Switched at Birth by Christine Rimmer is a 2019 Harlequin Special Edition publication.
A light and lovely love story!
When Madison, a popular, well rSwitched at Birth by Christine Rimmer is a 2019 Harlequin Special Edition publication.
A light and lovely love story!
When Madison, a popular, well recognized movie star, discovers she was switched at birth, she needs time to process and adjust. She moves to Valentine Bay to be near the Bravos, but she keeps her distance from them, trying to screw up the courage to meet them face to face.
Meanwhile, Madison takes every precaution to keep her identity a secret. She also lusts after her buff neighbor, Sten Larson. She even devises clever ways get him to come over to her place. But, as nice and protective as Sten is, he keeps Madison at arm’s length, knowing that under the circumstances they couldn’t possibly have a future together.
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I’ve been tapping my feet impatiently waiting for Madison’s story. I was curious to see how she would respond to the information about her birth family. This part of the story was handled beautifully, as most anyone would have felt intimidated by the Bravo’s and meeting a family you never knew you had. Sten’s gentle encouragement helps Madison make those first tentative steps towards her new family, which she definitely needed.
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The romance is very light, sensual, and sweet. The chemistry between Madison and Sten is palpable, slowly building as they spend time together. The romance between an ‘ordinary guy’, with a blue-collar occupation, and the glamorous movie star might seem destined to fail in the long term- but when there is a will, there’s a way, and true love always conquers all.
This is a truly romantic story, but part of what makes this story so special, is the beautiful HEA, which has a touching long-term love story quality to it. I closed the book with a dreamy sigh and a big smile on my face.
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This book is yet another reminder of why I never want to miss one of Christine Rimmer’s wonderful stories....more
The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold is a 2019 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publication.
"She had been The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold is a 2019 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publication.
"She had been brought into the world along the Street of Ink, and it is to there, riding on the column inches, its illuminated plates, its rumor and scandal, that she would return: a name in print.”
The canonical five Ripper victims:
Mary Ann -Polly- Nichols
Annie Chapman
Elizabeth Stride
Catherine- Kate- Eddowes
Mary Jane Kelly
Ask your friends, relatives, or colleagues what they know about the five women Jack the Ripper murdered and nearly all of them will say ‘they were prostitutes’. However, with one notable exception, there is no concrete proof the other four victims ever identified themselves as such or worked in the sex trade.
What we are reminded of here, is that these women were mothers, sisters, lovers and wives. They had hard lives, bad luck, and little choice or opportunity to change their circumstances. Their lives have been reduced to little consequence, partly because the sensationalism surrounding the Jack the Ripper legend, and tons of unsubstantiated information- but most of all because they were thought of as ‘just prostitutes’.
It has taken us a little over a century to finally restore humanity to these women, to examine the mindset that promoted their sexualisation, and diminished the compassion and respect due them.
The author did a lot of deep digging and research to give the reader an in -depth profile of each of these five women. The laws of the day were stacked against them because they were women, their options were few, forcing them into the streets. They worked legitimate jobs, but society judged their lifestyles, slapping upon them the undeserved label of a ‘fallen woman’.
Many of the historical details are mind numbing. It’s an overwhelming, depressing, and bleak portrait the author paints, proving it wasn’t the sex trade that made these women targets, but their vulnerability brought on by poverty, addiction, and abuse.
The author astutely and determinedly takes us to task for all the ways society had devalued human life. Judgments have been passed based on second -hand information, conveyed by so called reputable sources which eventually became cemented into the lore of Jack the Ripper, and shoving these women so far into the background, they have been cast off like so much rubbish.
The books, movies, documentaries all geared towards discovering the identity of the elusive serial killer, raises him into a cult celebrity status. It is appalling that souvenirs are sold bearing the silhouetted image of a savage murderer!!
Yet, we can’t take the time to mourn the victims, much less remember them as individual human beings. They get lost in the grisly gore, as incorrect information continues to be passed off as the unmitigated truth.
This is an eye-opening book, and a humbling experience. I came away feeling duly discomfited and chastened. While I never viewed these women as ‘just prostitutes’, I never stopped to consider if the information about them was true or not.
That is another reason why this book is long, long, long overdue!! I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is an important book, debunking long presumed facts, but also, at long last, it helps to restore dignity to these women.
It is an educational book, depicting real history. This book is not about Jack the Ripper, and his crimes are not detailed in this book, appropriately so, and there are no theories tossed about as to his identity. I think we've had enough of those types of books already.
If you’ve labored under the illusion that these women were ‘just prostitutes’, this book will pull the wool from your eyes and give you a fresh perspective on the past, one you may not have considered before now.
Murder Lo Mein by Vivien Chien is a 2019 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Lana Lee is back to solve a delectable mystery in another installment of the Murder Lo Mein by Vivien Chien is a 2019 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Lana Lee is back to solve a delectable mystery in another installment of the Noodle Shop Series!!
As the third installment opens, we learn that Lana is now managing Ho-Lee Noodle House- the family restaurant. She has entered Ho-Lee in Cleveland’s Best Noodle competition hoping to finally win the contest. Peter, Lana’s top chef is pulling out all the stops and it looks like they have a great chance. But, when a couple of the contestants are murdered right after receiving a fortune cookie containing an ‘Art of War’ quote, the contest may be canceled. With Lana’s boyfriend, Adam, on the case, she will have to be extra sneaky about delving into the lives of the contestants to find out who the killer is.
