As a former medical writer, I remember this time in health care history well. The author captures the early recognition of HIV beautifully in a hybridAs a former medical writer, I remember this time in health care history well. The author captures the early recognition of HIV beautifully in a hybrid novel that meshes fact with fiction. The story is told through the character of Dr. Arthur Noble, whip-smart first-year medical resident in San Francisco ... ground zero for the proliferation of the disease in this country ... who finds himself faced with a new illness in his patients, one with a horrific trajectory.
As Noble works to determine what is ravaging those under his care, he encounters resistance from key players who deny its terrifying implications. It was a harrowing time in actuality, and the author, a physician himself, reflects that masterfully as this compelling story unfolds.
On a personal note, I lost a colleague and an extended family member to AIDS, so the story — one I highly recommend — has deep meaning for me.
Thanks to the author for the review copy; opinions are fully mine. Pub date: April 19, 2018. Available on Amazon.
#1980TheEmergenceOfHIV
Merged review:
As a former medical writer, I remember this time in health care history well. The author captures the early recognition of HIV beautifully in a hybrid novel that meshes fact with fiction. The story is told through the character of Dr. Arthur Noble, whip-smart first-year medical resident in San Francisco ... ground zero for the proliferation of the disease in this country ... who finds himself faced with a new illness in his patients, one with a horrific trajectory.
As Noble works to determine what is ravaging those under his care, he encounters resistance from key players who deny its terrifying implications. It was a harrowing time in actuality, and the author, a physician himself, reflects that masterfully as this compelling story unfolds.
On a personal note, I lost a colleague and an extended family member to AIDS, so the story — one I highly recommend — has deep meaning for me.
Thanks to the author for the review copy; opinions are fully mine. Pub date: April 19, 2018. Available on Amazon.
I gasped with joy when I received this ARC from Berkley Publishing. How could any book lover not?
So beautifully written, so deftly described, the storI gasped with joy when I received this ARC from Berkley Publishing. How could any book lover not?
So beautifully written, so deftly described, the story introduces readers to American Sylvia Beach who opened Shakespeare and Company in Paris in 1919.
Soon home to such literary lights as Hemingway and Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, T.S. Elliot, and Ezra Pound, the now iconic bookstore became a beacon of freedom when Sylvia decided to publish James Joyce's banned ULYSSES.
What a compelling read as we learn the emotional and financial fallout, and also feel the impact of the global Depression when many of Sylvia's author friends returned home. Equally poignant is her personal story as a lesbian who found community and love in the City of Light.
Highly recommended for anyone who adores books, histfic novels you just can't put down, and Paris, which as Audrey said, "Is always a good idea." Out January 11.
Thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
Siya Turabi’s debut, which she started at age 40, is magnificent! I love the main character, Hassan, torn between finding Black Bee honey to preserve Siya Turabi’s debut, which she started at age 40, is magnificent! I love the main character, Hassan, torn between finding Black Bee honey to preserve his mother’s eyesight, or following his new love, Maryam, to England.
Descriptions of 1974 Pakistan are so vibrant that you feel the tension of political intrigues, contrasted with the cool dark forest where healing honey is found.
Relationships and nature are at the heart of this compelling story, which grabbed me from the first. A lovely offering, perfect for a long summer’s day spent in a hammock.
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 19 Aug 2021
Thanks to the author, HarperCollins, UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine....more
THE LEATHER APRON CLUB, geared to readers 7-10 years, is a beautifully illustrated story about Founding Father Ben Franklin, his son Billy, and the fiTHE LEATHER APRON CLUB, geared to readers 7-10 years, is a beautifully illustrated story about Founding Father Ben Franklin, his son Billy, and the first successful lending library in America — started by Ben in Philadelphia in 1727. A lovely hist fic picture book, it introduces young readers to the Franklin family, life during the pre-Revolutionary War era, and some of Ben’s famous aphorisms from Poor Richard's Almanack.
In reality, it’s not clear if Billy ever visited the library. But his father indeed founded it, with a lasting impact on literacy and education in America. An important addition to any school, public and private library.
