The Cloak And Dagger Club by Jackie McMahon

about book:

Inspired by Agatha Christie's real-life Detection Club, a murder among a group of golden age mystery writers meets a second chance romance in this debut novel from author Jackie McMahon.

London, 1930. Lucy Hubbard is on the cusp of achieving her dreams. With her first mystery novel debuting with strong sales and glowing reviews, she's been invited by Horace Hazelmoor, the king of crime fiction, to join his elite group of writers—the Cloak and Dagger Club.

Thrilled at the opportunity, Lucy finds herself swept up into Horace's glamorous world at the Ritz hotel. She's even willing to put up with the inconvenient presence of her former fiancé, Frank Murray, the club's rising star who is on track to eclipse Horace as Britain's most popular crime writer.

But when Horace is found with a knife in his back, Frank is the police's prime suspect. Despite their complicated history, Lucy knows he's not capable of murder. With suspects galore and the danger rising, these two mystery writers must race to solve the crime—and fight their lingering feelings for each other—before the murderer strikes again.

my thoughts

An elite group of writers - that alone has me reaching for the book. Plus, a club called The Cloak and Dagger Club- how cool is that? Oh, and they are meeting up at the Ritz hotel - how chic is that? London, 1930 is calling and I am most definitely answering, because I have to find out what this writers' club is all about and did I mention that there's been a murder. Yep, looks like THE top crime writer had an enemy and was stabbed in the back - literally! Whoa! And, that is all I will share about this fun and thrilling mystery. Make sure to grab a copy and get stuck in - you are going to enjoy every second you spend with The Cloak and Dagger Club. 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Where We Belong: An Orphan Train Novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer

(Thank you to WaterBrook & Multnomah for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Four lives from Kansas and New York cross paths in a joyful novel of love, determination, and the unbreakable bonds of family—from the beloved and bestselling author of Hope's Enduring Echo.

As a widow who never had children of her own, Hester Haak never imagined she'd open her home in Kansas to not just one but three kids from the bustling streets of New York. But when the Children's Aid Society unexpectedly allows her to take two sisters and a young boy her care, she rises to the challenge. Hester is determined to provide a safe, loving home for these children, even as the shadow of them potentially leaving looms over her.

Callum Holbrook struggled with despair after losing his wife. Grieving and unable to provide for his family, he made the agonizing decision to entrust his daughters to an orphanage, promising it was only temporary. Now, stable with a secure job, he is horrified to learn his daughters have been sent halfway across the country. With newfound determination, Callum sets out on an arduous quest to bring them back home.

Where We Belong is a poignant tale of resilience and redemption. As Hester and Callum navigate their paths, they discover that family and love can be found in the most unexpected places, and that the journey home is paved with hope.

my thoughts:

Whoa! What a remarkable story! I fell in love with Where We Belong: An Orphan Train Novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer. This book has everything: love, loss, faith, hope, family, a small town, and so much more. If you want a book with all of the feels, then this one is for you - it packs quite a punch after its slow start. I was turning pages faster and faster, because I had to find out what would happen next. I truly enjoyed every second I spent with this book, and I just know you will, too. 

Hester is a widower in Kansas and has always wanted a daughter. So she decides to check out the orphan train from NY and winds up taking in three children: two sisters and a young boy. Talk about a full house. The question is, can Hester provide a real home for these three kids? 

While Hester is becoming a mother, we have Callum, a widower who placed his daughters in an orphanage when he couldn't provide for them. Now that he is finally in a better position he wants his children back...except they are gone. Yep, the orphanage is closing and his daughters have been sent away on the orphan train to Kansas. Say what? Looks like Callum has quite a road trip ahead of him and a journey to get his girls back. 

I mean, c'mon, how amazing does that sound? Just from reading the book's blurb I was intrigued. I had to find out what would happen to Hester, Callum, and those three kids. Especially since all these people want is to be with their family, to be loved, to feel whole again. And their faith plays a huge part in their struggle to figure out what is next and how to get there. I loved getting to know this cast of characters and reading all about their journeys - Where We Belong is truly a gem. 

I would happily recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you will fall in deep with Where We Belong. Make sure to grab a copy ASAP! 

Thank you to WaterBrook & Multnomah for providing me with a copy of this book!

Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A beautiful, heartbreaking novel about ambition, love, and space from the award-winning author of the Women’s Prize longlisted Wandering Souls

January 28, 1986: Soon after launch, the Challenger shuttle falls out of the sky and into the sea. At the same time, Oliver Ines is born. Celestial Lights is his story.

Ollie spends his childhood in an English village where his bedroom is covered in glow-in-the-dark wallpaper bearing the planets and stars. Decades later, he has become one of the most renowned astronauts of his time. When an enterprising billionaire taps him to lead a landmark mission to the distant moon Europa, Ollie makes a choice that will send his whole world spinning.

As the mission advances deeper into unchartered territory, Ollie finds himself retreating into the past: his university days in London and years in the navy, relationships found and lost, becoming a husband and father. But will the world he remembers still be waiting for him when he returns?

Cecile Pin’s novel is a portrait of a complicated man whose unparalleled understanding of the universe doesn’t always translate into stellar relationships on Earth. A breathtaking tale of memory, personal choices, and the relationships that define us, Celestial Lights is an unforgettable story of fate, love, and sacrifice that questions what we owe ourselves and our loved ones when our ambitions and loyalties collide.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a beautiful story. I absolutely loved Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin. It was science fiction and family drama at its very best. I enjoyed getting to know Ollie and the people in his life, along with his space mission to Europa. It was fascinating. unputdownable, and unforgettable. This is a story that explores human relationships and dynamics. It's thought-provoking and emotional. Ollie is a renowned astronaut and gets the opportunity to travel to a distant moon. He will be gone for ten years. He agrees to the journey, which means he agrees to leave his family behind. Why? Especially when you know that there is no guarantee of a return home. Definitely makes you wonder about Ollie and the choices he's made in his life. And, that is all I will share about this wonderful story. Just know, it's a must-read and that you are going to fall in deep with it. So, make sure to grab a copy and dive right in. Happy reading!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Death Wasn't Invited: A June's Journey Mystery by Carlene O'Connor

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Based on the hit mobile game, a cozy murder mystery set in 1920s Paris by a USA Today bestselling author, perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Agatha Christie. June's friend has been brutally murdered and the police have the wrong man, can she solve the case before the killer catches up to her?

Paris, 1922. The marriage between the Auclair and the Picard family is the talk of the town. June can't wait to attend the engagement party with her friends, Nate and Jack. But Nate has an ulterior motive, he's there to stop the wedding. Before he can complete his task, he's stabbed in the chest, with Jack's knife. Jack is arrested, but June knows he wouldn't hurt a fly.

In this throwback to the classic whodunnits of Agatha Christie, June must find the real killer and clear Jack's name. As she becomes embroiled deeper and deeper into a corrupt web of Parisian old-money, high society and politics, she uncovers deadly secrets. Can June solve the case before the killer strikes again?

my thoughts:

How fun does this book sound? First off, I love the June's Journey Mystery games - they are a favorite of mine. Also, I love the idea of a book based on the game - it's the perfect whodunit mystery! Familiar characters, a murder mystery, and Paris - what more could I want? 

I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of Death Wasn't Invited: A June's Journey Mystery by Carlene O'Connor and immediately started reading. Soon I was transported to Paris in 1922 and alongside June as she attended an engagement party with her friends, Jack and Nate. Except, things go from good to bad in two shake's of a lamb's tail. Yep, June's friend Nate is murdered and the culprit arrested for the crime is her other friend, Jack. Say what? Turns out it was his knife. Yikes! So, now June is rushing to find out what really happened and who is truly responsible for this crime. The only thing is that the more she discover, the deadlier things are becoming. And, that is all I will share about this fun and exciting mystery. 

Make sure to grab a copy and settle in with a cuppa - you are going to LOVE this book to bits. Happy reading! 

Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Entwined: The Entwined Duology by H. M. Long

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Three sisters join the hunt for a stolen magical artefact in the start of this Gilded Age fantasy duology. 

Ottilie Rushforth hides from the mighty Sorcerer’s Guild as secretary to a has-been detective. She is Entwined – threads of magic run beneath her skin, and the Guild would trap her in service. 

But Ottilie has a plan to escape the Guild forever with her estranged fiancé, the enigmatic poet, soldier and smuggler Lewis Illing. All she must do is track down a mysterious artefact, claim the bounty, and leave the city forever. But Ottilie's sisters – Pretoria, a quick-witted sorceress and thief recently emerged from exile, and Madge, a guild mage to the core, appear to make equally unwelcome offers. A new life at the cost of everything she has ever wanted, or prestige and safety in a gilded cage. 

