It’s August Already!
I’m delighted to share my reviews of books I have read and relished, released in August, and available now for you to enjoy on all major retail sites and places! The “dog days of summer” are here, so chill with a good “tail”…I mean “tale!”
Thanks to the following for providing me with advance digital review copies. I am so thankful for this privilege!
Netgalley and Rachel’s Random Resources, and generous publishers Harper/Collins Publishers, Simon & Schuster, St. Martin’s Press, Gallery/ScoutPress, and Hallmark Publishing.
A Memoir of Horses- are you crazy about horses? I am!
Horse Crazy: The Story of a Woman and a World in Love with an Animal by Sarah Maslin Nir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am crazy about this book. Esteemed journalist Sarah Maslin Nir shares her passion for horses, which began when she was two years old. This book gives us the opportunity to peer into her world.
Each chapter focuses on a particular horse she has known. We also get to know the humans who are involved with the horses, and we visit many different parts of the world where horses live. By sharing these stories, the author also shares herself and her family. The best part is when we get to gallop or show jump right along with Ms. Nir. Well, that’s what it feels like, because her descriptions are so vivid.
I intended to read the book slowly- perhaps a chapter or two a night. However, I found each chapter to be so wise, yet approachable, factual yet entertaining, that I galloped (sorry) right through the book. You may have loved Marguerite Henry and Misty, but how much do you know about Black Cowboys? Want to visit a multi-level stable in Manhattan, gallop in India, or ride on a jumbo jet with horses? You can do all that as well as get acquainted with a variety of horse breeds, learn all the wonderful horse-world lingo, and even revisit your childhood passion for Breyer horses.
Horses are expensive, and you can fall off of them. Instead of spending a small fortune on a horse, buy this book! I guarantee it will fill that horse-shaped whole in your heart!
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.
Historical Fiction- the memories of this book will never leave me!
Paris Never Leaves You by Ellen Feldman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book will be one of the best books of 2020. Paris Never Leaves You will also be my favorite read this year, and quite likely an all-time favorite.
The book received high praise from reviewers and writers who are far more talented and astute than me. But we all agree that this is a special book.
“Masterful. Magnificent. A passionate story of survival and a real page turner. This story will stay with me for a long time.” —Heather Morris, author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka’s Journey
The main reason for my passion for this book is the main character, Charlotte. She is so lovely, tempered, proper, contained, and yet beguiling as well. She’s unforgettable- take a look at the cover of the book. Her daughter Vivi is almost as appealing in her young and charming way. There are other characters in the book, but not too many to keep track of, and all of them bring something important to the story.
For readers who are experiencing a bit of World War II historical fiction fatigue, put those feelings aside. Yes, part of the story takes place during the war years in occupied Paris. The war times alternate with Charlotte’s life in America 10 year after the war. In this book, the war occupies a small stage- a bookstore in Paris. The real war story is the story of Charlotte and her choices, from the small everyday choices, to more nuanced and moral choices. She’s an ordinary woman, like many other ordinary people during the war. Or is she?
I won’t say anything about the plot, as I don’t want to reveal anything. While the writing is spare, it is also eloquent. The ideas are complex. I want to reread this book, because the ending surprised me, and I want to go back and see what I missed.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.
Lost Love, Imperial Spies, and One Woman’s Journey to the Heart of Africa
Olive the Lionheart: Lost Love, Imperial Spies, and One Woman’s Journey to the Heart of Africa by Brad Ricca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Magnificent title! “Olive the Lionheart”!
That and the subtitle, “Lost Love, Imperial Spies, and One Woman’s Journey into the Heart of Africa” and you pretty much know all you need to know but this amazing book.
And none of that is hyperbole.
Olive was Scottish, of the proud and ancient Clan McLeod, possessors of the “fairy flag”. She lived at the turn of the twentieth century and was described by contemporaries as “a gentlewoman”. As we read of Olive’s incredible journey through Africa and get to know her, we see that she is strong, vibrant, feminine yet determined to be equal, and she has beautiful red hair.
Her adventure takes place during the Colonial Period in Africa. ManyEuropean explorers were keen on mapping Africa and learning of its mysteries and flora, fauna and native tribes. When Olive’s male friend and possible fiancée is murdered there, she joins with an English couple to explore the places he ventured to.
It’s 1910 and Olive must travel through desert, grasslands, and rivers by foot, horse, train, and canoe. Challenges are faced hourly- heat, unfriendly chiefs, wild animals, getting lost, but Olive and her group persevere and manage to have many stirring and memorable moments. She was the first white woman to do so.
This well-researched book is based on Olive’s letters and diaries. Many of her letters are presented and the writing style of 100 years ago is interesting, and a bit hard to comprehend. Her story is presented in a day-to-day format. Much of the story is slow, as if we are walking beside Olive, but as a whole, the book is fascinating with its details of the sights, sounds, people, animals, flowers and landmarks. Olive truly was a “lionheart”.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.
Funny, Witty and Crazy! I Loved It!
