Brief Book Review - The Old Place; Bobby Finger

 

The Old Place; Bobby Finger

G.P. Putnam - 2022

The Old Place is a debut novel that takes place in a small Texas town.   From the very beginning of the novel we get the feeling that protagonist ,Mary Alice Roth, is a troubled woman with secrets.  She is a rather stern woman and a recently retired school teacher who has not made peace with being forced to retire. She isn't quite sure what she will do to fill in her free time without her job to go to.  Once a wife and mother, there is a mystery as to what happened to the men in her life.  Fortunately she is on good terms once again with her neighbor Elie now as they once had a falling out. Both women look forward to meeting for morning coffee and conversation. There is the planing of the annual neighborhood picnic and the delegation of tasks which is funny to read about.  Just as Mary Alice begins to find a find a kind of rhythm to her daily routine, she has an unexpected visit from her sister who has some rather shocking news which threatens to uproot some things that perhaps were best left buried.

This was a very good debut novel full of small town charm, pettiness and gossip and secrets around every corner.  Although a bit slow moving at times, I liked the slower place and the way the secrets gradually emerged,  In the end I was happy that I had a chance to read this one.

RATING - 4/5 stars

(NOTE: I received a copy of the eGalley from the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for my unbiased review.)

(2) Brief Book Reviews - Fellowship Point; Alice Elliott Dark and The Night She Disappeared; Lisa Jewell

 

Fellowship Point; Alice Elliott Dark

Scribner/Marysue Rucci Books / Simon & Schuster Audio - 2022

Fellowship Point is an expansive story (nearly 500 pages) about a lifelong friendship of two Quaker women who are now in the eighties.  The women are Agnes Lee, a writer of children's series books entitled ...WHEN NAN.......... which was first published in 1965.  She has also written another six adult novels under a pen name about individuals in her Philadelphia social circle. Agnes has never married and now in her twilight years has found out she has cancer. She is also being pressured by Maud Silver a publicist to write a memoir.

Polly Wister is a loyal wife and mother, her husband and adult son on the other hand are men who are best described as "difficult and self-centered." Agnes and Polly could not be more different but, their shared pasts and the fact that they have vacationed for years on Fellowship Point, a remote, coastal island in Maine.  Now after all these years there is a fear that once the two women are gone their interest in keeping the island and cottages the way it has been dating back to the 19th century, may die with them.  A developer has interest in purchasing the properties to develop a posh resort in place of the cottages and surrounding wildlife sanctuary.  The land was purchased by Agnes' grandfather a wealthy merchant.

Although the first half of this novel moved somewhat slow for me, I loved the writing and depth as well as the build up for what what followed . I loved the way I felt swept away by the trials and tribulations of these women as I read and listened to this well-written novel. The audiobook was narrated by Cassandra Campbell who did an excellent job.

I received an audio download as well as a hardcover copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.

RATING - 4.5/5 stars

The Night She Disappeared; Lisa Jewell

Atria - 2021

The story begins in 2017 with Tallulah, a young mother who also attends college and her boyfriend Zach needing a night out. Tallulah's mother Kim agrees to babysits.  In the morning when Kim realizes Tallulah has not come home, she begins making phone calls and the police become involved but, eventually the case is unsolved.  The only lead they have is that the couple was never seen after a night of partying at a remote country estate where Scarlett, a wealthy college friend lives.  Fast forward to 2019, a young mystery writer new to the town who lives on the edge of the woods notices a sign while out walking in the secluded area. The sign says "DIG HERE."  Is this significant in regards to the missing couple?

This is one of those stories that kept me quickly turning pages and trying to find out what happened,  I thought the dual time periods worked well and the story was well paced as well. 

I received an audio download as well as an advanced reader print copy of this book  from the publisher last year in exchange for my unbiased review.

RATING - 4/5 stars

(2) Brief reviews - Quartet in Autumn; Barbara Pym and Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendship; Nina Totenberg

 

Quartet in Autumn; Barbara Pym

Plume - 1977

This is a book I had on my 2022 - 2023 Bucket list and, I am happy I had a chance to finally read it. 

Quartet in Autumn is the story of (4) older coworkers approaching retirement age: Edwin, Norman, Marcia and Letty.  Each is single, lives alone and except for work lives a mostly solitary life.  When the (2) women retire, the story takes a darker turn. Instead of the leisurely days one tends to associate with not having to get up ealy and go to work each day. the reader gets a glimpse at how sad and lonely a life without plans, dreams, hobbies  or friends can be.

I thought this story was very well written. Pym uses wry humor to which at times take away from what could have been a very depressing story.

