en-US Mon, 30 Sep 2024 23:38:11 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg 211099359
The clock is ticking. Can Jake and the FBI stop the terrorists before more innocent people are murdered in the name of the Jihad? WATERBORNE will grab you by the throat and pull you into a vicious struggle that will define the fate of the world for generations to come.]]> 348 J. Luke Bennecke 0965771598 Bookgirl86 5 The realistic take on a terrorist threat, and the research that, I assume, the author must have done in order to write this was so complete and so well done that I found myself Googling whether or not this could really happen after I was done reading! Spoiler Alert: according to Google, it's a real possibility.
That'll be my last spoiler for this review, but I will tell you about the plot so that you can be as informed as I am. Jake Bendel is the project manager for a water purification system that involves clean nuclear energy. This plan includes the building of five purification plants, three of which are already completed at the start of the novel. These plants are supposed to supply water to the entire state of California, hopefully ending their perpetual drought problem.
It all sounds great, right? Unless the wrong people get hold of the system somehow. And, of course, that's exactly what happens.
A terrorist group kidnaps Jake, holding him overnight and pumping him full of a drug that makes him forget the entire experience. Jake has limited information � and even less time � to work out exactly how the terrorists plan to taint the state's water supply, and how exactly to stop them.
This one is worth the read if only to learn more about the potential future of the nations water supply. Granted, hopefully terrorists wont actually attack it in real life! J. Luke Bennecke created a genuinely exciting thrill ride of a story, and one that I know I will be thinking about for a long time to come!


]]> 5.00 2019
author: J. Luke Bennecke
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/09/30
shelves:
review:
If you are looking for a fresh take on a thriller, 'Waterborne,' is the book for you. There is something that sets this book apart from any other thriller that I have ever read � the information.
The realistic take on a terrorist threat, and the research that, I assume, the author must have done in order to write this was so complete and so well done that I found myself Googling whether or not this could really happen after I was done reading! Spoiler Alert: according to Google, it's a real possibility.
That'll be my last spoiler for this review, but I will tell you about the plot so that you can be as informed as I am. Jake Bendel is the project manager for a water purification system that involves clean nuclear energy. This plan includes the building of five purification plants, three of which are already completed at the start of the novel. These plants are supposed to supply water to the entire state of California, hopefully ending their perpetual drought problem.
It all sounds great, right? Unless the wrong people get hold of the system somehow. And, of course, that's exactly what happens.
A terrorist group kidnaps Jake, holding him overnight and pumping him full of a drug that makes him forget the entire experience. Jake has limited information � and even less time � to work out exactly how the terrorists plan to taint the state's water supply, and how exactly to stop them.
This one is worth the read if only to learn more about the potential future of the nations water supply. Granted, hopefully terrorists wont actually attack it in real life! J. Luke Bennecke created a genuinely exciting thrill ride of a story, and one that I know I will be thinking about for a long time to come!



]]> 179948188
Luisa Abrego, a slave in Seville, is set free upon her master’s death and marries a white man. After boarding Luisa’s illegitimate child with the nuns of St. Clare, the couple sets out for Mexico. There Luisa is accused of bigamy and tried in the court of the Inquisition.

This is, however, not Luisa’s own the narratives here are those of historical figures who encountered her, from nuns to silver miners to Inquisitors. These are European voices, the recorded voices of history, in whose accounts a fractured portrait of a fascinating and complex woman emerges, like glimpses of a figure moving past a mirror.

Based on 16th century trial records of the real Luisa, this novel is not just one woman’s life in fragments, but a carefully researched imagining, told in vivid, distinct voices, of how the Inquisition affected the Spanish colonies.]]> 312 Erika Rummel 1459752775 Bookgirl86 5 The context of the story revolves around one woman, a former slave named Luisa Abrego.
Luisa is an African woman who lives as a slave in sixteenth century Spain until she is freed upon the death of her master.
Of course, being freed after living your whole life as a slave was both a thrilling and frightening prospect for many young women of that time.
Completely on her own, Luisa leaves her master's house and takes work as a cleaning woman in the home of an elderly couple who are unable to leave their house.
It is while there that she meets Jorge, a sailor who is traveling to Mexico and she agrees to marry him and travel with him.
This might have been the start of a new life for Luisa, a new world full of possibilities where her skin color did not seem to matter, but unfortunately the religious politics of Spain seemed to follow her.
When Luisa admits to a priest that she had previously agreed to be married to a different man, she is soon reported to the Spanish Inquisition, and arrested.
The entirety of this story is told through the different viewpoints of the people who are affected by Luisa, like her former master's wife and the priest whom she confesses to among others.
The way Rummel plays with the conventions of normal storytelling is masterful and something that I have come to expect from her having read two of her other books.
She is truly one of the best writers working right now! Five more stars for another winner from Rummel!
]]> 4.15
author: Erika Rummel
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.15
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/09/23
shelves:
review:
'What They Said About Luisa,' by Ericka Rummel is not just a historical fiction, but a novel that plays around with common methods of storytelling in a way that can only be described as artistic.
The context of the story revolves around one woman, a former slave named Luisa Abrego.
Luisa is an African woman who lives as a slave in sixteenth century Spain until she is freed upon the death of her master.
Of course, being freed after living your whole life as a slave was both a thrilling and frightening prospect for many young women of that time.
Completely on her own, Luisa leaves her master's house and takes work as a cleaning woman in the home of an elderly couple who are unable to leave their house.
It is while there that she meets Jorge, a sailor who is traveling to Mexico and she agrees to marry him and travel with him.
This might have been the start of a new life for Luisa, a new world full of possibilities where her skin color did not seem to matter, but unfortunately the religious politics of Spain seemed to follow her.
When Luisa admits to a priest that she had previously agreed to be married to a different man, she is soon reported to the Spanish Inquisition, and arrested.
The entirety of this story is told through the different viewpoints of the people who are affected by Luisa, like her former master's wife and the priest whom she confesses to among others.
The way Rummel plays with the conventions of normal storytelling is masterful and something that I have come to expect from her having read two of her other books.
She is truly one of the best writers working right now! Five more stars for another winner from Rummel!

]]> 81963018 A selkie warrior, a newly transfigured selkie princess...what happens to love when loyalties clash?

Ceannas, a selkie warrior, must protect his clan during the Migration, a rite of passage that occurs every 50 years. When he discovers a runaway selkie, the daughter of his Prince, he must figure out a way to divide his duties, especially when keeping her alive demands all his attention.

Lyall wants desperately to find out where she belongs. When the opportunity comes to visit the Great Elder and save her father’s damaged sealskin, she sneaks away to join the clan in their migration. The only problem? Being born a human, she hasn’t the first clue how to survive on her own as a selkie!

The last thing Ceannas needs is babysitting duties, and Lyall only has eyes on her mission. But as Ceannas teaches Lyall how to exist in her new element, the attraction growing between them grows stronger. Can their love withstand their honor-bound duties? And what will it cost each of them to do so?

Saving the Selkie’s Heart is a sexy guardian/ward paranormal romance and the second book in The Selkie Seas series by Ella Rose. Get lost in love today!]]> 263 Ella Rose Bookgirl86 5 Lyall and Ceannas come from different worlds—literally. Ceannas is a selkie, a creature common in Scottish mythology that lives as both a human and a seal, with the ability to transform back and forth at will.
Lyall is a human, or...at least she thought she was. Only recently, Lyall discovered that both of her parents are selkies, though they have been living as humans for some time, since her father's seal skin is damaged so badly that he is no longer able to use it.
After her father comes down with a mysterious illness, Lyall realizes that she must reach out to the selkies for help, which is where Ceannas comes in. As one of the strongest soldiers in the clan, Ceannas is busy shepherding the whole group along their migration route, deep under the sea when he notices that one of the selkies seems to be lagging behind. After barely managing to escape a shark fight, Lyall and Ceannas make it back to shore and he discovers who she truly is, and why she is not supposed to be with them on their journey.
I adored this book just as much as the first in this series, and I really loved the romance between Lyall and Ceannas. Watching them go from irritation to attraction toward each other made for the type of book that I love to find!
Ella Rose has a way of writing really sexy and interesting couples that make you want to keep reading well past your bed time! I recommend this one to anyone who loves a good paranormal romance story, with a lot of spice.
This gets a five out of five on the romance-meter from me!

Merged review:

From the incredibly talented Ella Rose, comes the second book in her 'The Selkie Seas' series, 'Saving the Selkie's Heart.'
Lyall and Ceannas come from different worlds—literally. Ceannas is a selkie, a creature common in Scottish mythology that lives as both a human and a seal, with the ability to transform back and forth at will.
Lyall is a human, or...at least she thought she was. Only recently, Lyall discovered that both of her parents are selkies, though they have been living as humans for some time, since her father's seal skin is damaged so badly that he is no longer able to use it.
After her father comes down with a mysterious illness, Lyall realizes that she must reach out to the selkies for help, which is where Ceannas comes in. As one of the strongest soldiers in the clan, Ceannas is busy shepherding the whole group along their migration route, deep under the sea when he notices that one of the selkies seems to be lagging behind. After barely managing to escape a shark fight, Lyall and Ceannas make it back to shore and he discovers who she truly is, and why she is not supposed to be with them on their journey.
I adored this book just as much as the first in this series, and I really loved the romance between Lyall and Ceannas. Watching them go from irritation to attraction toward each other made for the type of book that I love to find!
Ella Rose has a way of writing really sexy and interesting couples that make you want to keep reading well past your bed time! I recommend this one to anyone who loves a good paranormal romance story, with a lot of spice.
This gets a five out of five on the romance-meter from me!]]> 4.71
author: Ella Rose
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.71
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/09/18
shelves:
review:
From the incredibly talented Ella Rose, comes the second book in her 'The Selkie Seas' series, 'Saving the Selkie's Heart.'
Lyall and Ceannas come from different worlds—literally. Ceannas is a selkie, a creature common in Scottish mythology that lives as both a human and a seal, with the ability to transform back and forth at will.
Lyall is a human, or...at least she thought she was. Only recently, Lyall discovered that both of her parents are selkies, though they have been living as humans for some time, since her father's seal skin is damaged so badly that he is no longer able to use it.
After her father comes down with a mysterious illness, Lyall realizes that she must reach out to the selkies for help, which is where Ceannas comes in. As one of the strongest soldiers in the clan, Ceannas is busy shepherding the whole group along their migration route, deep under the sea when he notices that one of the selkies seems to be lagging behind. After barely managing to escape a shark fight, Lyall and Ceannas make it back to shore and he discovers who she truly is, and why she is not supposed to be with them on their journey.
I adored this book just as much as the first in this series, and I really loved the romance between Lyall and Ceannas. Watching them go from irritation to attraction toward each other made for the type of book that I love to find!
Ella Rose has a way of writing really sexy and interesting couples that make you want to keep reading well past your bed time! I recommend this one to anyone who loves a good paranormal romance story, with a lot of spice.
This gets a five out of five on the romance-meter from me!

Merged review:

From the incredibly talented Ella Rose, comes the second book in her 'The Selkie Seas' series, 'Saving the Selkie's Heart.'
Lyall and Ceannas come from different worlds—literally. Ceannas is a selkie, a creature common in Scottish mythology that lives as both a human and a seal, with the ability to transform back and forth at will.
Lyall is a human, or...at least she thought she was. Only recently, Lyall discovered that both of her parents are selkies, though they have been living as humans for some time, since her father's seal skin is damaged so badly that he is no longer able to use it.
After her father comes down with a mysterious illness, Lyall realizes that she must reach out to the selkies for help, which is where Ceannas comes in. As one of the strongest soldiers in the clan, Ceannas is busy shepherding the whole group along their migration route, deep under the sea when he notices that one of the selkies seems to be lagging behind. After barely managing to escape a shark fight, Lyall and Ceannas make it back to shore and he discovers who she truly is, and why she is not supposed to be with them on their journey.
I adored this book just as much as the first in this series, and I really loved the romance between Lyall and Ceannas. Watching them go from irritation to attraction toward each other made for the type of book that I love to find!
Ella Rose has a way of writing really sexy and interesting couples that make you want to keep reading well past your bed time! I recommend this one to anyone who loves a good paranormal romance story, with a lot of spice.
This gets a five out of five on the romance-meter from me!
]]> 214294058
In our society, we often don’t want to talk or even think about death, so stereotypes about widows exist. However, each person’s grief journey is unique, and sharing tales of those experiences can be helpful and useful for those who find themselves in a similar situation. Though not a self-help book, this memoir is the story of a widow who defied the stereotype that widows are expected to “get over it� and move on with their quiet lives. Instead, this widow “got through it� and is now sharing her journey in hopes of helping others in comparable circumstances.]]> 215 Rebecca Daniels Bookgirl86 5 I have read two other books by Daniels in the past, and enjoyed them a lot, so I already knew going into this one that I would find it interesting, but I did not know that I was going to cry twice as much as I did reading her other books!
This book is about Daniels' husband dying suddenly, and how she coped with her grief afterward. Daniels had been out grocery shopping, when she arrived home one Autumn day to find her husband, Skip, deceased in his favorite chair. Shock set in immediately and Daniels had to be driven to the hospital by her neighbor as an ambulance carried her husband away.
When she arrived at the hospital, she was informed that her husband had suffered a massive heart attack and had died instantly. Skip had not experienced any pain, which was a comfort to Daniels, but the grief of losing her husband still came like a torrential downpour.
In 'That Day And What Came After,' Daniels paints an unflinching portrait of grief, loss and heartbreak in a way that few other authors are willing to do.
By taking the reader through her life, and especially through her relationship with her husband, Daniels gives you a glimpse into her world and into everything that she lost when her husband passed away so suddenly.
If you've ever lost someone close to you, this memoir is a must read. Rebecca Daniels writes like a friend who is telling you a story, and although the story may be sad this time, you know that there will always be a happier ending, down the road.
]]> 5.00
author: Rebecca Daniels
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/09/03
shelves:
review:
It's rare that I start reading a book and immediately realize how helpful it will be to those that need it most. 'That Day and What Came After,' by Rebecca Daniels is the kind of memoir that seems destined to find you at the exact right time of your life.
I have read two other books by Daniels in the past, and enjoyed them a lot, so I already knew going into this one that I would find it interesting, but I did not know that I was going to cry twice as much as I did reading her other books!
This book is about Daniels' husband dying suddenly, and how she coped with her grief afterward. Daniels had been out grocery shopping, when she arrived home one Autumn day to find her husband, Skip, deceased in his favorite chair. Shock set in immediately and Daniels had to be driven to the hospital by her neighbor as an ambulance carried her husband away.
When she arrived at the hospital, she was informed that her husband had suffered a massive heart attack and had died instantly. Skip had not experienced any pain, which was a comfort to Daniels, but the grief of losing her husband still came like a torrential downpour.
In 'That Day And What Came After,' Daniels paints an unflinching portrait of grief, loss and heartbreak in a way that few other authors are willing to do.
By taking the reader through her life, and especially through her relationship with her husband, Daniels gives you a glimpse into her world and into everything that she lost when her husband passed away so suddenly.
If you've ever lost someone close to you, this memoir is a must read. Rebecca Daniels writes like a friend who is telling you a story, and although the story may be sad this time, you know that there will always be a happier ending, down the road.

]]> 213318250
Award winning author Jamie Lisa Forbes has once again days when rodeo was wide open for them to become stars. It is a
story of the social mores of the times and of a woman determined to defy them no matter how high the personal cost or where that choice might take her.]]> 342 Jamie Lisa Forbes 194105272X Bookgirl86 5 Hannah Brant falls in love with a young horse that visits her family's new property, but when her step-father finds out that she has been feeding the animal, he shoots it dead. A terrible moment, and gut-wrenching to read, but Forbes writes it so well that I couldn't put the book down.
What Hannah's step-father does not know is that this action only makes the girl more determined to learn to ride. And soon, she does, appealing to a local teenage boy named Luke Mangum who has a rich family that owns many horses.
The second Hannah gets onto a horse for the first time, she knows that she has found her destiny, and she goes on to become a highly decorated rodeo rider in the state of Nebraska.
Although Hannah and Luke marry, their marriage is fraught, as he does not agree with her choice of profession. Hannah has to go against her husband and her strict mother in order to secure her position as one of the first female rodeo champions in history.
This novel is cleverly written and grips the reader right from the very first page. I have read one of Forbes books before and this matched up to my expectations of her writing very well!
I could see this being a big hit with book clubs, and leading to many interesting discussions about history and feminism. I highly recommend this fantastic read to everyone that enjoys historical fiction and western fiction. You won't want to miss 'Sunny Gale.']]> 4.58
author: Jamie Lisa Forbes
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.58
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/08/17
shelves:
review:
“Sunny Gale,� by Jaime Lisa Forbes is one of those books that, as you're reading it, you can see it playing out like a movie in your head. Forbes is just such a great writer; my brain needed no extra help to picture every single scene. I could see it perfectly: A young girl, moving to Nebraska with her family, riding in a horse-pulled cart in the bleak days of 1895.
Hannah Brant falls in love with a young horse that visits her family's new property, but when her step-father finds out that she has been feeding the animal, he shoots it dead. A terrible moment, and gut-wrenching to read, but Forbes writes it so well that I couldn't put the book down.
What Hannah's step-father does not know is that this action only makes the girl more determined to learn to ride. And soon, she does, appealing to a local teenage boy named Luke Mangum who has a rich family that owns many horses.
The second Hannah gets onto a horse for the first time, she knows that she has found her destiny, and she goes on to become a highly decorated rodeo rider in the state of Nebraska.
Although Hannah and Luke marry, their marriage is fraught, as he does not agree with her choice of profession. Hannah has to go against her husband and her strict mother in order to secure her position as one of the first female rodeo champions in history.
This novel is cleverly written and grips the reader right from the very first page. I have read one of Forbes books before and this matched up to my expectations of her writing very well!
I could see this being a big hit with book clubs, and leading to many interesting discussions about history and feminism. I highly recommend this fantastic read to everyone that enjoys historical fiction and western fiction. You won't want to miss 'Sunny Gale.'
]]> 63054829 468 Jessica Stilling 1955065667 Bookgirl86 5 Then, the fictional fire, the one that happens in a Parisian apartment building in the 6th arrondissement back in 1994. In this fire, a five-year-old girl is tragically killed. Many years later, the girl's older brother, Sebastian, grows up to become a successful film director who undertakes to direct a film based on his mother's book about the fire and the death of his sister.
Of course, directing the film raises a lot of emotions in Sebastian that he would rather keep hidden, and of course, suppressing this grief causes him to do some strange things. For instance, buying the apartment where his sister died (that has since been redone) and furnishing it in the exact way that it looked in the 1990s. Understandably, this makes Sebastian's assistant and his father begin to worry about his mental health.
I loved this book, and I loved the juxtaposition between Sebastian's narration as a teenager and as a grown man. There was a heavy sense that he was being an unreliable narrator and not telling the reader the full story, which I always appreciate in a book because I love a good mystery.
Although this book is not technically a mystery (it's more like literary fiction), there is still an element of the mysterious there as the reader begins to find out what actually happened all those years ago when Sebastian's little sister died.
This is a strong showing from Jessica Stilling and one that I will be thinking about for a long time to come. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future!
]]> 4.81
author: Jessica Stilling
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.81
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves:
review:
Fire is a key theme in this book, and one that repeats itself in interesting ways. First, there is the fire that happened in real life at the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. This was, of course, devastating in many ways not just to the people of Paris, but onlookers worldwide.
Then, the fictional fire, the one that happens in a Parisian apartment building in the 6th arrondissement back in 1994. In this fire, a five-year-old girl is tragically killed. Many years later, the girl's older brother, Sebastian, grows up to become a successful film director who undertakes to direct a film based on his mother's book about the fire and the death of his sister.
Of course, directing the film raises a lot of emotions in Sebastian that he would rather keep hidden, and of course, suppressing this grief causes him to do some strange things. For instance, buying the apartment where his sister died (that has since been redone) and furnishing it in the exact way that it looked in the 1990s. Understandably, this makes Sebastian's assistant and his father begin to worry about his mental health.
I loved this book, and I loved the juxtaposition between Sebastian's narration as a teenager and as a grown man. There was a heavy sense that he was being an unreliable narrator and not telling the reader the full story, which I always appreciate in a book because I love a good mystery.
Although this book is not technically a mystery (it's more like literary fiction), there is still an element of the mysterious there as the reader begins to find out what actually happened all those years ago when Sebastian's little sister died.
This is a strong showing from Jessica Stilling and one that I will be thinking about for a long time to come. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future!

]]> 46221732
Then, a life pod is discovered, but who or what is inside?

The Galactic Alliance doesn’t know, but the Bikashi Empire has the pod, and whatever technology was used to build it, it’s far in advance of anything human.

It’s a race against time as Hickory, Jess, and Gareth head to the planet of the Bikashi to retrieve the capsule’s contents before the Empire learns its secrets and changes the balance of power in the galaxy for eternity.

Fractured Prophecy is the fourth book featuring the Alien Corps� Hickory Lace. Others in the series include:

The Alien Corps
Rise of the Erlachi
The Scarf
All three have been issued in one volume titled Prosperine.]]> 237 P.J. McDermott 0648092135 Bookgirl86 5 In the distant future, Earth is nothing like it once was. The everlasting religious war that we've been slaves to since the beginning of time finally culminated in a nuclear war that lasted ten years and changed the landscape of the planet.
After the war ended, a long, dark time set in, where human and animal life floundered and almost died off completely. Only recently have things rebounded. As it has done several times in the past, humanity is slowly recovering from near destruction. And so, it seems, is Hickory.
But when she is asked to take a mission to discover what is left of the escape pod from the Arc, she's unsure whether she should go. The mission could take an emotional toll that Hickory isn't prepared to accept, but not going might mean the end of the delicate peace that humanity has struggled to create.
McDermott writes with such a sweeping grandiosity that I was pulled in from the very first page. The vision of a futuristic Earth that he has created is detailed and expansive in just the way that makes for a great sci-fi novel. Hickory is not only a fascinating character, but a great representation of women in sci-fi at a time when I feel like those stories are sorely needed in our world.
This story is the fourth in the 'Prosperine' series by McDermott and I have not read the others but the author did a great job breaking down everything that you need to know about the world in the first few chapters without turning it into a boring info-dump. And I definitely plan to read the other books now!

Merged review:

Commander Hickory Lace may have survived the explosion of the Arc spaceship, but it left a scar on her heart. Now Hickory is grieving the loss of her mentor, her child, and the life she might have had.
In the distant future, Earth is nothing like it once was. The everlasting religious war that we've been slaves to since the beginning of time finally culminated in a nuclear war that lasted ten years and changed the landscape of the planet.
After the war ended, a long, dark time set in, where human and animal life floundered and almost died off completely. Only recently have things rebounded. As it has done several times in the past, humanity is slowly recovering from near destruction. And so, it seems, is Hickory.
But when she is asked to take a mission to discover what is left of the escape pod from the Arc, she's unsure whether she should go. The mission could take an emotional toll that Hickory isn't prepared to accept, but not going might mean the end of the delicate peace that humanity has struggled to create.
McDermott writes with such a sweeping grandiosity that I was pulled in from the very first page. The vision of a futuristic Earth that he has created is detailed and expansive in just the way that makes for a great sci-fi novel. Hickory is not only a fascinating character, but a great representation of women in sci-fi at a time when I feel like those stories are sorely needed in our world.
This story is the fourth in the 'Prosperine' series by McDermott and I have not read the others but the author did a great job breaking down everything that you need to know about the world in the first few chapters without turning it into a boring info-dump. And I definitely plan to read the other books now!]]> 4.62
author: P.J. McDermott
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.62
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/08/01
shelves:
review:
Commander Hickory Lace may have survived the explosion of the Arc spaceship, but it left a scar on her heart. Now Hickory is grieving the loss of her mentor, her child, and the life she might have had.
In the distant future, Earth is nothing like it once was. The everlasting religious war that we've been slaves to since the beginning of time finally culminated in a nuclear war that lasted ten years and changed the landscape of the planet.
After the war ended, a long, dark time set in, where human and animal life floundered and almost died off completely. Only recently have things rebounded. As it has done several times in the past, humanity is slowly recovering from near destruction. And so, it seems, is Hickory.
But when she is asked to take a mission to discover what is left of the escape pod from the Arc, she's unsure whether she should go. The mission could take an emotional toll that Hickory isn't prepared to accept, but not going might mean the end of the delicate peace that humanity has struggled to create.
McDermott writes with such a sweeping grandiosity that I was pulled in from the very first page. The vision of a futuristic Earth that he has created is detailed and expansive in just the way that makes for a great sci-fi novel. Hickory is not only a fascinating character, but a great representation of women in sci-fi at a time when I feel like those stories are sorely needed in our world.
This story is the fourth in the 'Prosperine' series by McDermott and I have not read the others but the author did a great job breaking down everything that you need to know about the world in the first few chapters without turning it into a boring info-dump. And I definitely plan to read the other books now!

Merged review:

Commander Hickory Lace may have survived the explosion of the Arc spaceship, but it left a scar on her heart. Now Hickory is grieving the loss of her mentor, her child, and the life she might have had.
In the distant future, Earth is nothing like it once was. The everlasting religious war that we've been slaves to since the beginning of time finally culminated in a nuclear war that lasted ten years and changed the landscape of the planet.
After the war ended, a long, dark time set in, where human and animal life floundered and almost died off completely. Only recently have things rebounded. As it has done several times in the past, humanity is slowly recovering from near destruction. And so, it seems, is Hickory.
But when she is asked to take a mission to discover what is left of the escape pod from the Arc, she's unsure whether she should go. The mission could take an emotional toll that Hickory isn't prepared to accept, but not going might mean the end of the delicate peace that humanity has struggled to create.
McDermott writes with such a sweeping grandiosity that I was pulled in from the very first page. The vision of a futuristic Earth that he has created is detailed and expansive in just the way that makes for a great sci-fi novel. Hickory is not only a fascinating character, but a great representation of women in sci-fi at a time when I feel like those stories are sorely needed in our world.
This story is the fourth in the 'Prosperine' series by McDermott and I have not read the others but the author did a great job breaking down everything that you need to know about the world in the first few chapters without turning it into a boring info-dump. And I definitely plan to read the other books now!
]]> 196404401 "This book is the best thing since sliced bread" Mystery Loves Company Reviews
"I could tell you the author missed the boat on this one, but I'd be a bald faced liar. Buy this book." Mitchell Mitchell - The News Courier Times Examiner]]> 356 Keith Hirshland 1961504030 Bookgirl86 5 All Murphy wants is to spend time with his girlfriend, Charlie and solve cases for the Department of Redundancies Department. But, unfortunately, sometimes the cases are not ones that he wants to be involved in.
The first book in this series was a laugh riot, and I knew immediately when I started this one that it was going to be even funnier. Not only does Murphy have to endure trips to Hollywood to consult on the movie about his case from the first book (which was so fun to see again!) but he also gets a case about cliches that has him beating his head against a wall.
Murphy gets a call from a member of the Commission on Cliches named Adalindis Orval Katterwomp, who insists on being called A-OK. A-OK informs Murphy that one of their members has gone missing, along with the sacred text that the man created himself. The sacred text is a collection of cliches. In fact, it's every cliches that has ever existed.
Murphy would probably rather see that book burn than find it, but he takes the case and the hunt is on to find a man who may not be all that the Commission thought that he was.
After loving the first book in this series, I knew I would like this one, but 'Murphy Murphy And The Case Of The Commission On Cliches,' far exceeded my expectations! I enjoyed every aspect of this book, including the most important part: the mystery! The solution was not as simple as it might seem from the get-go, and I really had no idea what was coming with the ending.
I can't wait to read the next book in this ongoing series! ]]> 5.00
author: Keith Hirshland
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/05/30
shelves:
review:
Murphy Murphy is not having a great day. You would think, since they're making a big Hollywood movie about one of his cases, he would be very happy. But fame and fortune have never been Murphy's dream.
All Murphy wants is to spend time with his girlfriend, Charlie and solve cases for the Department of Redundancies Department. But, unfortunately, sometimes the cases are not ones that he wants to be involved in.
The first book in this series was a laugh riot, and I knew immediately when I started this one that it was going to be even funnier. Not only does Murphy have to endure trips to Hollywood to consult on the movie about his case from the first book (which was so fun to see again!) but he also gets a case about cliches that has him beating his head against a wall.
Murphy gets a call from a member of the Commission on Cliches named Adalindis Orval Katterwomp, who insists on being called A-OK. A-OK informs Murphy that one of their members has gone missing, along with the sacred text that the man created himself. The sacred text is a collection of cliches. In fact, it's every cliches that has ever existed.
Murphy would probably rather see that book burn than find it, but he takes the case and the hunt is on to find a man who may not be all that the Commission thought that he was.
After loving the first book in this series, I knew I would like this one, but 'Murphy Murphy And The Case Of The Commission On Cliches,' far exceeded my expectations! I enjoyed every aspect of this book, including the most important part: the mystery! The solution was not as simple as it might seem from the get-go, and I really had no idea what was coming with the ending.
I can't wait to read the next book in this ongoing series!
]]> 57967266 233 Dana Claire 1792367090 Bookgirl86 5 Beatrice was a normal human girl, when she was suddenly plunged into the extraterrestrial world of Cash Kingston, a handsome alien guy from the planet Ferro. Bea soon learned that she was actually half Ferroean herself, since her biological father turned out to not be the man that raised her. All of this was revealed in the first book in this series, 'The Connection.'
In the second book, Beatrice and Cash must travel to California to wake up his girlfriend, Sera from the coma-like state that she is being kept in by the Ferroean resistance. Of course, having only recently begun a romantic relationship with Cash, Beatrice is divided in her feelings about waking up Sera.
Adding to this uncertainty is the fact that Beatrice also recently discovered that she contains the life source of Sera inside of herself, which is part of the reason that she and Cash are so drawn to each other to begin with. Between her romance with Cash possibly being in danger and the discovery of her new, alien powers, Bea has a lot to deal with. Suddenly she has a reason to be nostalgic for the days of normal high school drama.
'The Awakening' ratchets up the tension from the first book and adds new characters, new problems and higher stakes. Beatrice and Cash's relationship faces unforeseen hurdles in the form of both Sera and Cash's newly introduced brother, Ashton, who has been living in a safe house for years. In an unexpected twist, Ashton reveals to Beatrice that he has a connection to her that even Cash doesn't know about.
If you are looking for a YA series that has sci-fi, action and romance, this is the book for you!


Merged review:

Beatrice Walker may be in for more than she bargained for in this fast-paced sequel to the first book in Dana Claire's thrilling “Blood Light Trilogy�.
Beatrice was a normal human girl, when she was suddenly plunged into the extraterrestrial world of Cash Kingston, a handsome alien guy from the planet Ferro. Bea soon learned that she was actually half Ferroean herself, since her biological father turned out to not be the man that raised her. All of this was revealed in the first book in this series, 'The Connection.'
In the second book, Beatrice and Cash must travel to California to wake up his girlfriend, Sera from the coma-like state that she is being kept in by the Ferroean resistance. Of course, having only recently begun a romantic relationship with Cash, Beatrice is divided in her feelings about waking up Sera.
Adding to this uncertainty is the fact that Beatrice also recently discovered that she contains the life source of Sera inside of herself, which is part of the reason that she and Cash are so drawn to each other to begin with. Between her romance with Cash possibly being in danger and the discovery of her new, alien powers, Bea has a lot to deal with. Suddenly she has a reason to be nostalgic for the days of normal high school drama.
'The Awakening' ratchets up the tension from the first book and adds new characters, new problems and higher stakes. Beatrice and Cash's relationship faces unforeseen hurdles in the form of both Sera and Cash's newly introduced brother, Ashton, who has been living in a safe house for years. In an unexpected twist, Ashton reveals to Beatrice that he has a connection to her that even Cash doesn't know about.
If you are looking for a YA series that has sci-fi, action and romance, this is the book for you!]]> 4.49 2021
author: Dana Claire
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/05/29
shelves:
review:
Beatrice Walker may be in for more than she bargained for in this fast-paced sequel to the first book in Dana Claire's thrilling “Blood Light Trilogy�.
Beatrice was a normal human girl, when she was suddenly plunged into the extraterrestrial world of Cash Kingston, a handsome alien guy from the planet Ferro. Bea soon learned that she was actually half Ferroean herself, since her biological father turned out to not be the man that raised her. All of this was revealed in the first book in this series, 'The Connection.'
In the second book, Beatrice and Cash must travel to California to wake up his girlfriend, Sera from the coma-like state that she is being kept in by the Ferroean resistance. Of course, having only recently begun a romantic relationship with Cash, Beatrice is divided in her feelings about waking up Sera.
Adding to this uncertainty is the fact that Beatrice also recently discovered that she contains the life source of Sera inside of herself, which is part of the reason that she and Cash are so drawn to each other to begin with. Between her romance with Cash possibly being in danger and the discovery of her new, alien powers, Bea has a lot to deal with. Suddenly she has a reason to be nostalgic for the days of normal high school drama.
'The Awakening' ratchets up the tension from the first book and adds new characters, new problems and higher stakes. Beatrice and Cash's relationship faces unforeseen hurdles in the form of both Sera and Cash's newly introduced brother, Ashton, who has been living in a safe house for years. In an unexpected twist, Ashton reveals to Beatrice that he has a connection to her that even Cash doesn't know about.
If you are looking for a YA series that has sci-fi, action and romance, this is the book for you!


Merged review:

Beatrice Walker may be in for more than she bargained for in this fast-paced sequel to the first book in Dana Claire's thrilling “Blood Light Trilogy�.
Beatrice was a normal human girl, when she was suddenly plunged into the extraterrestrial world of Cash Kingston, a handsome alien guy from the planet Ferro. Bea soon learned that she was actually half Ferroean herself, since her biological father turned out to not be the man that raised her. All of this was revealed in the first book in this series, 'The Connection.'
In the second book, Beatrice and Cash must travel to California to wake up his girlfriend, Sera from the coma-like state that she is being kept in by the Ferroean resistance. Of course, having only recently begun a romantic relationship with Cash, Beatrice is divided in her feelings about waking up Sera.
Adding to this uncertainty is the fact that Beatrice also recently discovered that she contains the life source of Sera inside of herself, which is part of the reason that she and Cash are so drawn to each other to begin with. Between her romance with Cash possibly being in danger and the discovery of her new, alien powers, Bea has a lot to deal with. Suddenly she has a reason to be nostalgic for the days of normal high school drama.
'The Awakening' ratchets up the tension from the first book and adds new characters, new problems and higher stakes. Beatrice and Cash's relationship faces unforeseen hurdles in the form of both Sera and Cash's newly introduced brother, Ashton, who has been living in a safe house for years. In an unexpected twist, Ashton reveals to Beatrice that he has a connection to her that even Cash doesn't know about.
If you are looking for a YA series that has sci-fi, action and romance, this is the book for you!
]]> 206147756 312 Verlin Darrow 150925420X Bookgirl86 5 In this fun, new amateur sleuth novel by Verlin Darrow, the sleuth happens to be a little different than you might expect. You may be wondering how a Buddhist nun gets pulled into a murder investigation, but for Ivy, it comes quite naturally.
The victim is her mother....or, at least, her mother may be a victim. See, Ivy's mother, Lois had a stroke and, although she was recovering, she suddenly took a turn for the worse and passed away. Ivy only manages to make it back to her hometown just in time to say goodbye to her mother before the woman passes. But is this simply a random tragedy, or something a little more premeditated?
That is the question that Ivy's sister, Jan has been asking since their mother first took ill. Jan is convinced that their stepfather, Dennis, had something to do with Lois' death and begs Ivy to look into it.
Considering Ivy has no crime-solving background, she must rely on her wits, her intuition and her worldly knowledge to help guide her to the real culprit behind her mother's death. If there is a culprit to be found at all.
I can't rave enough about this novel! I enjoyed it that much. Having read one of Verlin Darrow's other novels, 'Murder For Liar,' and also rated that quite highly, I knew that I was going to enjoy 'The Not Quite Enlightened Sleuth,' as well.
Both novels are quite different, but they both have a great plot and an immersive atmosphere. Darrow's writing is strong in both cases, and seems to only be getting stronger with every new book that he releases!]]> 4.83
author: Verlin Darrow
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.83
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/05/19
shelves:
review:
After everything that Ivy Lutz has been through living as a Buddhist Nun in Sri Lanka, you'd think Southern California would be a cake walk for her, but her troubles are only just getting started.
In this fun, new amateur sleuth novel by Verlin Darrow, the sleuth happens to be a little different than you might expect. You may be wondering how a Buddhist nun gets pulled into a murder investigation, but for Ivy, it comes quite naturally.
The victim is her mother....or, at least, her mother may be a victim. See, Ivy's mother, Lois had a stroke and, although she was recovering, she suddenly took a turn for the worse and passed away. Ivy only manages to make it back to her hometown just in time to say goodbye to her mother before the woman passes. But is this simply a random tragedy, or something a little more premeditated?
That is the question that Ivy's sister, Jan has been asking since their mother first took ill. Jan is convinced that their stepfather, Dennis, had something to do with Lois' death and begs Ivy to look into it.
Considering Ivy has no crime-solving background, she must rely on her wits, her intuition and her worldly knowledge to help guide her to the real culprit behind her mother's death. If there is a culprit to be found at all.
I can't rave enough about this novel! I enjoyed it that much. Having read one of Verlin Darrow's other novels, 'Murder For Liar,' and also rated that quite highly, I knew that I was going to enjoy 'The Not Quite Enlightened Sleuth,' as well.
Both novels are quite different, but they both have a great plot and an immersive atmosphere. Darrow's writing is strong in both cases, and seems to only be getting stronger with every new book that he releases!
]]> 178810967 284 Shelly Frome Bookgirl86 5 A lush 1950s setting creates the stage for this one-of-a-kind mystery surrounding a man named Bud Palmer and his uncle, Rick. See, Bud gets a call from his mother while she and his father are on a cruise, asking him to please check in on her younger brother.
Bud does not have a good feeling even before he makes it to his uncle's private detective office in Miami, so when he discovers Rick shaking in fear over a poker game gone wrong, Bud can't even really be surprised. But, being a generous soul, Bud agrees to talk to the man that Rick apparently pissed off with this poker game, only to discover that the man is apparently a well known gangster.
Al Escobar is not the kind of man that you mess around with, and he is very keen to get back a briefcase that he believes was stolen by someone Rick is in cahoots with. The thief is a pretty blonde who apparently fled to New York City, and this discovering leads to Bud boarding a train to NYC to find this blonde in a city of millions.
This was a killer read for me that ticked all of the boxes of what I like. Frome's writing is as excellent as always, and his grasp of what makes a plot work is still as rock solid as ever. I can't wait to read more from him in the future!
]]> 5.00
author: Shelly Frome
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/02/25
shelves:
review:
This is one of those titles that just makes you want to pick the book up. 'Fast Times, Big City,' by Shelly Frome is a thrill ride of a book, and one that definitely kept me guessing right up till the end. Having read a few of Frome's previous books, I knew that I was in for something special with this one, and I was absolutely right!
A lush 1950s setting creates the stage for this one-of-a-kind mystery surrounding a man named Bud Palmer and his uncle, Rick. See, Bud gets a call from his mother while she and his father are on a cruise, asking him to please check in on her younger brother.
Bud does not have a good feeling even before he makes it to his uncle's private detective office in Miami, so when he discovers Rick shaking in fear over a poker game gone wrong, Bud can't even really be surprised. But, being a generous soul, Bud agrees to talk to the man that Rick apparently pissed off with this poker game, only to discover that the man is apparently a well known gangster.
Al Escobar is not the kind of man that you mess around with, and he is very keen to get back a briefcase that he believes was stolen by someone Rick is in cahoots with. The thief is a pretty blonde who apparently fled to New York City, and this discovering leads to Bud boarding a train to NYC to find this blonde in a city of millions.
This was a killer read for me that ticked all of the boxes of what I like. Frome's writing is as excellent as always, and his grasp of what makes a plot work is still as rock solid as ever. I can't wait to read more from him in the future!

