Carla Black goes to Ireland to be MOH at her friend Anna‘s wedding to Keane Sullivan. She meets Eamon Sullivan, the best man, at a pub where he is tasked with picking her up at the airport. Instead of them going to help Keane and Anna with wedding plans they go rouge. They hit it off and literally “go off the map” on adventures.They eventually meet up with Anna and Keane for a mini adventure before joining the anxious family ready for a wedding!

The author‘s introduction is extremely helpful for understanding the manner in which the stories unfold. It can become confusing as there are “many daughters of Afong” as the title states. The theme of the story is the concept of epigenetic trauma. The idea that certain experiences and memories can be “inherited” in some way. The author focuses on the life of a real person, Afong Moy, who was the first Chinese woman to land in America in 1836.

It‘s February with hearts and Valentines everywhere which Sora finds depressing. She is a difficult to like character because she is so self deprecating and self sabotaging. A few annoying issues for me dealt with the mention of bacon so many times. The other issue is that poor one eyed dog, Larry. Every time she mentions his mishaps bumping into things it made me cringe! There are some redeeming qualities I just found them annoying.

This book is a prequel to this Scottish series so I was delighted to read this and not be confused. I am looking forward to reading more as the story has rich characters and enticing plot. The time line alternates to provide the historical aspects to which the narrator presents as he proceeds to write “the truths” from the past. I was drawn into the storyline and the various characters who all seem to have their own motives for their actions.

It is a rather dark and competitive world amongst the ballerinas who are always working hard to vie for key roles. The artistic director of the Paris Opera Ballet, Nathalie Dorival, becomes fixated on portraying the story of Romanov and the country‘s last tsarina. The tumultuous relationships that develop and eventually reunite years later is convoluted and unexpected.

In 1920, tension is beginning to rise between England and Ireland as Ireland seeks its independence from England. At this time English Lord De Lacy is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Stephen Jennings has plans to leave the family store which he knows his father wishes to carry on the family legacy. This is a story of family loyalty, courage and endurance.

A tumultuous and disturbing story about unconventional families and struggles to maintain safety and resilience. It might be a trigger for those sensitive to stories involving domestic abuse, serial killers and mass shootings.

“Some people leave a legacy of goodness behind them.”

The story mixes the past with the present in which the truth is hard to discern. When Burke proposes to Skye she feels blessed to have found the love of her life. The couple seem to have an idyllic life when reality is exposed and everyone is unprepared for the fall out. What follows is an unbelievable web of truths and lies which are more convoluted than originally shared. If you love twisted, psychological stories then this is for you.

This is a beautiful story based on true WWII heroic librarians at the time. In particular, the American Library in Paris where Odile and her fellow librarians work with the Resistance to move books from the library that might otherwise be destroyed. They contrive a way to send books to the soldiers and bring books to Jewish people no longer allowed in the library. In the midst of war, they find love and friendship but also secrets and betrayal.

It‘s fun and whimsy just like the story. Nora is a fun loving quirky woman living on the third floor of an apartment building. She meets Dr Will Sterling at the “Golden Hour” of 4am on the balcony one morning after the death of building owner, Donny. Nora has yet to learn that Will has inherited the old building from his Uncle Donny and is desperate to off load the old building. He has no idea how the long term apartment owners will react.

The relationship between Beckett and Levi felt weak and slow, but in the beginning Beck pegged him as a lady‘s man. Levi sees her as a quirky flake who wears mismatched socks and a cape who rides a scooter. Somehow they manage to overlook their initial options to form an unlikely pair. Both characters have deep emotional baggage. I enjoyed the story but I don‘t think it held together as well as the first book.

I found this story to be more of a folktale with lively colorful characters. Signor Speranza has ideas and proposed solutions to the town‘s financial problem that are ridiculous. It soon becomes difficult for him to keep all his lies straight.
Although he seems to feel guilty by all his deception he can‘t seem to stop once he starts building this story which will fall like a house of cards!

