A good book makes you want to live in the story. A great book gives you no choice.
A. Click here for a selection of Karin's oldies but goodies.
B. Click here for a selection of Karin's oldies but goodies
C. Click here for a selection of Karin's oldies but goodies.
D. Click here for a selection of Karin's oldies but goodies.
With great sense of place and beautiful writing this is an easy to get into historical fiction read. Hailey and Samuel fall in love despite the contrasts of their upbringing. This love travels far and wide, spanning continents and conventions. It’s a love for the decades and you’ll find yourself cheering for our heroes as I did. Enjoyable, escape reading.
Frankie and Anne become unlikely friends and allies during a season of change and challenges. I loved how each chapter introduces an excerpt explaining habits of crows and how it skillfully ties into the chapter. Garvin’s writing is clear and beautifully describes nature and June Lake. This is an uplifting story of hope, healing power of nature and friendship, and an amazing look at crows.
Charming! Think Jane Austen crossed with Emily Henry, and good if you are a Downton Abbey fan. Constance is trying to find her place in the world and adjust to the restrictions women faced despite their hard work during WWI. Simonson always gets the atmosphere of the times and the social dynamics right. Filled with lively imperfect characters and written with warmth and wisdom - this is a delight.
Sequel to crowd favorite, Brooklyn. Toibin is a master storyteller. His prose is magnificent and his characterizations cultivate deep feelings and vulnerabilities in a sensitive way. Eilis is caught in a crossroads, her family life in NY is disrupted and revisiting Ireland adds layers of uncertainty. A beautiful book with the feeling that we’ll get to visit these characters again.
Kate is many things: the US’s first female detective, a Pinkerton agent, and a Union spy. This is highly entertaining and compelling historical fiction. Kate’s mission is to break the code of a real-life socialite Confederate Spy. Full of real people interesting history and forbidden love. Easy fun-read with historical context.
I loved this brilliant and entertaining unique story. Miller crosses history and fiction through his inventive writing (take note of the differing POVs) and fabulous characters including a mule, Ferrari. It’s a combination of WWII Italy, art heist, and unlikely heroes and allies. Good if you liked City of Thieves or heartfelt stories.
Charles once again uncovers little-known history of heroic women. This time it’s WWI where librarian Kit goes to war-torn France to work alongside Anne Morgan to bring books and other necessary items to families on the war front. Meanwhile librarian Wendy, in present day NY, uncovers Kit’s story and breaks through her stagnant uncertainty. Great historical context and stories of friendships forged. This is a tribute to the women who received the Croix de Guerre (French War Cross for bravery). their resilience and to the power of Literacy.
Enigmatic and humble hero looks back on his life and legacy. Shows Grant as a complex man of action and compassion and how he accepted the burden of uniting/leading the country as an act of service. Explores his time as General and how his lenient terms imposed upon the Confederates continued to culture marginalization. Also, shows Grant as a friend and family man, and how his trusting nature was taken advantage of. Excellent read as our nation is looking anew at Reconstruction.
This is amazing! I am struck by its beauty and its rawness that doesn’t overwhelm. Chris is a gifted writer; this novel feels worldly yet intimate with great characters. It is wrought with emotion – guilt, anger, redemption and love; you’ll feel them all. It’s a twisted thriller, a love story with an abundance of goodness. Destined for greatness and one of the best books of the year. Trust me!
This has a semi-autobiographic feel. What Peres covers best is cultures differences and the emotional growth of young Andrea. It is a tender story of family relationships and highlights how to juggle the burdens of others and finding your own joy.
Hannah delivers another amazing story. This time about the overlooked women who served in the Vietnam War. Deeply immersed in the tumultuous 60’s, the novel shows the horrors and romance of war, the power of friendships and how women can be forces to reckon with. This is powerful and Hannah’s talent continues to shine. Don’t miss this!
A follow up to Berry’s suspenseful Northern Spy. Tessa and Marion have moved on with their lives after the chilling events in Northern Ireland – or have they? An encounter with a menacing IRA member pulls the sisters back into the messiness of Irish politics and divisions. It is not necessary to have read her first book, but I would, it’s great too. Great thriller.
This fantastic book epitomizes the reason I love good historical fiction; I’m drawn into an amazing story and I learn something along the way. Chan cleverly transports us, through the eyes of one family, to Malaysia during World War II, when allegiances are fraught, times are dangerous, and what’s right is hard to discern. Captivating debut!
