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Curious minds & voracious readers want to know:

Author
Title
Rating
Synopsis
Review
Did you like it? Why/Why Not?

This helps us decide if we want to read it next!

A Sudden Light – Garth Stein – 3***
This is a ghost story, an historical novel, a coming-of-age story, and a tale of dysfunctional families and long-held secrets that MUST COME OUT. I found it very atmospheric and liked the way Stein handled the paranormal elements.
My full review HERE

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Grace Takes Off – Julie Hyzy – 2.5**
Book four in the Manor House Mystery series has Grace and her boss and benefactor, Bennett Marshfield, traveling to Italy to visit one of Bennett’s long-term friends. Grace is getting on my nerves. She has the worst taste in men and, despite her “experience” solving crimes, never seems to pick out the culprit early enough to avoid more danger. Oh well, cozy mysteries are still my reading snack food of choice.
My full review HERE

I'm currently listening to two (2) audiobooks for my Book Club:

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING by Delia Owens

THE AVIATOR'S WIFE by Melanie Benjamin

The Little Beach Street Bakery – Jenny Colgan – 3***
This is a lovely chick-lit romance novel. Things don’t do smoothly for our heroine, but love will win in the end. It was a fast and enjoyable read full of colorful characters. First in a series set in the tidal coastal island off Cornwall coast.
My full review HERE

The House Next Door – Anne Rivers Siddons – 4****
This work of Southern gothic / horror fiction is a little slow to start but once it gets going it's riveting! I stayed up way too late a couple of nights "waiting for that other shoe to drop." It left me on edge and vaguely anxious; spooked by noises in the night (or in the daytime). A perfect Halloween read!
My full review HERE

This book can be an eye-opener for many people. Written by Amy Newmark, this novel has many short stories that give powerful messages behind it. There are 101 short stories told by people who faced changed in both good or bad. Overall, I highly recommend this book for the reader whos interested in personal growth. Great Book!

The Art of Inheriting Secrets, Barbara O'Neill

★ ★ 1/2

The story itself was good, interesting, and it held my interest, so much so I read it in one day.

A woman whose mother (a famous artist) dies is left a n in-much-need-of-repair English Estate and title.

Upon investigating her inheritance she is given a set of clues to a treasure hunt, with the prize actually at the end of a rainbow.

There are twists: people who have been draining the estate for years; the village that is wary of her; the neighbors who either want the estate, title, or for her to refurbish it; family friends she has never met or heard of; an angry jilted boyfriend seeking monetary revenge.....

It all ends nice, snug & neatly: Too Neatly. There are wrap-ups of problems that come out of nowhere and right in the midst of another part of the story; there are things we never learn the back story on; there's a mysterious kitchen fire without explanation and is left hanging....

I just couldn't ignore the books shortfalls, there were too many, so I cut this down 1.5 stars.

Around the World In 80 Days – Jules Verne – 4****
One of the books in Verne’s series of “Extraordinary Voyages” begins when Phileas Fogg accepts a wager at his gentleman’s club. What a delight! I’ve seen movie adaptations, but the book is so much better. (Although, of course, there are some racial stereotypes that grate on the modern reader’s sensibilities.)
My full review HERE

Blackberry Winter – Sarah Jio – 2**
I had heard such good things out Jio and this book in particular, so I was looking forward to reading it. The premise is interesting, though I figured out the connection between Claire and Vera long before any of the characters did. But both these women just irritated me. The personal travails of these women held the story back, IMHO, forcing the reader to slog through all these personal dramas much as the people of Seattle slogged through piles of snow.
My full review HERE

Number the Stars ****

This is a work of historical fiction by American author Lois Lowry, about the escape of a Jewish family (the Rosens) from Copenhagen, Denmark, during World War II. The story centers on ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen, who lives with her family in Copenhagen in 1943.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I want to expand my knowledge on History, and this was a great start to my knowledge about the holocaust. It was a moderately dim book since most of the time 4th graders read it, but it told a story of a family that struggled during the war.

Reading "I Heard You Paint Houses" by Charles Brandt. This is the book that NetFlix movie "The Irishman" based on. So far I like the book better since there is much more background information.

