WHAT ARE WE READING & REVIEWING? - JANUARY 2025 -THIS WILL REMAIN UP UNTIL FEBRUARY 5TH

My Reads For January 2025
⛄ -★
47/47
⛄Baby Teeth -Zoje Stage - 4.5★ (#8 Friend)
⛄The Warsaw Protocol- Steve Berry - 4★ - (Group Read) (2)
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⛄You Again - Dianna Roman -5★
⛄Budding Attraction - Saxon James -5★
⛄Rule Of Law - Isla Olsen -3★
⛄The Flirty Vet - Casey Cox - 4★
⛄Always Eli - Charlie Novak - 3.5★
⛄Just Bomantically Invested- Saxon James - 4.5★
⛄Not Dating Material - Saxon James - 3★
⛄Risk The Fall- Riley Hart - 4★
⛄Merry Measure - Lily Morton - 4.5★
⛄Snowbody Like You - Ariella Zoelle - 2.5★
⛄Squeeze Me- Brittany Cournoyer - 5★
⛄On the Edge - Annabeth Albert - 5★
⛄Loathed Lagan - Nora Phoenix - 5★
⛄Nicked Nordin - Nora Phoenix - 5★
⛄Until You Say Otherwise - Kate Hawthorne - 5★
⛄Eyes Only For Me - Andrew Grey - 5★
⛄Off Balance - Brigham Vaughn - 5★
⛄Bully & Exit - Brigham Vaughn - 5★
⛄No Quick Fix - Mary Calmes - 5★
⛄In A Fix - Mary Calmes - 5★
⛄Fix It Up - Mary Calmes -5★
⛄The Fix Is In - Mary Calmes -5★
⛄Bay - Gianna Holmes - 4★
⛄Gunner - Gianna Holmes -4.5★
⛄The Big Fix - Mary Calmes -4★
⛄Marine Biology - G.L. Carriger -4.5★
⛄Once Upon A Second Chance - Davidson King -5★ (27)
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⛄The Chestnut Man - Soren Sveistrup- 4.5★
⛄One by One - Ruth Ware - 5★
⛄I Found You - Lisa Jewell - 4.5★
⛄Mary - Nat Cassidy - 4★
⛄Nestlings - Nat Cassidy - 5★
⛄What Feasts at Night - T. Kingfisher - 5★
⛄Rolling in the Deep - by Mira Grant - 5★
⛄The Ballad of Black Tom - Victor LaValle - 3★
⛄Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead- Jenny Hollander - 4.5★
⛄Midnight Assassin - Patricia Bryan - 5★
⛄The Girl They Took - Leslie Wolfe - 4.5★
⛄Sulfur Springs - William Kent Krueger - 4★
⛄Trail of Lightning- Rebecca Roanhorse - 4★
⛄Counting Miracles - Nicholas Sparks - 5★
⛄A Sea of Unspoken Things - Adrienne Young - 4★
⛄Cross Her Heart - Melinda Leigh - 5★
⛄Little Eve - Catriona Ward - 5★
⛄The Kiss Curse - Erin Sterling - 3★ (18)
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The Book of Dragons – E Nesbit
3***

This collection of short fairy tales was first published in 1899. E Nesbit came to writing children’s books later in her career, but she excelled at it. Many of her books are still in print today, more than a century after they were first published.

The first story is The Book of Beasts, about a young boy who finds a book and learns that when he opens the page, he releases the depicted being into the real world. Of course, the first one he releases is the dragon and that is NOT good. He has to open several other pages before he arrives at a solution.

Nesbit populates her stories with all manner of dragons … big, small, hungry, kind, fierce, curious, sleeping. One involves an ice dragon and two intrepid children who seek to find the source of the Aurora Borealis. Another involves a princess trapped on an enchanted island guarded by nine whirlpools and a fierce dragon, whose spell can only be broken by an extremely clever and worthy man. All of them are delightful and all feature marvelous illustrations by H. R. Millar. (5-stars for the illustrations.)

One By One - Ruth Ware - (France)
Genera: Mystery & Suspense
5★
The streaming app, "Snoop", is devastatingly successful, and the company is on the edge of a major buyout, that is, if the shareholders vote to do this. The founders, Topher and Eva, are torn, and the other three shareholders are being courted to encourage them to a choose side. Most of the pressure falls on Liz, an awkward individual when compared with the glamorous, beautiful people who head up this company. Though she doesn't work directly for Snoop anymore, Liz is included in the leadership retreat: It's her and eight other board members at a lush, remote French ski chalet for a little skiing, a little more pampering, and quiet a lot of back-biting business talk. Erin and Danny, the caretakers of the resort, notice all the tensions among the members of the group right away, but overall, it seems like just another wealthy, entitled corporate gathering. Meanwhile the weather on the mountain has grown increasingly dangerous, and then nine people go out to ski and....you guessed it... only eight returns. Fear and suspicion start to rear their ugly heads. Then we have an avalanche that cuts the chalet off from the rest of the world...no contact with the outside world whatsoever. Then another member of the group dies...this time it appears to be from poison, and then another one is murdered because of something she saw. The survivors split up to search for help before there's no one left. The story is mostly told in alternating chapters expressing Liz's and Erin’s point of view, Ruth Ware does what she does best...sets the stage for a "locked door" mystery and lets the tension and suspicion simmer and marinate until they reach the boiling point. While the reader will discover that the solution is maddeningly simple...the construction is nothing short of masterful.

Merry Measure - Lily Morton - (Netherlands)
Genera: M/M Romance/Christmas
4.5★
It's a little holiday magic in book form. Lily Morton describes the city of Amsterdam so well that it makes you want to hunt down the nearest travel agent and buy a ticket. The book should be endorsed by the city's travel office as "required reading". If you are reading, or have already read this book, then you obviously are an M/M romance fan ...OR, you are by the third chapter, beyond shocked. If you are uncomfortable with reading step by step accounts of "bedtime antics".... then don't even open the book. I belong to on group that will eat this book up and search for more just like it, so this genre is not for everyone. The bedroom scenes always help to forward the emotional journey of the characters. Overall, compared to some M/M romances that I have read, it was on the light side. I've never read a Lily Morton book that wasn't good, well written, with characters that are funny, snarky, and loveable. This setting was exquisite, and so easy to picture in your mind while reading...but most important element was that the story was filled with love, beauty, and the most perfect "happy ever after". Why didn't it get 5 stars? It was just too darn short.

Baby Teeth -Zoje Stage
Genera: Horror
4.5
This was a new author for me, and I have to say that she did a fantastic job of pulling off the concept of this psychological thriller. The major strength of the book is that the author continually builds suspense on top of suspense. Every time a chapter ended, you just had to keep reading to find out what Hanna was going to do next and what possibly could a seven-year-old child manage do to an adult that could be so bad? Boy, did we find out! The author never disappointed and did a great job of keeping us guessing. The conclusion was absolutely appropriate in light of what we had learned of was happening with Hanna, making it more than another run-of-the-mill horror story. The one thing that earned it a 4.5-star rating, and was very disappointing, was that we never really learned what was "wrong" with Hanna, and believe me, there was SOMETHING VERY WRONG. But there is good news...I have learned that there is a sequel, so maybe we will find out in that one.

Squeeze Me -Brittany Cournoyer
Part of the Bears-4U Series
Genera: M/M Romance/Daddy/boy
5★
Roark had had enough of dating until a friend suggests it isn't dating itself that always turns out wrong, it's the type of guys he goes for and suggests that he change to something else. What he suggests is an app called Bear-4U. He's a bit skeptical but he downloads the app and gives it a try, finally swiping on someone who unleashes something he's never felt before. He's swiped on Cassius profile. Cassius isn't without dating problems of his own. He has recently experienced heartbreak, so he keeps his guard up, but his best friend is having none of that and encourages him to try the Bears-4-U app. He downloads it and then doesn't pay any attention to it.... Until... he matches with someone who starts to break down his walls as they begin to chat more and more. He actually begins to look forward to those chats. When they meet its instant attraction and they both start to learn to trust and love again, but will the bond they build be strong enough to withstand anything? By this time the reader has fingers and toes crossed for them to find their happiness. It was nice the way that their relationship started out slowly with just messages and getting to know one another before they met in real life. Their first date was a picnic and then it moved onto something more physical and also kind of goes down the "instalove" route... but that was okay, and the story was still believable, not to mention that by now I really, really wanted those two together. There were some great side characters also...like Roark's best friend and Cassius's mother and numerous other little bits that enhanced the depth of the story. it was easy to read, easy to feel for the two main characters and understand where they had come from and what they were wanting for themselves.

The Girl They Took - Leslie Wolfe
Genera: Mystery & Suspense
4.5★
This story is told by multiple characters from Tess as she tries to find the kidnapped child, to the kidnappers as they try to work out how to retrieve their ransom money and we hear from each of the grief-stricken parents as they try to comply with the kidnappers demands and terms all make for some great characters and a nail-biting investigation. Tess is used to being called reckless and a loose cannon, so she is surprised when she is the only FBI Agent called in to investigate a child abduction case, especially as her background is serial killer cases. She learns that the child's father is the reason she is called in. She has faced him many times across a court room. Now he needs her reckless behavior to help find his missing daughter. The kidnapping was well planned but something about it is just "off" and she can't help but wonder just what the state district attorney is not telling her. Can she meet the kidnappers demands and get his daughter back or is there something else going on and will she and computer special analyst Donovan be able to uncover it in time? This has become one of the boldest kidnappings the bureau has ever seen. There were several "plot holes", hence the 4-star rating, but overall, an enjoyable read.

Risk The Fall - Riley Hart - (Oregon)
Narrator: Kale Williams
Genera: M/M Romance/Drug & Violence Parts
4★
Riven is a man who was caught in a bad situation. He took the fall for an accidental manslaughter charge...a crime committed by his best friend, Rex. It was either that or risk Rex’s drug-dealing father killing his grandmother. Riven goes to prison for the crime, does the two and half years, and now he’s been released, and his only choice is to return to his small Oregon town where the criminals he once called his adopted family still live. The only work he was able to find also employs Parrish, Rex’s younger brother. Parrish has tried to obey all the rules of his wreck of a family, and he’s been helped by Riven’s willingness to do whatever dumb things Rex has tried to get Parrish into. Parrish was always fond of Parrish, seeing his kindness, and later became attracted to him physically. He’s angry with Riven about going to prison, because he can’t admire a murderer–even if it was accidental. It’s clear that Riven’s still got anger with his dad and Rex, though, and Parrish doesn't know why. Not until he overhears his dad talking about how they plan to use Riven in more of their drug dealings, since they know that Riven can be manipulated because of his love for his grandmother. It melts Parrish’s heart for Riven. There are a lot of struggling people in this story, and most of the time their options are neither black nor white. Riven has to choose between bad and worse repeatedly. I cheered when he chose to pursue Parrish. Their enemies to lovers' dynamic develops, and now they are able to support one another in both big and small ways. The drama builds to its height at just the right moment, and unexpected help arrives to free both guys from the dark shadows they lived under by Rex and his dad. I liked the story, but it is really dark and decidedly gritty. I liked how Riley Hart painted Parrish as a good man, in spite of his family. Riven’s loyalty, especially to his grandmother was beautifully portrayed. The relation developing between Parrish and Riven was something to cheer for. I would definitely recommend this story but be aware that it is a "darker side" romance with some really flawed characters.

Raymie Nightingale – Kate DiCamillo
Book on CD narrated by Jenna Lamia.
4****

Raymie Clarke has decided to join (and win) the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition. She believes if she wins her father, who recently left home with a dental hygienist, will return. Her first step is to learn to twirl a baton, and at her first lesson she meets her competition: Louisiana Elefante (who claims a show-business background) and Beverly Tapinski (who says she is there simply to sabotage the contest).

This is a lovely coming-of-age tale suitable for the middle-school crowd, where three girls with different circumstances form a bond of friendship. Raymie is a bright, curious, determined girl. And she has a relatively stable home life, despite her father’s recent departure. But Louisiana and Beverly have challenges at home that Raymie barely understands. I loved how accepting they all were of one another, and how they supported and helped each other despite their differences. I won’t give away the results of the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, but in the things that matter, they are all winners.

Jenna Lamia does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. I particularly liked how she voiced Louisiana.

On The Edge - Annabeth Albert - (Oregon, a little bit Utah)
Mount Hope Series Book #3
Genera: M/M Romance/Age Gap
5★
There's a 20-year age gap between Jonas and Declan. I always hate that this comes up s a huge problem in almost all romance books, no matter what genera they may fall into. If the couple are both adults what the heck difference should it make to their friends or their family members? Can't anyone just be happy for them and wish them well? Anyway...rant over:) We briefly met Declan in book #2 of this series. in the opening chapter of book 3 he has had a serious accident while competing in a motocross championship, he's left needing help that he's of course unwilling to accept and, after a hospital stay, and a couple of surgeries, he returns to the house that his dad's other best friend Eric owns. While in the hospital, one of his dad's friends that also lives in the house goes to stay at the hospital. Jonas, being a nurse, is helpful in helping the others understand exactly what Declan's condition is and what his chances are of ever retuning to motorcross racing again. At this point the jury is out but there is going to be a LONG recovery time. What starts in the hospital as an unlikely friendship soon turns into something much deeper once Declan can acknowledge his attraction to men, which has had to be pushed aside while he's been competing. Needless to say, Declan has a fair amount of stored up anger and a little repressed homophobia to deal with because he's always been envious of how easy his dad had it when he came out. The story flows at a steady pace throughout, there's no rapid jump from friends to lovers, more a slow burn. Neither of them has a burning desire to go into anything fast so they continue along with what they find gives them a deep, emotional connection. Of course, we know in any of these books that the path of true love never runs smoothly. There are a few hiccups on the way. Both men need to make some important life decisions, but each of them makes them for the right reasons...to better their own lives and their happiness. There are teenagers living in the house also that are a big part of the story the other characters presence sees to only enhance the story rather than taken away anything. They only aid in creating an expanded family all living together in the old house. This #3 book is another beautiful and solid entry in the Mount Hope series. I guess that Eric's happiness is next, and I hope it's with who I think it will be. I'm really anxiously waiting that one.

What Feasts at Night - T. Kingfisher - (Poland)
Sworn Soldier Series Book #2
Genera: Horror
5★
This is a chillingly, creepy story, a part of T. Kingfisher's "Sworn Soldier" series. You really need to read the first one in the series, "What Moves the Dead" before tackling this one. We follow our main character, Alex Easton, who is a gender non-binary soldier with PTSD, a condition from their time on the battlefield. They return back to their family’s hunting lodge, and find that strange deaths are occurring at night, while people are dreaming. It goes on to be a retelling of something called the legend of the “nightmare.” This was only 160 pages but so much horror was crammed into those pages. I'm not usually a big fan of novellas but I really enjoyed this one. T. Kingfisher is always wonderful at giving us creepy and unsettling images to play on our vivid imaginations. I have a friend and a son with PTSD and she handled this subject so very carefully. I was appreciative of that. As with the first book, the story was atmospheric and wonderfully eerie...in short, a really good read. This series mises the wry sense of humor and weird, quirky writing that some of her other books did but overall, a tale that will chill you to the bone. Just what a horror story enthusiast could ask for.

Beyond That, The Sea / Laura Spence-Ash
3 stars

Bea is 11-years old(?) in England during WWII when her parents decide it would be safer to send her away to the United States to live with a family there. Bea stays with Mr and Mrs G, and their two sons Gerald and William. The book continues beyond the war when Bea heads back home, and in the years beyond.

I listened to the audio and it was ok. There were a few times I lost interest, though I think not many. There were a few characters I never quite figured out, though – who are they? I guess I either missed when they were introduced or I heard it, but then forgot. The book is told from multiple points of view.

The Break / Katherena Vermette
4 stars

Emily is only 13-years old. She has a crush on a boy and attends a party he invited her to, but she also doesn’t realize a. what kind of party this is; and b. the boy has a girlfriend… a very jealous girlfriend with a violent streak. Emily ends up in the hospital after a very severe attack, and is surrounded by her extended family as she heals and as the police try to figure out what happened.