However, before Lana can discover who is behind the murders, she receives one of the dreaded fortune cookies herself!! Will she discover who the killer is before another murder takes place- possibly her own?
I absolutely love this series!! I’ve said it before, and I think it is worth repeating. This series gives the cozy genre a shot of fresh vibrancy, youth, and diversity, which is long overdue.
This third chapter in the series is the strongest one to date, I think, which means the characters are growing and developing steadily as the series progresses. The mystery is very clever, with several viable suspects, all of whom have very strong motives. The 'Art of War' quotes is a nice touch, and one can see how much thought was put into the details and plotting of the story.
I was also happy to see Lana’s personal relationships become more stable, and the romance with Adam heat up a little.
However, don’t start reading this book if you are hungry! The food sounds so delicious and left me craving Chinese food!
Overall, Lana is coming into her own, her confidence is higher, and her sleuthing skills are sharper, despite the urging from practically everyone she knows to ‘stay out of it and let the police do their job”. I’m glad she didn’t take their advice! ...more
Things My Son Needs to Know About the World by Fredrik Backman is a 2019 Atria publication.
I knew I loved this author for a reason!
Fredrik Backman stThings My Son Needs to Know About the World by Fredrik Backman is a 2019 Atria publication.
I knew I loved this author for a reason!
Fredrik Backman stole my heart with “A Man Called Ove” but he has been keeping it in safekeeping ever since.
This is Backman’s first non-fiction book, a series of essays about parenting that nearly anyone who has children, no matter what age they are now, or cared for them, can relate to. His musings are laugh out loud funny, chronicling the insanity an infant can spawn on two reasonably well- adjusted adults. The mistakes, the fears, the special moments between father and son, and the future hopes and dreams for his child are all beautifully captured in this book.
The snicker bar recipe won me over early in the book because Backman apparently feels the same way I do about a certain over rated actor. (Still chuckling and feeling so totally vindicated)
All gushing aside, though, there were times when I thought the author rambled, almost illogically, about things that didn’t seem to have much of a connection to parenthood. It only happened once or twice, but when it did, all I could do was shake my head and move on the next essay.
Other than that, I can’t tell you how much fun this book is. Not only that, it is so poignant and bittersweet, just like Backman’s fictional work.
While this book may hit home for newer parents in a more ‘in the moment’ way, even if your children are older, or like me, grown and carving out their own lives, this book will bring back a lot of memories. You may develop a lump in your throat or a swipe a tear from your eye, because Backman reminds all of us to take pleasure in all the small treasures of life, to focus on what is truly important, to admit our human frailties, and most importantly, to see the humor in it all.
If you love Backman – you don't want to miss this one!...more
The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo is a 2019 Flatiron publication.
A big, bold story full of magic, romance, mystery and adventure!!
Set in Malaysia duriThe Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo is a 2019 Flatiron publication.
A big, bold story full of magic, romance, mystery and adventure!!
Set in Malaysia during the 1930’s, the story alternates between Ren, an eleven -year old Chinese houseboy and Ji Lin, a young woman who has been forced to give up her goal of working in the medical profession. Ren is on a mission to find his late master’s finger so he can return it to his grave. Failure to do so within 49 days will prevent his master from resting in peace. Meanwhile, Ji Lin, is working as a dressmaker, while also secretly moonlighting as a dance hall girl to pay off her mother’s Mahjong debts, before her hardened stepfather finds out.
When Ji Lin comes into possession of a severed finger, she implores her stepbrother, Shin, to help her return it to its rightful owner. Thus, Ji Lin and Ren’s lives will begin to converge. While the clock ticks away within the 49 -day time frame, a tiger is on the prowl wreaking havoc on the city of Malaysia.
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There is a lot going on in this book and because it’s not exactly my usual fare, I was forced to take my time and slowly absorb all the details patiently, as the pieces of the puzzle begin to click into place. I found myself completely caught up in the story, in the folklore and magic realism, the family dramas and mystery. I was loath to put the book aside, but still wanted to draw it out and relish the tension and adventure.
Unfortunately, I did have a few issues with the book. One thing I noticed was some repetitiveness in the dialogue. It was especially noticeable when I was listening to portions of the book on audio.
The other problem I had was that while I placed a hold on both the e book and the audiobook at my library at the same time, the audio version became available first. However, I had to pause the audio until the e book became available because I found it very difficult to follow along. The author narrates the book, but the inflections and voice changes were not strong enough or distinct enough for me, and the switch in narratives often caught me off guard. Once I had a digital copy of the book, however, the story came to life and I was able to switch between reading and listening seamlessly.
I love historical fiction, but rarely reach for books with magical realism elements. I’m a little picky about that genre but do enjoy it from time to time. I do love folklore, though, so in this case, the two genres complement one another beautifully. Now, I’m wondering why I don’t read more of these types of books and am thinking maybe I should lower my defenses and try reading more of them. I will definitely check out Choo’s first novel and anything she writes in the future.