Time travel crossed with a love story and twisted with an ill-intentioned government agency. At times funny and clever with good character development. Good concept and I loved the twists. Good if you liked Addie LaRue.
A heartfelt story that’s a cross between Addie LaRue and Body Keeps the Score. An unlikely friendship between curmudgeon Eugene and his caregiver Angel. Eugene is an unreliable narrator whose past life (lives) are revealed to Angel in gripping installments. It’s hard not to fall for Eugene and his stories, but the most redeeming quality is his hard-earned philosophy on how best to live in the present that he shares with Angel. Evison is a natural and gifted storyteller who gives us great characters. This is an enjoyable read with a thoughtful message.
Red Notice meets Ludlum. Amanda’s loyalties are torn between family and country. She and her side-kick make a great team, plus they are strong female characters. There are plenty of twists, back and forth and globe-trotting. Super entertaining.
This is a fantastic example of “stop and smell the roses”. Bringley shows how art can transform, inform, and heal us through his significance observations of how art is woven into life. It is also a tale about grief and finding joy in both the grand and the ordinary. Beautifully written and a joy to read.
This debut depicts life of a Japanese war bride adjusting to life in Texas and living with the sorrow of losing the love(s) of her life. Sharing late-night conversations, Mineko and her granddaughter unite to understand and heal each other. Their repour is heartwarming and Mineko is a wonderful no-nonsense character. Based on the author’s grandmother, this explores lives of determination and resilience.
A fun, cozy spy thriller set in 1930’s NYC. Spirited Giddy escaped Ukraine with only part of her family. Her ramshackle life in America is filled with ambition and revenge, but things don’t always go as expected. Filled with action and good-characters, this is an cinematic page-turner.
As with her other novels Morris brings us a story based on real people. Horrific conditions of a women’s WWII POW camp in Indonesia is painstakingly described. The camp is filled with Australian nurses and English women who escaped from Singapore. Their resourcefulness, plunky spirit and music help them survive over 2 years of brutal conditions. (Google a recording of the Voice Orchestra after reading.)
Eternal wanderlust + meaning of life. To stay alive Aubrey must stay on the move - this leads to wild adventures, but the ability to maintain relationships is difficult. I loved the mysterious doors that connected her to tunnels of libraries. Themes of the journey is more than the destination and family is in your soul. Very imaginative and good if you liked Piranesi.
Brunt chronicles the life and work of Rudolf Diesel; his invention and disappearance. Lots of interesting history and political intrigue and social and economic threads. This will appeal to many non-fiction readers. Super interesting!
Part travel/adventure log, part Western history, part character study - this is an entertaining read. An interesting look at how the Pony Express operated in extreme conditions and became western lore. Well written by a thoughtful “old-soul” cowboy.
I appreciate how Richardson approaches current events through her broad historical knowledge. She is a wonderful and easy-to-understand writer and historian and explains issues in a no-nonsense way. Helps to understand the current chaotic political environment.
If you’re trying to eat more plant-based meals you’ll love the meal-planning and recipes inside this beautiful cookbook. I love all of Jeanine’s cookbooks, her recipes are healthy, straight-forward and delicious.
This is a literary book that you experience as much as read. As you ramble along with this house in the wood and its inhabitants you realize a richness of language; Mason’s prose is excellent. There is love of nature, psychology, and unique voices. Will satisfy readers of Overstory and Lincoln in the Bardo.
This is a poignant, haunting read that examines grief and loss as well as love, rebirth, and hope. Lefteri is a gifted author; here flashbacks in story-form as well as depictions of land and fire and analogies between animals and humans showcase her talent. This deals with the destructive power of a wildfire both on the land and the people that it affects. Included are secrets, regrets, and the danger they pose. Outstanding literary novel.
Greed and scandal amongst Gold Rush history. This is a smart rags-to-riches and fight for fortune story based on the author’s family. The Barrys strike it rich in the Yukon territory which leads to jealousy issues and injustices to Native Indians. Themes of entitlement, making amends even generations later are well done. A juicy nugget of a story.
Keegan’s prose is sparce yet gorgeous; much is told in few pages. Here Furlong, generous, hardworking, and kind, deals with doing what is right and the consequences. Many wonderful analogies and just enough room to draw your own conclusions. Her books are small but mighty.