This was very good. It’s a very difficult topic, but I liked the writing and thought it was well done. There were a LOT of characters. The first five or six paragraphs were all from different points of view and initially didn’t appear connected. Of course, they were and it was explained, but it was still hard to keep everyone straight and how they were related (many literally) to each other.

This Lovely City – Louise Hare
4****

Lawrie Matthews has come to London from Jamaica to answer England’s call for laborers to help rebuild after World War II. He has rented a tiny room and found a job as a postman, in addition to playing with a jazz band. And he has fallen in love with the girl next door. Evie Coleridge is a naïve sixteen-year-old when she first meets Lawrie, in 1948, but by 1950 when they reconnect, she is ready for a relationship. And then one day, Lawrie makes a horrific discovery, and their world is turned upside down.

Hare’s debut work captured me from beginning to end. There are several twists in the story as we learn a bit about these young people’s background and history, as well as watch their relationship mature. London shortly after the war is still experiencing rationing. And while the Jamaicans who have come to London were invited to come (and are British subjects), they are not necessarily welcomed by all the residents. Prejudice and discrimination are the rule rather than the exception, and things get ugly.

I worried for these two innocents, but I should have had more faith. They are strong and resolute, and never give up hope.

The Chestnut Man - Soren Sveistrup - (Denmark)
Genera: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
4.5★
Possible Trigger: Mutilation
A serial killer in Copenhagen is targeting young mothers as part of a complex scheme that may have ties to the murder of the government minister, Rosa Hartung's 12-year-old daughter, Kristine, a year ago. The homicidal "Chestnut Man", named for the chestnut and matchstick dolls he always leaves behind, is a murderer that not only kills in cold blood but also amputates the hands of the women he abducts...seeming while they are still alive. If you are still reding this, then this might be a story for you. A pair of investigators are reluctantly sent on the case; Naia Thulin, who is a local cop. She's tired of what she calls of "tedious" assignments with the Major Crimes Unit and has her fingers crossed for a promotion to the cybercrime's unit. She's teamed with Mark Hess, an agent on temporary leave from The Hague to serve his penance for some of his "blunders." The big, complicated thing here is the absence of any proof that Kristine, who disappeared, is even dead; and her fingerprints have shown up on one of the chestnut dolls. Everyone hopes that this means that she yet in fact, still alive. The p takes a little bit of time for the story to set itself apart from other thrillers of this genera. What is the intention of the killer leaving the chestnut dolls? The plot here is densely layered... the setting is chilling, and we are given multiple suspects with murderous grudges...all the things to make a perfect murder mystery. it is a page-turner, but it also so contains a level of violence that some readers may find unnerving. On the other hand, it could be promising us at least one sequel.

Snowbody Like You- Ariella Zoelle
Genera: M/M Romance
Suite Dreams Series Book #1
2.5★
It's the story of two guys that met in the airport just before a blizzard strikes their town. Of course, anyone that lives where it snows knows that the best laid plans...and airplanes, are often delayed...and this is what happen to them. Their flight is delayed until the storm is over, and in the meantime, they are marooned together in a luxury hotel suite with a king-sized bed...curtsey of the airline. They had already learned that they had a great deal in common, something that both guys made several references to... so being in the same room, and in the same huge bed, was no big deal...A bit fast...but you do what you have to do. The storm raged and by day two it all begins to feel a bit claustrophobic...but they didn't care by now. The story felt a little like a Hallmark movie. The guys share some strange fascinations during their snowstorm hotel stay, like their height difference, one was tall, and one was short...then there was what they referred to as their “gifts” and their abilities as well as how much the short guy enjoyed those "gifts". It's all initially sweet and charming to begin with, but after a time it became a bit like that extra big piece of cake… there's just so much butter-creme frosting you can take. Romance novels are read by folks for a variety of reasons and none of those reasons are to improve your brain power....so while the sex scenes were at first pretty intense and there were an incredible number of them....no sleeping going on in that airline furnished luxury room... I don't remember the mention of any sleeping. Throw in a few role-play fantasies, some "toys", and a few...I kid you not...drag costumed fantasies! There were enough "scenes" to fill two or three more books. There was also a sub-plot going on about Jude’s straight best friend having been miss treated by a fiancé that had absolutely nothing to do with what was happening and just felt like an add-on to make up word count. There were even some outrageous relatives of the two guys that carried the story along but had no rhyme or reason to be there. As far as the story goes it started out with potential ...but the majority of it took place in the room and there wasn't much happening except in that bed. I've read this author before and loved her books...just not so much this one.

Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands / Kate Beaton
4.5 stars

In 2005, the author Kate finished university with a social science degree and had student loans to pay off. She was from Cape Breton Island (off the coast of Nova Scotia) and there weren’t a lot of good paying jobs there, so she (like many men do) headed to Alberta to work in the oil sands (which I will, going forward, call the tar sands… yes, that’s what environmentalists call it, but after having read “Fire Weather” by John Vaillant, I do feel like it’s a more accurate description), so she could make a lot of money and pay off those loans. Unfortunately, it is a place where the men outnumber women 50 to 1. There was (likely still is) a lot of sexual harassment (and worse) going on, and Kate had to just deal with it. Complaining did nothing.

It’s disheartening to see this is still so prevalent. It reminded me of the “Class Action” book about the woman in Minnesota(?) working in a mine in the 70s and everything she went through (the movie made from the book was called “North Country”). I used the word disheartening; maybe frustrating or enraging are better words. By the time Kate went to Alberta, it had been three decades since that case (or at least when it all happened), and things haven’t changed!? Ugh! Of course, with the way things appear to be (politically) now and how people talk, etc, it seems another two decades probably still haven’t changed much (if at all).

Though that was the main focus of the book, toward the end there was some mention of the environmental impacts to animals and the other Indigenous communities living nearby.

A Chainless Soul by Katherine Frank
4 1/2 ****

A very thorough look at the life of this bright, troubled woman who left the legacy of one of the greatest Victorian stories ever written. While the account of her life does drag in places (she did spend nearly all of her life in and near Haworth), it brings this passionate, strong, smart woman to life.

The story begins with her father, Patrick né Brunty, later Brontë, who grew up in County Down, Northern Ireland, in the late 1700's. He gained his parsonage in Haworth when he was 43, and by all accounts was a dashing, gallant young man who left Ireland to seek his place among the learned clergy of England. He courted and later married Maria Branwell in his mid-30's and their move to Haworth was to be the foundation of their young family.

And really, Emily's life was one of aloneness at a young age, starting with her mother's death soon after moving to Haworth parsonage. Her Aunt Branwell came to stay with the family, but both she and Patrick took to their own, comfortable rooms, leaving the children the coldest bedroom in which to sleep. Love and comfort during these earliest of years was non-existent from the adults, so the remaining sisters and their brother became the foundational family unit.

What Katherine Frank also explains is how Emily's writing, both the Gondal stories she made up with Anne, her poetry, and "Wuthering Heights" grew out of this solitude. She attended boarding school, took up a teaching position with Charlotte to help Charlotte's dream of opening their own school, and even attended a school for young ladies in Brussels for a year. Yet when she was separated from her moors, her kitchen, and her family, she pined and became a shadow of herself. When she was at home, she had her vigorous walks and unlimited time in which to dream and to write.

And because Charlotte had a biography written by Elizabeth Gaskell, much of what we know about Emily comes from Charlotte and her accounts of writing with her sisters, discovering Emily's writing box, and worrying (fretting) over Emily's state of mind when she was separated from her beloved moors. Frank also posits that Emily's obsession with food (she handled nearly all the cooking for the family later in life, as well as denied her body food when she was in locations far from home) might have rendered her a diagnosis as an anorexic in this modern era.

A Crafter Knits a Clue by Holly Quinn
3***

I found this initial installment in a series to be a bit lacking in originality. Perhaps because I had just finished another knitting shop-inspired cozy mystery, the similarities between the two books were very glaring to rate more than 3 stars.

The plus for this book were its originality in the craftsphere: the main character, Samantha ("Sammy") returns to her hometown and takes over her best friend's craft store. So instead of knit shop wars, we have a general craft shop with a separate teaching room, woodworking in addition to knitting, and a town that prides itself on gardening and beautifying for spring. I liked that novel premise, and that Sammy's craft store is a creative hub for all the various groups that create things. Sort of a Maker's Space. Also, Sammy relies on modern platforms and electronic mediums for staying in touch with her customers and staff.

The annoying parts for me were the death of the unlikeable knit shop owner (borrowing a common plotline) and the attitude that Sammy "cops" with the lead detective on the case. Who takes a liking to Sammy but whom Sammy continues to show animosity in their interactions. She's just so disagreeable towards him, I had to wonder why he didn't just turn off and find someone else in the first few pages instead of invite himself over for pizza. As part of his investigation.

Mary - Nat Cassidy - (New York)
Genera: Horror
4★
From the book description
A quiet, middle-aged woman experiences terrifying visions and discovers they're echoes of an infamous serial killer, just as the killings begin again.

This is an original, quirky, fun book that no two readers will experience quite the same. The reading discoveries are exciting and thrilling. Cassidy has a skilled storytelling voice capable of intense, graphic imagery and scary scenes as well as laugh-out-loud humor. Our main character, Mary, has returned to her New York, childhood hometown, though she has very few memories of this home or of her childhood for that matter. Things seem to be strange there, and she begins to hallucinate, she writes things she has no memory of writing...things she doesn’t even understand...and then, people start dying. It all seems connected to a serial killer who’d been captured and executed decades before. The characters are, for the most part, very well-done. The lead character... Mary is for the most part, relatable, though she's not entirely likable. This story is, however, told entirely from her perspective. Figuring her out is a big part of what makes the book interesting. She wasn't my favorite character in the story, but I don't think she was supposed to be. That honor belongs to one of the supporting casts members for reasons I can’t say without giving away the ending. Now we come to the ending itself…that’s where I think the book went a bit "off track" and earned it 4-stars. Up to this point I was really enjoying the book... right up to the ending when I felt like that climax, while not entirely unbelievable, marred the essence of the story in presenting the message too directly. I would still recommend this book to any horror fan, even if I didn't care much for the ending. I imagine ending stories of the horror genera would be difficult.

The Rule of Law - Isla Olsen
Narrator: Kale Williams
The Goode Life Series Book #3
Genera: M/M Romance
3★
George and Lawson are friends that has the entire town betting on if and when they will finally get together. Lawson has had a crush on George for a while and George who always thought of himself as straight, realizes Lawson may be a lot more than just one of his closest friends. I liked the two guys. I liked their times together, going to the fair, meeting at the bar, all the things that people, no matter what sex they each are, just do when they're dating. What I didn't care for and could have absolutely done without was the Facebook like narrations, before each chapter, where the entire town commented on about the two guys. Hey people...it's 100%, NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS! Once maybe would have been tolerable...but before every single chapter??? I love the sound of Kale Williams' voice, and he managed to do well with the voices of each of these busybodies...it was the fact that the entire town felt it was their "God given right" to make any comments in the first place! It was nothing short of annoying. Maybe if I had read the actual book, it wouldn't have bothered me so much. Anyway...George and Lawson were sweet and very much in love and more than worth rooting for. Overall, the story can be described as a steamy short but sweet low angst read.... (except for those annoying nosy town folks). The 3-star rating was me using the gift of generosity). Kale Williams gets 5.

Behold the Dreamers – Imbolo Mbue
Book on CD performed by Prentice Onayemi
4****

Mbue explores the “American Dream” through an immigrant family’s experiences. Jende Jonga comes from Cameroon with his wife, Neni, and his young son. His hope is to provide for his family, to allow his wife to finish school to become a pharmacist, and to give his son the advantages that are not available in their hometown of Limbe, Cameroon. It is 2007, and Jenda has been blessed to land a job as a chauffeur to Clark Edwards, a rising star at Lehman Brothers. Clark demands promptness, professionalism and discretion, and Jende is up to the task. Clark’s wife, Cindy, even employs Neni at their summer home in the Hamptons. So, they are well on their way to the American Dream, saving money, learning the ways of America, hoping for a bright future. And then Lehman Brothers collapses, and the Jongas are desperate to keep their hold on the dream.

What a powerful and insightful look at the immigrant experience. I was particularly impressed by Neni and the strength she showed when push came to shove, and her family’s future was at stake. But cultural expectations, even when far from home, are hard to ignore. Her desire to keep her children in America cannot fully and fairly compete with the ingrained behaviors of their homeland.

Mbue gives us complex characters, fully realized, with all their gifts and faults. At times I sympathized even with the “villains” of the story. Mbue made me think about the complexity of immigration policy. In the end, though, my money is on the Jonga family. They are more than dreamers. They are winners.

Prentice Onayemi does a superb job of narrating the audiobook. I was particularly impressed by how he voiced Jende and Neni.

Loathed Lagan - Nora Phoenix - (Washington)
The Foster Brothers Series Book #3
Genera: M/M Romance
5★
Lagan absolutely despises his law professor, Killian Evans. He sees Killian as being arrogant, snobby, a know-it-all who looks down on anyone who’s not up to his perceived standards. What he doesn't see yet is the Killian that has been badly hurt in the past and now is afraid to give his heart again...and he so very much wants Lagan Foster to have his heart. Killian has already formed misconceptions of Lagan also. He thinks Lagan Foster is a lazy, fly-by-the seat-of-his-pants, C+ student who barely can be bothered to pay attention in class. In this "Hate to Love" story we follow Lagan as his life is about to turn into chaos and when suddenly his world is turned upside down and the person he least expected to stay by his side and be there for him, no question asked, is suddenly without questions being asked..."THERE"...and a bond between them slowly but surely begins to turn from hate to something they both are afraid of taking a chance on.... TRUST. Killian isn't without his secrets. He's hiding a past that nearly broke him, and he's too afraid of any relationship after having been hurt so badly in the past. A past that nearly laid his job, and completely laid his love life, into tattered shreds. So, it was no big surprise that in order to protect himself when Lagan comes along and shakes up that structured life that he has created for himself, he tries to resist with everything he can. Then when an unforeseen event occurs in Lagan's life a few days later, and to Lagan's utter surprise, Killian doesn't hesitate to step in and just "be there" in any way that he can for him. This is another beautifully, emotional story in the Foster Brothers series by Nora Phoenix and it's a story that fans of this author don't want to miss. It's a story about how hate can also turn to love when the right person comes along and shows that love is always worth fighting for no matter how painful it may be. These two men learn that they are much more alike than they first thought. This is a solid "must read" for Nora Phoenix fans. The books should be read in order to see the procession of the brothers found happiness. One more Foster brother to find his happiness...Nordin.

Texas! Sage – Sandra Brown
Digital audiobook read by Colleen Marlo
1*

From the book jacket: Sage Tyler set her mind on a certain lifestyle and level of success, and planned to marry a mild-mannered professional type. But on a visit home, she encounters Harlan Boyd. He possesses a small-town mentality which she disparages, an inlated ego which she finds insufferable, and is amused by her imperiousness. Much to her dismay, Sage falls in love with Harlan.

My reactions
Oh, dear. I love a steamy Texas romance, and Brown delivers the steam. But the plot is ridiculous, and the characters are cardboard cutouts.

The sex was okay, if unrealistic. And I actually liked Harlan Boyd as the “outsider” who wins the girl. I also liked how Sage’s sisters-in-law came to her defense. The Tyler boys are not as in charge as they think they are.

Still, it’s a pretty mediocre book, hot sex notwithstanding. I have read later books by Brown and really liked them, so don’t let this one completely deter you from her work.

How Not to Drown In a Glass of Water – Angie Cruz
3.5*** rounded up

Cara Romero is in her mid-fifties and expected to work the rest of her life in the factory that made “little lamps.” But the Great Recession closed the factory and now she is struggling to find work. Cara tells her life story in a series of sessions with a job counselor.