Skeleton Stuffs a Stocking, Leigh Perry

★ ★ ★ ★

When Georgia's dog comes home with a femur, she & her daughter take it up to Sid (the family's animate skeleton) thinking the dog must have stolen it, again, from Sid. However, Sid is intact, which means that the femur covered in mud must have come from a very different & very dead skeleton, which the dog leads them to.

The skeleton is identified as that of a missing custodian, who once worked at the college that Georgia teaches at. To complicate matters the woman was on the run from her murderer and had been squatting in a house which contents had been left to the college.

To complicate matters further, Georgia's friend & colleague, Charles, had also been squatting in the house at the same time and had fallen in love with the dead woman.

As the story progresses it is discovered that the dead woman had been accused of theft from the students when she had gone into hiding... but somehow the thefts are still continuing, 10 years after her death.

A good and fast read, with many a twist & turn....

DOC by Don and Shawn McSwan
Updated for the review:Many times I find non-fiction or memoirs quite dry. This book was recommended to me. I also don't read up on the Viet Nam War. But this book,as difficult as the topic is, the writing style was quite easy to read. In fact, thru the entire book, I felt like I was sitting at a kitchen table listening to the author tell his stories.He tells of his fellow "brothers" ,you feel like you get to know them all.The author was in Viet Nam for one year and saw it all! The details of deaths he witnessed were quite graphic,but honest,no cleaned up Hollywood version of war.I learned a lot when reading abt the maneuvers and missions his platoon went on.I never understood why our soldiers were treated so badly when they returned home. I still do not understand it. War is war, we lost 54,000 soldiers in this war. Every soldier deserved to be greeted as a hero.I do recommend this book,even if it is not your style of subject matter

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, Grace Lin

★ ★ ★

This is the story of Minli and her parents who live at the base of Fruitless Mountain & Jade River. No one who lives in the village has much & Minli's Ma is particularly unhappy while her Da does his best to make their poor life bearable by telling Minli stories.

One day a Goldfish seller comes to the village and Minli spends one of her two coins on a goldfish. The goldfish encourages Minli to seek out the Old Man in the Moon at the end of the Road where the Mountain Meets the Moon.

Along the way, Minli releases her fish, meets a Dragon who is unable to fly, but helps her along her journey. She also meets many other people & evil along her journey... all with intertwining stories to tell.

I liked the book, I liked the side stories that were all linked together, I liked the illustrations, and for the most part I was satisfied with the characters.

Man’s Search For Meaning – Viktor E Frankl – 5*****
I first read this book when I was in college and it has remained with me ever since. This is both a memoir and an inspirational lesson in how to survive and thrive. Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl relates his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and shares the experiences, too, of his patients, to show that, while no one can completely avoid suffering, we can choose HOW to deal with and process those experiences to find meaning and a renewed sense of purpose.
My full review HERE

The Immortalists, Chloe Benjamin

★

First, the book held my interest... It was mesmerizing, but it was tragic sad as were the characters, and I didn't particularly like them.

Four siblings go to visit a Fortune Teller and make the mistake of asking when they will die. She sees then individually, but assures one that she has the choice to change.

I just felt sad the entire way through... I didn't find any redemption, especially with the eldest who worked in a research lab w/ monkeys...and I hated her interaction with the "reporter" (he was an unmitigated ass).

So I guess, I disliked the book very much, no matter how spell-binding.

Here Today, Gone Tamale – Rebecca Adler – 2**
First in a series, starring former big-city reporter Josie Callahan, who’s helping her Aunt and Uncle in their TexMex restaurant while trying to figure out her own next move. As cozies go, this is okay, but the plot is weak. I did like a number of the supporting cast, including her pet long-haired Chihuahua, Lenny. But I was irritated beyond words that the publishers and/or author didn’t bother to use the proper spellings / alphabet for Spanish words that are used – e.g. Senora vs Señora. That’s just lazy. And it lost a full star because of that.
My full review HERE

Starting this book now.I discovered Jenny Colgan a few years ago and love her books! I need a getaway to the sea (it is cold outside!) Will be back with a review when done.

The Librarian of Auschwitz

Words cannot begin to describe how I felt while reading this book. Over the winter break and holiday season something sparked in me, and I became very interested in learning about the Holocaust. The first book I read was "Number the Stars" which my sister uses in her 4th grade classroom, it gave a great perspective of life outside the concentration and extermination camps. However, I wanted to go deeper into the events. I wanted to be placed in the camps. I came across the book online while searching for new reads about the Holocaust, and I knew I had to read it.