This book should appeal to a broad audience as it embodies several different popular genres and creates an insular world with its intense urgency and emotional content. While I did read some stellar reviews for this book, I couldn’t have imagined what kind of journey I was about to embark on, but it is a journey I will not soon forget.
Murder at Wentworth Court by Carola Dunn is a 2006 Kensington publication. (Originally published in 1994)
A genuine whodunit set back in the 1920s!
WheMurder at Wentworth Court by Carola Dunn is a 2006 Kensington publication. (Originally published in 1994)
A genuine whodunit set back in the 1920s!
When Daisy Dalrymple, a photographer and journalist arrives at Wentworth Court to work on a feature article about the historical home, she soon finds herself embroiled in a host of family dramas, while trying to discourage a rather ardent admirer.
But, when another guest is found dead, the apparent victim of an ice -skating mishap, Daisy suspects foul play. After Daisy alerts Alec Fletcher of her suspicions, the pair team up, making an unlikely but very effective detective team. But, can they draw out a potential murderer and discover their motive?
Believe it or not, I have never read a book by Carola Dunn. It's not that I was unaware of her, but somehow, I just never got around to reading any of her work. My library and Hoopla have been prominently displaying her mystery novels recently, and even have them in audio- which I’ll have to try with the next book in the series. When I realized this series was set during the 1920s, despite my solemn vow not to start another series, I couldn’t resist, especially since the books aren’t very long.
I loved, loved, loved all the 1920s vernacular, and Daisy is definitely a woman ahead of her time. The mystery is very well done, with a ‘golden age’ atmosphere to it. A house full of possible suspects, the process of elimination, and then the big surprise reveal- which turned out to be a total surprise. It’s a formula that’s been used countless times, but, if it is done right, it always seems to work.
Overall, the mystery is light, clean, fun, and pretty much what I expected it to be. I’m glad I caved and added yet another series to my TBR pile. It’s fun to slip into a ‘cosy’ style mystery with familiar characters from time to time. So, I’m going to stop worrying about how many series I start or how long it takes to finish them. I’m having fun discovering new series and old ones too, and enjoy all of them- and that’s all that matters, right?
I think I’m going to like Daisy Dalrymple a lot and can’t wait to see what she gets up to next.
The Shadow Writer by Eliza Maxwell is a 2019 Lake Union publication.
Graye Templeton wants to be a writer, but she also needs to live under the radar,The Shadow Writer by Eliza Maxwell is a 2019 Lake Union publication.
Graye Templeton wants to be a writer, but she also needs to live under the radar, while she distances herself from an unbelievably shocking childhood. However, it seems that luck is finally shining on Graye when she backs into a dream job working for Laura West, a star blogger who has catapulted authors from obscurity to bestsellers. Now, if Graye can only get Laura to realize she is not only a great assistant, but a promising author, as well.
Laura takes an instantaneous liking to the vulnerable and worshipful Graye Templeton. She is just the bright light she needs in her life after her insecure husband, David, a famous ‘one-hit wonder’ she single -handedly made famous, becomes embittered, drinking to excess, nearly teetering on the edge of a full -blown breakdown.
The two women forge a strong bond, while David does everything in his power to undermine the friendship. But, Graye desperately needs Laura’s reputation and expertise to realize all her hopes and dreams before her past comes home to roost.
This is a solid thriller centered around fixation and obsession. These themes are often overused staples in psychological thrillers and are hardly original. In fact, I was concerned, this book was about to take an all too familiar path, as well, one I’ve traveled down many times before. However, the story proved to be atmospheric, with a few interesting and surprising plot twists, which kept me interested and maybe a bit on edge.
I will warn readers, however, that the characters are not easy to like, but to me that is part of what made the novel so effective and why the conclusion worked so well. The plot is not always completely plausible, and that’s okay, but the depiction of human nature and the character’s self- absorption and manipulations were quite realistic, which is why this story is so disturbing.
Overall, this was a nice introduction to Eliza Maxwell for me. I have been curious about her books, so now I will have to check out more of her work in the future.
Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts is a 2019 Ballantine Books publication.
A different and captivating perspective on the magical,’ Wonderful Wizard oFinding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts is a 2019 Ballantine Books publication.
A different and captivating perspective on the magical,’ Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, L. Frank Baum, and his exceptional partner in life- the irrepressible Maud Baum!!
I had no idea what to expect when I began reading this book, but I must say it was surprising. For the most part this is a fictionalized account of Maud Baum’s life. However, the story alternates between Maud’s background and the Wizard of Oz movie set in 1939, where Maud has appointed herself the protector and overseer of Frank’s beloved characters. However, once ensconced in the studio, it is Judy Garland she feels the most protective of.
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I often explain that when I start writing a book review, all I’m really doing is thinking out loud and rambling. This book had my mind wandering all over the place, so this review is bound to skip from one random thought to another.
Two things about the movie, and Judy Garland, were on my mind while reading this book. One was a fascinating article about a pair of stolen ruby slippers used in The Wizard of Oz film, which was featured in the Washington Post.
The other thing was that after seeing Rene Zellweger’s movie trailer, I was reminded of the tragic turn Judy’s life took in her later years. This weighed on my mind while I read portions of this book, describing the abuse Judy was subjected to during the filming of the movie. I’m looking forward to seeing Rene’s performance, though.