With her life on the line, Ottilie must track down the artifact in a city torn apart by prejudice and violence, and choose between the two sides of herself – the fugitive and the Entwined.

my thoughts:

Love, love, loved this first book in H. M. Long's new duology, Entwined. Sisters. Magic. Artefacts. Romance. And, fantasy. How awesome does that all sound? Especially, when family drama is at the core. Yep, three sisters that are not all on the same page at all. Ottillie is entwined and she wants out. She wants to find a magical artefact and cash in on the bounty, then she can peace out with her fiancé. Except, her sisters, Pretoria and Madge, have plans of their own and let's just say they can definitely complicate matters for Ottillie. Yikes! And, that is all I will share about this exciting new story. It's a definite must-read and one I would happily recommend to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read. You are going to fall in deep with Ottillie and the Guild. Plus, there is a still a second book to come that you just know is going to fill in all the blanks in a thrilling and fun new story. I can't wait!

Make sure to grab a copy ASAP. Happy reading!

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Now I Surrender byÁlvaro Enrigue, translated by Natasha Wimmer

(Thank you Riverhead Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

Look what arrived in the post! Hurrah! I'm thrilled to get my hands on a copy of Enrigue's latest book. I just know it will be a treat to read. His writing is top notch and his storytelling is excellent. His books are a testament to his intelligence and creativity - I am in awe! I just know I am going to fall in deep with Now I Surrender and I can't wait!

So, what is this lovely new book about? Well, it's described as...

"A visionary novelist imagines the fiercely fought end of an epoch of almost unimaginable freedom and radically recasts the story of how the West was “won.”

In the contested borderlands between Mexico and the United States, a woman flees into the desert after a devastating raid on her dead husband’s ranch. A lieutenant colonel in service to the fledgling Republica, sent in pursuit of cattle rustlers, discovers he’s on the trail of a more dramatic abduction. Decades later, with political ambitions on the line, the American and Mexican militaries try to maneuver Geronimo, the most legendary of Apache warriors, into surrender. In our own day, a family travels through the region in search of a truer version of the past.

Orchestrated with a stunningly imagined cast of characters, both historical and purely fictional, their storylines playing out in multiple eras, Now I Surrender is Álvaro Enrigue’s most expanisveand impassioned novel yet. Part epic, part alt-Western, it weaves past and present, myth and history, into a searing elegy for a way of life that was an incarnation of true liberty—and an homage to the spark in us that still thrills to its memory." (according to Goodreads)

How incredible and fascinating does that sound? I know I'm excited - we get history, fiction, and a bit of a Western all rolled into one. Sounds like a creative triumph to me. Talk about literature at its very best!

Thank you Riverhead Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

TBR List

I've just added this lovely to by TBR (to be read) List and can't want to read it.

So, what's the book about? Well, it's about a woman who leaves her life behind in the US, and escapes to Ireland to start over fresh. As the years go by, she's settled in nicely and has a family of her own, along with a talent for art. Unfortunately, it's her paintings that may be her own undoing - the spotlight on her artwork is leading to journalists asking questions. Yep, seems like the secrets from her past won't leave stay hidden. Yikes! Talk about drama!

Now, how intriguing does that sound? What are these secrets? Why did she have to leave her life behind? What happened? Why can't she be free from her past? I have so many questions! Plus, the story takes place in Ireland - how lovely! Such a beautiful country. I'm excited to find out who Saoirse really is and what her story is all about. 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Leyla's House: A Novel by Zülfü Livaneli

(Thank you to Other Press for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

Love, love, love the cover of this wonderful book. You can see the history and beauty of such a grand home - the way it must have looked once upon a time. Of course, you can see how loss and neglect have left the home forgotten and uncared for. And yet, an elderly woman named Leyla resided in the space - a connection to her aristocratic heritage - until she was thrown out of it and made homeless. So, what happens next?

Well...

"Evicted from her Istanbul mansion, an elderly aristocrat forms surprising new connections across class and culture.

A colorful, nuanced novel about old and new money, the Ottoman Empire and modern Turkey, from the internationally bestselling author of Disquiet.

