Catherine Ryan Hyde is a prolific author, yet never writes enough of her excellent stories to keep her fans happy. CRH writes with the intent of makinCatherine Ryan Hyde is a prolific author, yet never writes enough of her excellent stories to keep her fans happy. CRH writes with the intent of making you think and touching your heart. She ably accomplishes both goals at every turn of the page. I've read many of her back titles and ALWAYS recommend them to every reader I know. Her topics cross genre to find fans with each new adventure.
In ROLLING TOWARD CLEAR SKIES, we meet medical personnel Maggie and Alex. They have travelled with Doctors on Wheels to provide emergency treatment in a hurricane damaged area. Jean and Rose are teenage victims who have lost their parents, their homes, and their futures. Maggie is the mother of two teens the same age as Jean and Rose and cannot help seeing her girls in the same helpless situation. She and Alex decide to foster the survivors, blending them into their family along with a puppy Rose has rescued. The four young women must work through their differences for any hope of the family's survival. As emotions build and tension strains everyone, CRH gently reminds everyone of the grace so many of us look past to see the good in everyone. Her books always leave a tender spot in your heart for a few days and a lasting impression on your view of the world....more
I am old enough to have watch Wizard of Oz enough to know the action and dialogue word for word. BUT.....this book is fresh, entertaining, and so muchI am old enough to have watch Wizard of Oz enough to know the action and dialogue word for word. BUT.....this book is fresh, entertaining, and so much more than a retelling of a classic. I can almost see AJ Hackwith stirring her cauldron and cackling as she rewinds Oz and Kansas to fit a different vivion of "home is where your heart is". Yes, you'll be able to floow along the sketchy outline of the original Oz, but you'll never look at the original movie again with out hearing Toto's voice over. A purely lovable read that my reading circle is going to love....more
I have several friends and family members who like to keep a book next to their chair to browse through at odd times. This is perfect for them....and I have several friends and family members who like to keep a book next to their chair to browse through at odd times. This is perfect for them....and for me who has to have something to read any time I'm waiting for more than a few minutes. The point is....you do not have to invest a huge chunk of time to keep the story running. CABINET OF CURIOSITIES is a book of short stories on various subjects. Many of the stories are a 5 minute read. One of the best things when reading these short stories is that you know somebody you need to share the story with. Humankind survives because they are curious enough to discover the who, what, where, when and why of any given topic. Aaron Mahnke hosts a podcast featuring these bite size stories and has now rewarded his faithful fans with a hard copy of many of his favorites. Face it, soon they will be your favorites too....more
Book #11 in the Detective Madison Knight series of murder mystery/thriller/police procedural dramas. The story opens with a shooting at a train statioBook #11 in the Detective Madison Knight series of murder mystery/thriller/police procedural dramas. The story opens with a shooting at a train station where deaths and injuries will insure police attention stays strongly on this crime. Detective Knight brings her brash investigative skills to this and several more crime scenes as she and her partner work to find the shooter and solve the questions on the identity of the young woman present at the shooting. Carolyn Arnold has several successful series where she brings the characters to life and builds a community and background around them. She can effectively paint the picture of a thriving police investigation while building the reader's interest in Madison Knight enough to keep them coming back for the next book. This series reminds be ofRobert Dugoni's Tracy Crosswaite series....more
A mixed bag of genre bending thoughts and actions that ultimately was a good, not great, read for me. Set in the 1950s and 1960s, quite a bit of the aA mixed bag of genre bending thoughts and actions that ultimately was a good, not great, read for me. Set in the 1950s and 1960s, quite a bit of the adverse actions in the book are rooted in the inequalities of men vs women in the workplace, even one as stratified as a chemistry professor. Many of the interactions, funny or not, remind me of scenes from "Big Bang Theory" and Shelton's reactions to everyday life. As Elizabeth struggled with the fact that she is more intelligent than most of the people she meets, she also had problems with everyday actions that required more than a high IQ to solve. I did enjoy the book, not as much as I expected, but that's always a chance you take when reading a mega-popular book....more
Needing an escape from an abusive spouse and a safe place for her two children, Alex has moved to an off the grid eco village to heal the traumas theyNeeding an escape from an abusive spouse and a safe place for her two children, Alex has moved to an off the grid eco village to heal the traumas they had been living with for far too long. She has a teenage son and an infant daughter to protect and this community seems to be just what they need. THE SHADOW HOUSE is a mixed genre with several twists that lead from a few creepy neighbors to the mother of a missing teen son that raises her anxiety levels as she tries to parent her own teen. The more she sees under the glossy reputation of this town, the more she is certain there's something or someone threatening her family. With several unexpected twists in direction, the mystery/ thriller provides plenty of guesses as to what is going on. I guessed a few but there's plenty of surprises left when the reveal comes....more
The first book in a new series must set the tone and back story for all of those that come behind. It must introduce readers to a core of characters mThe first book in a new series must set the tone and back story for all of those that come behind. It must introduce readers to a core of characters meant to take the first steps in a new community and expose the strengths and weaknesses of each character. Tom Bast has done an excellent job of fulfilling these first steps in Slaver's Bane. Confusion as the story is built is meant to feed the quest to "see" where the author is taking us. Here we see a ruling class that has abused citizens of The Lands of Duroo. Then we meet our heroes, although they will not recognize themselves as heroes in this first book. Their story is just beginning and it's a reader's gift to be able to start this trip with them....more
An interesting plot line with a few extras. Lili is by profession a physic who is capable of astral projection. She decides to live in a renovated milAn interesting plot line with a few extras. Lili is by profession a physic who is capable of astral projection. She decides to live in a renovated mill that has been turned into luxury apartments. This will allow her to commune with the spirits of those mill workers who died on the premises and have lingered. Lili will meet several spirits who will then use her gift to help solve the murders of more recent victims. The police suspect a serial killer.