Rating - 4/5 stars 

Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendship; Nina Totenberg

Simon & Schuster Audio - 2022

Nina Totenberg had a long career as a prize winning reporter for the National Observer and NPR. Her professional career also led to a remarkable fifty year friendship with the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

While I was expecting a book that would focus mostly on the author's friendship and professional relationship with RBG that is only a small part of the story. This book is a memoir about Nina T and it is fairly well written. but just not what I was expecting.  I admired how these women fought for a voice for advancing equality for women over the years.  There were some heavier, more personal insights as well: both women had to deal with the illness and subsequent deaths of their spouses.  While this memoir was interesting enough, I expect that readers who were looking forward to a focus on RBG will be somewhat disappointed. The audio is read by the author.

RATING - 3/5 stars

Some September Reading

 

Hey readers, this week finds me with enough energy to share some bookish thoughts on some more recent  books that  I've read or listened to in September (so that's progress.) 

Dark Tales: Stories; Shirley Jackson

Penguin Audio - 2021

)8 hours - multiple narrators - all excellent

Dark Tales was a collection of (17) short stories.  I enjoyed more than half of the stories and, although all of the stories were new to me, I didn't find them all that scary or creepy.  If anything some of the stories that I didn't care for just seemed just kind of odd. The best part of the collection was the quality of the audio narrators: Ottessa Moshlegh, Kirsten Potter, Kimberly Farr, Karissa Vacker and Mark Deakins.

One very short but powerful story was called; What a Thought, which explored all the different ways a wife considers killing her husband who seems likely a decent guy.  She is obsessed  with these thoughts and the ending was shocking.  Louisa Please Come Home was another one I liked.  A younger girl isn't happy with her home life and runs away, changing her appearance many times.  After being gone for over (3) years and no response to the reward the family has offered, a man she meets convinces her to go home so he can claim the reward.  The family does not recognize their daughter with her changed appearance and the man who brings her home has a history of trying to claim rewards with other missing persons so in the end nothing has changed. The final one I will mention was All She Said Was Yes - A young girl's parents have died in a car accident and the neighbor takes the girl in until some family is able to take her with them.  When trying to talk to the girl about her feelings about her parent's death, her response is a rather flat affect and the claim that she told her parents this would happen to them but, they didn't listen.  The girl has other warnings including one for the neighbor who took her in but, will they heed her warning?

I liked the situations Jackson created with these stories, simple, everyday people and occurrences which suddenly take a darker turn and the reader can easily imagine that things will not end well. Other stories had a locked-room feel.  It was fun to listen to a few of these at a time. Worth trying.

RATING - 4/5 stars

Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six; Lisa Unger

Park Row - 2022

(eGalley)

Three couples all family and friends escape to a luxurious, isolate cabin in Georgia, complete with all amenities including spa and personal chef.  It isn't long before a dangerous storm take hold, internet is out and all communication to the outside comes to a halt.  If things couldn't get much worse one of the group members goes missing.

A thriller with a creepy, locked-room feel, this story is told from multiple POVs and past and present timelines which made this story all too much at times. All of the characters seemed spiteful and full of secrets (except for one individual). I found it hard to keep turning the pages at times and put this aside for several days at one point.  I did love the set up and the setting but, the characters left me mostly disappointed.

RATING - 3.5/5 stars

The Lost Girls of Willowbrook;  Ellen Marie Wiseman

Recorded Books - 2022

(Library audio download - 13_ hours - Morgan Hallett narrator - very good)

This story is based in part on a true story surrounding The Willowbrook State School in Staten Island, New York in the 1970s.

Sage and Rosemary Winters ere identical twins who loved many of the same things, even though Rosemary had some developmental and emotional issues.  At age 13, the girl's mother was killed in a car accident and Sage is led to believe by her step father that her twin sister died of pneumonia.  The truth is Rosemary was sent to Willowbrook because he didn't want to deal with her after the mother's death.

At 16, Sage discovers the truth and goes to Willowbrook to find her sister.  At Willowbrook Sage is mistakenly believed to be Rosemary who had recently gone missing.  While trying to convince staff that she isn't Rosemary she begins to witness first hand the horrors of how residents of the state school are mistreated and abused.

This was a tough read at times to see how those trusted in the state's care were treated prior to this institution being closed in the 1970s.  Although some of the story felt repetitive, I thought that the author did a good job emphasizing the abuses that took place and how administrators looked the other way.  I was happy I decided to listen to the audio which was well done.

RATING - 4/5 stars

We Spread; Iain Reid

Simon ^ Schuster Audio - 2022

(5 hours 58 minutes)

Narrator - Robin Miles - very good)

(audio download sent by publisher)

Penny is an elderly artist who has lived in the same apartment with her long term partner for years and years.  After her partner passed away, she felt comfort in the sameness of her days, surrounded by the things she loved and which brought her comfort. She felt happy and at peace despite the fact her partner had died.

After a few incidents at the apartment, she finds herself uprooted from her apartment and the things that she loves to a strange but beautiful home occupied by several elderly residents her age and some kind staff.  The group dines together, continues with hobbies and socializes. They are supervised by a caring staff who monitors their daily activities but, for Penny it is not the same as her apartment.