What an interesting way to tell this story! The reader comes to know Cara through her
monologues, interspersed with copies of job notices, psychological and interest assessments, and forms she has completed.

Here is a woman who has always worked, and whom life has not treated kindly. She has been married to a violent man, has struggled to provide for her child, and was abused by her own mother. Yet she has continued to move forward with perseverance. She has shown kindness, even generosity, to her “found family” in her apartment complex. And yet, she has also managed to turn her only child out, though she desperately wants to reconcile.

There are times when I wanted to laugh at her antics and her odd logic. Yet, I could not help but empathize with her and her situation. And though I often winced at some of her actions, I was cheering her on throughout. I’ve known women like Cara. Women who have been knocked down but who get up and try again. Women who make the best with the cards life has dealt them. Women who express their gratitude, friendship and love through the foods they cook for others. How can I help but love such a woman.

Several of my book club buddies listened to the audio version and they raved about it. I read it in the text version but am considering getting the audio to experience “Cara’s voice.”

The Ballad of Black Tom - Victor Lavalle - (New York)
Genea: Paranormal/Dark Fantasy/Novella
3★
From The Book: A young man delivers an occult book to a sorceress, awakening a deeper realm of magic and earning the attention of dangerous beings.

I like the horror genera as a rule, but this really didn't hold my interest very well. Not that it wasn't well written. Heaven knows, seeing as how I haven't got a " Best Seller" out there, I should be the last to tell an author how to write a book! I just didn't care for the characters or really care what happened to them. We meet Charles Thomas Tester, "Tommy", who lives in Harlem with his father. Tommy does odd jobs to help keep a roof over their heads and food on their table. As the story opens, Tommy is delivering a strange book to an even stranger woman, in a part of town where he clearly doesn't belong and shouldn't be. Tommy is black and the neighborhood he's in is blaringly white. He tries to be inconspicuous, but along with the book he's also carrying a guitar case and wearing bright, easily noticeable clothing, so hiding or "fitting in" is out the window. He's attracted the attention and is now being followed and taunted by two white men who are loudly reminding him of where "his place" is and that place is certainly not in this neighborhood. Tommy knows a little something about the occult and magical things, so he knows what the book he is delivering contains and is what it is capable of. This fact gives Tommy an air of mystery. The author seems to want the reader to wonder, or second guess why Tommy gets involved in this kind of stuff to begin with since he knows what can happen...what a book like this is capable of. He attracts the attention of a man, Robert Suydam, who, "recognizes" something in Tommy. Suydam offers Tommy a large amount of money to play his guitar at a party he is throwing two days later. Tommy goes early to audition for Suydam, and enters a house that is very strange, where things aren't as they appear to be. Tommy is frightened, but there is all that promised money. Tommy is followed by a couple of police officers when he leaves. What Tommy learns is that Suydam is deep into the "mysteries of the Old Ones" and is wanting the book to summon some things that are better left alone. This is a 160-page novella with almost more characters than a 300-page hardcover novel. As I said, this is not in any way a bad story. I'm sure it will be 160 pages of pure fright and delight for a lot of people. I haven't been frightened by anything I've read since my third reading of Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, but overall, this little offering is well worth your reading time IF you are a horror story enthusiast.

Trail of Lightening - Rebecca Roanhorse - (Arizona/New Mexico)
The Sixth World Series Book #1
Genera: Fantasy/Native American Legend
4★
From the book: “Sometimes, the ones we call our heroes are the greatest monsters of all.”

Maggie, (Mags) is a protagonist with some incredible gifts; but she is overwhelmed by guilt. She has a hard time coming to terms with defining exactly "what" she is. Is she a monster or is she just a person who has done terrible things in order to survive? This is mostly the theme of the story, sometimes it's just present in Mag's mind, but it's there none the less. She often wonders if we, as people are nearly always defined by what we do, or is it really possible for us to rise above our pasts? Mags...the heroine or Mags the monster, is our main character, but the story also has some well written supporting characters. There's Grandpa Tah, who as far as I was concerned, could have been the main hero all by himself. He's an old medicine man that has helped and saved Mags in the past when no one else would or could. He thinks of her as an "adopted daughter" and treats her like family. Tah’s grandson, Kai was also an interesting addition. Kai starts out as a charismatic character but further along changes how we feel and think about him as we learn more about him and his motivations. As a child I spent many summers with my cousins in New Mexico and heard many stories of the rich Native American culture, which always fascinated me to no end...so I was really looking forward to this one. It was a well written story but there were a few things that I had minor problems with. Some of the character's interactions were a little confusing, especially at the end. I had hoped that the relationship between Kai and Mags would have progressed a little slower, especially with how reticent Mags was in trusting anyone in the first place. Overall...it's a bit more "fantasy" than I was expecting and which I am not a big fan of...but if you are a fantasy fan or love stories from our Native American's culture...you will probably like this one and others by this author.
2019 LOCUS AWARD WINNER, BEST FIRST NOVEL - 2019 HUGO AWARD FINALIST, BEST NOVEL & Nebula Award Finalist for Best Novel

You Again- Dianna Roman - (Washington)
Men of Olympus Series Book #1
Genera: M/M Romance
5★
This is a fun story. Aiden works with his family in a small town. He identifies as being bi, but most of his relationships have been with women, keep in mind again it IS a small town. Then, Johnny comes to town. With his flamboyant style and snarky personality, he attacks Aiden from the moment he lays eyes on him. Johnny can't believe that Aiden would be interested in anyone like him. Through a series of dating mishaps, they keep getting thrown together in several really funny scenarios. The story is well written and absolutely charming. You won't be able to help falling in love with Aiden and Johnny and they fall in love with each other.

Nestlings- Nat Cassidy - (New York)
Genera: Horror
5★
A couple wins an apartment in a prestigious building, but strange events and Ana's growing paranoia suggest something sinister within its walls.
Nat Cassidy is fast becoming one of my favorite horror writers. His novel, Mary, was good, but Nestlings, is excellent, amazing and so very, very creative! It a new look at how the old vampire trope is presented. I didn't especially care for the character of Ana...until about 3/4 of the book she began to "grow" on me. Nat Cassidy gave Ana, in her wheelchair, perfect literary life. By the end of the story, I was actually rooting for Ana and invested in her finding her safety and happiness. Nat Cassidy has managed to create a book with the same creepy horror factor as Rosemary's Baby" and The Haunting of Hill House, two of my many times read, horror favorites. This story was down-right creepy especially when the new neighbors that moved in next door, promptly blacked out all of their windows. It's a deliciously scary tale and an absolute page turner...even the building had a morbid "personality" all its own. Our apartment winners are going to quickly find out that there is no such thing as a free apartment!! By just reading the description you knew that these folks should turn around, shut the door, and run for their lives! Better yet, burn the place down! I kept thinking "DON"T GO IN" ...but of course, they never listen to me, and they did. As I have already said...none of the characters...Reid, Ana and even baby Charlie were especially; likeable, yet I wondered how they were going to manage...and I really wanted them to get out of the ever-increasing stranglehold they had found themselves in. The vampires & gargoyles were truly, nasty, but yet even they were a bit helpless, just like Ana was, stuck in her wheelchair. Charlie, the year-old baby, was an innocent, and Reid was a wimp. I loved the skeletal bird cover of the book:) Horror fans will eat this one up.

The Measure – Nikki Erlick
Book on CD performed by Julia Whelan
5*****

It begins with a surprise delivery. All over the world, adults receive a box. A seemingly plain wooden box with an inscription: The measure of your life lies within. Inside is a bit of delicate white fabric, under which is a string. The string is a measurement of the recipient’s life. Some people get noticeably longer strings; others receive noticeably short strings. And therein lies the difference.

This is a remarkable debut work of literary fiction. I don’t remember the last time a work of literature made me think so long and hard about my life, my goals, my experiences, my dreams.

Erlick chooses eight recipients who are of different ages and backgrounds. Some open the box immediately; others wait for a while; others never open their box. Some share their news with family or friends. Others keep the knowledge to themselves.

Will knowing your relative fate help you live your best life? Will it hinder you? If you are a “short-stringer” will you be angry enough to take drastic action? If you are a “long-stringer” will you take riskier options given you guaranteed longevity? Can those with short strings find contentment and success? Can those with long strings find compassion for those less fortunate?

Erlick takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster. At the end I’m left wrung out, and ready to go again. I can hardly wait for my F2F book club discussion!

Julia Whelan does a superb job of narrating the audiobook, though I admit to reading at least half of this in text format because I just couldn't stop "reading" and I could hardly spend 24 hours a day riding around in my car to listen. She has a significant number of different characters to interpret and several times there are conversations between two people of the same gender and relative age. Still I was never confused about who was speaking.

>31 BookConcierge:
What a unique concept! No wonder you gave it 5 stars. I'll have to get this one. Thanks for a great review.

Budding Attraction - Saxon James
Divorced Men's Club Series Book #3
Narrator: Nick J. Russo
Genera: M/M Romance
5★
Even though it's a romance, it deals with some heavy topics, mainly grief and moving on after the death of a spouse. However, it does it while managing to be a big warm hug wrapped in several layers of humor and banter. There is so much chemistry between Ford and Orson at times that is not only hot, but also hilarious, and cozy. The relationship just had to work since their communication was also truthful and open. It was really refreshing to see this in a romance with no major drama...at least, not any that lasts… or caused by miscommunications or misunderstandings. These two guys knew how and when to talk to each other and most of all, to listen. Ford is the sweetest guy all wrapped up in a hot, tattooed, mechanic package, and Orson, the florist, has so many hidden surprises beneath his mild-mannered and laid-back demeanor. I've read the first two books in the series before this one and somehow it seems that each one is better than the last. so far, this one is my favorite and Orson and Ford are my favorites. The books can easily be read as standalones. That being said, no matter which order you read them in... they are all amazing.

Sweet Fury / Sash Bischoff
3 stars

Lila is an actress who has come to psychologist Jonah to help unpack some childhood trauma as she embarks on a new movie with her director fiancee, Kurt. The new movie is based on an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, but with a feminist twist. It seems, though, that Lila has more going on than the childhood issues; is Kurt mistreating her, as well? Plus, there are things Jonah hasn’t told Lila about knowing her when they were at Princeton together.

This started very slowly for me. I wasn’t interested in all the movie scenes, nor am I much interested in F. Scott Fitzgerald. I have read “The Great Gatsby”, but nothing else by him and the author tells us early on there are a lot of Fitzgerald references (and Easter eggs). I wasn’t a fan of the writing style. The first bit of the book was a mix of the movie scenes and letters written by Lila to Jonah (as a way to put down her thoughts). Now, it did pick up in the last half or 1/3 of the book or so, and there were some tense moments, but it wasn’t enough to bring my rating up by much (though it did a little). The end was also ambiguous to me; I wasn’t quite sure what happened there, so I didn’t like that, either. Overall, I’m rating it ok, but only for the twists and extra suspense close to the end of the book.

Galileo's Daughter / Dava Sobel
2 stars

(One of) Galileo’s daughters wrote letters to her father, so this includes those letters. She was a nun (as were her other sisters, I think, though one not by choice, I think). Primarily, though, I think this followed Galileo himself more than his daughter.

This is nonfiction, and I listened to the audio (which may explain why I’m not too sure what all happened). It just didn’t hold my interest. I caught bits and pieces of things… Galileo was still religious despite the conflict his science brought to religion; somewhere along the way he was on trial and I think he went to jail? I haven’t read anything else about him, so I’m not sure, and either this book or the audio or both just didn’t interest me enough to pay attention. One word I heard far too many times was the odd pronunciation of Soeur (sounded like “sewer” or “sewar”), so I feel like I heard him say “Sewer” Maria (whatever the rest of her nun name was). That definitely bothered me! (And as I read the summary now, of course, it’s Italian, not French so the word is Suor… so I’m not sure how that should be pronounced.) Anyway, I might be willing to try a different book about Galileo, but this isn’t the one for me.

#1- Set in Iowa

Midnight Assassin - Patricia Bryan & Thomas Wolfe- (Iowa)
Genera: Mystery & Suspense/True Crime
5★
This is based on the case of the little-known but gruesome murder of an Iowa farmer.
The authors, a married couple; Patricia Bryan a law professor at the University of North Carolina; & Thomas Wolf, a writer, have done amazing work opening a previously kept private window on the Hossack family, a mother and a father with nine children, five who were still at home. They lived near the small Iowa town of Indianola. On December 1, 1900. Neighbors knew that their marriage was a troubled one. John, the husband, was often prone to fits of violent rage, and the long-suffering wife, Margaret, had occasionally reached out in desperation for help, but none was forthcoming. On the night in question, she claims to have awakened to find John bloody and wounded by blows to the head. She claimed that an unknown intruder had entered the home and he and John had fought. John dies within hours. The family’s ax, used occasionally to kill the turkeys that the family raised, is presented at the inquest during which Margaret denies there was any serious trouble in the family. She is arrested and the case is soon brought to trial. The authors, mostly through the coverage of the murder and the trial by Iowa journalist Susan Glaspell and told though many printed articles exactly what the life and times of a farm wife at the turn of the century was like. Pre-formed attitudes toward women become a feature for both the prosecution and the defense, inevitably going back eight years to the well celebrated trial of Lizzie Borden, who had been acquitted of the ax murder of her parents in Fall River, Massachusetts. Margaret was convicted by the local jury, but the conviction was overturned on appeal. She was relocated to another Iowa town, but still under what amounted to "house arrest" and at the age 60 she was finally freed, with the jury being hopelessly hung. Questions not voiced at the trial was finally brought to light...was she perhaps protecting one of the children? This added intrigue to one of her neighbor’s casual comments... “When a man don’t like a woman there is lots of things that comes up to make them contrary to each other.” Guilty or innocent??? The jury didn't know although the entire town was rampant with theories...I guess we'll never really know one way or the other. If you like true crime stories you might want to investigate by the printed word, in this small Iowa town.

Nicked Nordin - Nora Phoenix - (Washington)
Foster Brothers Series Book #4
Genera: M/M Romance
5★
"Four young boys stuck in Foster Care, who formed an unbreakable friendship...even changing their last names to "Foster" to seal them the rest of their lives as "brothers of the heart" if not of blood.".
Oh, how I wish Nora Phoenix had created two or three dozen more Foster Brothers and their stories instead of only four. Come on Nora!! I love everything this author creates, and this four-book series is certainly on my top 10 list. This is the last of the brothers for us to hear his story, Nordin was always kind of the leader, and also the most secretive. The others, Jaren, Hadley, and Lagan were always the definition of an "open book"... but not our Nordin. He had made a promise to the three younger boys when they were in the group home, that he would always...no matter what life might threw at them... take care of them...and he’s faithfully kept that promise to the letter. When the youngest brother, Lagan, turned eighteen, the four boys... now all men, had gone to the courthouse and changed their last names to "Foster". They weren’t officially adopted brothers, but brothers in every other way possible, just the same. Then they all moved from Chicago to Seattle, finally leaving their childhoods behind them. Three of Nordin’s brothers have now found their "happy-ever-after's" – Jaren with Reid (book #1), Hadley with Sebastian (book #2), and Lagan with Killian (book #3). Nordin has always been their protector, the one who always made sure they had food, gifts, and other necessities that the group home never provided for them. Now that they have almost all found love, Nordin is a little lost, and a lot lonely. Nordin would like nothing more than to walk away from his "career", which we always knew was a bit questionable, and also find love...or actually be with the man he already loves. Nordin's story starts by going back to 2004, when we see Nordin at 14, doing something for his three brothers. It also shows us a little about how he became a con man, a grifter of sorts. We had already learned that what he did wasn't exactly illegal, but very much, on the line. We were never actually told what it was. We learn more and love Nordin even more with each chapter. Chapter 1 starts in 2008, and the chapters move forward in years until the last one. I usually try to avoid "flashbacks" but, once I started, I just couldn't stop reading. The Nordin we meet here, is now 18 and has aged out of the foster care system. He’s in the CPS office when he sees a hot guy close to his own age who has a black eye. They start to talk and neither wants to stop. Nordin learns that he’s there for the same reason Nordin is, and his name is Tavin. They plan to meet in the park later. Between the CPS office and the park meeting, Nordin has been busy doing his "job". He has managed to "score" suits for them both... some cash...and a hotel room in the Waldorf-Astoria. We already know that none of this was legal, but Nodin is determined to do something "special" with and for Tavin, even if they haven't yet had that first kiss. When it finally happens, they both know this is IT for both of them and they will have a life-long connection. It's the beginning of a true love story that will be fifteen long years in the making.... but so very, very worth waiting for. I guess Nora Phoenix, isn't going to get on with those 20 other books in the series that I wanted, so guess I'll just have to reread these. (sigh). It'll be a tough job, but someone has to do it:)

>32 Carol420: I hope you enjoy it, Carol. It really is a great book!