5 of 5 Stars Pub Date 28 Sep 2021 #TheLeatherApronClub #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Charlesbridge, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine....more
WWII England, wartime publishing, human trafficking, and an enticing romance combine to make WHEN WE MEET AGAIN a unique twist on hist fic set in thisWWII England, wartime publishing, human trafficking, and an enticing romance combine to make WHEN WE MEET AGAIN a unique twist on hist fic set in this era.
Caroline Beecham’s beautifully written narrative and carefully developed characters kept me pinned to the pages. I cared about what happened to editor Alice, her American love interest Theo, and the quest to find her daughter — sold by her mother to “baby farmers.” Heartbreaking, hopeful, and highly recommended!
5 of 5 Stars Pub Date 20 Jul 2021 #WhenWeMeetAgain #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine....more
I found EMILY’S HOUSE to be a compelling fictional look at the poet Emily Dickinson through the eyes of her Irish maid and confidant, Margaret. It is I found EMILY’S HOUSE to be a compelling fictional look at the poet Emily Dickinson through the eyes of her Irish maid and confidant, Margaret. It is Margaret who ignores Emily’s wish to have her poetry burned upon her death and saves her writings, which are still impactful today. The author does a remarkable job describing the relationship between the two women, the social hierarchy of the time, and of the lasting trauma of Irish conflict and the devastating potato famine. A wonderful portrait of the poet and the savior of her work.
5 of 5 Stars Pub Date 03 Aug 2021 #EmilysHouse #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine....more
BRIDGE OF GOLD has it all: dual timeline history, mystery, romance, faith, greed, gold, the Golden Gate Bridge, and underwater archaeology. In fact, IBRIDGE OF GOLD has it all: dual timeline history, mystery, romance, faith, greed, gold, the Golden Gate Bridge, and underwater archaeology. In fact, I’ve never read a book like this and absolutely loved it!
I was caught up in the tale of two couples: newly engaged Margo and Luke in 1933, and Stephen and Kayla in the present. Stephen leads renovation on the bridge, and calls in underwater archaeologist Kayla when a Gold Rush-era ship is found with skeletons inside.
Author Kimberley Woodhouse weaves their stories together beautifully, leaving us with a keen sense of San Francisco then and now. The romances are clean and compelling, and the mystery is gripping as it unravels. I felt totally engaged, swept up in the narrative, caring about both couples, and amazed at how much history I learned. A winner!
5 of 5 Stars Pub Date 01 Jun 2021 #BridgeofGold #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine....more
I’m drawn to hist fic written by Aussies, although I’ve never been Down Under but I certainly feel like I have after reading The Cartographer’s Secret I’m drawn to hist fic written by Aussies, although I’ve never been Down Under but I certainly feel like I have after reading The Cartographer’s Secret by Tea Cooper.
The descriptions are absolutely glorious, the dual timeline narrative is gripping, there are mysteries surrounding a missing young woman searching to discover the fate of famous Australian explorer Dr. Ludwig Leichhardt. Plus maps and family secrets, romance and more. Highly recommended!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 16 Nov 2021 #TheCartographersSecret #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Harper Muse, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine....more
THE RIVIERA HOUSE is a stunning dual timeline historical fiction novel by New York Times bestselling author, Natasha Lester. I luxuriBEST LESTER YET!
THE RIVIERA HOUSE is a stunning dual timeline historical fiction novel by New York Times bestselling author, Natasha Lester. I luxuriated in every page, every scene, every word as it revealed the brutal art theft the Nazis did during their Paris occupation in WWII, and the brave Resistance workers who risked all to try to save such great works as the Mona Lisa.
The love affair between Éliane, who works at the Louvre, and Xavier, an artist and son of an art gallery owner, adds depth and great feeling as readers hope against hope for their survival too.
The story moves seamlessly between the war and the present, when Remy, who owns a vintage fashion company, comes to the Riviera after a tragic loss. She has mysteriously inherited a spectacular house there, and by chance, meets and falls in love with a world renown fashion photographer, Adam.
The two love affairs have parallels that connect the eras, and Lester entwines them deftly. She writes so descriptively that we’re stunned by the glow of the famous art, hear the thunder of the ocean in the South of France, feel the silk of the amazing vintage clothing Remy wears. It’s a feast for the senses, and expertly draws the reader in.
