Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time's Journey Through Rock & Roll History by Bill Janovitz is a 2023 Hachette Books publication.
I honestly hav Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time's Journey Through Rock & Roll History by Bill Janovitz is a 2023 Hachette Books publication.
I honestly have no idea how to even begin here.
This is a very comprehensive biography. The author has done an incredible job here with organizing all this material on Leon’s life. Of all the biographies I’ve ever read, this one might have been the most complicated- because Leon was complicated.
A musical genius misdiagnosed most of his life with a variety of mental health issues, he was great at music- but bad at relationships, bad with money, bad with his health. After helping so many other artists in his life, he was often forgotten about in his later years…(despite a resurgance in 2010- and his induction into the RHoF)- but in his prime…
Leon was a mystery, a bit spooky, a little intimidating. He was wild, but introverted, living in his head and in his music. He worked with so many people in his life- just an incredible list of people who wafted in and out of his orbit.
It is no wonder that he made such an impression, made such an impact on music- for others and himself. It was crazy reading about all the work he did, his methods, the way his mind worked all while he moved around a world of musical innovation. Fascinating, really.
Now when it comes to Leon’s personal life things could get sticky and Leon was not always easy to like or understand. He was, to say the very least, eccentric- not always the warmest person on earth and didn’t have a filter, either. But he also liked having all his people surrounding him despite his tendency to be absent-either physically or emotionally.
I’m really not sure how Janovitz managed to get through all the family drama portions of the book as it was often confusing and convoluted, but he did an amazing job on this herculean task.
That said, if you aren’t as familiar, as the author is, with Leon Russell, or if you aren’t a child or prodigy of Leon’s generation, some of this material could be tedious. I knew many people spoken of in this book, but there were just as many I did not know. Sometimes the process of creating the music went straight over my head and I admit to occasionally skimming some sections as this book is extremely long for a biography. In fact, it might have been a good idea to have broken this book up into two sections as is the current trend for some memoirists these days. I was tempted to put the book aside for a while, actually, as it was definitely dense at times, and I have been so busy it was hard to stay focused on some sections of it- and with the length of it I'd started to crave a little fiction. But- this didn’t diminish my absolute respect for what the author has put together here and the obvious labor of love that it was is beyond impressive.
Being Henry: The Fonz and Beyond by Henry Wrinkler is a 2023 Celadon Books publication.
My reaction to this memoir was unusual. As I turned the last pBeing Henry: The Fonz and Beyond by Henry Wrinkler is a 2023 Celadon Books publication.
My reaction to this memoir was unusual. As I turned the last page, I really thought, for the first time, that I might have been given a real glimpse into what life as an actor might be like. I even mused that maybe it was because when choosing memoirs, I usually gravitate towards those written by musicians. So, out of curiosity, I looked up my memoir shelf on Goodreads and was surprised – Make it shocked! - That I’d read so many biographies and memoirs about actors. I don’t guess any of those books painted a realistic picture of what happens to actors in the down times- when you are waiting for the phone to ring. It was nerve wracking, I have to say.
The book is written with a humorous tone- but for a long time there was a humming melancholy running beneath the surface. Henry made me laugh numerous times, but he seemed to live his life in a kind of tense desperation- desperate to reclaim the level of fame he had while on Happy Days, desperate to be ‘seen’, desperate to be taken seriously as an actor and desperate to maintain financial security and to stay employed. His personal life was also overshadowed by a hardcore grudge against his parents that never seemed to wane. On the other hand, Henry has a long-term marriage, children, grandchildren and stability- though he wasn’t always as emotionally mature or ‘there’ for his wife in key moments of their lives.
Yet by the time the book begins to wind down to present day events, we do see that Henry has matured, has made peace with some of his issues, and is now prepared to inspire and guide others, vowing to be as gentle and kind as possible going forward.
Overall, it was a very interesting memoir, well done- insightful and balanced. It was one of those times when I found I liked Henry more after reading the book than before- which is not always the case. He was not at all like I expected him to be, and his journey gave me some food for thought on several levels.
If you like celebrity memoirs this is one you might want to make room for on your bookshelf.
Think Twice by Harlan Coben is a 2024 Grand Central publication.