To think about the events that took place during this time, and being placed there in my mind while reading, it is just so astonishing to think that human kind is capable of such atrocity. This book was really enlightening and it brought me to a place where I learned so much.

J.S. Scott

Immersion read:
kindle Enamored
and
audible Enamored

4**** may become 5***** when I re-read

Have kindle unlimited again so catching up on some series. Most series are kindle only but some Scott books also have audio and I appreciate that.

Catching up with the Sinclair family books. Enamored is my favorite so far in the Accidental Millionaires series. I'm going to make myself wait a week before I read this again or at least I'm going to try to wait that long. I love the characters in this. Strong characters who have survived and triumphed despite past events which are revealed during book. Interesting plot and secondary characters are a plus.

Now, the burning question is.... When do the Montgomery brothers get their HEAs and is there going to be action adventure theme to their books? I hope so. Their military backgrounds, mining business, and treasure hunting hobby seem made to order for intrigue.

Grave Errors, Carol J Perry

★ ★ ★

Light interesting paranormal mystery-romance.

Salem, MA: Lee (who is a scrier) is teaching a class in TV production when she begins to have visions in relation to a young woman whose death was ruled a suicide...

The young woman's sister is in Lee's class & believes her sister was murdered.... Lee continues to have visions related to the dead woman.

There is a new multi-million $ mall planned for a the local woods where it is soon revealed that once a military base was developing chemical weapons and the dead woman worked for the Land Developers.

The class consists of two older former police officers who help with the investigation as do the others by using their investigating & critical thinking skills.

Easy to read, it held my attention and I like the genre!

The Accidental Further Adventures of the Hundred-Year-Old Man – Jonas Jonasson – 3.5***
The scenarios are every bit as ridiculous, outlandish, and unbelievable as in the first book, but I just love the way Allan just “goes with the flow.” It’s a fast, fun, romp of a novel that had me giggling in places.
My full review HERE

There There – Tommy Orange – 4****
In his debut novel, Orange explores the world of today’s Urban Indian through the stories of twelve characters who are planning to attend the Big Oakland Powwow. Their lives are interwoven by coincidence, thin threads of DNA, circumstance, and/or proximity. They are in turn angry, desolate, hopeful, joyous, loving, confused, determined, generous or mean. Orange’s voice is unique and powerful. And I look forward to reading more from him in the future.
My full review HERE

Scent To Her Grave – India Ink – 2.5**
Beginning of a new series starring Persia Vanderbilt, who runs the local bath and body store in Gull Harbor, WA. I liked the basic premise and Persia's skill with scents and botanicals. I also liked the slow-burn potential romance. On the other hand, the mystery was a little weak IMHO and the ending seemed rushed.
My full review HERE

Once Upon a River, Dianne Setterfield

★ (being generous)

Although the author might believe this piece of work to be clever & mysterious; I found it to be overly long, winding, & boring with unremarkable, unlikable, dull characters, many with non-redeeming qualities.

A half-drowned man, with his face bashed in and a seemingly dead little girl are brought back to life in a sleepy pub known for its storytelling.... The local healer is brought in and the little girls miraculously comes back to life.

Then the story revisits the past & the lives of several local people, with many a chapter ending with: "Something is going to happen"

Authors who write in a intentional "clever" but vague manner annoy the hell out of me.... This book qualifies.

An Irish Country Doctor – Patrick Taylor – 4****
Taylor tells the tale of a young physician learning the ropes from an older, wiser, well-established practitioner in an Irish village, in the mid-1960s. I’ve heard this described as “James Herriot for people” and I think that’s a perfect description. Some scenarios are quite humorous, and others are tender and heartfelt. A very entertaining book.
My full review HERE

The Diva Haunts the House – Krista Davis – 3***
Book five in the cozy series featuring Domestic Diva Sophie Winston and her rival Natasha. There’s no lack of suspects, and plenty of costumed vampires around to confuse everyone from the police to the amateur sleuths. I like the decorating tips at the beginning of each chapter. And the recipes at the end were a nice addition. All told, an entertaining cozy mystery.
My full review HERE

Flight Behavior – Barbara Kingsolver – 4****
Kingsolver has crafted a story of one woman’s awakening, and simultaneously a warning about climate change. I found the story compelling from both perspectives. I know many people criticize Kingsolver for being preachy, but I did not find her message overbearing. Dellarobia Turnbow is a fascinating character. And her personal journey was what really elevated the book for me.
My full review HERE

A Grave Celebration, Christine Trent

MINUS ★

Holy Mole, Posole! What an unmitigated waste of time, paper, & ink!