The last living member of a great Ottoman family, the refined yet sheltered Leyla finds herself homeless and vulnerable when her house is sold by the bank to a business tycoon and his ambitious wife. Forced out of this historic mansion on the bank of the Bosphorus, Leyla is rescued and taken in by Yusuf, the son of her family’s former gardener who has become a journalist. She follows him to a modern, cosmopolitan district of Istanbul where she discovers a world of artists and outcasts alongside Yusuf’s partner, Roxy, real name Rukiye, a hip-hop singer. Despite initial hostility, a real friendship gradually develops between these two very different women.

When Leyla’s former home is emptied of its furniture, a hidden family history resurfaces thanks to the discovery of a photo revealing the old lady’s uncanny resemblance to a British officer. Could Leyla be the product of an illegitimate union between an Ottoman woman and an Englishman?

With a marked sense of romance, this vibrant novel displays all the layers of a society where social classes as diverse as the former Ottoman aristocracy, the nouveau riche, and the Turks who returned after immigrating to Europe coexist." (summary from Goodreads)

How fascinating does that sound? Exploring what home truly means, along with the history and romance that houses can foster and carry. This book sounds like a definite must-read for fans of historical literary fiction. Plus, reading about Turkey and its history - talk about armchair travel at its best! I'm excited to dive in deep with Leyla's House and lose myself in her story.  And, I'm happy to recommend you do the same - grab a copy and read it up. I just know you'll fall in deep with this book - I'm looking forward to doing the same. Happy reading!

Thank you to Other Press for providing me with a copy of this book!

Remember That Day: A Ravenswood Novel by Mary Balogh

 

Historical fiction and romance - what more could I want? Mary Balogh's latest book in her popular Ravenswood series, Remember That Day, combines the two perfectly. 

Winifred and Nicholas are engaged to be married to other people and yet, they can't seem to stop falling deeper and deeper in love with one another. Yep, seems that there is trouble in Ravenswood and two families may be broken by an undeniable love story. WHOA! Talk about a riveting Regency romance. I absolutely loved getting to know the characters and seeing their love bloom and blossom. And, of course I wanted to find out if they would have their happily ever after. This was one book that I found to be a delight to read. 

I would happily recommend Balogh's books - they are always a joy to read. Make sure to grab a copy of her latest story, Remember That Day - you are going to fall in love with it and Balogh! 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Sleeping In The Sun: A Novel by Joanne Howard

(Thank you to She Writes Press for my copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

When two visitors arrive to the boarding house in India where an American boy is coming of age during the British Raj, truths unravel, disrupting his life and challenging the family’s sense of home. A unique historical angle ideal for fans of The Poisonwood Bible and The Inheritance of Loss.

In the last years of the British Raj, an American missionary family stays on in Midnapore, India. Though the Hintons enjoy white privileges, they have never been accepted by British society and instead run a boarding house on the outskirts of town where wayward native Indians come to find relief.

Young Gene Hinton can’t get out from under the thumb of his three older brothers, and the only person he can really relate to is Arthur, his family’s Indian servant. But when Uncle Ellis, a high-ranking British judge, suddenly arrives and announces he’ll be staying indefinitely in their humble house, far from his prestigious post in Himalayan foothills, life as Gene knows it is interrupted. While his brothers are excited at the judge’s arrival, he is skeptical as to why this important man is hiding out with them in the backwaters of Bengal.

Also skeptical is Arthur. Then an Indian woman appears on their doorstep—and, after growing close to her, he learns the sinister truth about the judge. Torn between a family that has provided him shelter, work, and purpose his whole life and the escalating outrage of his countrymen, Arthur must decide where his loyalties lie—and the Hintons must decide if they can still call India home.

Praise for Sleeping in the Sun:

“Sleeping in the Sun is a stunning novel that grabs your emotions and doesn’t let go.” — Ginny Kubitz Moyer, author of A Golden Life

“Set against the backdrop of India in the 1930s, Sleeping in the Sun tells the story of the Hintons, a family of American missionaries sent to bring Christianity to the city of Midnapore. Told from the point of view of Gene, the Hintons’ youngest son, and Arthur, their Indian servant, this sweeping historical novel flawlessly transports readers to another time and place. Political, racial, and interpersonal conflicts ensure you won’t be able to put it down. I know I couldn’t.” — Susen Edwards, author of What a Trip and Lookin’ for Love

“Exquisitely rendered and highly nuanced ... Sumptuously written and detailed, this novel is destined to become a classic. A triumph!” — Ashley E. Sweeney, author of Eliza Waite

my thoughts:

Wow! Sleeping In The Sun by Joanne Howard is an excellent read. I absolutely LOVED it! Talk about a must-read story.