The setup for the twelfth, and long overdue, installment in this series sees Myron reThink Twice by Harlan Coben is a 2024 Grand Central publication.
The setup for the twelfth, and long overdue, installment in this series sees Myron reunited with an old nemesis and all the baggage that goes with that, when a serial killer, using the modern technologies that have thwarted this brand of evil, manages to slide under the radar of the FBI- that is until Myron and Win get sucked into the investigation…
This is one of the few series in which I have read every single installment. I think I’d given up on there ever being another installment with both Myron and Win working together again. So, I was thrilled to see that we would be blessed with at least one more chapter in the series.
It was very easy to slide back into the series, although it has been, if I have my facts straight, nearly eight years since the last Myron Bolitar release. The banter between Myron and Win was still amusing and strangely comforting, if a bit rusty. All the characters people love the most in this series make an appearance and the nostalgia is often poignant at times as Coben acknowledges the passage of time and the aging factor.
Some events alluded to in the novel transpired in some of the earlier books in this series, and initially, I had to search my memory bank for the details of the long history between these people and Myron. Think, if you will, of a daytime serial that brought an old villain back from the dead and you’ll know how crazy it is to find these characters back in Myron’s life again. Very surreal, I must admit.
Still the story is riveting, dark and twisted, with a few ‘edge of your seat’ moments- and a truly stunning conclusion. It’s good to see Coben return to form here, and so great to hear from these characters again after such a long sabbatical.
Overall, a solid thriller made more enjoyable by the familarity of the characters and Coben reverting back to the tight writing and surprise twists that put him on the map. 4+...more
The Shell House Detectives by Emylia Hall is a 2023 Thomas & Mercer publication.
An outstanding British Mystery!
First, we have the location- the CornThe Shell House Detectives by Emylia Hall is a 2023 Thomas & Mercer publication.
An outstanding British Mystery!
First, we have the location- the Cornish coast- an automatic creation of atmosphere. Then we have some well-drawn characters- Ally, a widow, whose husband was in law-enforcement, and ex cop, Jayden, a newcomer with a pregnant wife at home- pair up to solve a mystery that involves a young man named Lewis, who has recently been released from incarceration, and a missing woman named Helena. These two unlikely sleuths forge not only a partnership in crime solving, but a close friendship as well.
The mystery is very compelling with a few surprising revelations I didn’t see coming at all. If you are thinking this is a light, fluffy mystery simply because it is basically ‘clean’, and categorized as a 'cozy', think again. There is some good storytelling here and all readers of crime fiction will appreciate it, I think. It’s a whodunit that keeps you guessing, but it was also a portrait of a community, of people caring about others, and helping people.
“I think that’s the best thing someone can do, isn’t it? Want to help?”
Overall, an absorbing, atmospheric, and inspirational whodunit! I am very much looking forward to the next chapter in this series!...more
When they First Met by Debbie Macomber is a 2012 Ballantine Books publication.
This 27-page novella/short story was included in the digital version of When they First Met by Debbie Macomber is a 2012 Ballantine Books publication.
This 27-page novella/short story was included in the digital version of ‘The Inn at Rose Harbor’. Basically, it just goes into greater detail about how Jo Marie met Paul, how they fell in love and decided to get married.
This is a poignant little story considering how things turned out for Paul and Jo Marie- but it was nice to get a better feel for the kind of man Paul was and why Rose fell in love with him.
Overall, a nice, sweet bonus read, but not necessary to enjoy the series. If your library has a copy- go for it- but you don’t need to go out of your way to get a copy.
One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan is a 2019 HQN publication.
After twenty-five years of marriage, Grace’s husband David, on their anniversary, no leOne Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan is a 2019 HQN publication.
After twenty-five years of marriage, Grace’s husband David, on their anniversary, no less, announces he wants a divorce. Grace had planned a big surprise for them… a summer trip to Paris- but now, Grace has decided to take the trip alone. Things get off to a rough start, but she meets a young woman named Audrey, who needs help… which just so happens to be Grace’s forte. But along the way she learns that it’s okay to think of herself, to accept help and advice, and to live in the moment…
Audrey manages to find her way to Paris, but things quickly go awry because she doesn’t speak French, which jeopardizes her living arrangements. But when she comes to Grace’s rescue on the streets of Paris, she finds an advocate who can help her learn the language.
