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The Floating Girls
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
I would have given this more stars but I couldn't stand the main characters narrative, for me it just threw the whole story off. Started off good but grew irritating very quickly. I love southern fiction but I didn't love this book. I had serious hopes but they were dashed.
Due to my almost compulsive interest in World War II, I have read a large number of books about resistance organizations and activities in countries under Axis control. I also enjoy novels which take place during this period.
When I first began reading this novel I felt it was a rather light depiction of the resistance in the Netherlands, and thought about passing it up. But I continued reading and did enjoy it.
I think it has value as an introduction to young people, or even adults who don't know much about the war, about those men and women who, on a daily basis, risked their lives to save the lives of others and to fight Fascism.
When I first began reading this novel I felt it was a rather light depiction of the resistance in the Netherlands, and thought about passing it up. But I continued reading and did enjoy it.
I think it has value as an introduction to young people, or even adults who don't know much about the war, about those men and women who, on a daily basis, risked their lives to save the lives of others and to fight Fascism.
The Thursday Murder Club (Thursday Murder Club, Bk 1)
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Julie Y. (naboo) reviewed on + 26 more book reviews
This book was chosen for my monthly book club. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more books in the Thursday Murder Club series.Â
At the Coopers Chase Retirement Village, four elders form The Thursday Murder Club and meet every Thursday to resolve old murder investigations. The members of this club are Elizabeth Best (retired spy), Joyce Meadowcroft (a retired nurse), Ron Ritchie (a retired famous trade union leader), and Ibrahim Arif (a retired psychiatrist).
Suddenly, Tony Curran, the lead builder of Coopers Chase, is blugeoned to death in his own kitchen, and an old photograph is left laying beside the victim. The Thursday Murder Club (led by Elizabeth) decide to investigate and discover the killer with help from both Police Constable Donna De Freitas and Detective Chief Inspector Chris Hudson.Â
Soon after Ian Ventham, the unscrupulous owner of Coopers Chase, is killed by an fentanyl overdose injected into the muscle of his upper arm.Â
I truly enjoyed the twists and turns throughout this novel. Additionally, Joyce's diary entries mixed in with the central story provided an intimate access to the character's thoughts and feelings.Â
Finally, I love the quote found in the acknowledgements:
"You must live your life as you choose. "
At the Coopers Chase Retirement Village, four elders form The Thursday Murder Club and meet every Thursday to resolve old murder investigations. The members of this club are Elizabeth Best (retired spy), Joyce Meadowcroft (a retired nurse), Ron Ritchie (a retired famous trade union leader), and Ibrahim Arif (a retired psychiatrist).
Suddenly, Tony Curran, the lead builder of Coopers Chase, is blugeoned to death in his own kitchen, and an old photograph is left laying beside the victim. The Thursday Murder Club (led by Elizabeth) decide to investigate and discover the killer with help from both Police Constable Donna De Freitas and Detective Chief Inspector Chris Hudson.Â
Soon after Ian Ventham, the unscrupulous owner of Coopers Chase, is killed by an fentanyl overdose injected into the muscle of his upper arm.Â
I truly enjoyed the twists and turns throughout this novel. Additionally, Joyce's diary entries mixed in with the central story provided an intimate access to the character's thoughts and feelings.Â
Finally, I love the quote found in the acknowledgements:
"You must live your life as you choose. "
Essence of Foul Play by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An excellent debut for what promises to be a charming, fun, and magical new cozy mystery series.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An excellent debut for what promises to be a charming, fun, and magical new cozy mystery series.
Essence of Foul Play is the first book in veteran author Daryl Wood Gerber's charming, fun, and magical new Aroma Wellness Mystery series and introduces readers to the quirky but often contentious residents of Carmel while solving a puzzling and ugly murder. Emma Brennan opens her new spa with its intriguing lineup of alternative self-care treatments in her hometown. Still, she encounters some surprising resistance to her business model, especially from her own mother and her college friend, Willow Shafer, a fellow spa owner who offers only traditional spa services. When Willow is found murdered the morning of Emma's grand opening, Emma immediately becomes âa person of interestâ in her death because a witness reported she saw Emma entering Willow's business the night before.