The Frozen River – Ariel Lawhon
4****

From the book jacket: Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen – one of whom has now been found dead in the ice.

My reactions:
This novel came to my attention because it was a selection for my F2F book club. It took me a while to really get into the story but once I did, I was completely captured by it.

The murder “mystery” is less important really than the characters in this book. I loved Martha Ballard. This is one strong, opinionated, intelligent, empathetic and courageous woman! I loved the way in which she stood up for herself and for others. I also really liked how Lawhon focused this story on a middle-aged woman in a strong and loving marriage.

I am glad, too, that I took the time to read the author’s note at the end. AND READERS … be sure to read it AFTER you have finished the novel, as there will be spoilers in it otherwise. Lawhon based this work of fiction on a real woman – Martha Ballard, who was a midwife in 18th century Maine, and who kept meticulous journals / diaries throughout her life. What a treasure-trove of information and insight those materials were for the author!

My read books for January:

❄️Anything That Moves by Dana Goodyear (3/5) Setting: mostly Los Angeles, California, with brief visits to New York City, New York and Las Vegas, Nevada.
❄️Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett (5/5) Setting: Begins in Cambridge, England and then we go on a globe trotting adventure with stops at Austria, Ireland, Russia, and of course the Otherlands (the world of fairy).
❄️Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells (4/5) Setting: Space!
❄️Running out of Time by Suzanne Trauth (4/5) Setting: New Jersey
❄️Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire (4/5) Setting: we begin at a boarding school in the real world and then set off on a grand fantasy adventure through The Halls of the Dead and end up in a world entirely made of candy called Confection.
❄️The Wisdom of Sheep by Rosamund Young (4/5) Setting: Worcestershire, United Kingdom
❄️Lone Women by Victor LaValle (4/5) Setting: Big Sandy, Montana

Anything that Moves by Dana Goodyear (3/5)
Setting: mostly Los Angeles, California, with brief visits to New York City, New York and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Brief description: This book is about the author's deep dive into the exclusive, seedy, and strange parts of American foodie culture. It contains some historical information but is mostly focused on contemporary foodie culture, though it did feel a bit dated being published in 2013.

My thoughts: I thought I could consider myself an adventurous eater, but after reading this book I don't think I can. I used to love to watch Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern and I thought this would be along those same lines. When watching Bizarre Foods I would often think to myself, "I'm not going to seek that out, but if I had the opportunity to try that, I would." Not so with most of the things in this book. Many of the foods described in this book skirt ethical and safety lines that I wouldn't dare. Things like eating endangered animals and drinking raw milk turned my stomach in a way I didn't anticipate. I was very intrigued by the chapter about eating insects though. As always with books about food, I wish there were pictures! The book ended with a gorge rise, fade to black which I thought was hilarious.

>6 Carol420: I recently saw Baby Teeth listed in a book I got for Christmas called 101 Horror Books to Read Before You're Murdered. Thanks for your review! It sounds really creepy. It's definitely going on my list.

>10 BookConcierge: A middle-grade book with Little Miss Central Florida?! I simply must read this. (Hello there, I'm a librarian in Central Florida.)

>12 Carol420: T. Kingfisher is one of my favorite authors! I haven't read this one yet, but I loved the first one in this series!

>42 JessyHere: I discovered T. Kingfisher a few years ago and really enjoy those creepy books.

Counting Miracles - Nicholas Sparks - (North Carolina)
Genera: Contemporary Romance
5★
A man raised by his grandparents goes on a journey to find his biological father and meets a single mother with a story to tell.
This story can best be described as a heart-tugging, and nostalgic tale that takes us into the life of Tanner Hughes, who is a former Army Ranger who, after caring for his grandmother, finally learns who his biological father is, He then travels to Asheboro, North Carolina, to try an learn a little more about his parentage and perhaps find a place he can finally call home. My mother loved Nichols Spark's writing. She always called it heart-warming and sentimental...and she was absolutely right. His characters are the type that simply flow from the page. They're always multilayered, independent, strong...sometimes head-strong, but usually always kind. The plot of this simple story is simply charming and so full of life, love, loss, grief, heartache, healing, intrigue, friendship, self-discovery and, of course...romance. Fans of this author will call it is another hopeful, tender, immersive tale by Nicholas Sparks that reminds us that life is complicated, sometimes messy, occasionally challenging, way too short, and even heartbreaking, but filled with wonderful things, lovely times, and those special and often brief moments that happen in-between. If you are already a Nicholas Sparks fan, then you will recognize this work as being Nicholas Sparks at his very best. If you have never read this wonderful author or if you want a book that that will make you feel almost every human emotion possible...then this is your book.

Food Pets Die For / Ann N. Martin
4 stars

This is the third edition. The author is looking at commercial pet food diets, what’s in them, the animals testing, all kinds of other crazy things the pet food companies do for profits (potentially at the expense of people’s pets, and certainly at the expense of animals who are used for testing). The author advocates for people making their pets’ food from human-grade foods.

I knew of some of these things, but there are horrifying things going on, particularly the animal experiments. I will add that this book (I don’t think there is a newer edition) is from 2008, but I’d be surprised of many of these practices have changed. The author is Canadian, and looks mostly at pet food in Canada and the US.

There is a good chunk of detail explaining what many of the ingredients you see on packaging actually mean. For this reason, I feel like this is a good book to have as a reference (I borrowed a library copy). It’s hard to keep all the ingredients straight. Pets that were euthanized, but not cremated, are likely in most of these foods… this includes the drug used to euthanize those pets ending up in these foods. Also dead livestock, roadkill, and zoo animals. These are all sent to rendering plants that grind and mix them up, then send them to pet food companies to use in pet food.

The drug companies do awful tests on animals for useless purposes (some, actually useless, while other testing is likely done to find the cheapest things they can add to the food to make more money). I’d already read this, but vets are rarely taught about nutrition except in elective courses, and even then, those courses are taught by the pet food companies themselves. Regulations are pretty much nonexistent, and what regulations there are, are mostly voluntary.

Despite the author preferring a home-made diet for pets (and she includes all kinds of nutrition information that needs to be included (for cats and dogs), as well as recipes), she also mentions a few of the companies that she thinks are better than others (at least back in 2008).

There is a lot of repetition in the book, but I just assumed that was in case someone read the chapters out of order (that is, if they were reading a certain chapter on a certain topic, then maybe later (or not) came to read a different chapter on a different topic).

Until You Say Otherwise - Kate Hawthorne
Lonely Hearts Series Book #4
Genera: M/M Romance/Heavy BDSM
5★
Richard is a man who is growing older... (36 HA!), and he's tired of the "one-night stands". He has been comfortable in his lifestyle for so long that he is not sure if he can completely change it, but he is at the point that he feels he really needs to try. He's working on recovering from the death of his brother who was the long-time partner of his best friend, Christopher. I felt sorry for...but admired Sam for how he handled his previous unhealthy home life. He has left it all behind for a new start, even if he is still living in his car and trying to get a job in order to be self-sufficient. The one thing that is holding him back is the lack of an address for the job applications. One "out in left field" idea from Sam along with a chance meet-up with Richard, is what starts these two guys on a journey that will change both of their lives, for the better. The title sums up how their relationship worked. Richard told Sam that anything that they agree to do together, in their relationship as a couple, or in their BDSM activities would ALWAYS be consensual, "Until You Say Otherwise"...then everything STOPS! This book really had it all. It's kinky, sweet, emotional, kinky, sexy, kinky.... hold on...did I mention it was kinky? :) BDSM scenes are throughout the greatest part of the book...some I thought were a lot more on the dangerous side than the sexy side, but my friend who's into the "lifestyle" assured me that they were actually fairly tame. Okay...that alone is more than a little scary...so quiet obviously this book will diffidently NOT...I repeat NOT, be for everyone, even those of us that read M/M Romances...or for the "faint of heart". The rest of you read on and enjoy...that is..."Until You Say Otherwise." (I just had to work that phrase in... again:)

Just Bromantically Invested - Saxson James - (Washington)
Accidental Love Series Book #4
Genera: M/M Romance/Friends to Lovers
Narrator: Teddy Hamilton
4.5★
Madden & Penn have been best friends for a long time who have always been there for each other. Madden is self-aware that some of his lifestyle choices aren't for everyone and decides to step away and help build a place where his lifestyle is accepted. Penn has always been close to Madden, and when he feels him pulling away, he realizes something new about himself. Penn is aware he has a codependency issue, yet he doesn't communicate them enough with Madden, which in turn hurts him. When these two do communicate, it works when they don't. I at times wanted to strangle them and tell them "Hey guy you've been best friends for a reason...so act like it". Madden is learning to step back and think about the things that are important to him. He's beginning to realize how much his dynamics affect all the relationships in his life. It was great to see him become aware and make better progress on many different aspects of his life...and finally find the one true love that was there all the time.

A Slow Fire Burning – Paula Hawkins
Book on CD read by Rosamund Pike.
3***

If you like unreliable narrators, this is the book for you. Hawkins gives us not one, not two, but a plethora of unreliable narrators to tell this twisty tale of dysfunctional families and murder.

It begins when Miriam, a middle-aged woman living aboard a narrowboat on an English canal, discovers the body of a young man on a neighboring boat. For her own reasons, she takes a piece of evidence from the scene before calling the police. Then there is Laura, a disturbed young woman, suffering from traumatic brain injury as a result of a hit-and-run accident when she was ten. Laura has anger management and impulse control issues, and had engaged in a one-night stand with the deceased. The victim’s aunt, Carla, and her husband, Theo, are seemingly successful; he’s a writer of a best-seller, though apparently suffering writer’s block. She’s been secretly visiting with Daniel aboard his boat, feeling guilty about the death of Daniel’s mother, her sister a short time before Daniel was murdered. And finally, we have Irene, an elderly woman whom Laura has befriended and who was friends with Carla’s late sister. Irene seems to be showing some early signs of diminished memory and occasionally seems quite confused.

Hawkins changes points of view among these various characters, giving us clues to their background, their relationship with the deceased and with each other, and keeping the reader (as well as the police) off balance.

It’s not great literature, but it certainly held my attention.

Rosamund Pike does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. She has a lot of characters to deal with, most of them female, and she was up to the task.

Benazir Bhutto: Favored Daughter / Brooke Allen
3.5 stars

Benazir Bhutto was the first female prime minister of Pakistan in 1988 (she was also the youngest at 34-years old). Her father had been prime minister earlier on before the country was taken over by the head of the military. Her father was a socialist and believed in democracy. He made sure his children were well-educated in the US and England. Benazir was attractive and charismatic. When she was elected, she promised health care, education, and more housing.

But underneath it all, Benazir herself wasn’t really democratic nor socialist, despite her adoration of her father and being groomed by him to become a politician. With her feudal family background, she felt she had a God-given right to rule as she wished. She and another party leader switched leading Pakistan throughout the 1990s, but Benazir and her husband were actually quite corrupt and stole/skimmed a lot of money from Pakistan. She was later arrested and forced into exile. But she came back to devastating results (for herself): she was assassinated in 2007.

I’ve left out quite a bit and there is a lot of detail in this short book (it’s under 200 pages). The history of Pakistan is not something I know much about, so I feel like I learned a lot, but there was also so much information that it was also hard to take it all in. It is a good book; I do feel if I’d already known more about Pakistan, I might have been able to absorb even more.

>48 BookConcierge: Ooooh, this sounds like something I'd like!

Rolling In The Deep - Mira Grant - (California -The Mariana Trench)
Genera: Horror /Fantasy
5★
We are going to board the SS Atargatis and head for the Mariana Trench to search of mermaids. We know from the beginning of this novella that this voyage will not end well. Once n board, instead of the documentary about mermaids that we are expecting, we are handed an excerpt from a documentary about “Modern Ghost Ships: and guess which ship is one that document...yep...The Atargatis.” We learn that the Atargatis and all its passengers and crew were lost at sea... or, at least, we are wanted to think they did. But guess what?? We learn that no one has ever again seen any of the scientists, the crew, or the actors that set sail on that ship. The story then takes us back to 2015, when an unlikely set of people are gathering on the Atargatis. Captain Jovanie Seghers knows she’s going to have her hands full dealing with idiot television 'stars" that are worried about getting the right light than anything else. Then there's the "prima donna" scientists, and a troop of "mermaids": not the real thing...just women who wear tails and swim around in the water as a means of making a dollar. We do learn a great deal about oceanic science though along with some more interesting info about the "merfolk". No one on board really believes that there is the slightest chance that the scientists or anyone else will see mermaids, but everyone thinks it will be fun to play along. Once the cruise gets underway, things quickly turn strange. An early probe returns with blood instead of water, and it's found that it shares the characteristics of mammalian blood along with fish blood. Then things take a turn for the worse...a crewman disappears, and one of the studio's "mermaids" doesn’t return from a deep-water dive.... and that's only the beginning. It’s fun to see the author's imagination at work as she gives her mermaids life and puts them into action. The horror of the tale was never lessened. The empty ship was eventually found floating empty 200 miles away from where it last reported in. The immediate investigation does nothing to solve or cast light on the mystery or tracking down the source of the strange lights in the water or the odd noises heard at night. Questions arise, such as what if these "creatures" get the idea that the land is just good a source of food for them as the sea is a for humans? And that chill you felt as the book ends???...could that have been a drop of seawater?

The Children Act
Ian McEwan
4/5 stars
Wonderful book about Fiona Maye, a judge who has to decide a case of whether or not a young man who is sick should decide his fate of living or dying. Books Off My Reading List

Artistic License – Julie Hyzy
3***

Adapted from the book jacket: Two months ago, Annie Callaghan made a mistake. She thought she’d planned for every contingency. After five years in a bad marriage she filed for divorce, began to pursue her dreams of being a full-time artist, and quit her job to work for herself. Now, well on her way to a brand-new start with her fledgling mural painting business and her handsome new client, life finally holds promise again. But, now she is in the center of a maelstrom of intrigue involving a stolen masterpiece, a powerful lawyer with questionable connections, and a murder for which she’s the prime suspect.

My reactions
I came to know Hyzy through her White House Chef cozy mystery series. A challenge to read an author’s debut work had me looking back at a number of favorite author’s first works, which is how I came across this one.

I liked Annie Callaghan, though I wanted to slap her several times for her poor decision-making. I also really liked her new love interest, a stand-up guy who is mature and steady and genuinely concerned about her. The other characters, including the detective, seemed a little too cookie-cutter and/or straight out of central casting. The lawyer’s wife was a stereotypical bimbo, her kids were complete brats, the bodyguard and lawyer came from every bad Mafia movie, and her ex-husband and his best friend (the complete loser, Pete) had disaster written all over them.

Don’t misunderstand, though. I got hooked on the storyline and was entertained by the entire book. It was a quick, fast read that didn’t require much thinking. Perfect for an escape from all the stuff that’s going on in real life right now.

