“Having our passions in due subjection to our reason is the greatest victory that can be acquired, and perhaps ’tis a lesson the easier learned for be“Having our passions in due subjection to our reason is the greatest victory that can be acquired, and perhaps ’tis a lesson the easier learned for being early taught.” —Eliza Lucas, 1722–1793” ― Natasha Boyd, The Indigo Girl.
“Life is either a collision of random events, like billiard balls during a break careening off and into one another, or if you are so inclined to beli“Life is either a collision of random events, like billiard balls during a break careening off and into one another, or if you are so inclined to believe, our predetermined fate—what my mother took such great comfort in calling God’s will.”― Robert Dugoni, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell
“Some wrongs can never be put right. Not all pain can be alleviated. Human beings are an optimistic bunch, but it’s disingenuous to think there will a“Some wrongs can never be put right. Not all pain can be alleviated. Human beings are an optimistic bunch, but it’s disingenuous to think there will always be a happy ending; that that which we believe to be right will always triumph”. - Louise Douglas, The Room in the Attic
“Marjorie Merriweather Post lived her long life to the fullest; hers was a grand and epic story from start to finish, and it is my great fortune to wr“Marjorie Merriweather Post lived her long life to the fullest; hers was a grand and epic story from start to finish, and it is my great fortune to write fiction inspired by her.” - Allison Pataki, The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post
‘The young boy understood now, after all the tales and adventures, all the drawings and stories, and he told the grown-ups, who aren’t as smart as chi‘The young boy understood now, after all the tales and adventures, all the drawings and stories, and he told the grown-ups, who aren’t as smart as children, “There is a light, a bright lamppost light where all stories begin and end”.’ ― Patti Callahan, Once Upon a Wardrobe
‘That’s how the world is saved. Piece by piece, every day. Somebody like you has to step up. Somebody like you has to be wonderful’. ― Jon Cohen, Harr‘That’s how the world is saved. Piece by piece, every day. Somebody like you has to step up. Somebody like you has to be wonderful’. ― Jon Cohen, Harry's Trees
Pure magic… my heart is full!
It has been a long time since I have come across a book that just made me glow from the inside out… but this sweet story did just that. I adored these characters even the not-so-nice ones. Each one will worm their way into your heart. I really believe that these are the kinds of stories our world needs more of right now. I’m going to buy a hardcover version, so that I can be reminded often of its wonderful message. This is a story that should be shared with everyone. Highly, highly recommend. 5 magical stars!
‘Reading solves most things. Or at least assuages the heart.’
‘There are no guarantees, except that every morning, the sun will rise. No matter what happens, good or bad, each day will be followed by a new day’.
‘Of all the glorious enchantments of this world—spring, snow, laughter, red roses, dogs, books—love is by far the best’.
‘To every story we bring the story of ourselves’....more
‘Bletchley Park’s walls have been renovated. If only they could speak . . . But some codes will never be broken.’ ― Kate Quinn, The Rose Code
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐‘Bletchley Park’s walls have been renovated. If only they could speak . . . But some codes will never be broken.’ ― Kate Quinn, The Rose Code
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ brilliantly bright stars!
Kate Quinn has risen to the challenge of writing a better novel than The Huntress. The characters, even the secondary characters, were so well developed that I was sad to leave them at the end of the novel. The writing is so well done that I truly feel like they are my friends and I’m really going to miss them. I, also, really loved the Alice In Wonderland’ references throughout. It was a perfect motif in relaying how the work and environment felt at Bletchley Park during the war. Remarkable what all of those involved accomplished and visiting there is now on my ‘bucket-list’.
This is historical fiction at its finest... 600+ pages & I didn’t want it to end. I, literally, had tears in my eyes reading the epilogue. I can not recommend a novel more. I literally want to go into book stores (Target ...more
Whitaker has captured a rawness in his writing that I’ve not come across in a long time. It’s heavy and just ‘A million tragedies began that night...’
Whitaker has captured a rawness in his writing that I’ve not come across in a long time. It’s heavy and just when you think your heart can’t break anymore there is light through the cracks.
Duchess and Walk were characters that were so real to me that I longed to reach through the pages and embrace them. There were no wasted words... every word had a purpose. The ending is one of the best I’ve read... every thread was woven into the fabric of this story.
Part mystery, part coming-of-age, these characters will take your heart on a journey you will never forget. Totally worth the heartache. 5+ stars....more
‘They may not have had much in common, but they all knew what it was like to make a mistake’.
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED... however it didn't begin that way. ‘They may not have had much in common, but they all knew what it was like to make a mistake’.
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED... however it didn't begin that way. I have to admit that as much as I ended up loving this I did struggle getting into it. The personalities in the beginning ‘interviews’ seemed to run together and felt too similar. ‘Idiots’. But, as the story hit about the 1/4 mark the characters began to separate into their own voices. Backman has a real talent in his ability to break through and touch on feelings/emotions every reader can relate to in some way. I don’t know how he was able to make such an intricate story move so flawlessly.
There were so many moments in this that had me laughing and the next wanting to cry. This is also chocked full of amazing quotes... I have a whole ‘note’ on my iPad filled and I will be referring to them often. Another favorite of 2020....more
Charming and heartwarming! What a wonderful surprise this turned out to be. I loved the characters and the story kept me engaged. Reminded me a lot ofCharming and heartwarming! What a wonderful surprise this turned out to be. I loved the characters and the story kept me engaged. Reminded me a lot of Bridget Jones's Diary. This may go down as one of my favorites of 2020. Worth every one of the 5-star reviews it’s received....more
Love her, or hate her, Sarah Bernhardt was definitely a woman before her time. Spoiled, defiant, and utterly unapologetic in herAbsolutely fantastic!