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But as to my thoughts about this novel-
I found Maud’s character to be an interesting one. She is definitely her mother’s daughter in many ways. She absorbed more of her mother’s lessons than her sister did and practiced what she preached in an era of time when such behavior was unheard of. Yet, when it came to Frank… well, he wasn’t what her mother had in mind for Maud, but despite his obvious flaws, the two were a passionate couple, despite having opposite temperaments. While many misconstrue the meaning of ‘Happily Ever After’, this couple did, despite everything, enjoy a long- lasting love story.
( On the night of Frank's death on May 16, 1919, Maud imparted in a letter to her relatives, Helen Leslie and Leslie Gage: He told me many times I was the only one he had ever loved. He hated to die, did not want to leave me, said he was never happy without me, but it was better he should go first, if it had to be, for I doubt if he could have got along without me. It is all so sad, and I am so forlorn and alone. For nearly thirty-seven years we had been everything to each other, we were happy, and now I am alone, to face the world alone.)
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Maud did not live a charmed life by any means, but I was fascinated by her life experiences and loved Lett’s version of events which gives the reader a few insights on where Frank found his inspiration for his book characters and stories.
The segments where Maud forces herself onto the Wizard of Oz studio set may seem a bit more dubious, but the author manages to juxtapose the magical quality of the picture with the darker realities of Judy Garland’s life as a young actress at the mercy of a monstrous stage mother, sexual harassment, and the pressure to stay thin and childlike.
The story is often very bleak, as good times, contentment, and joy are rare occurrences. There were times when I felt I needed a little break from reading this book, as a result. Not only was it a bit depressing, it was also slow moving at times, and I felt some segments could have been shortened. However, I am glad I stuck it out, as it did give me a lot to feel thankful for and an appreciation or the hardships many endured during this time period, especially women.
However, one thing the author manages to translate in the midst of all the hardships and trials, is that despite the constant difficulties in Maud’s life, and the sinister aspects of Hollywood, it is healthy, no matter what your age, to believe in a little magic sometimes. Indulging in a little make believe or fantasy can be cathartic. Frank’s stories were a gift and he intended them to bring joy and pleasure, which they did, for children and adults alike.
In an age where the bar is set high for authors to create books and write stories which are realistic, girding their creative license and stripping them of the right to simply make up a town, country, or even a name of a restaurant,or take liberties of any kind, insert the improbable or implausible for effect, this story slams home the danger of binding creativity and imagination or shaming those who like to indulge in fairytale romances, folklore, or fantasy of any kind. When did encouraging the freedom to dream or fantasize become a cardinal sin?
“Folklore, legends, myths and fairy tales have followed childhood through the ages, for every healthy youngster has a wholesome and instinctive love for stories fantastic, marvelous and manifestly unreal. The winged fairies of Grimm and Andersen have brought more happiness to childish hearts than all other human creations.
Yet the old time fairy tale, having served for generations, may now be classed as “historical” in the children’s library; for the time has come for a series of newer “wonder tales” in which the stereotyped genie, dwarf and fairy are eliminated, together with all the horrible and blood-curdling incidents devised by their authors to point a fearsome moral to each tale. Modern education includes morality; therefore the modern child seeks only entertainment in its wonder tales and gladly dispenses with all disagreeable incident.
Having this thought in mind, the story of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” was written solely to please children of today. It aspires to being a modernized fairy tale, in which the wonderment and joy are retained and the heartaches and nightmares are left out.”
L. Frank Baum
Chicago, April, 1900.
Elizabeth Letts reminds us to simply allow ourselves to sit back and enjoy a good story, and let our imaginations roam freely, without feeling guilty for having indulged in something outside the realm of reality for just a little while. Sure, Maud may have lost faith a time or two, but she knew Frank’s stories were a gift - and that gift keeps on giving, even today.
So, go ahead- dream a little dream, believe in love, believe in magic, and dare to hope.
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“Magic isn’t things materializing out of nowhere. Magic is when a lot of people all believe in the same thing at the same time, and somehow we all escape ourselves a little bit and we meet up somewhere, and just a moment, we taste the sublime.”
The Girls by Emma Cline is a 2016 Random House publication. Disturbingly realistic, weird, thought provoking and engrossing-
Loosely based on the MansoThe Girls by Emma Cline is a 2016 Random House publication. Disturbingly realistic, weird, thought provoking and engrossing-
Loosely based on the Manson cult in the late sixties, this novel explores the allure of the hippie commune atmosphere for fourteen- year old Evie, who is adrift and marginalized by her divorced parents, and suffering from loneliness and boredom.
Evie meets Suzanne while out roaming around and continues to run into her until she is finally invited to visit ‘The Ranch’ and meet the charismatic ‘Russell’. Finding herself more immersed in this life and less a tuned to her own home life, she spends more and more time at the ranch, eagerly participating in anything her role model, mentor, and secret crush, Suzanne might be into. But, as the climate on the ranch begins to shift, turning dark and tense, Evie will find herself right on the cusp of a life altering moment- one that will forever haunt her throughout her adult years.