Eyes Only For Me - Andrew Grey - (Pennsylvania)
Eyes of Love Series Book #1
Genera: M/M Romance/Friends to Lovers
5★
Andrew Grey's has long time been one of my favorite authors. His "newsletter" is one of the few that I have ever signed up to receive. He always has such sweet, lovely comments about his husband, Dominic, and he has dedicated this book, to him. Andrew Grey had me hooked with the first book I read by him, Fire and Sand... book #1 in his Carlisle Troopers Series. I have read that series more than once. This one, Eyes Only For Me has also taken a place on my "read this again" list. I'm not sure if it was the element of taboo of "friends to lover's" or that I just liked the "Ronnie" character so much. He was simply amazing. I think Clay was supposed to be the guy we first fell for in their budding relationship...and he did start out as my favorite... but he lost "relationship points" with me over some of his actions regarding Ronnie later on in the story. He and Clay seemed destined to be together, but it was not always an easy thing for either of them. Clay Potter is secretly in love with his "Bestie", Ronnie, but he thinks he has to keep his feeling hidden...after all, everyone knows that Ronnie likes women...actually it appears that Ronnie likes EVERY woman...that is until Clay's father has a health setback, and Ronnie and Clay spend time together at the hospital. Ronnie realized that he never felt totally complete until Clay was there. Together they are dynamic, and they make this one a fun and steamy read. Outside the bedroom Clay was the quit one; always reserved and relaxed; but not inside the bedroom. Ronnie is Clay's polar opposite. Outside the bedroom he was brash, shameless and always having fun. Their interactions with one another showed that they were definitely made for each other...but the question also hung in the air...could Ronnie and Clay make the transition from friends to lovers or will their feelings for each other complicate things too much and destroy their friendship? I'll give you a hint..."Happy Ever After". Another great Andrew Grey offering.

Taste – Stanley Tucci
Book on CD read by the author
4****

Subtitle: My Life Through Food

This a delightful memoir of Tucci’s life, told through his relationship with food. From growing up in an Italian-American family, to his travels around the world for his work as an actor / director / writer /producer, he relates the important foods and memorable meals of his life.

At times irreverent, even downright profane, Tucci does not hold back in expressing his love of certain dishes, restaurants and traditions. The love/hate relationship with the traditional Christmas timpano is a perfect example. He also shares quite a bit about his life, including the two women he has loved and his own bout with cancer.

He writing is warm, inviting, informative, funny, and charming.

Tucci narrates the audiobook himself. I cannot imagine anyone else doing a better job.

I Found You - Lisa Jewell - (England)
Genera: Mystery & Suspense
4.5★
A single mom finds a man on the beach outside her house with no name, no jacket, and no idea how he got there. "“His passport is fake, Mrs. Monrose. There is no Carl John Robert Monrose".
A man, with no memory of who he is or where he came from, is found on the beach by a single mother. She feels sorry for him and invites him into her home, which we knew to begin with was a terrible... awful... and the "badest" of bad ideas. In the meantime, across the country, a young newlywed woman is frantic when her husband doesn't come home from work. We are given the story by three different viewpoints which at times becomes a little confusing, but the reader needed to hear all the voices in order to solve this mystery...yeah, right. Don't plan on solving anything any time soon. You think "AH HA...I know who the man with no memory is"...but of course... you don't. That would be way too easy, and this story is nothing even close to resembling easy. just wait until you find out who this man really is, and how the 3 viewpoints collide into one unforgettable climax that will heart break your heart in the end. There were so many twists and turns in this tale, and they wrap you up and hook you quickly. The characters are well done and interesting. It will take no time at all for you to find yourself actually caring about them. A beautifully written story.

The Flirty Vet - Casey Cox - (Australia)
Boys Down Under Series Book #1
Narrator: Rupert Channing
Genera: M/M Romance
4★
What happens when an up-tight New Yorker meets a flighty Aussie vet?
Wilby was an out and proud Australian that had not one ounce of shame about who he was or who he loved. He's also a veterinarian with a love of karaoke and flying and of course, animals. He's a bit wild, crazy, and flirty... but in a good way. He has many friendships and great colleagues, that makes him a pleasure to get to know, and Col diffidently wants to know him a lot better. Col on the other hand is more reserved, and anxious...especially when it comes to flying...so someone thought it a brilliant idea to send the poor guy to Australia...FROM NEW YORK no less!! He's also not very outgoing, actually he's way too serious most of the time. In spite of all this, he's a good reliable guy with a great big heart. I really liked him... and so did Wilby. Col would do anything for Wilby, including flying all over Australia when the need occurred. Wilby had a mixed-up family, and because of the way the family long ago wrote the land deed, they are now in danger of losing their home and land. It seemed their only choices are either pay millions of dollars...which they don't have...or forfeit the land. Wilby's vet hospital, his lively hood, sits on that land...and guess who has been flown half-way around the world to work out a payment plan? You guessed it...Col, who is now head over heels in love with Wilby. Wilby learns that Col is the guy the company has sent to collect either payment...money or land. But now that he sees what that land means to Wilby and his mixed-up, super sweet, family, so he works to find a way for the land to remain with the family...but Wilby is angry and won't listen to him...at least not at first. I didn't quite understand what it was that "worked" in the deal that Col came up with and what didn't but let's just say more DID than DIDN'T. Col and Wilby made a great couple and I'm looking forward to meeting them again in the next book.

Second Chance Grill– Christine Nolfi
2.5** rounded up

From the book jacket: Dr Mary Chance needs a sabbatical from medicine to grieve the loss of her closest friend. But, when she inherits a struggling restaurant in Liberty, Ohio, she isn’t prepared for Blossom Perini. Mary can’t resist falling for the precocious preteen – or the girl’s father.

My reactions
Perfect light romance for the days when I was laid low by a virus. Some of the characters are a bit too over-the-top eccentric to ring true, but it’s clear that Liberty is a community that comes together when one of its residents needs support.

The plot is both typical and unrealistic (think Hallmark movie), but it fit a couple of challenges, and kept me entertained. Glad to get this one off the tbr.

Rock Paper Scissors / Alice Feeney
4 stars

Amelia and Adam have been having trouble in their marriage. When Amelia wins a trip at work to head to Scotland to stay in an old isolated church, she jumps at the chance, hoping the two of them can start to repair their marriage. They drive through a snowstorm to get there and the church is locked. It’s cold, and dark, and they were lucky to not be killed on the drive, due to the road conditions. There are creepy things happening all around. Meanwhile, Robin lives in a small cottage nearby. Robin is a hermit and rarely goes into town. Amelia and Adam don’t know she’s there, but she is keeping a very close eye on the two of them.

We read the story from the viewpoints of all three characters. In addition, we back up in time to read letters written to Adam on their anniversary every year and we can see where things have been going wrong. There were definitely creepy bits and there were a few twists at the end; I don’t think I saw any of them coming.

A Sea of Unspoken Things - Adrienne Young
Genera: Mystery & Suspense
4★
The story has a lot going on to easily hold the reader's attention. The characters all have a very complex relationships that gives you the motivation to keep reading. James’ connection with her twin Johnny, is sometimes a bit "disturbing". James was, in my opinion, too overly protective, and I really didn't like how she babied Johnny. That said, her grief was certainly "real", and a great deal of the story’s emotion was the result of this. If you add in the romantic history between James and Micah...that brought another layer of heartache...especially when we learn the secret Micah shared with the twins when they were teenagers, that was tied to a traumatic incident. that could have been a story by itself. While the mystery of Johnny’s death is the story's main theme, complete with clues and revelations that gradually unravel creating an air of suspense, the story was often weighed down by unnecessary distractions...the incident involving James, Johnny, and Micah as teenagers...that was interesting but really didn't have much impact on the overall storyline...nor was it all that significant or surprising. Now about the "tease" that there was a supernatural element that I suppose was to lead readers to believe there might have been a psychic connection between James and Johnny. Didn't happen...It was never there. Nothing resembling anything "supernatural" took place..."strange" maybe...unusual...but never actually supernatural. In the end it felt like a half-formed and unnecessary marketing effort, adding little or nothing to the plot. The story as it was carried itself well...thus the 4-star rating...but let's not tack on something that never appears in the story.

Off Balance - Brigham Vaughn - (Georgia)
Peachtree Series Book #1
Genera: M/M Romance/Age Gap
5★
Russell Bishop is a rising star at Vantage Marketing. Stephen Parker is the company’s CFO. A spilled cup of coffee gives them an opportunity to act on the mutual attraction they’ve both been trying to ignore.
Stephen Parker is a sexy "silver fox". He’s more than financially secure. All he wants or needs now is the right guy to enjoy the fruits of his hard work. He thought he had that at one time...but a traffic accident took from him his lover...his heart...and his dreams. Enter Russell Bishop. He's young, 27...still climbing the corporate ladder, and his education expenses has put him in massive debt. A slip and fall that Stephen unintentionally caused with his spilled cup of coffee is the catalyst that may restart his hopes and dreams, in spite of the 20-year age difference that does make for some serious conflict. One man has “been there and done that,” but the other man has to still experience the “been there and done that.” Russ's sprained ankle on Stephen's spiled coffee gives them an unexpected opportunity to get to know one another when Stephen offers Russ to stay at his house while it heals and not have to climb the steep four flights of stairs to his low-budget apartment. That says a great deal about the type of person Stephen is. They "connect" in all the important ways. Stephen wants to spend money on Russ...a new suit to replace the coffee covered one...but above all he wants to 'provide" a life that Russ is hesitant to accept. Actually, he's very vocal about NOT accepting it. I thought that the social differences were much more of a problem for them than the 20-year age difference. Brigham Vaughn does an excellent job of portraying what could be called the "same fight,” because the “same fight” was going to happen until they find their common ground. This “same fight” is what makes or breaks many fictional as well as real-life relationships. It’s usually the “same fight” that either leads to divorce or allows folks to overcome the hurdle. So, for these two to tackle that problem head-on so early said a lot about them and their commitment to each other. The book spans about five months but they accomplished what sometimes takes a good five years or more. This is not a slow burn romance. Things move quickly...but so very well. Overall...this is a nice enjoyable read by an author that is quickly becoming another of my favorites.

The Warsaw Protocol - Steve Berry - (Poland, Belgium)
Cotton Malone series Book #15 (Group read for Mystery & Suspense group)
Genera: Mystery & Suspense Thriller
4★
One by one the seven precious relics of the Arma Christi, the weapons of Christ, are disappearing from sanctuaries across the world.
We have something for almost everyone here. Holy relics, a salt mine, and loads of treachery, all together in this 15th book in the long-running, Cotton Malone series. A former lawyer and American intelligence officer, Cotton Malone is now a bookseller who goes to Bruges, Belgium, for an antiquarian book fair. He’s hired by his former boss to steal the Holy Lance, one of the seven “weapons of Christ,” or "Arma Christi". That is the price of admission to a secret auction, in which various countries will bid on compromising information about Poland’s President, Janusz Czajkowski. The point? That was sometimes a bit difficult to figure out. Czajkowski is an honorable man who will not allow the U.S. to build a missile system on Polish soil, and the EU and NATO-hating U.S. President Fox is one of several people who want the Polish leader out of the way at all costs. I loved this quote which I have come to believe many of today's politicians are guilty of making it their very own today... “If I wanted a conscience, I’d buy one,” President Fox says. Very close attention will have to be paid to figure out the meaning of Czajkowski’s "Warsaw Protocol" because the author hardly ever brings it home. Nevertheless, the story is fun regardless, especially with characters like the very smart and unusually resourceful, Cotton Malone along with the Polish foreign intelligence officer, Sonia Draga, who is "a human fortress that is never conquered.” The complex plot leads to a magnificent Polish salt mine, a real place, by the way, that’s deep in the ground with nine layers, and hundreds of miles of tunnels, and brine lakes that people can’t sink in, and draws lots of tourists. Steve Berry builds suspense, allowing his readers to anticipate the violence that eventually comes. To a great extent, the novel is a wonderfully detailed homage to Poland, its culture, and its ability to survive so many invasions over the centuries. The connection between Arma Christi and an unwanted American missile system feels a wee bit "iffy", but fans of this series won't care. Overall, it's an enjoyable read, and fans of the series and Steve Berry won’t at all be disappointed.

Moon of the Crusted Snow / Waubgeshig Rice
3.5 stars

When a remote northern Indigenous community loses all power and cell service, no one is quite sure why, but this happens sometimes, just not usually at the same time. But when this continues for a while, the community decides they need to figure out what to do to make it through the winter in case is doesn’t come back. When two young boys from the community return from the city in the south on snowmobiles, they learn that things are just as bad in the city and it’s getting worse. At least many of the Indigenous peoples can hunt and fish. Soon, a large white man appears asking for a place to stay; he has followed the tracks of the boys’ skidoos to get there. People aren’t sure if they can trust this guy, but they allow him to stay.

I listened to the audio. It occurred to me that Indigenous people (at least those who learned to hunt and fish and to do other traditional things might be in a better position than many (certainly us city folk) to withstand hardships like this). Of course, even so, not everyone fares well. It was actually a pretty slow moving book, but there were moments of tension. I am willing to give the sequel a try, as well.

Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead - Jenny Hollander - (New York)
Genera: Mystery & Suspense/Psychological Thriller
4.5★
She has everything to live for---and everything to hide. An event that took place ten years ago still plagues Charlie.
Charlotte, (Charlie) struggles to remember exactly what actually did happen that night. She knows she was a survivor of what was called “Scarlet Christmas” by the media because it involved the deaths of several graduate students at Carroll University School of Journalism where Charlie was a student. Charlie has attempted to repress the memories of what happened and get on with her life. So much for the past...now we are brought forward to the present. We aren't actually "present" for the murders, but we learn about them through the media coverage and Charlie’s sessions with her therapist. Charlie has an incredible life in the present day, at least on the surface… a Londoner living in New York, Charlie is the editor-in-chief of "C", which is a popular women’s magazine linked to a large newspaper. She is also engaged to a man; Tripp, who is handsome, richer than Midas...the heir to a publishing magnate. More importantly, Tripp is kind, and he dearly loves Charlie. Charlie starts to receive email from a former classmate saying that one of their cohorts is producing a movie based on the events of that night long ago, Charlie spirals. She has worked hard to repress memories from that night. She may now have no choice but to relive that night, but she does everything she can possibly do to stop the movie from portraying the "truth" of that night. And by this point in the story, you will absolutely want to know the truth. Other readers have disagreed about that...but I think it differs with every book, depending on the reader. The main complaint is not the reliving the night of the murders but the ending. I actually liked the ending and how it all came together. The epilogue answered some of those lingering questions that are always present in psychological thrillers where we are left to wonder what happened to some the characters that you had started to know, and either loved or hated, over the course of a book?” This is a story of repression, survivor’s guilt, and the power and happiness that can come from revealing our worst parts of ourselves in order to heal and move forward. Not everyone will like or agree with some parts of this, but fans of mysteries and psychological thrillers may want to give this one a second look.

The Tropic of Serpents – Marie Brennan
Digital audiobook narrated by Kate Reading.
3.5***

Book two in the “Memoirs of Lady Trent” alternate history / fantasy series. It is written as a memoir by the elderly Isabella Camherst, recalling her youth and adventures as a natural historian specializing in dragons.

Brennan has created a world that somewhat resembles Victorian-era England (Skirland in the book) and its colonies on the continent of Africa (Eriga in the book). This episode of Lady Trent’s “memoirs” takes place some three years after the first book. Defying her family, she embarks on a study the dragons of Eriga, accompanied by Natalie, the expedition sponsor’s granddaughter, and Thomas, a dragon scholar she met on an earlier adventure. Her family was right to object; the trio have all sorts of dangerous adventures, some due to the rugged terrain (jungle, savannah and swamp) and wild animals (including dragons), others due to human interactions.

I like how Brennan has framed these books as Isabella’s memoirs. As such, she is a woman looking back on her youth, able to point out her mistakes in hindsight, but relaying them, nonetheless. She has a wonderfully sarcastic tone to her storytelling and is not above some self-deprecating comments.

Isabella is a wonderful heroine. She’s intelligent, intrepid, confident, tenacious, resilient and courageous. I do wish that Natalie had had a bigger role. It seemed she was completely forgotten in some segments of the book, though she certainly played a key role in one fantastic episode near the end. I also really appreciated how Brennan wove in some political issues involving colonialism, economics, the cultures of different indigenous groups, and the devastation of fragile ecological systems in the name of “progress.”