This was quick, well-written novel that I very much enjoyed.  It was one of those stories that as a senior myself, made me pause and reflect. It was hard to see many of Penny's prized possessions of her former life packed away as she was moved to her new residence.  Her new life was often clouded by confusion yet it felt quite realistic.

RATING - 4.5/5 stars

(2) Brief Review - The Messy Lives of Book People; Paedra Patrick and The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward; Daniel H. Pink

The Messy Lives of Book People; Paedra Patrick

Park Row - 2022 - library loan

Olivia (Liv) Green is a married mom of two teenaged sons who works as a housekeeper for author Essie Starling.  Essie has written (19) books about her heroine Georgia Rory.  Liv has always dreamed of being a writer herself inspired by her father a literature professor. Liv even has (2) drafts of her efforts on her nightstand at home. One day Liv comes across Essie's manuscript of book #20, the majority of which has been completed but, she now Essie seems a bit stuck.  When Essie dies unexpectedly, her solicitor contacts Liv to let her know that Essie left instructions in her final will that she wants Liv to finish her book.  With more money coming her way and 6-month deadline to get the manuscript done, Liv is ready for the challenge. There is just one catch, no one must know Essie has died while the manuscript gets completed.

Liv was a great character, She was a good wife and mother and a loyal employee as well. She had secrets to keep and did so, even from her family.  This book started strong and it had references to other novels and authors which I enjoyed.  Overall, a light read, I thought the first half was stronger than the finish but, I was satisfied with the wrap up. I thought the title was a great and one and reminded me of how people often go about navigating the messiness that is life. 

Rating - 3.5/5 stars

The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward; Daniel H. Pink

Riverhead Books - 2022 - library loan

Everybody at one time or another has heard the the expression "no regrets" but, is that even possible and is having regrets such a bad thing?  The author writes about how a little introspection and looking backward can actually make us move forward to a more positive place and frame of mind.  The author has conducted extensive research via The American Regret Project coupled with a worldwide survey that collected the regrets of some 20,000 respondents.   Some of the regrets that have troubled individuals were things like not spending enough time with their children while they were growing up and not spending more time with their parents before it was too late to do so.  Unfulfilled educational endeavors that went unmet and misdeeds and bad behavior toward others also were regrets that seemed troublesome and have more lasting e.

When people take the time to think about and to acknowledge things that they've regretted in the past, it seems to help them to make better decisions and act differently in the future.  I was surprised to read that moral regrets only seemed to amount to about 10% despite it often being so troublesome for those who felt guilty about it.

Overall, I found this an interesting and informative read.  Thanks go to Melody @ Melody's Reading Corner for bringing this book to my attention.

Rating - 4/5 stara

2 Brief Kids Book Reviews - The Girl Who Could Fix Anything: Beatrice Schilling World War II Engineer; Mara Rockliff and Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure; Megan Wagner Lloyd

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The Girl Who Could Fix Anything:  : Beatrice Schilling World War II Engineer

Mara Rockliff (auth) Daniel Duncan (illustrator) - Candlewick Press - 2021

(ages 5-9 through grade 4))

This year I've read several children's books based on true stories of women who have done great things but, may have not gotten the recognition they deserved.

In this book Beatrice Schilling was a British woman whose mechanical expertise set her apart from her peers. She was able to convince the Royal Aircraft Establishment to let her prove her abilities by solving a fighter plane engine fuel issue during World War II.  Her early interest in anything mechanical and her quick ability to learn and try new things enabled her to attend and study engineering at the university and build confidence and hone her skills.  

As a grandmother to (3) young girls, I love books that encourage young girls to try new things and to foster an interest in technology and the sciences. Thins is the type of story that builds confidence and lets young girls see that they too can pursue their dreams if they just persist.  This book has terrific illustrations and a great story. It is the type of book that would make a great addition to school and public libraries or personal collections.

RATING - 5/5 stars

Thanks go to Candlewick Press for sending these books my way in exchange for my unbiased review.)

Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure; Megan Wagner Lloyd

(ages 8-12 - grades 3-7) (Candlewick Press -  August 16, 2022

Haven was once an abandoned cat but Ma Millie took her in so she no longer had to forage for food and live outdoors. Hav is a small but brave house cat and, yes, she is still a bit timid but, she is quite content being an indoor cat with plenty of food to eat.  However, when Haven's owner becomes ill and her health eventually worsens, it's up to Haven to pay Ma Millie back even if that means venturing out into the scary forest to find help.  Can a brave, a bold fox and a timid cat find a way to send help for Ma Millie?

This is a good middle grade book that will appeal to cat lovers. It has short chapters and the story reinforces themes like bravery, friendship and the importance of helping others. A bittersweet story not easily forgotten.