Love, loss, war, betrayal, hope, and new life kept me engrossed ‘til the very last page of this book I did not want to end. A triumph!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 31 Aug 2021 #TheRivieraHouse #NetGalley #ReadForeverPub
Thanks to Natasha Lester, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion....more
Oh how I loved the series’ first book, DEAR MRS. BIRD, and was thrilled to get the ARC for this sequel. Set in London during 1941, we find spirited EmOh how I loved the series’ first book, DEAR MRS. BIRD, and was thrilled to get the ARC for this sequel. Set in London during 1941, we find spirited Emmy Lake promoted to the position of advice columnist for WOMEN’S FRIEND magazine after her legendary boss leaves.
AJ Pearce has created such a charming cast of characters with Emmy, her beau Charles, and her best friend Bunty, still impacted by a grievous loss during the Blitz. From the first book through this compelling continuation, I felt so close to this warm and loving group that I turned the pages eagerly to follow their stories.
At this critical time in WWII, Britain begins to ask for help from women’s magazines to recruit females to war work. Emmy is torn between wanting to help, and feeling real concern after she learns the truth about what this work entails.
The author brings us England during the early war years so faithfully that I found myself laughing at the dry British wit, crying at the real losses, and holding on to hope that all would be well. As long as Pearce writes, I will Keep Calm and Read On. She and her books are that good!
5 of 5 Stars Pub Date 10 Aug 2021 #YoursCheerfully #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Scribner, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine....more
In THE SECRET LIFE OF SOFONISBA ANGUISSOLA, author Melissa Muldoon introduces us to a remarkable female Italian artist in the sixteenth century. WhileIn THE SECRET LIFE OF SOFONISBA ANGUISSOLA, author Melissa Muldoon introduces us to a remarkable female Italian artist in the sixteenth century. While I may not have heard of her before, Sofonisba Anguissola was so accomplished that she was praised by Michelangelo and became court painter to Spanish King Phillip II and confidant to his Queen. Filled with adventure, intrigue, romance, and espionage, Sofonisba’s life is skillfully drawn through Muldoon’s sweeping narrative and elegant character portraits. A triumph!
Thanks to the author for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
5 of 5 Stars Available now. #MelissaMuldoon #TheSecretLifeOfSofonisbaAnguissola...more
Gail Kittleson’s latest is a heartbreaking and inspirational novel that occurs during the American Civil War era and the trek West. Multiple losses anGail Kittleson’s latest is a heartbreaking and inspirational novel that occurs during the American Civil War era and the trek West. Multiple losses and grief beset Abby, a young woman who loses her beau and family in tragic events. She chooses to marry and head West with a man who turns out to be unloving and abusive. What she endures adds shame to her grief as she comes to view herself as worthless.
The author’s Christian message holds out hope when there appears to be none. That’s her greatest literary strength, along with a beautifully written narrative and in-depth character development. I found myself feeling all that Abby feels, my heart aching for her. And as her faith grows, I realize I felt uplifted too.
I highly recommend this redemptive tale for Christian historical fiction fans and readers who love compelling stories that inspire. Out now.
5 of 5 Stars
Thanks to the author for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion. ...more
THE WAR NURSE is a gripping historical fiction gem based on the true story of American Julia Stimson, Nurse Superintendent at an active WWI field hospTHE WAR NURSE is a gripping historical fiction gem based on the true story of American Julia Stimson, Nurse Superintendent at an active WWI field hospital in France.
I was fascinated by how Julia and her staff saved lives near active battle grounds, innovating with new techniques to deal with wounds, infections, and the impact of the new Spanish Flu. How prescient the ties in the story between the Flu Pandemic then and COVID today.
I loved how the author’s meticulous research was woven throughout the fictive elements. Her descriptions ring with truth, and Julia is developed so fully that you care deeply about her, especially as she falls in love with surgeon Fred Murphy. Poignant and inspiring, this is a must-read for fans of WWI hist fic and brave women changing the world.