Alice Hoffman has written many wonderful, magical books. The Invisible Hour is a love story to literature and shows the power of fiction and how books can transport us to other worlds. Mia and her mother have parallel lives with different outcomes. Themes of sacrifice, survival and strength as well as finding your family. There is a bit of magic woven into this delightful story and I loved leaping into the past with Mia to find the author of a book that saved her life.
Wow! Googins has created a GREAT speculative cross-genre story. Society and innovation has saved the world from climate change. Now what? At the core this is a heart-rending family story with great characters. I loved the differing points of view and Googins cleverly tells of past and present through their voices. Themes of starting over, accountability and cooperation for the greater good are well done. This is a work of great visionary scope ultimately filled with hope. Good for anyone, especially if you liked Migrations or were a fan of Hunger Games.
Taken from the real-life and diaries of midwife Martha Ballard, this is a great glimpse of early America. This is post-Revolutionary War when life in Maine is full of rough and tumble characters. When injustice is revealed, Martha is relentless in righting a wrong and the strong-arm of the law. Lawhon is one of my favorite historical authors and this is a suspenseful, page-turning, satisfying drama. She weaves in daily and family life, courtroom antics with a mystery. Outstanding!
This is a crazy true story. Finkel tells the story of the most prolific and brazen art thief in history. Told through multiple perspectives: the thief himself, his accomplice, psychologists, and detectives we get a look into the delusional yet fascinating life of a flawed genius. This fast-paced, gripping story is highly recommended for art lovers and true crime readers.
Set aside a few hours for this great thriller. Dark Ride is fast paced with a character you won’t forget. Hardly is bumbling through life with no real ambition until a chance sighting of two kids spurs him to action. Along with some quirky big-hearted friends this is a wild ride with some subtle humor. I’ve loved all of Berney’s award winning books.
Thora and Santi have a fateful meeting which leads to an amazing adventure in which the pair meet again and again in different lives in what appears to be a never ending cycle. The mystery that is created by their plight is a central interweaving theme as well as their ever evolving relationship. This is a mishmash of genres and asks philosophical questions about fate and the power of love to connect us beyond time and space. Good if you liked The Midnight Library.
As with her other novels, Jiles throws the reader into post-civil war Texas and surrounding territories. John returns home from battle injured and learns of a devastating loss, which leads him on a quest of redemption. Great writing, characters and depictions of the lawless West. I loved the inclusion of the infancy of the telegraph. This is a story of true grit.
This is a great love story with emotional depth, in the vein of Sally Rooney’s books. This is real and messy and flawed love. I fell for Will and Rosie immediately as they navigate their young lives. The writing in this debut is sparse at times yet feels immensely personal and perfect. Outstanding!
I had a hard time putting down this suspenseful book. It is in the vein of Tana French and Jane Harper – well written with good character development. A mix of thriller, mystery and coming of age. Themes of forgiveness and redemption abound as three friends reconnect in their hometown and try to keep the past from replaying. A gritty heartbreaking debut.
These three authors have seamlessly woven together the lives of three strong, smart, and brave women. Mystery, romance and intrigue are aboard the Lusitania. This is an easy read historical fiction story – great for vacation (just maybe not a cruise).
Classic Patchett, who explores relationships and family dynamics with subtle grace. This is a story of three sisters, told through the mother’s voice, learning of the history of their parents, how their views are perceived differently and why some secrets are best kept. Patchett’s writing moves seamlessly back and forth - she is a literary genius. The audio with Meryl Streep is excellent as well – check it at Libro.fm.
Quirky, yet heart-warming with some snippets of humor. Gary is somewhat of a bumbling unremarkable guy when the murder of an acquaintance and the meeting of a beautiful stranger upend his mundane life. Can he get the girl and save his skin? Good if you like Thursday Murder Club, The Good Eggs and in need some British wit.
In McBride’s unique and beguiling writing style we are drawn into the small community of Pottstown and its wonderful characters. This is a community where African Americans and immigrant Jews live simultaneously. It’s a character study and a bit of a mystery; a look into race and prejudice that is infused with humor and hope. Shows how when people band together to do the right thing humanity wins.
Told through four generations of strong Italian women this is heartfelt and poignant. The Cabrelli family experiences love, loss, and secrets; they mourn the dead and celebrate the living. I appreciated the interesting perspective of Italian/Scottish history. Good for a broad audience of historical fiction lovers.