I still have to think about this one for a bit. I found that the writing techniques employed to help the reader understand Liv and her amnesia started to annoy me. I started wondering if I fell asleep and was starting this book over again! I really wanted to like it more than I did.

Although this book was written 25 years ago, it is more relevant today than it was when first published. There are some mystical elements with the main character being a “dowser” or “water witch.” This provides the author his creative license to explore the effects of the environment on the community. Does he “ignore” the potential presence of wildlife where the company has invested money to build or jeopardize his legal career?

I found this story an interesting view of life in Harlem in 1959. Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed by the characters and the story. The characters‘ struggles were predictable. Ray Carney went to Queens College and desperately tries to leave his relationship with the crime world behind. He runs a legitimate business or that‘s his intention. It seems that being “bent” is different than being “crooked.”

Eleanor raised her three children, Alison, Ursula and Toby in a modest and traditional family. Their father Cam started an annual tradition for the family to create “cork people“ which they named before setting them off in the river. Over the years, the kids go in their own very different direction after their parent's divorce. The story is complex with characters,mixed emotions given the themes of gender identity, family values, and forgiveness.

Personally, I found nothing wrong with the writing or story except that there was too much of it.I found there were many major controversial topics brought into the story which couldn‘t realistically be addressed. It would have been easier if they were mentioned as an aside and not focused since ultimately they don‘t play a role in the story. Then, the storyline becomes confusing with the history regarding ownership of the house through the years.

About half way through the book, I could predict the plot and the eventual ending. Many stories accepted as truth as a child prove to be anything but the reality of the situation. The story does address some potentially triggering topics regarding child abuse, drug and alcohol use and resulting tragedies. Ultimately, the book does include a side love story and the truth of Kendra's past.

This is a touching memoir of a Chinese American woman raised in America under the critical expectations of her Chinese mother. The story is vivid and explicitly describes her struggles trying to adapt to American culture. Unfortunately, her children are raised suffering the consequences of her vanity.
It‘s a bittersweet story of family, resilience, honor and courage.

At present, this is a “living” novel making it extremely difficult to review as I‘m sure it was for the author to write. Many years from now people will read this book with same sense of bewilderment that we currently feel while reading about the Pandemic of 1918 or the 1883 epidemic of small pox. As unreal as it may seem while reading about it, living through it is an entirely different experience.

In 2010, Kayla Carter reluctantly moves into the beautiful new home that she built with her now deceased husband, Jackson and 3 year old Rainie. The past and present collide when Kayla meets Ellie who has returned to help care for her elderly mother and dying brother, Buddy. Many mysterious events in the present are revealed which relate to traumatic events of the past in Round Hill. It‘s an important story about family, history, and reparations.

This is a delightful romantic comedy with all the usual attraction and struggle of two people who go from enemies to friends. The coincidences which bring the two together are ultimately too strong to ignore.

A great beach read!

“Kalaupapa had evolved from a “given grave” where the afflicted could only wait for death to a place where people lived as well as died.”

Originally published in 2004, Moloka‘i by Alan Brennert provides a richly detailed history of Rachel Kalama‘s life in a leper colony on Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i during 1891-1948. Daughter of Moloka‘i provides a parallel history from the perspective experienced by Ruth Utagawa during 1891-1948. The historical aspects of life during these years are well-researched which allows the reader to understand the hardships and devastation of the time.

The story provides a unique perspective of the British women during the war effort. Although fiction, the story does explore the courage and dedication of the gunner girls who were specially recruited. A touching and remarkable story of love, courage, betrayal and resilience.

This follow up in the Krista Larson series is a stand alone read for the most part. This second novel involves a murder mystery surrounding a popular rock band, Hot Rod and the Pistons. I didn‘t enjoy this book as much as the first book. It seemed to drag with too much information about music history in my opinion. I didn‘t find the main character and her father as instrumental in the storyline as the first book.