Two very different women, a big age difference, and entirely different approaches to life, will forge a magical bond over one summer in Paris…
I nearly always enjoy Sarah Morgan’s books- and for the most part that was the case here- but- there were a few warbles. So, let’s get those out of the way first…
I can’t, without going into details that would lead to spoilers, say too much here- except that in all the years of reading romances novels, there is only one trope that I utterly despise, and though Morgan did not trot it out in its usual annoying way here, it was still the same concept, and it never fails to push my buttons. (There are a few exceptions-like abuse- but that’s not the case here at all.)
There were a few other issues that gnawed at my moral code. I’m a firm believer in “two wrongs don’t make a right.” Don’t- while you are still emotionally attached, don’t while legally married- even if separated. Also, casual hookups for fun- that’s a no for me. Emotional consequences abound, which is seldom addressed- so I couldn’t celebrate that line of thinking with the characters or the author.
Okay- all that said- I still really enjoyed the book overall. I loved the age difference between Grace and Audrey and how both learned something from the other and helped each other in big gesture ways. This was my favorite part of the book. With all the vitriol between generations these days it was great to see two women be respectful and kind to each other despite the age gap.
The romance elements were not my favorite as you might have guessed already- but I did like the direction Grace decided to go in the end. I thought it was refreshing, a bit of a different approach than usual, and I found myself approving of Grace’s inner musings and honesty about her own failings and willingness to admit it to herself and to others.
Overall, the romance of Paris is lovely- but the friendship between Grace and Audrey wins the day. An enjoyable contemporary women’s fiction story. Hopefully, I’ll have time to squeeze in Morgan’s newest release before summer’s end.
The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber is a 2012 Ballantine Books publication.
This is the first book in a five-book arc, which is a slight spin ofThe Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber is a 2012 Ballantine Books publication.
This is the first book in a five-book arc, which is a slight spin off from the Cedar Cove series. I loved the setup- Jo Marie, a widow, buys a B&B and welcomes guests with troubled souls- which means we get two fresh stories in each installment while we follow Jo Marie’s own journey back to happiness after losing the love of her life.
I found myself easily caught up in the drama- Abby and Joshua each had compelling and emotional stories. I think this is a series that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories about people overcoming emotional traumas, who find forgiveness, healing, and peace- with only mild romantic elements,but will also appeals to romance lovers- though the romance is not the main focal point.
This is good story telling and it is easy to see why Macomber is so very popular. This book is a a little over a decade old, but shows very few signs of age.
I’m looking forward to meeting the next set of visitors to the Rose Harbor Inn!!
4 + stars
*This book has a bonus novella- which I will review separately....more
Sweet Magnolias by Sherryl Woods is a 2007 MIRA publication.
Sherryl Woods is a seasoned author of contemporary women’s fiction and by all accounts heSweet Magnolias by Sherryl Woods is a 2007 MIRA publication.
Sherryl Woods is a seasoned author of contemporary women’s fiction and by all accounts her books should have been right up my alley- but for some reason the few times I tried her books they just didn’t impress me much. But I noticed this book was in the KU program and of course, I know a Netflix show is based on this series, so although I don’t have a very good track record with this author, I decided to give her another chance.
As it turns out, I liked this one!
Maddie and her husband are finalizing their divorce after he had an affair with his much younger nurse, who is now expecting a baby. Now, being a single mother to three children means Maddie needs to find a job and get on with her life. As it turns out, a few of her friends are thinking of opening a spa and they want Maddie to join them in the business adventure- which she seriously considers… but her oldest child, a baseball prodigy, is struggling with the divorce and his father’s new girlfriend. This causes Maddie and the baseball coach to team up to help Ty retain his focus on his studies and his baseball prospects- but a strong attraction develops between them- a little flirtation- which doesn’t go unnoticed by the small-town gossips…
The theme of the book is double standards- the difficulty of divorce- and the effect it has on the children. But it also about picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, and getting on with life… and maybe taking a chance on love… true love this time around… with the help of your friends and family, too, of course.