The main character, Emma Brennan, is not only a new spa owner but now an amateur sleuth as well in order to clear her name as a suspect in the death of her old friend. She continually keeps a tight rein on her emotions, uses calming techniques, and always tries to redirect her frustrations with others in a positive direction. In addition to the mystery, I really enjoyed reading about all the different methods she employed to stay grounded and in control, and the descriptions of the variety of services her spa offered were fascinating. I was ready to book an appointment myself.As the first book in a new series, the author must build an entire community of people who live there but do it in such a manner as not to overload the reader. Ms. Gerber does just this with a subtle and natural hand and even lends further assistance to the reader by providing a cast of characters at the front of the book. Readers familiar with the author's Fairy Garden Mystery series, also set in Carmel, may recognize some cross-over characters who make an appearance. Emma's world is full of quirky individuals and like-minded souls, such as her grandmother, town librarian, and fairy-friendly Lissa Reade. Yet, there are also quite a few cranky, rude, and downright mean-spirited folks among her acquaintances. One publicly proclaims to Emma's face, "We hope your business goes poof." I was shocked but also compelled to keep reading to see if that one would get her comeuppance!
The plot moves quickly, first with all the preparations for the spa's Grand Opening, and as the murder is discovered early in the story, the action and suspense never let up. With all the high emotions in Emma's circle, there were plenty of possible murder suspects along the way to check off the list. But as the story progresses and the red herrings drop off, there is a satisfying final resolution.I recommend ESSENCE OF FOUL PLAY to cozy mystery readers, especially those who would enjoy a spa setting and cool, alternative self-care services.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
Found Objects: A Paranormal Witch Urban Fantasy (Unexpected Magic)
Author:
Genres: Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Paperback
Not a bad start to the first book in a new series. It started out slow I almost gave up but then it picked up and now I can't wait for the next one!! All about a girl / woman learning that she's a witch while working in New Mexico. A different take on the urban fantasy world with a little bit of paranormal thrown in. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
Midnight Sun (Twilight Saga, Bk 5)
Author:
Genres: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Hardcover
Marsha W S. (shasha1002) reviewed on
Just plain awful. I gave it half a star because you can't give zero stars!
Cynthia G. reviewed on + 5 more book reviews
This book is a great resource for methods as well supplies you will need to the projects. Directions direct and east to follow. A good place to start.
Cynthia G. reviewed on + 5 more book reviews
Excellent book. Ideas are simple to complex with full description on how to do as well as what supplies you need. I have already incorporated some of these ideas.
This book features two gender non-conforming children who struggle because other children resist the use of the bathroom they prefer.
The author and illustrator have put together a children's book that really made me, as an adult, think about how I view gender. I must assume it would have a similar effect on children.
The two gender non-conforming protagonists, Jacob and Sophie, aren't identified clearly in the illustrations. Later, it is revealed that Jacob is a boy who wears a dress and Sophie is a girl who doesn't conform to stereotypical expectations of females in dress and hair style.
After the teacher helps them use the bathroom by protecting them from the interference of the other children, she does some exercises with the children to help them understand that their ideas about "boy" and "girl" as imagined ideals don't conform to the reality of their classmates.
When the children learn this lesson, they become less rigid in enforcing traditional gender norms and decide to allow children to use whichever bathroom they prefer.
The author and illustrator have put together a children's book that really made me, as an adult, think about how I view gender. I must assume it would have a similar effect on children.
The two gender non-conforming protagonists, Jacob and Sophie, aren't identified clearly in the illustrations. Later, it is revealed that Jacob is a boy who wears a dress and Sophie is a girl who doesn't conform to stereotypical expectations of females in dress and hair style.
After the teacher helps them use the bathroom by protecting them from the interference of the other children, she does some exercises with the children to help them understand that their ideas about "boy" and "girl" as imagined ideals don't conform to the reality of their classmates.
When the children learn this lesson, they become less rigid in enforcing traditional gender norms and decide to allow children to use whichever bathroom they prefer.
The Filipino Guerrilla Resistance against the Japanese is probably the greatest guerrilla resistance in history, and one of the most costly. As twenty percent of the people in that country died during the Japanese occupation. Their bravery and tenacity was unbelievable. As a result, many smaller islands and major portions of larger islands were already free of Japanese control even before the arrival of U.S. liberation forces in 1944.
