Wow! My New Release Book Bag is Full!
Four new books, four genres, by four great authors are FOR you to read today, July 9.
Moody, atmospheric, with a great sense of setting- what are the family secrets hidden in Bethlehem?
Bethlehem by Karen Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is an interesting and different choice for the setting of a book. I believe there are many stories about the Moravian influence on the area, but not too many fiction books use Bethlehem as the main focus.
Bethlehem is a complicated debut novel by author Karen Kelley. The book emotes with lyricism, as it alternates between two time periods. This family saga focuses on Joanna in the 1960’s and her mother-in-law Susannah’s story is presented in the 1920’s.
Joanna’s husband is Susannah’s son, and he is part of the next generation in the Bethlehem Steel family dynasty. Joanna’s family moves into the ancestral home in Bethlehem when her husband’s father dies. Joanna is overwhelmed by the total change in her lifestyle, her husband’s increased work, and the need to adapt to both her refined mother-in-law, and grand-mother-in-law.
If that attempt to summarize the plot sounds complicated, it’s because the first part of the book is slow-moving and quite detailed and confusing. Many characters who are closely-related and share names and nicknames are presented and readers must get to know them in the 1920’s and the 1960’s.
The plot features many over-wrought and soap opera type moments. The author uses obscure descriptive words, too. Having said all that, many readers will enjoy the history and even I was intrigued enough to keep reading and see how the story resolved.
There are some memorable thoughts in the book. Sadly, it is true that there are indeed times when the peal of the bell cannot be unrung. And it is important to help and not judge others. Secrets may not always protect people- they may hurt them.
I received an advanced digital copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Press. This is my honest opinion.
Small town and rural fiction as only Sean Dietrich can tell it!
Stars of Alabama by Sean Dietrich
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sean Dietrich is a columnist, podcaster, speaker, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South. He has also written several volumes of short stories and several novels. All of them are “finger-lickin’ good.”
If you are in the mood for solid, compelling characters, which includes both people and dogs, mixed with positive values, then you will want to visit the Mobile, Alabama area with Sean Dietrich as your guide in this feel-good southern-living story.
You will never forget “Marigold the Magnificent”, Paul, Vern, Baby Ruth and other beautiful humans and then there’s the two bloodhounds- Louisville and Stringbean. These vivid folks, and several other memorable preachers, grifters, and hookers will captivate you with their southern world in the 1930’s.
We tend to think of the rural south before World War II as a simpler time and place. But life wasn’t simple or easy at all for our friends. The Dust Bowl storms were terrorizing the Plains, the Depression destroyed jobs and families who needed them. Church tent revivals were another phenomenon. Many times, our sturdy friends worked long back-breaking hours when they could even find a job. More often, they slept outside, and went hungry. But as one of them would say, “Quit your sorryin”.
Somehow, most of them make it to the promise land of Mobile Alabama, with its beautiful Gulf, and you will enjoy their journey. Written in a readable, folksy style similar to his blog posts, each characters’ heart and hopes shine forth. Life is tough, and unfair, but people are so sweet and strong. Here is a book to love!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson- Fiction for an ARC. This is my honest review.
Why not try to be kind to yourself? Author Shahroo Izadi is a warm-hearted guide to better living.
The Kindness Method: Change Your Habits for Good Using Self-Compassion and Understanding by Shahroo Izadi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
How many times have you tried a new diet, blown the new diet, and yelled at yourself? Or what about drinking- tired of the hangovers? But, it’s so hard to stop drinking. What’s wrong with you?
Nothing. Nothing is wrong with you. That’s the message I learned from author Shahroo Izadi who has written an excellent book, The Kindness Method- Change Your Habits for Good Using Self-Compassion and Understanding. She has worked as a drug counsellor and also has faced a weight challenge, so she knows how to focus on changing habits.
Her premise is that we should show compassion, forgiveness and kindness to ourselves. When we have trouble making a life change, it’s not because we are “bad”, or “weak” or “lazy.” Would you say those words to other people? Please don’t say them to yourself! Instead, learn to be kind to yourself.
“Kindness” means taking action to create your most enjoyable and exciting life. Look at the big picture! “Kindness” is not following for the latest fad or quick-fix. With friendly, understanding language, the author shares her step-by step process of using maps and journals to learn more about yourself and prepare to have the rich and fulfilling life you want.
Shahroo Izadi is a Behavioral Change Specialist. She provides relapse prevention coaching and support groups at a recovery house for young women in addition to delivering sold-out workshops designed to help people change any habit on their own terms. Her work has drawn attention from BBC Radio 1, The Telegraph, Red Magazine, The Pool, and more. Her laid-back, non-judgmental style that rejects the traditional professional-patient dynamic has proven to be a huge success and her ambition is to make evidence-based psychological tools accessible to the public.
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Essentials for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
This magical book released on July 8- close enough! You will adore this magical story!
The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows by Jenni Keer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I read Author Jenni Keer’s first book, The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker, here’s how I described it. “…a story that evokes a certain adorable mood. This debut novel is part fairy tale, part Wizard of Oz, and completely loveable and engaging.” Once again, the same magic spins its joy in Ms. Keer’s second book, a humorous fiction novel.
When we meet Maisie, she has a boyfriend and a job. By the second chapter in the book, she has no boyfriend, and no job. But, she does have Nigel, who is a…oh I’ll let you find that out for yourself.
It’s delightful getting to know young-adult Maisie. In addition to the no job and no boyfriend situation, she has a fragmented family. But, she’s not one to say “Why me?”
She fixes her job situation by taking a marketing position at Gildersleeves Antiques. What a wonderful part of the story- Gildersleeves has plenty of quirky characters, along with an equally exotic assortment of cast-offs, collectibles and treasures.
And that’s how Maisie discovers a teapot from her past, which belonged to the Mayhew sisters. Is the teapot magical? Will it help her solve her other problems?
The charm and strength of Ms. Keer’s books are the characters. And in this book, she has given us so many quirky, yet redeemable people to get to know and love. From the employees at Gildersleeves, to the six Mayhew sisters, and Maisie’s mother, father and four siblings, we have an abundance of treats to savor. My favorites (in addition to Maisie) were Arthur, an older, lonely man and Maisie’s emotional mother, Beverly. Although I really shouldn’t pick favorites as I am leaving out two very wonderful and important gentlemen. And then there’s that one guy at the care home.
Throughout the story, Maisie continues to put one tidy and well-organized foot in front of the other, and she ends up being a “restorative tonic” for all. With themes of family, friendships, aging, and antiques, which are really all tied together, we find what’s important to cherish in Maisie’s unlikely life.
Is Maisie a bit slow to catch on to things? Yes. But, by the end of this charming and totally satisfying book, Maisie works it out. And when she does, I felt as happy as Nigel. Everything comes together and even the garden gnomes find a place to belong.
In the author notes, Ms. Keer mentioned that she was relieved to have completed the notoriously tricky second book. Not to worry- the story of Maisie surpasses the loveliness of the first book. There are so many more characters, feelings and thoughts, and so many perfect phrases and word pictures. I did feel confused by the first chapter of the book- but it was like unpacking a mixed-lot bin of collectibles- once I sorted it out, the pleasures were revealed. Enjoy this gentle, endearing book!
Thanks to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Rachels Random Resources for a review copy. This is my honest review.
Looking for more books to read? Please visit my Book Promotions page and explore all the latest releases. Extracts, blurbs, reviews, author info, books links- all waiting for you!
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