]]> 181095584 293 Lloyd Lofthouse Bookgirl86 5 This is Lofthouse's second outing with the Josh Kavanagh character, the first being 2021's, 'The Patriot Oath,' which I also read and reviewed. That novel was excellent, but 'Never For Glory' was even better!
Picking up in the jungle of Southern Venezuela, we learn pretty quickly what has happened with Josh's character since we last saw him at the end of the first book.
Dealing with the ramifications of the attack on his wife that led to her current comatose state, Josh determines that the only thing that he can do for her at the moment is to go after the man responsible for her attack: Damien Bran.
Bran is not just responsible for Rachel's attack, of course, but for the kidnapping and murder of countless others, including the many children that he has sex trafficked all over the world.
Luckily, with Josh hot on his tail, we can assume that Bran is not going to remain at large for long. However, there are complications along the way that create a tension in the story that persists till the very last page.
Like I said, I read the first book in this series, but I think that even if you haven’t, you'll still love 'Never For Glory.'
It's just a great action novel, with a compelling and emotionally complex protagonist. Lofthouse does a great job of introducing new characters and adding in a lot of research without making it obtrusive.
The plot of this one is great, and the pacing is solid. If you're looking for a thriller to start off your year, you can't do better than 'Never For Glory.'
]]> 5.00
author: Lloyd Lofthouse
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/02/02
shelves:
review:
A masterful novel of suspense and intrigue from a great thriller writer, 'Never For Glory,' was just the type of wild ride that I was expecting from author Lloyd Lofthouse!
This is Lofthouse's second outing with the Josh Kavanagh character, the first being 2021's, 'The Patriot Oath,' which I also read and reviewed. That novel was excellent, but 'Never For Glory' was even better!
Picking up in the jungle of Southern Venezuela, we learn pretty quickly what has happened with Josh's character since we last saw him at the end of the first book.
Dealing with the ramifications of the attack on his wife that led to her current comatose state, Josh determines that the only thing that he can do for her at the moment is to go after the man responsible for her attack: Damien Bran.
Bran is not just responsible for Rachel's attack, of course, but for the kidnapping and murder of countless others, including the many children that he has sex trafficked all over the world.
Luckily, with Josh hot on his tail, we can assume that Bran is not going to remain at large for long. However, there are complications along the way that create a tension in the story that persists till the very last page.
Like I said, I read the first book in this series, but I think that even if you haven’t, you'll still love 'Never For Glory.'
It's just a great action novel, with a compelling and emotionally complex protagonist. Lofthouse does a great job of introducing new characters and adding in a lot of research without making it obtrusive.
The plot of this one is great, and the pacing is solid. If you're looking for a thriller to start off your year, you can't do better than 'Never For Glory.'

]]> 184969458 436 J T Maicke 1955065918 Bookgirl86 5 On an otherwise unremarkable Easter Sunday in 1910, Christiana goes from being a virtually unknown royal, way down in the line of succession, to the queen.
How does this happen? Well, it isn't a simple thing. The Kaiser, his immediate family, and all of his extended family, save Christiana, are murdered on that Sunday morning all over the country. With no other living heirs that are not either foreign-born or married to another sovereign, Christiana, a middle-aged spitfire of a woman, is soon crowned queen.
After a lifetime of dodging what would have been considered her royal duties (getting married and producing heirs) Christiana is suddenly thrust into the most dutiful role of all, with little support from anyone. However, her people soon learn that there is no better woman for the role.
As a lover of hunting, fighting, riding horses and political science, Christiana may just prove to be the best queen that Germany has ever seen.
'Iron Maiden,' has the punch of an action-packed historical novel, with the added interest of an alternative history. I couldn't put this book down once I started reading! Christiana is exactly the type of female character I love to see, feisty, clever and funny, with the vulnerability to make her more real.
As a woman, I found her character to be both relatable and inspirational at different times. I loved that she was so determined to attend University and that she out-thought and out-fought every man that she came into contact with.
This was most definitely a top-of-the-line read for me and one that I won't soon be forgetting!

]]> 4.88
author: J T Maicke
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.88
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/01/25
shelves:
review:
If there is one thing in life that can be counted on, it's the twists and turns along the way. German princess Christiana Maria Lousia Von Preussen might know that better than anyone.
On an otherwise unremarkable Easter Sunday in 1910, Christiana goes from being a virtually unknown royal, way down in the line of succession, to the queen.
How does this happen? Well, it isn't a simple thing. The Kaiser, his immediate family, and all of his extended family, save Christiana, are murdered on that Sunday morning all over the country. With no other living heirs that are not either foreign-born or married to another sovereign, Christiana, a middle-aged spitfire of a woman, is soon crowned queen.
After a lifetime of dodging what would have been considered her royal duties (getting married and producing heirs) Christiana is suddenly thrust into the most dutiful role of all, with little support from anyone. However, her people soon learn that there is no better woman for the role.
As a lover of hunting, fighting, riding horses and political science, Christiana may just prove to be the best queen that Germany has ever seen.
'Iron Maiden,' has the punch of an action-packed historical novel, with the added interest of an alternative history. I couldn't put this book down once I started reading! Christiana is exactly the type of female character I love to see, feisty, clever and funny, with the vulnerability to make her more real.
As a woman, I found her character to be both relatable and inspirational at different times. I loved that she was so determined to attend University and that she out-thought and out-fought every man that she came into contact with.
This was most definitely a top-of-the-line read for me and one that I won't soon be forgetting!


]]> 128122646 Siberia, 1581. When Umey, an outcast woman of Samoyed and Russian blood, stumbles on a ravaged village, she unwittingly uncovers a plot that threatens to devastate her beloved forests and the Siberian tribes who live there. It's furs-soft gold-the invading Cossacks crave, and the greediest of them is Yermak, the man who saved her life and raised her.
As the Cossacks, armed with fearsome muskets, plunge deeper into Siberia, Umey is forced to make a accept Yermak's protection, or use her woodland skills to aid the Siberians in their desperate resistance. Umey and Alexey, a Russian soldier who has seen too much war, are soon enmeshed in an unfolding crucible of destruction where they must rely on their courage and new found love if they are to survive.]]> 308 Ken Czech 1611794110 Bookgirl86 5 The story centers around two main characters, Umey and Alexey, both of whom live in Russia in the 1500s. Despite being from vastly different social classes, the pair find themselves thrust together when the Russian army begins a war against the Tartar people.
Alexey, who has been conscripted into the army after being falsely accused of treason, quickly finds himself enamored with Umey and hypnotized by her blue eyes, which are uncharacteristic of her Samoyed people. But Umey is hiding a secret. She is traveling with the soldiers (and her Cossack uncle) to discover the secret behind why the Russian soldiers attacked an innocent village and then attacked Umey, herself when she stumbled upon this village.
To crack this secret, Umey must pretend to be on the side of the Russians, but her budding romance with Alexey complicates things.
'Kiss of Frost and Flame,' is a highly enjoyable read, and one that I recommend to any lover of historical fiction, action, and adventure stories. I particularly recommend this to historical romance fans, like myself, because the tension between Umey and Alexey is absolutely sizzling. But even if you don't enjoy the romance aspect of the book, the strong plot and great characterization will make this a five star book for any reader!
I have read this author only once before and I enjoyed that novel just as much as this one! Ken Czech is a great author for any voracious reader to read! ]]> 4.89
author: Ken Czech
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.89
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/01/14
shelves:
review:
I have never read a historical fiction quite like this one! It was clear from the very first page that author Ken Czech did his research in spades. 'Kiss of Frost and Flame,' has all of the atmosphere of a deeply researched historical novel, without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail (which is a rarity in this genre, let me tell you!).
The story centers around two main characters, Umey and Alexey, both of whom live in Russia in the 1500s. Despite being from vastly different social classes, the pair find themselves thrust together when the Russian army begins a war against the Tartar people.
Alexey, who has been conscripted into the army after being falsely accused of treason, quickly finds himself enamored with Umey and hypnotized by her blue eyes, which are uncharacteristic of her Samoyed people. But Umey is hiding a secret. She is traveling with the soldiers (and her Cossack uncle) to discover the secret behind why the Russian soldiers attacked an innocent village and then attacked Umey, herself when she stumbled upon this village.
To crack this secret, Umey must pretend to be on the side of the Russians, but her budding romance with Alexey complicates things.
'Kiss of Frost and Flame,' is a highly enjoyable read, and one that I recommend to any lover of historical fiction, action, and adventure stories. I particularly recommend this to historical romance fans, like myself, because the tension between Umey and Alexey is absolutely sizzling. But even if you don't enjoy the romance aspect of the book, the strong plot and great characterization will make this a five star book for any reader!
I have read this author only once before and I enjoyed that novel just as much as this one! Ken Czech is a great author for any voracious reader to read!
]]> 198809877 278 Khanh Ha 1940724457 Bookgirl86 5 First, the story of a young Vietnamese/American man who travels to Vietnam to look for a woman named Phuong, the adopted daughter of a former eunuch of the Imperial Court.
Second, the story of Phuong's father, the eunuch, and how he met and came to care for the last concubine of the Emperor. And how their forbidden romance eventually became a tragedy.
And, lastly, the story of Phuong's own love affair with an American named Jonathan Edward, who traveled to Vietnam during the war to find the parents of his recently deceased lover.
All three stories are magnificently interwoven throughout the novel in a way that almost seems like magic, but, in fact, is simply the writing talent of author Khanh Ha.
Having read a few of Ha's books before, I was expecting great things from 'Her: The Flame Tree,' and it most certainly did not disappoint! Though this novel is a little different than his usual works, I found myself immediately being whisked away to a different time and place by his writing.
Ha's ability to create an atmosphere that makes a reader feel totally transported is unparalleled. Every time I read one of his books, I feel as though I am following the characters around, watching their every move as a silent, invisible observer. And this novel was no different.
At different times, I laughed, wept and found myself cursing along with the characters. I appreciated their strength and vulnerability, and rooted for them throughout the entirety of the novel, even knowing that not all of the stories could end well.
To call this a five-star book seems almost lacking in comparison to the writing, but unfortunately, that is the full amount that I can give it. In my heart, I give these 10 stars!]]> 5.00
author: Khanh Ha
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/01/12
shelves:
review:
The story of 'Her: The Flame Tree,' is, in truth, three stories rolled into one.
First, the story of a young Vietnamese/American man who travels to Vietnam to look for a woman named Phuong, the adopted daughter of a former eunuch of the Imperial Court.
Second, the story of Phuong's father, the eunuch, and how he met and came to care for the last concubine of the Emperor. And how their forbidden romance eventually became a tragedy.
And, lastly, the story of Phuong's own love affair with an American named Jonathan Edward, who traveled to Vietnam during the war to find the parents of his recently deceased lover.
All three stories are magnificently interwoven throughout the novel in a way that almost seems like magic, but, in fact, is simply the writing talent of author Khanh Ha.
Having read a few of Ha's books before, I was expecting great things from 'Her: The Flame Tree,' and it most certainly did not disappoint! Though this novel is a little different than his usual works, I found myself immediately being whisked away to a different time and place by his writing.
Ha's ability to create an atmosphere that makes a reader feel totally transported is unparalleled. Every time I read one of his books, I feel as though I am following the characters around, watching their every move as a silent, invisible observer. And this novel was no different.
At different times, I laughed, wept and found myself cursing along with the characters. I appreciated their strength and vulnerability, and rooted for them throughout the entirety of the novel, even knowing that not all of the stories could end well.
To call this a five-star book seems almost lacking in comparison to the writing, but unfortunately, that is the full amount that I can give it. In my heart, I give these 10 stars!
]]> 195438018 It shall be punished as treason.
And the war to free the Punimin people from the Strelkie tyrants begins.

As a young wilderness girl, Pistol Rose knows nothing of the advanced Strelkie City or the mad king Ward Harrol who sits behind its walls. She doesn't understand why the Strelkie forbid marriage.

When the king forces the surrounding countryside to change their traditional culture to match his vision, the Punimin resist, and Rose learns everything about how to kill Strelkie and get away with it.

But throwing her own secret wedding without being caught... is another matter entirely. Rose refuses to give up her lover, Clock Dancin, for the tyrants who threaten her way of life. And most Punimin stand with her–only one is a betrayer.

In this futuristic medieval steampunk country filled with liars, killers, and wilderuckers, the strongest weapon is love. But using it comes with a heavy cost.]]> 208 Michael Ryan Hahn 1962089002 Bookgirl86 5 Both unexpected and brilliant, the story begins on the border between two worlds. One, a glimmering metropolis filled with wealthy and pampered people. The other, an impoverished, wild area filled with people struggling to get by.
On the border, the children are born, and it is decided by the nurses in the hospitals whether or not every child will get to stay in the city, or be brought out to the outskirts to live with the Punimin people.
The main character, Pistol Rose is a Punimin, which means that she gets to grow up with her family intact, but they are poor and have to live under the rule of the wealthy Strelkie people that live in the city.
When Pistol Rose falls in love with another boy from her town, she knows that asking the Strelkie for permission to marry will not go well for her. So, instead, she and her family devise a plan that will allow herself, and her new fiancée, to escape into the woods together, to a town called Afar. And things go along just swimmingly until the wedding, when things suddenly go to hell in a handbasket, for reasons that I won't divulge here.
Readers, you are you going to have to pick this one up for yourself to find out what happens next, and I highly encourage you to do just that! Michael Ryan Hahn's grasp of characterization and what makes a plot really tick, is something to behold.
This novel is well worth the read, even if you're not normally a fan of fantasy or steampunk—I bet Pistol Rose will make you one!]]> 5.00
author: Michael Ryan Hahn
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/10/14
shelves:
review:
An altogether different kind of story from a once-in-a-generation kind of writer. 'Pistol Rose and the Wedding that Sparked a War' is a book that I found impossible to put down from the outset.
Both unexpected and brilliant, the story begins on the border between two worlds. One, a glimmering metropolis filled with wealthy and pampered people. The other, an impoverished, wild area filled with people struggling to get by.
On the border, the children are born, and it is decided by the nurses in the hospitals whether or not every child will get to stay in the city, or be brought out to the outskirts to live with the Punimin people.
The main character, Pistol Rose is a Punimin, which means that she gets to grow up with her family intact, but they are poor and have to live under the rule of the wealthy Strelkie people that live in the city.
When Pistol Rose falls in love with another boy from her town, she knows that asking the Strelkie for permission to marry will not go well for her. So, instead, she and her family devise a plan that will allow herself, and her new fiancée, to escape into the woods together, to a town called Afar. And things go along just swimmingly until the wedding, when things suddenly go to hell in a handbasket, for reasons that I won't divulge here.
Readers, you are you going to have to pick this one up for yourself to find out what happens next, and I highly encourage you to do just that! Michael Ryan Hahn's grasp of characterization and what makes a plot really tick, is something to behold.
This novel is well worth the read, even if you're not normally a fan of fantasy or steampunk—I bet Pistol Rose will make you one!
]]> 182100643 266 Courtney Davis 1955065896 Bookgirl86 5 Fawn Malero is such a great main character, I found myself sympathizing with her right away, while also wondering how on earth she got herself into this crazy situation!
At the start of this book, Fawn is already in a pickle with the mysterious case of the rabbits that are attacking the city. Well, okay, “attacking� is a strong word. The rabbits are not actually doing anything, besides inadvertently causing the odd car accident. But there are thousands of them, and no one has any idea where they are coming from.
The city of Seattle was not prepared for this invasion of cute rodents, and they are even less prepared for the rash of unexplained weather that seems to be hitting the city. From heat waves to blizzards all happening in the span of a few short hours, it's almost as if the city itself is going haywire to avoid the upcoming nuptials between two of the vampire world's most prominent members.
At the center of all of this is Fawn Malero, private investigator for the supernatural community who is desperate to solve the city's problems before the wedding takes place. Fawn must figure out who is behind the attacks on the city, and thus prove herself to her father, before things spiral even further out of control.
There are few things that I love more than a supernatural mystery, and this story definitely fit the bill!
]]> 5.00
author: Courtney Davis
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/09/29
shelves:
review:
I ate every bite of this book up like a delicious dessert! From page one of 'Lucky Rabbit’s Foot (The Fawn Malero Mysteries Book 4)' by Courtney Davis, I knew that it would be right up my alley. This novel has everything, romance, mystery and a supernatural detective who is trying her best to keep it all together—all with wit and heart that make it a rewarding read.
Fawn Malero is such a great main character, I found myself sympathizing with her right away, while also wondering how on earth she got herself into this crazy situation!
At the start of this book, Fawn is already in a pickle with the mysterious case of the rabbits that are attacking the city. Well, okay, “attacking� is a strong word. The rabbits are not actually doing anything, besides inadvertently causing the odd car accident. But there are thousands of them, and no one has any idea where they are coming from.
The city of Seattle was not prepared for this invasion of cute rodents, and they are even less prepared for the rash of unexplained weather that seems to be hitting the city. From heat waves to blizzards all happening in the span of a few short hours, it's almost as if the city itself is going haywire to avoid the upcoming nuptials between two of the vampire world's most prominent members.
At the center of all of this is Fawn Malero, private investigator for the supernatural community who is desperate to solve the city's problems before the wedding takes place. Fawn must figure out who is behind the attacks on the city, and thus prove herself to her father, before things spiral even further out of control.
There are few things that I love more than a supernatural mystery, and this story definitely fit the bill!

]]> 122850688 Swept up in a perilous world where nothing is as it seems, Tom struggles to make sense of the decidedly dangerous, downright deadly scheme in which he has somehow unwittingly become a key player. Tom is about to discover that in this treacherous reality, the truth is far, far stranger than fiction...but the real danger is not knowing which is which.]]> 298 Verlin Darrow 1509248978 Bookgirl86 5 'Murder for Liar' revolves around Tom, a therapist living in California who specializes in tough cases. Tom has gotten pretty successful doing this, and enjoys his job, despite it's difficulties.
That is, until he meets George Arundel. George has Dissociative Identity Disorder, and has several different personalities that present at different times. Tom knows that this illness most likely stems for George's childhood, some neglect or abuse before the age of four that caused him to revert into himself and set up these other personalities to handle things in the outside world.
Even though George is reluctant to talk about himself very much, Tom begins to feel that he is getting inside of the other man's head, but just as he begins to feel this, George admits something to Tom that changes his view of the sessions entirely.
George believes that Tom is an angel that has been reincarnated into human form, and that he has been sent to “wake� him, essentially informing him of his angelic fate. But can he possibly be telling the truth? Is Tom really an angel in human form? Or is this just the crazed ravings of a very deluded man?
Tom begins to ask himself this very question as the book goes on, and the answer is one that I don't think many readers will expect (I know I didn't!)
I've never read another book that had such an out of this world concept and executed it so rationally. Darrow is an incredibly talented writer, and I hope I get to read more from him sometime soon!
]]> 4.40
author: Verlin Darrow
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.40
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/07/12
shelves:
review:
I absolutely flew through this book! Darrow's prose is so lively and engaging that I found myself reading 'Murder For Liar' in it's entirety, in one night. This was so excellent and the main character, Tom Dashiel stole my entire heart.
'Murder for Liar' revolves around Tom, a therapist living in California who specializes in tough cases. Tom has gotten pretty successful doing this, and enjoys his job, despite it's difficulties.
That is, until he meets George Arundel. George has Dissociative Identity Disorder, and has several different personalities that present at different times. Tom knows that this illness most likely stems for George's childhood, some neglect or abuse before the age of four that caused him to revert into himself and set up these other personalities to handle things in the outside world.
Even though George is reluctant to talk about himself very much, Tom begins to feel that he is getting inside of the other man's head, but just as he begins to feel this, George admits something to Tom that changes his view of the sessions entirely.
George believes that Tom is an angel that has been reincarnated into human form, and that he has been sent to “wake� him, essentially informing him of his angelic fate. But can he possibly be telling the truth? Is Tom really an angel in human form? Or is this just the crazed ravings of a very deluded man?
Tom begins to ask himself this very question as the book goes on, and the answer is one that I don't think many readers will expect (I know I didn't!)
I've never read another book that had such an out of this world concept and executed it so rationally. Darrow is an incredibly talented writer, and I hope I get to read more from him sometime soon!

]]> 123957362 Do you drop him like a hot rock? Could it possibly work out? Read this book! the transsexual process, talking to others, assessing your relationship, finding therapists, maintaining your marriage, jealousy, helping your children adjust, and more. Also for the woman who falls in love with a transsexual. It's not all about him. It's about you.]]> 322 Elisabeth L Morrissey 195506587X Bookgirl86 5 In her book, 'It’s Not All About You: Living with a Transsexual Spouse or Partner,' Elisabeth L. Morrissey aims to answer this question with the experience of someone who is very familiar with the trans community.
Morrissey has been married to her spouse, Karen for twenty-five years. Karen is a trans woman and although she had already come out as trans before she and Morrissey met, Karen was previously married to another women who left her after she began to transition.
Over her twenty-five years married to a trans woman, Morrissey has heard it all. Questions about her own sexuality, questions from religious people who disagree with Karen's transition and other hurtful things that greatly affected her at the beginning of their marriage.
Now, Morrissey gives advice that can only come from someone who has lived the life that she has led, about how to deal with the transition of a spouse or partner. This book takes the reader through the entire process of finding out that your spouse is trans and exactly how to answer the question of what to do next.
Morrissey admits up front that it is very hard for a couple to stay together after one person comes out as trans. She writes that she doesn't know, nor could she find in her research, any couples who kept their marriage together in this situation without evolving it into something else.
I greatly enjoyed this book, and found it to be an informative, interesting read that gave me a lot of perspective on the trans community. This book really opened my eyes in a lot of ways.
Reading a book cannot answer the difficult question of whether you should stay with your trans spouse and Morrissey says that right away. However, this book can function as a great jumping off point for anyone who is seeking answers for this question in their own life. ]]> 5.00
author: Elisabeth L Morrissey
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/05/19
shelves:
review:
It's a question that many face, but few talk about. What do you do when your spouse or partner comes out as transgender?
In her book, 'It’s Not All About You: Living with a Transsexual Spouse or Partner,' Elisabeth L. Morrissey aims to answer this question with the experience of someone who is very familiar with the trans community.
Morrissey has been married to her spouse, Karen for twenty-five years. Karen is a trans woman and although she had already come out as trans before she and Morrissey met, Karen was previously married to another women who left her after she began to transition.
Over her twenty-five years married to a trans woman, Morrissey has heard it all. Questions about her own sexuality, questions from religious people who disagree with Karen's transition and other hurtful things that greatly affected her at the beginning of their marriage.
Now, Morrissey gives advice that can only come from someone who has lived the life that she has led, about how to deal with the transition of a spouse or partner. This book takes the reader through the entire process of finding out that your spouse is trans and exactly how to answer the question of what to do next.
Morrissey admits up front that it is very hard for a couple to stay together after one person comes out as trans. She writes that she doesn't know, nor could she find in her research, any couples who kept their marriage together in this situation without evolving it into something else.
I greatly enjoyed this book, and found it to be an informative, interesting read that gave me a lot of perspective on the trans community. This book really opened my eyes in a lot of ways.
Reading a book cannot answer the difficult question of whether you should stay with your trans spouse and Morrissey says that right away. However, this book can function as a great jumping off point for anyone who is seeking answers for this question in their own life.
]]> 75555214 340 Felicia Watson 1955065780 Bookgirl86 5 Lucia's father, Carlo, a former hitman comes to her after being released from prison. Lucia is understandably surprised, as her father has been locked up for nearly twenty years, and she thought he still had several months left on his sentence.
Carlo is not visiting his daughter with the intention of having a warm and fuzzy reunion. He is desperate to find some of the things that she was storing for him, and his desperation makes Lucia suspicious. Things get even more fishy when, a few days later, Carlo goes missing and his car is found abandoned.
Fearing the worst, Lucia's eclectic family summons her to deliver the news, but Lucia's P.I senses are too keen to believe that her father is actually dead.
Lucia must figure out what exactly happened to her father, and what his fate has to do with the missing diamond that he stole years before. With the help of a new romantic interest, a sexy lawyer named Hank, and her energetic dog, Rocco, Lucia will have to solve her father's case after her own life is put in danger, too.
'Where No One Will See,' is by author Felicia Watson, who is an author that I have not read before but one that I definitely plan to read more of in the future! This novel was electric, tightly-paced and with just enough action and romance to keep everything very, very interesting. If you're looking for a good mystery to sink your teeth into, you cannot do better than this one!
]]> 4.71
author: Felicia Watson
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.71
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/04/17
shelves:
review:
Lucia Scafetti is having a very weird day. It started out normal enough. Catching cheating husbands is, after all, her bread and butter as a private investigator, but things rapidly devolve into chaos when an unexpected visitor shows up at her office.
Lucia's father, Carlo, a former hitman comes to her after being released from prison. Lucia is understandably surprised, as her father has been locked up for nearly twenty years, and she thought he still had several months left on his sentence.
Carlo is not visiting his daughter with the intention of having a warm and fuzzy reunion. He is desperate to find some of the things that she was storing for him, and his desperation makes Lucia suspicious. Things get even more fishy when, a few days later, Carlo goes missing and his car is found abandoned.
Fearing the worst, Lucia's eclectic family summons her to deliver the news, but Lucia's P.I senses are too keen to believe that her father is actually dead.
Lucia must figure out what exactly happened to her father, and what his fate has to do with the missing diamond that he stole years before. With the help of a new romantic interest, a sexy lawyer named Hank, and her energetic dog, Rocco, Lucia will have to solve her father's case after her own life is put in danger, too.
'Where No One Will See,' is by author Felicia Watson, who is an author that I have not read before but one that I definitely plan to read more of in the future! This novel was electric, tightly-paced and with just enough action and romance to keep everything very, very interesting. If you're looking for a good mystery to sink your teeth into, you cannot do better than this one!

]]> 76977263
2024 INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE IN NEW ADULT FICTION


On the cusp of turning eighteen, it's time for Drew Lovell to become a man.

But deep within, Drew has questions-ones he doesn't know how to phrase-about what that means and how to go about it.

During three intense stretches between 1985 and 1993, taking him into his mid-twenties, Drew undergoes a series of profound experiences-often wild, sometimes painful, and always revealing-that force him to rethink his current assumptions. Only after nearly dying from trying to conform to conventional models of masculinity does he begin to become the man he wants to be and not the one he thought the world required him to be. Still, he's unable to live with full integrity until interaction with a pair of awakened humans inspires new awareness that helps him at long last embrace the truth of who he is.]]> 280 Karuna Das 1955065764 Bookgirl86 5

Andrew Lovell has lived his life flitting from one sexual encounter to the next, the whole time seeking something that he cannot define. After his parents divorced, when he was very young, Drew is raised by his mother and step-father for a time and his mother becomes part of a religion called the Bahá'í Faith.
Though he does not believe in the faith the same way his mother does, Drew still considers it a respectable religion, and appreciates that they support his mother so much. But this disconnect with his father and later, his step-father creates a need in Drew to find some sort of equilibrium in life.
For most of his young life, Drew does not take too many things seriously. He travels, does drugs, and has sex with women almost indiscriminately, and believes that he is happy, though, deep down he still has many questions. But, after going through a frightening accident, Drew suddenly realizes that he feels he was meant to write a memoir. Finally, reaching out to his favorite author, he shares an experience that is both spiritual and sexual and one that changes his life forever.
This was a read that I won't soon be forgetting. Das has a way of writing that comes across as very genuine, despite the wild things that are happening in the narrative.
I'd recommend this to anyone that has an interest in spirituality and enlightenment. I definitely enjoyed this and would read more from this author!
]]> 5.00
author: Karuna Das
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/04/08
shelves:
review:
“If you've ever ingested psychadelic-- a.k.a. 'magic' mushrooms, perhaps you can relate. Either way, I should explain how I came to be, at nearly midnight on Memorial Day Eve, at that site in that state of mind.� - 'Sex, Drugs, and Spiritual Enlightenment (but mostly the first two),' by Karuna Das


Andrew Lovell has lived his life flitting from one sexual encounter to the next, the whole time seeking something that he cannot define. After his parents divorced, when he was very young, Drew is raised by his mother and step-father for a time and his mother becomes part of a religion called the Bahá'í Faith.
Though he does not believe in the faith the same way his mother does, Drew still considers it a respectable religion, and appreciates that they support his mother so much. But this disconnect with his father and later, his step-father creates a need in Drew to find some sort of equilibrium in life.
For most of his young life, Drew does not take too many things seriously. He travels, does drugs, and has sex with women almost indiscriminately, and believes that he is happy, though, deep down he still has many questions. But, after going through a frightening accident, Drew suddenly realizes that he feels he was meant to write a memoir. Finally, reaching out to his favorite author, he shares an experience that is both spiritual and sexual and one that changes his life forever.
This was a read that I won't soon be forgetting. Das has a way of writing that comes across as very genuine, despite the wild things that are happening in the narrative.
I'd recommend this to anyone that has an interest in spirituality and enlightenment. I definitely enjoyed this and would read more from this author!

]]> 60228183 288 Dana Claire 0744307341 Bookgirl86 5 Two teenagers from very different worlds are forced to come together to defend a small town against a killer of supernatural origins, despite the fact that they can't stand each other.
When Liam Hunter and Olivia Davis meet, the only sparks flying are coming from his shotgun. Liam bursts into Olivia's bedroom and shoots at...something. She's not sure what. Even he isn't sure what. But Liam knows that it was evil, whatever it was.
See, Liam is a hunter of supernatural monsters, and he knows that there is something killing the faculty members at Olivia's school. It is only after seeing something hovering behind her in the window of her bedroom that he bursts in, guns blazing. But, of course, Olivia doesn't know that. She just thinks he is some crazy guy who seems to find something threatening (and worth blowing apart) in her dresser.
Olivia doesn't understand why her police officer father is so determined to work with Liam's FBI agent father, and she knows that there is something definitely fishy about that family. But, pretty soon it becomes evident that Liam and his family are the only ones who are aware of what type of supernatural threat her small town is facing, and that they might be the only ones who are able to stop it before it kills anyone else.
This is a highly entertaining novel and one that I think supernatural YA lovers will enjoy. I saw it play out as a movie in my head and think it should be made into one! I knew pretty early on that I was going to give it five stars, but the climactic ending really sealed the deal for me. Five bright and shiny shotgun shells go to this wonderful read!
]]> 3.98 2023
author: Dana Claire
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/02/14
shelves:
review:
A new supernatural YA novel from the mind of the incomparable Dana Claire, 'Hunterland,' is everything that a lover of the genre could ever want!
Two teenagers from very different worlds are forced to come together to defend a small town against a killer of supernatural origins, despite the fact that they can't stand each other.
When Liam Hunter and Olivia Davis meet, the only sparks flying are coming from his shotgun. Liam bursts into Olivia's bedroom and shoots at...something. She's not sure what. Even he isn't sure what. But Liam knows that it was evil, whatever it was.
See, Liam is a hunter of supernatural monsters, and he knows that there is something killing the faculty members at Olivia's school. It is only after seeing something hovering behind her in the window of her bedroom that he bursts in, guns blazing. But, of course, Olivia doesn't know that. She just thinks he is some crazy guy who seems to find something threatening (and worth blowing apart) in her dresser.
Olivia doesn't understand why her police officer father is so determined to work with Liam's FBI agent father, and she knows that there is something definitely fishy about that family. But, pretty soon it becomes evident that Liam and his family are the only ones who are aware of what type of supernatural threat her small town is facing, and that they might be the only ones who are able to stop it before it kills anyone else.
This is a highly entertaining novel and one that I think supernatural YA lovers will enjoy. I saw it play out as a movie in my head and think it should be made into one! I knew pretty early on that I was going to give it five stars, but the climactic ending really sealed the deal for me. Five bright and shiny shotgun shells go to this wonderful read!

]]> 29607913 189 Shirley McLain Bookgirl86 5 The novel revolves around the Princess Adele, who, at the beginning of the book is grieving the loss of her fiancé, Prince Anthony, who disappeared six years earlier.
Now, Adele's brother, King Robert intends to sacrifice a child to appease the dragon that lurks in a cave in their kingdom. Horrified by this idea, Adele resolves to seek out the dragon and slay it by herself, in the hopes that she can spare the child and her kingdom from the great beast's wrath. But things quickly go awry when Adele makes it to the cave and discovers a secret that the dragon has been hiding for years.
This revelation leads Adele to the truth of Anthony's disappearance, as well as a discovery about the betrayal of two people that she holds dear. Adele's journey in this book takes a lot of twists and turns. I found her to be a very empowering character and one that I rooted for the whole way through. Her choices were not easy ones, but she made them with the kind of grace and bravery that all good book protagonists should exhibit.
This is the first book by Shirley McLain that I have read, and I was really impressed by her writing ability and her storytelling. This is a great book for any lovers of romance and the Fantasy/Adventure genres. If you're looking for an easy read in that genre without a lot of unnecessary padding, this is the book for you!
I can promise that you will get an interesting story and a fantastic reading experience that you won't soon forget. I recommend adding this one to your 'to-be-read' list right away!
]]> 4.65
author: Shirley McLain
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.65
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/12/27
shelves:
review:
A one-of-a-kind novel that packs a magical punch! 'Princess Adele's Dragon,' is a very unique and dazzling book in an unassuming package.
The novel revolves around the Princess Adele, who, at the beginning of the book is grieving the loss of her fiancé, Prince Anthony, who disappeared six years earlier.
Now, Adele's brother, King Robert intends to sacrifice a child to appease the dragon that lurks in a cave in their kingdom. Horrified by this idea, Adele resolves to seek out the dragon and slay it by herself, in the hopes that she can spare the child and her kingdom from the great beast's wrath. But things quickly go awry when Adele makes it to the cave and discovers a secret that the dragon has been hiding for years.
This revelation leads Adele to the truth of Anthony's disappearance, as well as a discovery about the betrayal of two people that she holds dear. Adele's journey in this book takes a lot of twists and turns. I found her to be a very empowering character and one that I rooted for the whole way through. Her choices were not easy ones, but she made them with the kind of grace and bravery that all good book protagonists should exhibit.
This is the first book by Shirley McLain that I have read, and I was really impressed by her writing ability and her storytelling. This is a great book for any lovers of romance and the Fantasy/Adventure genres. If you're looking for an easy read in that genre without a lot of unnecessary padding, this is the book for you!
I can promise that you will get an interesting story and a fantastic reading experience that you won't soon forget. I recommend adding this one to your 'to-be-read' list right away!

]]> 63038081
Indiana, January 2010.

It’s a hot summer’s day in 1984 when twelve-year-old Gilly and her friend Sally find a dead new-born in a shoebox in the cemetery of their tiny town.

Deciding to keep their discovery a secret, they bury the body in Gilly’s yard.

The results are disastrous. Flowers are mysteriously left on strollers. Two local children disappear and end up dead. A suspect is arrested and confesses, blaming the deaths on the girls� having taken the dead baby.

Gilly grows up but is haunted by what’s happened. As a young woman, she flees the town and its memories, going all the way to Japan.

Returning with her Japanese husband Toshi to attend her mother’s funeral, Gilly finds the past is not past. She’s threatened, and someone is putting flowers on strollers again.

When another child is abducted, Gilly knows she must discover the truth about what happened all those years ago before more lives are lost.]]> 289 Lea O'Harra Bookgirl86 5 Byron, Indiana, 2010. A woman named Gillian Kataoka struggles to gain access to the house that her late mother lived in until her death. Gillian grew up in the house, but moved to Japan shortly after high school graduation. Since then, she has gotten married to a man named Toshi and seldom returns to Byron to visit her family. However, Gillian's reluctance to return home is not so much because of her family but because of the tragedy that occurred in Byron when she was a young girl, and her unwitting involvement in it that lead to her wanting to escape the town forever.
Flashback to summer 1984, Gillian, then simply 'Gilly,' is taking a detour through the local cemetery with her best friend, Sally, when the two girls stumble upon a strange shoe box that has been left in the tall grass. The contents of that shoe box will change their lives, and the life of the town, forever. Inside the shoe box is the corpse of a newborn baby, lovingly wrapped in tissue paper and tied with a ribbon.
The girls elect to discover who the mother of the baby is by going through the possibilities in town, but before they can find out anything, a local boy goes missing and suspicion falls on Gilly, as she was the last person seen talking to him. When the boy's body is found, things soon begin to snowball and eventually another person is arrested for this and one other murder.
Many years later, when Gillian returns to Byron, the family of the man that was arrested are still out to take their revenge on her for her involvement. Dodging attacks from the guilty man's family and dealing with her imploding marriage, Gillian must face the very real possibility that the man that was arrested all those years ago may not have been guilty after all.
'Dead Reckoning,' is a hell of a novel for a cold winter's evening! I recommend it to both crime fiction readers as well as those who just love a well written, plotted out story!
]]> 4.23
author: Lea O'Harra
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/12/27
shelves:
review:
With one foot in the past, and one in more recent times, Lea O'Harra's crime fiction novel, 'Dead Reckoning,' uses dual timelines to tell the story of a small Indiana town's brush with murder, and the woman who still carries the shame of being attached to it more than twenty years later.
Byron, Indiana, 2010. A woman named Gillian Kataoka struggles to gain access to the house that her late mother lived in until her death. Gillian grew up in the house, but moved to Japan shortly after high school graduation. Since then, she has gotten married to a man named Toshi and seldom returns to Byron to visit her family. However, Gillian's reluctance to return home is not so much because of her family but because of the tragedy that occurred in Byron when she was a young girl, and her unwitting involvement in it that lead to her wanting to escape the town forever.
Flashback to summer 1984, Gillian, then simply 'Gilly,' is taking a detour through the local cemetery with her best friend, Sally, when the two girls stumble upon a strange shoe box that has been left in the tall grass. The contents of that shoe box will change their lives, and the life of the town, forever. Inside the shoe box is the corpse of a newborn baby, lovingly wrapped in tissue paper and tied with a ribbon.
The girls elect to discover who the mother of the baby is by going through the possibilities in town, but before they can find out anything, a local boy goes missing and suspicion falls on Gilly, as she was the last person seen talking to him. When the boy's body is found, things soon begin to snowball and eventually another person is arrested for this and one other murder.
Many years later, when Gillian returns to Byron, the family of the man that was arrested are still out to take their revenge on her for her involvement. Dodging attacks from the guilty man's family and dealing with her imploding marriage, Gillian must face the very real possibility that the man that was arrested all those years ago may not have been guilty after all.
'Dead Reckoning,' is a hell of a novel for a cold winter's evening! I recommend it to both crime fiction readers as well as those who just love a well written, plotted out story!

