I find books based on actual people to be fascinating. I once again learned a lot about a woman I had never heard about. Carolina Built celebrates theI find books based on actual people to be fascinating. I once again learned a lot about a woman I had never heard about. Carolina Built celebrates the life of black woman Josephine N. Leary who after emancipation from the plantation home she was born on in North Carolina becomes a real estate magnate. Very well researched we see the struggles and successes Josephine encounters as she brings her dreams to life. Marriage is sweet and produces two smart daughters, but it is not smooth sailing all the time. Josephine's successes lead to feelings of inadequacy in her husband and brings about marital stresses. There is a very strong sense of family here, Jo is mothering her daughters and a devoted daughter and granddaughter. We see many instances of this family's strength as they spend a lot of time in each other's company. Jo becomes one of the first black women real estate magnates despite a lot of opposition. While there is racism and many other obstacles lobbed at her she perseveres. The woman persevered through her endeavors, and she showed her children not to let anyone tell you that you can't do it but follow your dreams. An uplifting and encouraging book.
Pub Date 22 Feb 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
I have been reading the author's books right from the start and always look forward to reading every one of her books. This suspense, as many of her boI have been reading the author's books right from the start and always look forward to reading every one of her books. This suspense, as many of her books takes place where Kelly knows the area the best. Texas. Texas has a lot going on and makes for action filled reading. Delany Broward's brother was murdered a decade ago and her boyfriend Hunter Nash was blamed and jailed for this despite his plea of not guilty. Hunter finally walks out of jail a free man, very soon after this her best friend is found dead in the same manner as her brother. Coincidence? Proof of guilt? What would you think? Delaney is broken, she's lost a lot. Her parents,her grandparents,her brother,her best friend. How much more can a person take. Through her tragedies she's lost her belief in God and lives with bitterness. Hunter comes out of jail still claiming his innocence and with a strong conviction. He's found God in prison, he believes now and will do everything in his power to make Delaney a believer again. He's working so hard at getting his life back on track and showing Delaney he is a worthwhile person, he has never stopped loving her. He never counted on being blindsided by being a murder suspect again. Slow burn romantic suspense done right. It will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat to an ending you won't see coming. #TrustMe #NetGalley
Pub Date 08 Feb 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more
I look at this book as a comparison to fine chocolates. Now how do you like to eat your chocolates, do you savor them or rush through them and eat theI look at this book as a comparison to fine chocolates. Now how do you like to eat your chocolates, do you savor them or rush through them and eat them as quickly as possible because their so delicious? Well with this book I know I should have read it slowly, savoring it along the way, contemplating what I had read. But......... it was so fabulous that I couldn't stop reading it and read it in less than a day :) While this can be read as a stand alone sure, I strongly suggest reading the books in order in this three part series, with this being the last one. The stories just mesh together so smoothly flowing from book to book that you really don't want to miss any of the back story. The book draws you in from the first page and the time lines blur together so effortlessly. Both timelines have such strong women who despite all the hardships they face will bravely struggle on because they know it's the right thing to do. I enjoyed learning about the language of flowers and how it used to be a secret way people would send messages. Such a beautiful conclusion to the series. I highly recommend it!
Pub Date: 01 Feb 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
This book has many layers, as we peel them back we reveal them. A young woman in a bad relationship knows it's time to leave for her own sanity. Moving This book has many layers, as we peel them back we reveal them. A young woman in a bad relationship knows it's time to leave for her own sanity. Moving to the wild and vast Yorkshire countryside is a dream come true for Tamzin she has a lovely little cottage there and her rescue fox who she's nurtured since he was a kit. As the layers become more exposed we find another woman has lived in this cottage fifty years ago with the same hopes and dreams, she's newly married makes dinner for her husband and sews curtains for the kitchen. Her story is not to be a happily ever after though as we see when the story progresses. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Yorkshire countryside, very peaceful and relaxing. I also enjoyed seeing Tazmin and her mysterious neighbour Euan help each other heal from past hurts and come alive again. The rehabilitation of the fox was heartwarming as we see him playing and digging for bugs in the yard. The backstory as it becomes revealed about the woman from long ago who lived in the cottage is sad to read and I'm thinking it really wasn't a necessary part as it doesn't enhance the story any just leaves the reader feeling blue.
Pub Date 15 Feb 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more
This book holds a special place in my heart. You see, an ancestor of mine sailed from Galway when she was sixteen years old without her family. I don'This book holds a special place in my heart. You see, an ancestor of mine sailed from Galway when she was sixteen years old without her family. I don't know the circumstances of the traveling . By the time I had thought of asking my grandmother about our Irish ancestry she had passed, an opportunity passed never to be retrieved. I absolutely loved reading about this book taking place in Galway. The book has such an authenticity to it. I have such an understanding of it now and truly feel as though I visited Ireland in the 1920's. The spoken Irish language,the descriptions of the foods,the places they went,the day to day life,the flooding. It all made the book come alive for me. It was so interesting reading the legend of the Claddagh ring and how the jewelry shop has been in the same family for so many generations. I need one of these gorgeous rings. Thank you to the author for writing such a charming book. I very much enjoyed it! #TheLadyofGalwayManor #NetGalley.
Publishing Feb 01,2022. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
Drawn by the Current is another amazing book in the Windy City Saga by Jocelyn Green. The reason I love this author's book so much is that though histoDrawn by the Current is another amazing book in the Windy City Saga by Jocelyn Green. The reason I love this author's book so much is that though historical fiction they are based on true events. We find a wonderful mixture of fact and fiction effortlessly mixed into this book with plenty of research into details to back up her writing. Another one taking place in Chicago she reawakens the tragedy of the SS Eastland, a passenger ship used for touring, capsizing on 24 July 1915. Many lives were unfortunately lost. close to 1,ooo. The author's writing honors these passengers and crew members lives. I was captivated while reading this page-turner , may we never forget the victims of this tragedy. This is one of my absolute favorite authors. This story is worth staying up late for.