I loved Maddie’s age- and liked that her love interest was younger than her. Maddie is very relatable and likable, as are her friends, and of course Cal is simply dreamy. My one criticism is that our beloved characters do things out of the order in which they should- marriage, intimacy, then children. But the intimacy is, in this first book in the series, thankfully behind closed doors. A small amount of language here and there- but mostly it’s PG13 material. It also seemed to run just a bit longer than was absolutely necessary- but overall, this is good start to the series- there is slight datedness in one or two places- but overall, it stands the test of time quite well. I’m glad I gave this author another chance.
Guilty Creatures: Sex, God, and Murder in Tallahassee, Florida by Mikita Brottman is a 2024 Atria publication.
This true crime book details the decadeGuilty Creatures: Sex, God, and Murder in Tallahassee, Florida by Mikita Brottman is a 2024 Atria publication.
This true crime book details the decades long investigation into the murder of Mike Williams in Florida. Mike went duck hunting one day, but was never heard from again. Meanwhile, it became obvious that Mike’s wife, Denise, and his best friend, Brian, were getting pretty chummy with each other. With only circumstantial evidence and no body, it was hard to prove Mike was murdered and even harder to prove Denise or Brian were responsible for his death. So, for years the case was kept alive by Mike’s mother, Cheryl, and a stubborn Florida reporter until finally, a series of events breaks the case wide open…
This is one of those cases that really does have it all. A bit of of Double Indemnity- a bit of Shakespeare. These people are incredible- one minute they are having a hot and heavy affair, plotting murder, and the next they are deeply religious, devout church members... and seriously convince themselves they are sincere believing their own lies.
This was a high-profile case- especially if one lived in Florida. Mike’s disappearance was featured on the Discovery channel show, “Disappeared”- but I’m not sure if everyone knows the case chapter and verse- so I thought the author could have gone with a more suspenseful approach so that the reader would feel compelled to find out how it would all play out. Instead, very early on we are told some pieces of information that popped that balloon- though there are plenty of twists in the case- and tons and tons of juicy tidbits and gossip. At times it felt like I was reading a trashy novel instead of a true crime saga. But as they say- you can’t make this stuff up.
The writing, though, is just okay- sometimes it didn’t flow well, and though this won’t make sense, it could be dry reading sometimes- but it was never boring- that’s for sure. If you like true crime this case is one you’ll want to check out, especially if you’ve never heard of Denise and Brian. It’s a real jaw-dropper.
Gentle on my Mind by Kim Campbell is a 2020 Thomas Nelson publication.
I was never a huge fan of country music and sometimes I marvel at why Glen CampGentle on my Mind by Kim Campbell is a 2020 Thomas Nelson publication.
I was never a huge fan of country music and sometimes I marvel at why Glen Campbell was labeled in this category- but nevertheless, I really liked most of his music. I did not rush out to get a copy of this book when it was published four years ago, and it wasn’t until I saw a random article a few weeks ago about Kim and this book that I decided to check it out.
I went into this without the slightest bit of a preconceived notion. I didn’t know a thing about Kim and didn’t notice that the publisher was Thomas Nelson- a faith-based imprint. Kim is a Christian and speaks openly and often about her faith. For me, I was back and forth about her spiritual health as some things she talks about do not mesh with what the Bible says and a passage about a religious game she played with other celebrities in Arizona raised my eyebrows- so by the time we got to the eighty percent mark, when she finally dropped the names of a few uber-wealthy television ministries associated with a prosperity gospel- I knew she was still more childlike in her spiritual maturity. But, at least- as far as I know- she’s never abandoned her faith- which is good.
Kim does a good job with the writing, organization, and presentation of the book. I don’t know if I really got an essence of who she is deep down as everything here is tied to Glen and her marriage. Occasionally she comes off as a long-suffering saint refusing to give up no matter what the personal cost… which was emotional and psychological abuse whenever Glen went through one of his relapses.
The tone she sets is one where she seems desperate to prove that she wasn’t in it for the fame and fortune. Once she finally realized this was no fairytale and Glen was no prince charming- instead of waving the white flag she dug in and did the work to make the marriage work. It wasn’t all bad- there were long periods of normalcy, peace, and sobriety, too.