What made this resistance really interesting was that in many cases guerrilla units which included Americans were commanded by Filipino officers. And many units were commanded by U.S. Army reserve officers who were civilian engineers working in the Philippines and recalled to active duty. For example Wendell Fertig commanded a guerrilla force on Mindanao which eventually numbered 30,000 men and women. If you can find a copy of "They Fought Alone" by John Keats which describes the guerrilla resistance on Mindanao, read it, or read Colonel Fertig's page on Wikipedia.
I have an entire shelf of books written by or about the American and Filipino participants of this resistance. Many of these books were published in 1945-46 and never published again.
This book has very little information about the guerrilla fighting and covers the day-to-day life of civilians living in the jungle, constantly moving to avoid Japanese raids. At first, I thought I was going to find it boring, but I was eventually caught up in Louise Spencer's story. Their struggle in getting enough food and shelter, despite the sacrifices of their Filipino neighbors and friends, the diseases that frequently plagued them and killed some, the deaths of their friends due to Japanese raids were all part of the totally different life style they had to adapt to. I was surprised to read that she and her husband's best friends on their over two year 'adventure' were Claude and Laura Fertig. Claude was not only a civilian engineer who joined the resistance, but was also Wendell Fertig's brother.
While reading the book I met a Filipino-American woman who visited a state park I volunteer at. I shared the experiences of my time in the Philippines with her and my interest in the Filipino guerrilla resistance. She blew me away when she began to tell me of all the members of her family who were killed during the war. Her grandmother only survived one Japanese raid by feigning death and hiding under the bodies of her fellow villagers massacred by Japanese soldiers.
What made this resistance really interesting was that in many cases guerrilla units which included Americans were commanded by Filipino officers. And many units were commanded by U.S. Army reserve officers who were civilian engineers working in the Philippines and recalled to active duty. For example Wendell Fertig commanded a guerrilla force on Mindanao which eventually numbered 30,000 men and women. If you can find a copy of "They Fought Alone" by John Keats which describes the guerrilla resistance on Mindanao, read it, or read Colonel Fertig's page on Wikipedia.
I have an entire shelf of books written by or about the American and Filipino participants of this resistance. Many of these books were published in 1945-46 and never published again.
This book has very little information about the guerrilla fighting and covers the day-to-day life of civilians living in the jungle, constantly moving to avoid Japanese raids. At first, I thought I was going to find it boring, but I was eventually caught up in Louise Spencer's story. Their struggle in getting enough food and shelter, despite the sacrifices of their Filipino neighbors and friends, the diseases that frequently plagued them and killed some, the deaths of their friends due to Japanese raids were all part of the totally different life style they had to adapt to. I was surprised to read that she and her husband's best friends on their over two year 'adventure' were Claude and Laura Fertig. Claude was not only a civilian engineer who joined the resistance, but was also Wendell Fertig's brother.
While reading the book I met a Filipino-American woman who visited a state park I volunteer at. I shared the experiences of my time in the Philippines with her and my interest in the Filipino guerrilla resistance. She blew me away when she began to tell me of all the members of her family who were killed during the war. Her grandmother only survived one Japanese raid by feigning death and hiding under the bodies of her fellow villagers massacred by Japanese soldiers.
Don't Let Him In: A Novel
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Don't Let Him In started slow and was confusing to keep track of the many characters. But as I continued reading, the author began to show the connections between the characters. I had to keep reading to see how these women prevail over the âperfectâ man. It was and enjoyable read. ARC provided though a Goodreads giveaway.
Snowbound with the Brooding Lord (Harlequin Historical, No 1762)
Author:
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Good second chance story. Sabrina and Jack were in love six years earlier, and Jack was preparing to propose. Then, without explanation, her engagement to another man was announced, leaving Jack heartbroken and feeling betrayed. Now a wealthy young widow, Sabrina is back in London and enjoying the social scene until she encounters Jack.
I felt bad for Sabrina. Forced to marry a much older and dissolute man, her married life was miserable. Stuck playing hostess at his degenerate parties, Sabrina is tarred with the same brush and later nicknamed "The Wicked Widow." She does nothing to dispel the rumors. However, she is dissatisfied with her usual activities and yearns for something more. Meanwhile, Jack enjoys his bachelorhood and is in no hurry to marry, though sometimes he envies his friend Garrick's happiness.