When this book was published back in 2016, I waffled on it, not sure if was a good fit for me or not. The reviews were mostly positive, however, so I put it in my ‘wish list’. I am always overwhelmed by the books I am assigned, or must be read within a certain time frame, and with those who are always competing for my attention- the private reads and library books- so it wasn’t long before this book fell completely off my radar- out of sight- out of mind.
However, while cleaning up my Overdrive wish-list a few weeks back, I once more found myself wondering if I should keep it on the list, check it out, or delete it. Obviously, curiosity finally got the better of me and I decided to borrow it and read a few chapters to see how it went. I ended up reading it in nearly one sitting.
The author did an admirable job with time and place, sending the reader back to the tumultuous year of 1969. The story is a familiar one, we know the players, even though their names are changed, but the atmosphere is no less fraught with a sense of impending terror, made worse by knowing exactly what is coming.
Evie’s story, while fictional, is still, even now, a cautionary tale. Her near obsession with Suzanne, her parent’s self-absorption and preoccupations, and her teenage angst, make her the perfect target, and she easily falls under the spell of Russell and Suzanne, and their strange, squalid lifestyle, quite willingly.
As an adult Evie looks back on that period in her life with a plethora of emotions, some of which were puzzling and truly shocking, and left me feeling more than a little unsettled.
Overall, this is a well-written, dark, and nearly mesmerizing novel of suspense. I am glad I decided to take the plunge instead of discarding this one!
Best. Movie. Year. Ever. : How 1999 Blew up the Big Screen by Brian Raftery is a 2019 Simon & Schuster publication.
I love pop culture books, but theyBest. Movie. Year. Ever. : How 1999 Blew up the Big Screen by Brian Raftery is a 2019 Simon & Schuster publication.
I love pop culture books, but they aren’t all created equal. At my age, what stirs up feelings of nostalgia are movies, television, and music which were popular a lot longer ago than twenty years.
Still, it is hard to believe the movies discussed in the book are already approaching the ‘classics’ stage.
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While it is certainly debatable, and even dubious, especially for someone of my generation, to suggest 1999 was the best movie year EVER, there were some pretty good movies released in that year.
The author may be looking at all the movies released in the past eighteen or nineteen years and found them wanting, a lackluster reflection on the movie industry as whole, in my opinion, making a few of the movies listed here stand out more than they may have otherwise.
The nostalgic part, for me, about this book isn’t what these movies meant to me, but what they meant to my kids at the time. The Sixth Sense was a favorite for my daughter, while The Matrix was a favorite for my son. None of us liked ‘The Blair Witch’.
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The surprise hits, the trends, the comedies, the social and political movies, all reflect the mindset of a generation. Yet, nearly anyone, who is so inclined, these days could compile a list of movies from any given year, add some Wikipedia knowledge to complement the list, such as who starred in the film, who directed it and produced it, and why it was included in the book, then organize it in some clever way, and then package it for a quick cash grab.
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However, this book takes things a step beyond listing standout movies from 1999. It truly captures the mood of the country, explaining why a movie made an impact, even it wasn’t expected to, and reminds readers of popular television programs, political issues and world events that shaped the country and the attitudes of the American public.
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To connect that mood and atmosphere via the art of the cinema is what really makes the book interesting and thought provoking. It also made me smile because to this day, an occasional quote from one of these movies comes to my mind, and I realize that while these movies may not have had an impact on me in the same way they did those younger than myself, I was affected by them more than I realized, and yes, I would, after some reflection, I have to agree that 1999 was a stellar year in films- still not saying it was the best year EVER- but it certainly is a contender!...more
Saving the Mail Order Bride, by Linda Broday is a 2019 Sourcebooks Casablanca publication.
Before Jack Bowdre can meet up with his bride-to be, he’s aSaving the Mail Order Bride, by Linda Broday is a 2019 Sourcebooks Casablanca publication.
Before Jack Bowdre can meet up with his bride-to be, he’s arrested. As he is being transported to jail, he winds up traveling with a fiery young lady he finds himself attracted to despite his situation. But, when their stagecoach crashes, he discovers the lovely lady is none other than Nora Kane, his mail order bride.
While Jack’s situation is obvious, Nora has a few secrets some folks are determined see remain that way. This means that both Jack and Nora have a price on their heads and must stick together- at least for now.
Despite the attraction they feel towards each other, the tension between them simmers beneath the surface as they struggle to survive. Along the way they must learn how to trust each other with their deepest secrets, thoughts, and fears. However, as their enemies begin closing in on them, the couple may end up separated by circumstances beyond their control- if they make it out alive- that is.
The momentum of the first book in this new series carries over into this second installment without a hitch. The only thing different, in my opinion, was that the story seemed to have a slightly lighter tone despite the serious circumstances the couple face. That’s not a bad thing, just an observation. I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced western style adventure. Nora and Jack are both wonderful characters! I think I warmed up to Nora a little more because of her positive attitude and fierce determination. Jack is carrying around some heavy baggage, which caused him to hold back on expressing his conflicted feelings and emotions.
The author did a terrific job of depicting the landscape, and scenery, as well as the social mores and attitudes of the time period. There’s plenty of suspense and danger to keep readers alert and engaged in the story, but there’s also a lot of humor and warmth in these pages, as well.