The book contains many excellent parts but there are so many threads that I was left feeling that pieces of the story were missing. It's almost as if Cailyn Llyod changed focus during the writing of the stories. Fair warning, parts of the book contain explicit scenes taht some would find troubling. I'm sure each reader of THE MILL will find something different in the telling but for me, I'll check out Llyod's past titles before I pass judgement....more
When the emotional and physical abuse these two brothers threatens their little sister, they feel the only way out of the cycle is to kill their fatheWhen the emotional and physical abuse these two brothers threatens their little sister, they feel the only way out of the cycle is to kill their father. What they didn't do was consider the ramifications. As Rusty, 9, and B0, 13, run to the nearby woods to hide and plan, they will find more questions and receive help from unexpected sources. Yes, there's a happy ending, but these siblings will move through more trauma to stay together.
I enjoyed the story, feeling the emotions as they played across the children in their quest to feel loved. I do feel as if there were way too many descriptive side stories that did nothing to advance the center story, but in the end, the story came to a place that could be completed. I've already added two more of the author's titles to my TBR list. ...more
The "after prison" stories of six people and the process that is supposed to help integrate them into a society they've never lived in. Lauren KesslerThe "after prison" stories of six people and the process that is supposed to help integrate them into a society they've never lived in. Lauren Kessler tells clearly what challenges those moving from prison to the outside face and the treatment they can expect. I admit to never having given much thought to the process when clearly there is a prejudice firmly in place that is reinforced by the media stories of recidivism. FREE will give you pause and cause you to think of how you'd respond to the same treatment....more
Sally Hepworth is a favorite author who always manages to surprise me with her story lines. In THE YOUNGER WIFE, we meet a family that has so many bleSally Hepworth is a favorite author who always manages to surprise me with her story lines. In THE YOUNGER WIFE, we meet a family that has so many blemishes on their perfect facade that it was a question on how their stories would roll out. A young woman marries a much older man with 2 daughters close in age to that of his new wife, plus he has an ex-wife in a memory care facility. But can anyone live 60+ years without acquiring one or two habits that just might generate some questions if they were uncovered before the wedding? Can the sisters accept a step mother taking the place of their mother? Just what is going on when the wedding is interupted with a scream? With Sally Hepworth driving this train, there's no telling what we will find on the next page. She always leaves this reader wanting just a little more....more
I have to admit to gross ignorance of the base character and stories of this biography. BUT......the story is so compelling that not only did I find mI have to admit to gross ignorance of the base character and stories of this biography. BUT......the story is so compelling that not only did I find myself drawn into the adventures and challenges while giving his life over to searching for pieces of Alexander the Great's travels across the desert, I researched several of the stories and characters. Yes, it's a biography but each section of his life brings together so many pieces of history, it reads more like a thriller....more
This is not a light reading choice. It was meant to make you think and it does this with every chapter. The back story is the ability to remember everThis is not a light reading choice. It was meant to make you think and it does this with every chapter. The back story is the ability to remember every memory and share them with others. Each chapter tells the story of an individual and how the ability has change their lives. The links between characters is sometimes hard to see but if you can share with everyone, you'd not always have a connection with the "stream" you share to or receive. Moving through the years, the stories move forwards and backwards as they unfold. A very different kind of reading experience....more
The cover synopsis promised me a thriller heist story, it was a little misleading. The history lesson on recovering art lost in war or theft of burialThe cover synopsis promised me a thriller heist story, it was a little misleading. The history lesson on recovering art lost in war or theft of burial grounds is familiar with all race and culture classes. The story was a good one, not great. As a debut, it shows many promises for future titles. Grace D. Li has joined my list of authors to watch....more