]]> 62589732 �
Una MacCallan wants to save her small Scottish fishing town from the curse that befell it 10 years ago. When she comes across a newly changed selkie, she knows he's the key to helping her. But the attraction between them is hard to fight and is only a distraction.�
�
They must race against time to break the curse even as they fight the bond growing between them. She stole his sealskin...can he steal her heart? ]]> 262 Ella Rose Bookgirl86 5 Ronan is a selkie. A mythological creature who can live as both as seal and a human, depending on whether or not he sheds his seal skin. However, selkies must hide their skin, because if it is taken by a human, that human will have control over them until it is returned.
This is exactly what happens with Ronan and the heroine of the novel, Una, a widow and fisherwoman who accidentally stumbles across the cave where our selkie hero hides his seal skin.
Finding the selkie skin gives Una an idea. She decides to use Ronan to break the curse that has befallen her island. This curse has made the island nearly go broke, made fishing hauls few and far between, and created other problems that the islanders have no idea how to solve.
Desperate to see the safe return of his skin, Ronan agrees to help Una and the island, but secretly resolves to seduce the widow into giving him his skin back more quickly. Of course, this is a romance, so things do not go as planned and Ronan and Una find themselves falling for each other even as they swear, they are indifferent. But what's a good romance without a little love/hate?
This is a high caliber book in an easy-to-read package. Ella Rose's writing is incredible and the romance is both, sweet and sexy. I recommend giving this one a read!
]]> 5.00
author: Ella Rose
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/11/12
shelves:
review:
This book draws you in from the very first page! 'Stealing the Selkie’s Heart (The Selkie Seas, #1)' by Ella Rose is a paranormal romance unlike any other I have ever read. The romance between the main hero and heroine starts as a slow burn after they discover early on that they are fated to be together, even if they initially cannot stand each other.
Ronan is a selkie. A mythological creature who can live as both as seal and a human, depending on whether or not he sheds his seal skin. However, selkies must hide their skin, because if it is taken by a human, that human will have control over them until it is returned.
This is exactly what happens with Ronan and the heroine of the novel, Una, a widow and fisherwoman who accidentally stumbles across the cave where our selkie hero hides his seal skin.
Finding the selkie skin gives Una an idea. She decides to use Ronan to break the curse that has befallen her island. This curse has made the island nearly go broke, made fishing hauls few and far between, and created other problems that the islanders have no idea how to solve.
Desperate to see the safe return of his skin, Ronan agrees to help Una and the island, but secretly resolves to seduce the widow into giving him his skin back more quickly. Of course, this is a romance, so things do not go as planned and Ronan and Una find themselves falling for each other even as they swear, they are indifferent. But what's a good romance without a little love/hate?
This is a high caliber book in an easy-to-read package. Ella Rose's writing is incredible and the romance is both, sweet and sexy. I recommend giving this one a read!

]]> 63101907
Thus begins the emotional journey of Afamefuna Onochie Nwaku a Harvard-trained medical doctor with a career most can only dream of, a loving wife, and supportive family. Then, he receives a telephone call from his sister who lives in Nigeria that her life is being threatened.

Left with no other fair choice, Afam leaves behind his family, throwing his marriage into turmoil and risking the life he has built in Boston. Instead of the Nigeria that he loves, that he needs, he finds a land and people he barely recognizes waiting for him. Afam decides to stay but realizes that his future in Nigeria is as murky as the River-Niger after a torrential tropical rainfall.

As Afam sets out on a journey to reconnect with the family and heritage that he left behind, he must face new enemies in an increasingly corrupt Nigeria where many people see him as an American intruder. And through it all, he must fight to keep his family together-and alive.]]> 340 Fidelis O. Mkparu 1955065608 Bookgirl86 5 Aafamefuna has not set foot in the country since the death of his father, 25 years earlier and then, only briefly. In the meantime, he has been living in Boston, where he has become a successful doctor.
On the day of his 60th birthday, Afamefuna receives a phone call from his sister informing him that he is needed back home. His cousin and several other men are attempting to lay claim to Afamefuna's father's land, and his sister worries that she will not be able to hold them back much longer.
Despite his wife's misgivings, Afamefuna returns to Nigeria promptly to secure his ancestral land, but this is when he discovers exactly how much has changed in his homeland and how little he now recognizes.
This was a fascinating read. There were many themes present here, including the theme of being torn between two worlds and the mercurial nature of the thunderstorms that often happen in Afamefuna's village.
To me, this book was a perfect book in terms of literary fiction, prose and themes. Fidelis O. Mkparu has created a story here that I feel I could recommend to anyone. Just as the title suggests, this is a story with some soul, both in the portrayal of the characters and the journey that the main character takes throughout the novel.
Can we ever really go home? I think the answer to that question is different for everyone, but this book certainly answers it for Afamefuna in a spectacular way.
]]> 5.00 2022
author: Fidelis O. Mkparu
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/11/05
shelves:
review:
Returning to his home country of Nigeria is not all that Afamefuna expected. Immediately after getting off the plane, he is met with heat that he is no longer acclimated to, people who assume that he is a foreigner, and cops who are after bribes just to let him past their checkpoints.
Aafamefuna has not set foot in the country since the death of his father, 25 years earlier and then, only briefly. In the meantime, he has been living in Boston, where he has become a successful doctor.
On the day of his 60th birthday, Afamefuna receives a phone call from his sister informing him that he is needed back home. His cousin and several other men are attempting to lay claim to Afamefuna's father's land, and his sister worries that she will not be able to hold them back much longer.
Despite his wife's misgivings, Afamefuna returns to Nigeria promptly to secure his ancestral land, but this is when he discovers exactly how much has changed in his homeland and how little he now recognizes.
This was a fascinating read. There were many themes present here, including the theme of being torn between two worlds and the mercurial nature of the thunderstorms that often happen in Afamefuna's village.
To me, this book was a perfect book in terms of literary fiction, prose and themes. Fidelis O. Mkparu has created a story here that I feel I could recommend to anyone. Just as the title suggests, this is a story with some soul, both in the portrayal of the characters and the journey that the main character takes throughout the novel.
Can we ever really go home? I think the answer to that question is different for everyone, but this book certainly answers it for Afamefuna in a spectacular way.

]]> 62669974
Fawn was enjoying her new-found career as a Supernatural P.I., settling into a relationship with the Werewolf, Logan, and figuring out how to interact with all the supernatural creatures living in the Seattle area. But it never occurred to her the water off the shore was also under her administration...that was until they started crawling out to beg for help.

Before she knew it, Fawn was on a quest to learn who was attempting to steal the magical properties of the ocean, where a powerful Vampire's daughter was being held captive. And could she catch the Magician who'd been selling dangerous items to humans?

Of course, she wasn't alone. The posse she'd collected were still with her and determined to help. If she was going to make it as a P.I. she wasn't going to do it without backup.]]> 188 Courtney Davis 1955065632 Bookgirl86 5 Fawn is a supernatural private investigator, solving cases for the witches, wizards, vampires, werewolves, elves, and all of the otherworldly creatures of the Seattle area. Coming from a family of magic users, Fawn is well-versed in all of the politics of the supernatural community, but in this book, she has quite a situation on her hands when she is asked to find a stone that holds dominion over the oceans.
The stone once belonged to Poseidon himself, and legend says that he gifted it to his four daughters for safekeeping. Now, however, the stone has been stolen, and the oceans, and all of the creatures living inside, are in turmoil as a result.
Added to this, Fawn must navigate the rough waters when a member of a local vampire family comes to town, looking for his daughter. The chemistry between Fawn and the vampire, Drake, puts her relationship with her werewolf boyfriend, Logan in jeopardy, despite the fact that Fawn is unsure if Drake is friend or foe.
All of this would be a lot for anyone to juggle, but Fawn does it with the style and pluck of a great protagonist.
I loved her personality and spirit, and there were a lot of great funny moments that came out of her investigating with her supernatural friends and getting into unpredictable situations. Although this wasn't the first book in the series, the author provided enough explanation where I didn't feel lost going into it, and everything made sense without info-dumping.
I got so lost in the world that Courtney Davis created with this book that I couldn't put this book down! I highly recommend this read!
]]> 4.67 2022
author: Courtney Davis
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.67
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/10/18
shelves:
review:
Fawn Malero is on the case and trying her best to keep her head above water in this fun supernatural mystery story from author Courtney Davis.
Fawn is a supernatural private investigator, solving cases for the witches, wizards, vampires, werewolves, elves, and all of the otherworldly creatures of the Seattle area. Coming from a family of magic users, Fawn is well-versed in all of the politics of the supernatural community, but in this book, she has quite a situation on her hands when she is asked to find a stone that holds dominion over the oceans.
The stone once belonged to Poseidon himself, and legend says that he gifted it to his four daughters for safekeeping. Now, however, the stone has been stolen, and the oceans, and all of the creatures living inside, are in turmoil as a result.
Added to this, Fawn must navigate the rough waters when a member of a local vampire family comes to town, looking for his daughter. The chemistry between Fawn and the vampire, Drake, puts her relationship with her werewolf boyfriend, Logan in jeopardy, despite the fact that Fawn is unsure if Drake is friend or foe.
All of this would be a lot for anyone to juggle, but Fawn does it with the style and pluck of a great protagonist.
I loved her personality and spirit, and there were a lot of great funny moments that came out of her investigating with her supernatural friends and getting into unpredictable situations. Although this wasn't the first book in the series, the author provided enough explanation where I didn't feel lost going into it, and everything made sense without info-dumping.
I got so lost in the world that Courtney Davis created with this book that I couldn't put this book down! I highly recommend this read!

]]> 62795625 324 M.L. Grider 1955065543 Bookgirl86 5 Set before the events in Grider's 'Bitter Vintage�, this prequel is a collection of short stories that features both the characters of Helen Wu and Amy Dresden from when they were teenagers up until adulthood.
Having never read, 'Bitter Vintage,' I was fully expecting to be a bit lost and confused reading this one, but Grider artfully carries the reader along by explaining what needs to be told effortlessly.
I fell in love with these characters so quickly in the first story that I found myself adding 'Bitter Vintage' to my TBR immediately.
From Helen's teenage antics in catching what she thinks is a home intruder (but actually turns out to be someone very different) to Amy's photoshoot in a possibly haunted hotel, these two are an absolute hoot to read.
I can imagine that this would be a huge treat for anyone who enjoyed the first book, as it delves a lot more into the backstories of these characters, their lives before they met each other, and their inner emotional worlds.
The balance of comedy and deeply heartfelt emotion in Grider's writing is superb. At the same time that I was laughing, I was also sympathizing with Helen and Amy's feelings about being outcasts in their communities.
Grider really seems to understand how to write compelling and relatable female characters and how to keep the reader invested in their overall journey. I found myself wishing that Helen and Amy were my friends in real life, even with all of their zany antics!
This is a great read whether you have read the �Bitter Vintage� or not. I enjoyed every minute!
]]> 5.00
author: M.L. Grider
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/10/15
shelves:
review:
'Book of Jobs: A Collection of Helen Wu and Amy Dresden' by M.L. Grider is an unexpected gem of a book.
Set before the events in Grider's 'Bitter Vintage�, this prequel is a collection of short stories that features both the characters of Helen Wu and Amy Dresden from when they were teenagers up until adulthood.
Having never read, 'Bitter Vintage,' I was fully expecting to be a bit lost and confused reading this one, but Grider artfully carries the reader along by explaining what needs to be told effortlessly.
I fell in love with these characters so quickly in the first story that I found myself adding 'Bitter Vintage' to my TBR immediately.
From Helen's teenage antics in catching what she thinks is a home intruder (but actually turns out to be someone very different) to Amy's photoshoot in a possibly haunted hotel, these two are an absolute hoot to read.
I can imagine that this would be a huge treat for anyone who enjoyed the first book, as it delves a lot more into the backstories of these characters, their lives before they met each other, and their inner emotional worlds.
The balance of comedy and deeply heartfelt emotion in Grider's writing is superb. At the same time that I was laughing, I was also sympathizing with Helen and Amy's feelings about being outcasts in their communities.
Grider really seems to understand how to write compelling and relatable female characters and how to keep the reader invested in their overall journey. I found myself wishing that Helen and Amy were my friends in real life, even with all of their zany antics!
This is a great read whether you have read the �Bitter Vintage� or not. I enjoyed every minute!

]]> 61026661 209 Christopher Tuthill 1955065527 Bookgirl86 5 It is the summer of 1984, and Jacob is a twelve-year-old boy who, like most kids his age, is looking forward to the warm, free days of summer when he can play with his friends and read his comic books.
Unfortunately, Jacob is in for some terrible news. Just before the last day of school, his best friend, Jon, is killed in a car accident. Jacob must deal with not only his own grief, but the grief of the whole town as he mourns his friend and attempts to come to terms with his death.
Before the accident, Jon and Jacob were working on a comic together that they called 'Osprey Man.' The hero of the comic was supposed to be an avenger for animals, his main goal being to rid the world of animal poachers.
After Jon's passing, Jacob decides that he still wants to continue the comic and enlists the help of another friend to do so. Between trying to finish the comic, navigating his grief for Jon and the feelings about his brother's death that this experience has brought back, Jacob's journey is one of growing up, understanding the world in a way that you never have before, and coming to terms with the ending of things.
I found this book to be a really beautiful piece on grief and moving on. Jacob's point of view was very poignant and touching and I found it really similar to how I have felt after losing someone close to me.
Five stars for this stunning tale! ]]> 5.00
author: Christopher Tuthill
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/09/19
shelves:
review:
“There will never be another day like this, he thought. Tears sprang into the corners of his eyes at the idea of it. There would never be another last day of fourth grade/first day of summer when the finches land upon your hands as you hold out seed for them, when Suzie Vail asked you to her beach house, and Chaz Mancuso wanted to be your pal and offered you a job, when the streets were lined with shoppers eager beyond belief for the warm days ahead and the freedom those days promised.�
It is the summer of 1984, and Jacob is a twelve-year-old boy who, like most kids his age, is looking forward to the warm, free days of summer when he can play with his friends and read his comic books.
Unfortunately, Jacob is in for some terrible news. Just before the last day of school, his best friend, Jon, is killed in a car accident. Jacob must deal with not only his own grief, but the grief of the whole town as he mourns his friend and attempts to come to terms with his death.
Before the accident, Jon and Jacob were working on a comic together that they called 'Osprey Man.' The hero of the comic was supposed to be an avenger for animals, his main goal being to rid the world of animal poachers.
After Jon's passing, Jacob decides that he still wants to continue the comic and enlists the help of another friend to do so. Between trying to finish the comic, navigating his grief for Jon and the feelings about his brother's death that this experience has brought back, Jacob's journey is one of growing up, understanding the world in a way that you never have before, and coming to terms with the ending of things.
I found this book to be a really beautiful piece on grief and moving on. Jacob's point of view was very poignant and touching and I found it really similar to how I have felt after losing someone close to me.
Five stars for this stunning tale!
]]> 57271861
"It is a dreadful thing to be possessed, to be invaded by a spirit woman who commands your body and soul and looks out at the world through your eyes. It happened to me in 1778. Pray it will never happen to you." Adele's diary tells the story of her domination by an incubus Lynne, a serving girl in a London ale house who died a violent death and commandeered Adele's body for eight years. Can Adele be held responsible for Lynne's crimes? Will the evil spirit return and renew her tyranny over Adele's mind? Lynne has moved on into the 21st century, but the transmigration has left her emotions flat. Lynne is eager to go back to her first life and experience once more the passion she felt for her lover, Jack. To do so, she needs a channel to the past: the manuscript of Adele's diary, if only she can find it.

A time-slip novel set in contemporary Los Angeles and 18th century London, The Loneliness of the Time Traveller is a story of love, crime, and adventure combined with fantasy, a little bit of Jane Austen-style irony, and a healthy serving of social criticism.]]> 300 Erika Rummel 1771338784 Bookgirl86 5 While I was reading this book, I was struck by what a great choice it would be to recommend to someone who has never read Sci-Fi, but is interested in trying it. 'The Loneliness of the Time Traveller,' by Erika Rummel has all of the elements of a great Sci-Fi novel. It has a mysterious being, an element of time travel, mind-reading and so much more.
The being, Lynne is the one who is trying to time travel. See, Lynne is part of a race of beings called transmigrants, who have the ability to take over a human body when that body is on the point of death. Lynne was once a servant girl in a London pub who was murdered by an enemy of her dangerous lover, Jack.
Lynne goes on to inhabit the body of Adele, a well-mannered young woman who is on the cusp of death from a fever when Lynne finds her. When Adele wakes, she finds that her body is now shared by Lynne, a situation that she protests ardently.
Skip forward to the 21st century, Lynne is now in the body of a different person, but she longs to go back to Adele's life, if only to find Jack and be with him again.
After being left by Lynne, Adele wrote a memoir that was published, but not widely sold. Lynne now makes it her quest to find the manuscript of the memoir so that she might touch Adele's handwriting again and possibly travel back in time to be with Jack.
This novel went in a lot of unexpected directions for me that I greatly enjoyed! The reveal of who and what, exactly Lynne is, captivated me immediately. A great read and a great writer!



]]> 4.38
author: Erika Rummel
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.38
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/08/27
shelves:
review:
“When I reach the point of ennui, when success no longer keeps away boredom, I make my move.�
While I was reading this book, I was struck by what a great choice it would be to recommend to someone who has never read Sci-Fi, but is interested in trying it. 'The Loneliness of the Time Traveller,' by Erika Rummel has all of the elements of a great Sci-Fi novel. It has a mysterious being, an element of time travel, mind-reading and so much more.
The being, Lynne is the one who is trying to time travel. See, Lynne is part of a race of beings called transmigrants, who have the ability to take over a human body when that body is on the point of death. Lynne was once a servant girl in a London pub who was murdered by an enemy of her dangerous lover, Jack.
Lynne goes on to inhabit the body of Adele, a well-mannered young woman who is on the cusp of death from a fever when Lynne finds her. When Adele wakes, she finds that her body is now shared by Lynne, a situation that she protests ardently.
Skip forward to the 21st century, Lynne is now in the body of a different person, but she longs to go back to Adele's life, if only to find Jack and be with him again.
After being left by Lynne, Adele wrote a memoir that was published, but not widely sold. Lynne now makes it her quest to find the manuscript of the memoir so that she might touch Adele's handwriting again and possibly travel back in time to be with Jack.
This novel went in a lot of unexpected directions for me that I greatly enjoyed! The reveal of who and what, exactly Lynne is, captivated me immediately. A great read and a great writer!




]]> 59892374
In 2010, fifty-five years after her father's attempted suicide, Amy--now a wife, mother, and lawyer-turned-schoolteacher--is convinced she's dealt with all the psychological reverberations of her childhood. Then she steps into a crosswalk and is mowed down by a pickup truck--an accident that nearly kills her, and that ultimately propels her on a remarkable emotional journey. With the help of Chinese Medicine, Somatic Experiencing, and serendipities that might be attributed to grace, Amy first unravels the trauma of her own brush with the death and then, unexpectedly, heals the childhood trauma buried far deeper.

Poignant and intimate, On the Ledge is Amy's insightful and surprisingly humorous chronicle of coming to terms with herself and her parents as the distinct, vulnerable individuals they are. Perhaps more meaningfully, it offers proof that no matter how far along you are in life, it's never too late to find yourself.]]> 280 Amy Turner 1647422256 Bookgirl86 5 The memoir begins where, I think, Turner's true contemplation began: the fateful day that she accidentally stepped out in front of a truck. Turner had only left home to pick up her dry cleaning when she was hit by a truck. Although she spent what must have seemed like an impossible amount of time lying still, unable to move or think properly on the pavement, Turner ended up only suffering from a concussion and was sent home from the hospital that very same day.
Though this initially seemed like a blessing, the time spent recovering became something of a burden to her. As we all know, time spent still often leaves too much time to think, and this time lead to Turner revisiting the trauma of her childhood and the difficulties that her parents put her through.
Turner whisks the reader back in time to her father's attempted suicide in 1957 and the ripple effect that this moment created for the rest of her childhood and life. Between having a mentally ill father and a former alcoholic mother, Turner's childhood was not the idyllic 1960's image that most of us picture. But through coping with her injuries and writing this book, Turner seems to have come to some deeper realizations about her life that only time can provide.
I was very touched by the compassionate and understanding way that she now views her parents and her siblings. I feel as though I learned a lot from this book about how to view my own family and how to better view my own mental health.
]]> 3.92
author: Amy Turner
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 3.92
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/08/27
shelves:
review:
An emotional memoir that asks the question, “what do we really know about ourselves?� 'On the Ledge,' by Amy Turner is nothing short of masterful. As a memoir lover, I could tell immediately I would enjoy this book and was pulled in from the very first page.
The memoir begins where, I think, Turner's true contemplation began: the fateful day that she accidentally stepped out in front of a truck. Turner had only left home to pick up her dry cleaning when she was hit by a truck. Although she spent what must have seemed like an impossible amount of time lying still, unable to move or think properly on the pavement, Turner ended up only suffering from a concussion and was sent home from the hospital that very same day.
Though this initially seemed like a blessing, the time spent recovering became something of a burden to her. As we all know, time spent still often leaves too much time to think, and this time lead to Turner revisiting the trauma of her childhood and the difficulties that her parents put her through.
Turner whisks the reader back in time to her father's attempted suicide in 1957 and the ripple effect that this moment created for the rest of her childhood and life. Between having a mentally ill father and a former alcoholic mother, Turner's childhood was not the idyllic 1960's image that most of us picture. But through coping with her injuries and writing this book, Turner seems to have come to some deeper realizations about her life that only time can provide.
I was very touched by the compassionate and understanding way that she now views her parents and her siblings. I feel as though I learned a lot from this book about how to view my own family and how to better view my own mental health.

]]> 61109716
Bringing together the damned, the unfit, the brave who succumb to the call of fate, All the Rivers Flow Into the Sea is a great journey where redemption and human goodness arise out of violence and beauty to become part of an essential mercy.

All the Rivers Flow into the Sea was selected as a winner of the 2021 EastOver Prize for Fiction and has received much advanced praise.]]> 208 Khanh Ha 1958094021 Bookgirl86 5 Centering in and around Vietnam during the years of the Vietnam war, this collection tells the stories of both Vietnamese and American characters with an exceedingly intimate flair. Each story is a little window in the lives of every day people and their extraordinary circumstances, and each story leaves an impact on the reader that cannot be denied.
Amongst the eleven short stories in this collection is 'The Woman-Child,' the story of a Vietnamese/American student who left Vietnam when he was seven and has now returned to write his thesis on the country's environmental degradation caused by shrimp aquaculture. Adjusting to the cultural differences, the student, Minh befriends a young girl named Cam. Cam lives in poverty with her fisherman father, and Minh struggles to resign himself to the fact that he must leave her in her difficult life to return to America.
The titular story of the collection, 'All the Rivers Flow Into the Sea,' centers around a Vietnamese woman and an American man who fall in love during the war. When the woman's father becomes sick with cancer, the American man offers to help fund his medical treatment. But the world soon intrudes into the young lovers relationship when the Viet Cong comes to their doorstep.
This collection has both a stunning amount of variety and an overall theme that make the stories cohesive and links them all together. Khanh Ha's writing is breathtaking, and his grasp of metaphor and plot are masterful. Although these stories are dark at times, there is, just like in life, an overall notion of joy that bring it into the light. ]]> 5.00
author: Khanh Ha
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/07/26
shelves:
review:
A spellbinding short story collection from author, Khanh Ha, 'All the Rivers Flow Into the Sea,' is at times, poignant, beautiful, funny, sad and all of the other things that make up a truly moving book.
Centering in and around Vietnam during the years of the Vietnam war, this collection tells the stories of both Vietnamese and American characters with an exceedingly intimate flair. Each story is a little window in the lives of every day people and their extraordinary circumstances, and each story leaves an impact on the reader that cannot be denied.
Amongst the eleven short stories in this collection is 'The Woman-Child,' the story of a Vietnamese/American student who left Vietnam when he was seven and has now returned to write his thesis on the country's environmental degradation caused by shrimp aquaculture. Adjusting to the cultural differences, the student, Minh befriends a young girl named Cam. Cam lives in poverty with her fisherman father, and Minh struggles to resign himself to the fact that he must leave her in her difficult life to return to America.
The titular story of the collection, 'All the Rivers Flow Into the Sea,' centers around a Vietnamese woman and an American man who fall in love during the war. When the woman's father becomes sick with cancer, the American man offers to help fund his medical treatment. But the world soon intrudes into the young lovers relationship when the Viet Cong comes to their doorstep.
This collection has both a stunning amount of variety and an overall theme that make the stories cohesive and links them all together. Khanh Ha's writing is breathtaking, and his grasp of metaphor and plot are masterful. Although these stories are dark at times, there is, just like in life, an overall notion of joy that bring it into the light.
]]> 26850355 “A captivating and poetic tale of mystery, fantasy, and reality tied together by action!� 5-stars, Lars Jackson, Amazon Customer
A suspenseful incident in a forbidden preserve heightens the senses of five friends. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell become super-gifts that forever change the world. But furious battles confront the boys as they try to understand their sensory super powers in a race to save mankind. With light beings and mysterious strangers complicating their plight, can the boys defeat the evil Druth before it’s too late? Get prepared for the twisting and grinding of this award-winning, action-adventure story � an edge-of-your-seat narrative for young and mature readers alike.]]> 292 K.N. Smith 0989474755 Bookgirl86 5 Five friends find themselves with new, dangerous abilities in this Young Adult thriller by author K.N. Smith.
“The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses,� ended up being a very different story from the one I was expecting when I started reading, and it left me really surprised and impressed. The story revolves around five teenage boys. Best friends and players on their schools football team, Jordan, Rhee, Alex, Chase and Kinsu get into some trouble when they sneak into a local forest preserve.
Everyone in Danville Heights knows never to go into the preserve, but the boys take it upon themselves to find out why, and end up discovering more than they ever intended. Each boy is given a different super-enhanced sense, Jordan is given super hearing, Alex an enhanced sense of taste, and the same with Kinsu's vision, Chase's sense of touch and Rhee's sense of smell. Immediately the boys begin facing problems related to their new enhanced senses, and wonder about the beings of light that seem to have given them these powers.
Unfortunately, Danville Heights needs heroes more than ever, as a local gang who have already taken over a neighboring town have decided to make this sleepy town their next target. Will this group of friends be able to stop them? And what exactly happened to the other boys who have gotten these powers in the past? These are questions that you're going to have to read the book to find out the answers to!
I highly recommend this novel! Smith's writing is fantastic and the journey of this story is one wild ride! Five stars, one for each of the five super-powered senses! ]]> 4.07 2015
author: K.N. Smith
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/07/02
shelves:
review:
“The forest cast a foreboding aura that proved to be a warning. However, it's dark reputation stood in direct contrast with it's natural appeal.�
Five friends find themselves with new, dangerous abilities in this Young Adult thriller by author K.N. Smith.
“The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses,� ended up being a very different story from the one I was expecting when I started reading, and it left me really surprised and impressed. The story revolves around five teenage boys. Best friends and players on their schools football team, Jordan, Rhee, Alex, Chase and Kinsu get into some trouble when they sneak into a local forest preserve.
Everyone in Danville Heights knows never to go into the preserve, but the boys take it upon themselves to find out why, and end up discovering more than they ever intended. Each boy is given a different super-enhanced sense, Jordan is given super hearing, Alex an enhanced sense of taste, and the same with Kinsu's vision, Chase's sense of touch and Rhee's sense of smell. Immediately the boys begin facing problems related to their new enhanced senses, and wonder about the beings of light that seem to have given them these powers.
Unfortunately, Danville Heights needs heroes more than ever, as a local gang who have already taken over a neighboring town have decided to make this sleepy town their next target. Will this group of friends be able to stop them? And what exactly happened to the other boys who have gotten these powers in the past? These are questions that you're going to have to read the book to find out the answers to!
I highly recommend this novel! Smith's writing is fantastic and the journey of this story is one wild ride! Five stars, one for each of the five super-powered senses!
]]> 52476780 256 Brian Dawkins 1680980254 Bookgirl86 5 A deeply engaging memoir by football great Brain Dawkins-- After 16 seasons playing for the NFL, Dawkins was ready to retire and be inducted into the football hall of fame. Taking a look back over his illustrious life, Dawkins reviews how he got to this point and the people and things that helped him along the way.
Coming from Jacksonville, Florida, Dawkins met his wife, Connie in high school while playing for his school football team. Connie helped Dawkins renew his faith in God by bringing him to her church, a place where Dawkins says: “People were speaking in tongues and shaking.� Growing up Catholic, Dawkins was definitely not used to these kinds of things in church, but he came to appreciate seeing the Holy Spirit in action and appreciate Connie's church in ways that he had never experienced before.
With a new sense of faith, Dawkins went on to attend Clemson University, and was later drafted into the NFL. In 'Blessed By the Best,' he talks all about his life, his relationship with his parents and how struggling against things like racism and a childhood stutter turned him into the man that he is today.
Brian Dawkins is an inspiration, not just for his football prowess but for his gift for public speaking and his love for life. This memoir is a motivating look at life from a man who has seen it all and a great read! ]]> 4.25
author: Brian Dawkins
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/07/02
shelves:
review:
“So, my walk with Christ has been evident in my life as I look back on it. He’s been working and maneuvering things in me, so that I can be the man I am today and be able to share these things with you. I can see his work throughout my walk with Him.� � 'Blessed By the Best,' by Brian Dawkins.
A deeply engaging memoir by football great Brain Dawkins-- After 16 seasons playing for the NFL, Dawkins was ready to retire and be inducted into the football hall of fame. Taking a look back over his illustrious life, Dawkins reviews how he got to this point and the people and things that helped him along the way.
Coming from Jacksonville, Florida, Dawkins met his wife, Connie in high school while playing for his school football team. Connie helped Dawkins renew his faith in God by bringing him to her church, a place where Dawkins says: “People were speaking in tongues and shaking.� Growing up Catholic, Dawkins was definitely not used to these kinds of things in church, but he came to appreciate seeing the Holy Spirit in action and appreciate Connie's church in ways that he had never experienced before.
With a new sense of faith, Dawkins went on to attend Clemson University, and was later drafted into the NFL. In 'Blessed By the Best,' he talks all about his life, his relationship with his parents and how struggling against things like racism and a childhood stutter turned him into the man that he is today.
Brian Dawkins is an inspiration, not just for his football prowess but for his gift for public speaking and his love for life. This memoir is a motivating look at life from a man who has seen it all and a great read!
]]> 61170352 Linda’s Reviews

“This is a fast paced page turner. A suspenseful, thrilling roller coaster ride with lots of twisty, loopy sections. Head Games is an apt title for this enthralling read. �- Joy Renee, Joy Story

“Identity’s a big theme in this work, so if you’ve ever felt you were someone other than yourself, if you thought you might like to try living in someone else’s skin, if you’ve wondered whether your friends and loved ones were not exactly who they claimed to be, then this psychological labyrinth might just be your winding road to a good read�.- Carole Giangrande, Words to Go

“This was a book that grabbed me from the start. It’s a period in history that offered much to the world but also had some of man’s darkest moments. Due to that it does provide rich material for a novelist and Ms. Rummel does an excellent job of taking her reader on a dangerous journey through the twists and turns of what many faced during the time. The characters are well developed and defined. The scenes are well described and I found myself feeling like I was actually walking the streets with the characters of the book.�-Patty, Books Cooks Looks

“This is a gorgeous, immersive book that reads almost like you are watching a great film. I felt so enveloped in the world that Erika Rummel creates in this book that I found myself wishing it was longer. �Evita and Me,� is a reading experience that is unmatched!� � Nora, Storeybook Reviews

“It is a superb addition to the ranks of historical fiction. I believe it would be suited for adaptation to a mini-series or movie. The story moves along so briskly that I hated to put it down� � Marion Marchetto, Moonlight Musings

“I can’t recommend this book highly enough for all historical fiction lovers!� � Suzie, My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews

“A truly mesmerizing look at one of history's most beloved female figures, 'Evita and Me,' is a five-star read in an unassuming package� � Laura, Celtic Lady’s Reviews

“A thrill ride from start to finish, �Evita and Me,� is a gem of a novel that simply cannot be missed!� � Sal, Bound 4 Escape

�... captured my full attention from page one and I could not put it down. I read all night and didn’t want it to end!� � Teddy Rose Book Reviews



So you think you know about Evita? No, you don't.

Ask Mona, her confidant, or Pierre, her bodyguard. They have the inside track.

Argentina fell in love with Eva Peron during her lifetime. The world followed suit later with the help of a Broadway musical about her Life, Evita. But there is much we don't know about the first lady of Argentina. For example, where are her jewels? They seem to have disappeared. Mona can tell you where they are � in a vault in the Swiss Alps.

Like Eva herself, Mona comes from a broken family and has to make her own way. Perhaps that's why the two women feel close. Evita is at the pinnacle of success but already in the grip of a fatal illness. We see her life through the eyes of Mona and Pierre, two people she trusts -- and who betray her in the end.]]> 323 Erika Rummel 1955065322 Bookgirl86 5 The people of Argentina love Evita, and Mona soon comes to love her, too, quickly gaining Evita's confidence and becoming a close friend and mentee for the woman. But what will Mona do when Evita asks her to keep a secret that she doesn't understand?
The two women have only known each other for a short time when Evita asks Mona to bring her jewels to a vault in Switzerland and keep one of only three keys. After returning to her home in Canada, Mona continues on with her normal life, always remembering her time with Evita, and always remembering that she harbors the knowledge of where the famous woman's missing jewels are actually located.
'Evita and Me,' is an intimate historical fiction novel, with a sumptuous atmosphere. Erika Rummel represents Argentina in the 1940's with accuracy, elegance and flair. Reading this book, I felt as though I could reach into the pages and pick out some of the delectable food or fashions that Rummel was describing and have them for myself!
Mona and Evita's relationship was beautifully written. From Mona's perspective it was tender, admiring and at times, a little obsessive, the way all first loves tend to be. Although Mona was a complicated character due to her rough upbringing, it really came across for me how much she loved Evita and how heartbroken she was by the woman's eventual death.
This book is a highly enjoyable reading experience! I recommend this for any and all lovers of historical fiction or coming of age novels! ]]> 4.86
author: Erika Rummel
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.86
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/07/02
shelves:
review:
When teenager Mona Ford goes to visit a family friend in Argentina, she is soon shown a world beyond everything she had ever dreamed. Mona is quickly introduced to Evita Peron, the wife of the president of Argentina and a well known political figure in her own right.
The people of Argentina love Evita, and Mona soon comes to love her, too, quickly gaining Evita's confidence and becoming a close friend and mentee for the woman. But what will Mona do when Evita asks her to keep a secret that she doesn't understand?
The two women have only known each other for a short time when Evita asks Mona to bring her jewels to a vault in Switzerland and keep one of only three keys. After returning to her home in Canada, Mona continues on with her normal life, always remembering her time with Evita, and always remembering that she harbors the knowledge of where the famous woman's missing jewels are actually located.
'Evita and Me,' is an intimate historical fiction novel, with a sumptuous atmosphere. Erika Rummel represents Argentina in the 1940's with accuracy, elegance and flair. Reading this book, I felt as though I could reach into the pages and pick out some of the delectable food or fashions that Rummel was describing and have them for myself!
Mona and Evita's relationship was beautifully written. From Mona's perspective it was tender, admiring and at times, a little obsessive, the way all first loves tend to be. Although Mona was a complicated character due to her rough upbringing, it really came across for me how much she loved Evita and how heartbroken she was by the woman's eventual death.
This book is a highly enjoyable reading experience! I recommend this for any and all lovers of historical fiction or coming of age novels!
]]> 59486269 340 Shelly Frome 1952782570 Bookgirl86 5 Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen in, 'Shadow of the Gypsy,' I found myself having to rethink everything! Shelly Frome is a writer with a lot of talent and he shows it in a big way in this tightly-plotted mystery novel.
The main character of 'Shadow of the Gypsy,' is Josh Bartlett, a young man who has spent most of his life escaping his past. Born as Sonny Korda in Connecticut, as a young boy, Josh witnesses a terrible crime committed by a man named Zharko.
In order to escape Zharko, Josh's mother changes his name and transfers him to a boarding school in Tennessee where he spends the rest of his youth in hiding. As an adult, Josh continues to stay away from his hometown, eventually taking a job as a reporter in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. But it is here that Josh's years of hiding come to an abrupt end and he must finally contend with the secret that he has been keeping and the man that has been looking for him for two decades.
Zharko is a member of the same Romany community that Josh is from, and because of this Josh's mother, Irina seems to feel a certain duty to the man. When Zharko finds Josh in North Carolina, he shows Josh an IOU that he supposedly signed as a boy and informs him that he has a debt to pay to the man, a debt that Zharko intends to collect on now that Josh is all grown up.
Like I said, this book kept me guessing the whole way through and I'm pretty sure I'll be thinking about that ending for a long time to come.
]]> 4.27
author: Shelly Frome
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/06/30
shelves:
review:
A mystery with enough twists and turns to keep your head spinning.
Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen in, 'Shadow of the Gypsy,' I found myself having to rethink everything! Shelly Frome is a writer with a lot of talent and he shows it in a big way in this tightly-plotted mystery novel.
The main character of 'Shadow of the Gypsy,' is Josh Bartlett, a young man who has spent most of his life escaping his past. Born as Sonny Korda in Connecticut, as a young boy, Josh witnesses a terrible crime committed by a man named Zharko.
In order to escape Zharko, Josh's mother changes his name and transfers him to a boarding school in Tennessee where he spends the rest of his youth in hiding. As an adult, Josh continues to stay away from his hometown, eventually taking a job as a reporter in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. But it is here that Josh's years of hiding come to an abrupt end and he must finally contend with the secret that he has been keeping and the man that has been looking for him for two decades.
Zharko is a member of the same Romany community that Josh is from, and because of this Josh's mother, Irina seems to feel a certain duty to the man. When Zharko finds Josh in North Carolina, he shows Josh an IOU that he supposedly signed as a boy and informs him that he has a debt to pay to the man, a debt that Zharko intends to collect on now that Josh is all grown up.
Like I said, this book kept me guessing the whole way through and I'm pretty sure I'll be thinking about that ending for a long time to come.