Love her, or hate her, Sarah Bernhardt was definitely a woman before her time. Spoiled, defiant, and utterly unapologetic in her quest for fame she was her own worst enemy and not an easy character to like. However, something about her tenaciousness made it very difficult not to root for her. Gortner has done an amazing job of bringing her to brilliant 3-dimensional life. Highly recommend....more
Absolutely brilliant! I confess that I thought I knew Jackie O’s story... wife to JFK, First Lady, wife to Onassis, mother to JFK Jr. and fashion iconAbsolutely brilliant! I confess that I thought I knew Jackie O’s story... wife to JFK, First Lady, wife to Onassis, mother to JFK Jr. and fashion icon. How very wrong I was. She was so much more. I can truly say that I have a new found respect for her and the dignity she showed in the face of so much tragedy. And there was a lot of tragedy in her life that I knew nothing about. Thornton’s writing was flawless and the intimacy she conveyed in the telling of this story was amazing. I felt like I was having tea with Jackie while she told me her story. I loved that a scene was included with spunky Alice Roosevelt whom SMT wrote of in her novel American Princess. If you have not been fortunate enough to read SMT novels I encourage you to grab one. I promise it won’t be the last. 5 big stars!...more
Krueger’s Ordinary Grace remains one of my fav novels so I came into this with pretty lofty expectations. My expectations were easilFAVORITE OF 2019!
Krueger’s Ordinary Grace remains one of my fav novels so I came into this with pretty lofty expectations. My expectations were easily exceeded. These four unassuming vagabonds will pull you into their lives where you’ll never want to leave. My heartstrings will forever be attached to these characters. There are so many beautiful and poignant quotes in this that my highlights look like a novel in themselves. One of my favorites-
“Only God is perfect, Odie. To the rest of us, he gave all kinds of wrinkles and cracks. If we were perfect, the light he shines on us would just bounce right off. But the wrinkles, they catch the light. And the cracks, that’s how the light gets inside us. When I pray, Odie, I never pray for perfection. I pray for forgiveness, because it’s the one prayer I know will always be answered.”
What a gem! The Pee Dee of South Carolina is one of those places that hasnt changed much over the past 100 years. It’s a rural area still littered witWhat a gem! The Pee Dee of South Carolina is one of those places that hasnt changed much over the past 100 years. It’s a rural area still littered with farms and old tobacco barns. My husbands roots run deep in this area of SC and most were tobacco farmers. I know these roads well so the setting really resonated with me.
The author intergrated her own grand/great-grandmothers personalities into her characters. The dedication to them, at the end of the novel, really makes the story all the more special. The story shows the struggles these women faced, how they dealt with them and how help came to them from the most unexpected places. Giving up was never an option. Thank you Ms. Spera for a truly wonderful novel. A must read for fans of The Invention Of Wings....more
Kate Quinn is at her literary best in her newest novel The Huntress. I was absorbed into the story immediately and didn’t want to put it down. Nina waKate Quinn is at her literary best in her newest novel The Huntress. I was absorbed into the story immediately and didn’t want to put it down. Nina was a superbly written character that I truly loved getting to know. I couldn’t wait to get back to her chapters. Highly recommend! Added to favorites. 5+ stars....more
‘They say that it’s the mistakes that make life more interesting. If that’s the case, then I’ve led the world’s most interesting life …’
AMAZING! I lo‘They say that it’s the mistakes that make life more interesting. If that’s the case, then I’ve led the world’s most interesting life …’
AMAZING! I loved this novel. Like always Thornton has brought history to life. What I love most about her novels is that each of her characters has their own unique voice. Alice was a woman before her time. She challenged the rules of the day and paved her own path sometimes at great cost to herself and those close to her. Alice was someone I would’ve loved to have sat down and had dinner with. She seems like a woman you would never forget meeting. Again, this was an amazing novel that will not disappoint. 5 shiny stars....more
Fantastic! I loved this even more that Song Of Achilles. This story was the perfect mix of everything I hope to find in every book I pick up. I feel lFantastic! I loved this even more that Song Of Achilles. This story was the perfect mix of everything I hope to find in every book I pick up. I feel like I’ve lived this story and come to know it’s characters. So looking forward to Millers next adventure. Added to favorites!...more
Fantastic! Nicholas II and his family will always be one of history’s greatest tragedies. Revolutions don’t come about from one event, they come from Fantastic! Nicholas II and his family will always be one of history’s greatest tragedies. Revolutions don’t come about from one event, they come from many, many years of strife. It was interesting seeing these events unfold through Minnie’s eyes. She was a formidable woman that was as devoted to Russia as she was to her family. Gortner is a fantastic writer that puts life into his characters and enables history to come alive through his writing. Highly recommend....more
One of my favorites of 2018! Genuinely told through the voice of a little girl named Grace, this story literally melted my heart. It contains a lot ofOne of my favorites of 2018! Genuinely told through the voice of a little girl named Grace, this story literally melted my heart. It contains a lot of religious undertones that really focus on what faith and belief really mean. It’s not preachy, just a beautifully poignant novel that will leave you feeling warm inside. Fans of Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger should place this at the top of TBR lists. 5 stars....more
Powerfully heartbreaking. I am always so appreciative of authors that bring remarkable stories like this to the forefront. How many stories like HannaPowerfully heartbreaking. I am always so appreciative of authors that bring remarkable stories like this to the forefront. How many stories like Hanna’s exist? ‘The list of women suffering wartime rape is long and will continue to grow unless we include women’s wartime suffering in history books, commemorate the atrocities against them in museums, and remember the women and girls we lost by erecting monuments in their honor, like the Statue of Peace.’ These events can not be covered up... knowledge is power and stories like this need to continue to be written. A must read. 5 stars....more
Lori Elliott
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