If you are looking for a literary historical fiction novel, then look no further than Sleeping In The Sun. This book has it all - history, family, drama, scandal, secrets, and so much more. It is truly a terrific story that will have you reading non-stop, because you just have to know what is going to happen next. It's a fantastic reading experience. I loved every minute I spent with this book - it was riveting, unputdownable, and unforgettable. Loved it!

So, what is this amazing story about? Well, it's about the Hinton family living in India. They're missionaries and they are determined to espouse the values of Christianity to the local people. Except, suddenly, Uncle Ellis arrives out of nowhere and suddenly life in the house is thrown for a loop. Hmm...why would a high-ranking official decide to stay in a humble abode in the middle of nowhere? Hmm...someone is keeping a secret. What could it be? Will Gene figure it out; or will his friend, Arthur, the family's Indian servant, figure it out first? And, will this secret create even more chaos in the Hinton household? Whoa! Talk about a riveting read!

Howard's writing is fantastic! Her prose is vivid and emotional. The strength of her storytelling power is exhibited in the ways in which she brings her characters to life and shares their stories so clearly and beautifully with us. She sweeps you away to 1930s India and you are in deep with this family, the country, the culture, all of it - and it is awesome.  Howard is a brilliant writer and Sleeping In The Sun showcases her talent loudly. I can't wait to read more of her work.  And, I would recommend that you grab a copy of this book ASAP - you are going to fall in love with Gene and Arthur, along with Howard's excellent storytelling. Make sure to check it out! 

Thank you to She Writes Press for my copy of this book!

The Book Of Witching: A Novel by C.J. Cooke

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A mother must fight for her daughter’s life in this fierce and haunting tale of witchcraft and revenge from the author of A Haunting in the Arctic.

Clem gets a call that is every mother’s worst nightmare. Her nineteen-year-old daughter Erin is unconscious in the hospital after a hiking trip with her friends on the remote Orkney Islands that met a horrifying end, leaving her boyfriend dead and her best friend missing. When Erin wakes, she doesn’t recognize her mother. And she doesn’t answer to her name, but insists she is someone named Nyx.

Clem travels the site of her daughter’s accident, determined to find out what happened to her. The answer may lie in a dark secret in the history of the Orkneys: a woman wrongly accused of witchcraft and murder four centuries ago. Clem begins to wonder if Erin’s strange behavior is a symptom of a broken mind, or the effects of an ancient curse?

my thoughts:

Wow! Wow! Wow! What a freaking fantastic story! I loved C. J. Cooke's latest novel, The Book of Witching. We get past histories affecting the present day in HUGE and horrifying ways, witches, Scotland, family drama, and so much deliciousness, that you won't be able to put this book down for anything! I absolutely LOVED The Book of Witching to bits! 

Erin was on a hiking trip and now she's in hospital with burns and doesn't know her own mother. Her boyfriend is dead and her best friend is missing. Oh, and her name is not Erin, it's Nyx. Say what?! Yep, talk about a trip gone wrong. Clem, Erin's mom, is beside herself. She's horrified at her daughter's condition and what transpired on the hiking trip, except, what really happened? That is the mystery, because now the cops are wondering if Erin killed her boyfriend and hurt her best friend. And if so, why? Looks like Clem will have to figure out the truth if she wants to save her daughter, and fast. Yikes! 

Cooke has created a terrific tale chock full of mystery and intrigue that will have you reading late into the night. You won't want to miss out! Make sure to grab a copy of The Book Of Witching ASAP!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

A Wolff in the Family: A Novel by Francine Falk-Allen

(Thank you to She Writes Press for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Based on a true story, A Wolff in the Family is a riveting saga of prejudice, passion, and revenge, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds. What mysterious scandals led a father to abandon the youngest of his children—and for the elder siblings to keep their shame a secret for eighty years? 