Pub Date 07 Jul 2021 #TheWarNurse #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine....more
The author has written a gripping story based on real life American spy for the Russians, Elizabeth Bentley. I’d not heard of her before and found mysThe author has written a gripping story based on real life American spy for the Russians, Elizabeth Bentley. I’d not heard of her before and found myself intrigued by this complex woman who later turned course and helped the American government instead.
The first line grabs you and the tale deepens quickly, propelled by Thornton’s elegant narrative and sensitive character development. I felt as if I were in Elizabeth’s head at times, experiencing her thoughts and feelings as she makes choices I could never make as an American citizen. Only the best psychological portraits give you that sense of inhabiting a character so completely, and Thornton does this masterfully. I ran through a range of emotions — anxiety, fear, anger, relief, pity, grief, acceptance — until I reached the touching end.
Highly recommended for readers who love thrilling tales of complex women who changed history.
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 14 Sep 2021 #CleverGirl #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
Book Two in this spectacular WWII series tells the story of the Battle of Britain through the eyes of the Littlefield family, each involved in the figBook Two in this spectacular WWII series tells the story of the Battle of Britain through the eyes of the Littlefield family, each involved in the fight to keep England safe from Nazi warfare. I’ve always been intrigued by this time, by the courage of the Royal Air Force and the brave British people who held strong while freedom for the Western world hung in the balance. A beautifully written must-read for WWII buffs and lovers of great historical fiction.
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 04 May 2021 #EaglesOverBritain #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Severn River Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine....more
Another fine hist fic novel by the talented J'nell Ciesielski! It’s 1917 and we’re swept from Russian during the Bolshevik Revolution to Paris devastaAnother fine hist fic novel by the talented J'nell Ciesielski! It’s 1917 and we’re swept from Russian during the Bolshevik Revolution to Paris devastated by the Great War, where injured Russian Princess Svetlana Dalsky is treated by Scottish surgeon Wynn MacCallan.
Such a precarious time! War swirls around them as do bloodthirsty Bolsheviks out to kill every Russian Royal. An enticing tale with a swoon-worthy romance, making Ciesielski a must-read author for hist fic lovers!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 06 Jul 2021 #TheIceSwan #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Thomas Nelson - Fiction, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine....more
The legendary George Gershwin mentors married pianist/composer Kay Swift in 1920s’ NY, and they soon fall in love and create gorgeous music together. The legendary George Gershwin mentors married pianist/composer Kay Swift in 1920s’ NY, and they soon fall in love and create gorgeous music together. Their 10-year affair ends only when he succumbs at age 38 to a brain tumor. We’re immersed in the Jazz Age that produced music still beloved today, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue a perfect example. While slow pace and often dislikable characters mar the tale at times, the glorious music keeps readers entranced. A fine hist fic novel for lovers of Gershwin, the ‘20s, and complicated romance.
4 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 02 Mar 2021 #Rhapsody #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Gallery Books, NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
Scads have been written of late about Churchills’s secret agents and the French Resistance during WWII. Yet I found author Alan Hlad’s treatment thrilScads have been written of late about Churchills’s secret agents and the French Resistance during WWII. Yet I found author Alan Hlad’s treatment thrilling and was glued to the pages as we meet Rose Teasdale, who becomes a British spy after her family perishes in the Blitz, and Lazare Aron, a Resistance member in Paris, whose parents are sent to a Nazi concentration camp. How their lives intertwine as they work against a common enemy makes for one engrossing story I dare you to put down. Highly recommended for WWII hist fic fans!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 27 Apr 2021 #ChurchillsSecretMessenger #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine....more
The Mitfords, the Blitz, a bookstore, intrigues, a cast of quirky characters, a lost manuscript, and more. All make THE BOOKSELLER’S SECRET a great esThe Mitfords, the Blitz, a bookstore, intrigues, a cast of quirky characters, a lost manuscript, and more. All make THE BOOKSELLER’S SECRET a great escape for WWII hist fic mystery lovers. Cheers!
4 of 5 Stars Pub Date 17 Aug 2021 #TheBooksellersSecret #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing (U.S. & Canada), and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. ...more
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