When they meet again, it is evident that neither has forgotten the past. The sparks of attraction still burn between them. Sabrina regrets her actions back then and feels guilty about the pain she knows she caused him. Seeing Sabrina again stirs up the pain of her betrayal, he makes snarky comments instead of treating her with the friendly indifference he intended. Clearly, she still gets to him. After exchanging harsh words, each vows to avoid the other.
Fate has other plans, and Jack and Sabrina attend the same house party. They continue to be drawn to each other, and the attraction grows stronger with each encounter. Unfortunately, Jack cannot forgive and forget, and his hot and cold treatment of Sabrina irritated me. I had high hopes after their tryst during the house party, but an innocent comment by Sabrina sets Jack off yet again.
Determined to get away from each other, Jack and Sabrina leave the house party separately but end up together when a disabled carriage and a snowstorm forced them to take refuge in a home along the way. They must put aside their differences and work together to make it through the storm. With nowhere to run, Jack and Sabrina must face their past and decide if they can put it behind them for a future together. It was the equivalent of locking them in a room until they worked out their differences. I was happy to see Jack finally shut up and listen to Sabrina. However, there are still insecurities to overcome, and it takes a moment of danger to open their eyes to what they have to lose.
The ending was good, and I liked the epilogue.
References to political unrest run throughout the book without taking over. I liked the impact those events had on the story.
I felt bad for Sabrina. Forced to marry a much older and dissolute man, her married life was miserable. Stuck playing hostess at his degenerate parties, Sabrina is tarred with the same brush and later nicknamed "The Wicked Widow." She does nothing to dispel the rumors. However, she is dissatisfied with her usual activities and yearns for something more. Meanwhile, Jack enjoys his bachelorhood and is in no hurry to marry, though sometimes he envies his friend Garrick's happiness.
When they meet again, it is evident that neither has forgotten the past. The sparks of attraction still burn between them. Sabrina regrets her actions back then and feels guilty about the pain she knows she caused him. Seeing Sabrina again stirs up the pain of her betrayal, he makes snarky comments instead of treating her with the friendly indifference he intended. Clearly, she still gets to him. After exchanging harsh words, each vows to avoid the other.
Fate has other plans, and Jack and Sabrina attend the same house party. They continue to be drawn to each other, and the attraction grows stronger with each encounter. Unfortunately, Jack cannot forgive and forget, and his hot and cold treatment of Sabrina irritated me. I had high hopes after their tryst during the house party, but an innocent comment by Sabrina sets Jack off yet again.
Determined to get away from each other, Jack and Sabrina leave the house party separately but end up together when a disabled carriage and a snowstorm forced them to take refuge in a home along the way. They must put aside their differences and work together to make it through the storm. With nowhere to run, Jack and Sabrina must face their past and decide if they can put it behind them for a future together. It was the equivalent of locking them in a room until they worked out their differences. I was happy to see Jack finally shut up and listen to Sabrina. However, there are still insecurities to overcome, and it takes a moment of danger to open their eyes to what they have to lose.
The ending was good, and I liked the epilogue.
References to political unrest run throughout the book without taking over. I liked the impact those events had on the story.
Juliet Nolan and her best friend Shelby volunteer to be seat fillers at a Hollywood awards show. The first seat she fills is right beside heartthrob Noah Douglas. When he makes a remark about her stealing seats, she pretends that she has no idea who he is. That's a lie. He was actually her high school crush. As Noah talks to her, Juliet mentions that she has a dog grooming business. The next thing she knows, he has hired her to take care of his dog, Magnus. Soon Noah is pursuing Juliet, but she keeps telling him that she just wants to be friends.Â
This is a cute contemporary romance. The hero and heroine strike sparks off of each other from the moment they meet. Juliet likes Noah and wants to be with him, but she is harboring a secret. She has a pathological fear of kissing. Of course, when she finally tells him her secret, he decides to help her with her problem.
I liked the first half of this story and found it amusing. I thought the second half was very slow and predictable. I thought Noah over-reacted when he learned that Juliet lied about not knowing him when they met. I thought the author could have found something more original to cause conflict in their relationship. My rating: 3 Stars.
This is a cute contemporary romance. The hero and heroine strike sparks off of each other from the moment they meet. Juliet likes Noah and wants to be with him, but she is harboring a secret. She has a pathological fear of kissing. Of course, when she finally tells him her secret, he decides to help her with her problem.