Rating - 4/5 stars

Book Review - The Family Remains; Lisa Jewell

The Family Remains; Lisa Jewell

Atria - August 9, 2022

(sequel to The Family Upstairs)

This is a story has a lot going on in it but, it's also a very good read.  The story begins when human bones are found by a mudlarker in the River Thames. Detective Inspector Samuel Owusu is in charge of the investigation and, it appears that the bones may be tied to a nearly 30 year old cold case involving a ballerina and a suicide pact that left (3) adults cult members dead and several children wondering what happened in their Chelsea mansion. Lucy Lamb and brother Henry are adult children of the tragedy.  Lucy is temporarily staying with Henry along with her (2) teenage children.  Henry, however, has other things on his mind and is obsessed with finding Phin, another character tied to the the Chelsea mansion days.  Henry is off on a mission, determined to find Phin.  Henry is a seriously obsessed and creepy character with one thing on his mind which moves the story into high gear. Then yet another storyline about Rachel and husband Michael who also happens to also be the former husband of Lucy.  Rachel and Michael meet and marry quickly and things go very wrong very quickly.  

The description states that this is a standalone sequel but, I think that is a far stretch as so much of the story is tied to former characters from the first book. I would describe this novel as crime drama more than a mystery or thriller. It is a story that kept me quickly turning the pages.  A character driven novel told from multiple POVs and timelines, I started this as an audio, which was expertly narrated by multiple performers.  I switched to the print edition only because it was easier for me to keep the timelines and POV straight.  I was quite happy I read the first book of the series before this sequel. I found the ending satisfying as well.  I'll definitely be returning to read more books by this author that I may have missed.

Rating - 4/5 stars

(NOTE: (a print edition and audio download were sent to me by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.)

Book Review - Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders; Kathryn Miles

 

Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders; Kathryn Miles

Algonquin - 2022 - (library loan)

Trailed. tells the still unsolved violent murder case of a lesbian couple, Lollie Winans and Julie Williams, two skilled backpackers who headed out to Shenandoah National park for week long camping trip along with their dog. When the couple failed to return home as planned authorities were able to locate their campsite, slashed tent and their bodies.   Although there are several theories of what may have transpired, some (26) years later their murders remain unsolved. 

The author taught at Unity College, a small environmental college in Maine where Lollie was once a student.  A backpacker herself she became consumed with the case and, after interviews with park rangers, law enforcement, forensics experts, friends and family, it became clear that the evidence that there was sloppy investigative work involved: mismatched timelines, bureaucracy and other systematic failures throughout the investigation.

The storyline jumps around a bit and involves discussions of other cases but, it never felt confusing.  An individual by the name of Darrell Rice was charged with the murder but never tried and based on what the author has reported, it seemed unlikely he was the killer of these women.  However, another serial killer, Richard Evonitz, may have been responsible but, that investigation led to closed mouths and several dead ends.

I thought that the author did a good job pointing out the many missteps gathered throughout the investigation which even included contradictions about the date the women died.  Readers who enjoy true-crime stories will likely enjoy this offering.

Rating - 4/5 stars

(3) Brief Reviews - The Only Woman in the Room; Marie Benedict - The Measure; Nikki Erlick and Summer Love; Nancy Thayer

The Only Woman in the Room; Marie Benedict

(book group read - purchase)

SourceBooks - 2019

The Only Woman in the Room is fictionalized account of Austrian born icon Hedy (Kiesler) Lamarr a woman with both brain and beauty.   Born in 1914 to jewish parents, at 19 years of age she marries Fritz Mandl, a munitions mogul who was both controlling and violent.  In 1937 she finally is successful in escaping for London where she is discovered by Louis Mayer (MGM Studios) and gets her ticket to Hollywood.  Despite Hedy's brilliant scientific mind and her work on a torpedo guidance system, she never really got the recognition she deserved because she was female.

My book group met in July to discuss this book. Most everyone thought it was a light, easy read with it's short chapters and quick moving storyline but, we also all agreed that historical fiction, loosely based on true events should not be written in the first person.  I especially enjoyed the first half of the book about her marriage to Fritz Mandl and her relationship with her parents.  I thought the second half , about her years in Hollywood and her scientific work felt rushed and, I never got a sense of how her scientific brilliance came about.  

Some of the historical details here were inaccurate which was troublesome. In this book she adopted a son but, in real life she actually had four of her own children.  The ending was also disappointing - I wanted more. as did most everyone in our group.

RATING - 3.5/5 stars

The Measure; Nikki Erlick

(Harper Audio - library loan)

(Julia Whalen narrator) - very good

The Measure was an audiobook I requested by chance from the library as it sounded different from what I would normally select.  It ended up being pretty good.

In this story (8) ordinary people all from different demographics find a mysterious box on the doorstop. The box contains a string -- some long strings and some short ones.  The length of the individual's string is to determine whether they can expect to live a long life or one that is cut short.  Soon more people, everyone adult over the age of 22 will receive the same box/string.  What does it all mean? 