As we age and society finds more and more drugs that do more harm than good, it's easier to learn how herbals can help with so many fewer complicationAs we age and society finds more and more drugs that do more harm than good, it's easier to learn how herbals can help with so many fewer complications. I've lived in rural areas for many years and continue to learn which plants are benficial to my family, including my assortment of pets. Ruth Blanding has written a comprehensive guide that not only provides information, she includes the dos and don'ts of this age old practice. The book is written in an easy to understand and cross reference information that will start the beginner or add to the knowledge of those like me looking to fill gaps in my knowledge. This book should be shared and kept handy as a reference to everyday questions of safety and effiency....more
The first book in the FORSYTE SAGA was published in 1906, there are 5 volumes in the saga. I read all of them too many years ago to admit to and have The first book in the FORSYTE SAGA was published in 1906, there are 5 volumes in the saga. I read all of them too many years ago to admit to and have reread them several times, as they are some of my favorite titles in a personal library that has grown and been added to for 50 years. This edition is a shortened, modernized version adapted for stage, but it's still a great story and probably easier for those not familiar with teh era to read. As you read, you'll recognize many pieces of the story that have been included in so many of the large ensemble productions of the era. The saga is so well worth your time, read at your leisure, it's meant to enjoyed as a life's journey....more
Set in the last days of Earth before it's death causing the evacuation of citizens that will settle Mercury in James Bow's SUN RUNNER, Tales From the Set in the last days of Earth before it's death causing the evacuation of citizens that will settle Mercury in James Bow's SUN RUNNER, Tales From the Silence is a group of short stories from some of today's best SciFi authors. As in all collections, readers will love some stories more than others, but each will fascinate you with "what could happen". I love collections and anthologies for the opportunity to find new to me authors and series. Each story displays the authors skills as they must acpture the reader and bring the story to life in fewer pages than many chapters in a novel. I read SUN RUNNER first and it's a fantastic read. These stories add depth to the background so could be read either before or after SUN RUNNER. Either way, both books should move to the top of your TBR list....more
James Bow has created an excellent community set on Mercury after the collapse of Earth from it's various futures. The citizens of Earth that now liveJames Bow has created an excellent community set on Mercury after the collapse of Earth from it's various futures. The citizens of Earth that now live on Mercury must learn complete self reliance as they constantly move around the planet to stay in the dark away from direct contact with the sun. Bow sets this community into a realistic apocalyptic event when all contact with outside planets is cut off. The sense of doom and the urgent situation cause an immediate assumption of control by Adelheid, now Queen of Mercury and regent of all of the citizens. This is the backstory as told in one half of this rather large tome. The second half is 50 years in the future when a message is received from an Earth that all thought destroyed. Adelheid's daughter is now Queen and her granddaughter heir assumpted. An accident will cause the death of the Queen and injury of the princess bringing dowager Queen Adelheid back to assist in ruling. The story is so well developed and the telling so seamless, you'll not come back to this world for anything.......harsh words could be in store for anyone trying to get your attention. Bow's skillful writing brings readers to an immersion in the story and it's fantastic predictions of an Earth that could sicken and die without massive intervention and maybe even then not be saved. It's all too easy to "see" this picture. Should he be able to maintain the strength of the characters as the story grows, he'll easily have a fan club....more
Challenge accepted. Edie must gather jigsaw puzzle pieces and assemble th epuzzle to solve a murder BEFORE it happens. But she's an expert on solving Challenge accepted. Edie must gather jigsaw puzzle pieces and assemble th epuzzle to solve a murder BEFORE it happens. But she's an expert on solving puzzles. With the help of her Christmas loving, outgoing nephew, who also happens to be a DI, the hunt is an enjoyable addition to the cozy. Alexander Benedict also adds several puzzles for the reader to solve while trying to keep up with Edie. A different kind of puzzle that was very enjoyable....more
Book #2 in the Village Detectives series. I'm not sure how I'd react if I received an invitation to my own funeral, but Phoebe's reaction set the toneBook #2 in the Village Detectives series. I'm not sure how I'd react if I received an invitation to my own funeral, but Phoebe's reaction set the tone for this cozy mystery as she and her friends investigate the threat. I've read several of Fiona Walker's books and loved them. The mysteries are unique....at least to me....and the characters entertain while solving the crimes. They are quick reads with no flat chapters, always a twist exactly where you need one, and the community developed so well, I'd swear I'd been there. If you're looking for a new cozy series, you couldn't go wrong with The Village Detectives....more
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