This was once such a wonderful & novel (pun intended) series. Lady Violet, 1890's, England's only Female undertaker, Snoop for Queen Victoria.

Originally Violet's undertakings (again a pun intended) dealt with her undertakings, deaths, funeral practices, sleuthing out murders & murderers. Really interesting & attention holding stories.

This one focused mostly on the machinations of politicians & the opening ceremonies of the Suez Canal.... Sure there were murders, but as the bodies were whisked away before Violet had any time with them; the reader wasn't treated on any of Violets usual observations or preparations.

The people were ugly, egotistical, & without redeeming qualities. There really wasn't much of a tangible story and the underlying story wasn't at all apparent until the very last chapter when Violet explained "who-done-it" in the most improbable place & manner.

All the pomp & pomposity of the "dignitaries" was boring; so much so that I was almost bored to death (again a pun intended) and Violet (had she been in attendance) would never have been able to figure this one out.

I had to request this from another Library System.... Glad we didn't waste our budget $$$$ on this one. So, I guess I will no longer be reading anything more in this series.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry, Fredrik Backman

★ ★ ★ ★

Ahhhh....

Elsa is a precocious 7 year old who is bullied at school because she is "different". Her best friend is her grandmother who is much of a tartar, but has a secret past.

Elsa's grandmother has a knack for telling fairy-tales to help Elsa get through tough times... After Elsa's grandmother's death, we learn that the people in the housing unit are actually the characters in the fairy tales. I found the fairy-tales to be overly long & boring, so I skipped most of them.

When Elsa's grandmother dies she leaves Elsa a task... To deliver a series of letters to those neighbors who live in the same building apologizing for past transgressions.

On the first floor there is: Wurse, a dog hidden away; The Monster; & The mother with the special boy. On the second floor is: Britt-Marie, her husband Kent; & The Drunk in the black skirt. On the third floor is Maud, her husband Lennart, & Alf. On the top floor is Elsa, her mother, step-father & Granny.

Also involved is Sam, the Cop "Green-Eyes", Marcel (Jack-of-all trades), Elsa's father & his wife.... all of whose lives are entwined w/ Grandmother's.

It was an amazing story of love, past sorrows, & redemption by the same author who wrote: "Britt-Marie Was Here".... and had I read this book first & known who Britt-Marie was; I'd not have read "Britt-Marie Was Here".

I couldn't put it down

I enjoyed this book and have read several other’s of his. Bear town is excellent but quite different from this one if you want to explore Bachman further.

Oops.. Backman. :-)

The Afterlife of Holly Chase, Cynthia Hand

★ ★ ★ ★

From Goodreads:

"On Christmas Eve five years ago, Holly was visited by three ghosts who showed her how selfish and spoiled she'd become. They tried to convince her to mend her ways.

She didn't.

And then she died.

Now she's stuck working for the top-secret company Project Scrooge--as the latest Ghost of Christmas Past.

Every year, they save another miserly grouch. Every year, Holly stays frozen at seventeen while her family and friends go on living without her. So far, Holly's afterlife has been miserable.

But this year, everything is about to change. . . ."

Oh! This was interesting and a total surprise... with twists and heart and a very surprise ending!

It was fast paced, easy to read & it held my interest: I even liked the characters.

Jennifer wrote: "I enjoyed this book and have read several other’s of his. Bear town is excellent but quite different from this one if you want to explore Bachman further."

That was in the booksale shelf, yesterday... I read the back & as it sounded Tragic, I decided to pass.

I have really mixed feelings about his characters & the stories...

But, thank-you.