]]> 60681804
But what if the organization falls to corruption? Their reformation is up to Cato, a disgraced former member who discovers many of the elite using their powerful positions and martial skills for ill-gotten gains rather than fulfilling their true purpose: aiding mankind in a secret war against their eternal foe.

Aldous is a Vanguard who fell from grace after being stricken with vampirism by a mysterious figure known as the White Lady. His increasingly vile appetites are tolerated because his knowledge as an alchemist is vital in the Vanguard’s battle against the demons. When those desires lead to the abduction of the woman Cato loves, Cato wages a one-man war against Aldous and his werewolf henchman.]]> 350 Shawn Mackey Bookgirl86 5 In this book, author Shawn Mackey created a world that reaches far beyond the scope of anything the reader has ever seen before. To enter Lumina City is to find yourself awash in all of the best horror novel mainstays at once, with a darker, grittier vibe than you may be used to, and an absolutely terrifying consequence for the whole world if the hero doesn't save the day.
When I use the word 'hero,' I am, of course talking about the main character, Cato, but I can only imagine how he would react if he heard himself being called a hero. Cato is a pill-popping, bitter, self-loathing son of a bitch who used to be involved in a secret organization whose goal is to protect the world from demons. Only he left because the organization, the Vangaurd, went through something of a civil war within their ranks.
Now Cato has to live in hiding for fear of the Vangaurd finding him, so he works in a bar and ignores all of the demons, vampires and werewolves that happen to walk into the place. But the one thing that Cato can't ignore? The vision that he is given of a dark prophecy. This vision shows Cato the literal hell on earth that will happen if he doesn't do something to stop it. But he isn't sure what to do about it. And the clock is ticking.
'This World of Love and Strife,' is a killer novel and one that I highly recommend. I can't wait to read more from this author and I hope that he writes more books in this world!
]]> 4.80
author: Shawn Mackey
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.80
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/06/26
shelves:
review:
Few books that I have ever read have surprised me the way 'This World of Love and Strife,' did. Going into this, I was expecting a boilerplate horror/thriller demon killing story with nothing too different. Boy, was I wrong.
In this book, author Shawn Mackey created a world that reaches far beyond the scope of anything the reader has ever seen before. To enter Lumina City is to find yourself awash in all of the best horror novel mainstays at once, with a darker, grittier vibe than you may be used to, and an absolutely terrifying consequence for the whole world if the hero doesn't save the day.
When I use the word 'hero,' I am, of course talking about the main character, Cato, but I can only imagine how he would react if he heard himself being called a hero. Cato is a pill-popping, bitter, self-loathing son of a bitch who used to be involved in a secret organization whose goal is to protect the world from demons. Only he left because the organization, the Vangaurd, went through something of a civil war within their ranks.
Now Cato has to live in hiding for fear of the Vangaurd finding him, so he works in a bar and ignores all of the demons, vampires and werewolves that happen to walk into the place. But the one thing that Cato can't ignore? The vision that he is given of a dark prophecy. This vision shows Cato the literal hell on earth that will happen if he doesn't do something to stop it. But he isn't sure what to do about it. And the clock is ticking.
'This World of Love and Strife,' is a killer novel and one that I highly recommend. I can't wait to read more from this author and I hope that he writes more books in this world!

]]> 59116645
Unfortunately, Barbara also had some bad teachers in the years that ensued—including her sixth grade teacher, an exacting woman who called attention to Barbara’s learning disabilities in front of classmates. Still wanting to follow in Miss Gluding’s footsteps in 1964, Barbara vowed she would be a better one than her sixth grade teacher; instead, however, she became very much like her, with unattainable expectations for her students and herself. After seventeen years in the teaching profession, she realized she had to either change her teaching style or change careers. By providence, right as she stood at this crossroads, she was offered the opportunity to teach overseas at The Dragon School in Oxford, England, for a year—an opportunity she jumped at.

In the year that followed, Barbara would rely on her faith in God to give up a lot of what she knew about teaching and learn to do it differently—ways that wouldn’t have room for her perfectionism. In short, she would have to begin again.]]> 256 Barbara Kennard 1647423651 Bookgirl86 5 Although she had 17 years of teaching under her belt by the late 1990's, Kennard found the transfer to England more daunting than she had expected. But the change in scenery was much needed, as she had started to feel underappreciated at her old school in Boston, and had begun wondering if teaching was even the right field for her.
'The Dragon School,' as it is called was very different indeed, not only because it was in a foreign country, but because of a difference in curriculum and a different way of communicating with the parents. I can't imagine how challenging it must have been for Kennard to cross the ocean and change so many things about her life, even leaving her husband at home for four months to do so!
Anyone who takes a risk like this is a hero of mine, and to read about not only Kennard, but the children she taught flourishing in such an amazing way was a treat! Another treat was reading Kennard's winning prose. I loved the way she brought across the things that were important to her as a teacher and how she intended to push the kids to heights that she knew they were capable of. She sounds like the type of teacher that is tough, but that ultimately becomes your favorite because they believe in you and care about you so much.
After eventually reuniting with her husband (he had a job opportunity in England as well teaching piano classes in London), Kennard finds her footing in her new country in a way that is both inspiring and poetic.
]]> 4.14
author: Barbara Kennard
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.14
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/06/15
shelves:
review:
I think Barbara Kennard is my new personal hero. In a memoir that is equal parts educational, funny, sweet and poignant, Kennard relates her experiences teaching overseas for a year in Oxford, England.
Although she had 17 years of teaching under her belt by the late 1990's, Kennard found the transfer to England more daunting than she had expected. But the change in scenery was much needed, as she had started to feel underappreciated at her old school in Boston, and had begun wondering if teaching was even the right field for her.
'The Dragon School,' as it is called was very different indeed, not only because it was in a foreign country, but because of a difference in curriculum and a different way of communicating with the parents. I can't imagine how challenging it must have been for Kennard to cross the ocean and change so many things about her life, even leaving her husband at home for four months to do so!
Anyone who takes a risk like this is a hero of mine, and to read about not only Kennard, but the children she taught flourishing in such an amazing way was a treat! Another treat was reading Kennard's winning prose. I loved the way she brought across the things that were important to her as a teacher and how she intended to push the kids to heights that she knew they were capable of. She sounds like the type of teacher that is tough, but that ultimately becomes your favorite because they believe in you and care about you so much.
After eventually reuniting with her husband (he had a job opportunity in England as well teaching piano classes in London), Kennard finds her footing in her new country in a way that is both inspiring and poetic.

]]> 56853641
They were just kids, barely not teenagers, madly in love and wanting to be a family, but WW2 and a B29 got in their way. 

Three hundred ten days before Pearl Harbor, buck private Dean Sherman innocently went to church with a new friend in Salt Lake City. From that moment, the unsuspecting soldier travelled a remarkable, heroic path, falling in love, earning his wings to become a B29 pilot, conceiving a son and entering WW2 in the China, Burma and India Theater.

He chronicled his story with letters home to his bride Connie that he met on that fateful Sunday, blind to the fact that fifteen hundred seventy-five days after their meeting, a Japanese swordsman would end his life.

His crew, four officers, a Tech Sargent and a gaggle of Corporals that dubbed themselves the Corporalies, adventured their way across the globe. Flying the Hump through the Himalayas, the “Aluminum Trail� as it was called because of the many planes that crashed trying to fly the route. Then landing in China to refuel and then on to places like Manchuria, Rangoon or even the most southern parts of Japan to drop 500 pounders. 

Each mission had its challenges, minus fifty-degree weather in Mukden, or Japanese fighters firing away at them, a close encounter of the wrong kind, nearly missing a collision with another B29 while flying in clouds, seeing friends downed and lost because of “mechanicals,� the constant threat of running out of fuel and their greatest fear, engine fire. Transferred to the Mariana Islands, he and his crew were shot down over Nagoya, Japan as part of Mission 174, captured and declared war criminals. 

Connie’s letters reveal life for a brand-new mother whose husband is declared MIA. The agony for both of them; he in a Japanese prison, declared a war criminal, and she just not knowing why his letters stopped coming.

� this is one I am sure I will read several times. I have already started reading it for the second time. This was definitely one of the most memorable books that I have read in the last few years! Bee Lindy]]> 333 Roger Stark Bookgirl86 5 In 1941, the world was in the midst of war. World War II was already raging across much of Europe and Asia when Pearl Harbor was bombed. Finally, America would join the fight, but this, of course, meant that countless American men would be pulled from their homes and families and sent off to foreign countries. One such man was Lt. Dean Sherman.
Recently married and only a young man, Sherman was sent overseas to pilot a B-29 aircraft over to Japan. In 1945, only a few short months before the war ended, Sherman's plane was shot down in Nagoya, Japan and he was taken as a prisoner of war, leaving his wife, Connie and their new son, Marvin to face the world without him.
Although Marvin never got the opportunity to meet his father, his input contributed heavily to the writing of this book, as well as the collection of letters that Dean had sent to Connie and that she had saved for decades. These letters are lovingly reprinted in this book, providing a wonderful insight into the life of a soldier during the war.
Stark's writing is both faithful to the true story, and creative in the way that it works in a dual narrative concerning a young Japanese boy. This perspective makes for a fuller and more factual story, and one that any reader would be hard pressed to forget for a long time to come.
This is a truly wonderful story that would work well as a conversation starter in a book club, or just to be read privately on your own. Five stars all around!
]]> 4.50 2021
author: Roger Stark
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/06/05
shelves:
review:
The magic of this book is difficult to put into words. 'They Called Him Marvin,' by Roger Stark is based off a true story, and what a story it is!
In 1941, the world was in the midst of war. World War II was already raging across much of Europe and Asia when Pearl Harbor was bombed. Finally, America would join the fight, but this, of course, meant that countless American men would be pulled from their homes and families and sent off to foreign countries. One such man was Lt. Dean Sherman.
Recently married and only a young man, Sherman was sent overseas to pilot a B-29 aircraft over to Japan. In 1945, only a few short months before the war ended, Sherman's plane was shot down in Nagoya, Japan and he was taken as a prisoner of war, leaving his wife, Connie and their new son, Marvin to face the world without him.
Although Marvin never got the opportunity to meet his father, his input contributed heavily to the writing of this book, as well as the collection of letters that Dean had sent to Connie and that she had saved for decades. These letters are lovingly reprinted in this book, providing a wonderful insight into the life of a soldier during the war.
Stark's writing is both faithful to the true story, and creative in the way that it works in a dual narrative concerning a young Japanese boy. This perspective makes for a fuller and more factual story, and one that any reader would be hard pressed to forget for a long time to come.
This is a truly wonderful story that would work well as a conversation starter in a book club, or just to be read privately on your own. Five stars all around!

]]> 60592112
Struggling West Village singer Roxie Raines stumbles through a secret basement doorway in 2019, and time-slips back to New York’s raucous Roaring Twenties. While she dazzles the speakeasy crowds with her “modern sound,� she gets trapped in the dangerous web of Frankie Shay, an evil club owner. She struggles to escape his control and return to the basement doorway that sent her to 1925.

When she meets the handsome detective, Jake Kane, it’s love at first sight, but Jake has a secret past, and her own time travel secret makes him suspicious.

Roaring Twenties New York comes alive with flappers, gangsters, romance and speakeasies and Roxie’s stunning rise to stardom could come with the price of losing both the man she loves and her own life.]]> 315 Elyse Douglas Bookgirl86 5 Roxie is a singer and, in the summer of 2019, she takes a job at a 1920's throwback-themed bar called 'Speakeasy,' As a long time lover of jazz music, Roxie is thrilled to have gotten the gig—if only to sing some of her jazz favorites.
But the gig is only temporary, and after three days, Roxie must return to the real world of unemployment and mounting debt. However, just before leaving on the last day, a man stumbles into the bar when Roxie is alone and runs past her into the basement. Following him, Roxie notices several strange things in the basement, including a portrait of herself in 1920's garb, and a strange door with what seems like a blue light glowing behind it.
The man who ran into the basement throws himself into the blue light, and Roxie, cautiously approaching, gets sucked in as well. The next thing she knows, Roxie is in an alleyway, shivering and confused about how she got outside. Of course, she isn't just 'outside' but back in time, as the glowing blue light was actually a portal that transported her back to the 1920's.
Roxie is quickly found by a gangster named Frankie Shay, who is so suspicious of her appearance that he decides to hold her in his hotel until he can discover who she is. All alone and without any resources, Roxie must face this different time period and try to figure out a way back to her own time before it's too late!
This was a marvelous novel and one that I really got into! I felt as though this book was a portal itself, sucking me in so that I couldn't put it down! 'Speakeasy' is a trip that is worth your while!
]]> 4.46 2022
author: Elyse Douglas
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/05/28
shelves:
review:
When the main character of a book has a name like Roxie Raines, you know you've got a winner on your hands!
Roxie is a singer and, in the summer of 2019, she takes a job at a 1920's throwback-themed bar called 'Speakeasy,' As a long time lover of jazz music, Roxie is thrilled to have gotten the gig—if only to sing some of her jazz favorites.
But the gig is only temporary, and after three days, Roxie must return to the real world of unemployment and mounting debt. However, just before leaving on the last day, a man stumbles into the bar when Roxie is alone and runs past her into the basement. Following him, Roxie notices several strange things in the basement, including a portrait of herself in 1920's garb, and a strange door with what seems like a blue light glowing behind it.
The man who ran into the basement throws himself into the blue light, and Roxie, cautiously approaching, gets sucked in as well. The next thing she knows, Roxie is in an alleyway, shivering and confused about how she got outside. Of course, she isn't just 'outside' but back in time, as the glowing blue light was actually a portal that transported her back to the 1920's.
Roxie is quickly found by a gangster named Frankie Shay, who is so suspicious of her appearance that he decides to hold her in his hotel until he can discover who she is. All alone and without any resources, Roxie must face this different time period and try to figure out a way back to her own time before it's too late!
This was a marvelous novel and one that I really got into! I felt as though this book was a portal itself, sucking me in so that I couldn't put it down! 'Speakeasy' is a trip that is worth your while!

]]> 58944036
Weissinger keeps her sense of humor as she meets men who lie, men who try to extort money, and men with unsavory pasts. When she experiences even more loss, her search for a partner becomes less important, but—with the help of friends and dogs—she perseveres and, ultimately, develops her own approach to meeting “HIM.� Blending the deeply serious and the lighthearted, Yes Again shows us that good things happen when we open up our minds and hearts.]]> 163 Sallie H. Weissinger 1647423163 Bookgirl86 5 After losing her husband to cancer at the age of 57, Weissinger decided that she was not content to live the rest of her life alone. Despite what society often tells older women who lose their husbands, Weissinger decided that she wanted to find love again, on her own terms.
A go-getter by nature, this would technically be the second time in her life that Weissinger had used personal ads to find a mate. All the way back in 1978, well before the internet made these things so much easier, Weissinger placed an ad in her local newspaper in San Francisco, looking for someone to share her life with. At the time, she was a recently divorced single mother, who was eager to find a man wholly different from her ex-husband.
From this ad, she met a man named Matt, whom she went on to marry. Sallie and Matt were together for 24 wonderful years until his passing. A year after this, she decided to put out another personal ad, this time on the internet.
Weissinger's requirements were varied. Knowing what she wanted in a man, she came up with the clever acronym PASTRAMI in order to establish the attributes that she was looking for. PASTRAMI stood for things like physically fit, adventurous, spiritual, and others. All things that any woman might look for in a mate, but refined down to an easy-to-follow pattern. 'Yes, Again,' is a chronicle of Weissinger's quest to find her PASTRAMI man, and the absolute duds that she met along the way.
Weissinger writes candidly about her experiences in a way that is both funny and at times, even heartwarming. Proving once again that laughter can be the best medicine of all.
]]> 4.57
author: Sallie H. Weissinger
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.57
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/05/28
shelves:
review:
'Yes, Again: (Mis)adventures of a Wishful Thinker' by Sallie H. Weissinger is a story about love, loss and finding yourself again—with a little help along the way.
After losing her husband to cancer at the age of 57, Weissinger decided that she was not content to live the rest of her life alone. Despite what society often tells older women who lose their husbands, Weissinger decided that she wanted to find love again, on her own terms.
A go-getter by nature, this would technically be the second time in her life that Weissinger had used personal ads to find a mate. All the way back in 1978, well before the internet made these things so much easier, Weissinger placed an ad in her local newspaper in San Francisco, looking for someone to share her life with. At the time, she was a recently divorced single mother, who was eager to find a man wholly different from her ex-husband.
From this ad, she met a man named Matt, whom she went on to marry. Sallie and Matt were together for 24 wonderful years until his passing. A year after this, she decided to put out another personal ad, this time on the internet.
Weissinger's requirements were varied. Knowing what she wanted in a man, she came up with the clever acronym PASTRAMI in order to establish the attributes that she was looking for. PASTRAMI stood for things like physically fit, adventurous, spiritual, and others. All things that any woman might look for in a mate, but refined down to an easy-to-follow pattern. 'Yes, Again,' is a chronicle of Weissinger's quest to find her PASTRAMI man, and the absolute duds that she met along the way.
Weissinger writes candidly about her experiences in a way that is both funny and at times, even heartwarming. Proving once again that laughter can be the best medicine of all.

]]> 59976334 305 Keith Hirshland 194947240X Bookgirl86 5 Reg Byrd didn't really mean to kill a cop, but after being pulled over the day before Thanksgiving, things got confusing and Reg ended up pulling the trigger. Reg flees town and decides to stay away for a long time.
Decades later, Detective Marc Allen arrives in Colorado Springs after fleeing a murder of his own, just not one that he caused. Marc was investigating a double homicide that was only solved by the suicide of the supposed killer, Hank Hickox. However, Marc feels that Hank's death and the confession in his suicide note, are both just a little bit too tidy.
He believes that Hank's daughter, Teri is the real perpetrator of the crime, but with the case solved there is little that he can do to put her behind bars. And once it becomes clear that Teri actually followed Marc to Colorado Springs, it's obvious that she is up to something far more serious than just a vacation.
The different threads of this story intertwine in an unexpected and uniquely satisfying way. The author really has a way with balancing character's different personalities and creating a fully fleshed out story based off of all of them working together. I really enjoyed all of the characters, particularly Detective Allen, who is a classic lawman, there to protect his town and do right by it's inhabitants.
Hirshland's book is not only entertaining, but a breath of fresh air for any mystery fan. I can guarantee that you won't be able to guess what happens next in this roller coaster of a story!
]]> 4.68
author: Keith Hirshland
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.68
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/05/06
shelves:
review:
A must-read for mystery lovers everywhere, 'Song Girl: A Mystery in Two Verses,' draws you in right from the start with the story of a biker, his brush with the law, and his flee from the scene of the crime.
Reg Byrd didn't really mean to kill a cop, but after being pulled over the day before Thanksgiving, things got confusing and Reg ended up pulling the trigger. Reg flees town and decides to stay away for a long time.
Decades later, Detective Marc Allen arrives in Colorado Springs after fleeing a murder of his own, just not one that he caused. Marc was investigating a double homicide that was only solved by the suicide of the supposed killer, Hank Hickox. However, Marc feels that Hank's death and the confession in his suicide note, are both just a little bit too tidy.
He believes that Hank's daughter, Teri is the real perpetrator of the crime, but with the case solved there is little that he can do to put her behind bars. And once it becomes clear that Teri actually followed Marc to Colorado Springs, it's obvious that she is up to something far more serious than just a vacation.
The different threads of this story intertwine in an unexpected and uniquely satisfying way. The author really has a way with balancing character's different personalities and creating a fully fleshed out story based off of all of them working together. I really enjoyed all of the characters, particularly Detective Allen, who is a classic lawman, there to protect his town and do right by it's inhabitants.
Hirshland's book is not only entertaining, but a breath of fresh air for any mystery fan. I can guarantee that you won't be able to guess what happens next in this roller coaster of a story!

]]> 58068900
Hoping for a fresh start, he stows away on the Laqish , not knowing that it’s a pirate ship. From his hiding place, he watches the pirates divide their loot and plan their attacks on long days at sea. He also takes note of the respect they have for their captain, the intimidating Toledano.

But the captain has a secret―like José, he is a Jew. For him, piracy is not about the gold; it has a different purpose.

Under the tutelage of the ship’s quartermaster, José learns the intricacies of pirate life. But when he can, the captain finds ways to pull José away from the crew, to teach him about his ancestors.

José finds his community. His place. His voice. His purpose.

This is a pirate story, but also a story of survival―a story of a young man’s deep need to know who he is, where he comes from, and where he’s going.]]> 96 Arnon Z. Shorr 1728446066 Bookgirl86 5 1547, Santo Domingo, a colony held in the grips of the Spanish Inquisition, where all Jewish people have been expelled—or so everyone thinks.
A young man named José rushes through the streets, avoiding capture by his former boss, having taken what he felt was his rightful wages for working. José just manages to make it home without being captured only to find his father in a foul mood.
It turns out that José is late for his lessons, however, he doesn't see this as much of an issue, as he is already being picked on by the other young people for being too clever. José knows five languages and can read and write-- all things that were shunned in that time period for making someone too worldly. But José's cocky attitude and seemingly easy life are about to be torn to shreds, as someone soon arrives at the door to tell his father that a ship has washed up on shore.
The ship belongs to Captain De Guzman and the Spanish Inquisition, who decide to stay in San Domingo on what the Captain feels is a calling from God. This is bad news for Señor Alfaro, José's father, who has been hiding the fact that he is Jewish, not only from the rest of the colony, but from José as well. Soon, the father and son's secret is discovered and José just manages to escape capture and stowaway on a pirate ship.
There he meets Captain Tolenado, who he discovers is also hiding his Jewish faith, and the two hatch a plan for revenge against Captain De Guzman.
This graphic novel is a wild ride from start to finish, and one that I recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction! You won't regret picking this one up!
]]> 4.57
author: Arnon Z. Shorr
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.57
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/05/02
shelves:
review:
What do you get when you cross a swashbuckling pirate adventure with an educational historical narrative? You get 'José and the Pirate Captain Toledano,' a graphic novel with a lot of action, a lot of heart, and an interesting look at the distant past.
1547, Santo Domingo, a colony held in the grips of the Spanish Inquisition, where all Jewish people have been expelled—or so everyone thinks.
A young man named José rushes through the streets, avoiding capture by his former boss, having taken what he felt was his rightful wages for working. José just manages to make it home without being captured only to find his father in a foul mood.
It turns out that José is late for his lessons, however, he doesn't see this as much of an issue, as he is already being picked on by the other young people for being too clever. José knows five languages and can read and write-- all things that were shunned in that time period for making someone too worldly. But José's cocky attitude and seemingly easy life are about to be torn to shreds, as someone soon arrives at the door to tell his father that a ship has washed up on shore.
The ship belongs to Captain De Guzman and the Spanish Inquisition, who decide to stay in San Domingo on what the Captain feels is a calling from God. This is bad news for Señor Alfaro, José's father, who has been hiding the fact that he is Jewish, not only from the rest of the colony, but from José as well. Soon, the father and son's secret is discovered and José just manages to escape capture and stowaway on a pirate ship.
There he meets Captain Tolenado, who he discovers is also hiding his Jewish faith, and the two hatch a plan for revenge against Captain De Guzman.
This graphic novel is a wild ride from start to finish, and one that I recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction! You won't regret picking this one up!

]]> 58740398 128 Lynne Podrat 1737666804 Bookgirl86 5 Many of us face challenges in life. Whether you struggle with money, health or anything else, oftentimes the love of our family is what gets us through these tough days. Even as adults, our siblings may share a special bond with us that can extend over thousands of miles at times. But author Lynne Podrat and her youngest brother, Bruce shared a bond that was a little different than most.
You see, Bruce was born with Down Syndrome, and it was Lynne's insistence that he be brought home and raised with his family that kept their parents from committing him to a state-run care home as a newborn.
From day one of Bruce's life, Lynne only saw her brother. While he did have special needs, Lynne couldn't see why those needs couldn't be met by the people that loved him. Thankfully, she was right, and with the help of all four of her grandparents and her other brother, David, Lynne took it upon herself to care for her baby brother with all the love a big sister could share.
Bruce was with his family through Lynne going off to college, getting married, divorcing and having children and later grandchildren, and along the way he accomplished many milestones of his own. Uncle Bruce was a favorite of Lynne's children and he loved them all back just as much.
Throughout this memoir, you get a sense of some of that love and feel touched to read about it through Lynne's eyes. Although short, 'Listen To Me: How My Down Syndrome Brother Saved My Life,' is both powerful look at what it means to be a family and a moving portrait of caring for a loved one with a disability.
]]> 4.83
author: Lynne Podrat
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.83
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/03/16
shelves:
review:
“Who I am today is directly related to who I needed to become.�
Many of us face challenges in life. Whether you struggle with money, health or anything else, oftentimes the love of our family is what gets us through these tough days. Even as adults, our siblings may share a special bond with us that can extend over thousands of miles at times. But author Lynne Podrat and her youngest brother, Bruce shared a bond that was a little different than most.
You see, Bruce was born with Down Syndrome, and it was Lynne's insistence that he be brought home and raised with his family that kept their parents from committing him to a state-run care home as a newborn.
From day one of Bruce's life, Lynne only saw her brother. While he did have special needs, Lynne couldn't see why those needs couldn't be met by the people that loved him. Thankfully, she was right, and with the help of all four of her grandparents and her other brother, David, Lynne took it upon herself to care for her baby brother with all the love a big sister could share.
Bruce was with his family through Lynne going off to college, getting married, divorcing and having children and later grandchildren, and along the way he accomplished many milestones of his own. Uncle Bruce was a favorite of Lynne's children and he loved them all back just as much.
Throughout this memoir, you get a sense of some of that love and feel touched to read about it through Lynne's eyes. Although short, 'Listen To Me: How My Down Syndrome Brother Saved My Life,' is both powerful look at what it means to be a family and a moving portrait of caring for a loved one with a disability.

]]> 58943575 A modern fable about the nature of time and the quest for happiness.

Time and the Tree was awarded the Readers' Favorite Gold Medal for Inspirational Fiction.

“A genre-busting masterpiece, full of pacy storytelling, wry dialogue and philosophical challenge…�
- Declan Kiberd - Author, Professor Emeritus at the University of Notre Dame, and leading authority on modern Irish literature.

"Time and the Tree by Roisin Sorahan truly is a masterpiece..."
- San Francisco Book Review

"(The) most beautiful book I have ever read."
- Patricia Scanlan - Author

"Philosophical but not complicated, its simple and crisp plot can only be described as sublime."
- Readers' Favorite

“Time and the Tree is unlike anything I’ve read in contemporary literature � a beautiful fable fit for difficult and confusing days.�
- Luke Gerwe - Associate Editor, PBS NewsHour

"Hope and positivity flows from the pages of this lyrical story as we navigate the ever-changing seasons in this magical forest."
- LoveReading (UK)

"Time and the Tree is a beautiful debut from a talented author."
- Manhattan Book Review

Time and the Tree is a necessary read for testing times. A darkly funny and deceptively simple novel, it takes place over the course of four seasons. The novel introduces an unlikely cast who grapple with choices and grope towards self-knowledge in a world where compassion is interwoven with menace. Lyrical, honest and heart-breaking, Time and the Tree exposes the role that the reader plays in their own life, from a fresh and thought-provoking viewpoint.

A wise and hopeful book, it is uplifting and unsettling by turns.]]> 282 RĂłisĂ­n Sorahan 195519663X Bookgirl86 5 When we meet the Boy, he is waking up underneath the cover of a dense forest, next to a wise, old tree. The Boy and the Tree soon become friends, but, of course, as with any good fairy story, things soon take a turn and become more and more curious.
Many different eclectic characters are introduced throughout this story, and since much of the story focuses on these characters, it would be prudent to introduce them, I think.
First, there is Time and Shadow. Time is a man, but he is also the physical embodiment of the concept of time itself. And, he's also a bit of a nuisance. With him is his slave, Shadow, a creature who follows and worships him to the ends of the earth—or so it seems.
After him, we meet the Weaver, a frightening old witch who weaves rhymes like she does sweaters, mixing up words in order to confuse and confound the Boy (and we better hope that that's all she intends to do!).
Next, the Wanderer is introduced, a woman who stops by the tree in the dead of winter in order to rest her weary bones. This season represents the end of the Wanderer's journey, but where will she go next?
Last up, the Woodcutters, two men who live in a cottage in the woods and decide to help the Boy when Time returns with a new complication that he needs help to solve.
Each section of the book is divided up by the different seasons of the year and each one is more engaging and more bewitching than the last. As this story develops, it really turns into something unexpected and special that is brought to life by RĂłisĂ­n Sorahan's capable hand. ]]> 4.92 2021
author: RĂłisĂ­n Sorahan
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.92
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/02/19
shelves:
review:
Pure magic in book form. 'Time and the Tree,' by RĂłisĂ­n Sorahan starts where any good fairy-tale should: at the beginning.
When we meet the Boy, he is waking up underneath the cover of a dense forest, next to a wise, old tree. The Boy and the Tree soon become friends, but, of course, as with any good fairy story, things soon take a turn and become more and more curious.
Many different eclectic characters are introduced throughout this story, and since much of the story focuses on these characters, it would be prudent to introduce them, I think.
First, there is Time and Shadow. Time is a man, but he is also the physical embodiment of the concept of time itself. And, he's also a bit of a nuisance. With him is his slave, Shadow, a creature who follows and worships him to the ends of the earth—or so it seems.
After him, we meet the Weaver, a frightening old witch who weaves rhymes like she does sweaters, mixing up words in order to confuse and confound the Boy (and we better hope that that's all she intends to do!).
Next, the Wanderer is introduced, a woman who stops by the tree in the dead of winter in order to rest her weary bones. This season represents the end of the Wanderer's journey, but where will she go next?
Last up, the Woodcutters, two men who live in a cottage in the woods and decide to help the Boy when Time returns with a new complication that he needs help to solve.
Each section of the book is divided up by the different seasons of the year and each one is more engaging and more bewitching than the last. As this story develops, it really turns into something unexpected and special that is brought to life by RĂłisĂ­n Sorahan's capable hand.
]]> 59402577 Who are her genetic parents?
Who is she?
Does she even want to know?
With almost no information of her genetic heritage, adoptee Rebecca Daniels follows limited clues and uses DNA testing, genealogical research, thoughtful letter writing, and a willingness to make awkward phone calls with strangers to finally find her birth parents.
But along the way, she finds much more.
Two half-sisters.
A slew of cousins on both sides.
A family waiting to be discovered.
With the assistance of a distant cousin in Sweden and several other DNA angels on the internet, Daniels finally comes face to face with her birth mother just months before her passing. Join in on this author’s discovery of family and self in Finding Sisters: How One Adoptee Used DNA Testing and Determination to Uncover Family Secrets and Find her Birth Family
“Finding Sisters is an excellent example of what it takes to solve a family mystery. Yet it’s also a captivating story of human relationships in the age of secrecy-revealing DNA databases�. Refreshingly honest and personal. Like no other DNA success story, Finding Sisters uses footnotes and family tree diagrams to show exactly how the search unfolds. This makes the book a clever hybrid of a memoir and a case study� - Richard Hill, author of Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA]]> 126 Rebecca Daniels 1620065584 Bookgirl86 5 I was captivated by the author's journey, and to put it simply, every twist in the story made me feel like I was reading a bestselling mystery novel. Rebecca Daniels writing was not only passionate and full of real, heartfelt emotion, but factual as well.
I loved the amount of scientific data about DNA and genetics testing that she included. It really helped me better understand how the process of finding long lost relatives actually works.
Not only did Daniels find her biological mother after an entire lifetime of not knowing who she was, but she also found two half sisters and many cousins. Unfortunately, by the time Daniels reconnected with her mother, the woman, Glenna had suffered a stroke and was experiencing some memory loss. Glenna struggled to remember Daniels' birth father's name, a situation that was frustrating and saddening to both women.
Daniels and her half sister, April had to gently work with Glenna to coax information out of her when she was having a cogent moment and not pressure her to try and remember things when she was already having a bad health day. Something about the strength of the relationships between this group of women who had only just met, but who had been related all of their lives, was incredibly touching and profound.
This is a book not only about reconnecting with lost family, but about sisterhood and the way that we all eventually have to care for our older parents when the time comes. I have never read another book like this one and I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good winter read! ]]> 4.86
author: Rebecca Daniels
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.86
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/01/29
shelves:
review:
Both a mystery and a memoir rolled up into one, 'Finding Sisters: How One Adoptee Used DNA Testing and Determination to Uncover Family Secrets and Find Her Birth Family,' keeps the reader wondering what is going to happen next the whole way through!
I was captivated by the author's journey, and to put it simply, every twist in the story made me feel like I was reading a bestselling mystery novel. Rebecca Daniels writing was not only passionate and full of real, heartfelt emotion, but factual as well.
I loved the amount of scientific data about DNA and genetics testing that she included. It really helped me better understand how the process of finding long lost relatives actually works.
Not only did Daniels find her biological mother after an entire lifetime of not knowing who she was, but she also found two half sisters and many cousins. Unfortunately, by the time Daniels reconnected with her mother, the woman, Glenna had suffered a stroke and was experiencing some memory loss. Glenna struggled to remember Daniels' birth father's name, a situation that was frustrating and saddening to both women.
Daniels and her half sister, April had to gently work with Glenna to coax information out of her when she was having a cogent moment and not pressure her to try and remember things when she was already having a bad health day. Something about the strength of the relationships between this group of women who had only just met, but who had been related all of their lives, was incredibly touching and profound.
This is a book not only about reconnecting with lost family, but about sisterhood and the way that we all eventually have to care for our older parents when the time comes. I have never read another book like this one and I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good winter read!
]]> 57227324 272 Lisa Dailey 1734494556 Bookgirl86 5 In answer to this, she and her husband decided to take their two teenage sons on an adventure that they'd always planned, but never actually had the guts to carry out. The trip began in Hawaii and extended to places like Guam, Okinawa, Singapore and Vietnam, where her husband had volunteered to work in a dental practice for one month as well as many other countries like Spain and Ghana.
During the trip, Lisa's perspective on her life began to change and she soon realized how much she was letting her grief control her life and ruin her relationship with her children and her husband.
In Guam, Lisa spent time with her uncle and through watching his grief for his sister and nephew and the way that it had driven him to stop taking care of himself, she saw what she was headed toward.
The writing in this memoir is top notch, and deeply emotional. I can only imagine the vulnerability it took for Dailey to record her thoughts during one of the darkest times in her life, but I could definitely see why she struggled to escape those lines of thinking.
Reading about her coming out of that and realizing all that she had to be thankful for is something that I could see being vastly helpful to many readers who are dealing with grief and loss. 'Square Up: 50,000 miles in search of a way home,' is a transformative read in many ways and a stunning memoir to dive into.

]]> 4.76
author: Lisa Dailey
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.76
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/01/18
shelves:
review:
In the short span of five years, Lisa Dailey experienced more loss than many of us will see in decades. In that time, the deaths of seven family members, including both parents and her younger brother, clouded her mind and her ability to process her own emotions. Lisa began experiencing negative mental health issues, including the onset of what she worried might be agoraphobia.
In answer to this, she and her husband decided to take their two teenage sons on an adventure that they'd always planned, but never actually had the guts to carry out. The trip began in Hawaii and extended to places like Guam, Okinawa, Singapore and Vietnam, where her husband had volunteered to work in a dental practice for one month as well as many other countries like Spain and Ghana.
During the trip, Lisa's perspective on her life began to change and she soon realized how much she was letting her grief control her life and ruin her relationship with her children and her husband.
In Guam, Lisa spent time with her uncle and through watching his grief for his sister and nephew and the way that it had driven him to stop taking care of himself, she saw what she was headed toward.
The writing in this memoir is top notch, and deeply emotional. I can only imagine the vulnerability it took for Dailey to record her thoughts during one of the darkest times in her life, but I could definitely see why she struggled to escape those lines of thinking.
Reading about her coming out of that and realizing all that she had to be thankful for is something that I could see being vastly helpful to many readers who are dealing with grief and loss. 'Square Up: 50,000 miles in search of a way home,' is a transformative read in many ways and a stunning memoir to dive into.