Kreuger is one of my favorite writers. The River We Remember is filled with great characters fighting demons from their past. It examines wounds from wars and childhood trauma and the ways in which we heal. It’s a mystery, a character study, and a portrait of small-town rural America. Top-notch storytelling!
Like candy for your rom-com cravings. Harriet and Wyn are the perfect couple until they’re not. This is a look a friendship and loving someone no matter what and shows the messiness or relationships. Can love conquer all? Great beach read.
A racy rom com – a mix of Bridget Jones and Daisy Jones. Jane is a talented one-hit wonder with some baggage and in need of work. On a plane to London she meets handsome professor Hardy. From there it’s a rollercoaster ride with a great playlist and literary references. Will past relationships and fame get in the way of true love?
A mother-daughter saga that chronicles three generations - from 1960s Vietnam to present-day Florida. As the patriarch states, secrets are a menace, yet all three are protecting life-altering ones. The rambling slightly dilapidated Banyan House is almost another character; the cracks and messiness mirror the fractured relationships. This is a journey of acceptance, reconciliation and forgiveness. An impressive debut. Good if you liked Black Cake.
This is a great period piece, mystery and study of complex characters. Has a modern feel of Dashiell Hammett. I loved following detective Sullivan and his niece as they track down suspects in a celebrity killing at the infamous Claremont hotel, as well as navigate their family circumstances. Shows how race and class define justice and power. I really enjoyed the interspersed tidbits of California history and hope to hear more from Sullivan.
Told with candor, Davis speaks of her childhood filled with poverty and abuse. There is passion on every page, and Davis’ grit and determination shine in her examination of painful memories. We learn of her struggles and successes as she works her way to the top of the acting pinnacle. A forthright memoir and very moving.
If you believe in first loves, soul mates and second chances this is for you. Also, a story of the mistakes people make, and the lengths they'll go to make things right. Good character development and their growth over 20 years felt authentic. It’s a love story but much more. Good if you like Every Summer After or are a Hoover fan.
A debut story that is unputdownable and charming. I was immediately invested in the lives of Cristabel, Flossie and the cast of memorable, eccentric, characters that inhabit Chilcombe manor. This is a grand story set on the Dorset Coast and war-torn Paris. Bohemian artists and spirited kids put on elaborate stage productions which train them for undercover jobs during the war. Filled with love and sorrow, bravery and toughness, and small moments of levity I thought this was delightful from Act One. Good if you liked Atonement.
My favorite type of beachy read filled with a strong, feisty young protagonist, love in the hands of fate, summer-island life and espionage. Post WWII and Russian-American rivalry finds Cricket navigating a web of romance, intrigue and events that have long-lasting implications. Tension is achieved by a duel time-line and the tangled threads that are resolved in a page-turning ending. I loved it.
Inspired by true events, this is a great story of Mary (Goes First) from the Crow tribe who marries a fur trader, survives brutal attacks, single-handedly saves others and raises her family on a ranch in Montana. As with all great historical novels there is much to learn, and this is a wonderful telling of her story, the spirit of the Crow people and landscape of Montana and neighboring Canadian territories. I couldn’t put this down as she fights for her life and true identity.
I have learned something from each of Lisa’s See’s historical novels. Here I was transported to China during the Ming dynasty. Lady Tan Yunxian, a real historical figure, lived a sheltered but privileged life in Southern China. Her grandparents trained her to become a female doctor – an unusual occupation for women especially from an aristocratic family. She navigates family dynamics, endures painful foot binding has little freedom yet somehow becomes a revered and trusted physician. Her lifelong friendship with a local midwife adds much love and insight to her life. This is a historical detailed story where women’s friendships are central.
A behind the scenes look at the film industry where you feel Tom is imparting his wisdom and knowledge. From plot inspiration to writing to directing to mega-star actors to crewmembers Hanks has created a fun read with realistic characters. I found this an enjoyable ramble with the feel of being on set.
Titus is a wonderful complicated character – a black Sheriff in his small Southern hometown. He must navigate small town politics, white-supremacy issues, and his own demons, all while rushing to solve a string of murders before the serial killer strikes again. This is an excellent study of all walks of life and police procedures. As good as his two previous stories. It is gripping and gritty; a great Southern noir.