But Kim’s dedication and faith was truly tested when Glen was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I admire her willingness to care for him on her own, without care facilities – for a long while. I understand she wanted to educate people on the realities of the disease, but I wish she had stopped Glen’s journey as he walked off the stage for the last time- after a poignant, triumphant and inspirational farewell tour.
Instead, she detailed the multiple losses of his faculties, both mental and physical, stripping him of his dignity to some degree, I thought. I’m just glad I’m not rich or famous because I wouldn’t want my family members to tell the entire world how often I wet the bed or didn’t make it to the bathroom.
That said, I’m convinced that while the marriage was rocky- it was legit. There was love- and devotion despite the darkness that often overshadowed the good times. I hated to hear of the legal woes and infighting in the family over Glen’s estate. I think caring for Glen during his illness was a drain on their finances and the estate suffered as a result- so I’m not sure if there was all that much to quarrel over in the end and some people got involved in matters that simply were none of their business.
Overall, while I suspect Kim's faith was only surface deep, and it seemed she was in her head a lot due to the bubble of fame she lived in for over thirty years, I did admire her attitude, her fortitude, and hope now that her legal and money troubles are ironed out and that she can now bask in the good memories she shared with Glen and help promote his musical legacy that has meant so much to so many people.
What Happened to Nina? By Dervla McTiernan is a 2024 William Morrow publication.
Nina goes away with her boyfriend, Simon, on a little vacation- but sWhat Happened to Nina? By Dervla McTiernan is a 2024 William Morrow publication.
Nina goes away with her boyfriend, Simon, on a little vacation- but she did not return home as scheduled. When her parents discover that Simon made it back okay, they try to find out why Nina wasn’t with him and where she might be, thus beginning a harrowing search for their missing daughter, and a wicked campaign by Simon’s parents to protect their son from any insinuation of wrongdoing….
Any true crime follower will recognize this familiar setup as it mirrors that of the Gabby Patito case. It’s a fictionalized version where we envision how the murder occurs, how each family approached their unique circumstances, and the view from the perspective of law enforcement as they try to find proof of their suspicions amid a social media onslaught of trolls and bots determined to sway the court of public opinion.
Overall, this is one of those ‘ripped from the headlines’ novels that, despite its familiarity, had me in its grip from start to finish. It’s very well executed, perfectly paced, and quite effecting.
When I saw this book in the KU library I simply could not resist. I read it way back in the 1980s- and I think I read some of the follow-up books too.When I saw this book in the KU library I simply could not resist. I read it way back in the 1980s- and I think I read some of the follow-up books too. But while I remember it being a quintessential trashy novel, I couldn’t recall the details after so many years. So, I thought it would be fun to read now…
Well, not so much. This one did not age well- which I knew it probably wouldn’t- but geez this thing is bad. I’m not remotely interested in these people- the language is just awful- and I’m forcing myself to read it- so… off it goes back to the KU library.
A DNF since I only got to the 30 percent mark. No rating. ...more
Summer at the Santorini Bookshop by Rebecca Raisin is a 2024 HQ digital publication.
Evie loses her job just as her mother asks her to travel to SantoSummer at the Santorini Bookshop by Rebecca Raisin is a 2024 HQ digital publication.
Evie loses her job just as her mother asks her to travel to Santorini to keep an eye on her Gran, who has recently remarried… again… and recently purchased a bookshop. Who could refuse Santorini, her free-spirited Gran, and a bookshop?
Well, Evie has bitten off more than initially thought. Turns out Gran’s landlord is demanding payment or else he’ll take over the bookshop. Evie would do anything for her Gran, so she agrees to ‘fake-date’ the landlord’s grandson- a gorgeous man named Georgios. Can she keep her feelings for him at arm’s length until she can get Gran’s bookshop back in the black?
Meanwhile, Evie tries to stave off her persistent mother and sister, track down Gran’s newest husband, and look for a new job…
I loved Evie’s character- I could absolutely relate to her- and that’s always fun. A slight bit of a pacing drag mid-book, but other than that a delightful story all the way around.
Any book centered around a bookshop is pretty much a no-brainer. Add to that, the location, a bit of mystery and a few quirky characters, a light romance, and you’ll have a fun summertime day of entertainment while you enjoy the beach or side by the pool. ...more
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