]]> 58818973 148 Khanh Ha Bookgirl86 5 “Heartbreak Grass,� is the story of a young man, freshly drafted into the Vietnam war, who befriends a quadruple amputee whom he calls Uncle Chung. As Uncle Chung suffers through indignities from his cheating wife's shoddy care, the young man faces his uncertain future as a soldier, and faces the reality that he may end up like Uncle Chung.
'The American Prisoner,' is about a Vietnamese soldier who befriends an American prisoner of war. Over the course of the friendship, the two learn much about each other and the Vietnamese soldier begins trying to help the American survive.
The titular story, 'A Mother's Tale,' is about a mother who lost her son during the war and who travels to Vietnam to find and recover his body.
These and other stories make up an incredibly touching and beautiful collection that pulls readers in from the beginning. Ha's writing is something to be experienced. From his usage of setting to his deep, introspective look at his characters, every beat of 'A Mother's Tale and Other Stories' was perfect.
Both the heart and the soul of Vietnam are represented by Ha in this collection and the effect is a look at the perspectives that most American's do not often get to see. The trauma inflicted during the Vietnam war affected an entire generation of people from both countries involved and having stories that stem, not just from the duration of the war, but from years after it ended, really provides valuable insight into the lives of the Vietnamese people.
It is impossible to read this collection without being impacted by the stories. This is a book that will stay with you forever. ]]> 4.43
author: Khanh Ha
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.43
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/10/12
shelves:
review:
An intimate and tragic collection of short stories from acclaimed author Khanh Ha, 'A Mother's Tale and Other Stories,' showcases slices of life from all over Vietnam.
“Heartbreak Grass,� is the story of a young man, freshly drafted into the Vietnam war, who befriends a quadruple amputee whom he calls Uncle Chung. As Uncle Chung suffers through indignities from his cheating wife's shoddy care, the young man faces his uncertain future as a soldier, and faces the reality that he may end up like Uncle Chung.
'The American Prisoner,' is about a Vietnamese soldier who befriends an American prisoner of war. Over the course of the friendship, the two learn much about each other and the Vietnamese soldier begins trying to help the American survive.
The titular story, 'A Mother's Tale,' is about a mother who lost her son during the war and who travels to Vietnam to find and recover his body.
These and other stories make up an incredibly touching and beautiful collection that pulls readers in from the beginning. Ha's writing is something to be experienced. From his usage of setting to his deep, introspective look at his characters, every beat of 'A Mother's Tale and Other Stories' was perfect.
Both the heart and the soul of Vietnam are represented by Ha in this collection and the effect is a look at the perspectives that most American's do not often get to see. The trauma inflicted during the Vietnam war affected an entire generation of people from both countries involved and having stories that stem, not just from the duration of the war, but from years after it ended, really provides valuable insight into the lives of the Vietnamese people.
It is impossible to read this collection without being impacted by the stories. This is a book that will stay with you forever.
]]> 56045373
The year is 1995 and my parents have finally allowed me to take the summer to tour in a VW van across the country with my boyfriend Evan and our band. Yes, my dream to be a singer became reality. Even with Clarissa, Evan's jealous ex-girlfriend, as the lead singer, it's my presence on stage that led us to a major record deal. There are moments you'll always remember in life, but I can't imagine anything more cool than hearing your song on the radio for the first time.

But being a Rockstar isn't as easy as it sounds. Using alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms, nothing but tension surrounded me, hurting my still blossoming relationship, and continued grieving over my sister's death.

A love letter to the nineties and a journey of a girl becoming a woman, Grenade Bouquets charts the rollercoaster ride of a band primed to explode on the scene, as long as they keep from actually exploding.]]> 286 Lee Matthew Goldberg 1953944078 Bookgirl86 5 17-year-old Nico is on a collision course with fame, fortune and possible failure. In the first book in Lee Matthew Goldberg's 'Runaway Train' series, Nico runs away from home after the death of her sister. Now, a year later, Nico is leaving again, but this time it's with her parent's permission.
Nico has taken up singing background vocals for the band 'Grenade Bouquets' and she is planning to go on a multi-state tour with them over the summer of 1995. Joining her are her boyfriend, Evan, who is also in the band and his ex-girlfriend, Clarissa, the lead singer who is jealous of Nico's rising star.
Nico must contend with Clarissa's attempts to sabotage her, sudden interest from record companies and the temptation of drugs and alcohol as she learns to navigate sudden stardom and adulthood at the same time.
In 'Grenade Bouquets,' Goldberg perfectly captures the turbulence of teenage girlhood while mixing it with the grunge edge of the mid-1990's.
The music references in this book were probably my favorite part. From Nine Inch Nails to Ace Of Base, the full kaleidoscope of 90's music is portrayed by someone who clearly remembers it well. Every chapter is named after a song from that era, which effectively makes the chapter list into a playlist similar to the one that Nico brings with her on the road in the form of a cassette (use to be referred to as a mix tape).
'Grenade Bouquets' is an edgy, rock and roll experience that makes you feel both nostalgia and intrigue in equal parts. This book cannot be missed by music loving readers!
]]> 4.23 2021
author: Lee Matthew Goldberg
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/08/31
shelves:
review:
“I know that I’m susceptible to temptation, something I’ll have to watch out for if I ever really become a rockstar. Like my former hero Cobain, I’ve seen how too easily it can fester and destroy.�
17-year-old Nico is on a collision course with fame, fortune and possible failure. In the first book in Lee Matthew Goldberg's 'Runaway Train' series, Nico runs away from home after the death of her sister. Now, a year later, Nico is leaving again, but this time it's with her parent's permission.
Nico has taken up singing background vocals for the band 'Grenade Bouquets' and she is planning to go on a multi-state tour with them over the summer of 1995. Joining her are her boyfriend, Evan, who is also in the band and his ex-girlfriend, Clarissa, the lead singer who is jealous of Nico's rising star.
Nico must contend with Clarissa's attempts to sabotage her, sudden interest from record companies and the temptation of drugs and alcohol as she learns to navigate sudden stardom and adulthood at the same time.
In 'Grenade Bouquets,' Goldberg perfectly captures the turbulence of teenage girlhood while mixing it with the grunge edge of the mid-1990's.
The music references in this book were probably my favorite part. From Nine Inch Nails to Ace Of Base, the full kaleidoscope of 90's music is portrayed by someone who clearly remembers it well. Every chapter is named after a song from that era, which effectively makes the chapter list into a playlist similar to the one that Nico brings with her on the road in the form of a cassette (use to be referred to as a mix tape).
'Grenade Bouquets' is an edgy, rock and roll experience that makes you feel both nostalgia and intrigue in equal parts. This book cannot be missed by music loving readers!

]]> 54810320 Odyssey of Ashes: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Letting Go begins with the sudden death of Cheryl Krauter's spouse. Five months later, in a stroke of irony and magic, her husband wins a long-desired guided fly fishing trip in a raffle--and Cheryl decides to go in his place, fulfilling a promise to scatter his ashes by a trout stream.

Part I of this memoir is an account of the first year after Cheryl's husband's death, where she becomes an explorer in the infinite stream of grief and loss, a time traveler between the darkness of sorrow and the light of daily life. Part II concludes with stories of the poignant and humorous adventures she had during the ensuing year. Tying it all together and woven throughout is Cheryl's account of the creation of an altar assembled during the three-day ritual of Los DĂ­as de los Muertos.

Poetic and mythological, Odyssey of Ashes is a raw story of loss and the deep transformation that traveling through darkness and returning to light can bring.]]> 168 Cheryl Krauter 1647421322 Bookgirl86 5

'Odyssey of Ashes: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Letting Go,' by Cheryl Krauter is not only a memoir but a tribute to a life well lived that was cut short too soon.

After Cheryl Krauter recovered from breast cancer, she thought that she had been through the worst that life had to throw at her. That is, until her husband, John unexpectedly died of a stroke in their home.

Reeling from the shocking loss, Cheryl was only just starting to get back on her feet when she is notified that her husband has won a raffle.

And not just any old raffle, John posthumously won a fly fishing trip to Madison river in Montana.

For their entire marriage, John had been a passionate fly fisherman. He and Cheryl had even taken a trip to Madison river once before, in 1988 and John had enjoyed it so much that he often told his wife he would like to go back.

Although Cheryl also enjoys the sport, she is initially hesitant to accept the trip, fearing that it will make her miss her husband all the more.

However, she soon decides to go so that she can bring John's ashes and spread them on the river.

Throughout the trip, Cheryl experiences bad storms, grumpy guides and the beauty of Montana's small towns and wilderness.

The memoir centers around Cheryl's experience on the river and flashbacks to her life with her husband and their son.

Every moment of this memoir was enjoyable and deeply touching. Krauter's writing is one of a kind. She has such a talent for expressing both the beauty and the despair of life, a gift that makes this memoir an unforgettable read.

]]> 4.73
author: Cheryl Krauter
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.73
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/08/09
shelves:
review:
“I have come to understand that I, too, live in the margins now, roaming the edge between the deep and shallow water of my soul. I've become an underwater creature in the silent turbulence of my grief.�


'Odyssey of Ashes: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Letting Go,' by Cheryl Krauter is not only a memoir but a tribute to a life well lived that was cut short too soon.

After Cheryl Krauter recovered from breast cancer, she thought that she had been through the worst that life had to throw at her. That is, until her husband, John unexpectedly died of a stroke in their home.

Reeling from the shocking loss, Cheryl was only just starting to get back on her feet when she is notified that her husband has won a raffle.

And not just any old raffle, John posthumously won a fly fishing trip to Madison river in Montana.

For their entire marriage, John had been a passionate fly fisherman. He and Cheryl had even taken a trip to Madison river once before, in 1988 and John had enjoyed it so much that he often told his wife he would like to go back.

Although Cheryl also enjoys the sport, she is initially hesitant to accept the trip, fearing that it will make her miss her husband all the more.

However, she soon decides to go so that she can bring John's ashes and spread them on the river.

Throughout the trip, Cheryl experiences bad storms, grumpy guides and the beauty of Montana's small towns and wilderness.

The memoir centers around Cheryl's experience on the river and flashbacks to her life with her husband and their son.

Every moment of this memoir was enjoyable and deeply touching. Krauter's writing is one of a kind. She has such a talent for expressing both the beauty and the despair of life, a gift that makes this memoir an unforgettable read.


]]> 57496572 141 Kaia Alexander 1949001911 Bookgirl86 5 Set in 1898, this story is one of adventure, independence, friendship and kindness that is ideal for readers of any and all ages but written for children.
Wynne wants to see the world outside of his family's small nest, but he gets introduced to it in a way that he could never have predicted, one day when he is knocked out by a mean flock of crows and almost killed by a rough gray cat.
Luckily, Wynne is saved by a little girl on her way home from school. However, unaware that his family's nest waits above, the girl takes Wynne home and asks her mother if she can keep him as a pet.
Wynne begins to see more of the world than he'd ever hoped and this is only made even more true when he manages to escape the cage that the little girl put him in after she takes him on a train to the county fair. Soon Wynne is soaring over the Mississippi river, making friends with strange and fascinating animals and even befriending Mark Twain, himself.
Full of great lessons for young readers, 'Mockingbird In Mark Twain's Hat' is a spellbinding tale about living your dreams, finding your home and appreciating your family. This is a story that begs to be read aloud, to be talked over and discussed by readers. Kaia Alexander has created magic in the form of a story here and I would recommend picking it up as soon as possible! ]]> 4.82 2020
author: Kaia Alexander
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.82
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/06/17
shelves:
review:
Navigating how to fly and sing beautiful songs can be hard work for a newborn mockingbird, a fact that is certainly true for the protagonist of 'Mockingbird In Mark Twain's Hat,' by Kaia Alexander. Although Wynne was only born a few days ago, he already has big dreams of becoming an author just like his hero, the writer Mark Twain.
Set in 1898, this story is one of adventure, independence, friendship and kindness that is ideal for readers of any and all ages but written for children.
Wynne wants to see the world outside of his family's small nest, but he gets introduced to it in a way that he could never have predicted, one day when he is knocked out by a mean flock of crows and almost killed by a rough gray cat.
Luckily, Wynne is saved by a little girl on her way home from school. However, unaware that his family's nest waits above, the girl takes Wynne home and asks her mother if she can keep him as a pet.
Wynne begins to see more of the world than he'd ever hoped and this is only made even more true when he manages to escape the cage that the little girl put him in after she takes him on a train to the county fair. Soon Wynne is soaring over the Mississippi river, making friends with strange and fascinating animals and even befriending Mark Twain, himself.
Full of great lessons for young readers, 'Mockingbird In Mark Twain's Hat' is a spellbinding tale about living your dreams, finding your home and appreciating your family. This is a story that begs to be read aloud, to be talked over and discussed by readers. Kaia Alexander has created magic in the form of a story here and I would recommend picking it up as soon as possible!
]]> 56262530
What unfolds in her remote town and on foreign shores sets Merilee and her growing circle on a collision course with an unimagined destiny. Caught up in the chaos is Luftwaffe pilot Erich Leitner. Shot down during the Battle of Britain and transplanted to a lakeside prison in Muskoka, he discovers he has more to fear from his comrades than his captors.

While her cousin-in-spirit, Elyse Thornton, navigates the treacherous skies of Britain as a Spitfire Girl, audaciously ferrying warplanes from factories to airfields, Merilee becomes quietly entangled in her own dangerous liaisons on the home front. Caught between worlds, with conflicted loyalties and a sense of duty, she joins the Royal Canadian Air Force, Women’s Division, and soon finds herself in ground-zero London, focussing her photographer’s lens on a city under bombardment.

Far from carefree summers on the lake, struggling to survive the relentless demands and sacrifices of war, Merilee, Elyse, and their friends wonder if they dare to risk their hearts as well.

As unlikely lives intersect, ideologies and social hierarchies are challenged, loves and friendships are forged or broken, and countless heroes are made and lost. But even those who return to the serenity of Muskoka are changed forever.]]> 477 Gabriele Wills 1775035417 Bookgirl86 5 Both beautifully researched and marvellously written, 'Lighting The Stars' is the literary equivalent of a warm, filling meal. Spanning years and following a large cast of characters, the novel begins with an interrupted afternoon.
15-year-old Merilee Sutcliffe is visiting her best friend, Peggy and her mother when they get the alarming news that the area right next-door is soon to be turned into a camp for German prisoners of war. Peggy's family is given the option to leave the area. However, Peggy's father refuses, insisting that he will never leave his ancestral land.
What follows is a life changing plunge into the freezing waters of war and many decisions that affect the characters lives forever. This novel has a broad cast of characters that are all revealed in the helpful guide in the introduction. Wills brings all of these characters together in really cool and interesting ways and by the end of the novel, every major character gets an ending that fits.
For a book that has a historical setting, the problems that the characters face are relatable. Problems with romance, friendship and loyalty are always relevant and Wills creates characters that are likable and who you can easily find yourself rooting for.
Of all of the great historical fiction novels that I have read over the past year, this was definitely one of the best. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good, emotional read and anyone who likes a good hearty meal of a book.
]]> 4.62
author: Gabriele Wills
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.62
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/06/13
shelves:
review:
'Lighting The Stars,' by Gabriele Wills is a novel that is not only captivating but emotionally moving. If you are a fan of historical fiction, World War II fiction or coming of age novels, this is the story for you.
Both beautifully researched and marvellously written, 'Lighting The Stars' is the literary equivalent of a warm, filling meal. Spanning years and following a large cast of characters, the novel begins with an interrupted afternoon.
15-year-old Merilee Sutcliffe is visiting her best friend, Peggy and her mother when they get the alarming news that the area right next-door is soon to be turned into a camp for German prisoners of war. Peggy's family is given the option to leave the area. However, Peggy's father refuses, insisting that he will never leave his ancestral land.
What follows is a life changing plunge into the freezing waters of war and many decisions that affect the characters lives forever. This novel has a broad cast of characters that are all revealed in the helpful guide in the introduction. Wills brings all of these characters together in really cool and interesting ways and by the end of the novel, every major character gets an ending that fits.
For a book that has a historical setting, the problems that the characters face are relatable. Problems with romance, friendship and loyalty are always relevant and Wills creates characters that are likable and who you can easily find yourself rooting for.
Of all of the great historical fiction novels that I have read over the past year, this was definitely one of the best. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good, emotional read and anyone who likes a good hearty meal of a book.

]]> 57906760
Dane learns that the case centers around Darcy, and against his better judgment, he falls for her, believing she might lead him to Elvis.

Her dangerous secrets worry him, and he knows he can’t trust her. Dane’s investigation turns deadly when he learns that Elvis has left a trail of pregnant young girls, unhappy husbands, and vengeful women.

Dane becomes a target as he struggles to find Elvis and save him from the killers who are closing in. Can Dane save Elvis and himself, or will Darcy's secrets get them all killed?]]> 275 Elyse Douglas Bookgirl86 5 A seamless blend of noir and 21st century crime solving that kept me guessing the whole way through, this novel gave me a new standard for storytelling.
The mystery centers around a young man named, of all things, Elvis.
Elvis Lipps is a 20 year-old man who was seemingly on his way to rock and roll stardom when he disappeared suddenly.
Enter private detective Dane Cooper, a former policeman with a penchant for witty repartee and a dark past.
Elvis' father, Abner seeks out Cooper's help in finding his lost son.
Abner believes that Elvis is the reincarnation of the King himself, Elvis Presley and he has been trying to get the young man into the music industry for his entire life.
Although Cooper doesn't believe the reincarnation story, he agrees to look for Elvis in the unkind streets of New York City.
But there is another aspect of Elvis' story that Cooper must investigate, the teacher that he reportedly had an affair with while he was still in high school.
In meeting the teacher, a beautiful young woman named Darcy, Cooper ends up getting caught up in more of a tangled web than he asked for, and he begins to fall for the woman himself.
The writing in this was superb as well as the sense of place and atmosphere. I loved the noir-like style that reminded me of some of the classic detective movies from the 20th century.
Dane Cooper is a great POV character and I would love to read more books with his character. I hope that they decide to turn this into a series! ]]> 4.12
author: Elyse Douglas
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/06/04
shelves:
review:
A unique mystery with a noir style! 'City of Deadly Dreams: A Mystery,' by the husband and wife writing team of Elyse Douglas is unlike any mystery I have ever read.
A seamless blend of noir and 21st century crime solving that kept me guessing the whole way through, this novel gave me a new standard for storytelling.
The mystery centers around a young man named, of all things, Elvis.
Elvis Lipps is a 20 year-old man who was seemingly on his way to rock and roll stardom when he disappeared suddenly.
Enter private detective Dane Cooper, a former policeman with a penchant for witty repartee and a dark past.
Elvis' father, Abner seeks out Cooper's help in finding his lost son.
Abner believes that Elvis is the reincarnation of the King himself, Elvis Presley and he has been trying to get the young man into the music industry for his entire life.
Although Cooper doesn't believe the reincarnation story, he agrees to look for Elvis in the unkind streets of New York City.
But there is another aspect of Elvis' story that Cooper must investigate, the teacher that he reportedly had an affair with while he was still in high school.
In meeting the teacher, a beautiful young woman named Darcy, Cooper ends up getting caught up in more of a tangled web than he asked for, and he begins to fall for the woman himself.
The writing in this was superb as well as the sense of place and atmosphere. I loved the noir-like style that reminded me of some of the classic detective movies from the 20th century.
Dane Cooper is a great POV character and I would love to read more books with his character. I hope that they decide to turn this into a series!
]]> 56448705

Join Carole Bumpus and her husband in Book Three of the Savoring the Olde Ways series as they take you on their first culinary trek through Italy, including regions of Lombardy, Tuscany, Compania, Apulia, and Lazio. Embrace unforgettable characters such as lovely guides Lisa and Margarita, who introduce you to the “true Italian experience.� Sup on traditional foods (cucina povera) including local tortelli, pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar), bistecca all Fiorentina, pasta alla vongole (clams), or saltimbocca alla Romana. Sip regional wines, along with memorable digestivos like limoncello and grappa.

Find yourself dancing at harvest festivals, climbing through Etruscan tombs, traipsing among Roman ruins, or bathing in ancient Roman termés (hot springs). Climb to the heights in elegant Capri on the gorgeous Amalfi Coast, or to the top of the “holiest of holies� at St. Peter’s Basilica. Soak up ancient and cultural history in Milan, Firenze (Florence), Amalfi, Pompeii, Lecce, and Rome. Bask in the sun and opalescent waters along the rugged coasts of the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas.
And, best of all, capture a rare glimpse into the secrets of the Mediterranean psyche while sharing a good meal with new friends. It is truly the trip of a lifetime.]]> 272 Carole Bumpus 1631527274 Bookgirl86 5 'A September to Remember: Searching for Culinary Pleasures at the Italian Table,' has something for almost everyone. From exquisite descriptions of the Italian countryside and beautifully related facts about Italy's long and storied history to included recipes, I promise that there will be something in this book for you. Personally, I enjoyed all of it and Carole's writing made every description seem almost tangible before me.
I have read other memoirs about Italy, but never before have I really felt like I was experiencing the culture along with the author. Every passage about Roman gods or the once powerful Medici family was so well written and consuming that I forgot for a moment that I wasn't watching it all play out in front of me. Carole Bumpus has a gift for writing that makes you just want to keep reading more!
In the back of the book, there are quite a few recipes for the delicious Italian dishes that Carole mentions eating during the trip. Dishes like Vitella Picatta con Limone e Capperi Milano and Minestra di Verdura Passata sound right at home in the pages of such a flavorful and abundant memoir.
This book is like an Italian fairy tale with the kind of funny, silly moments that happen on every vacation thrown in and the added spice of a historical and culinary perspective from an ancient country.
5 delicious stars and I would love to take a vacation with Carole wherever she wants to go!
]]> 4.39
author: Carole Bumpus
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.39
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/05/06
shelves:
review:
This is no wrong way to take a vacation, but Carole Bumpus definitely did it the right way! Between indulging in delectable food, touring fascinating museums and meeting wonderful people, Carole and her husband, Winston had the vacation of a lifetime to Italy in 1998, and Carole has now written about it in this memoir.
'A September to Remember: Searching for Culinary Pleasures at the Italian Table,' has something for almost everyone. From exquisite descriptions of the Italian countryside and beautifully related facts about Italy's long and storied history to included recipes, I promise that there will be something in this book for you. Personally, I enjoyed all of it and Carole's writing made every description seem almost tangible before me.
I have read other memoirs about Italy, but never before have I really felt like I was experiencing the culture along with the author. Every passage about Roman gods or the once powerful Medici family was so well written and consuming that I forgot for a moment that I wasn't watching it all play out in front of me. Carole Bumpus has a gift for writing that makes you just want to keep reading more!
In the back of the book, there are quite a few recipes for the delicious Italian dishes that Carole mentions eating during the trip. Dishes like Vitella Picatta con Limone e Capperi Milano and Minestra di Verdura Passata sound right at home in the pages of such a flavorful and abundant memoir.
This book is like an Italian fairy tale with the kind of funny, silly moments that happen on every vacation thrown in and the added spice of a historical and culinary perspective from an ancient country.
5 delicious stars and I would love to take a vacation with Carole wherever she wants to go!

]]> 56302316
Their marriage had been rocky at the time of the accident, and though she wants to do the right thing, Rachel doesn’t know how she is supposed to care for two kids in addition to a now irrational, incontinent, and seizure-prone grown man. And how will she manage to see her lover? But then again, what kind of selfish monster would refuse to care for her disabled husband, no matter how unhappy her marriage had been? Rachel wants to believe that she can dedicate her life to David’s needs, but knows in her heart it is impossible.

Crash tackles a pervasive dilemma in our culture: the moral conflicts individuals face when caregiving for a disabled or cognitively impaired family member.]]> 224 Rachel Michelberg 1647420326 Bookgirl86 5 Rachel was a young mother with a husband, David, who had a pilots license and was flying a small plane when disaster struck. David was piloting a plane that crashed into a California vineyard.
David survived, but he was left with severe brain and spinal damage that left him in the ICU for weeks afterward. When he eventually recovered enough to be brought out of his coma, David only had the mental capacity of a seven year old child and was prone to fits of irrationality.
Now left with a husband who can no longer take care of himself, Rachel must decide if she is capable of being a caretaker for him while also caring for their two children and herself. Plus, work, of course, some one has to pay the bills. Adding to Rachel's difficulties is the fact that before the crash, she and David were going through a rough patch in their marriage and she had begun seeing another man in secret.
Rachel's candid writing in this book was refreshing. I haven't read a memoir that felt like I was getting the “real� story in a long time, so I appreciated how she held nothing back. I'm not sure I would have the same strength to admit to my mistakes as she did in this book.
As for the caregiving portion of the book, I can only imagine the mental and physical stress that she had to go through during that period. I think we all hope never to have to deal with the things that Rachel had to deal with during this time and I don't think any of us can say we would handle things any better.
]]> 4.33
author: Rachel Michelberg
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/04/24
shelves:
review:
A must read for caregivers, people who suffer from chronic illnesses and memoir-lovers alike. 'Crash: How I Became A Reluctant Caregiver,' by Rachel Michelberg is the kind of book that you have to take extra time to read and meditate on.
Rachel was a young mother with a husband, David, who had a pilots license and was flying a small plane when disaster struck. David was piloting a plane that crashed into a California vineyard.
David survived, but he was left with severe brain and spinal damage that left him in the ICU for weeks afterward. When he eventually recovered enough to be brought out of his coma, David only had the mental capacity of a seven year old child and was prone to fits of irrationality.
Now left with a husband who can no longer take care of himself, Rachel must decide if she is capable of being a caretaker for him while also caring for their two children and herself. Plus, work, of course, some one has to pay the bills. Adding to Rachel's difficulties is the fact that before the crash, she and David were going through a rough patch in their marriage and she had begun seeing another man in secret.
Rachel's candid writing in this book was refreshing. I haven't read a memoir that felt like I was getting the “real� story in a long time, so I appreciated how she held nothing back. I'm not sure I would have the same strength to admit to my mistakes as she did in this book.
As for the caregiving portion of the book, I can only imagine the mental and physical stress that she had to go through during that period. I think we all hope never to have to deal with the things that Rachel had to deal with during this time and I don't think any of us can say we would handle things any better.

]]> 56183262

You'll learn:
â—� How to find the balance between your career and personal life.
â—� Why emotional awareness and critical thinking are as important as specialized knowledge.
â—� How to identify the real skills you need to build a "Unicorn" team.]]> Heather Wilde 1620063344 Bookgirl86 5 You see, Wilde just happened to have a husband who was a pilot, and this husband just happened to be flying over Manhattan's air space at exactly 8:45 that morning. Thankfully, Wilde's husband was safe as his plane had been grounded that morning, but experiencing the shock and anxiety that came with spending most of the day thinking that her husband might be dead had an extremely negative effect on her.
She began to suffer from depression and her husband, Leon soon had to leave his job as Wilde suffered from anxiety, thinking that something terrible was going to happen to him. Though this was the type of setback that might completely devastate most of us, this was only the beginning of Wilde's strange and interesting journey that included several moves across country and different jobs all of which contributed to her overall view on life.
This is mainly an advice book, as Wilde dishes out wisdom in every chapter to go along with her theme of taking risks in life and not letting your anxiety control you. It is also a memoir.
These days, I think most of us are pretty ruled by our worries so this is exactly the kind of book that is greatly needed right now. In the end, Wilde ended up working for an up and coming app called Evernote that she managed to expand from only a few thousand users to over 200 million users worldwide, proving that success can come from all sorts of new places and opportunities! ]]> 4.67 2020
author: Heather Wilde
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.67
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/04/07
shelves:
review:
In the fall of 2001, two planes flew into the Twin Towers in New York City and the world was forever changed. I think everyone who was alive that day has a story about where they were when they discovered the news, but not many stories are as harrowing as Heather Wilde's.
You see, Wilde just happened to have a husband who was a pilot, and this husband just happened to be flying over Manhattan's air space at exactly 8:45 that morning. Thankfully, Wilde's husband was safe as his plane had been grounded that morning, but experiencing the shock and anxiety that came with spending most of the day thinking that her husband might be dead had an extremely negative effect on her.
She began to suffer from depression and her husband, Leon soon had to leave his job as Wilde suffered from anxiety, thinking that something terrible was going to happen to him. Though this was the type of setback that might completely devastate most of us, this was only the beginning of Wilde's strange and interesting journey that included several moves across country and different jobs all of which contributed to her overall view on life.
This is mainly an advice book, as Wilde dishes out wisdom in every chapter to go along with her theme of taking risks in life and not letting your anxiety control you. It is also a memoir.
These days, I think most of us are pretty ruled by our worries so this is exactly the kind of book that is greatly needed right now. In the end, Wilde ended up working for an up and coming app called Evernote that she managed to expand from only a few thousand users to over 200 million users worldwide, proving that success can come from all sorts of new places and opportunities!
]]> 56071601
Bea has no memory of her last moments with her mother. The week they’d gone missing is a complete mystery. Suddenly moved back to her hometown with her father, Bea has rekindled her friendship with her two best friends—and seems to have caught the attention of an arrogant, yet gorgeous boy named Cash Kingston. But there’s more to Cash than his annoying attitude and good looks. Cash isn’t human, and he’s now in charge of protecting Bea from those who know what she keeps safe inside her: the energy source that once belonged to his murdered girlfriend.

Tensions mount as Bea learns her energy source must be paired with the one Cash holds to protect both their planets from an imminent threat. But what Bea doesn’t realize is there’s more to her than being human a host, that her feelings for Cash are not just a prophetic plan that will save their planets, and that the fate of everything lies in her choices.]]> 209 Dana Claire Bookgirl86 5 Cash Kingston is a warrior from another planet who also recently lost someone. Now his only quest is to protect a girl that he barely knows.
When Beatrice first meets Cash she is confused by his brusque nature and dazzled by his stunning good looks. Before long she realizes that they are inextricably linked in a way that she could not possibly have imagined.
An adventure-filled novel with equal parts romance and sci-fi, 'The Connection: Two Worlds. One Connection,' is one of my favorite books of the year so far! Dana Claire's writing is superb and I loved the worlds that she created in this novel.
The romance between Beatrice and Cash reminded me of some of the greatest love stories of all time. Initially, when they meet, they are wary of each other and maybe even outright hate each other. But there is still an immediate attraction to one another and slowly, over the course of the book they grow to trust and even love each other as they spend more time together.
Although this is a YA novel, this could appeal to readers of any age and I highly recommend giving it a read even if you don't normally enjoy Young Adult books. This is the kind of book that will change your opinion on the genre entirely.
The heart of this novel relies on something that we many of us will find familiar, the grief of losing someone and the idea of that love persevering. It's a touching message and it fits perfectly with the atmosphere of this novel. I can't wait to read the next books in this stunning series! ]]> 4.67
author: Dana Claire
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.67
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/04/01
shelves:
review:
Two worlds, one connection-- Beatrice Walker is a human girl, still emotionally tender from the accidental death of her mother, who just wants to live a normal life.
Cash Kingston is a warrior from another planet who also recently lost someone. Now his only quest is to protect a girl that he barely knows.
When Beatrice first meets Cash she is confused by his brusque nature and dazzled by his stunning good looks. Before long she realizes that they are inextricably linked in a way that she could not possibly have imagined.
An adventure-filled novel with equal parts romance and sci-fi, 'The Connection: Two Worlds. One Connection,' is one of my favorite books of the year so far! Dana Claire's writing is superb and I loved the worlds that she created in this novel.
The romance between Beatrice and Cash reminded me of some of the greatest love stories of all time. Initially, when they meet, they are wary of each other and maybe even outright hate each other. But there is still an immediate attraction to one another and slowly, over the course of the book they grow to trust and even love each other as they spend more time together.
Although this is a YA novel, this could appeal to readers of any age and I highly recommend giving it a read even if you don't normally enjoy Young Adult books. This is the kind of book that will change your opinion on the genre entirely.
The heart of this novel relies on something that we many of us will find familiar, the grief of losing someone and the idea of that love persevering. It's a touching message and it fits perfectly with the atmosphere of this novel. I can't wait to read the next books in this stunning series!
]]> 54786069
Christy Whitman, transformational leader, founder of the Quantum Success Coaching Academy, and channel for The Divine Council unfolds the precise steps for bringing about the manifestation of any desire.

The book is built around 7 Universal Principles for tapping into the divine energy stream that is the source of all things so that you can have more peace, prosperity, and joy.

The Desire Factor shows you how to master your energy so you can create a life that you love despite what’s going on around you.

When you harness the energy of The Desire Factor, you’ll

Christy Whitman’s philosophy is that YOU are the energy master of your own life; you embody healing energy and have the power to improve your circumstances; you direct this unlimited flow of energy wherever you want, allowing you to manifest; it is your Divine Nature to create—and this creation is invigorating!

Whitman has applied her principles of energy mastery to train over three thousand life coaches to take their innate gifts and skills and turn them into profitable fulfilling businesses.

And now in The Desire Factor she provides one of the most current, comprehensive, and easy to apply explorations into the realm of energy, and shows you how, by mastering your energy, you can bring any desire into physical form.

Order your copy today.]]> 208 Christy Whitman 1582707596 Bookgirl86 5
But what if we didn't have to? Author Christy Whitman offers another way of thinking in her book, 'The Desire Factor: How to Embrace Your Materialistic Nature to Reclaim Your Full Spiritual Power.'

Whitman theorizes that desire is almost a living, breathing thing and that it is spiritually given to you by a divine entity that is seeking to connect you to 'All That Is,' or, in layman's terms, the greatest experiences and things in life.

It sounds complicated, I know, but Whitman's powerful writing and easy way with words make the concept come across very simply.

The book is made up of seven main chapters, each explaining a different concept in Whitman's model for following your desire to a better life.

The chapters are called things like 'The Principal of Alignment' and 'The Principal of Joyful Expectancy' and each one ends with a simple, bullet point breakdown of the main points of the concept and an exercise that the book refers to as an 'Energy Mastery Exercise.'

These exercises are generally very meditative and peaceful and ended up being my favorite part of the book because of the interesting perspective that they gave me.

Overall, this book created a wonderful reading experience for me and I really enjoyed Christy Whitman's writing and mastery of language. Her writing is an absolute delight and a treat that cannot be missed!]]> 4.29
author: Christy Whitman
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/03/14
shelves:
review:
There is no other emotion in the world quite like desire. It fuels us, it brings us things like new romantic relationships, job opportunities and sometimes just new clothes and haircuts. It brings new ideas to light for us all of the time but, often society teaches us to suppress our desires (especially our more superficial ones) and hide them away so that we can focus on things that are more tangible and realistic.

But what if we didn't have to? Author Christy Whitman offers another way of thinking in her book, 'The Desire Factor: How to Embrace Your Materialistic Nature to Reclaim Your Full Spiritual Power.'

Whitman theorizes that desire is almost a living, breathing thing and that it is spiritually given to you by a divine entity that is seeking to connect you to 'All That Is,' or, in layman's terms, the greatest experiences and things in life.

It sounds complicated, I know, but Whitman's powerful writing and easy way with words make the concept come across very simply.

The book is made up of seven main chapters, each explaining a different concept in Whitman's model for following your desire to a better life.

The chapters are called things like 'The Principal of Alignment' and 'The Principal of Joyful Expectancy' and each one ends with a simple, bullet point breakdown of the main points of the concept and an exercise that the book refers to as an 'Energy Mastery Exercise.'

These exercises are generally very meditative and peaceful and ended up being my favorite part of the book because of the interesting perspective that they gave me.

Overall, this book created a wonderful reading experience for me and I really enjoyed Christy Whitman's writing and mastery of language. Her writing is an absolute delight and a treat that cannot be missed!
]]> 55511186 103 Richard Capriola 1098327241 Bookgirl86 5 The beginning of the book is filled with some really interesting information on drug use and how it affects the brain. For instance, I did not know that people who do not start using tobacco by the age of twenty-six are likely never to start. However, considering how many lifelong smokers that I know who started as teenagers, it makes sense.
Capriola explains a lot of things about the brain, and the pre-frontal cortex that make it easier to understand why children are more likely to cave to drug-related peer pressure than adults and why it can be so much worse for them to start using drugs when they are still growing and developing.
With that information up top, the middle section of the book explains different drugs that your child may be addicted to and how these drugs may be affecting them, made a lot of sense. Everything from marijuana to stimulants is covered and relevant information on each drug is outlined clearly and concisely.
The end of the book goes into depth about seeking help for your child, who to call and where to find them in a way that I have never seen so clearly explained before. This is an indispensable resource to parents with teenage children.
Whether you have children or not, this is an enlightening read that is worth picking up. I learned a lot and I think anyone reading this would too! ]]> 4.62
author: Richard Capriola
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.62
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/03/11
shelves:
review:
A good read and one that I'm sure would be very helpful to anyone who has a child that is suffering from addiction. Richard Capriola is a mental health and substance abuse counselor who has worked with teenagers that have these issues. He lends his expertise to anyone who needs it with this guide to seeking help for your addicted child.
The beginning of the book is filled with some really interesting information on drug use and how it affects the brain. For instance, I did not know that people who do not start using tobacco by the age of twenty-six are likely never to start. However, considering how many lifelong smokers that I know who started as teenagers, it makes sense.
Capriola explains a lot of things about the brain, and the pre-frontal cortex that make it easier to understand why children are more likely to cave to drug-related peer pressure than adults and why it can be so much worse for them to start using drugs when they are still growing and developing.
With that information up top, the middle section of the book explains different drugs that your child may be addicted to and how these drugs may be affecting them, made a lot of sense. Everything from marijuana to stimulants is covered and relevant information on each drug is outlined clearly and concisely.
The end of the book goes into depth about seeking help for your child, who to call and where to find them in a way that I have never seen so clearly explained before. This is an indispensable resource to parents with teenage children.
Whether you have children or not, this is an enlightening read that is worth picking up. I learned a lot and I think anyone reading this would too!
]]> 55340793
A $702 billion global diet/nutrition and weight loss industry shows that people worldwide are devoted to achieving maximum health and their desired bodies. Yet mainstream approaches are failing these individuals, and sadly, science proves this. Intent on gaining the “health� and “happiness� that diets promise, consumers keep trying. They become sad and frustrated, believing they’re failing when they’re not. They simply need a legitimate, alternative path, which "MeaningFULL" offers. Through the contributors� diverse, real-life mini-memoirs followed by Spotts-De Lazzer’s commentaries, readers will learn about themselves and discover their unique, unconventional formulas for conquering their issues. Along the way, "MeaningFULL" will also guide them towards more self-appreciation.]]> 282 Alli Spotts-De Lazzer 1950730697 Bookgirl86 5 Inside this book are 23 stories from different, normal people who have struggled with dieting, body image, eating disorders and more in their lives and have provided their stories as a means to help others. Every story is different but each one is relatable in it's own way to anyone who has struggled with their body image in the past.
The authors come from all sorts of backgrounds and all walks of life, like a woman who was raised in wealth and privilege only to struggle to maintain that same standard of perfection and eventually develop anorexia in her teenage years. Many of the stories are from the perspective of people who have witnessed their family member or friend suffer from eating disorders and body image issues and who have experienced the negative effect that these disorders have had, not just on their loved ones but on themselves as well.
Every story ends with a note from the main author of the book, Alli Spotts De-Lazzer, a licensed marriage, family therapist, and eating disorder specialist, thus providing the professional perspective that is needed to illustrate what type of lesson is meant to be taken.
There is a ton of really helpful advice in this book for people of any size and anyone who has ever dealt with negative self image issues, even if you do not feel that you need help for it. I could see this book being life-changing for a lot of people, and I'm so grateful to have read it myself.
]]> 4.40
author: Alli Spotts-De Lazzer
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.40
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/02/27
shelves:
review:
I won't lie, 'MeaningFULL: 23 Life-Changing Stories of Conquering Dieting, Weight, & Body Image Issues' hit me a lot harder than I was expecting it to. I went into this book expecting a normal weight loss self-help manual but it ended up being so much deeper and more powerful than that.
Inside this book are 23 stories from different, normal people who have struggled with dieting, body image, eating disorders and more in their lives and have provided their stories as a means to help others. Every story is different but each one is relatable in it's own way to anyone who has struggled with their body image in the past.
The authors come from all sorts of backgrounds and all walks of life, like a woman who was raised in wealth and privilege only to struggle to maintain that same standard of perfection and eventually develop anorexia in her teenage years. Many of the stories are from the perspective of people who have witnessed their family member or friend suffer from eating disorders and body image issues and who have experienced the negative effect that these disorders have had, not just on their loved ones but on themselves as well.
Every story ends with a note from the main author of the book, Alli Spotts De-Lazzer, a licensed marriage, family therapist, and eating disorder specialist, thus providing the professional perspective that is needed to illustrate what type of lesson is meant to be taken.
There is a ton of really helpful advice in this book for people of any size and anyone who has ever dealt with negative self image issues, even if you do not feel that you need help for it. I could see this book being life-changing for a lot of people, and I'm so grateful to have read it myself.