Frank and Naomi Wolff were happily married in 1908. She was a Kansas farmgirl; he was a railroad engineer. She was excited to embark upon her role as wife and mother with a hardworking man, and in their early years together they made a life in thriving Ogden, Utah. Despite Frank’s almost-constant absence for his job riding the rails, which left pretty Naomi to raise their children virtually alone, their romantic relationship begat fourteen offspring in eighteen years. Like other lower-middle-class women, Naomi’s life was consumed with caring for her brood, who became helpers as soon as they could fold a diaper—and who, by and by, were required to attend the school of hard knocks as much as public schools. Affection and struggle endured within the family, crowded into a humble house. Despite the respite of occasional family train trips across the plains, the marriage ultimately faced exceptional challenges, just before the Depression era began. 

What scandals led Frank Wolff to abandon his younger children at an orphanage far from home? And why did his elder children keep this a secret for eighty years?

Based on true family history, A Wolff in the Family is a gripping saga permeated with misogyny, prejudice, and passion . . . for fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds.

my thoughts:

Wow! A Wolff in the Family by Francine Falk-Allen is an excellent read! Historical fiction with a bit of a memoir twist, this family saga is one for the ages. I mean it. This story has it all - secrets, drama, loss, love, injustice, and so much more. And it is riveting - you won't be able to put this book down for anything - it's just too damn good. I mean it. Once you start, you must finish and I mean, like you have to turn off your phone and just let yourself get caught up in the story. No interruptions, just reading, reading, reading...until you turn that very last page. It'll be worth it. 

I don't really want to share much about the story, because it is definitely one you must read for yourself. You'll want to experience it all as you delve further into this family's history. It's definitely an emotional and relatable story at times, so get ready to feel all the feels.  A Wolff in the Family is one book you won't forget.

I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you won't want to miss out on this one! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP! 

Thank you to She Writes Press for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Trial Of Anna Thalberg: A Novel by Eduardo Sangarcia, translated by Elizabeth Bryer

(Thank you to Restless Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Anna Thalberg is a peasant woman shunned for her red hair and provocative beauty. When she is dragged from her home and accused of witchcraft, her neighbors do not intervene. Only Klaus, Anna’s husband, and Father Friedrich, a priest experiencing a crisis of faith, set out to the city of Würzburg to prove her innocence. There, Anna faces isolation and torture inside the prison tower, while the populace grows anxious over strange happenings within the city walls. Can Klaus and Friedrich convince the church to release Anna, or will she burn at the stake?

Set in the Holy Roman Empire during the Protestant Reformation, The Trial of Anna Thalberg is a story of religious persecution, superstition, and human suffering. While exploring the medieval fear of witches and demons, it delves into enduring human concerns: the historical oppression of women, the inhumanity of institutions, and the question of God’s existence. Frantic in pace and experimental in form, this novel is an unforgettable debut from Mexican author Eduardo Sangarcía.

my thoughts:

The Trial Of Anna Thalberg by Eduardo Sangarcia is historical fiction at its finest. I loved reading all about the ways in which morality, superstition, and religion played vital roles in this story. They helped to show the suffering Anna endured as she dealt with false accusations based on jealousy - all because she was a beautiful redhead!?! How crazy?! Talk about 'he said - she said' at it's worst!

Sangarcia has written a riveting tale about witches, society, and faith. I found myself easily engaged with the story and eager to keep reading. I wanted to find out about these people involved in Anna's fate, along with the history of it all. This was one story that I would not put down for anything - it was just too good to resist. 

I would definitely recommend The Trial Of Anna Thalberg to everyone looking for their next great read - you won't want to miss out on this gem. Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to Restless Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Wildcat Behind Glass by Alki Wei

(Thank you to Restless Books for providing with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

For Melia and her sister Myrto, summer means a break from Grandfather’s history lessons and weeks of running free at the seaside with their ragtag group of friends. Best of all, cousin Nikos will visit and tell his fabulous stories about the taxidermied wildcat, which opens its blue glass eye when it wants to do good deeds and its black one when it makes trouble. The black eye must be open lately because all the adults have been acting strangely, arguing about politics and fearful of the police. Soon even the children are divided—who can Melia trust? And can the wildcat help keep her family safe?

Set in Greece during the 1930s, when the nation was torn apart by fascism, The Wildcat Behind Glass is an unforgettable tale of family, humanity, and what it means to be free. From its 1963 release to the dozens of international editions and honors that followed including a Mildred L. Batchelder Award, the novel has enchanted generations of young readers. Now, a fresh English translation—the first in over 50 years—breathes new life into the timeless story.

my thoughts:

A marvelous and unforgettable story that I can't wait to read again and again. The Wildcat Behind Glass by Alki Wei is a wonderful children's book that I would wholeheartedly recommend to everyone. It's a definite must-read!