Kate Reading does a marvelous job of performing the audiobook. She has quite a variety of different “languages” and cultures (all invented by Brennan) to interpret in addition to the “Skirlings,” and she is up to the task.

Oh No He Didn’t: Brilliant Women... / Wendy Murphy
3.5 stars

This is a collection of essays highlighting different women in history (mostly the 19th and 20th centuries, but at least one earlier than that) who were inventors, scientists, architects, artists, and more, but had their work “stolen” by men, and the men got the credit (and often, the men were awarded prestigious prizes for that work, including a number of Nobel prizes).

This was good. The stories/essays were short, so it’s hard to remember them all. There was biographical information included about the women, as well. And, sadly, a few women whose husbands took advantage and took credit for their wives ideas/inventions/art/etc. (some of those marriages also ended later). A couple of memorable ones for me was who invented Monopoly and the discovery of two-strand DNA. There were also chapteres on Einstein and his wife, Mileva, as well and F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda.

Always Eli - Charlie Novak
Forever Love Series Book #1
Genera: M/M Romance/Drag Queen
3.5★
You just have to love Eli. He was irreverent, he was brash...but he was simply, wonderful. Tristan was perfect for Eli. He was quiet, mature and just submissive enough to receive all that Eli and his "drag-queen" persona could throw at him. There is the added "wrinkle" of Eli and Richard's strained, on again-off again relationship that added the right amount of angst to the story without going overboard. I hate romance stories of any genera that the couple spends more than half the book being apart or "working" out their relationship instead of just getting on with it and actually having one. The story is well paced, very sweet, hot and steamy, and even capable of producing a laugh at times. If you have read any of the "Roll For Love" series, you will recognize several cameos from that series and see a hint of more books to come for Eli's siblings. Also, Mom, Dad and Paul are back again and sharing their family and wisdom...which we probably don't want to take too much to heart:)

Sulfur Springs - William Kent Krueger - (Arizona/Mexico)
Cork O'Connor Series Book #16
Genera: Mystery & Suspense/Thriller
4★
A man is missing, and his mother and stepfather go looking for him in Arizona, where he was last known to be.
Cork and Rainy Bisonette are newly married when she gets a voicemail from her son, Peter, saying that he thinks he's in trouble. Numerous attempts to return his call are unsuccessful, so Cork and Rainy travel to Arizona hoping to learn what has happened. It seems that Peter has been hiding things from his mother...like the fact that he was no longer employed at the rehabilitation facility where he had once gone for help with his drug addiction. Some folks tell them that Peter was using again, while others say that that isn't true. Cork and Rainy soon learn that there is no one in Coronado County that they can really trust. There are several drug cartels, border patrol and DEA agents, illegal immigrants, crooked law enforcement officers, as well as all types of human interest and vigilante groups. In the desert of Arizona, we learn more about Rainy’s past and that she has kept some important secrets from Cork. The desert of Arizona is a different setting from the usual one of Minnesota. We are introduced to several new characters, some are likable, others not so much. The plot is s always with this series, well-paced and will keep you guessing until almost the end. There is one thing that kept me from giving these one five stars. The author felt the need to interject his what appears to be his own political views which had nothing really to offer to the story. Everyone has a right to think whatever they want about our "situation" ...but please, our books that we read for the pleasure of reading, doesn't need comments from either side of the fence. Overall...the story itself was good and the new location a good change of pace.

The Wisdom of Sheep / Rosamund Young
2.25 stars

The author runs an organic farm. These are little anecdotes.

The book started well – a bit of her biography/background. But then it got into chapters of (sometimes odd, in my opinion) anecdotes. Some chapters were just a poem or a quote from literature; some were about other critters (not sheep) such as frogs, insects, butterflies, birds. Many chapters (maybe more than the ones about sheep?) were about cows. (Some of) the chapters on cows and sheep were the most interesting to me, but often she’d also throw in more literary references and other things that just were odd to me. There were some nice little illustrations and it was a very fast read.

Bully & Exit - Brigham Vaughn - (Kalamazoo, Michigan/last few chapters in Chicago)
Midwest Series Book #1
Genera: M/M Romance
4.5★
Theater loving Caleb and hockey star Nathan were hot and heavy in high school, but Then Nathan screwed everything up at their senior prom leaving Caleb utterly heartbroken.
I have really enjoyed this author as she writes stories set in a place that I am very familiar with. They're almost all set in Michigan, but this one mostly takes place in Kalamazoo, just 12 miles from my town of Battle Creek. The story is 90% about the pain of first love and all the mistakes we make when immaturity, hormones, and expectations all combine into us making wrong and sometimes, seemingly unforgivable decisions. It’s also a story about second chances and the power of forgiveness. This story begins in 2013 with several chapters flashing back to 2009, that shows us the events that led up to the present and how the two main characters, Calab and Nathan, remember it. We didn't get any idea of the event or WHY what happened; happened at all, until a lot later in the story. That was a bit frustrating, but it 100% changed the reader's conception of events and their feelings when we finally got both characters version of the very important event starting with their previous relationship in high school. I could see how it absolutely effected Calab like it did...it was heart-breaking to an adult, so I could imagine what it did to a "kid" still in high school who was in his first real relationship, and a gay relationship at that. I did enjoy the story. The characters are well portrayed as they aged in the storyline. They both had their faults, and they were both right, but at the same time, they were both wrong. Nevertheless, I was rooting for them. The way the story is told reveals information in such a way that you’re never quite sure whose side you’re on in their previous break up, but the way the character of Nathan is written...made me eager for Caleb to forgive him. This is not by any means a low angst story...and it took almost the entire book for things to be righted between Nathen and Caleb, hence the 4.5-star rating.

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women – Lisa See
Book on CD performed by Justin Chien and Jennifer Lim.
4****

See based this work of historical fiction on a real woman physician in 15th century China, Tan Yunxian. The novel tells the story of Yunxian from her childhood in 1469 through her later life in about 1510.

What a fascinating woman, and a marvelous story! I learned much about the lives of the wealthier, highly educated class in this era of Chinese history, in particular the secluded lives of the women in this class. See gave us glimpses of the world outside the compound’s walls through the experiences of a midwife who lived in the town and was free to travel.

Be sure to read the author’s notes / acknowledgements at the end of the novel, because See explains her extensive research there, which I found as fascinating as the novel.

The audio version is performed by two talented voice artists: Justin Chien and Jennifer Lim. Lim does the majority of the voice work, and she really brings these women to life.

Not Dating Material - Saxson James - (Washington)
Accidental Love Series Book #2
Narrator: Teddy Hamilton
Genera: M/M/F Romance
3★
Molly moves to Seattle to start anew, but her romantic struggles continue until Seven, her roommate, offers to help
Seven's life is a mess because of his childhood trauma and unhealthy codependent relationship with his best friend Xander. Molly's baggage claim is her neediness and ability to jump the gun in just about any relationship. They sound like a disaster waiting to happen, yet these two ended up being exactly what the other needed in the end. Molly was so accepting of Seven and Xander's co-dependence. It was a bit of a surprise as I wondered how if anyone that was dating someone who had such an intimate bond with another really would have reacted to that. I bet a lot differently than Molly did. Molly was either a little mixed up in the head or very, very understanding. She was even into the fact that she got to have a relationship with Xander as well....and it seemed that this was all okay with Xander...he was actually the biggest "cheerleader" in this unconventional relationship. Falling in love with the man who is taking you on fake dates to give you dating tips isn't the usual or best way to find your true love. Molly had made the mistake of reading too much into their hook-ups far too many times before...and was almost sure that Zander had no desire for things to stop between the three of them. Actually, Seven was the biggest obstacle to their relationship. He treated Molly like they were a couple but continually reminded her that that wasn't the case. I felt rather sorry for Molly sometimes, but then I realized it all came from Seven's low self-esteem. It may have taken him longer than most to realize what was right in front of him, but he was brave enough to stick it out and got there eventually. This was not anywhere close to my favorite Saxon James book. I thought the whole relationship was eventually going to explode and thake them all with it.

The Woman in the Window: a novel by A.J. Finn - 427 p. - ★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2

FYI - I can't find the correct touchstone for this one.

Anna Fox lives alone in her large New York City house. Suffering from agoraphobia, she spends her days watching old movies, drinking too much wine, and spying on her neighbors. When a new family moves in across the park from her, she meets the teenage son, spends a drunken afternoon with his mother and briefly meets his father. Then she sees something - the mother has been stabbed. She tries to go outside to help, and as the days go by, tries to distinguish reality from fantasy and imagination, where things aren't always what they seem.

It took me a while to get into this one. I thought the first third of the book was fairly slow - it didn't demand that I pick it up and continue reading. There was a lot of ground that needed to be covered, though. Also, I didn't really like Anna. For God's sake - put down the merlot and go take a shower! However, once I got to the possible murder, it started to pick up speed. The last third of the book flew by and I could not put it down, staying up til after 2:00 this morning to finish it. Early on, I had a hunch as to what would happen, but as the story progressed, I talked myself out of it. I shouldn't have! I just didn't see the clues when they were presented. An excellent read - except I still wanted her take a shower once in a while.

What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella -
133 p. - ★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2

Author Eve Monroe has incredible luck. She has a fantastic husband, five great children, and a backlist of best sellers. Her latest book was made into a movie and she's walked the red carpet. Until her luck runs out. She wakes up in the hospital, having had surgery for a stage 4 glioblastoma - brain cancer. She has to relearn walking, talking, and writing. As she and her husband confront her illness, she knows what is most important to her: her ordinary life with her family.

Wow - this one blew me away. My mom faced a cancer diagnosis when I was twelve. Her doctor's goal at the time: keep her alive for two years. Fortunately, he kept her alive for over 40. The other reason I'm blown away: this is Sophie Kinsella's fictionalized account of her own brain tumor, treatment, and family's response. A beautiful read.

Going Rogue
Janet Evanovich
4/5 stars
This is the 29th book in the series and in this book, Connie, the office manager of Vinnie's Bail Bonds gets kidnapped. Of course, Stephanie is on the job along with all the other characters in the series. I enjoyed it. Mystery

Cross Her Heart - Melinda Leigh - (Pennsylvania/New York)
Bree Taggart series Book #1
Genera: Mystery & Suspense
5★
A homicide detective’s violent family history repeats itself in this novel of murder, secrets, and retribution.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I will diffidently be looking forward to more. This story is filled with twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat right up until the last sentence on the last page. The characters are captivating, and the mystery will have you guessing. There is also a potential romance between the main characters of Bree and Matt. I didn’t know who the bad guy actually was until the very end...and it's a shocker....and I was wrong. This...the first book in the Bree Taggart series, introduces us to a host of wonderful players. We meet and get to know Philadelphia Detective Bree Taggert. a bit of history. The year was 1993, in Gray’s Hollow, New York. Bree was 8 years old, her sister, Erin was 4, and baby brother, Adam was less than a year old when their abusive father was having a "knock down drag out" fight with their mother; a fight that really scared Bree, especially when she saw the gun pointed at her mother's head. She grabbed baby Adam and Erin and ran with them from the house. It was the dead of winter in New York, but the children hid under the steps and heard the shot that killed their mother, then the shot that killed their father. Since that night she has never been back. Then when she receives a desperate call from her sister Erin, Bree returns... armed with the determination to now find her sister’s killer. Readers will like Bree. She’s strong, relatable, and determined. As we get to know more about her and her tragic family, I found I was sympathizing and rooting for them. These characters are as much of where the author shines, as the story itself is. Melinda Leigh has created these people that can stand on their own but also know when they need to take a helping hand. I'm really looking forward to more of this series.

Eyes of Prey– John Sandford
Digital audiobook performed by Richard Ferrone
3***

Book three in the series of hard-hitting mystery / thrillers featuring Minneapolis Detective Lucas Davenport.

This one begins when a woman is brutally murdered in her own kitchen, but her attacker is surprised to find there was a man upstairs. The killer runs off, but the witness also leaves. He isn’t her husband and doesn’t want to be implicated. Davenport gets the case and is immediately suspicious of the husband’s reactions. With good reason.

Sandford’s books aren’t really mysteries in that the reader almost always knows who the killer is, or at least knows the killer’s mindset since Sandford usually gives the killer’s point of view in some chapters. But he still writes a fast-paced thriller and I enjoy watching Davenport figure out the clues to capture the perpetrator. This one has an interesting twist what with the need to also figure out who the woman’s lover is.

Richard Ferrone does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. He sets a good pace, has clear diction and really brings the characters to life.

No Quick Fix- Mary Calmes - (Montana)
Torus Intercession Series Book #1
Genera: M/M Romance/Friends to Lovers
5★
Emery’s future is riding on his upcoming nuptials, but being with Brann makes him and his family feel whole again. Too bad there’s no way for them to be together. Or is there?
Five months out of the military and Brann is working for Torus Intercession, a security firm. His new assignment has him going to Montana to be a nanny to Olivia and April while their father, Emery, handles other responsibilities. Emery is a widower and his life is chaotic. Not only is he trying to be a parent, but he’s also a high school English teacher, he sits on the board of his late wife’s family business and is planning a wedding to the daughter of one of the town’s most esteemed citizens. It’s pretty obvious right off that the wedding will be for business purposes only, though the bride-to-be seems to want more. Brann is a retired Navy SEAL. He's going to watch the kids, not because there is any threat thus far but with their dad's future bride's richer than Midas father and a business that he has that smells a bit fishy...the girls could be money makers for someone...so Brann becomes the nanny. Brann is a hit with Emery and the girls from the minute he walks in the door. Olivia loves him right off. It takes a little while for April, but before long, she’s loving him as much as her sister. He and Emery quickly become friends, though Brann would love for it to be more. Brann SEAL training has already, because he happened to be in the right place at the right time, settled disputes and a situation that a woman could have been killed...so the little town likes him and welcomes him in. The upcoming wedding is a torn in his side...he's already fallen for Emery's girls...and Emery is just the kind of man he's always wanted...but he's not going to make waves...that is until the pressure becomes too much and he ...does. There's no cheating in this story...and in the end everything works out more than okay. The only problem, and it's not a big problem, that I had was how long it took Brann and Emery to finally get it together and get together... I was running out of book...come on fellows!! Overall, like most of Mary Calmes books, it just a nice, sweet romance. I have the rest of the series and I'm looking forward to meeting the rest of the Torus Security guys.

What Would Frida Do?– Arianna Davis
2**

Subtitle: A Guide to Living Boldly

This is a selection for my Hispanic book club. It’s a combination biography and self-help guide, and frankly, I could do without the self-help advice.

Frida Kahlo was a fascinating woman, and I enjoyed learning a few more tidbits about her life. Davis managed to convey some of her passion and joy for life. She was definitely a charismatic presence. I also liked how Davis notes the growing international interest in the artist so many years after her death.

However, the “lessons” Davis gains from examining Frida’s life are sometimes a bit of a stretch. And I had little interest in the self-hep advice / platitudes.

I would much rather read a straight biography of Frida Kahlo.

The Solitaire Mystery
Jostein Gaarder
3/5 stars
A father and his son take off on a European trip to find his mother and wife who had left them years ago. Each chapter is one card of a deck of cards. Interesting book. 1990

The Sleepwalker – Chris Bohjalian
Book on CD read by Cady McClain & Grace Experience.
3.5***

Annalee Ahlberg – a wife and mother of two – goes missing. She is a known sleepwalker and past episodes have ranged from quirky (she spray-painted the hydrangeas with silver) to dangerous (her oldest daughter, Lianna, found her on the lip of a bridge over the river). As a search team begins to comb the area, detective Gavin Rikert questions Lianna. As time passes, little sis, Paige, takes to swimming in the river to look for clues.

What an interesting concept for a missing-person mystery! The basic storyline is occasionally interrupted by a “memoir” of sorts where a sleepwalker (who remains unidentified until the very end) relates his/her own experiences.