I liked the first half of this story and found it amusing. I thought the second half was very slow and predictable. I thought Noah over-reacted when he learned that Juliet lied about not knowing him when they met. I thought the author could have found something more original to cause conflict in their relationship. My rating: 3 Stars.
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Hardcover
A Nightmare Avenging Nightmares
"What I am is the Indian who can't die. I'm the worst dream America ever had."
I have enjoyed a few of Stephen Graham Jones's booksâ but nothing prepared me for "Buffalo Buffalo Hunter." This is a truly unique experience.
Glancing at the dust jacket, you might assume you know what you are in store for: this is a western, a Blackfoot man becomes a vampire and rains his vengeance down upon white America for the decimation of his tribe and family. However, this initial perception belies the story's true depth. The narrative transcends predictable tropes, delving into a darker, more profound exploration. Shadows deepen, spirits cry out, and souls undergo agonizing torment. In other words, Jones is leading us into a gothic, nightmarish realm.
In 2012 a document was discovered, written a hundred years ago by a Lutheran minister, Arthur Beaucarne. This is forwarded to his great-great granddaughter, Etsy Beaucarne, who studies it in the hope of capitalizing on this find. Her voice bookends the novel, with the preacher's journal entries revealing the details of his life and the eerie confessions he heard from one man.
Historically, in 1870, the US Army broke a promise of protection and murdered over 200 Blackfeet people, mostly women, children, and the elderly, in the Marias Massacre. Arthur's journal reveals that over forty years later a mysterious character, a Blackfoot man by the name of Good Stab, periodically appears at his church to reveal his fantastic history. At the same time, mutilated and painted bodies are turning up in the vicinity. As their dialogue progresses, Arthur becomes increasingly alarmed, threatened both by the evil he fears in this supernatural being and by an unspeakable guilt he has tried to keep repressed.
To say the atmosphere Jones conjures up is creepy does not do it justice. The church scenes, in particular, evoke a chilling dread that lingers long after reading, making you question whether the terror will follow you beyond the book's pages. A character named "Cat Man" is one of the genre's most menacing figures. Finally, one character suffers a staggeringly insane fate; one hard to believe, if not totally justified.
There are triggers everywhere, particularly with regards to animal cruelty. While these incidents are integral to the plot, if you are at all sensitive, I would give this book a wide berth. Violence is a given, as well. Of course, historically the ease at which white America butchered humans in their way is far more horrific than any fictional depiction.
A complex and profound narrative, "Buffalo Hunter Hunter" stands as one of the best horror novels in years.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"What I am is the Indian who can't die. I'm the worst dream America ever had."
I have enjoyed a few of Stephen Graham Jones's booksâ but nothing prepared me for "Buffalo Buffalo Hunter." This is a truly unique experience.
Glancing at the dust jacket, you might assume you know what you are in store for: this is a western, a Blackfoot man becomes a vampire and rains his vengeance down upon white America for the decimation of his tribe and family. However, this initial perception belies the story's true depth. The narrative transcends predictable tropes, delving into a darker, more profound exploration. Shadows deepen, spirits cry out, and souls undergo agonizing torment. In other words, Jones is leading us into a gothic, nightmarish realm.
In 2012 a document was discovered, written a hundred years ago by a Lutheran minister, Arthur Beaucarne. This is forwarded to his great-great granddaughter, Etsy Beaucarne, who studies it in the hope of capitalizing on this find. Her voice bookends the novel, with the preacher's journal entries revealing the details of his life and the eerie confessions he heard from one man.
Historically, in 1870, the US Army broke a promise of protection and murdered over 200 Blackfeet people, mostly women, children, and the elderly, in the Marias Massacre. Arthur's journal reveals that over forty years later a mysterious character, a Blackfoot man by the name of Good Stab, periodically appears at his church to reveal his fantastic history. At the same time, mutilated and painted bodies are turning up in the vicinity. As their dialogue progresses, Arthur becomes increasingly alarmed, threatened both by the evil he fears in this supernatural being and by an unspeakable guilt he has tried to keep repressed.
To say the atmosphere Jones conjures up is creepy does not do it justice. The church scenes, in particular, evoke a chilling dread that lingers long after reading, making you question whether the terror will follow you beyond the book's pages. A character named "Cat Man" is one of the genre's most menacing figures. Finally, one character suffers a staggeringly insane fate; one hard to believe, if not totally justified.