The romance is a little emotional at times, moderately angsty, but very tender and romantic. What more could you ask for?
This is another well-written, highly entertaining installment in the series! I'm feeling pretty excited about the next chapter in the ‘Outlaw Mail Order Brides’ series.
Play it Loud: An Epic History of the Style, Sound, and Revolution of the Electric Guitar by Alan di Perna, Carlos Santana (Foreword), Brad Tolinski isPlay it Loud: An Epic History of the Style, Sound, and Revolution of the Electric Guitar by Alan di Perna, Carlos Santana (Foreword), Brad Tolinski is a 2016 Doubleday publication.
This is an in depth and interesting look back at the history of the electric guitar, beginning with the structure of the solid bodied guitar and the first awkward attempts to make the guitar louder. From there, we explore the history of Les Paul and Lou Fender’s inventions, which led us to Chuck Berry and the psychology and implications of the electric guitar.
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The sexy shape of the guitar, its erotic and rebellious, iconic symbolism, and the many ways the electric guitar changed the shape of music and its many metamorphoses, over the years is explored comprehensively, as well the all business angle- where there were incredible advances and some epic fails and unfortunately, some very poor business deals.
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As always, when a book such as this one is written, people will disagree with the author’s opinion of game changers, who made the most key inventions, were the trend setters, and who qualified for guitar god status. I’m no exception, often questioning some of the author’s choices, and can think of many other innovative guitarists, in various forms of music, who didn’t even get an honorable mention in this book.
The first portion of the book is quite interesting and it’s obvious the authors did some homework. While I am not a guitar player myself, I have several relatives who are musically gifted, and I’ve heard them talk endlessly about the various brands of guitars and amplifiers. However, unless one is interested in history, this section might be a bit dry.
Once the authors moved into the burgeoning days of rock and roll, the history is more familiar, but the information is very different from what one might find in the usual rock history book. While I was very knowledgeable about Woodstock and Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and the guitar hero heyday of the sixties and seventies, and some of the eighties, this book included a plethora of information I had never heard of before. The reason for this, I think, is because everything is centered solely around the electric guitar, not rock history, overall.
Of course, some trivia is included, and for some, a nice trip down memory lane. However, this book is all about history and it was one of the most entertaining history lessons a music lover can engage in. Looking at certain events focused exclusively on the electric guitar, many live performances come to life in a new and refreshing way.
I am reluctant to mention my disagreements with the author because I don't want to offend any hardcore fans, or begin a debate.
Nevertheless-
I loved Van Halen- I did, although my opinion of them now, is not the same as it was in the seventies and eighties. While I understand why the author spoke at length about Eddie, acknowledging his guitar inventions and ingenuity, I most definitely picked up on sycophant like hero worship here.
I think Eddie’s segment went on entirely too long. Only Jimi Hendrix equaled Eddie, as he too, got plenty of airtime- with a lot of feedback-😉 in this book.
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In fact, the book seemed to be geared towards the Eighties guitar hero fans, many of whom still respected their elders, both from blues and from country music players. For me though, I’d rather talk more about Stevie Ray Vaughn than Steve Vai, but that’s just me.
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I also bristled at the testosterone heaviness in the book. Almost as an afterthought, a small token list of female guitarists, were tacked on, in the last chapter, with only one contributor, explaining the changes she physically made to her guitar- an example which pointedly referred to the necessary physical requirements certain guitars demand from the player. Sly, subliminal sexism? Hmm. [image]
So… what about Peggy Jones, Nancy Wilson or Bonnie Raitt, or if you really must go by fast and loud- Lita Ford or Joan Jett?
However, I did appreciate the respect given to country guitarists, especially in a book about a musical instrument synonymous with rock music. I am also pleased to see Frank Zappa and Mike Bloomfield is given a fair amount of credit in this book, as well.
But this is not a book list, or top hundred countdown of best electric guitar players. The business end of creating the electric guitar, is perhaps the most interesting parts of the book. The disputes, and competition, over who invented what, and how the onset of corporate rock and the originators selling out, significantly reduced the quality of the guitar, causing many to resort to using vintage guitars instead, is fascinating, especially you aren’t familiar with the guitar world on that level. This period is referred to by many in the industry as pre- CBS- referencing the sale of Fender to CBS.
It is sad to see the electric guitar’s power fade as the music industry continues to change. I’m told one doesn’t even need to know how to read music or learn to play an instrument these days as many guitar sounds can be replicated in a plethora of other ways, using various technologies. The authors lament this is the last chapters, as the musical atmosphere now is a far cry from what it was in the electric guitar’s prime- at least as far as fame and fortune is concerned.
Yet, as much as I loved the mythos of the rock world, the larger than life personas, and the great memories- I still say the music from the 60s,70s, and some of the 80s, was the best music ever- I’m a fan of the smaller, more intimate setup we have today. It seems like the old timers, the same ones who whined about corporate rock, are now whining about the lack of household name rock stars.
(Check out Abigail Zachko on YouTube)
In my humble opinion, it’s more personal, more real, in a small venue setting and maybe more sincere, while maybe not always as polished. But at least the corporate giants don’t have control over the content and artistry in the same way, which hopefully retains the band’s creative license to some degree.