Pub Date 01 Feb 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more
With so many historical fiction ww11 books out there knowing which books to give your time to can be a daunting task. Not a problem with Sarah Sundin'With so many historical fiction ww11 books out there knowing which books to give your time to can be a daunting task. Not a problem with Sarah Sundin's books though with each one meticulously researched they are automatic reads for me. I was intrigued with this one starting with the gorgeous cover. I am a big fan of books that grab my attention by being unique and this one definitely is. American ballerina Lucie Girard is a ballet dancer in Paris but knows she must leave the ballet to protect the Jewish owners so they can escape the Natzi's advance towards Paris in 1940 so she buys their bookstore, Green Leaf Books . We meet Paul a widower and his precious young daughter who is so smart. His daughter convinces him to go to Lucie's bookshop which is where they meet. Paul is an American as well living in Paris who just wants to return home but has been convinced to keep his factory running and while doing so obtains military information from his German customers. Sparks fly but Lucie is convinced Paul is siding with the German's to whom he sells his vehicles to. I loved everything about this book as it really drew me in. The plot is incredible and we find as we read we become wrapped up in the resistance,sabotage,hiding RAF pilots,hidden messages in books, an incredible escape that you could just feel the tension from. The author is a master at taking you along with her on her writing journey because you are going to experience what she is writing about as though you are there.
Highly recommended!
Pub Date 01 Feb 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more
Stories that take place in yesteryear are my favorites. I enjoy the slower pace and people taking the time to show they care about each other. There aStories that take place in yesteryear are my favorites. I enjoy the slower pace and people taking the time to show they care about each other. There are four novella length stories written by different authors and have a focus on the lumberjack trade in different areas of the USA. One is loosely based on a true event involving some shenanigans with a Non trustworthy preacher man and others involved in a fraud. One involves a marriage of convenience that turns into the real thing. Another involves the camp cook just trying to have a better life than what she experienced in the past and ends up finding love. And the last involves a logging camp losing money at an extremely fast rate can she figure out what's going on before she loses her business and has to sell the business? Coast to coast we visit breathtaking logging sites and meet all kinds of different personalities in this enjoyable book.
Pub Date 01 Feb 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
In present day California a Caribbean American woman dies leaving a voice recording for her two estranged children to listen to. How would you feel ifIn present day California a Caribbean American woman dies leaving a voice recording for her two estranged children to listen to. How would you feel if someone you knew your whole life is not who you thought they were. The past and present are interwoven as we learn about Elanor Bennett's life. The traditional Caribbean Black cake plays an important role in the story. Elanor left the island in the 60's. We see the choices both good and bad she has made in her life and how they have affected future generations and these relationships within them. Her directive is "Share the black cake when the time is right." The book is very unique and multi generational . It also had very short chapters and many points of view.
Published February 1st 2022 . I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I have really been enjoying this series, Heroines of wwII. I have learned so much from it and have seen so many brave women in the pages of this seriesI have really been enjoying this series, Heroines of wwII. I have learned so much from it and have seen so many brave women in the pages of this series. In Mrs. Witherspoon Goes To War I was very impressed with Peggy Witherspoon's war effort . She has had an interest in flying and fixing planes from a very young age when men discouraged her and told her she couldn't do it. She is now a WASP (Women's Air force Service Pilots) despite men still telling her she doesn't measure up. She doesn't let this hold her back though, she has confidence in herself and knows she is well trained and equipped for the job. Despite going through many trials and tribulations this woman is strong. "Mama Bird" is a widow and mother but she also demands the men she works with don't treat her any differently than they would a fellow male co-worker. I was very impressed by all the research the author put into this book. I learned a lot. I look forward to what comes next in this series.
Published February 1st 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more
Housecat Trouble is the first book in this graphic novel series. It is perfect for older elementary school and younger middle school age children. VividHousecat Trouble is the first book in this graphic novel series. It is perfect for older elementary school and younger middle school age children. Vividly colorful the art work is simplistic but I do believe with all the action the book contains it'll keep the attention of children. An indoor housecat is alone but doesn't have a chance to get lonely as he meets two street cats who fill him in on what to look out for, house spirits. What ensues is the three cats having the time of their lives and getting in some crazy and hectic situations. Will this scaredy cat who is used to being a pampered indoor kitty be up for the dangers of crows,monsters and more and be able to return home unharmed in time for dinner? Cute,clever and recommended!
Published February 22nd 2022 by Random House Graphic I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own....more
Put Out To Pasture is the second book in the cozy mystery series Farm To Table by Amanda Flower. I've read so many of her cozy mysteries in many of herPut Out To Pasture is the second book in the cozy mystery series Farm To Table by Amanda Flower. I've read so many of her cozy mysteries in many of her series and they never disappoint. I always look forward to the next. Now even though this is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone. Shiloh Bellamy has her work cut out for her trying to keep the family farm afloat. She and her dog Huckleberry the Pug are working from sunup til sundown doing chores and trying to turn it into an organic bakery business when she gets the idea of hosting a fall festival at her farm. The festival is going swimmingly and she and her assistant can not keep up with the baking supply needed of the organic foods. Unfortunately this all comes to a screeching halt when a body is found in a back field. Things go from bad to worse when the evidence all seems to point to her best friend as the main suspect. Now she not only has the farm work to do she takes it upon herself to investigate the crime so her friend won't be blamed. I enjoyed the book a lot except for the ending when it felt kind of strange as the love interest just fizzled out. I look forward to reading about more adventures in this series.
Pub Date 22 Feb 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
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