I found this to be an unputdownable, messy, multi-charactered family drama that is very satisfying. Brilliant Adam is at a crossroads, his children are damaged characters who both love and drive each other crazy. With themes of jealousy, self-absorption, infidelity, and mental health this is great if you like sweeping family dramas and contemporary novels with substance. Brodeur’s descriptive writing of coastal nature adds to the beauty of this novel. Good if you liked Paper Palace.
The perils and hardships of seafaring in the mid 1700’s is brilliantly told in this outstanding non-fiction story. With great narrative and vivid descriptions of life at sea and survival in the most difficult of circumstances I found this a thrilling read. With themes of British Empire dominance and greed this is a good choice if you liked Grann’s previous works, The Perfect Storm or Endurance.
This is my favorite book by Urrea. Dot and Irene were young American women who became fast friends when they joined a branch of the Red Cross, commanding military vehicles called Clubmobiles. They were steps behind the frontlines after D-Day. Their charge was to provide solace by serving a slice of home in the way of donuts and coffee, friendly smiles and banter. Their work was grueling and they endured some horrific battles, ambushes and the liberation of Buchenwald. “The women were called upon to piece a broken world back together.” This magnificent story has a biographical feel as it closely follows the life of Urrea’s mother and he infuses his story with poignant moments, bits of humor and colorful characters.
An astonishing epic story – as good as Cutting for Stone. Verghese’s characters are full and vibrant and his depictions of southern India are lush. Medical procedures, artistry, political and religious convictions play a central role through three generations of a cursed and blessed family. The winding waterways that nourish the land mirror the meandering storylines that come together in a satisfying wonderful way. So good you won’t want it to end.
This is a surprisingly sharp and witty debut. Life in Brooklyn is told through three related female characters from an uber-wealthy family. It is full of subtle race and class issues and I found myself both smirking and falling for their antics in equal measure. Filled with love and quirkiness, and the ups and downs of privilege this is a light read with substance.
An impressive debut, both tender and brutal. Boarding schools boys become men through the atrocities of war. A combination of raw emotion similar to A Little Life and the frontline trench warfare of Birdsong. Excellent themes of the British Empire, privileged boy superiority and forbidden love. The addition of letters and the school newspaper added depth. I found it incredible that this was written by such a young woman, as her writing is stellar. In Memoriam is impossible to forget, very memorable and destined to greatness.
Suspenseful! Kelly draws upon her extensive research to bring the lives of Josie and Arlette to life. Set during their time as Resistance spies during WWII and their quest for redemption in the years after. Filled with many real people and circumstances this is a page turner with lots of surprises. A great companion to A Woman of No Importance.
A light comedy for those who like reality/music shows. Two piano prodigies are pitted against each other, and the emotional stakes are high. I found the descriptions of the music excellent. Themes of trusting your heart and taking chances.
This is a slice of a child’s awakening. Set in rural Ireland Keegan’s young narrator is sent to relatives for the summer when there are too many mouths to feed. Life is quite different – full of abundance. Written with a keen sense of empathy and lovely writing this is a gem of a novella.
With lovely literary references to Little Women and Walt Whitman this is an enjoyable exploration of family and strong sister connections. Napolitano expertly shows the ebb and flow of relationships, and sensitively deals with depression issues. Her use of differing points of view helps the reader and her characters understand their strengths and weaknesses. This is a tender and heartfelt character driven story. Very good!
This will tug at your heartstrings in all the good ways. A friendship of a lifetime is forged when their lives are near the end. Young Lenni is searching for answers from Father Arthur and instantly finds a kindred spirit in Margot. Her straight-forward way is wonderful and she ends up living through Margot’s well-lived life. Full of wisdom and heart and shows that joy and love can come in unusual ways. Heartbreak and loss are skillfully interspersed with friendship and happiness. Good if you liked The 100-year Old Man...& The Fundamentals of Caregiving.
Finally translated from French, award-winning author Berest, delivers an excellent autofiction story. After receiving an anonymous postcard Anne and her mother search for the sender. This search brings back horrors, loss and bundles of memories. Expertly woven through time Anne learns of her family’s history and at the same time her own identity. I found this an excellent depiction of anti-Jewish sentiment throughout time.
My favorite read-aloud book. I love the sing-song rhythm and wonderful illustrations – my grandson too. This is one book I’m happy to read every day. Guaranteed you’ll learn something.