This is one of those stories that makes the reader wonder about what they would do in the same situation.  I thought it was interesting to see how different the individuals were and what they did with the information about a short versus long life.  The story was told through multiple POVs, each individual is struggling with life issues while trying to decide how to live out their lives.  A unique debut novel that seemed to have at least a bit of a political agenda but, it wasn't heavy or off-putting for me.. Overall, this was mostly a story about life, love and how we choose to spend our time here on earth.  Readers looking for something different might want to try this one. The audio, read by Julia Whalen was well done.

RATING - 4/5 stars

Summer Love; Nancy Thayer

Ballantine Books - 2022

(eGalley) - (20 Books of Summer list)

I always look forward to a Nancy Thayer summer release that returns readers to Nantucket Island.  Unfortunately, this book was lackluster and really disappointed me.

Ariel, Sheila, Nick and Wyatt spent a summer after college working on the island and became fast friends. At the time they crashed in the basement of a hotel that was being renovated.  Fast forward (26) years and Nick now owns the Lighthouse hotel on the island and invites the group to return over the summer. This time it's not just the friends but their children who are now in the 20s, the kids are the same ages the parents were when they first spent that summer there.  What has happened to this group over the last 20-something years?  How different will this summer be for them and their adult children or, will Nantucket work its magic?

The best thing about this book was the setting and all the little details that make this island setting work over and over again no matter who the author is.  The book itself seemed so rushed and unrealistic, I almost stopped reading midway.  The issues I had with the book were - the characters lacked substance and everyone seemed to fall in love instantly.  The word choices the author used were not the way young people speak today and much of what took place just felt cliche.  This is not what I've come to expect from Nancy Thayer - disappointing.

RATING - 2/5 stars (eGalley provided by publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.)

Book Review - Reputation - Sarah Vaughn

Reputation; Sarah Vaughn

Atria/Emily Bestler Books - 2022

(print edition sent to me by publisher)

Emma Webster is a former teacher and now a British politician who has sacrificed a lot along the way.  She has worked hard to build her reputation while others have tried to destroy her.  Emma has a fourteen year old daughter named Flora who has had a tough time in school as a result of bullying and, although mother and daughter have a strained relationship at times, when another teen commits suicide after social media trolling and harassment, Emma is determined to do something about this.  She sets out to work on a new law that will hold individuals responsible for vicious online attacks and exploitation of others accountable for their actions.  When a journalist who has threatened Emma in the past is found dead in her home, things take a dramatic turn.

This was a timely thriller. Told from the POV of multiple narrators, I thought Emma and Flora were both strong characters.  There was a courtroom drama which was a bit too drawn out but, it was important to the story as well.  I loved the way the story played out very happy with the unexpected twist and the overall story line.

RATING - 4/5 stars

(NOTE: a print edition was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.)

Book Review Catch Up - Tom Perrotta - Election and Tracy Flick Can't Win

 So this week I was looking for a couple of quick, easy reads and realized that Tom Perrotta, an author I haven't read in over (10) years, had a new book out.  I was curious who Tracy Flick was and then realized that Perrotta had first created Tracy F back in 1998 with his book called Election - which was also a movie.  Since I hadn't read Election, I grabbed a copy from the library and then immediately dove into Tracy Flick Can't Win afterwards - this time on audio. Both were fun reads and although some of the topics are more serious, the stories are written in a satirical, fun kind of way.

Election; Tom Perrotta

Penguin Group -1998 - library loan

(just over 200 pages)

When I sat down to begin Tracy Flick Can't Win, I realized Perrotta wrote about Tracy F some 20+ years earlier, so I immediately looked for Tracy's debut book at my local library.  I then learned that the book Election, was also a movie (1999).

So who is Tracy Flick? In 1993 she was an all around, ambitious high school girl who was determined to do it ALL  At Winwood High School in New Jersey Tracy set her sights on becoming the President.  Mr. M (McAllister), a history teacher and student government advisor holds a grudge against Tracy and convinces Paul Warren, a good looking, smart athletic type to run against Tracy.  What starts out as an exercise in educating young minds about the democratic process turns into something no one was expecting.

This was an easy book to read in one sitting if you are so inclined.  The POVs alternated between the younger students and the adults - which worked really well. Readers who enjoy satire should enjoy this story.

Rating - 3.5/5 stars

Tracy Flick Can't Win; Tom Perrotta

Simon & Schuster Audio - 2022

(6 hours 2 minutes - 6 diff narrators - very fun)

(audio download sent to me by publisher)

In book #2 Tracy Flick, now in her 40s is the Assistant Principal at a NJ high school. She has a 10 year old daughter, a boyfriend and a side business as well.  Things may be finally looking up for Tracy when the principal, Jack Weede, announces he plans to retire.  At the forefront of the school's agenda is The Green Meadow High School Hall of Fame.  Tracy and her male colleagues have differing opinions about who is best individual to be honored.  Once again, the tables seem stacked against Tracy but, is that how it will all play out?