The garage band, where members do not necessarily depend on music as their sole source of income, is a back to basics trend I can get on board with. YouTube can give you a vast number of examples of successful electric guitarists, although that success rarely includes all those fabulous sports cars, ostentatious mansions, fame, or the overblown power from days past-and that’s okay by me. But, still, many are doing a lot better financially than you might be led to believe. Besides, household names do not necessarily mean better talent. As you will recall, lots of radio stations back in the day, were paid to promote one band, but not the other, no matter how talented they were. It was all about marketability.
But I’m rambling again…
Overall, you don’t have to be an expert guitarist or even own a guitar to enjoy this book. Anyone who loves music, enjoys history, education, or pop culture, or even nostalgia, will find this journey to be a fascinating one. It is also sure to spark debate and long discussions from guitar enthusiasts. I for one, was reminded of all the blues greats, old and new and that’s the genre I prefer these days. Although, I don’t recall a mention of him in this book- Robert Cray is the house!
Jackson by Emily March is a 2019 St. Martin’s Press publication.
The McBride brothers have inherited some land near Redemption, Texas. As they inspectJackson by Emily March is a 2019 St. Martin’s Press publication.
The McBride brothers have inherited some land near Redemption, Texas. As they inspect the land, they begin to see some real potential for development. Jackson, after going through a bitter divorce, is now in the midst of an even uglier custody battle. With time on his hands, he decides to remain in Redemption, giving him time to recoup and restore his equilibrium. But, the instant he first lays eyes on Caroline Carruthers, something within him stirs- the long dormant promise of hope and the reawakening of his talents and dreams.
However, Caroline is coping with some heavy emotions. Her husband’s health, his death, and the idea of standing on her own two feet for the first time in her life, as well as opening a new business, is enough to convince Caroline she should keep Jackson at arm’s length.
Jackson and Caroline are both embarking on new beginnings in their lives, but will that include a second chance at love, as well?
Forgiveness, healing, hope, fresh starts, second chances and mature romances are Emily March’s forte. I have been reading her books for a while now and normally her stories are warm and inspirational with a mild magical quality to them.
I always enjoy popping into the Eternity Springs saga to see people who are struggling with huge burdens, find peace and hope… and of course a bit of romance too.
However, on occasion a favored author will miss the mark. Unfortunately, the romantic tension, the touching emotional elements, the heartwarming inspirational moments were absent. I love Emily March and am loath to write a critical review for one of her books, but this book was bland and boring for me. I struggled to finish it and sadly, the ending was a bit odd, and seriously flat. I’m sure this is just a one off and every author who has a healthy backlist has one. So, hopefully EM will release a Christmas book this year and I will be the first in line to read it!
Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok is a 2019 William Morrow publication.
A poignant family saga highlighting cultural, gender, and generational divSearching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok is a 2019 William Morrow publication.
A poignant family saga highlighting cultural, gender, and generational divides.
About Sylvie:
Sylvie is a thirty-three-year old woman of Chinese descent, who up until she was nine years old, lived in the Netherlands with her extended family- which included her maternal grandmother, her mother’s cousin, Helena, her husband, Willem Tan, and their son, Lukas. She is the daughter of ‘Ma and Pa’, the sister of Amy, the wife of Jim. She’s vibrant, focused, brilliant and highly successful… And… she’s missing.
Sylvie initially flew to Holland to care for her ailing grandmother. After her grandmother passes away, it was presumed Sylvie had returned to New York, but no one has seen her. Amy is alerted by Lukas that Sylvie has vanished, which sets off alarm bells in Amy’s mind. After checking the usual places, it becomes clear Sylvie never left the Netherlands. So, Amy travels to Holland to search for her, encountering her extended relatives for the first time.
She is immediately struck by their apathy towards Sylvie’s absence, the hostility she senses from Helena, and the mysterious behavior Sylvie exhibited before she disappeared. But her cousin’s blasé attitude is nothing compared to their demand that Amy not seek outside help- such as from the police. As Amy works to uncover the truth about her sister, she discovers a part of Sylvie she never knew existed.
The story is a very taut, suspenseful mystery, but not in the traditional sense. Where is Sylvie? Did she take off deliberately? Why would she do something so out of character?
While this mystery unfolds, at the core of the story is a very complex family drama. ‘Ma’ immigrated to the US, but the adjustment was very hard, leading her to take the Tans up on their kind offer to have Sylvie come live with them. She never intended for Sylvie to stay so long and had no idea how difficult things became for her before she returned home to New York to live with parents again.
Amy also has no idea what Sylvie’s life was like in the nine years she spent in Holland. She loves her sister dearly, but is also a little jealous of her, too. Could Sylvie be a bit envious of Amy, as well?
Besides the exploration of sisterly bonds, the story also addresses the hardships immigrants endure, the racism the family encountered, both in Holland and in New York. These events shaped them as a family unit and as individuals.
Amy’s persistent search for answers unveils layers of sorrow, secrets, resentments, and a host of bitter regrets.
The novel is fast paced, but everything remains shrouded in mystery until the very end, which tempted me to start over and read it again so I could view it from with an insider’s advantage.