]]> 55463003 Learning to tie a bow is very difficult for some people but Cleo remembers how to do it from a cute story she once heard. It is about a little rabbit with very long ears and a very helpful fox who shows her what to do to keep them clean. This is the story of how Cleo learns to tie a “bunny ear� bow.
Exercises in manual dexterity build self-esteem in children. Knowing how to tie shoe-strings, scarves and more into a bow is a useful and rewarding skill.
“Teach a child a useful skill. Build confidence and self-esteem that lasts a lifetime.”]]> 38 Sybrina Durant Bookgirl86 5 The story centers around an adorable little girl named Cleo, who loves bows and wears them all the time. Cleo even has a stuffed bunny whose ears she ties into bows. In order to remember how to tie the ears, Cleo tells a story about a bunny rabbit who must learn to tie up his ears to keep them from getting dirty when they drag on the ground. It is during this section that the interactive and instructive aspect comes into play. There is a step-by-step lesson on how to tie a bow within the book and it recommends having a piece of ribbon handy to teach your child as you read.
I could see this being a wonderful memory for a child and a book that they will treasure for years to come. This is not only a great story, but a great way to teach kids how to follow instructions (and how to tie a bow, of course!) And the story includes a cute song at the end. Parents will love reading this to their kids and teaching them how to tie a bow and kids will love the beautiful art and adorable animals. I rate this children's book ten pink bows out of ten!]]> 4.35
author: Sybrina Durant
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.35
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/02/15
shelves:
review:
I was absolutely thrilled with this children's book! 'Cleo Can Tie A Bow' by Sybrina Durant is not only fun, colorful and interactive but it provides a great teachable moment for little ones. Sometimes, it can be hard to get a little one to sit still long enough to read an entire book. Especially these days, it seems like it's easier to just let them watch Netflix or Youtube instead of struggling to keep their attention. But 'Cleo Can Tie A Bow' includes a magical interactive element within the story that helps keep kids focused and keep their hands busy while they read.
The story centers around an adorable little girl named Cleo, who loves bows and wears them all the time. Cleo even has a stuffed bunny whose ears she ties into bows. In order to remember how to tie the ears, Cleo tells a story about a bunny rabbit who must learn to tie up his ears to keep them from getting dirty when they drag on the ground. It is during this section that the interactive and instructive aspect comes into play. There is a step-by-step lesson on how to tie a bow within the book and it recommends having a piece of ribbon handy to teach your child as you read.
I could see this being a wonderful memory for a child and a book that they will treasure for years to come. This is not only a great story, but a great way to teach kids how to follow instructions (and how to tie a bow, of course!) And the story includes a cute song at the end. Parents will love reading this to their kids and teaching them how to tie a bow and kids will love the beautiful art and adorable animals. I rate this children's book ten pink bows out of ten!
]]> 52450608
When Clive, anxious to distract a depressed Henrietta, begs Sergeant Frank Davis for a case, he is assigned to investigating a seemingly boring affair: a spiritualist woman operating in an abandoned schoolhouse on the edge of town who is suspected of robbing people of their valuables. What begins as an open and shut case becomes more complicated, however, when Henrietta―much to Clive’s dismay―begins to believe the spiritualist's strange ramblings.

Meanwhile, Elsie begs Clive and Henrietta to help her and the object of her budding love, Gunther, locate the whereabouts of one Liesel Klinkhammer, the German woman Gunther has traveled to America to find and the mother of the little girl, Anna, whom he has brought along with him. The search leads them to Dunning Asylum, where they discover some terrible truths about Liesel. When the child, Anna, is herself mistakenly admitted to the asylum after an epileptic fit, Clive and Henrietta return to Dunning to retrieve her. This time, however, Henrietta begins to suspect that something darker may be happening. When Clive doesn’t believe her, she decides to take matters into her own hands . . . with horrifying results.]]> 256 Michelle Cox 163152836X Bookgirl86 5
I have never read Michelle Cox before, but if this novel is representative of the rest of her books, then sign me up!

I couldn't get enough of this novel while I was reading and I couldn't put it down until I finished every last page.

Rarely do I find a historical novel that I feel is so well researched and thought out, plot-wise.

Here is the lowdown on what to expect from the plot: Clive and Henrietta are a married couple living in Chicago in the 1930's, the time of mobsters, murders and mysteries.

Clive is a detective and in this installment in the series, he is desperate to find a new case to take his wife's mind off of her recent miscarriage.

Worried about Henrietta's depressed state of mind, Clive takes on a random case from a friend of his and asks her to help with it.

The case, a spiritualist who seems to be stealing money from unsuspecting clients, seems pretty unremarkable to Clive. That is, until he begins to unravel the threads behind the case itself and begins to wonder if his wife has been taken in by the spiritualist's possibly fake powers.

Michelle Cox's writing is magnificent! I loved all of the finer details that she applied to make this book really stand out as a historical, such as Clive talking about his war time and Henrietta's time as a 26 girl.

No historical piece is complete without detail and Cox really portrayed that here.

I would love to read the rest of the books in this series and to see the origins of the characters.

This was great from start to finish!

]]> 4.05 2020
author: Michelle Cox
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/02/04
shelves:
review:
Historical mystery with a twist-- 'A Child Lost' by Michelle Cox gave me the familiarity of a rich and sumptuous historical piece with a little unexpected flair for good measure.

I have never read Michelle Cox before, but if this novel is representative of the rest of her books, then sign me up!

I couldn't get enough of this novel while I was reading and I couldn't put it down until I finished every last page.

Rarely do I find a historical novel that I feel is so well researched and thought out, plot-wise.

Here is the lowdown on what to expect from the plot: Clive and Henrietta are a married couple living in Chicago in the 1930's, the time of mobsters, murders and mysteries.

Clive is a detective and in this installment in the series, he is desperate to find a new case to take his wife's mind off of her recent miscarriage.

Worried about Henrietta's depressed state of mind, Clive takes on a random case from a friend of his and asks her to help with it.

The case, a spiritualist who seems to be stealing money from unsuspecting clients, seems pretty unremarkable to Clive. That is, until he begins to unravel the threads behind the case itself and begins to wonder if his wife has been taken in by the spiritualist's possibly fake powers.

Michelle Cox's writing is magnificent! I loved all of the finer details that she applied to make this book really stand out as a historical, such as Clive talking about his war time and Henrietta's time as a 26 girl.

No historical piece is complete without detail and Cox really portrayed that here.

I would love to read the rest of the books in this series and to see the origins of the characters.

This was great from start to finish!


]]> 54674293
Boy Blue, a darker-than-blue psychiatric patient, is part of this society of pink supremacy and faces a 10-year jail sentence after he is discharged. But with the unexpected help of a pink orderly, can Boy Blue escape Dr Google's deceitful vaccine, break free from the asylum and grab freedom with both hands? 

Darker than Blue is a clever, witty, satirical tale of a society divided by race. A story to honour the tragic deaths of Ahmaud Marquez Arbery and George Floyd. Black lives have always mattered, and they always will.


"I really enjoyed reading Darker than Blue, I was taken aback by how clever and well-written it was! I can't wait until it's published, I'll definitely be buying it and I'd be more than happy to help you advertise and promote it once it's all done!"

-- Chelsea Terry, the copywriter who did an excellent job editing the story, and to whom I offer my sincere gratitude.]]> 32 Lawrence G. Taylor Bookgirl86 5 Since science fiction was invented as a genre it has dealt with heavy, timely issues in such a capable way and 'Darker Than Blue- This Mortal Coil' by Lawrence G. Taylor is no different in that respect.
Although this is only a short story, many important and relevant issues are brought up within it's pages.
This story is not only well written, but creatively immense in the sense of world building that it provides.
The contention between the Pinks and the Darker-Than-Blues obviously holds a lot of real-world symbolism and it was obvious to me from only the first few paragraphs what the deeper metaphors of the story were going to be. The look at the psychiatric institution that Boy Blue resides in—and how he has spent most of his life in these types of institutions—really added a deeper layer to the character and I appreciated having him as sort of the antihero of the story.
It is rare that a short story captivates my attention the way that this one did. I would gladly read a full-length novel set in this world.
Lawrence G. Taylor really created something fascinating here, a story that has broader strokes that remind of me something in the vein of Arthur C. Clarke or Ursula Le Guin.
This story gave me a lot to think about the way all good sci-fi stories should! Though it is a quick read, it is definitely one that you will be thinking about for a while! ]]> 4.23
author: Lawrence G. Taylor
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/01/10
shelves:
review:
A very interesting short story that takes a look at politics and race through the lens of sci-fi.
Since science fiction was invented as a genre it has dealt with heavy, timely issues in such a capable way and 'Darker Than Blue- This Mortal Coil' by Lawrence G. Taylor is no different in that respect.
Although this is only a short story, many important and relevant issues are brought up within it's pages.
This story is not only well written, but creatively immense in the sense of world building that it provides.
The contention between the Pinks and the Darker-Than-Blues obviously holds a lot of real-world symbolism and it was obvious to me from only the first few paragraphs what the deeper metaphors of the story were going to be. The look at the psychiatric institution that Boy Blue resides in—and how he has spent most of his life in these types of institutions—really added a deeper layer to the character and I appreciated having him as sort of the antihero of the story.
It is rare that a short story captivates my attention the way that this one did. I would gladly read a full-length novel set in this world.
Lawrence G. Taylor really created something fascinating here, a story that has broader strokes that remind of me something in the vein of Arthur C. Clarke or Ursula Le Guin.
This story gave me a lot to think about the way all good sci-fi stories should! Though it is a quick read, it is definitely one that you will be thinking about for a while!
]]> 52531249
Julian joins the queen’s messenger, the lofty and spirited Jessandra Calcross, in a perilous voyage across the Baltic Sea and into the very heart of Russia. When a papal assassin determined to prevent the royal marriage strikes, Jess turns to Julian as the only man she can trust. Although at odds over religion and station, a slender emotional bond grows. Stalked by the relentless murderer, Julian is soon torn between abandoning his mission so he can better safeguard Jess, and fulfilling his vow to the queen. If he fails the queen he’ll never captain a ship again. But if he and Jess continue on to Moscow, they face a darker peril in the mercurial and sinister Tsar Ivan—a peril that will drive courage and dawning love to the breaking point.]]> 308 Ken Czech 1611792770 Bookgirl86 5 Julian Blunt is a former sea captain who lost his wife unexpectedly while he was at sea. The grief is overpowering for Julian and it is compounded by the fact that he recently converted to Catholicism and is now potentially going to be arrested by the guards of the notably Protestant Queen Elizabeth.
But, out of the blue, he is ambushed by the queen's men and taken to meet her, where she offers him a deal. If Julian agrees to ferry a special betrothal locket to the Tsar of Russia, she will not only agree to ignore his religion but allow him to return to his life of captaining ships.
The journey is fraught with peril, Julian must not only face dangerous seas but individuals who are determined to stop him from delivering the locket, thus preventing the royal alliance between England and Russia.
Right from the start, this novel pulled me in. The atmosphere of the sixteenth century setting was perfectly described and well executed.
Julian's grief for his wife, his singular desire to be at sea again and his fear of being imprisoned or killed were ever present and heart wrenching.
The historical detail shone through even in the more subtle scenes. It's obvious from reading this book that Ken Czech is very knowledgeable about history and his use of that knowledge was evident without being overbearing.
This is both an intricate and complex story that also contains a lot of understated themes. This is a definite must read for anyone that enjoys historical novels or adventure stories. This book will not only keep you on the edge of your seat but it will teach you things along the way.]]> 4.89
author: Ken Czech
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.89
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/11/04
shelves:
review:
Absolutely riveting and beautifully written historical novel from Ken Czech about a man's drive to be free and a thrilling journey across the ocean to a foreign land.
Julian Blunt is a former sea captain who lost his wife unexpectedly while he was at sea. The grief is overpowering for Julian and it is compounded by the fact that he recently converted to Catholicism and is now potentially going to be arrested by the guards of the notably Protestant Queen Elizabeth.
But, out of the blue, he is ambushed by the queen's men and taken to meet her, where she offers him a deal. If Julian agrees to ferry a special betrothal locket to the Tsar of Russia, she will not only agree to ignore his religion but allow him to return to his life of captaining ships.
The journey is fraught with peril, Julian must not only face dangerous seas but individuals who are determined to stop him from delivering the locket, thus preventing the royal alliance between England and Russia.
Right from the start, this novel pulled me in. The atmosphere of the sixteenth century setting was perfectly described and well executed.
Julian's grief for his wife, his singular desire to be at sea again and his fear of being imprisoned or killed were ever present and heart wrenching.
The historical detail shone through even in the more subtle scenes. It's obvious from reading this book that Ken Czech is very knowledgeable about history and his use of that knowledge was evident without being overbearing.
This is both an intricate and complex story that also contains a lot of understated themes. This is a definite must read for anyone that enjoys historical novels or adventure stories. This book will not only keep you on the edge of your seat but it will teach you things along the way.
]]> 55524819 344 Tanya Fyfe Bookgirl86 5 The fourth book in Tanya Fyfe's 'Missing Lake' series, 'The Runaways of Missing Lake' is a delight to read for all ages.
Having recently had to evacuate his home with his father and step-mother because of wildfires, Luke returns in the beginning of the book to find a thankfully untouched town and safe family of dragons.
Though the danger of fires has passed, the oldest dragon, Zagros, informs Luke that there is another danger facing their species and that time is of the essence in ensuring their survival.
Tanya Fyfe has created such a varied and interesting world within Missing Lake and such complex characters.
The intricate lore behind the dragons and their world gave the story such a rich fabric and made for some great world building. I loved reading about the different dragons in different parts of the world and how the Dragoneers, like Luke, care for them. The telepathic link between the Dragoneers and their dragons was a nice touch and one that made the book feel very cinematic.
The moral of the story was strong and well-delivered without being overdone. The overall message and themes about climate change are both good and necessary for young people to hear and I really appreciated the way Fyfe brought them into the story without dragging down the narrative.
I would love to read more from this author and, particularly, more from this series! Now that I am invested in the characters, I can't wait to see where Luke and his friends end up going next.]]> 4.90
author: Tanya Fyfe
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.90
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/11/02
shelves:
review:
The town of Missing Lake, Montana has a secret. Unlike other small towns, this one isn't just full of residents living their quiet lives. Missing Lake is also home to a family of dragons and a sixteen year-old boy named Luke who keeps their secret.
The fourth book in Tanya Fyfe's 'Missing Lake' series, 'The Runaways of Missing Lake' is a delight to read for all ages.
Having recently had to evacuate his home with his father and step-mother because of wildfires, Luke returns in the beginning of the book to find a thankfully untouched town and safe family of dragons.
Though the danger of fires has passed, the oldest dragon, Zagros, informs Luke that there is another danger facing their species and that time is of the essence in ensuring their survival.
Tanya Fyfe has created such a varied and interesting world within Missing Lake and such complex characters.
The intricate lore behind the dragons and their world gave the story such a rich fabric and made for some great world building. I loved reading about the different dragons in different parts of the world and how the Dragoneers, like Luke, care for them. The telepathic link between the Dragoneers and their dragons was a nice touch and one that made the book feel very cinematic.
The moral of the story was strong and well-delivered without being overdone. The overall message and themes about climate change are both good and necessary for young people to hear and I really appreciated the way Fyfe brought them into the story without dragging down the narrative.
I would love to read more from this author and, particularly, more from this series! Now that I am invested in the characters, I can't wait to see where Luke and his friends end up going next.
]]> 49216212 209 David Vorhees Bookgirl86 5 Starting with the story, 'A New Year, A New Day, A New Life' about a man whose wife is tragically killed in a car accident on New Year's Eve and the haunting way that she forces her killer to tell the truth about what happened, all the way to the Christmas story, 'Dear Santa' about a man who writes to Santa as a way to confess his sins.
Each story is unique in it's own terrifying way and each has a different monster to contend with.
From ghosts, to madmen and serial killers, this collection is a must read for horror fans and enthusiasts alike.
One of my favorite stories of the bunch was the titular story 'The Feast' about a young family on the road to visit their family for Thanksgiving. The family winds up getting into a car accident which knocks both parents unconscious. By the time they wake, their four year-old son has gone missing. Desperate to find him, the parents begin searching through the woods only to stumble across a family that lives off the grid and who seem to have their son.
David Vorhees' very clever idea for an anthology is both mesmerizing and difficult to put down. I was pulled in from the first story and read the entire book in only a few hours.
I would love to see another collection like this from him that included different holidays. I hope more stories of any kind are forthcoming from this author and I can't recommend this one highly enough! This one is not to be missed!]]> 4.48
author: David Vorhees
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.48
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/10/28
shelves:
review:
I can't tell you how excited I was to see the premise behind this short story collection. A series of stories all centering around a different holiday and each one scarier and more chilling than the last.
Starting with the story, 'A New Year, A New Day, A New Life' about a man whose wife is tragically killed in a car accident on New Year's Eve and the haunting way that she forces her killer to tell the truth about what happened, all the way to the Christmas story, 'Dear Santa' about a man who writes to Santa as a way to confess his sins.
Each story is unique in it's own terrifying way and each has a different monster to contend with.
From ghosts, to madmen and serial killers, this collection is a must read for horror fans and enthusiasts alike.
One of my favorite stories of the bunch was the titular story 'The Feast' about a young family on the road to visit their family for Thanksgiving. The family winds up getting into a car accident which knocks both parents unconscious. By the time they wake, their four year-old son has gone missing. Desperate to find him, the parents begin searching through the woods only to stumble across a family that lives off the grid and who seem to have their son.
David Vorhees' very clever idea for an anthology is both mesmerizing and difficult to put down. I was pulled in from the first story and read the entire book in only a few hours.
I would love to see another collection like this from him that included different holidays. I hope more stories of any kind are forthcoming from this author and I can't recommend this one highly enough! This one is not to be missed!
]]> 54697414 296 Lenore H. Gay 1631527746 Bookgirl86 5 Joss is a writer, working on her second book and raising her two young daughters. Before the beginning of the story, she and her husband have some marital troubles when he is unfaithful. Phil is the husband of Joss and father of her daughters. At the beginning of the story, he is sleeping on the couch because his wife no longer wants to sleep with him. Terpe (short for Euterpe, because her mother has a PhD in Greek mythology) is their 8 year-old daughter. As plucky and inquisitive as any adult, she is bright for her age.
All three are sleeping peacefully in their house one night when it mysteriously catches on fire. Terpe smells the smoke first, and wakes her parents, grabbing her baby sister and rushing out of the house. During the family's escape from the inflamed house, Phil is caught under some falling boards and sustains a massive head injury. Thankfully, Joss and Terpe manage to pull him to safety but he remains in a medically induced coma for several weeks as they try to rebuild their lives after the fire.
When Phil finally wakes, he is subtly different in an alarming way. Because of the injury, he begins experiencing something called Capgras syndrome, a disease of the mind which makes the sufferer think that the people around them are deceiving them. Basically, he assumes that Joss has been replaced with a perfect impostor and no one can convince him differently.

This book is a whirlwind of intense emotion and character study. The author really created something unique and interesting, and she clearly did her research on the medical aspects. I highly recommend this one!]]> 3.74 2020
author: Lenore H. Gay
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/10/20
shelves:
review:
Lenore H.Gay's novel 'Other Fires' is about loss, motherhood, passion, betrayal, and the different ways that these things can entangle and complicate our lives.
Joss is a writer, working on her second book and raising her two young daughters. Before the beginning of the story, she and her husband have some marital troubles when he is unfaithful. Phil is the husband of Joss and father of her daughters. At the beginning of the story, he is sleeping on the couch because his wife no longer wants to sleep with him. Terpe (short for Euterpe, because her mother has a PhD in Greek mythology) is their 8 year-old daughter. As plucky and inquisitive as any adult, she is bright for her age.
All three are sleeping peacefully in their house one night when it mysteriously catches on fire. Terpe smells the smoke first, and wakes her parents, grabbing her baby sister and rushing out of the house. During the family's escape from the inflamed house, Phil is caught under some falling boards and sustains a massive head injury. Thankfully, Joss and Terpe manage to pull him to safety but he remains in a medically induced coma for several weeks as they try to rebuild their lives after the fire.
When Phil finally wakes, he is subtly different in an alarming way. Because of the injury, he begins experiencing something called Capgras syndrome, a disease of the mind which makes the sufferer think that the people around them are deceiving them. Basically, he assumes that Joss has been replaced with a perfect impostor and no one can convince him differently.

This book is a whirlwind of intense emotion and character study. The author really created something unique and interesting, and she clearly did her research on the medical aspects. I highly recommend this one!
]]> 55532285 Aided by Buddhist adept Tanya Ito and street-smart Neveah Arias, Asa tries to unravel the mystery surrounding the decades-old murder. His only leads are a small town drug dealer and a stolen manuscript that nobody can decipher.
Stalked by a Chinese mob that wants its manuscript back and the killer who wants to put Asa at the bottom of the river, Asa dodges disaster until he faces the brutal To bring justice to the girl, he will have to die. Twice.]]> 287 Avery Jenkins 1684336112 Bookgirl86 5 It is a mystery, but it's a mystery like you've never read before.
The characters are three dimensional and so alive I felt like they came off of the page as I was reading along. The setting of the book was detailed and realistic.
I've never quite read another book like this and that's saying a lot because I read a lot of mysteries.
Here is the main plot, Asa Cire is a fairly normal antiques dealer (he actually refers to it as a dealer of “stuff�) in a normal town. Granted, he is a little strange sometimes. I mean, he seems to have an amazingly detailed memory for random rare objects and at least a little knowledge about everything in the universe. But aside from that he is perfectly normal.
But, if he's normal, why, then does he get a vision one night in the beginning of the book of a teenage girl who was killed 20 years earlier?
Why does he decide to find the girl's murderer himself despite the fact that he is not a detective and not required to do so?
Asa is a man of great character, who can't stand to see anyone suffer. He soon finds out more information about the girl from his friend that works at the historical society and starts on a quest to solve her murder once and for all.
But, along the way he has to escape dangerous situations and protect both himself and his friends from getting killed.
I want to give this one as many stars as possible. I adored Avery Jenkins prose and I would love to read more of his books sometime soon.]]> 4.94
author: Avery Jenkins
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.94
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/10/17
shelves:
review:
The ending to this one definitely took me by surprise. 'Dark River' by Avery Jenkins is an atmospheric thriller that is hard to define or pin down to one genre in particular.
It is a mystery, but it's a mystery like you've never read before.
The characters are three dimensional and so alive I felt like they came off of the page as I was reading along. The setting of the book was detailed and realistic.
I've never quite read another book like this and that's saying a lot because I read a lot of mysteries.
Here is the main plot, Asa Cire is a fairly normal antiques dealer (he actually refers to it as a dealer of “stuff�) in a normal town. Granted, he is a little strange sometimes. I mean, he seems to have an amazingly detailed memory for random rare objects and at least a little knowledge about everything in the universe. But aside from that he is perfectly normal.
But, if he's normal, why, then does he get a vision one night in the beginning of the book of a teenage girl who was killed 20 years earlier?
Why does he decide to find the girl's murderer himself despite the fact that he is not a detective and not required to do so?
Asa is a man of great character, who can't stand to see anyone suffer. He soon finds out more information about the girl from his friend that works at the historical society and starts on a quest to solve her murder once and for all.
But, along the way he has to escape dangerous situations and protect both himself and his friends from getting killed.
I want to give this one as many stars as possible. I adored Avery Jenkins prose and I would love to read more of his books sometime soon.
]]> 55183315 423 Elyse Douglas Bookgirl86 5 I love the depth of the writing in these novels and the atmosphere that drips off of every single page.
This book throws fans of the series for a loop almost immediately, beginning at Christmas 2019 with Eve and Patrick drinking a toast to always finding each other and being there for each other through all of life's struggles. The following Christmas, Eve and their newborn daughter, Colleen take a trip to Ohio to visit Eve's parents.
While they are there, a devastating and unforeseen tragedy befalls the small family and Patrick must find a way to right this wrong and help his family. Fortunately, he has a solution.
See, Eve and Patrick originally met via a lantern that Eve found in an antique shop that grants the holder the ability to travel through time. The plot of the first book in the series revolves around Eve going back to the 1800's, meeting Patrick and falling in love with him.
Patrick intends to use the lantern to go back a short time, but the lantern has other ideas. He is sent back to the year 1925 where he struggles to find a place to live and ends up meeting a woman who looks and sounds like Eve and has the very similar name of Evelyn. Patrick must figure out what this woman has to do with his wife and whether or not he can save his family in a heart-pounding series of events that keep the reader guessing and fans hooked on every word.]]> 4.65
author: Elyse Douglas
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.65
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/10/09
shelves:
review:
The husband and wife writing duo that go by the name Elyse Douglas have done it again. This is the third book in this series that I have read and I always enjoy the way that they craft a story and the amount of research they put into the details.
I love the depth of the writing in these novels and the atmosphere that drips off of every single page.
This book throws fans of the series for a loop almost immediately, beginning at Christmas 2019 with Eve and Patrick drinking a toast to always finding each other and being there for each other through all of life's struggles. The following Christmas, Eve and their newborn daughter, Colleen take a trip to Ohio to visit Eve's parents.
While they are there, a devastating and unforeseen tragedy befalls the small family and Patrick must find a way to right this wrong and help his family. Fortunately, he has a solution.
See, Eve and Patrick originally met via a lantern that Eve found in an antique shop that grants the holder the ability to travel through time. The plot of the first book in the series revolves around Eve going back to the 1800's, meeting Patrick and falling in love with him.
Patrick intends to use the lantern to go back a short time, but the lantern has other ideas. He is sent back to the year 1925 where he struggles to find a place to live and ends up meeting a woman who looks and sounds like Eve and has the very similar name of Evelyn. Patrick must figure out what this woman has to do with his wife and whether or not he can save his family in a heart-pounding series of events that keep the reader guessing and fans hooked on every word.
]]> 53268352 140 Anthony Sadana 1734311002 Bookgirl86 5
This book, Anthony Sadana's, 'The Artt of the Black Card: No Bullsh*t Guide to Business' is 140 pages of quick, witty bites of business wisdom that can be easily digested and remembered throughout your day.
I don't usually go for self-help books because I find that they can be a little trite, but this one was different. Sadana gives helpful, effective advice about the business world that can actually be used by a young person in today's world. There's no stuffy, behind-the-times information in this book. It's all clearly coming from the mind of a younger guy who was not raised with money, and actually understands what he's talking about.
As I was reading, I found myself highlighting tons of useful quotes like: “I have learned a million times that you are who you hang out with,� and “Efficiency is your friend in every aspect of your life.�
These are just two, but I have many more highlights that I could use.
The book consists of nine sections, each of which contains a work/life principal that Sadana believes in. Every chapter improved upon the last as far as teaching me something valuable and I can't wait to apply this information to my own financial world.
Sadana is a master of explaining complicated ideas in a no-nonsense sort of way. It's no wonder he called the book 'No Bullsh*t,' I can definitely agree with that assessment, as this book was not bogged down by any useless information and every anecdote that he related got right to the point.
It almost made me feel like any financial/business self-help book that is longer than this might not be worth reading, since so many of them stress time management.
Great read for anyone on any level of the business ladder!]]> 4.00
author: Anthony Sadana
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/10/08
date added: 2020/10/07
shelves:
review:
“You have to lose to win, and that’s why it’s so important to start building something before you’re ready. No risk, no reward. No risk, no experience.�

This book, Anthony Sadana's, 'The Artt of the Black Card: No Bullsh*t Guide to Business' is 140 pages of quick, witty bites of business wisdom that can be easily digested and remembered throughout your day.
I don't usually go for self-help books because I find that they can be a little trite, but this one was different. Sadana gives helpful, effective advice about the business world that can actually be used by a young person in today's world. There's no stuffy, behind-the-times information in this book. It's all clearly coming from the mind of a younger guy who was not raised with money, and actually understands what he's talking about.
As I was reading, I found myself highlighting tons of useful quotes like: “I have learned a million times that you are who you hang out with,� and “Efficiency is your friend in every aspect of your life.�
These are just two, but I have many more highlights that I could use.
The book consists of nine sections, each of which contains a work/life principal that Sadana believes in. Every chapter improved upon the last as far as teaching me something valuable and I can't wait to apply this information to my own financial world.
Sadana is a master of explaining complicated ideas in a no-nonsense sort of way. It's no wonder he called the book 'No Bullsh*t,' I can definitely agree with that assessment, as this book was not bogged down by any useless information and every anecdote that he related got right to the point.
It almost made me feel like any financial/business self-help book that is longer than this might not be worth reading, since so many of them stress time management.
Great read for anyone on any level of the business ladder!
]]> 52762459
Dismissing the neon signs that flashed Rebound Relationship, Kristen was charmed by the host of contrasts with her new beau. He loved hunting and country music, she loved yoga and NPR; he worried about nothing, she worried about everything. The luster of her new romance and small-town lifestyle soon―and predictably―faded, but by then a pregnancy test stick had lit up. As Kristen’s belly grew, so did her concern about the bond with her partner―and so did a fierce love for her unborn child. Ready or not, she was about to become a mother. And then, tragedy struck.

Poignant and insightful, From the Lake House explores the echoes of rash decisions and ill-fated relationships, the barren and disorienting days an aching mother faces without her baby, and the mysterious healing that can take root while rebuilding a life gutted from loss.]]> 256 Kristen Rademacher 1631528661 Bookgirl86 5 But the story behind this devastating loss truly began a while earlier, on the date of the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York. Having grown up just a short distance away from Manhattan, Rademacher was deeply affected by the loss of the human lives in the twin towers and doubly so when this event caused her long time boyfriend to rethink his life and break things off with her that same day. Reeling from the break up, Rademacher went to stay with her brother for a short time, where she happened to meet another man named Jason.

Rademacher and Jason were very different from each other. Where Rademacher was an east coast, liberal, city girl, Jason was a southern conservative country boy. The relationship was a whirlwind and Rademacher soon found out, at the age of 39, that she was pregnant with her first child. Of course, with her and Jason being so different, she wasn't sure at first how she was going to feel about the child, but she soon found herself excited for the birth. As her stomach grew bigger, Rademacher made plans, picked out a name and decorated a nursery but soon she found herself going past her due date and worrying that something was wrong. Her worst fears were confirmed when she went to the doctor and discovered that her baby had passed away in the womb.
This harrowing tale of loss and a mother's love is definitely worth the read for anyone who enjoys a memoir and a powerful story. Rademacher's writing is top notch and the result is nothing short of remarkable.]]> 4.50
author: Kristen Rademacher
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/08/14
shelves:
review:
In life, everyone goes through difficult times, but it is how he approach and deal with these types of trials and setbacks that show who he really are. Kristen Rademacher faced just such a trial when she lost her only child shortly before she was supposed to give birth to her.
But the story behind this devastating loss truly began a while earlier, on the date of the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York. Having grown up just a short distance away from Manhattan, Rademacher was deeply affected by the loss of the human lives in the twin towers and doubly so when this event caused her long time boyfriend to rethink his life and break things off with her that same day. Reeling from the break up, Rademacher went to stay with her brother for a short time, where she happened to meet another man named Jason.

Rademacher and Jason were very different from each other. Where Rademacher was an east coast, liberal, city girl, Jason was a southern conservative country boy. The relationship was a whirlwind and Rademacher soon found out, at the age of 39, that she was pregnant with her first child. Of course, with her and Jason being so different, she wasn't sure at first how she was going to feel about the child, but she soon found herself excited for the birth. As her stomach grew bigger, Rademacher made plans, picked out a name and decorated a nursery but soon she found herself going past her due date and worrying that something was wrong. Her worst fears were confirmed when she went to the doctor and discovered that her baby had passed away in the womb.
This harrowing tale of loss and a mother's love is definitely worth the read for anyone who enjoys a memoir and a powerful story. Rademacher's writing is top notch and the result is nothing short of remarkable.
]]> 52496099
In his gripping, adrenaline-packed memoir, Rush takes readers on his rocket-fueled journey after a trip to the corner grocer to buy food for his beloved cat, Conway Kitty, leads to the discovery that he has won Canada’s $50 million Lotto Max jackpot.

Soaring on a seemingly endless endorphin high, Rush spends the months following his win traveling, feeding his passion for rare sports cars, considering charitable causes, and splurging on friends � paying off their debts and even giving them a free place to stay in million-dollar homes. But his world comes crashing down when he discovers that Dave Crawford, a man he loved like an older brother and had generously provided for, has served him up to his con artist son, Jeremy � who scams Rush out of nearly $5 million.

Reeling from Dave’s betrayal and fueled by the discovery that the Crawfords are serial con artists who have devastated the lives of more than a hundred others, Rush embarks on a mission to take his adversaries down. But as his quest for justice drags on, his festering rage reaches a boiling point and he is faced with a choice: Let the Crawford’s cons destroy him, or re-focus his attention on doing good in the world and enjoying the enormous gift he has been given.]]> 290 Randy Rush 1999252403 Bookgirl86 5
Randy Rush was, at one point, a perfectly normal guy. In fact, the only reason that he found out that he won the lottery on the day that he did was because he stopped into his local general store to pick up cat food. As fate would have it, one of the lottery tickets that Randy had bought before that turned out to be the jackpot winner.

It's an unattainable dream that most of us wish for. What would you do if you won the lottery? For Randy, the answer was similar to what many of us would say. He wanted to pay off his friend's debts, donate to his local church, and quit his draining job. Randy is a conscientious man, and not the type to immediately blow all of his winnings on hot tubs and jet skis. But even conscientious and careful people can be scammed. Unfortunately, the son of a family friend asked Randy to invest in his tech start-up and things went downhill from there.

The company turned out to be a scam, and Randy loses almost $5 million to a man that he'd previously thought of as a friend. Not one to take things lying down, Randy decides to begin a crusade not only against his scammer, but against white collar scammers everywhere.

The glamorous thought of winning the lottery is part of what makes this memoir an interesting read, but not all of it. Randy Rush seems like a very moral guy in his own right and the last person I would ever have expected to get scammed out of such a large sum of money. This one has a great ending and I highly recommend picking it up for yourself!]]> 3.89
author: Randy Rush
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 3.89
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/06/28
shelves:
review:
A memoir about sudden fortune and the sudden loss that followed, '13 Billion to One: A Memoir,' by Randy Rush is the absolutely fascinating story of a man who won $50 million in the Canadian lottery one day and lost a good portion of it just as quickly.

Randy Rush was, at one point, a perfectly normal guy. In fact, the only reason that he found out that he won the lottery on the day that he did was because he stopped into his local general store to pick up cat food. As fate would have it, one of the lottery tickets that Randy had bought before that turned out to be the jackpot winner.

It's an unattainable dream that most of us wish for. What would you do if you won the lottery? For Randy, the answer was similar to what many of us would say. He wanted to pay off his friend's debts, donate to his local church, and quit his draining job. Randy is a conscientious man, and not the type to immediately blow all of his winnings on hot tubs and jet skis. But even conscientious and careful people can be scammed. Unfortunately, the son of a family friend asked Randy to invest in his tech start-up and things went downhill from there.

The company turned out to be a scam, and Randy loses almost $5 million to a man that he'd previously thought of as a friend. Not one to take things lying down, Randy decides to begin a crusade not only against his scammer, but against white collar scammers everywhere.