People seem to respect Tracy but, they don't necessarily like her. She is a bit of a loner who feels like she has to do everything if it is to be done right.  Tracy is still a spunky fighter almost 30 years later and I found it hard not to root for Tracy.  The story had lots of salient topics: bullying, gun violence, adultery,  LBGTQ issues and more.  Although there isn't a lot to the overall storyline, the chapters are short, the story fun and satirical and overall, it made for quick entertaining read.  All the flashbacks to high school days and drama of days gone by made the story entertaining  What really gave this story a unique feel was the fact that the audio was narrated by (6) different voices.

Rating - 4/5 stars

Book Review - The Hotel Nantucket; Elin Hilderbrand

 

The Hotel Nantucket; Elin Hilderbrand

Little Brown & Company - 2022

(library audio download - 12 hours 27 min.) 

 ( Erin Bennett narrator- very good)

It wouldn't be summer without an Elin Hilderbrand book set on Nantucket island.  

The Hotel Nantucket, once a top hotel of the Gilded Age has long fallen into a state of disrepair.  Recently purchased by London billionaire Xavier Darling, a man who knows what he wants and this includes a total facelift and a hotel that has all the bells and whistles.  His goal is to get a rare "5 Keys" rating from Shirley Carpenter, a hotel blogger who discreetly visits and reviews various hotels. Lisbeth Keaton is hired as the new general manager and, she has a backstory she is trying to forget. The hotel will also have a handsome celebrity chef and free mini bar to name just a few of the its perks.  Oh, and let us not forget the ghost of Grade Hadley, the young maid, who died tragically in a fire there in 1922; she still haunts the fourth floor.

This novel has some great characters with interesting back stories. There is even an eight year old guest named Wanda Marsh, a young girl obsessed with mysteries and Nancy Drew books.  She cause a bit of havoc while doing some sleuthing there.  The author also include references to old songs and a "must do list" for visitors vacationing on the island.  A worthy summer read but, my favorite is still 28 Summers!

Rating - 4/5 stars (library audio download)

Book Review - The Midcoast; Adam White

 

The Midcoast; Adam White

Hogarth - 2022

The Midcoast is a debut novel that opens in small coastal town of Damariscotta, Maine.  Andrew is a writing instructor and lacrosse coach who returns with his family to the area where he grew up to settle down.  The story opens with a lavish outdoor reception for the Amherst College lacrosse team hosted by Steph and Ed Thatch at their enviable coastal home.  The Thatches daughter Allie attends Amherst College and their son EJ is a local cop.  Andrew wonders how Ed, a high school dropout and the son of a lobster fisherman could rise to their current status of achieving the American dream and more?  His wife Step is the unofficial town mayor as well. As Andrew does a little snooping indoors while the event is taking place, he uncovers some disturbing photos and with a little investigative work, the reader will soon begin to understand what has been going on.

This novel got off to a rather slow start but, I quickly found myself totally engrossed with the crime drama elements of it all.  I found myself on the edge of my seat often with an uncomfortable feeling as I read.  The descriptions of midcoast Maine and Amherst College, Amherst, MA seemed accurately portrayed and, I thought the author did a great job building the suspense of the Thatch story.  I was really glad I read this one, it was so hard to put down even though some of the characters needed a bit more depth. Recommended

Rating - 4/5 stars

(NOTE: the eGalley download was sent to me by the publisher (Hogarth) in exchange for my unbiased review.)

Book Review - Legacy; Nora Roberts

 

Legacy; Nora Roberts

Macmillan Audio - 2021 - January Lavoy - Narrator

(Library Loan - 14+ hours)

I was craving something different so I decided to try a Nora Roberts standalone novel.  This one was a combo family saga, crime drama with a tad of romance thrown in. The audio, although a bit long, was excellent - narrated by January Lavoy.

The story centers around the Rizzo family: mother, Lina and her daughter Adrian. When Adrian was only eight years old, her biological father, who wasn't a part of her life, forced his way into the family home and almost killed his own daughter.  Fortunately, he died during the incident instead.

Lina is a hardworking, self-made yoga and fitness influencer with a work schedule that doesn't allow much together time for her and young daughter Adrian.  Luckily, Adrian has loving grandparents who love having Adrian in their lives and take her in to live with them. The couple owns an Italian Restaurant and Pizza shop.  As Adrian grow up she follows in her mother's footsteps by starting her own fitness brand company.  Life is good until something unsettling begins happening around Valentine's Day one year. Adrian begins receiving notes and poems from what seems to be a mysterious stalker. The individual, we later learn, has several targets.

Adrian was a great character that was easy to root for.  As with other Nora Roberts books, there was a the slow build of a romantic relationship with Raylan, who Adrian had a crush on as a child when she lived in Maryland with her grandparents. Raylan is another wonderful character who hadn't had an easy time in recent years. I enjoyed reading about the two of them.  This was a pleasant surprise and I enjoyed it enough to add Nightwork, Nora Robert's latest book to my library reserve's list.  