I appreciated all that I learned about sleep disorders, sleepwalking in particular. I recall one of my grade-school friends telling us about her brother’s episode of sleepwalking and we all found it VERY spooky (I think were about 8 or 9 years old). She only ever related the one incident, but I easily imagine how distressing this is for a family when episodes happen repeatedly and without any discernible schedule or trigger.

I really liked Lianna as the main narrator. She is basically an adult, being a sophomore in college. She takes on the responsibility of keeping her family fed and clothed, and makes sure her younger sister gets to school and sports activities. But she is vulnerable, and I wasn’t sure that her relationship was a healthy one. I could feel the continued tension of “not knowing,” and the slow realization of loss.

The ending and final reveal of what happened to Annalee Ahlberg was a stunner that I didn’t see coming.

Cady McClain and Grace Experience do a fine job of performing the audiobook, though I’m not sure which voice artist narrated which section.

>82 BookConcierge: Oh... this might be a BB (Book Bullet, as they call there here on LT) for me.
ETA: Well, what do you know? It's already on the tbr!

The Autobiography of an Execution / David R. Dow
4 stars

The author is a lawyer for inmates on death row in Texas. In fact, at one point, this lawyer was in favour of the death penalty. The main part of this book is when he was fighting to save the life of a man convicted of killing his wife, then two kids. But it was all circumstantial evidence and his lawyer was completely inept. Another death row inmate talked to Dow to tell him he knew who killed the other man’s family and it was a mistaken identity. You can’t always believe these guys, but Dow and his staff looked further into it, and they were pretty convinced the man didn’t do it.

In the meantime, other cases came up with people looking for help. Like with our main case in this book, many were represented in their trials by inept lawyers who didn’t do their jobs. There are appeals after appeals for the people on death row, but they rarely help or change anything. There are so many rules, it’s almost impossible to overturn these sentences, despite the legal issues with some of the inmates even being on death row.

I already don’t agree with the death penalty. But the more I read about it, the more convinced I am (once upon a time I wasn’t convinced).

Bay - Gianni Holmes
The Smoky Vale Alliance - Book 1
Narrator: John Solo
Genera: M/M Romance/Mystery/Bikers
4★
I’ve been a politician, husband, and father. But I never counted on being a biker’s plaything—a biker who’s almost half my age.
This is the story with many...almost too many, different facets. We have an older man, Gerald, who is in his late 40's, who is the past mayor of the city, a man who has been deceived by his ex-wife, and a scandal he has been inadvertently dragged into, a stepson and a private life...and then we have Bay, who is an enforcer with The Blood Hounds...a local biker group, who is extremely determined and very clear about what he wants... and what he will do to get what he wants...namely, what he wants, and what he gets, is Gerald. Gerald's ex-wife is not by any stretch of the imagination, a good person. She soon winds up in prison...a prison being run by a warden that should be in prison himself. There is an intriguing part of the story concerning missing babies that have more than likely been sold by the prison warden. The story is filled with high-level corruption that will keep you reading simply because you NEED to find out what happens! The bikers who usually are portrayed as the "bad guys" were actually so much better than the other characters that were supposed to the "good guys". I can't say I really liked the story, but I can't say that I disliked it either. I have read and liked others by this author so I probably will give the second book a try.

World of Wonders – Aimee Nezhukumatathil
Illustrations by Fumi Mini Nakamura
5*****

Subtitle: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments

I loved this collection of essays about the natural world. Nezhukumatathil’s writing transported me to various scenes – from tropical jungles to Arctic oceans to urban parks and my own backyard. I recalled (and relived) my childhood joys of fireflies, of exploring “the woods” (an empty lot near our home), and of absorbing the information my father shared with us on our various camping trips about the natural world, from identifying trees by their leaves and bark, to how to tell the difference between the harmless king snake and the venomous coral snake. (By the way, when we camped, we slept outdoors; we didn’t have a tent.)

I was saddened to learn that some of these marvelous wonders of nature no longer exist “in the wild,” but hang on by a thread only in captivity (or pet stores). And I treasure the fact that I was exposed to the greater experience of the outdoors and all its denizens by my parents and grandparents.

Nakamura’s illustrations are marvelous! Just look at the cover for a sampling. I only wish that the book included them in color rather than black & white. But that’s a small quibble.

I got this book from the library to read for my book club, but I’m going to buy a copy to keep (and maybe a few more to give as gifts). And I look forward to reading more of her writing.

The Lord God Made Them All / James Herriot
3 stars

This is another of English veterinarian James Herriot’s books about his practice during the mid-20th-century in rural England, mostly working with farm animals. Amidst the usual anecdotes about various critters, he did a couple of long trips (one on a ship to Russia), tending to the animals aboard during the trips.

I listened to the audio, so there was a bit too much that I missed to be able to rate it higher. Most of what I heard was enjoyable. There were tidbits included about his family and kids, as well.

Fix It Up - Mary Calmes - (Mostly California)
Torus Intercession Series Book #3
Genea: M/M Romance/Tours Intercession Bodyguards
5★
Possible Trigger - Some graphic description of animal cruelty that had already happened years ago.

How will a man who doesn’t believe in fairy tales ever hope to recognize when he’s found the love of a lifetime?
Loc is the kind of man who never thought that he would spend even one moment of his life as nothing more than a glorified babysitter. That's exactly why he told his prospective client, in no uncertain terms, that he's diffidently not the right "fixer" for this job when Torus Intercessions is hired to play what amounts to a life coach for a spoiled, burned out, fresh-out-of-rehab, young rock star. The rock star, Nick Madison, has been living "on the edge" since he was seventeen. Now, at twenty-six, he finds himself to be aimless and close to losing everything, what's worse is that he can't seem to bring himself to care. He wakes up one afternoon, hungover and strung out, to find that a stranger has taken over his house, ordering everyone around like he owns the place. Nick is fairly sure he's woken up in his very own corner of Hell. Nick is positive that he doesn't need anyone's help, least of all from the walking, talking definition of infuriating, hot as hell, man that has taken over his house and his life. Nick has met every challenge and is finally ready to spread his wings and fly, but not alone, which means another daunting challenge to face. Soon though, Nick finds that he needs...desperately wants... to convince the "fixer" that he's there to stay... that he...the big rock star...is meant to be his "happy ever after", which may prove to be Nick's biggest challenge yet. There is good bit of humor when we meet Loc's mother a little more than half -way through the story. What genuine "class act" she is!

hi all, this thread was mentioned in another post, I'm kind of still new, and finding my way round. These are books I have read so far

A Doll's House (Henrik Ibsen; Bryony Lavery) ---📖 ✅ 4* my review .
Moon Over Minneapolis (Fay Weldon) 📖 ✅ 4* my review .
Contemplation (Franz Kafka) 📖 ✅ 3* my review .
Trojan Women (Euripides) 📖 ✅ 4* my review , second read, and what these women go through, crumbs
Jane Austen at Home: A Biography ✅ 4* my review .
Chinese Poems: Translated by Charles Budd (1912 ) 📖 ✅ 3.5* my review .
A Dream Play (translation by: Edwin Björkman) 📖 ✅ 3* my review .
The Martian Chronicles (Ray Bradbury) 📖 ✅ 5* my review .
Hecuba (Euripides) 📖 ✅ 3.5* my review .

Gunner - Gianni Holmes - (Ohio)
Smoley Vale Alliance Series Book #2
Genera: M/M Romance/Enemies to Lovers/Motorcycle Club
4.5★
A ruthless MC president seeks revenge on his rival, Chief Witter, for stealing the love of his life. But as they work together on a dangerous case, their mutual hatred turns into explosive attraction.
Possible Triggers: graphic violence, baby farm
Gunner and Ben's story is an enemies-to-lovers tale. You can feel their animosity, fueled by years of resentment, betrayal, and tangled emotions oozing off the pages. Gunner is the fierce, brooding president of the Blood Hounds Motorcycle Club, and Ben, is the principled and unyielding Chief of Police. How could two characters be more opposite? They have several fiery clashes throughout the story. Every scene explodes with energy and making you wonder if they're going to tear each other apart or just give in to their undeniable attraction. Turns out that they often do both. What sets this book apart is how the author has the ability to portray their complicated, and very unlikely, relationship. It’s not just their chemistry, it’s their history, the events of their past, the things they have in common; like a cheating ex-lover, and the grudges they’re forced to confront. Both characters are so well developed, and their journey from enemies to totally unexpected lovers is filled with twists, emotions, and vulnerability. Watching them slowly fall for one another is a testament to the author...Gianni Holmes, storytelling abilities. If you like "enemies-to-lovers" romances, with a slightly darker edge, this one is a "must-read". It’s intense, emotional, and impossibly addictive, with a perfect balance of heat, and action, but perhaps most importantly.... filled with loads of heart.

Orbiting Jupiter– Gary D Schmidt
4****

When Jack Hurd is in sixth grade, his parents agree to take in a foster child, Joseph Brook, on their Maine farm. Joseph is in eighth grade, has been incarcerated in a juvenile detention center (convicted of attacking a teacher), and has a daughter, Jupiter, out there, somewhere.

What a wonderful coming-of-age story this is! Though the circumstances are sad and tug at the heartstrings, there are moments of hope and even joy for Joseph and for Jack, who narrates the story. Schmidt doesn’t sugarcoat the foster experience, though he does give Joseph a loving family in the Hurds. They respect his wishes and yet never stop reaching out, with advice and support. They expect him to do the same chores their own son does on the dairy farm, and to maintain his schoolwork.

Still, they cannot easily fix Joseph’s chaotic upbringing and the rage and hurt he carries with him. And, Joseph is fixated on the daughter he has never seen. Helping him find her is one thing the Hurds are not able to do. How far can a child go to achieve the one thing he desperately wants?

I liked that Schmidt showed a couple of teachers who recognized Joseph’s gifts and nurtured his growth, while so many people had clearly already given up on him. And I really liked how the friendship between the two boys developed.

The Mammoth Hunters / Jean M. Auel
3.5 stars

In the 3rd book of the series of prehistoric people, Ayla and Jondalar have arrived at a “Mamutoi” settlement. These are humans more like we know them now, and more like Ayla, than the “cave” people she was raised with. In addition to having to learn the new culture and still being new to the spoken language, it’s hard for Ayla to fit in. Not only that, she brought domesticated horses with her, which is unnerving for the people here. But she is beautiful and she brings many good qualities, first and foremost as a Healer. So she is soon welcomed. But her relationship with Jondalar is tested as one of the men in this camp is very interested in Ayla and doesn’t keep it a secret.

Of course, there is a lot more going on in this than I’ve summarized. It’s a good book, but it was so long. I started it two months ago, but it was taking so long to read, I set it aside for other books before I came back to finish it off. It is a bit annoying how perfect Ayla is, though. Maybe not perfect, but she does so many things so well – things that others can’t do or have a hard time doing. I also hate the hunting; I cry for the animals, though I know the people needed to hunt to survive.

London Bridges by James Patterson
4****

And now it all makes sense. I started this book out of order in the series and was wondering why all the characters and action seemed dis-jointed. So after reading "Big Bad Wolf" I went back to this volume, skimmed the portion I had read to catch myself back up on the action, and continued merrily on my way. So to speak.

Still a police drama with Alex Cross struggling to adapt to the changes in his life, especially with little Alex across the country, while simultaneously keeping his promises to his family to be there more often. This time, though, the world is turned upside down with new designs by The Big Bad Wolf, a former KGB agent brought to the US at the end of the 1990's who exploits his new country.

Four major cities are in the Wolf's sights and he is holding them hostage until his financial demands are met. His seriousness starts with a small Nevada town, evacuated of people, bombed from the sky in a unique fashion. Some days later, a small northern English town is destroyed in the same way, and Cross and his colleagues at the FBI are beside themselves trying to figure out the whys and hows. The timeframe is a matter of days before the Wolf will blow up the major cities.

We are brought into the darkness that is the mind of the Wolf, and he has allied himself with the Weasel from previous Alex Cross novels. They are in dark, dark places, and it takes all of Alex Cross's psychological background to figure out the motive that the Wolf has for targeting the cities he has (London, Paris, New York, and Washington, DC). And the kicker for all of this? No one from these cities can know that a bomb may go off at any moment, so there can be no evacuations. And when a bomb does go off, the devastation is tragic for the country and demoralizing for law enforcement.

I was captivated to the very end, especially when Alex began to recognize some of his allies and motivations for the Wolf and the Weasel.

The Language of Trees by Kate Holten (ed.)
5*****

A truly thoughtful book, and one that took time to read. Each snippet or story or discussion takes place around trees: what they bring us, what they mean, and how their destruction harms us as well as our planet. There is much food for thought and kudos to Kate Holten for pulling together so many diverse voices.

And the tree alphabet is a brilliant idea. I found myself being drawn to figuring out those words and letters while I read the corresponding essays and articles. The alphabet was an artistic masterpiece.

The Warsaw Protocol by Steve Berry
4****

In a gripping portrayal of a very dark time in Poland's history, a young man witnesses the brutal beating of a math professor in Mokotów Prison. The beating, and the documents he is "invited" to sign, will forever change his life.

Fast forward to the modern day, to the city of Bruges, Belgium. What starts as a nice evening and tour of this historic city, complete with an after-dinner Dame Blanche, quickly turns into a dramatic save. Cotton Malone, in Brussels on business for his Danish bookstore, sees a couple of shifty-looking strangers entering the cathedral for the daily Veneration of the Precious Blood. Being Cotton Malone, he takes action.

And more action follows. It seems that the Precious Blood is one of seven relics of Arma Christi that are being stolen from around sacred sites. And we soon see the reason for these thefts: they are the entrance "fee" to a very private auction in a luxurious castle in Slovakia. The auction is to be held between seven nations who all very much want certain documents for their national gain. The very same documents the young man, Janusz Czajkowsi, signed to help the Communist government spy on his neighbors and friends.

And this same young man has become the President of Poland on the verge of his second term. Meaning that the documents could ruin his career and destroy any future he might have.

In true Steve Berry fashion, we soon see the auctioneer, Jonty Olivier, a broker in secrets and information, who has decided this auction will be his retirement. Add in his chief rival, Eli Reinhardt, the US government representative Tom Bunch and his boss, President Fox, along with the head of the (soon to be disbanded) Magellan Billet, Stephanie Nelle, Ivan and Sonia, and soon Cotton is on another international mission.

Much of the intrigue and action plays out against the backdrop of modern Poland, including its difficult history of governance as well as its invasions by the Nazis and Stalin's Communists. And within Poland are the salt mines of Wielicka, one of the first 12 places that became a World Heritage Site in 1978. These mines existed during the Middle Ages and for many centuries were the wealth of the nation. They are complete with chapels, staircases, pools of briney water, and the salt miners lived there for weeks at a time in order to harvest this vital mineral. They are still a tourist attraction, and seem to be as large as a city.

All in all, a good read and one that taught me much, as the Cotton Malone series tends to do.