I loved the story, the characters, the setting, and the writing - it was all superb! I found myself easily engaged right from the start and would not put the book down for anything. I enjoyed every second I spent with Melia, Myrto, Nikos, and the wildcat with a blue glass eye. Their summer adventures made for fun and wondrous storytelling.  And, that is all I will share about the book, because you must experience it for yourself. It's such a special treat to read - you will LOVE it!!

Make sure to get your hands on a copy ASAP - you won't regret it! And, make sure to tell your friends about this story, too - they are going to fall in deep, too. 

Thank you to Restless Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Serabelle: Where the Wealthy Come to Play by Tavi Taylor Black

(Thank you to the author and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

An island sheltered from modern progress. Strict lines between servants and masters. Will crossing them leave her fatally exposed?

Bar Harbor, Maine. 1913. Mabel Rae is smart, reckless, and naïve. So when the ambitious seventeen-year-old joins the staff at a rocky cliffside cottage, she willingly lets the boisterous estate owner's improper advances sweep her off her feet. And the slender young woman dismisses the vulnerability of her position when she discovers she's pregnant with his unacknowledged child.

Brought harshly down to earth after she's caught up in the machinations of a family feud, Mabel decides it's time to take matters into her own hands. But with no money and few rights, she fears a forced marriage to the brutish gardener is her only socially acceptable option.

Is her future forever stunted, or can she become a beacon of change?

In a classic upstairs-downstairs tale, award-winning author Tavi Taylor Black spins an intricate web of idealism's battle against harsh reality. Set at a time when suffrage was at its height, temperance was gaining momentum, and war loomed in Europe, this spellbinding novel shines a light on inequities we still face today.

Serabelle is a darkly humorous work of historical fiction. If you like intricate relationships, lyrical prose, and stories that tackle serious issues, then you'll love Tavi Taylor Black's vivid portrait of the Gilded Age.

my thoughts:

Love, love, loved this excellent story by Tavi Taylor Black! Serabelle: Where the Wealthy Come to Play is historical fiction at its very best! 

Set in the early 1900s in Maine, this is the story of Mabel Rae, a young woman working at the luxe Serabelle, a large estate owned by the Ainsworth-Hunt family. Unfortunately, she catches the eye of the owner and winds up pregnant. Soon, she is caught up in a family drama that leaves her learning one hard truth after another. Fortunately, she does have a friend who manages to help her out, except the option isn't a guaranteed happily ever after. So, the question is, will Mabel Rae ever find happiness? Whoa!

I really enjoyed this story and reading about Maine - such a beautiful setting. Plus, it's always fun to find out about different time periods, like the early 1900s - makes for a fascinating history lesson. And, the characters were definitely interesting to get to know. All in all, this was such a treat to read! I would happily recommend it to everyone. Definitely check it out!

Thank you to the author and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Cemetery Of Untold Stories: A Novel by Julia Alvarez

(Thank you to Algonquin Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Literary icon Julia Alvarez returns with an inventive and emotional novel about storytelling itself that will be an instant classic.
 
Alma Cruz, the celebrated writer at the heart of The Cemetery of Untold Stories , doesn’t want to end up like her friend, a novelist who fought so long and hard to finish a book that it threatened her sanity. So when Alma inherits a small plot of land in the Dominican Republic, her homeland, she has the beautiful idea of turning it into a place to bury her untold stories—literally. She creates a graveyard for the manuscript drafts and revisions, and the characters whose lives she tried and failed to bring to life and who still haunt her.
 
Alma wants her characters to rest in peace. But they have other ideas, and the cemetery becomes a mysterious sanctuary for their true narratives. Filomena, a local woman hired as the groundskeeper, becomes a sympathetic listener as Alma’s characters unspool their secret tales. Among them: Bienvenida, the abandoned second wife of dictator Rafael Trujillo, consigned to oblivion by history, and Manuel Cruz, a doctor who fought in the Dominican underground and escaped to the United States.
 
The characters defy their author: they talk back to her and talk to one another behind her back, rewriting and revising themselves. The Cemetery of Untold Stories asks: Whose stories get to be told, and whose buried? Finally, Alma finds the meaning she and her characters yearn for in the everlasting vitality of stories.
 