The glamorous thought of winning the lottery is part of what makes this memoir an interesting read, but not all of it. Randy Rush seems like a very moral guy in his own right and the last person I would ever have expected to get scammed out of such a large sum of money. This one has a great ending and I highly recommend picking it up for yourself!
]]> 44176568 284 Rebecca Daniels 1620061147 Bookgirl86 5 Rebecca Daniels digs into the story of her parents life together and of her father's wartime service in World War II with a relish and sincerity that both touch the heart and thrill the spirit.
I can never get enough of memoirs. Every time I read one I feel like I'm getting a secret little window into a different world. And this one was no exception.
Daniels' writes about her parents with the gentleness and thoroughness that can only be brought by someone who knew them personally. And, after reading this book I feel like I know them personally, too.
So let me tell you about them. Alec and Mary Daniels' met in the late 1930's while attending college together at the University of Oregon. After being set up by a mutual friend, they discovered that they had attended the same high school but never met during that time. Almost immediately after they met they fell in deep love and were married a short while later.
But, the course of true love never did run smooth and soon after their marriage, America was drawn into World War II by the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Alec was drafted into the war, but not to serve on the front lines. As an electrical engineer and member of the ROTC, Alec became a utilities engineer, a soldier whose job it was to maintain electrical systems on the war front.
The book mentions early on that for every four combat soldiers in the European theater there were another six support troops responsible for administrative, logistical and infrastructure support.
This was a fascinating read and I learned so much about the war from reading along with Alec and Mary's correspondence. I'm so glad that Rebecca Daniels decided to share this wonderful story.]]> 4.90
author: Rebecca Daniels
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.90
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/06/26
shelves:
review:
'Keeping the Lights on for Ike' is a memoir that you won't regret picking up.
Rebecca Daniels digs into the story of her parents life together and of her father's wartime service in World War II with a relish and sincerity that both touch the heart and thrill the spirit.
I can never get enough of memoirs. Every time I read one I feel like I'm getting a secret little window into a different world. And this one was no exception.
Daniels' writes about her parents with the gentleness and thoroughness that can only be brought by someone who knew them personally. And, after reading this book I feel like I know them personally, too.
So let me tell you about them. Alec and Mary Daniels' met in the late 1930's while attending college together at the University of Oregon. After being set up by a mutual friend, they discovered that they had attended the same high school but never met during that time. Almost immediately after they met they fell in deep love and were married a short while later.
But, the course of true love never did run smooth and soon after their marriage, America was drawn into World War II by the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Alec was drafted into the war, but not to serve on the front lines. As an electrical engineer and member of the ROTC, Alec became a utilities engineer, a soldier whose job it was to maintain electrical systems on the war front.
The book mentions early on that for every four combat soldiers in the European theater there were another six support troops responsible for administrative, logistical and infrastructure support.
This was a fascinating read and I learned so much about the war from reading along with Alec and Mary's correspondence. I'm so glad that Rebecca Daniels decided to share this wonderful story.
]]> 50640350
In this sensitive and forgiving meditation on the meaning of family, Pressly unravels family dynamics and life in a small rural town in the 1950s that so profoundly affected her—then moves forward in time, through to her adulthood. With an eye attuned to visual detail, she relates how she came into her own as a graduate student in the tumultuous sixties in New York; examines how she assumed the role of caretaker for her family as she negotiated with courage and resilience the many health setbacks, including her own battle with pancreatic cancer, that she and her husband encountered; and evokes her interior struggle as a mother as she slowly traverses the barriers of expectations, self-doubt, and evolving norms in the 1980s to embrace a remarkable life as a scholar, champion of contemporary art, and nationally recognized art museum strategic planning consultant. Full of candor and art-inspired insight, Unlocking leaves the reader with a deep appreciation of the power of art and empathy and the value of trying to understand one’s life journey.]]> 225 Nancy L. Pressly 1631528637 Bookgirl86 5 Much like Lucy Pevensie, entering into the wardrobe in 'The Chronicles of Narnia,' one day Nancy Pressly went up into her attic and entered a different world. Although it may not have been as unfamiliar as Narnia, Pressly entered the world of her family's history. Pressly's family fled from Eastern Europe in the early 1900's, seeking the freedom and opportunity of America's shores and avoiding what was becoming a more and more antisemitic situation in their home country of Russia.
Of course, life was not easy for Jewish immigrants in New York during that time. Many people lived in terrible poverty and did dangerous jobs just to get by. But Pressly’s family eventually persevered, eventually gaining some wealth that trickled down to her parents, who moved from New York to a small, suburban town where Nancy was raised.
Reading Pressly relate the discoveries that she made about her family’s life in the generations before her was not only delightful but deeply compelling. I am so jealous of the research that she was able to do about her family's origins in America and I feel very inspired to research my own ancestors! Her writing was incredibly moving and so thoughtful and invested, as one would be when you're writing about your own family. By the end of this memoir, I felt like I knew Pressly’s family and had grown with them as much as they had with each other.]]> 4.17
author: Nancy L. Pressly
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.17
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/06/20
shelves:
review:
“They contained my mother’s and father’s histories, everything from bank deposit slips going back thirty years to passports and report cards and hundreds of old photographs, and what seemed like every letter ever written by my parents or sent to them by my brother and me. It had been so long since I’d even thought about what was inside.�
Much like Lucy Pevensie, entering into the wardrobe in 'The Chronicles of Narnia,' one day Nancy Pressly went up into her attic and entered a different world. Although it may not have been as unfamiliar as Narnia, Pressly entered the world of her family's history. Pressly's family fled from Eastern Europe in the early 1900's, seeking the freedom and opportunity of America's shores and avoiding what was becoming a more and more antisemitic situation in their home country of Russia.
Of course, life was not easy for Jewish immigrants in New York during that time. Many people lived in terrible poverty and did dangerous jobs just to get by. But Pressly’s family eventually persevered, eventually gaining some wealth that trickled down to her parents, who moved from New York to a small, suburban town where Nancy was raised.
Reading Pressly relate the discoveries that she made about her family’s life in the generations before her was not only delightful but deeply compelling. I am so jealous of the research that she was able to do about her family's origins in America and I feel very inspired to research my own ancestors! Her writing was incredibly moving and so thoughtful and invested, as one would be when you're writing about your own family. By the end of this memoir, I felt like I knew Pressly’s family and had grown with them as much as they had with each other.
]]> 53574098 Pulled from the Files of the Department of Redundancy Department
Keith Hirshland


Murphy Murphy comes from a long line of male Murphys. All were named Murphy and all were cops. This Murphy heads the Department of Redundancy Department and his superior officer, Captain David “Dud� Hill has found him a case. The Captain’s niece is in a rock �n roll band called Serious Crisis, and it seems items belonging to members of the band have started to disappear.
Were these items stolen? Were they simply lost? As Murphy Murphy works the case, he must chase down the clues all the while dealing with grammatical anomalies that drive him crazy. As Murphy gets closer to the answers he seeks, one more “thing� goes missing; the Captain’s niece. Suddenly, in an instant, the stakes in the case of Serious Crisis become a lot more dire.
Part Jasper Fforde, part Michael Connelly; Murphy Murphy and the Case of Serious Crisis combines humor, mystery, and grammar goofs as the detective pursues clues and suspects from coast to coast. It’s an entertaining and educational read for all ages.]]> Keith H. Hirshland Bookgirl86 5 Murphy Murphy (so good they named him twice) is a cop from a long line of cops....and a long line of Murphys. Murphy works for the Department of Redundancy Department filling out paperwork day in and day out. But, he actually enjoys his work because he hates redundancies as a somewhat pathological quirk.
Unfortunately, he does not get along very well with his captain, David 'Dud' Hill, who takes great pleasure in teasing him with more redundancies.
Meanwhile, across town, the lead singer of a band called Serious Crisis wakes up in a hotel room only to discover that his very expensive custom lighter has been stolen. After questioning the other members of the band, the lead singer, DeMaio Turrell slowly begins to find that more and more things have been going missing.
Because the new guitarist for the band is none other than Captain Dud's niece, Murphy Murphy is given the case and just as he starts to interview suspects, things start to heat up.
With both the disappearance of a mysterious figure related to the case and the attention of an attractive new woman, Murphy has a lot of new things to juggle as he attempts to solve the case of the Serious Crisis.
I was so entertained by the comedy of this book and I can't say enough about how funny it was. I don't remember laughing out loud while reading a book like this in some time. The author, Keith Hirshland has such a way with words (something I'm sure Murphy Murphy himself would truly appreciate) and made such a delightful story with this book.
But it wasn't just funny, the plotting and pacing were on point for a mystery, too. I was pretty surprised by the ending which was another unexpected twist!
Don't miss this one!]]> 4.80
author: Keith H. Hirshland
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.80
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/06/06
shelves:
review:
Absolutely hilarious and endlessly enjoyable! 'Murphy Murphy and the Case of the Serious Crisis' was an unexpected delight and a great read.
Murphy Murphy (so good they named him twice) is a cop from a long line of cops....and a long line of Murphys. Murphy works for the Department of Redundancy Department filling out paperwork day in and day out. But, he actually enjoys his work because he hates redundancies as a somewhat pathological quirk.
Unfortunately, he does not get along very well with his captain, David 'Dud' Hill, who takes great pleasure in teasing him with more redundancies.
Meanwhile, across town, the lead singer of a band called Serious Crisis wakes up in a hotel room only to discover that his very expensive custom lighter has been stolen. After questioning the other members of the band, the lead singer, DeMaio Turrell slowly begins to find that more and more things have been going missing.
Because the new guitarist for the band is none other than Captain Dud's niece, Murphy Murphy is given the case and just as he starts to interview suspects, things start to heat up.
With both the disappearance of a mysterious figure related to the case and the attention of an attractive new woman, Murphy has a lot of new things to juggle as he attempts to solve the case of the Serious Crisis.
I was so entertained by the comedy of this book and I can't say enough about how funny it was. I don't remember laughing out loud while reading a book like this in some time. The author, Keith Hirshland has such a way with words (something I'm sure Murphy Murphy himself would truly appreciate) and made such a delightful story with this book.
But it wasn't just funny, the plotting and pacing were on point for a mystery, too. I was pretty surprised by the ending which was another unexpected twist!
Don't miss this one!
]]> 51157280

A chance encounter in a Manhattan art gallery introduces him to the beautiful Lady Caroline DeBarry and reveals a vicious murder from Robin's human past. In search of answers to this historical mystery, he returns home to England and to Caroline who has captured his heart. As Robin uncovers the truth, he finds traces of a far more ancient and shrouded realm than even that of the vampire. This will shake the foundations of vampire lore and its brutal hierarchy, placing Lady Caroline in terrible danger and setting in motion events that will lead to a final bloody confrontation between a revenant army and human kind.


Hawkesmoor is the first book in a trilogy that will continue the eerie adventures of Robin Dashwood - a very British vampire.]]> 486 Anne Merino 0997141689 Bookgirl86 5 The vampire protagonist is one Robin Dashwood, former British aristocrat and former human. At the beginning of the novel, Dashwood is reasonably content living in New York, working as a college professor and dating a beautiful young actress. But, after his girlfriend invites him to attend an auction, Dashwood discovers that said auction is for the assets from his family estate, Hawkesmoor. Dashwood has not been back to Hawkesmoor since he fled the estate almost 300 years earlier and disappeared. Seeing all of his former possessions and pictures of his family up for auction affects Dashwood deeply, but not nearly as deeply as meeting the current owner of Hawesmoor, Lady Caroline DeBarry.
Dashwood soon uncovers a dark mystery surrounding his ancestral home and must travel back to England to take matters into his own hands. This story had everything that I want in a vampire story. Robin Dashwood was an excellent, sympathetic character, which can be hard to achieve when you're writing a bloodsucking vampire. But I loved him and I really wanted him to prevail and solve the mystery.
Obviously, I can't say anything about the ending without spoiling it, but let’s just say I am very excited for that next book in the series! I'll be counting the days, for sure. For a new author, Merino really impressed me with her grasp of plot and pacing. The novel never felt bogged down and she did an excellent job of weaving in Dashwood's past with his present. This was just an enjoyable read and I can't recommend it highly enough!]]> 4.27
author: Anne Merino
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/06/03
shelves:
review:
I knew from the moment that I started reading this book that I was going to love it. Vampire books are probably my favorite genre. The immortality, the danger, the romance, I can't get enough! And 'Hawkesmoor: A Novel of Vampire and Faerie' by Anne Merino gave me all of that and more.
The vampire protagonist is one Robin Dashwood, former British aristocrat and former human. At the beginning of the novel, Dashwood is reasonably content living in New York, working as a college professor and dating a beautiful young actress. But, after his girlfriend invites him to attend an auction, Dashwood discovers that said auction is for the assets from his family estate, Hawkesmoor. Dashwood has not been back to Hawkesmoor since he fled the estate almost 300 years earlier and disappeared. Seeing all of his former possessions and pictures of his family up for auction affects Dashwood deeply, but not nearly as deeply as meeting the current owner of Hawesmoor, Lady Caroline DeBarry.
Dashwood soon uncovers a dark mystery surrounding his ancestral home and must travel back to England to take matters into his own hands. This story had everything that I want in a vampire story. Robin Dashwood was an excellent, sympathetic character, which can be hard to achieve when you're writing a bloodsucking vampire. But I loved him and I really wanted him to prevail and solve the mystery.
Obviously, I can't say anything about the ending without spoiling it, but let’s just say I am very excited for that next book in the series! I'll be counting the days, for sure. For a new author, Merino really impressed me with her grasp of plot and pacing. The novel never felt bogged down and she did an excellent job of weaving in Dashwood's past with his present. This was just an enjoyable read and I can't recommend it highly enough!
]]> 53106090
In The Benefits of Breathing, Christopher Meeks’s third collection of short stories, Meeks dives again into the human condition, particularly within relationships. As one reader wrote on Amazon, “Some authors need a lot of words to describe their worlds and their people. Christopher Meeks says a lot with a little.�
The Los Angeles Times has called his stories “poignant and wise.�
In this volume, “A Dog Story� captures a crumbled marriage and the love of a dog named Scrappy. “Joni Paredes� shows the birth of a new relationship that starts at a daughter’s wedding. “Nestor by the Numbers� follows one man’s often hilarious online dating experiences after he finally accepts his wife is gone. “Jerry with a Twist� shows an actor on an audition while his pregnant girlfriend helps him through a crisis. These and seven other stories will bring you into the special world of Meeks.
As reviewer Grady Harp notes, if you’ve previously “discovered the idiosyncrasies of Meeks's writing style and content, rest assured that this new collection not only will not disappoint, but also it will provide further proof that we have a superior writer of the genre in our presence.�
“If you like Raymond Carver,� said author David Scott Milton, “you’ll love Meeks.”]]> 199 Christopher Meeks Bookgirl86 5 Every story hooked me right from the start and kept me reading. There was no point where I thought I'd had enough and could put the book down (another thing I'm very guilty of with these collections). Meeks takes you through the varied lives of different characters. Take, for instance, a woman, recently divorced and then widowed who finds love at her daughter's wedding. Or a woman who wants to be a poetry teacher and finds herself pulling away from her husband who does not believe in her. Or a teenage girl who lost her rock star father to drugs at a young age and is now looking to strike out on her own away from her overbearing mother. The story that shares its name with the title, 'The Benefits of Breathing' was perhaps the most touching of all, as it centers around an elderly man who, while he is trying to come to grips with the end of his own life, loses someone close to him in a freak accident. This was one of the stories that, while still witty and oddly cheerful, did make me tear up while reading.
This collection was brilliant and indicative of Christopher Meeks' range as an author. No two stories were alike and all eleven of them told a full and fleshed out story. I highly recommend this book for all lovers of reading!]]> 4.50 2020
author: Christopher Meeks
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/05/15
shelves:
review:
In this fantastic group of short stories, Christopher Meeks shows us a range of viewpoints and opinions told with both wit and style. Short story collections can be a tricky thing to read sometimes. There are usually at least one or two stories in the book that the reader doesn't enjoy or even flat out hates and I'm more guilty of this than anyone. But that was not the case for me with this collection.
Every story hooked me right from the start and kept me reading. There was no point where I thought I'd had enough and could put the book down (another thing I'm very guilty of with these collections). Meeks takes you through the varied lives of different characters. Take, for instance, a woman, recently divorced and then widowed who finds love at her daughter's wedding. Or a woman who wants to be a poetry teacher and finds herself pulling away from her husband who does not believe in her. Or a teenage girl who lost her rock star father to drugs at a young age and is now looking to strike out on her own away from her overbearing mother. The story that shares its name with the title, 'The Benefits of Breathing' was perhaps the most touching of all, as it centers around an elderly man who, while he is trying to come to grips with the end of his own life, loses someone close to him in a freak accident. This was one of the stories that, while still witty and oddly cheerful, did make me tear up while reading.
This collection was brilliant and indicative of Christopher Meeks' range as an author. No two stories were alike and all eleven of them told a full and fleshed out story. I highly recommend this book for all lovers of reading!
]]> 53295254
Ill prepared to take over as head of the family, Rowen doesn’t know which way to turn. Then a neighbor’s ten year old daughter comes to live with them, baffling him with her wild behavior and never ending attempts to win his approval and making his new responsibilities even more overwhelming.

As Rowen tries to find his way, he begins to question everything about his upbringing, his current circumstances and his plans for the future as they turn to dust in his hands.]]> 292 Jamie Lisa Forbes 1941052371 Bookgirl86 5 At the same time, across town a young girl named Eden is going through a similarly devastating situation. After witnessing the death of her own father, Eden must testify in court against the man who killed him, her uncle. To compound this trauma, Eden's mother is neglectful of her daughter. One day, Eden shows up at Rowen's house with a suitcase asking to stay with his family. Without asking any questions, Adeline and Rowen's mother agree to let the child stay indefinitely.
In spending time taking care of Eden, Rowen matures over the course of the book and finally decides what type of man he wants to become.
Jamie Lisa Forbes has a wonderful talent for setting and atmosphere. The mid-20th century was such a transformative time for the American south, and Forbes touches on this in profound and interesting ways. Through the eyes of two young people, she tells a coming of age story the likes of which you've never read before. One with a story that twists and turns in directions that I never expected. This was an emotional read and one that I feel had an almost magical quality. When I was reading this I felt like I'd been brought into it, it was that good. This is definitely one to put on your list if you haven't yet!]]> 3.60
author: Jamie Lisa Forbes
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 3.60
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/05/13
shelves:
review:
This has definitely been one of my favorite reads of the year so far! Rowen Hart is a young man who has been through a lot of upheaval. After recently losing his father, Rowen has become the head of his household with no preparation. In 1950's North Carolina, this is a serious job. Rowen's mother has been suffering from depression since his father passed, and has barely left her bedroom, leaving Rowen with only the company of their beloved housekeeper, Adeline to guide him.
At the same time, across town a young girl named Eden is going through a similarly devastating situation. After witnessing the death of her own father, Eden must testify in court against the man who killed him, her uncle. To compound this trauma, Eden's mother is neglectful of her daughter. One day, Eden shows up at Rowen's house with a suitcase asking to stay with his family. Without asking any questions, Adeline and Rowen's mother agree to let the child stay indefinitely.
In spending time taking care of Eden, Rowen matures over the course of the book and finally decides what type of man he wants to become.
Jamie Lisa Forbes has a wonderful talent for setting and atmosphere. The mid-20th century was such a transformative time for the American south, and Forbes touches on this in profound and interesting ways. Through the eyes of two young people, she tells a coming of age story the likes of which you've never read before. One with a story that twists and turns in directions that I never expected. This was an emotional read and one that I feel had an almost magical quality. When I was reading this I felt like I'd been brought into it, it was that good. This is definitely one to put on your list if you haven't yet!
]]> 52765602
In high school, he becomes the class clown and is accepted by other delinquents. He joins them in a series of escapades, some dangerous, others funny, and a few that would be worthy of jail time should the troublemakers be caught.

After barely graduating, Dave’s drafted into the army and sent to guard a nuclear weapons depot in Korea. There he runs afoul of his sergeant and must scramble to avoid dishonorable discharge.]]> 410 William A. Glass 9781946005 Bookgirl86 5 Dave Knight is a rebel. He has been since the day that he was born. From the age of 5 years old, when he ran away from his teacher every time she tried to get him to sit in the corner, to his high school days when he stole a car and drove it over state lines, Dave has always been a troublemaker.
Once Dave grows into a man, he meets a woman that he loves and wants to settle down with but soon he is drafted into the Vietnam war and his life changes once again.
In some ways, I felt like this was a book about that exact thing: the changes that come our way as we go through life.
I saw myself reflected in Dave and the way that he had to deal with so many changes in so short of a time that he almost got immune to it.
However, Dave was a complex character, and one that I would say was somewhat morally gray (in the way that all irascible young men are) and that created some of the problems that he dealt with as well.
William A. Glass's writing was impeccable. It was obvious that he must have put a lot of work into getting the settings of the different countries and different parts of America just right. I felt like this type of book could only come from an author who is well-traveled himself and has seen much of the world. I'm so interested to see what he will come up with for his next book!
This is one that I would recommend to anyone who loves a book with a bit of international flavor, a bit of nostalgia and a love of memoirs and biographies. Although this is not one of those, it does read like one in many ways, which I found very enjoyable.]]> 4.26
author: William A. Glass
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.26
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/05/07
shelves:
review:
An interesting and complex character-driven novel about a young man and his journey toward finding himself.
Dave Knight is a rebel. He has been since the day that he was born. From the age of 5 years old, when he ran away from his teacher every time she tried to get him to sit in the corner, to his high school days when he stole a car and drove it over state lines, Dave has always been a troublemaker.
Once Dave grows into a man, he meets a woman that he loves and wants to settle down with but soon he is drafted into the Vietnam war and his life changes once again.
In some ways, I felt like this was a book about that exact thing: the changes that come our way as we go through life.
I saw myself reflected in Dave and the way that he had to deal with so many changes in so short of a time that he almost got immune to it.
However, Dave was a complex character, and one that I would say was somewhat morally gray (in the way that all irascible young men are) and that created some of the problems that he dealt with as well.
William A. Glass's writing was impeccable. It was obvious that he must have put a lot of work into getting the settings of the different countries and different parts of America just right. I felt like this type of book could only come from an author who is well-traveled himself and has seen much of the world. I'm so interested to see what he will come up with for his next book!
This is one that I would recommend to anyone who loves a book with a bit of international flavor, a bit of nostalgia and a love of memoirs and biographies. Although this is not one of those, it does read like one in many ways, which I found very enjoyable.
]]> 50162469 338 Shelly Frome 1945448571 Bookgirl86 5 Or, rather, she keeps catching breaks, and that's exactly the problem.
After closing a super tense case in the previous book in the series, Miranda is intent on taking things easy and slow. After all, she's not really a detective but a real estate agent.
So when her cousin Skip, comes to town and tells her that he wants to meet with her, she assumes that her old childhood friend just wants to catch up.
Boy, is she ever wrong.
It turns out that Skip has gotten mixed up in some very big, very bad criminal dealings.
In a panic, he flees from his home with his cat, Duffy and crosses the country to request the help of his cousin.
At first, Miranda is reluctant to help at all, deciding that the best course of action is to help Skip find the cat he recently lost and move on. But soon she finds herself knee-deep in a case unlike any she has faced before. One where she must crack a conspiracy from World War II and protect the nation itself.
I have to say, even as a lifelong mystery reader, I did not guess how this one was going to turn out. I found myself happily surprised by the ending, a feat that I can't say too many other books I've read lately have accomplished.
I believe this is the second book in this Miranda Davis series but you don't need to have read the first book to enjoy this one. Shelly Frome does an excellent job of keeping the reader apprised of any relevant information as you go along.
This was intriguing, highly-entertaining and overall just fun. I had a great time reading it and I'm sure you will too.]]> 4.39 2020
author: Shelly Frome
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/05/01
shelves:
review:
Miranda Davis just can't seem to catch a break.
Or, rather, she keeps catching breaks, and that's exactly the problem.
After closing a super tense case in the previous book in the series, Miranda is intent on taking things easy and slow. After all, she's not really a detective but a real estate agent.
So when her cousin Skip, comes to town and tells her that he wants to meet with her, she assumes that her old childhood friend just wants to catch up.
Boy, is she ever wrong.
It turns out that Skip has gotten mixed up in some very big, very bad criminal dealings.
In a panic, he flees from his home with his cat, Duffy and crosses the country to request the help of his cousin.
At first, Miranda is reluctant to help at all, deciding that the best course of action is to help Skip find the cat he recently lost and move on. But soon she finds herself knee-deep in a case unlike any she has faced before. One where she must crack a conspiracy from World War II and protect the nation itself.
I have to say, even as a lifelong mystery reader, I did not guess how this one was going to turn out. I found myself happily surprised by the ending, a feat that I can't say too many other books I've read lately have accomplished.
I believe this is the second book in this Miranda Davis series but you don't need to have read the first book to enjoy this one. Shelly Frome does an excellent job of keeping the reader apprised of any relevant information as you go along.
This was intriguing, highly-entertaining and overall just fun. I had a great time reading it and I'm sure you will too.
]]> 53033177 0 George J. Chanos Bookgirl86 5 When I first started reading, I skipped over the “About the Author� section at the beginning of the book (as I usually do) and only went back to read it later. I was surprised to read about all of the accomplishments of the author, George Chanos. The whole time I was curious about whether he was a Millennial, because he seemed to understand our mindset quite a bit while still having a wealth of experience and wisdom that most of us Millennials aren't really old enough for yet. It turns out that he is not, but he is a former Attorney General and a Chief Legal Officer for the state of Nevada. It seems that Chanos has a great deal of experience in working with and mentoring Millennials and that was the motivation behind him writing this book. And I'm glad he did because I learned a lot.
Reading this book is sort of like having an older mentor for those of us who might not have that privilege in life. This book really gave me a different perspective on my life and the lives of those around me. I think it helped me to find a little more meaning and coherence in the world. I guess you can't ask for much more than that from a few hours of reading, can you? I recommend this highly!]]> 4.67
author: George J. Chanos
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.67
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/04/07
shelves:
review:
I am usually not big on so-called “self-help� books but this one drew me in right from the start. The title alone is a huge draw. Millennial Samurai? Sounds awesome! Sign me up. Admittedly, some of the advice in this book is more geared toward a male audience, but even as a women I found those sections interesting. It's safe to say that I took a lot of notes while reading through this.
When I first started reading, I skipped over the “About the Author� section at the beginning of the book (as I usually do) and only went back to read it later. I was surprised to read about all of the accomplishments of the author, George Chanos. The whole time I was curious about whether he was a Millennial, because he seemed to understand our mindset quite a bit while still having a wealth of experience and wisdom that most of us Millennials aren't really old enough for yet. It turns out that he is not, but he is a former Attorney General and a Chief Legal Officer for the state of Nevada. It seems that Chanos has a great deal of experience in working with and mentoring Millennials and that was the motivation behind him writing this book. And I'm glad he did because I learned a lot.
Reading this book is sort of like having an older mentor for those of us who might not have that privilege in life. This book really gave me a different perspective on my life and the lives of those around me. I think it helped me to find a little more meaning and coherence in the world. I guess you can't ask for much more than that from a few hours of reading, can you? I recommend this highly!
]]> 52722366



The book contains many coloring book pages from the previous 5 books, involving cats, rats, bats, deer and a bear. (). Additionally, a free coloring book comprised of illustrations by Gary McCluskey from the first five books are provided to book buyers in PDF form to thank them for their prior patronage in following the adventures of the intrepid Christmas Cats.


]]> 35 Constance Corcoran Wilson 0986389854 Bookgirl86 5 Rarely does a kid's book make me laugh, nod in solidarity and sort of want to cry. Not cry because of the book, so much, but in response to it reminding me of the frustration that I felt on that infamous November 2016 night.
The book's basic premise is about a bee, Donnie, who decides that he is qualified to run the hive instead of the queen, despite being generally unqualified, never having gone to school, not actually knowing how to run a business...sound familiar? Eventually he does manage to oust the Queen bee and take over the hive, before running it straight into the ground.
Now you see why I was nodding the whole time.
This book is an excellent, concise and appropriate way to teach children about the 2016 election, Donald Trump, Hilary Clinton and basically what went wrong. It doesn't dive too deep into any political explanations and only uses themes and words that children will understand.
The art is beautiful, and the usage of realistic faces is used to represent Donnie bee and the Queen bee (Hilary Clinton). The other bees and all of the atmosphere around them are less realistic but very friendly-looking and fun.
There are also some great recommendations at the end for the author's other books which I intend to pick up after this.
This is a pretty cute book about a very sore subject for a lot of us, but a subject that needs to be addressed and certainly needs to be explained to children in a gentle way. 5/5 stars for great art and cute, accessible story.]]> 4.75
author: Constance Corcoran Wilson
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.75
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/03/26
shelves:
review:
You know that saying “from the mouths of babes�? It usually refers to a kid saying something so direct, obvious and sensible that the adults around them are all impressed and surprised that a child could come to such a conclusion on their own. Well, this book is “for� the mouths of babes but it gave me that same feeling.
Rarely does a kid's book make me laugh, nod in solidarity and sort of want to cry. Not cry because of the book, so much, but in response to it reminding me of the frustration that I felt on that infamous November 2016 night.
The book's basic premise is about a bee, Donnie, who decides that he is qualified to run the hive instead of the queen, despite being generally unqualified, never having gone to school, not actually knowing how to run a business...sound familiar? Eventually he does manage to oust the Queen bee and take over the hive, before running it straight into the ground.
Now you see why I was nodding the whole time.
This book is an excellent, concise and appropriate way to teach children about the 2016 election, Donald Trump, Hilary Clinton and basically what went wrong. It doesn't dive too deep into any political explanations and only uses themes and words that children will understand.
The art is beautiful, and the usage of realistic faces is used to represent Donnie bee and the Queen bee (Hilary Clinton). The other bees and all of the atmosphere around them are less realistic but very friendly-looking and fun.
There are also some great recommendations at the end for the author's other books which I intend to pick up after this.
This is a pretty cute book about a very sore subject for a lot of us, but a subject that needs to be addressed and certainly needs to be explained to children in a gentle way. 5/5 stars for great art and cute, accessible story.
]]> 50329747 322 Elyse Douglas 1671646037 Bookgirl86 5 This book is a perfect blending of the terrific writing of Douglas and the sublime character presence of Ms. Monroe. The book's protagonist, Darla is a sixteen year old girl who is facing some problems at home. Her mother passed away and her father recently remarried to a woman that she does not get along with. The marriage is an unhappy one and her father takes up drinking to cope. Darla is incredibly unhappy in that way only 16 year-olds can be, until one day when she is walking her dog, Sunny in the woods, she stumbles upon something strange. A glowing pathway into the darkness.
Soon, Darla experiences a type of electrical shock and she is instantly transported back to 1954 and almost hit by a car driven by none other than Marilyn Monroe herself. What follows after that is a week of Darla spending time with her favorite actress and getting to know Marilyn as she also gets to know herself.
This book was an excellent blend of fun moments with more heartfelt ones as well. Darla's plight was not just typical teenage angst, but more serious and dark and Marilyn Monroe was written perfectly. I got such a sense of her character from the moment I meet her and the writing and characterization stayed consistent throughout. I feel like Douglas really did Marilyn's character justice in this one! A feat that I am very grateful for. I loved this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good time travel novel!]]> 5.00
author: Elyse Douglas
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/03/11
shelves:
review:
I have always been a huge fan of Marilyn Monroe. From her stage presence to her singing voice and her acting, I've watched so many of her movies over the years that they've started to blend together in my memory. I'm also a fan of writing team Elyse Douglas, having read a few of their books before.
This book is a perfect blending of the terrific writing of Douglas and the sublime character presence of Ms. Monroe. The book's protagonist, Darla is a sixteen year old girl who is facing some problems at home. Her mother passed away and her father recently remarried to a woman that she does not get along with. The marriage is an unhappy one and her father takes up drinking to cope. Darla is incredibly unhappy in that way only 16 year-olds can be, until one day when she is walking her dog, Sunny in the woods, she stumbles upon something strange. A glowing pathway into the darkness.
Soon, Darla experiences a type of electrical shock and she is instantly transported back to 1954 and almost hit by a car driven by none other than Marilyn Monroe herself. What follows after that is a week of Darla spending time with her favorite actress and getting to know Marilyn as she also gets to know herself.
This book was an excellent blend of fun moments with more heartfelt ones as well. Darla's plight was not just typical teenage angst, but more serious and dark and Marilyn Monroe was written perfectly. I got such a sense of her character from the moment I meet her and the writing and characterization stayed consistent throughout. I feel like Douglas really did Marilyn's character justice in this one! A feat that I am very grateful for. I loved this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good time travel novel!
]]> 52137084 A reluctant 1870s gunslinger with Tourette's and a quick draw . . .

While the battle for Lincoln, New Mexico, rages on, William is consumed by his own war against Jesse Evans, the man he blames for the loss of his friends and the start of his life as a gunfighter.

But when William finds Jesse at his most vulnerable--jailed with a gunshot wound--he can't justify pulling the trigger. A gunfight must be fair.

William braves hostile military territory to orchestrate his archenemy's release--only to discover he has become the prime target for an army of bounty-motivated gunslingers.

The hunter is now the hunted--and William must weigh whether revenge will give him the peace of mind he has been seeking.

Can William defeat his internal tornado before he becomes one of its victims?

Clown William, the first book in the series, is the winner of the Arizona Authors' Association Literary Award, a Silver Winner in the Independent Publisher Book (IPPY) Awards, and a Finalist in the 2019 National Indie Excellence Awards and the 2019 Next Generation Book Awards. Clown William and the Lincoln County War is Winner of the National Indie Excellence Awards and books one and two are Bronze IPPY Winners for Best Series. Clown William and the Wind of Vengeance is the third book in the series.]]> 232 Robin Elno 1732843643 Bookgirl86 5 What more can you ask for, really? A hero who is down on his luck, a dastardly villain, a setting straight out of one of the old Zane Lowe or Louis L'Amour novels, gunfights, revenge, military forts—this book has it all!
This book just kept getting better as I read along, it really took me on quite an adventure.
For reasons that are established in the previous books in the series, William is an outlaw and a gunfighter. At the beginning of this book, he engages in a gunfight with his archenemy, Jesse Evans.
Unfortunately, Jesse manages to escape, though he does get heavily wounded. Following his trail, William discovers Jesse in prison at Fort Sumner and must decide how best to finally kill his nemesis.
Of course, William, in the style of so many Western heroes before him, cannot shoot an unarmed man.
William realizes that in order to finally kill Jesse and fulfill his moral obligation, he must first break the man out of prison.
I can't rate or recommend this story highly enough! I had a blast reading it and, after it was over I found myself wanting more.
Elno's plotting and pacing were skillful and talented. I never felt lost in the narration or like I wanted the story to hurry along at any point. William's quest to find and kill Jesse (in what some might call a gentleman's death match) encompasses the main premise of the book but it never dominated it, and I loved getting to know the side characters and their stories just as much as I loved getting to know William.
An excellent Western and one I would recommend to any reader even if this wasn't their usual fare.]]> 4.44
author: Robin Elno
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.44
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/03/05
shelves:
review:
It's been quite a while since I've read a good Western and Robin Elno's 'Clown William and the Wind of Vengeance' definitely delivered.
What more can you ask for, really? A hero who is down on his luck, a dastardly villain, a setting straight out of one of the old Zane Lowe or Louis L'Amour novels, gunfights, revenge, military forts—this book has it all!
This book just kept getting better as I read along, it really took me on quite an adventure.
For reasons that are established in the previous books in the series, William is an outlaw and a gunfighter. At the beginning of this book, he engages in a gunfight with his archenemy, Jesse Evans.
Unfortunately, Jesse manages to escape, though he does get heavily wounded. Following his trail, William discovers Jesse in prison at Fort Sumner and must decide how best to finally kill his nemesis.
Of course, William, in the style of so many Western heroes before him, cannot shoot an unarmed man.
William realizes that in order to finally kill Jesse and fulfill his moral obligation, he must first break the man out of prison.
I can't rate or recommend this story highly enough! I had a blast reading it and, after it was over I found myself wanting more.
Elno's plotting and pacing were skillful and talented. I never felt lost in the narration or like I wanted the story to hurry along at any point. William's quest to find and kill Jesse (in what some might call a gentleman's death match) encompasses the main premise of the book but it never dominated it, and I loved getting to know the side characters and their stories just as much as I loved getting to know William.
An excellent Western and one I would recommend to any reader even if this wasn't their usual fare.
]]> 6463047 320 Michaela Renee 1438977700 Bookgirl86 5 This memoir was at times funny, heartbreaking, mind-blowing and life-affirming in so many little ways. From Johnson's childhood riches-to-rags story to her adulthood with an emotionally abusive ex-husband, the reader is taken on an exploration of a woman's mind and heart that is unforgettable. It would be hard to count out all of the ways that I found myself identifying with Johnson throughout this book. I saw myself in her in so many ways and it touched my heart to read her story.
I particularly loved the stories about her childhood in the trailer. Though, at times her experiences of growing up in such a cramped space (with no electricity or running water) were somewhat dark, they were also often quirky and funny. The parts about her family receiving the Port-A-Potty were outrageous. I was laughing very hard at her thinking she was getting a regular toilet only to find the “Wee Chateau� being delivered one day. Like I said, at times the book was darker and it was those moments that truly gave the story its heart. J
ohnson's toxic relationship with her ex-husband was so difficult to read about because it was written so well. She truly takes you through all of the moments that made for such a terrible environment and shows you what it's like to live in that type of situation. Those were the moments in the book I found myself feeling for her most and desperately wanting her to escape. What a clever, heartfelt memoir and what an ingenious writer. This one has it all!]]> 4.27 2009
author: Michaela Renee
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2009
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/03/04
shelves:
review:
I love a good memoir. I believe that truth can often times be stranger than fiction and that hearing people's real stories is fascinating. When I finish a good memoir I get this feeling of having made a new friend in the author. 'Teetering on Disaster' by Michaela Renee Johnson gave me that feeling and more.
This memoir was at times funny, heartbreaking, mind-blowing and life-affirming in so many little ways. From Johnson's childhood riches-to-rags story to her adulthood with an emotionally abusive ex-husband, the reader is taken on an exploration of a woman's mind and heart that is unforgettable. It would be hard to count out all of the ways that I found myself identifying with Johnson throughout this book. I saw myself in her in so many ways and it touched my heart to read her story.
I particularly loved the stories about her childhood in the trailer. Though, at times her experiences of growing up in such a cramped space (with no electricity or running water) were somewhat dark, they were also often quirky and funny. The parts about her family receiving the Port-A-Potty were outrageous. I was laughing very hard at her thinking she was getting a regular toilet only to find the “Wee Chateau� being delivered one day. Like I said, at times the book was darker and it was those moments that truly gave the story its heart. J
ohnson's toxic relationship with her ex-husband was so difficult to read about because it was written so well. She truly takes you through all of the moments that made for such a terrible environment and shows you what it's like to live in that type of situation. Those were the moments in the book I found myself feeling for her most and desperately wanting her to escape. What a clever, heartfelt memoir and what an ingenious writer. This one has it all!
]]> 44279309 245 Timothy J. Garrett 057847123X Bookgirl86 5 Beginning at JFK's inauguration, the story follows the gradual political awakening of a white pastor named Coleman Hightower, his love for a black woman named Rosalee, and their search for awareness and meaning in an unstable world. Of course, there are also killers, witchcraft, a long-dead slave and other different and wholly unique plot points in this one-of-a-kind historical novel.
I absolutely loved this fresh take on a historical. The small supernatural and mystical elements were fascinating and they definitely added to the story in a lot of ways. I love a good subtle supernatural tint to a book. This novel gave me such an interesting perspective on the Civil Rights movement from the viewpoint of a man who was simultaneously questioning his faith. Coleman was a very like able character and one that I found myself rooting for. Rosalee was a lot more worldly and tough, both traits that I appreciate in my female characters.
The writing was lovely, the atmosphere was well-drawn and the pacing was pitch perfect. Garrett has a way with descriptions that both touches the heart and challenges the mind. Not only was every scene perfectly painted in my mind while reading, but the dialog backed it up with its cleverness and wit. As a big fan of historical fiction novels, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I really felt like it was well researched and that Garrett took his time to get the details right when writing. This is something that is very important when dealing with touchy subjects. I will be thinking about this one for a long time to come!]]> 4.83
author: Timothy J. Garrett
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.83
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/03/04
shelves:
review:
A saga that spans multiple time periods, significant historical events and all over the American countryside, Timothy J. Garrett's 'A Place Called Jubilee' is not only a treat for the mind but for the soul as well.
Beginning at JFK's inauguration, the story follows the gradual political awakening of a white pastor named Coleman Hightower, his love for a black woman named Rosalee, and their search for awareness and meaning in an unstable world. Of course, there are also killers, witchcraft, a long-dead slave and other different and wholly unique plot points in this one-of-a-kind historical novel.
I absolutely loved this fresh take on a historical. The small supernatural and mystical elements were fascinating and they definitely added to the story in a lot of ways. I love a good subtle supernatural tint to a book. This novel gave me such an interesting perspective on the Civil Rights movement from the viewpoint of a man who was simultaneously questioning his faith. Coleman was a very like able character and one that I found myself rooting for. Rosalee was a lot more worldly and tough, both traits that I appreciate in my female characters.
The writing was lovely, the atmosphere was well-drawn and the pacing was pitch perfect. Garrett has a way with descriptions that both touches the heart and challenges the mind. Not only was every scene perfectly painted in my mind while reading, but the dialog backed it up with its cleverness and wit. As a big fan of historical fiction novels, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I really felt like it was well researched and that Garrett took his time to get the details right when writing. This is something that is very important when dealing with touchy subjects. I will be thinking about this one for a long time to come!
]]> 51084325 People don’t vanish into thin air. Yet no one has seen Alice since St. Mary’s Senior Center had their Supper Club outing on Sunday. As Mrs. B learns more about her friend, the disappearance seems to involve a burglary, an emerald necklace and maybe even a motorcycle gang. Where in heaven’s name is Alice?