In this last installment of the Undertaker‘s Daughter series, it begins with the untimely death of Franklin County‘s coroner for four decades. Rowan DuPont and Billy Brannigan have known each other since childhood. Together Rowan and Billy uncover secrets and lies which have been entangled over the years. This complex story eventually answers all questions. The only question left is what will become of the dynamic duo?

I love the therapeutic uses of essential oils in aromatherapy and massage. The book provides a historical perspective of the origins of aromatherapy. The book is displayed in a beautiful color and explanation of oils and carrier oils. Helpful instruction on buying and storage as well as many different uses. Much of the book offers some basic massage techniques to ease minor discomforts.

Growing and harvesting herbs indoors doesn‘t have to be complicated. Once you have your favorite herbs at hand you will enjoy the convenience of making your own flavored vinegars and oils. You will discover many ways to harvest and store your herbs for future use.

The book had a helpful annotated glossary of herbs at the end providing historical references, growing tips and other useful information.

This is a beautifully illustrated and organized book about no waste organic gardening. There are many resourceful and interesting ideas for recycling or repurposing items to avoid waste. Many may be things you already do if you are earth conscious but others provide a different perspective to the usual gardening routine.
I recommend this book to fellow gardeners who despise waste and enjoy ingenuity in their organic gardening endeavors!

One Last Step begins with a woman running for her life and ultimately speared in her back by an arrow! If that‘s not enough of a shock to quell your curious then I don‘t what is. The killer narrating part of the story helps give you insight into who might be capable of such horrendous behavior. Ultimately, Tara goes rouge which puts her in extreme danger. This story wraps up nicely and sets the stage for more adventures for this novice detective.

“There‘s a before, and there‘s an after.
There‘s always a see-saw moment, the split-second where everything changes.” The Silent Daughter is a quick read about complicated families held together by secrets and lies. A student goes missing and rumors circulate as to her whereabouts. Why is Sadie allowing her past to involve her in the present confusion? An interesting story with several twists and unexpected turns before the loose ends are tied up.

This is a bittersweet young adult novel which is a change from my current genre. The story initially caught my interest but I needed to keep reminding myself of the intended audience. Naya is a 19 year old university student who lives with her parents and brother Connor. A sweet novel that will likely resonate with a much younger audience. This is about family, friendship and the challenges people encounter such as honesty, faith and trust.

It‘s an emotional story which addresses sensitive topics such as sexual, physical and drug abuse as well as homelessness and poverty. Sometimes families may look “perfect” from the outside which makes looks deceiving. The Gordon family adopt Michael, a student who lost his family and was friends with Anne. Although unconventional, her parents were admired for their relaxed acceptance of people‘s differences.

“No one-they think-deserves to shine forever, to eclipse all the others who are just as worthy of recognition.”

Holy cow! Once I started this book I couldn‘t put it down. There‘s nothing “perfect” about being famous. Reviews are mixed but I enjoyed it despite the obvious lack of strong character development. It‘s not a typical mystery thriller but more of a suspenseful mystery. Once I reframed my perspective I was able to enjoy the book.

First of all, I would recommend this book so don‘t let my 3-star rating dissuade you from reading. My rating is influenced by the manner in which the sliding door technique was used in this story. I found that switching back and forth for each chapter was confusing. Maybe it would have worked better if larger portions of the story were told before switching from Reveal to Conceal.

Trigger warning: This story discusses drug and alcohol abuse and related sequela of this lifestyle including the lasting physical and psychological effects. The struggles with success and failures at becoming sober. Consequently, secrets and lies always have a way of surfacing when least expected. Astrid‘s biggest secret she thought died with Simon which raises the question, “Who did you tell?” The past returns to disrupt her life again.

The story alternates chapters from 1979 to 2019 in Chicago which focuses on a convicted serial killer known as The Thief. The main character, Rory Moore, is a forensic reconstructionist. She is a quirky woman who has struggled for years to use her uniqueness to her advantage professionally. The past and present collide as she learns more about The Thief and his connection to her father. This is one wild story which you won‘t want to put down.