Seeking adventure and connection to the earth Kristen and Ville bike pack the length of the Americans – 18,000 miles! Having endured long-distance hikes but never any distance on a bike this seemed a fool's journey. Kristen writes of their steep learning curve as well as mountain passes, grueling weather and all the unknowns around each bend. Their connections with wonderful people along the way are highlights as well as her scenery descriptions and their voyage together. Great reading for adventure seekers, even armchair ones.
This is a what if, second chances story; similar in feel to The Midnight Library. Emma’s story is told through first-person accounts of her busy family/work life – the same day relived, and Dan’s story is told through his amazing annual love letters. A bit emotional, but in a good way. This is a reminder to find joy in family and friends and the small things that make a good life.
This debut is not your typical mother/daughter story, it is unsentimental and raw. Teenage Lara craves for normalcy, but she and her theatrical Russian mother move a lot – when things get tough or overdue notices pile up. I LOVED the opening of each chapter with life lessons to follow. Shows the hopelessness of poverty, the spiral of drugs, and the desperation of wanting to belong. Told with passion and just enough humor to not be depressing. Excellent portrayal of both main characters – you’ll be cheering for them.
For fans of Jam Jenoff and Kate Quinn. I found this an engaging and poignant historical fiction story. Viv has had pivotal moments in her life, but none more harrowing than sending her daughter away from Liverpool during WWII. She learns how to fight societal norms, how family can be more than blood, and navigate being a single mother. The Lost English Girl has well developed characters, numerous points on view, and is quick to get immersed in.
As in her remarkable debut novel, The Mountains Sing, Ngyuen Phan Que Mai offers another novel revealing the history of Viet Nam. She brings to life Vietnamese women who bore Amerasian children and the American soldiers who left. Dust Child shows the cruel indignities that children of war suffer, the horrors of war and how all are affected by conflict. Searing and full of heart.
Young and naïve Rachel is looking for a summer of fun and adventure – a way to break her boring compliant life. An idyllic island in Greece is just the place - sun-soaked, lovely and full of worldly people. Is her new-found friends and love-interest more than she bargained for? Her choices reverberate through her life for the next 20 years. The Girls of Summer is a timely exploration of young-woman on the cusp of adulthood.
This is a very strong debut and all the more special as it takes place on the Western slope of CO. Victoria is a strong, resolute, lonely young woman growing up on a peach farm; she has known tragedy first hand and like a river forges on. An unlikely encounter causes ripples in her life, both love and friendship. The landscape and beauty of nature shines in Read’s writing. Reminiscent of Crawdads and highly recommended.
This is a romcom – outlandish yet compelling. A gym bag mix-up causes lives to upend and craziness to ensue. A story about friendships, hardships and starting over. Fun reading!
Carley Fortune has written another heart-warming, well-written romance with wonderfully flawed characters. A chance encounter turns into a bittersweet night to remember with hopes for the future, but life gets complicated… An honest second-chance romance with a Dirty Dancing setting. Great lakefront escape reading.
Several social topics told through different eyes. I found this fast-paced and was especially drawn to the good courtroom scenes. Full of secrets that are cleverly exposed and great character development this is a page turner. Great for engaging conversations.
Teenage pilot Stella is racing for England against other young pilots from Europe in the name of peace. It’s 1937, aviation is all the rage and pre war tensions are high. Does Stella witness a murder? Could the perpetrator possibly be another racer? Lots of secrets and history - this is a good historical thriller.
A short compelling little Robin Hood story filled with likable characters. Shows the caste system in India, how love and compassion can make a difference and that the message of hope can lift spirits when all else is lost.
A poignant and wonderful debut. When Bea is sent to America to escape the blitz in London her life becomes divided between families. Told through the lens of all family members I found myself totally immersed in this lovely transporting story. I can’t wait for you to read this.
This is Charlotte’s Web for grownups - charming and enjoyable. Tova and Cameron have pasts that are filled with grief and loss and clever Marcellus can sense their connection. A wonderful, heartwarming debut with strong writing. For fans of Music of Bees, Good Eggs and Lessons in Chemistry.
Another great Australian mystery by Jane Harper. Her stories are atmospheric, simmering with secrets and well-developed characters. This is a standalone story but you may recognize Falk from other Harper stories. This is set in wine country with life-long friends struggling amidst two unsolved disappearances. Very good!