There are triggers everywhere, particularly with regards to animal cruelty. While these incidents are integral to the plot, if you are at all sensitive, I would give this book a wide berth. Violence is a given, as well. Of course, historically the ease at which white America butchered humans in their way is far more horrific than any fictional depiction.
A complex and profound narrative, "Buffalo Hunter Hunter" stands as one of the best horror novels in years.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Secret Place (Dublin Murder Squad, Bk 5)
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Marcia C. reviewed on + 681 more book reviews
This was the sixth Tana French novel I've read, and the one I liked the least. It's nonstop young adolescent girls and their nonsense about boys and each other. I prefer the author's adult characters and dilemmas.
what a beautiful book. i loved it so much. it was so incredibly sad and scary and painful, yes, but it was also filled with the rugged landscape, the resilient constitution of the women, the ferocious need we have to be honest and true to ourselves, come what may. brilliant historical fiction. thank you, kiran, for this lovely journey.
Elizabeth Sails
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
A fun read, interesting story.
Plenty addictions to go around in the story. Four sisters, from NYC, all with their own issues. (True in all families). I found the ending to be a little hurried, but otherwise an interesting read.
Into the Sunset (A Western Light)
Author:
Genres: Romance, Christian Books & Bibles
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Romance, Christian Books & Bibles
Book Type: Paperback
Terrific conclusion to another full western adventure series! Love the crossover of characters from previous series too. Women who are smart, tough and kind. And men who stand alongside them. Should be fine for mature teens and up. 4.5 stars
Deep Six (Dirk Pitt, Bk 7)
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Wayne W. reviewed on + 4 more book reviews
Interesting story but the ending came too quickly.
Donna C. (g-ma) reviewed on + 3172 more book reviews
Freida Mcfadden has won a lot of fans for her books but I think she might be running out of plots
This is a story told many times before by other authors with a few changes but it is predictable, it really doesn't have many twists or turns until the very end and it ends with one you don't see coming
It is an easy book to read but it's not a great book
This is a story told many times before by other authors with a few changes but it is predictable, it really doesn't have many twists or turns until the very end and it ends with one you don't see coming
It is an easy book to read but it's not a great book
The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, History, Medical Books
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, History, Medical Books
Book Type: Hardcover
Helpful Score: 1
The Black Angels are the nurses involved in the discovery of the cure for tuberculosis at Sea View Hospital in Staten Island. The "black" is a reference to race, and the why of that has its history in the Jim Crow South. The book by Maria Smilios is about the hospital, the medical advances, and the life of the women as they faced the challenges of their jobs and the challenges of continued discrimination and hostility even in Staten Island. Ultimately, it is the inspiring lesson of their strength and endurance.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2025/03/the-black-angels.html
Reviewed for NetGalley.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2025/03/the-black-angels.html
Reviewed for NetGalley.
The Housemaid (Housemaid, Bk 1)
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
At first I really liked the story, but it totally changes and becomes very creepy, and somewhat unrealistic.
Terrific book. I have read a few of the Madaris family books, but I need to read the others. Mama Laverne, matriarch of the family, vowed to find perfect matches for all her great-grandchildren. She has a 100 percent success rate so far, but some of the guys are determined to foil her efforts. The prologue of this book opens with Chance and his cousin, Corbin, discussing the problem. Corbin's precautions are over-the-top, while Chance accepts that he will eventually end up on her list.
Thanks to a broken engagement, Chance is in no hurry as he has trust issues. He served in the military, and when he came home in a wheelchair, unable to walk, his fiancée walked away. He credits Mama Laverne with motivating him to prove the doctors wrong. He's back to normal, physically, but limits himself to one-night stands.
We also meet Zoey. Injured in a car accident that killed her parents when she was eight, she has no memory of her life before the accident. Zoey was raised by her aunt, who refused to discuss her parents. She is now an orthopedic surgeon and professor at Johns Hopkins. When her aunt dies, Zoey finds some information about her parents that sends her to a ranch near Houston, looking for answers.
The first meeting between Chance and Zoey doesn't go well. Chance jumps to conclusions about Zoey, which angered her. I enjoyed watching her tear into him and call him out on it. Once he learns what she is looking for, Chance introduces her to Mama Laverne.