This is a wonderful start to a series set in Morgan‘s Grove. It sounds like a place you would want to visit and feel comfortable. Jill McCallister is an author with several successful books published until she has writer‘s block for 4 months. She thinks doing some freelance work might help provide some inspiration. There is a friendly cast of characters which are more than eager to help the well-known author discover more about her family.

This is definitely a page turner from beginning to end! I dare someone to start reading and not be so fascinated she tosses this book aside. It‘s that compelling! Once I started reading my initial thoughts were quickly thrown in another direction. The characters are all so completely insane! Or, are they?!

It‘s hard to know where to begin after reading The Golden Cage. It is a wonderful hard to put down book with a strong female protagonist although it might not appear that way initially. The story alternates between the present and the past providing insight into the main character‘s personality, motives and ambition.

When narcissism rules over logic you can expect a thriller ride! While the story was unnerving in the typical thriller fashion, I was lost at the end. It didn‘t seem like the story was brought to a conclusion incorporating all aspects Of the story. There were a lot of unanswered questions and not in the thoughtful, reflective manner. They more more like the missing pieces of this puzzle.

Debbie Macomber never fails when it comes to a romantic feel-good novel that is not remiss of life‘s traumas. A book about family, friends, love and grief. Willa Lakey has worked hard to fulfill her dream of owning a bakery/coffee shop in their Oceanside community. She has sacrificed over the years but never complains when it comes to her devotion to her family. Life is always about taking chances and expanding out of our comfort zone.

No one knows what to expect when Duncan Carpenter takes over. Samantha realizes that she knows him from a prior job where his care free nature enamored her. The Duncan she knew was light hearted and fun. Samantha is horrified when Duncan Carpenter introduces himself and begins to change everything that made the school special. What happened to the Duncan she knew? Will she be able to remind him how to enjoy life like he once did for her?

There are so many moving parts of this fast paced story. There are many characters who appear to be likely suspects until another character seems to have a better motive. Usually a good crime novel involves expecting the unexpected. This novel goes way beyond that theory right until the end regarding the suspect. It wraps up in a manner which makes sense but with no direct correlation throughout the novel to lead you to this conclusion!

The Suicide House pulls you immediately into the book where there are many moving pieces. Several characters are introduced setting the stage of mystery and suspense. In the introduction to the story, someone confesses to pushing his brother in front of a train which kills him. It makes you wonder about all the apparent suicides which were reported after the tragic “accident” at the private boarding school.

I fell in love with the characters right away. The confusion placing Ahn Nhi Walsh in the unexpected path of Emmitt Bradley is a perfect storm! This is the perfect escape from life for awhile book. This is a delightful story about how 2 people discover a new perspective on love, family and friendship. How do you balance a work life and a social life? Happiness often comes after self reflection.

This was an extremely humorous and witty story which I found wonderfully narrated. The voice and inflection of the grandmother Eileen Cotton is delightful. There are many laugh out loud moments as both Eileen and Leena each try to adapt to their unfamiliar surroundings. Both of them find a purpose and sense of self engrossing themselves in their new communities with desires to improve the lives and join people together.

It doesn‘t contain too many extraneous details or characters. It begs to ask the old question of people can really change and reinvent themselves. How do you repair a reputation whether it be true or not? The strong female protagonist is admirable advocate for rape victims. It can be difficult to obtain justice when freedom can be bought and sold at the expense of others, often the victims.

It begin with a rather disturbing scenario in the prologue which prepares you for a wild story. A crime scene is oddly staged with red hand prints carefully placed around it. Coincidence? What does she say when she wakes up and sees her son after 25 years? “You shouldn‘t be here!” “There are red hands everywhere!”
If that isn‘t enough to get your heart racing then I think you need to finish reading this thriller!