Adults by Emma Jane Unsworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book delighted me. It is funny, witty, and crazy. It has heart and insight. The pleasure comes from the words themselves, the wildly creative use of ideas and thoughts. The characters and their own demons and desperations make the story as real as an Instagram or Facebook post
Jenny Maclaine tells her story in the first person. Life as a grown up was ok in her twenties, but now she is thirty-five and she’s experienced a painful sadness that she hides. She lives in London, and works for an online feminist magazine. She lives through social media. Every photo, post, tweet is born of her creative angst. Through her emails, texts, phone calls and conversations we piece her life together.
Her relationships with her wacky but lovable and somewhat wise mother, her close friends Kelly and Nicolette, and her former lover Art are revealed to us in flashbacks. All are modern, clever, somewhat wounded people that you will enjoy getting to know.
Wry quips are just like breathing for Jenny and her pals. She and Nicolette get their burgers from the “Scottish Restaurant”. Jenny tells Kelly in an email she has been an “oubliette of self-regard”. Nicolette points out that having to buy a phone and pay for data is the modern version of the Window Tax.
Jenny is an approval junkie and she’s scared. Does she change, grow, learn? Do any of us? Still, readers will enjoy getting to know her. This book will stick in my mind’s oubliette for a long time. Thanks to Net Galley and Gallery/Scout Press for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.
A Coming-of Age Love Story with Plenty of Hugs
The Last Charm by Ella Allbright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A moving and heartwarming love story awaits readers who enjoy coming-of-age love stories mixed with plenty of hugs and tears. Yes, in some ways this book is too much- too much tear-jerking of the heart strings- but why not? Why not escape to Dorset, England and savor the story of two broken people who come together because of a charm bracelet?
Leila and Jake meet when they are about 11 and 13 and both are facing difficult, cruel times in their lives. Although they go their separate ways for many years, off and on they reconnect. Leila doesn’t know who is sending her charms for her charm bracelet, pretty little tokens that celebrate the memorable times of her life. The charms comfort Leila. But are charms enough to overcome the sadness and struggles of her life?
In addition to Leila and Jake, there are many other wonderful characters to read about. All are well-drawn and for the most part, a mix of good and flawed. Leila’s Granddad and father do their best, as does Jake’s mother. Leila and Jake have colorful friends and they all share some lovely times together. The vivid descriptions of the setting are a highlight of this story- featuring Dorset, with many a visit to the iconic Durdle Door.
Tears and tragedy mix with happiness and hope in this young adult love story. What is special about the last charm? Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.
A New Hallmark Cozy Mystery Series
Dead-End Detective: A Piper and Porter Mystery from Hallmark Publishing by Amanda Flower
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Darby Tatum P.I., was one of the “girls” in Two Girls Detective Agency until her partner, Samantha Porter, was murdered. Now instead of solving lost pet and errant spouse investigations, she must investigate the murder of her partner. And she’s the number one suspect.
This charming cozy mystery takes place in a small town on a lovely lake in the Finger Lakes area of New York. This was a fresh and appealing setting for the story, just as likable as the characters. Darby is a petite woman, with a large heart. She had wanted to be a ballerina, but is now committed to serving her community as a P.I. Tate Porter is the nephew of the murdered woman, and he arrives in town just in time to get to know Darby and assist her. He could be a suspect, and as the story continues, we get to know the other suspects, who include the longtime boyfriend of the dead woman, and the owner of Lake Waters resort who wanted to hire the victim. Leading the police investigation is Austin Caster, Darby’s ex-boyfriend. Elderly but spry Mrs. Berger and her cat, and Darby’s family lend color and love to the story.
The clues and pace of the story make for an intriguing read and the mystery is solved in dramatic fashion. A few questions remain for future books in the series, especially the romance. Who loves Darby- Tate Porter or Austin Caster? Thanks to NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for a review copy. This is my honest review.
Book 5 in My Favorite Time Slip Series
Yesterday’s Blood by Jane O’Brien
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I know readers can’t wait to read Yesterday’s Blood, the fifth book in the A Slip in Time series by Jane O’Brien. So, let’s get straight to my thoughts.
Yesterday’s Blood, in spite of the ominous title, is filled with charm and tranquility. Picture this. “Inside the house the sisters moved together in the kitchen just as they had many times over the years, in one century or the next.”
As you can tell, the 1881 life for the 2025 sisters Francine and Dora is now pleasant and normal.
Book 5 paints a lovely picture of the growing towns of Twin Lakes and Holton in 1881. Life is no longer frontier living. The towns are bustling. Houses are being built and businesses are opening and thriving. Life is good for Francine and Dora. They each have a man who loves and adores them. They each have found a place in the community.
What about the newcomers? We become better acquainted with the new Doctor, and the other male visitor off the train. We spend more time with Ruth and her family, as well as her friend Mavis. Mavis endures some sadness and problems. But for the most part, contentment abounds. Babies are born, cakes are baked, herbs are collected, marriages are celebrated. The orphan train comes to town. All of these happenings are written in the author’s lovely way with words.
Now what you really want to know about is Daniel, right? Well, all I will tell you is that his story took a turn I wasn’t expecting. And by the end of the story, the blood in the title reveals itself, along with some worries about the future.
I highly recommend Book 5. If you haven’t read the series, you may want to read the earlier books, because this series has so much depth, you will want to take it all in. Thanks to the author for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.
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