The book is a terrific mix of present and past, as Laverne remembers the events that happened between the two families. The past is rife with tragedy, lies, and heartbreak, and I ached for these ancestors of the present-day characters. Laverne kept these secrets for many years, but it may be time to lay the past to rest.
I loved watching Zoey learn about her past. For the past several months, she's had flashes of what might be memories of her parents. Those flashes occur more frequently now; she believes they are actual memories, not wishful thinking. Zoey receives family photo albums and diaries that her mother's best friend saved. These items play a critical role in Zoey's discoveries.
I enjoyed seeing Chance and Zoey's relationship develop. Underneath their initial antagonism were intense sparks of attraction. But Chance doesn't do relationships, and Zoey doesn't do meaningless flings, so they try to bury their feelings. However, they spend a lot of time together, and as friendship grows, so do their feelings. It was amusing to see Chance work so hard at denying what he felt when everyone around him could see he was falling for her. Zoey recognizes her feelings sooner. Things start to look up for them until Chance's ex-fiancée shows up, determined to take him back.
As more of the past comes to light, Laverne must decide how many secrets she will divulge. Matters become complicated when a surprise connection turns dangerous to Laverne and Zoey. That confrontation was intense and unexpected, and I was on the edge of my seat until it was over. The ending was sweet and emotional. I loved seeing Zoey and Chance overcome the obstacles of their pasts. The epilogue was fantastic. I loved the conversation between Zoey and Laverne.
The author writes about wonderful family relationships. The relationship dynamics of the past were fascinating, with love, jealousy, honor, and stubborn pride playing a role. The current family illustrates its close ties with how they support each other, look out for each other, and occasionally call each other out when needed. Throughout it all, it is clear that Mama Laverne is the glue that holds them together.
Thanks to a broken engagement, Chance is in no hurry as he has trust issues. He served in the military, and when he came home in a wheelchair, unable to walk, his fiancée walked away. He credits Mama Laverne with motivating him to prove the doctors wrong. He's back to normal, physically, but limits himself to one-night stands.
We also meet Zoey. Injured in a car accident that killed her parents when she was eight, she has no memory of her life before the accident. Zoey was raised by her aunt, who refused to discuss her parents. She is now an orthopedic surgeon and professor at Johns Hopkins. When her aunt dies, Zoey finds some information about her parents that sends her to a ranch near Houston, looking for answers.
The first meeting between Chance and Zoey doesn't go well. Chance jumps to conclusions about Zoey, which angered her. I enjoyed watching her tear into him and call him out on it. Once he learns what she is looking for, Chance introduces her to Mama Laverne.
The book is a terrific mix of present and past, as Laverne remembers the events that happened between the two families. The past is rife with tragedy, lies, and heartbreak, and I ached for these ancestors of the present-day characters. Laverne kept these secrets for many years, but it may be time to lay the past to rest.
I loved watching Zoey learn about her past. For the past several months, she's had flashes of what might be memories of her parents. Those flashes occur more frequently now; she believes they are actual memories, not wishful thinking. Zoey receives family photo albums and diaries that her mother's best friend saved. These items play a critical role in Zoey's discoveries.
I enjoyed seeing Chance and Zoey's relationship develop. Underneath their initial antagonism were intense sparks of attraction. But Chance doesn't do relationships, and Zoey doesn't do meaningless flings, so they try to bury their feelings. However, they spend a lot of time together, and as friendship grows, so do their feelings. It was amusing to see Chance work so hard at denying what he felt when everyone around him could see he was falling for her. Zoey recognizes her feelings sooner. Things start to look up for them until Chance's ex-fiancée shows up, determined to take him back.
As more of the past comes to light, Laverne must decide how many secrets she will divulge. Matters become complicated when a surprise connection turns dangerous to Laverne and Zoey. That confrontation was intense and unexpected, and I was on the edge of my seat until it was over. The ending was sweet and emotional. I loved seeing Zoey and Chance overcome the obstacles of their pasts. The epilogue was fantastic. I loved the conversation between Zoey and Laverne.
The author writes about wonderful family relationships. The relationship dynamics of the past were fascinating, with love, jealousy, honor, and stubborn pride playing a role. The current family illustrates its close ties with how they support each other, look out for each other, and occasionally call each other out when needed. Throughout it all, it is clear that Mama Laverne is the glue that holds them together.
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