Readers of Isabel Allende’s Violeta and Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead will devour Alvarez’s extraordinary new novel about beauty and authenticity that reminds us the stories of our lives are never truly finished, even at the end.

my thoughts:

Love, love, loved this story! The Cemetery Of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez is a delight to read. A book about books sprinkled with magical realism always makes for a rich and imaginative story. And, this one was the perfect mix of history, magic, and inventive storytelling. Such a treat!

Alma is a writer who decides to create a cemetery for her untold stories. Except, the characters in her stories want their stories to be told. And, that is all I will share about this terrific book. Believe me, you are going to want to read it for yourself to experience the magic of Alvarez' storytelling prowess. You are going to love getting to know Alma and her characters. Plus, you'll enjoy Alvarez' writing - lyrical and emotional. The Cemetery Of Untold Stories is a must-read! Make sure to check it out! 

Thank you to Algonquin Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Lost Book of Bonn: A Novel by Brianna Labuskes

(Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Brianna Labuskes’ debut historical novel, The Librarian of Burned Books, was released to great success last year—translated into over a dozen languages and published globally. Her newest novel, THE LOST BOOK OF BONN (William Morrow Trade Paperback; on-sale: March 19), continues her literary-themed historical fiction hot streak. Leveraging her decade of experience as a journalist, Brianna’s meticulous research and riveting wordsmithing makes THE LOST BOOK OF BONN an immersive step back in time while still resonating with current events like book banning, protests and uprisings, cultural restitution, and more.

Germany, 1946: Emmy Clarke is a librarian not a soldier. But that doesn’t stop the Library of Congress from sending her overseas to Germany to help the Monuments Men retrieve and catalog precious literature that was plundered by the Nazis. The Offenbach Archival Depot and its work may get less attention than returning art to its rightful owners, but for Emmy, who sees the personalized messages on the inside of the books and the notes in margins of pages, it feels just as important.

On Emmy’s first day at work, she finds a poetry collection by Rainer Maria Rilke, and on the title page is a handwritten dedication: “To Annelise, my brave Edelweiss Pirate.” Emmy is instantly intrigued by the story behind the dedication and becomes determined to figure out what happened.

The hunt for the rightful owner of the book leads Emmy to two sisters, a horrific betrayal, and an extraordinary protest against the Nazis that was held in Berlin at the height of the war. Nearly a decade earlier, hundreds of brave women gathered in the streets after their Jewish husbands were detained by the Gestapo. Through freezing rain and RAF bombings, the women faced down certain death and did what so few others dared to do under the Third Reich. They said no.

Emmy grapples with her own ghosts as she begins to wonder if she’s just chasing two more. What she finds instead is a powerful story of love, forgiveness, and courage that brings light to even the darkest of postwar days.

THE LOST BOOK OF BONN is an intricate depiction of the importance of books during wartime as well as an evocative example of the power of women-led social & political change(fitting as publication coincides with Women’s History Month).The novel encapsulates the resilience and strength of women in the face of great adversity and highlights history’s forgotten heroines along with their overlooked contributions—ripples of which are still felt today! Masterfully crafted, THE LOST BOOK OF BONN is the very best of what historical fiction aims to be.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a magnificent book! The Lost Book of Bonn by Brianna Labuskes is historical fiction at its very best. The writing is excellent. The characters are unforgettable. Their story is unputdownable. This is one book you won't want to miss out on - it's a must-read for everyone! Make sure to get your hands on a copy ASAP!

So, what is this awesome book about? History. WWII to be exact. We get the before, during, and after via three women: two sisters (Annelise and Christina) and the librarian (Emmy) who seeks out their story. Emmy's in Germany helping the Monuments Men return books to their rightful owners when she comes across a poetry collection with an inscription that catches her attention. She soon finds herself on a mission to find out what happened to the owner of the book. And, so we learn about each sister and what happened when they both chose to follow very different paths - Hitler Youth Group and Edelweiss Pirates (a rebellious group) - in a brutal and devastating war. Along the way, Emmy finds herself reflecting on her own choices. And, that is all I will share about this amazing story. You just have to read it for yourself to experience it. This book is riveting and thought-provoking. Definitely makes you want to read more about WWII and women's roles during that time period. Such a great book!

I would happily recommend The Lost Book of Bonn to fans of Labuskes and to anyone looking for their next great read - you are going to fall in deep with this one!

Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks for providing me with a copy of this book!