The mysteries and revelations emerge slowly, but the atmosphere becomes increasingly puzzling and alarming. Once the mystery is resolved, one is left to reflect upon the characters, their motives, limitations, desires, fears, and the perception of oneself that others may view differently.
While this book is categorized as a mystery, I strongly urge those familiar with the genre not to expect anything like a criminal investigation here. This is the desperate search for a missing person without the help of any official agencies. But, rest assured, the mystery of Sylvie Lee’s disappearance deepens as the story progresses, leaving one feeling on edge with ever growing sense of urgency.
However, for me, the cultural struggles of immigrating to another country, and the absolute poison of racism humming beneath the surface, along with the complex family dynamics, is what I’ll remember most about the journey.
It’s a heart wrenching tale with a valuable lesson tucked inside these pages, one that should give us all something to contemplate. Empathy is evidently a rare strait and one we should all try harder to develop. You never really know what someone is going through until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes…...more
Race Me in a Lobster Suit by Kelly Mahon is a 2019 Quirk Books publication.
If you know anything about Quirk Books, you know to expect the unexpected.Race Me in a Lobster Suit by Kelly Mahon is a 2019 Quirk Books publication.
If you know anything about Quirk Books, you know to expect the unexpected. This book, however, almost goes beyond the pale.
I’m pretty picky about humor or comedy in movies, television and books, having long outgrown base humor, or anything too silly, which is most comedy is today. But, because this book is supposed to feature actual correspondence, the human element enticed me to take the bait.
I worked for the public all my life, so I know how people can be. After many years of witnessing so many insane human behaviors, I commonly boasted that nothing could possibly surprise me anymore. In fact, on more than one occasion, a friend or relative suggested I write down all my experiences and publish them. Of course, my experiences were not choreographed in anyway, but now I’m thinking these situations may not translate so well in print.
But, if the outlandish conversations relayed in this book are indeed true, and the author is not pulling a gag on us, which I suspected on more than one occasion, it proves that truth is stranger than fiction, and the next time I read a book and start to question the realism or plausibility of it, I will remind myself of this book.
Despite the bizarre-o set-up, some of these e-mail conversations did make me chuckle. They also horrified and mystified me. It is scary, and maybe a little sad too, that people responded to these ads. No matter how desperate I was financially, could I consider doing something so outrageous- like being hired to tickle someone, for example.
However, according to the author, the emails printed here were done so with the permission of those who answered the ads. So, I guess they must have a self- deprecating sense of humor, or maybe they were offered compensation- who knows.
Bottom line-
I was amused to some extent, but mostly I found it a tad disturbing. I’m not sure what that says about MY sense of humor- but I did try to see the appeal and humor here. For the most part, though, this type of gag/prank humor doesn’t really appeal to me. It was just a little too silly for my taste.
On a more positive note, I think this author does have a knack for coming up with quick witted comebacks. It is possible she could find a niche in improvisation or comedy writing, but perhaps it would be best not use real people to experiment on.
The Royal Art of Poison: Filthy Palaces, Fatal Cosmetics, Deadly Medicine, and Murder Most Foul by Eleanor Herman is a 2018 St. Martin’s Press publicaThe Royal Art of Poison: Filthy Palaces, Fatal Cosmetics, Deadly Medicine, and Murder Most Foul by Eleanor Herman is a 2018 St. Martin’s Press publication.
This book is so interesting and is so well researched I can’t help but recommend it, especially for history lovers. However, mystery and true crime readers might also find this book fascinating, because the author relies on past and current forensics to prove if well publicized accusations of ‘death by poisoning’ rumors were true or false.
However, before you begin reading this book, if you have a weak stomach, proceed with caution. It’s a wonder civilization ever survived to this point considering the filth people lived in, even those who were powerful and wealthy. The subject matter is often truly disgusting. So, consider yourself warned.
Poisonings were greatly feared amongst the aristocrats, and perhaps with good reason. However, despite all the great pains they took to avoid being murdered, they were often unwittingly poisoning themselves, either by ingesting prescribed remedies from ill-informed physicians or applying cosmetics with high contents of mercury, lead, or arsenic to their skin.
Often a suspicious death, believed to have been hastened by poison turned out to be from a physical ailment which mimicked the symptoms of poisoning. It was interesting to see which people were murdered and which were poisoned by their own hand, and which ones died of an entirely different malady altogether.
Cleanliness and sterilization were scoffed at. Anyone suggesting there might be a connection between the filthy conditions of the streets, the water, or air and various illnesses or untimely deaths were laughing stocks, maybe even considered insane.
The forensics are fascinating, and the wealth of knowledge and the obvious amount of effort and work done here is impressive. The author, however, does not merely present the facts and lay out her verdict via modern day studies, and exhumations, but she also injects humor and wry sarcasm so that the book occasionally carries a lighter tone, which also works to prevent the book from being overly dry.
Some myths are debunked, some proven, while some things remain a mystery, but one thing is certain, this book has doused any fantasies I may have entertained about traveling back in time. The very thought now makes me shudder!
Overall, this is a very informative book, which will leave one feeling eternally grateful for the modern conveniences and the scientific and medical advances we enjoy today.
*However, you may want to check the ingredients in your face cream, since it is entirely possible it contains traces of urine- although they claim it is now synthetic. 😲😲
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