but the wonder and joy we can find when we slow dThis is such a heartwarming and sweet book of how humans often overlook things in the natural world, but the wonder and joy we can find when we slow down. During the pandemic lockdown, the author Chloe Dalton decides to stay at her country cottage. One day while on a walk she finds a newborn hare (leveret) that has been lost and without its mother.
Chloe can’t bear to leave it to die so she wraps it up and takes it home. She researches how to feed it� it is so tiny she is certain it will die. But with her care, it grows. Chloe is determined not to make it a pet, but return it to the wild once it’s old enough. Hares cannot be domesticated the way rabbits can.
Over time the leveret explores her house, and she starts to take it outside for short periods. They develop a relationship. Not as pet and owner, but as two living together in harmony. Chloe allows the hare to take the lead and at times it will wander further afield, but it returns.
The author lets us share in this beautiful relationship and you can’t help but imagine yourself in this cottage with hares hopping around! It’s a fairly gentle and slower paced book, but it is perfect to absorb this wonderful debut book. I listened to the audiobook, and at the end is a discussion between author and narrator....more
Aiden hosts a romance radio show in Baltimore. Lucie is a single mother who catches her daughter calling into the show one night, concerned that her mAiden hosts a romance radio show in Baltimore. Lucie is a single mother who catches her daughter calling into the show one night, concerned that her mom is lonely and thinking she should date. Lucie interrupts the call and ends up talking with Auden for hours� on the air. Their chat goes viral, and soon Lucie is helping to cohost while they try to find her a love match.
Of course, sparks fly between the two, though they are slow to show their feelings. I really liked the character of Lucie. She works as a mechanic, she’s formed a family group with her daughter and her two dads, and life is mostly good. Aiden� I felt conflicted about. There was a sweet, if predictable ending.
Charlotte is a young anthropology student when she travels to Egypt for a dig in 1936. She’s intrigued by the region and the artifacts that are being Charlotte is a young anthropology student when she travels to Egypt for a dig in 1936. She’s intrigued by the region and the artifacts that are being discovered. She’s also intrigued and falls in love with another man working on the dig. After tragic events she ends up back in New York and working for the Metropolitan Museum.
Our alternative timeline begins with Annie, 19 years old, and living in New York City. For years she’s worked and taken care of her emotionally fragile mother. Circumstances put her at the Met, where she is excited to get a job preparing for the famous Met Gala.
The night of the Gala a valuable artifact is stolen, and Charlotte and Annie end up working together to find clues. Their search takes them to Egypt, where they discover clues linked to Charlotte’s past.
I enjoyed both of these characters� watching them each grow in their strength, but also showing their vulnerability. ...more
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