Rating - 4/5 stars

Book Review - The Foundling; Ann Leary

 

The Foundling; Ann Leary

Simon & Schuster Audio - 2022

Scribner/Marysue Ricci Books - 2022

Mary Engle was raised in a Catholic orphanage when her mother died shortly after her birth. Her best friend there was Lillian Henning.  

Fast forward to 1927, Mary is now eighteen and has been hired  as a secretary by Ann Vogel, a psychiatrist she met at a lecture. The brilliant Dr, Agnes Vogel runs the Nettleton State Village for Feebleminded Women of Childbearing Age.  She believes that weak, feeble minded women are preyed upon by unscrupulous men and should be confined in an institution where they can do farm labor to earn their room and board.  Unfortunately, many of the women at this institution were not feebleminded, instead they were dumped there by spouses and parents if they were deemed difficult or in some cases unmarried and expecting a child.  The institution is located in a remote area and conditions at the institution were horrific to say the least.

One of the women at Nettleton is Mary's former friend Lilian Henning. She has been confined there for having the child of a black man who she was not married to.  Lillian begs Mary to help free her.

Mary was a frustrating character at times who failed to see what was going on before her very eyes. Quite naive to say the least, I gave her a pass at times because of what she went though as a child. The novel is a fictionalized account of Laurelton State Village for Feebleminded Women of Childbearing Age which was located in central PA. 

The story was frightening at times forcing you to think about what went on back in the day when women were deemed unfit to have children.  We learn about eugenics -- selective breeding and removing undesirables from the race, forced sterilizations and the prohibition of mixed races from marrying as well as individuals with mental and physical disabilities. 

I thought the author did a good job getting her story across.  This is my third book in the last few years that has focused on the treatment of women in the 1920s. It was disheartening to see women considered as mere chattel back in the day regardless if they were rich or poor. I originally started the audiobook, read by Laura Benanti, but,  I then switched to the eBook which I preferred.

Rating - 4/5 stars

NOTE:  I received an audio and eBook download from the publisher at no cost in exchange for my unbiased review.

Book Review - The Book Woman's Daughter; Kim Michele Richardson

 

The Book Woman's Daughter; Kim Michele Richardson

Sourcebooks  - 2022

Last year our book group read and discussed The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and most everyone loved the story.  As a result I couldn't wait to read book #2 in the series: The Book Woman's Daughter.

Set in Kentucky (15) years after book #1 ends, Honey Lovett is the (16) year old daughter of Cussy Mary Carter Lovett who worked as a Packhorse Librarian in 1930s Appalachia, delivering books to eager readers upon her mule Junia.  Cussy was a bluet, a blue-skinned woman with a condition called methemoglobinemia. Cussy married a white man and their marriage earned them a prison sentence for miscegenation.  Honey's parents prepared her for what they feared was to come and sent her away with Junia, the mule,  to keep her out of orphanages until she reached adulthood.  As luck would have it Honey is hired to take over her mother's packhorse job and like her mother she is doing something she loves but, not everyone is thrilled when she arrives with the books. 

I thought the author did a good job with this sequel and although this could be read as a standalone, I do recommend that readers try the first book of the series. IMO, the first book gives a lot of good background information about the packhorse library program and the people of Appalachia as well.  This book was a good read with a few nice minor characters but, I liked the first book a bit better. Like the first book this story covered several tough issues: poverty, domestic violence, prejudice and illiteracy.  I thought the ending was satisfying.

NOTE: I borrowed this book from my public library

RATING - 4/5 stars

Book Review - Lightning Strike; William Kent Krueger

 

Lightning Strike; William Kent Krueger

Atria Books - 2021

Lightning Strike is a story takes us back to 1963 when Cork O'Connor was a young boy of twelve.  At the time his father Liam was the town sheriff of Aurora, Minnesota. It's the summer when Cork with his friend Jorge are exploring the woods as Boy Scouts on a camping trip when they find the body of a man hanging from a tree near Lightning Strike.  The dead man is one they recognize, Big John Manydeeds, the uncle of a friend, a man who had been struggling with alcohol addiction.  At first glance it appears to be a suicide but, the Ojibwe people refuse believe this from Liam,  a white man with Irish ancestry. Liam married a woman whose mother was an Ojibwe woman and he was always considered an outsider to members of the tribe.  While Liam works on the investigation, young Cork begins a search for his own clues and his findings indicate that Big John's death may not be a suicide as originally believed.

This was a well crafted coming of age mystery with well developed characters and a number of supporting characters as well.  I anticipate these characters will surface again in other series offerings. I especially enjoyed the father and son relationship between Liam and Cork. I did think young Cork seemed a little too wise beyond his years. The Native American culture was interesting and yet sad to read about and the racism which existed in 1963 unfortunately hasn't changed all that much over the last 50+ years.  There are plenty of surprises that pop up in this story and the historical details were quite fascinating.