Rachel’s love is so strong - can it reconnect her fragmented family? River Sing Me Home shows interesting Caribbean history. The Emancipation Act of 1834 frees slaves, yet the forced 6-year apprenticeship is just another form of slavery. Rachel runs in search of her 5 stolen children, only then can she hope for true freedom.
Thuridur is a remarkable, resilient woman, who challenged the norms of her time. She out fished her competitors, never lost a crewmember, and fought injustices in her community. With vivid descriptions of Iceland and rich detail in writing this is an inspiring biography of an unknown woman who lived a fascinating life.
Wonderful writing that describes both the devastation and beauty of land and water after Florida is ravaged by climate change. Wanda grows as the water rises, learning to survive in this harsh environment; her life is filled with change and loss. The Light Pirate quietly sunk into my heart and soul. Weathering the storms - this has scary concepts yet is a brilliant book. Good if you liked Migrations and The Road.
A backstage pass to the colorful life of country singer, Lil. The highs and lows, loves and losses, grit and glamour of life on the road. Like a good western song this is filled with yearning, regrets, heartache, whiskey, good dogs and great prose. Off the charts good!
Antonia is a smart, ambitious young lawyer who has distanced herself from her past. Her beloved brother has gone missing and she gets drawn into her complicated adoptive small town family. Inspired by Greek Mythology, this touches on issues of immigrants from war-torn regions and family loyalties. Great for readers who like fast-paced twisted thrillers with a Netflix movie feel.
Pam Jenoff writes easy-to-read, hard-to-put-down historical novels. She writes of formidable women who are daring and brave in the face of injustice. Even though I knew the historical context of the story I was immediately drawn into the life of Hannah. Inspired by true accounts, this is great for fans of Kate Quinn and suitable for young adults.
An irresistible, entertaining story. The Depression is in full swing - times and people are desperate. Val, just out of art school, lands a job with the WPA in Wyoming. His life gets entwined with the Longs and their ramshackle ranch hands. Full of complicated relationships, cross-country travels and colorful characters this is great storytelling. Good if you liked Lincoln Highway.
Cinematic and unputdownable, Walls has woven a great story set in Virginia in the 20’s. Sallie, determined, feisty and oh so likable has to struggle with right and wrong, power and responsibility. Inspired by Elizabeth I, Sallie navigates bootlegging, messy families, and carrying on the family legacy. You won’t want to miss this.
This debut captures time and place and will tug at your hear. Well-drawn characters, intense relationships and excellent depiction of the tragedies of the religious divide and the prejudice of 1975 Northern Ireland. Kennedy has a unique style - her sentences are short on words yet long on emotion. This is a tender yet emotional book. Outstanding!
History repeats itself and the pain of one generation leaves its mark on the next. Four generations of women struggle with the agony brought on by dictators, war, abandonment and displacement. This is a complex read that shows the love mothers have for their children and the sacrifices they make. Gripping historical fiction.
With Dicken’s flair, Atkinson brings Jazz-age London to life. Lots of colorful characters and filled with intrigue and wit this is a quick-paced absorbing novel from an outstanding author. Many plots and storylines with a cinematic feel; I found this easy to get lost in. Plenty of sparkle and grime and a few surprises.
At the heart of this delightful, unusual story is friendship. It is a story about brilliant young game designers hitting it big and the ups and downs of their lives. Their friend Marx is the perfect balance between these two creative geniuses; the perfect friend, confidant, partner. Even though the gaming part of this story initially turned me off I loved the parallel worlds and appreciated the artistry and creativity. Zevin’s smart writing pulls off this story that can be enjoyed by many; a bit more complex and sophisticated than her previous works. Also, loved the references to Macbeth, Emily Dickinson and the Iliad. Super enjoyable.
Formidable Elizabeth Zott will capture your heart as she, Six-Thirty, Mad and others did me. It’s 1960 and Elizabeth is a woman in a man’s field – she experiences sexism, inequality, and abuse. I found this heartwarming, fun, with a sense of intelligent humor, and full of charm and hope.
Set in both the antebellum era and contemporary times; both storylines pertinent to today. There's a bit about horse training and racing the mid- 1800's and scientists and historians in current DC. The novel is tied together with art, great characters, and a wonderful horse, Lexington. Brooks expertly introduces race into the story as easily as she introduces us to life on the racetrack. Place your bets - this is a winner.