]]> 202 Anita Kulina Bookgirl86 5 There are few things I love more in this world than a good cozy mystery. Well, maybe a good cozy blanket and a warm mug of tea, but if I can have all three of those things together? Oh boy, now we're talking.
I did get my blanket and my tea and I dug into 'Reason Of Concern' by Anita Kulina and, even once the book ended I almost couldn't dig myself back out again. I finished it all in one big greedy bite just like devouring a tasty chocolate bar.
Here is the plot so that you can decide if you want to take a nibble as well:
Mrs. B is an active, vivacious elderly widow living in a small town called Hopewell that is filled with witty and engaging characters. Mrs. B tries to live an ordinary and happy life (don't we all?) but occasionally she just gets pulled into, well, what should we call them? Capers? Whodunits? Whatever you want to call them, at the start of 'Reason Of Concern' she's pulled into another one. Mrs. B's friend, Alice goes missing from the senior center one sunny day with no sign of what could have possibly happened to her. And no one else seems to be at all concerned for the poor woman. So, of course, it's Mrs. B to the rescue! Or, at least that's what she hopes.
Are we all very interested so far? Good, me too. You should read it so you can find out what happens next.
Personally, I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series and the further adventures of Mrs. B. I can't wait to find out how her next mystery finds her!]]> 4.50
author: Anita Kulina
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/02/08
shelves:
review:
Have you heard the news? Alice has gone missing and Mrs. B is on the case!
There are few things I love more in this world than a good cozy mystery. Well, maybe a good cozy blanket and a warm mug of tea, but if I can have all three of those things together? Oh boy, now we're talking.
I did get my blanket and my tea and I dug into 'Reason Of Concern' by Anita Kulina and, even once the book ended I almost couldn't dig myself back out again. I finished it all in one big greedy bite just like devouring a tasty chocolate bar.
Here is the plot so that you can decide if you want to take a nibble as well:
Mrs. B is an active, vivacious elderly widow living in a small town called Hopewell that is filled with witty and engaging characters. Mrs. B tries to live an ordinary and happy life (don't we all?) but occasionally she just gets pulled into, well, what should we call them? Capers? Whodunits? Whatever you want to call them, at the start of 'Reason Of Concern' she's pulled into another one. Mrs. B's friend, Alice goes missing from the senior center one sunny day with no sign of what could have possibly happened to her. And no one else seems to be at all concerned for the poor woman. So, of course, it's Mrs. B to the rescue! Or, at least that's what she hopes.
Are we all very interested so far? Good, me too. You should read it so you can find out what happens next.
Personally, I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series and the further adventures of Mrs. B. I can't wait to find out how her next mystery finds her!
]]> 45308965
Back on land, Catalina does her best to forget what happened on the Calypso. But someone else will never forget and vows to make Catalina pay.]]> 283 Janice Coy Bookgirl86 5 “The Water's Fine� by Janice Coy is a book that perfectly recreated everything I love about the ocean...and everything that I find just a little bit chilling.
The book centers around Catalina Rodrigues, a scuba diving instructor who works on a boat called the Calypso and who, despite some complaints, genuinely loves her job and loves bringing new people down amongst the waves to enjoy scuba diving adventures.
Catalina has traveled all over the world with her job and handled all kinds of situations, but she is still left totally unprepared when a surprising tragedy befalls her current diving group.
Bertie Clark is a fun-loving, adventurous woman who boards the Calypso with the intentions of having an enjoyable few days of diving, only to also have to contend with the tragedy aboard.
Two very different women, they strike up a friendship and quickly realize that the other is an invaluable companion throughout the novel.
I really enjoyed the friendship between Catalina and Bertie. I love a good female-driven novel and this one is part of a genre where you don't often get to see female main characters. I found both women realistically written and compelling, and found myself rooting for them to solve the mystery and save the day at the end.
This book reignited my love of ocean-themed novels and gave me a new love of female-driven mysteries. Coy's writing was impressive and her descriptions of Catalina's job and the ups and downs of boat life made me really believe that she has experience on the water.
I can't praise this highly enough and I'd recommend it to anyone that loves a good novel!]]> 5.00
author: Janice Coy
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/01/07
shelves:
review:
I've always loved the ocean. The dark depths, the mysterious sea creatures, the feeling of absolute solitude when you're out on a boat with only the waves lapping against the side.
“The Water's Fine� by Janice Coy is a book that perfectly recreated everything I love about the ocean...and everything that I find just a little bit chilling.
The book centers around Catalina Rodrigues, a scuba diving instructor who works on a boat called the Calypso and who, despite some complaints, genuinely loves her job and loves bringing new people down amongst the waves to enjoy scuba diving adventures.
Catalina has traveled all over the world with her job and handled all kinds of situations, but she is still left totally unprepared when a surprising tragedy befalls her current diving group.
Bertie Clark is a fun-loving, adventurous woman who boards the Calypso with the intentions of having an enjoyable few days of diving, only to also have to contend with the tragedy aboard.
Two very different women, they strike up a friendship and quickly realize that the other is an invaluable companion throughout the novel.
I really enjoyed the friendship between Catalina and Bertie. I love a good female-driven novel and this one is part of a genre where you don't often get to see female main characters. I found both women realistically written and compelling, and found myself rooting for them to solve the mystery and save the day at the end.
This book reignited my love of ocean-themed novels and gave me a new love of female-driven mysteries. Coy's writing was impressive and her descriptions of Catalina's job and the ups and downs of boat life made me really believe that she has experience on the water.
I can't praise this highly enough and I'd recommend it to anyone that loves a good novel!
]]> 50148453 When Eve and Patrick find it, they destroy it.
Eve’s life is shattered.
She must return to the past, where secrets await.

In the third novel of THE CHRISTMAS EVE series, Eve and Patrick Gantly are living a normal life in 2019 New York, preparing to celebrate the Christmas season. Patrick is taking courses in forensic psychology and Eve continues to work as a nurse practitioner. To their delight, she is three months pregnant. �

Despite their happiness, Eve is having premonitions that something dreadful is about to occur. Concerned about the future and the safety of their child, she insists that they destroy the time travel lantern. Patrick is more cautious.

One afternoon when Patrick is out, a sinister man breaks into the apartment and forces Eve to give him the lantern. In many ways, Eve is relieved the lantern is gone. She hopes they can now live a more normal life.
�
A day later, Patrick shadows a woman who has been staking out the Gantly’s brownstone apartment, and he confronts her. To his and Eve’s utter shock, they learn that Lucy Rose is from 1924 and that she time-traveled with the man who took the lantern. He returned to 1924, but she chose to stay behind. She offers to sell the lantern back to Eve and Patrick, and they reluctantly agree, hoping to keep it out of unscrupulous hands.�

Convinced that the lantern is a threat to their future happiness, Eve and Patrick decide to destroy it.�

But the lantern has more power than they could have ever imagined. Once the lantern is destroyed, Eve’s life is completely changed. She must set off on an adventure, in a struggle that will return her to the past, where she will learn the secret of the lantern’s origin and delve into the farthest reaches of her heart.]]> 450 Elyse Douglas Bookgirl86 5 'The Christmas Eve Secret' is the third book in the Christmas Eve series by Elyse Douglas, and the most emotional one yet. Eve and the dreamy Patrick are adjusting to their lives in current day New York after several trips back in time in previous novels. Their time machine? An antique lantern that Eve stumbled across in a small shop in Pennsylvania. However, after two such jaunts to the past, Eve has decided that she wants to destroy the lantern in order to keep it from interfering in their lives any further.
After tangling with a gun-wielding maniac, the couple finally manage to destroy the lantern and the next morning, Eve awakens to find that the life she built with Patrickhas changed with devastating consequences. Eve embarks on another journey into the past to get her life back, but will she be able to return everything to normal? Or will Patrick and her perfect life be changed forever?
I've really enjoyed this series and dug into this novel with the fervor of a starving woman. I love the relationship between Patrick and Eve. I love their byplay and their romance that grows with every book. I can't tell you how heartbroken I was when Eve woke up to find her world had changed! I was positively weeping. I don't like spoilers, so I don't plan on giving up any more information than what you see above. For anything more, you'll just have to read the novel and find out for yourself!]]> 4.63
author: Elyse Douglas
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.63
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/12/29
shelves:
review:
I have one word to say about this book-- Patrick. I've decided that my life will not be complete until I have a Patrick Gantly in it. He's so dreamy. A handsome old-fashioned man and a whip-smart detective? Sign me up. Which, of course, explains why his wife, Eve is so devastated when she accidentally loses him. But that's getting ahead of myself, let me go back.
'The Christmas Eve Secret' is the third book in the Christmas Eve series by Elyse Douglas, and the most emotional one yet. Eve and the dreamy Patrick are adjusting to their lives in current day New York after several trips back in time in previous novels. Their time machine? An antique lantern that Eve stumbled across in a small shop in Pennsylvania. However, after two such jaunts to the past, Eve has decided that she wants to destroy the lantern in order to keep it from interfering in their lives any further.
After tangling with a gun-wielding maniac, the couple finally manage to destroy the lantern and the next morning, Eve awakens to find that the life she built with Patrickhas changed with devastating consequences. Eve embarks on another journey into the past to get her life back, but will she be able to return everything to normal? Or will Patrick and her perfect life be changed forever?
I've really enjoyed this series and dug into this novel with the fervor of a starving woman. I love the relationship between Patrick and Eve. I love their byplay and their romance that grows with every book. I can't tell you how heartbroken I was when Eve woke up to find her world had changed! I was positively weeping. I don't like spoilers, so I don't plan on giving up any more information than what you see above. For anything more, you'll just have to read the novel and find out for yourself!
]]> 49437751 304 Molly Best Tinsley 1733034404 Bookgirl86 5
This is how some of the most poignant passages in Molly Best Tinsley's book, “Things Too Big To Name� begin. Margaret, a retired professor living on her own in the mountains, lost her husband years earlier and now writes to him as a way of keeping in her memory everything that they shared. But there is a twist, Margaret is pretty sure that she has seen Ben's ghost in her house.
Tinsley is an excellent storyteller and as creative a writer as I've ever seen. I loved the way she pieced the different sections of the novel together to create a full picture of Margaret's life. By the end I felt so much for the character and her difficult life, and I think as a reader that's all we can really ask for, isn't it?
“Things Too Big To Name� is a perfect title for this book. It sums up the story in such a succinct and beautiful way. Margaret's grief over losing her husband, her choice to segregate herself from society and the sarcastic and sometimes even aggressive way that she responds to the circumstances that she is thrown into in the novel all seemed to stem from a deep unhappiness inside of her. I loved her character, and I think anyone reading this would have a hard time not relating to her on some level.
Apart from that, the plot was a roller coaster. Tinsley gave the perfect amount of information every chapter to keep you guessing but not reveal the real truth behind the mystery until the last few chapters. I loved how everything came together in the end and tied up. I love bringing all of the little hints that were dropped to a conclusion. Tinsley is a wordsmith of the highest order and this book gets 5 stars all around from me!]]> 4.44
author: Molly Best Tinsley
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.44
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/12/18
shelves:
review:
“Dear Ben�

This is how some of the most poignant passages in Molly Best Tinsley's book, “Things Too Big To Name� begin. Margaret, a retired professor living on her own in the mountains, lost her husband years earlier and now writes to him as a way of keeping in her memory everything that they shared. But there is a twist, Margaret is pretty sure that she has seen Ben's ghost in her house.
Tinsley is an excellent storyteller and as creative a writer as I've ever seen. I loved the way she pieced the different sections of the novel together to create a full picture of Margaret's life. By the end I felt so much for the character and her difficult life, and I think as a reader that's all we can really ask for, isn't it?
“Things Too Big To Name� is a perfect title for this book. It sums up the story in such a succinct and beautiful way. Margaret's grief over losing her husband, her choice to segregate herself from society and the sarcastic and sometimes even aggressive way that she responds to the circumstances that she is thrown into in the novel all seemed to stem from a deep unhappiness inside of her. I loved her character, and I think anyone reading this would have a hard time not relating to her on some level.
Apart from that, the plot was a roller coaster. Tinsley gave the perfect amount of information every chapter to keep you guessing but not reveal the real truth behind the mystery until the last few chapters. I loved how everything came together in the end and tied up. I love bringing all of the little hints that were dropped to a conclusion. Tinsley is a wordsmith of the highest order and this book gets 5 stars all around from me!
]]> 22059879 A Death in Vegas, the president of BenBugs, a company that specializes in beneficial bugs for organic gardening, discovers a young woman dead in his Las Vegas hotel suite. She had worked as a sexy lady bug at his convention booth—and he had nothing to do with her death.

While that’s being investigated, the FBI raids his booth on a money-laundering scam that he knows nothing about, either.

Soon, the coroner doesn’t have good news. The police and FBI are against him—and his wife cannot be found. He flees to find the answers.]]> 174 Christopher Meeks Bookgirl86 5 I didn't intend to read this book in a single day, I swear it was an accident! I just sat down thinking I would read the first few chapters and before I knew it, well, let's just say I was roped in.
I'm a big fan of anything mystery-related. I love whodunits, detective shows, true crime, all of it. So, when I tell you I've never read a mystery novel quite like this before, that should really mean something.
The premise is as follows: Patton Burch is the head of a beneficial bugs company (the kind of bugs that they use to promote healthy and organic growth in gardens) who heads out to a garden show in Las Vegas in order to sell his product to buyers. His wife convinces him to hire a young, beautiful model to dress up in a sexy ladybug costume and stand around at his booth to basically just drawn in men like a moth to a...well, you get the picture.
The model, Chatterley, turns out to actually be pretty interesting (as well as just pretty) and she and Patton hit it off together. She innocently spends the night in his hotel room and the next morning when he wakes up, he finds her dead in the bathroom.
Thus, the “death� in 'Death in Vegas.'
Of course, Patton is an instant suspect to the police who assume that he was having an affair with Chatterley among all sorts of other untoward and ungentlemanly things.
Of course, nothing actually happened between Patton and Chatterley but the police don't want to believe that. Suffice it to say this is a twisty one that ended up being resolved in a way that I never expected from the beginning.
Wish I could give this more stars but for now I will have to stick with 5!]]> 3.95 2014
author: Christopher Meeks
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/11/04
shelves:
review:

I didn't intend to read this book in a single day, I swear it was an accident! I just sat down thinking I would read the first few chapters and before I knew it, well, let's just say I was roped in.
I'm a big fan of anything mystery-related. I love whodunits, detective shows, true crime, all of it. So, when I tell you I've never read a mystery novel quite like this before, that should really mean something.
The premise is as follows: Patton Burch is the head of a beneficial bugs company (the kind of bugs that they use to promote healthy and organic growth in gardens) who heads out to a garden show in Las Vegas in order to sell his product to buyers. His wife convinces him to hire a young, beautiful model to dress up in a sexy ladybug costume and stand around at his booth to basically just drawn in men like a moth to a...well, you get the picture.
The model, Chatterley, turns out to actually be pretty interesting (as well as just pretty) and she and Patton hit it off together. She innocently spends the night in his hotel room and the next morning when he wakes up, he finds her dead in the bathroom.
Thus, the “death� in 'Death in Vegas.'
Of course, Patton is an instant suspect to the police who assume that he was having an affair with Chatterley among all sorts of other untoward and ungentlemanly things.
Of course, nothing actually happened between Patton and Chatterley but the police don't want to believe that. Suffice it to say this is a twisty one that ended up being resolved in a way that I never expected from the beginning.
Wish I could give this more stars but for now I will have to stick with 5!
]]> 44798597 Growing up in Disneyland" is part biography about Ron's father, Broadway, movie, and TV star, Don DeFore, and his own autobiography. Don DeFore earned a star on Hollywood Boulevard's Walk of Fame and was a household name in the 1950s and 60s. He co-starred in numerous feature films with many Hollywood legends, TV shows, and live theater.  He is best known for "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" in which he played the next-door-neighbor, "Thorny," and his co-starring role as "Mr. B" in the 1960s TV series, "Hazel." The book includes much of Don's unpublished autobiography, "Hollywood-DeFore 'n After.]]> 348 Ron DeFore 1643166263 Bookgirl86 5 Ron DeFore did not have a normal childhood by any stretch of the imagination. While most children were out playing with their friends until the streetlights came on, Ron was playing background characters in hit T.V. shows and helping his father come up with ideas for game shows. Ron's father was Don DeFore, acclaimed actor who was famous for his roles in the hit shows 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet' and 'Hazel� and many films.
His mother was famous in her own right as a singer who became the lead vocalist in the Henry Busse Orchestra and then later joined the Art Kassel radio show. Ron's childhood was full of Hollywood parties and brushing elbows with huge celebrities and his stories from that time are better than reading a gossip column. But, as titillating as hearing about the private side of these people's lives can be, DeFore expertly weaves in a thread of wholesomeness and normalcy into the tale.
It sounds as if, for all intents and purposes, his celebrity parents were just as kind and caring as any of our normal parents were. Defore really creates an image of an ideal mid-century childhood with a glamorous twist. I really loved the stories that he told and all of the beautiful photographs throughout the book.
This book is part biography about Don DeFore and part autobiography about Don DeFore. Don grew up to have a quite amazing and varied career himself. His own experiences really added to this book!
I had such a great experience reading this and I will never watch Don’s father's movies without thinking about this book and what a nice man he was. This book deserves its own star on the walk of fame!]]> 4.15 2019
author: Ron DeFore
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/10/21
shelves:
review:
An absolutely fascinating and entertaining look into the life of one of the Golden Age of Hollywood's rising celebrities, “Growing Up In Disneyland� is not only a love letter to the art of making television and movies, but a son's love letter to his father long after the latter has passed.
Ron DeFore did not have a normal childhood by any stretch of the imagination. While most children were out playing with their friends until the streetlights came on, Ron was playing background characters in hit T.V. shows and helping his father come up with ideas for game shows. Ron's father was Don DeFore, acclaimed actor who was famous for his roles in the hit shows 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet' and 'Hazel� and many films.
His mother was famous in her own right as a singer who became the lead vocalist in the Henry Busse Orchestra and then later joined the Art Kassel radio show. Ron's childhood was full of Hollywood parties and brushing elbows with huge celebrities and his stories from that time are better than reading a gossip column. But, as titillating as hearing about the private side of these people's lives can be, DeFore expertly weaves in a thread of wholesomeness and normalcy into the tale.
It sounds as if, for all intents and purposes, his celebrity parents were just as kind and caring as any of our normal parents were. Defore really creates an image of an ideal mid-century childhood with a glamorous twist. I really loved the stories that he told and all of the beautiful photographs throughout the book.
This book is part biography about Don DeFore and part autobiography about Don DeFore. Don grew up to have a quite amazing and varied career himself. His own experiences really added to this book!
I had such a great experience reading this and I will never watch Don’s father's movies without thinking about this book and what a nice man he was. This book deserves its own star on the walk of fame!
]]> 45551769 354 Bill Fortin Bookgirl86 5 This is not the first Bill Fortin novel I've read, so you could say I knew what to expect but this book still wildly exceeded my expectations.
I have already read the first two Rick Fontain novels and I dove into this one with an eagerness that was almost embarrassing. It did not disappoint.
Fontain's character has that sleek, formidable nature complete with witty one-liners that reminds me of Jason Bourne or even James Bond (without the tux) and Fortin's writing has the short, action packed sentences and plot structure to match. He also does not scrimp on the historical context. It's obvious immediately upon picking up this book (or any of his others) that Fortin has done his research and done it well.
The setting of 1980's Russia and the Cold War were flawlessly executed. Not even one detail seemed to have been passed over or left out. It was as if I was watching a really good HBO or Netflix miniseries and I couldn't get enough.
The plot follows a logical path and yet I still found myself being surprised at every turn by the next twist and the next and the next and etc.
I can't recommend this book—and, honestly, this entire series—highly enough. I devoured this entire novel in one day and now I'm kind of mad at myself since I waited for it for so long! I can't wait to read what the next novel has in store for Fontain.
Five stars and a big thumbs up!]]> 4.32
author: Bill Fortin
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.32
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/07/04
shelves:
review:
'Medellin: Acapulco Cold � Book 3' opens with a scene that utterly epitomizes Bill Fortin as a writer. It's nail-bitingly tense, it's packed with fascinating historical detail and, most importantly, it sets the entire plot into motion like the first domino being knocked over in a long line.
This is not the first Bill Fortin novel I've read, so you could say I knew what to expect but this book still wildly exceeded my expectations.
I have already read the first two Rick Fontain novels and I dove into this one with an eagerness that was almost embarrassing. It did not disappoint.
Fontain's character has that sleek, formidable nature complete with witty one-liners that reminds me of Jason Bourne or even James Bond (without the tux) and Fortin's writing has the short, action packed sentences and plot structure to match. He also does not scrimp on the historical context. It's obvious immediately upon picking up this book (or any of his others) that Fortin has done his research and done it well.
The setting of 1980's Russia and the Cold War were flawlessly executed. Not even one detail seemed to have been passed over or left out. It was as if I was watching a really good HBO or Netflix miniseries and I couldn't get enough.
The plot follows a logical path and yet I still found myself being surprised at every turn by the next twist and the next and the next and etc.
I can't recommend this book—and, honestly, this entire series—highly enough. I devoured this entire novel in one day and now I'm kind of mad at myself since I waited for it for so long! I can't wait to read what the next novel has in store for Fontain.
Five stars and a big thumbs up!
]]> 42944016 306 Stephen Murdoch 1916488307 Bookgirl86 5 This book, 'Fire Priest' is one of those books. I read all the way through this book in two days and then I got sad because it was over. I clearly need to learn more self control. But it was just SO good. 
The premise revolves around a teenage boy named Jack Kulinski who fights in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts, for the uninformed) competitions and has a rocky, adversarial relationship with his father. 
Jack's world is thrown asunder when his friend, Denny goes missing. Jack blames himself, especially since Denny goes missing very suddenly while the two boys are hanging out together. Of course, being a plucky protagonist, Jack decides to go looking for his friend, but when have things ever worked out smoothly for a main character?
 Jack has to enter a world called Tenochtan, a sort of alternate universe where a fire god is king and the people are all slaves to his will. 
Two of the fire god's priests have been watching Jack and waiting for his arrival so that they can use him to appease their god. 
Honestly, I feel like I can't even accurately sum up the plot of this book in a short review because it was just so intricate. Suffice it to say, you're gonna have to read this one yourself. And I promise that you won't regret it!]]> 4.33
author: Stephen Murdoch
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/04/10
shelves:
review:
There are some books that have a lot of critical praise, a bevy of awards, and thousands of people talking about them on every available platform and then there are those books that you stumble upon accidentally and feel like you've discovered a rare jewel. You know the ones I'm talking about, the ones that wrap you up in their world and make you feel like you've discovered a new secret country in your own backyard? 
This book, 'Fire Priest' is one of those books. I read all the way through this book in two days and then I got sad because it was over. I clearly need to learn more self control. But it was just SO good. 
The premise revolves around a teenage boy named Jack Kulinski who fights in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts, for the uninformed) competitions and has a rocky, adversarial relationship with his father. 
Jack's world is thrown asunder when his friend, Denny goes missing. Jack blames himself, especially since Denny goes missing very suddenly while the two boys are hanging out together. Of course, being a plucky protagonist, Jack decides to go looking for his friend, but when have things ever worked out smoothly for a main character?
 Jack has to enter a world called Tenochtan, a sort of alternate universe where a fire god is king and the people are all slaves to his will. 
Two of the fire god's priests have been watching Jack and waiting for his arrival so that they can use him to appease their god. 
Honestly, I feel like I can't even accurately sum up the plot of this book in a short review because it was just so intricate. Suffice it to say, you're gonna have to read this one yourself. And I promise that you won't regret it!
]]> 43248410 258 Jeb Stewart Harrison 1986937860 Bookgirl86 5 This is just one of the many situations in this book that kept me in stitches and made me wake up half of the people in my house with laughter.
On the other hand, Jack's wife, Carrie has spent much of her life as a housewife and accidentally begins talking to a man online via the Craigslist personal ads because she doesn't fully understand what they are or what she's doing.
I think I loved Carrie the most as a character. Her ditzy idealism came across really sweet and cute to me. I really just wanted her to find happiness in her life that she could keep for herself.
I'm not sure how Jeb Stewart Harrison managed to create characters and situations that made me burst out laughing one minute and genuinely feel for them and want to see them succeed the next.
I really appreciated this author's balance of comedy and sincerity throughout the whole novel. It created a mix that made the book, not just entertaining but also heartfelt and almost life affirming in some ways.
I'd love to read more books by this author in the future! I'm adding him to my list to follow from here on out. ]]> 4.86
author: Jeb Stewart Harrison
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.86
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/04/05
shelves:
review:
I swear I was laughing from the first sentence of this books straight through till the end. Jack Sullivan is a character with a name that sounds like one you might hear in a spy movie or a super hero flick, but who, in reality is more like the type of character you'd find in a National Lampoon's movie. Jack has not had an easy time of things at the beginning of the book. He lost his job, he's about to lose his house and he's forced to go to an interview for a new job with a noticeable—er, smell. A skunk smell.
This is just one of the many situations in this book that kept me in stitches and made me wake up half of the people in my house with laughter.
On the other hand, Jack's wife, Carrie has spent much of her life as a housewife and accidentally begins talking to a man online via the Craigslist personal ads because she doesn't fully understand what they are or what she's doing.
I think I loved Carrie the most as a character. Her ditzy idealism came across really sweet and cute to me. I really just wanted her to find happiness in her life that she could keep for herself.
I'm not sure how Jeb Stewart Harrison managed to create characters and situations that made me burst out laughing one minute and genuinely feel for them and want to see them succeed the next.
I really appreciated this author's balance of comedy and sincerity throughout the whole novel. It created a mix that made the book, not just entertaining but also heartfelt and almost life affirming in some ways.
I'd love to read more books by this author in the future! I'm adding him to my list to follow from here on out.
]]> 44437457 45 Lawrence G. Taylor Bookgirl86 5 'Tell Me Who My Enemy Is' consists of four characters, Berry, Kerstin, Gun and Sam. All four have different viewpoints and opinions and tackle big conversations about politics, race, class and other things with witty, fresh and interesting dialog.
I liked both the dialog and the character descriptions, which made the each character seem unique and interesting in their own way. The setting and movement descriptions were also well done and really kept me involved in the action and made me feel as though I were in the room with these friends as their conversation was taking place.
These four friends different viewpoints and backgrounds made for a fascinating read. Their perspectives are all so different—Berry who is an Afro-West Indian and working a blue collar job in Sweden. Sam an American who, therefore, is used to a higher life. Gun and Kerstin, both Swedes but so different in their personalities and actions.
Their views on having to work for a living in different job situations (blue collar versus white collar. Office work versus physical labor) were both interesting and timely, given our current political climate.
I enjoyed this play very much and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good short play with compelling characters! ]]> 5.00
author: Lawrence G. Taylor
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/03/25
shelves:
review:
A terrific short play with deep, thought provoking themes and ideas. I found myself pulled in by this work immediately and wrapped up until the very last page. The dialog is snappy, intelligent and well written with a great sense of setting and character in every line.
'Tell Me Who My Enemy Is' consists of four characters, Berry, Kerstin, Gun and Sam. All four have different viewpoints and opinions and tackle big conversations about politics, race, class and other things with witty, fresh and interesting dialog.
I liked both the dialog and the character descriptions, which made the each character seem unique and interesting in their own way. The setting and movement descriptions were also well done and really kept me involved in the action and made me feel as though I were in the room with these friends as their conversation was taking place.
These four friends different viewpoints and backgrounds made for a fascinating read. Their perspectives are all so different—Berry who is an Afro-West Indian and working a blue collar job in Sweden. Sam an American who, therefore, is used to a higher life. Gun and Kerstin, both Swedes but so different in their personalities and actions.
Their views on having to work for a living in different job situations (blue collar versus white collar. Office work versus physical labor) were both interesting and timely, given our current political climate.
I enjoyed this play very much and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good short play with compelling characters!
]]> 35484967
Separated into three groups by circumstance and mutual distrust, treachery and death lurks for all. Over the course of a single day, one student betrays all the others. Another drowns. Two others get ambushed by a great white shark. And, like falling dominoes, the captain, first mate, and six students fall prey to a tribe of bloodthirsty cannibals.

In the face of almost certain death, who will escape from the isle of savages to tell the tale?]]> 327 T. Briar Bookgirl86 5 Eric Kovac is on a boat with other students from his school as they sail from San Diego to Hawaii as part of a sponsored field trip. During the trip, their boat is hit by a vicious storm. The boat is destroyed and everyone on board washes up separately on a deserted island. Eric's immediate impulse is to search for his two friends, Mia and Kate but he must sift through the wreckage of the boat to do it. After finding the girls, they soon realize that they are trapped on the island with no way off and that they have no clue if anyone else on board even survived. Of course, there are others on the island but they are not welcoming of the teenager’s presence.
The three teenagers soon find others from their boat, but they all must struggle through attacks from cannibals, sharks and even each other in order to make it off the island alive. In many ways, this book reminded me of some other classic novels about people trapped on a deserted island, like “Lord of the Flies� or “Robinson Crusoe.� There are a lot of favorable comparisons that can be made in that genre that this fits right in with.
The writing was excellent. I had a very creeping sense of dread throughout the entire novel thanks to the mounting action and plotting. This is a book that I think is going to stay in my head for a while thanks to the writing and atmosphere. Five stars for a thrilling debut from this author!]]> 4.33
author: T. Briar
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/03/25
shelves:
review:
Talk about books that pull you in right from the first page—this book opens with a scene of a shipwreck and a group of high schoolers fighting for their lives. That definitely pulled me in ad made me fear for all of the characters right away.
Eric Kovac is on a boat with other students from his school as they sail from San Diego to Hawaii as part of a sponsored field trip. During the trip, their boat is hit by a vicious storm. The boat is destroyed and everyone on board washes up separately on a deserted island. Eric's immediate impulse is to search for his two friends, Mia and Kate but he must sift through the wreckage of the boat to do it. After finding the girls, they soon realize that they are trapped on the island with no way off and that they have no clue if anyone else on board even survived. Of course, there are others on the island but they are not welcoming of the teenager’s presence.
The three teenagers soon find others from their boat, but they all must struggle through attacks from cannibals, sharks and even each other in order to make it off the island alive. In many ways, this book reminded me of some other classic novels about people trapped on a deserted island, like “Lord of the Flies� or “Robinson Crusoe.� There are a lot of favorable comparisons that can be made in that genre that this fits right in with.
The writing was excellent. I had a very creeping sense of dread throughout the entire novel thanks to the mounting action and plotting. This is a book that I think is going to stay in my head for a while thanks to the writing and atmosphere. Five stars for a thrilling debut from this author!
]]> 44398082 240 Lawrence G. Taylor Bookgirl86 5 Harry Holmes is a middle-aged man with his share of regrets. On the surface, the novel is about him reliving the choices that he has made over the course of his life and the struggles that he has faced. But as I was reading I realized that it seemed to be about much more than that.
This is one of those novels that takes you off guard with it's message. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, but it was sort of like there was a hidden meaning to the true moral of the novel. By the end of the book I was in awe at the way the writer managed to create such a profound statement.
Harry Holmes was a character that I felt that I could really identify with even though, from the outside, my life has been nothing like his.
As I was reading, I didn't realize that the book was somewhat of a memoir about the author, Lawrence G. Taylor's life. Once I found that out it made sense how well written this book was. Obviously this is a story that is very close to the author's heart and it showed. This book has a real authentic feel to it that a lot of authors struggle with.
Five stars all around! I would recommend this to anyone who was in search of a great book with a great message and some touching moments. ]]> 4.34 2018
author: Lawrence G. Taylor
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/03/23
shelves:
review:
Half-novel, half-memoir, “Making Sense of Past Time� is a story about memories, self-discovery, racial relations, politics and time.
Harry Holmes is a middle-aged man with his share of regrets. On the surface, the novel is about him reliving the choices that he has made over the course of his life and the struggles that he has faced. But as I was reading I realized that it seemed to be about much more than that.
This is one of those novels that takes you off guard with it's message. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, but it was sort of like there was a hidden meaning to the true moral of the novel. By the end of the book I was in awe at the way the writer managed to create such a profound statement.
Harry Holmes was a character that I felt that I could really identify with even though, from the outside, my life has been nothing like his.
As I was reading, I didn't realize that the book was somewhat of a memoir about the author, Lawrence G. Taylor's life. Once I found that out it made sense how well written this book was. Obviously this is a story that is very close to the author's heart and it showed. This book has a real authentic feel to it that a lot of authors struggle with.
Five stars all around! I would recommend this to anyone who was in search of a great book with a great message and some touching moments.
]]> 43080462 79 Stephen J. Fernbach 164467159X Bookgirl86 5 I am a pretty tough judge of poetry and I enjoyed this collection a lot. Fernbach really has a way of getting right to the heart of the matter with few words and a strong sense of confidence and poise.
As I was reading this book I became so pulled in that I read most of it in one sitting without stopping to check what page I was on or do anything else. I just couldn't put it down!
Some of the poems made me laugh out loud, (like in “Everything I Love I Must Hate� when he lists all of the foods he is no longer allowed to eat and why) and others really made me think (as in 'Call Me Moe' which addresses the political state of America.)
All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in poetry or who likes a deep, contemplative read that still has some laughs here and there. Poetry doesn't have to only be depressing and dark, in this book it is joyful, introspective, meditative, humorous—there are seemingly millions of adjectives that could be used to describe it but the best one is: Fantastic! ]]> 5.00
author: Stephen J. Fernbach
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/03/19
shelves:
review:
Poetry can be a fickle thing. A lot of it exists in the world and, especially in the internet age, there is a lot to sift through and read. But search no more! “The Thinking Man� by Stephen J. Fernbach is a first-rate collection of poems that will make you experience a full array of emotions.
I am a pretty tough judge of poetry and I enjoyed this collection a lot. Fernbach really has a way of getting right to the heart of the matter with few words and a strong sense of confidence and poise.
As I was reading this book I became so pulled in that I read most of it in one sitting without stopping to check what page I was on or do anything else. I just couldn't put it down!
Some of the poems made me laugh out loud, (like in “Everything I Love I Must Hate� when he lists all of the foods he is no longer allowed to eat and why) and others really made me think (as in 'Call Me Moe' which addresses the political state of America.)
All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in poetry or who likes a deep, contemplative read that still has some laughs here and there. Poetry doesn't have to only be depressing and dark, in this book it is joyful, introspective, meditative, humorous—there are seemingly millions of adjectives that could be used to describe it but the best one is: Fantastic!
]]> 41882328
But then it all backfires. A burly figure shambles down a mountain slope with a semi-conscious girl draped over his shoulder. Miranda’s attempts to uncover Cloris Raintree’s true motives become near impossible as she puts up one smokescreen after another, including a slip of the tongue regarding an incident in Havana. The local police keep stonewalling and Harry is of little help.

Tarot cards left on Cloris� doorstep and arcane prompts on her e-mail only exacerbate the situation. Growing more desperate over the captive girl’s fate, Miranda comes across a link to a cold case of arson and murder. With the advent of the dark of the moon, she is summoned to “Tower Time� as this twisty tale continues to run its course.]]> 306 Shelly Frome Bookgirl86 5 And this one was no different, of course. 'Moon Games' begins with the exciting pretense that a young girl has gone missing in the Carolina mountains. Miranda Davis is probably not the first person you'd select to go on a search for a missing person. For one thing, she's a realtor and for another, she's funny and somewhat scattered. Hardly a seasoned detective who deals with these sorts of things all the time. But she gets pulled into the mystery in much the same way that the reader does and, eventually she agrees to go up to the mountain with her partner, Harry to have a look.
However, there are some suspicious clues about the missing girl that don't add up. Why was a strange tarot card shoved under the door of a local church lady? Who is the huge, hulking man they see on the mountain and is he carrying the body of a woman?
These are the kinds of questions that had me guessing till the last page. I love a good mystery and, once again, Shelly Frome delivers just that.
I highly recommend this book to any other mystery fans, like myself or anyone who enjoys a compelling, quick read. I can't wait to read what Shelly Frome has in store for his next book!
I feel like I'm becoming a huge fan of his as I go!

]]> 3.91
author: Shelly Frome
name: Bookgirl86
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/03/18
shelves:
review:
I've just recently discovered Shelly Frome and have been working my way through his back catalog of books so that I can read them all. I love his writing style, his attention to detail and his clever dialog and descriptions. What a talent this man has for story telling and plotting. I feel like all of his books pull me in from the first page and don't let go till the last!
And this one was no different, of course. 'Moon Games' begins with the exciting pretense that a young girl has gone missing in the Carolina mountains. Miranda Davis is probably not the first person you'd select to go on a search for a missing person. For one thing, she's a realtor and for another, she's funny and somewhat scattered. Hardly a seasoned detective who deals with these sorts of things all the time. But she gets pulled into the mystery in much the same way that the reader does and, eventually she agrees to go up to the mountain with her partner, Harry to have a look.
However, there are some suspicious clues about the missing girl that don't add up. Why was a strange tarot card shoved under the door of a local church lady? Who is the huge, hulking man they see on the mountain and is he carrying the body of a woman?
These are the kinds of questions that had me guessing till the last page. I love a good mystery and, once again, Shelly Frome delivers just that.
I highly recommend this book to any other mystery fans, like myself or anyone who enjoys a compelling, quick read. I can't wait to read what Shelly Frome has in store for his next book!
I feel like I'm becoming a huge fan of his as I go!


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