I'm a little late getting into this mystery series featuring Cork O'Connor. I did love the author's book, Ordinary Grace which I read for my book group.   This book is actually a prequel to the Cork O'Connor character and gives the newcomers to the series insight into how he got to become a small town Minnesota sheriff. I look forward to other series books.

RATING - 4/5 stars

NOTE: (An eGalley was sent to me by Atria and Edelweiss in exchange for my unbiased review.)

Book Review - Father's Day; Simon Van Booy

 

Father's Day; Simon Van Booy

Harper Audio  (2016) - 6 hours 57 minutes

(narrated by Bronson Pinchot-very good)

This book has been among my purchased audio downloads for several years so I decided to try it as Father's Day is just (3) weeks away.

Harvey was just six years old when her parents were killed in a car accident.  Her kind social worker, Wanda is desperate to keep her out of foster homes but, her only living relative is a disabled uncle named Jason who is has a violent criminal record.   Although the two have never met, Wanda sees something in Jason that makes her believe that having him as Harvey's guardian may be just what the other needs. At first Jason refuses as he isn't convinced that he can care for a young girl but, Wanda is persistent and finally he agrees as he can't stand the thought of her going into the foster care system. Harvey teaches Jason how to care and love and Jason begins to learn what being a father is all about and, eventually he is granted permanent custody of Harvey.

The story alternates from Harvey's past to the present as a 26 year old young woman living in Paris.  Jason comes to visit her and she presents him with a gift, a memory box, which triggers flashbacks to set the story in motion.  I liked the way Jason's big heartedness begins to shine through and the reader sees that while their relationship is never perfect but it clearly worked and Harvey grew and thrived under his care.  This story moved along at a nice pace, the writing is simple and not too emotional either.  Recommended.

Rating - 4/5 stars

Book Review - The Lioness; Chris Bohjalian

 

The Lioness; Chris Bohjalian

Doubleday and Random House Audio

May 2022

It's 1964 when Katie Barstow, an A-List Hollywood actress marries David Hill, an art gallery owner. The couple decides to invite Katie's brother, Billy Stepanov, who is also David's best friend, Billy's pregnant wife, Margie, and some other wealthy Hollywood actors and friends on a Serengeti safari honeymoon destination.  As the guests settle into their home base enjoying the beauty and taking photos, the day after isn't anything they could have anticipated. Pretty quickly, the much anticipated adventure turns into a nightmare when Russian mercenaries arrive at the home base as they are about to set out on safari and kidnap the Americans and their safari guides.

The story pulled me in and I liked the adventure, suspense, time period as well.  The beautiful setting, the descriptions of the beautiful animals in the wild was vividly described.  There were some gory parts but nothing too hard to take. I found the background info on Katie and Billy's childhood at the hands of their Broadway theatre parents interesting and felt for Billy who was often abused while sister Katie was groomed for the stage/screen. 

The audiobook was excellent and narrated by: January Lavoy, Grace Experience and Gabrielle DeCuir.  I also had the eGalley which came in handy while waiting for an oil change and at a doctor's appointment last week.  Even though the audio was addictive, there were far too many characters for me to be able to fully appreciate whose POV I was getting at various times.  I found that a bit confusing and frustrating even though the audio and eGalley lists the characters at the beginning of each.  Overall, I enjoyed this story and the wrap up was satisfying. I did think it would make a good story for the big screen.

Rating - 4/5 stars

NOTE: Thanks go to Doubleday, Random House Audio and NetGalley for allowing me access to these electronic downloads in exchange for my unbiased review.

Brief Book Review - The Mad Girls of New York; Maya Rodale

The Mad Girls of New York; Maya Rodale

Berkley - 2022

Set in 1887 New York City, The Mad Girls of New York is a work of fiction. It is based in part on Americas most famous 19th century female reporter - Nellie Bly.  She was just in her early 20s when she left he job at the Pittsburg Dispatch and headed for New York City determined to make a name for herself as a reporter.  Nellie met with many obstacles in this male dominated field but, she wasn't about to give up without a fight. After speaking with several other professional females she comes up with an idea that only a female would be able to handle. Her stunt is to go under cover at an insane asylum on Blackwell Island but, first she had to get herself committed.  

This is the first book of a new series and I thought it was pretty good but, it took a while to get going.  The other women she meets along the way were interesting, the conditions at the asylum horrific.  Many of the reasons other women found themselves there were tragic but not surprising. Some were committed by spouses because they were inconvenient to have around. Other women did not fit into what men expected of them, a conformist kind of behavior of no personal desires outside of marriage and motherhood.  This book wasn't perfect but, I would still be interested enough to see what book #2 in the series has to offer.

Rating - 4/5 stars

NOTE: I received an eGalley download of this book from the Berkley Publishing and Edelweiss in exchange for my unbiased review.