This is not an easy book to read, but it is one that should be read. It is a stark and bleak portrayal of the racism that has affected and continues to affect our society. It is a story of the past and the present.

Received notice that my library hold had come in WAY sooner than I thought it would! Happy birthday to me!! #newbooks #birthdayreading

What do you get when you combine a sleepy English village, nosy old spinsters, seven possible suspects (including the vicar), and murder most foul? An Agatha Christie novel of course! This is the first Miss Marple story and it is a solid one. You are kept guessing to the end (though I was able to figure out a few minor points). Definitely a fun read for anyone who likes mysteries.

As always, Susanna Kearsley doesn't disappoint. Her blend of history, romance, and the supernatural is spot on and each of her books that I have read has been a delight.

Definitely one of my top #feelgoodbooks. Reading this always makes feel peaceful, happy, and at home. #augustphotochallenge @TheSpinecrackersBookClub

Definitely one of my top #feelgoodstories. Reading this always makes feel peaceful, happy, and at home. #augustphotochallenge @TheSpinecrackersBookClub

Though I appreciate the themes MacDonald was writing about in his "children's fantasy", it wasn't a favorite. It lacked the adventure of his work "The Princess and the Goblin" and often felt too preachy and Victorian. Interesting as an early example of the genre, but it shows its age.

Though there are so many wonderful characters I could choose as my #favefemalecharachter, I simply have to go with Jane Eyre. I have loved this book since my teen years and every time I re-read it I identify with Jane even more. I love her strength, her passion, and her unwillingness to settle in life. #augustphotochallenge @TheSpinecrackersBookClub

Though there are so many wonderful characters I could choose as my #favefemalecharachter, I simply have to go with Jane Eyre. I have loved this book since my teen years and every time I re-read it I identify with Jane even more. I love her strength, her passion, and her unwillingness to settle in life. #augustphotochallenge @TheSpinecrackersBookClub

As the oldest of six children, I can certainly relate to the craziness of life in the Gilbreth household. I don't think there is another book that has made me laugh out loud like this one. There are so many hilarious moments...like the time the lady from Planned Parenthood showed up...or how Mr. Gilbreth names the pet birds "Shut Up" and "You Heard Me". Classic!!! #augustphotochallenge #funnybooks @TheSpinecrackersBookClub

So here is my #faveauthorcollab for today's #augustphotochallenge. This is one of those books that came along at the perfect time in my life. Julia's passion and drive are so inspiring and what she accomplished with her life is simply incredible. Her marriage was also total #relationshipgoals. One of my favorite books ever. @TheSpinecrackersBookClub

Unique fact about me: Growing up, my favorite American Girl was Felicity who lived in Colonial Williamsburg. Turns out it may have been a premonition on my part as I fell for a guy who lived in Williamsburg and moved here when we married this past spring. Love living in a place that has so much history in it's backyard. #augustphotochallenge #day14 @TheSpinecrackersBookClub

Just a small part of my vintage book collection, including my pride and joy 1810 edition of The Lady of the Lake by Sir Walter Scott. Found that gem on the South Bank of the Thames. #bookstacks #augustphotochallenge @TheSpinecrackersBookClub

The subject matter was interesting. As an amateur genealogist I have always been interested in how our family history affects our own stories and how that changes from generation to generation. My biggest issue was the style of the book...the back and forth writing of Teege and Sellmair was rather distracting and felt more like it should be a tv documentary rather than a memoir.

Great historical fiction set in 1780s Cornwall. Definitely read it if you liked the PBS series. Can't wait for Series 2 coming in September!!

Though I like "All the Light We Cannot See" better, this was still a good read. A tale of survival and the role of women in WWII. Worth your time.