The Fix Is In - Mary Calmes - (Oregon)
Torus Intercession Series Book #4
Genera: M/M Romance/Bisexual/Bodyguards
5★
“I could imagine myself at home instead of on this whack-a-doodle assignment.” - Shaw James
A down-to-earth realist of a man, who is also a paranormal investigator, and a dyed in the wool believer in the paranormal, are the two guys destined to get together in this fourth book in the "Torus Intercession" series. You would think that since Shaw James is the "seventh son of a seventh son", he should have been more of a believer in the possibility of the supernatural based on just that, blended with his Scottish ancestry that should have only added even more to the possibility. But Shaw had grown up in a family that believed "absolutely none of that-nonsense". Benji Grace, on the other hand, truly believes to the depths of his soul, in the possibility of spirits, ghosts, and demonic intervention. Shaw loves his steaks and Benji is a die-hard vegetarian. Shaw is a very large man and Benji is small. The two men couldn't have been more opposite if they tried. Shaw and the other men that work at Torus Intersessions are absolutely convinced that, Jared Coulter, their boss, seems to pick and assign them their jobs somehow, so that each man gets the job they absolutely DID NOT...never in a million years... want. Jared appears to be not only a good boss but also a matchmaker disguised as a "fixer". It's worked so far since each of the men in the last three books have ended up with the "love of their life" after being assigned to that particular case. This time Jared has Shaw heading to Rune, Oregon, a little coastal town, to protect Benji, the paranormal investigator, who seems to be the target of someone wanting him either injured or killed. Either will do. Shaw sums his feelings up fairly well when he comments... “I was so out of my depth with him. Talking to him, being around him, everything was so easy. It made no sense.” I knew that Shaw was a "goner" long before he did. Figured that he might as well give in and prepare to kiss his single life goodbye. There is some mystery & suspense in the story, and it is very well done, but the true delight comes from the love connection between Shaw and Benji. Benji is convinced it’s because they’ve known each other in a previous life, while Shaw is just trying to figure out why he’s so comfortable with this man right from the start, since that is NOT his normal reaction to a client.... EVER. I definitely could have had more interaction with Shaw’s huge, delightful, and wacky family. There was so much happiness and hilarity among them. I absolutely loved his six brothers. Actually... I enjoyed every moment of this book and look forward to the next one. Thanks to this talented author for bringing us such wonderful guys thus far in this series...hope you have many more Torus books in your head, Ms. Calmes, that can go on paper. Alas, probably not.

The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
311 p. - ★ ★ ★ ★

Carmen doesn't relish the idea of spending Christmas with her perfect older sister Sofia, Sofia's perfect family, in her perfect house. Sofia is a lawyer in Edinburgh. She's expecting her fourth child, and needs help with a client who is about to lose his dusty old bookshop. Since Carmen is recently unemployed from her retail position, she begrudgingly takes the job and moves into Sofia's basement where she tries her best to avoid the insufferable nanny and the three children. As Carmen settles into McCredie's Bookshop, she tries to breathe some life into it. This includes digging out Mr. McCredie's old train set and a doll house, and arranging for some gruesome children's story times and a popular author's visit. Throw in a cute visiting professor and a little magical realism, and you have a delightful read!

A charming novel. I picked this book up few days before Christmas from the public library because the cover was cute. The story is too! There is one sequel, which I will get when I go into town tomorrow. I'll probably read more of Colgan's books since I really enjoyed this one.

>91 BookConcierge: This is one that made me ugly cry at school! I rarely read books at school, but when I was stamping it with our ownership stamp, I started and had to finish it in one sitting. When I would have kids come in and want something sad or something that would make them cry, this was the first one I'd reach for.

The Incredible Journey / Sheila Burnford
3.5 stars

When their owners leave for months, two dogs and a cat are boarded with a friend many miles away, but when that person leaves for a few days, the pets (after a mixup with the people meant to care for them for those few days) head out to find their way to their owners’ home through the wilderness in Ontario. One of the dogs is older, one younger, but they all have bumps and bruises along the way and sometimes come close to death as the three do their best to survive and take care of each other as they encounter water to swim across, various humans (most who help), and various wildlife.

I enjoyed this. It was quick to read. I do suspect the author had pets herself as many of the descriptions of the animals seemed pretty true to life. Despite this being a Canadian “classic” (I think), I’ve never read it before, nor have I seen any of the movies.

Marine Biology - G.L. Carriger - (Ireland)
San Andreas Shifters series Prequel
Genera: M/M Romance/Urban Fantasy/Short Story
4★
Delicate Sensibilities? This story contains confused, lovelorn werewolves and very pretty ex-Goth mermen who are exclusively interested in each other. Also contains fish, Irish mafia, and an utterly shocking lack of tea.
I don't know if the author really meant it to be, when she wrote this story, but in spite of it being short, it's also rather amusing. The author, Gail Carriger, does an excellent job of developing the characters, the story, and the plot...and she does it in only 78 pages. Our main character, Alec, is a werewolf with some...shall we say, "problems". They may not seem to be "big" problems, but when we meet the rest of his family, we understand. You see, Alec is a mild-mannered marine biologist who loves reading literature. So, what's the problem you may ask? In a nutshell...it's the rest of his family! His father and his brothers are all beer guzzling, rowdy, very manly, and very hairy...werewolves. Alec wants... and he tries his darndest, to fit in, but it's not easy...actually, in spite of his efforts...it's impossible. You see, Alec is gay... and he's in the deepest, darkest closet he could find. His "peculiarity"... (the author's word, not mine), doesn't go unnoticed, and when a pack meeting is held about another problem other than him for a change...they see a way to not only make him "absent" but maybe solve a few more of their pack problems. Since Alec, is a marine biologist, he is teamed up with a mermaid and merman to investigate an Irish Mafia scheme involving some devilish, pesky little selkies. Alec thinks Marvin, the merman, is handsome, a man's man and the greatest thing to come along since "sliced bread" and Marvin is totally, 100%...in agreement...so they are drawn to each other. WAIT! STOP! Hold the horses...Can't go there!! Alec quickly remembers that he's still in that proverbial deep, dark closet, and his family...and the ghost who haunts the family home...almost forgot about him...seem to be everywhere. It's cute and it's funny, and it's short...so don't expect everything to be resolved. This author has bigger fish to haul out later.

Little Eve - Catriona Ward - (Scotland)
Genera: Horror
5★
A strange clan prepares to bring about the end of the world and its imminent rebirth on a wind-battered isle off the coast of Scotland.

At the start of the story, the year is 1921 and several mutilated bodies have been discovered arranged in a circle, with the heads pointing outward like on a compass. Even more disturbing, the right eyes of all the victims have been gouged out, apparently like a part of some occult ritual. Not all the victims are dead. As hard as it is to believe, one is still alive. Dinah, the survivor, blames a fellow cult member Evelyn (Eve)... as being the killer. Most of the story is told from the perspectives of Dinah and Eve allowing us to learn the beliefs and the rituals of their cult, while giving us a better understanding of the events that led up to what amounts to, mass murder. Members of this cult worship a snake deity known as the "Adder", who will pass along its powers to one follower who has proven to be worthy, as they prepare for the end of the world and its eventual rebirth. Evelyn will do anything to be the one to receive those powers. Evelyn narrates most of the chapters, which are very disturbing and detailing, telling of the cult’s snake-worship, blood sacrifices, and other horrific practices. Evelyn is quickly learning the art and the power of violence, while proving herself to be a much willing student. We also get the truer picture of the workings of the cult through the more objective perspective of Inspector Christopher Black, who is given the dubious "privilege" of investigating the case. He has taken a particular interest in Eve. She gives "belonging" and "family" entirely new and deadly meanings. The cult members...including all the girls have been separated from their biological families...and are led by a charismatic, snake-handling patriarch whom they call "Uncle". The story runs from 1917 to 1946, covering the backstory of the cult and its members and the impact of their violence. The time span gives the narrative a bit of a "wobbly" feel at times, but everything comes together at the end, with a satisfying conclusion. All in all, this is a mesmerizing Gothic horror story that shows the ease that the human mind can sometimes be controlled and how easily it can be steered to insanity and violence.

The Moose That Roared: The Story of Jay Ward, Bill Scott, a Flying Squirrel, and a Talking Moose
Keith Scott
3/5 stars
This was quite a detailed summary about the cartoon series of Bullwinkle Moose, Rocky the flying squirrel and the other animated series that came from Jay Ward and Bill Scott and there were many more that were involved in the history of those cartoons and more. Very interesting! Books On Film and Entertainment

Once Upon A Second Chance - Davidson King
Part of Once Upon A Holiday series by various authors (2024)
Genera: M/M Romance/Christmas Short Story
5★
Can two men weighed down by their pasts find a future with each other?
I'm a wee bit late to the party, but so glad I finally received this little treasure. On a snowy evening Aaron's car breaks down leaving him stranded in this small town in the middle of a big snowstorm. What started off as something bad turned into something good when he was found by Daniel, the sexy silver fox. Daniel is going to have to prove that smile was as innocent as it appeared to be in order to win Aaron's trust and any other favors. There is just something about a little holiday magic that made this "love at first sight" story so incredibly delicious and sweet. The stubborn young vagabond being rescued by the most honorable and richest man in this small town, who turns out to be an absolute "Prince Charming"...what could be better? We have a recipe for love and hope with a blizzard, a sprinkling of luck, the best hot cocoa ever brewed...blend all this together and you have a lovely little holiday romance. Everyone deserves a second chance and to find their very own "Daniel". I was happy to see that Aaron found his and together they gave us a lovely little Christmas read...even if it is almost February:)

Passing (Nella Larsen)📖 ✅ 4.5* my review .

The Big Fix - Mary Calmes - (Thailand Mostly)
Torus Intercessions Series Book #5 - (Jared & Owen's Story)
Genera: M/M Romance/ Action & Adventure/ Espionage
4★
Possible Triggers: Several entire chapters of extreme torture at the hands of the enemy
When Owen Moss, the person closest to Jared Coulter, goes missing.... A carrot is dangling to lure Jared out, and into the hands of an unknown enemy.

To say that this book was a departure from the first 4 books in the series would be like saying that a 1,000-pound grizzly was just an overgrown Teddy Bear. The story also takes place eight years after Book #4; Shaw and Benji's book, The Fix Is In. The character of Jared Couter has aged of course and is now 53. I don't consider 53 is, by any means...old...and neither did Owen who had been in love with Jared almost since he first came to live with him after his father, Jared's best friend was killed. Jared gets word the medical examiner in Thailand that they have the body of Owen Moss and would come identify and claim it if it is Owen. Off to Thailand he goes, and the story takes off with the arrival of some of his guys that we've met in the first 4 books. Of course, you have probably figured out that Mary Calmes wouldn't kill off one of her main characters...but for the last 1/3 or so of the book I was beginning to have my doubts.

Jared was by no means dislikable, but he frustrated me through the majority of the book with his inability to "see" Owen. To see that Owen wasn't a child; he was a full-grown adult man. Owen knew what love and attraction was, and he knew he was attracted to, and loved Jared; he was also capable of subtracting 23 from 53 and realize that the 20 years between them made the odds of them growing to be very old together was probably about 50% or less...Come ON JARED...GIVE HIM A BREAK!

Overall...I absolutely loved the first 4 books in this series, and I highly recommend them, and I also recommend that they be read in order. With this one we have a dark tale of espionage, gun fights, lots of death, a bunch of evil criminals, a kidnapping and brutal torture scenes, that some may want to skip entirely.

I have never written a book...but I know it can't be easy to please everyone every time...so I will just say that there was some of this story that I really liked...but not the entire book like I had the first four...but I still, and will always love your books, Mary!

>103 Carol420:
Thanks for this recommendation! I'll definitely read it.

>106 DissyFibe:
Just stopping by to say welcome to the group.

The Kiss Curse - Erin Sterling
Graves Glen Series Book #2
Genera: Small town Rom Com Romance/Witches/Magic
3★
Rival witches accidentally share a magic-induced kiss, forcing them to team up against a mysterious new coven threatening their town.
The Kiss Curse is a small-town witchy romcom perfect for fall and Halloween...since it features "enemies to lovers". The town of Graves Glen is small but filled with magic, witches, and warlocks reminiscent of a year-round Halloween-town that's grumpy with sunshine. I enjoyed Wells and Gwyn’s “enemies to lovers” romance. All of the funny moments were hilarious, especially Gwyn’s enthusiastic and often mischievous trainees ...or as she called them “Baby Witches”. Gwyn also has an outspoken talking cat. I want one of those:) The story is filled with "witchy puns", and a really funny incidents like the one involving a glittery “love spell” along with sweet and "swoon worthy" moments. When the meaning behind the fondness of Gwyn’s pink hair streak was explained I was thoroughly engaged in this story. I liked that the author didn't give too much away but kept me guessing while smoothly moving the plot on. It didn’t feel like the ending was predictable either. The seasonal vibe of the small-town of Graves Glen was dream - worthy with all the Halloween and fall festivals taking place in the town. In spite of all the things that I really liked, there was a slight downside. The conflict was wrapped up too quickly in the last couple of chapters and I felt like everything wasn’t fully resolved by the end of the book. Perhaps this was done to leave the story open for a possible sequel, maybe for Rhys and Wells’ brother Bowen. Overall... Although I'm not a fan of the "cozy mystery" genera... I think this book was meant just to be a quick lighthearted fun read.

Black Cake – Charmaine Wilkerson
Digital audiobook performed by Lynnette R Freeman & Simone McIntyre.
4****

After their mother dies, Byron and Benny receive a puzzling inheritance; in addition to a traditional Caribbean black cake, made from a family recipe with a long history, their mother leaves behind a voice recording, in which she shares her history and the mystery of a long-lost child. Everything the siblings thought they knew about their lineage is now challenged. They must learn their mother’s story, uncover her secrets, and reconnect their family bonds.

I really liked this debut work. It was engaging and interesting. The dual timeline (which I’ve come to dislike) was done well and helped, not only to tell the story but to give a sense of how unsettling and unmoored B & B felt as they struggled to understand the new information their mother’s final instructions forced them to confront. In addition to moving from the past to the present, the action takes us from the Caribbean to the UK to California. And always, the connection is Black Cake.

I listened to the audiobook which is very well done, using two talented voice artists: Lynnette R Freeman and Simone McIntyre.

The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave
298 p. - ★ ★ ★ ★

Liam Noone was many things to many people. He was the CEO of the luxury hotel chain. He was a friend to two of his three ex-wives. He was the distant but loving father to his three children. And there was side of him that very few people knew. When he dies at his coastal California home, the authorities say he fell. One of his sons, Sam, thinks he was pushed. Sam contacts Nora, his estranged half-sister. She is drowning in grief, having lost both her mother and father within a few months of each other. Sam convinces Nora to go to California and help him investigate. Once they start, Nora questions whether she ever really knew her father as she uncovers long-hidden family secrets.

I think everyone, at some point, questions how good of a son or daughter they were. Nora, with her raw grief, questions this every time she uncovers something new about her father. There was a lot to uncover - with the story jumping from the present to back 40+ years ago when Liam first met Cory and the paths their lives took. A good story - part mystery and part family saga.

All the Sinners Bleed / S. A. Cosby
4 stars

It started as a school shooting in a small town in Virginia. A white teacher was shot and killed by a black man. The black man came out of the school to confront the black sheriff and was shot by two white officers. Then they found the pictures and videos on the teacher’s phone and it gets messy in this religious Virginia town with religion and racism all mixed together.

Titus is the black sheriff. He once worked for the FBI and something happened there. He came home to help out his elderly father, and ran to be sheriff, hoping he could make some changes from the inside to this racist area.

This was very good. Definitely some tense moments. The book is very dark and some awful things happen. On the personal side (Titus’ personal side) of the book, I have to agree with his girlfriend – what did he ever see in his ex!?

A Deadly Yarn by Maggie Sefton
4****

The third in this fun cozy mystery series that takes place in fictional Fort Connor, Colorado. This installment features Kelly and her friend Megan at an art gallery show with their friend, Allison. Allison does fabric art and has gained the opportunity to be in a New York City gallery. This show is her final one in the area and while her friends are sorry to see her go, they are impressed by her artistry.

Megan promises to pick her up at her apartment to catch her flight at the airport, and shockingly finds her dead. Kelly is there as well and notices a set of beads that Allison had bought for her next project missing from Allison's apartment.

The police rule the death a suicide until Kelly intervenes and Megan points out some inconsistencies as well. A message on Allison's voicemail, a bad news ex-boyfriend, and a mysterious car near her apartment on the night of the tragedy all begin to fall into place for the amateur sleuths. And their professional counterparts.

While the drama (or lack thereof) of Kelly's love life continue to give her friends no end of amusement, since Steve is a pretty decent guy, and her telecommuting CPA job still pays the bills, we are beginning to see a shift in her personal life. How she manages to stay a part of the Lambspun family begins to take shape by the end of this book, making this book a pivotal one in the series.