Latinos In Milwaukee – Joseph A Rodriguez & Walter Sava – 3***
This is a short history of the various Latino immigrant populations in Wisconsin’s largest city. The authors interviewed many current residents, some whose families had been in the area since the early 20th century; and outline the various reasons and opportunities that brought these immigrants north.
My full review HERE

The Secret Footprints – Julia Alvarez – 5*****
This children’s picture book tells the Dominican Republic legend of the ciguapas – a race of extraordinarily beautiful people who live in caves beneath the sea and come onto land only at night. Fabian Negrin’s illustrations are rich and atmospheric, taking me straight to the tropics.
My full review HERE

I wish I could give this book 10 stars. Before I review, I would like to suggest that anyone going thru grief,estate,dispersal, or a parent dying,this book is a good read for you. I was hesitant to read this book as this moment in time.Like the author,I am grieving the recent death of a parent and going thru the the process of grief and dispersal etc. Ironically, the locale for the author's family story is not far from my own home.It involves their long loved "cottage", all 23 rooms of it on the shores of Lake Ontario.The parents were unique and had a great story to learn about. The father strict but loving, the mother more eclectic. This turned out to be a cathartic read. Many of my own thoughts and emotions on loss and death confirmed by the author's own thoughts and feelings. Her story is one of family-love and struggle,ancestry,loyalty,faith,humour and survival.She and her siblings handled the entire grief and dispersal process , united as a family-unlike many families that seem to fall apart after the "glue" of the family passes away.I would recommend this book to anyone,but I found it especially comforting and insightful during my own process of grief. I think anyone in the same situation would also find comfort.This is one of those books that came into my life at just the right moment.

On to my 6th book of the year so far,this is a record for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Cindy Woodsmall
3 stars
1/6/2020

from my library's catalog: When Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community that she grew up in in order to help her sister, she is torn between her new life and love in the outside world and life in the community with her first love.

my thoughts: An enjoyable read about a young woman who left her Old Order Amish community. The story focuses on the main character being caught between her Amish roots and the modern community she was forced to find a life in. I enjoyed the character development of Hannah as she realizes who she truly is as an independent woman.

by Anne Rice
2 stars
1/9/2020

from my library's catalog: In fifteenth century Rome, Toby O'Dare, a recently retired government assassin, receives a visit from the angel Malchiah. The heavenly figure instructs O'Dare to solve a grisly murder. But during the investigation, O'Dare discovers that the city is being haunted by an ancient demon and that solving the murder may have disastrous consequences for all of Rome.

my thoughts: I enjoyed the historical aspect of the story when Toby visits Rome. But, I really wasn't interested in the rest of the story. I think what I liked most were the descriptions of Rome, because the rest of the story fit too easily together. Toby arrives and everything magically seemed to fall into place perfectly. I struggled to keep my attention on the story.

by Elizabeth George
4 stars
1/15/2020

from my library's catalog: An isolated beach on the island of Guernsey in the English Channel is the scene of the murder of Guy Brouard, one of Guernsey's wealthiest inhabitants and its main benefactor. Forced as a child to flee the Nazis in Paris, Brouard was engaged in his latest project when he died: a museum in honor of those who resisted the German occupation of the island during World War II. It is from this period of time that his murderer may well have come. But there are others on Guernsey with reason to want Guy Brouard dead: his wives, his business associates, his current mistress, the underprivileged teenagers he mentored--any of whom might have harbored a secret motive for murder. As family and friends gather for the reading of the will, Deborah and Simon St. James find that seemingly everyone on the history-haunted island has something to hide. And behind all the lies and alibis, a killer is lurking. In order to bring this person to justice, the St. James must delve into Guernsey's dark history--both past and present--and into the troubled psyche of someone who may have exacted retribution for the most unspeakable crime of all. In A Place of Hiding, bestselling novelist Elizabeth George marks new territory in the darker landscapes of human relationships. She tells a gripping, suspenseful story of betrayal and devotion, war and remembrance, love and loss...and the higher truths to which we must all ultimately answer.

my thoughts: This book started off slowly and it took a while to hold my interest. I should have trusted in Elizabeth George because she never fails to capture my attention with an unexpected twist. This book was no exception. I could have used more Thomas Lynley in the story, but I was happy with what I got. Deborah St. James annoyed me through most of the book, but I still enjoyed the read.

The Milagro Beanfield War – John Nichols – 5*****
In a New Mexico valley the power is held by one man and his company; they own most of the land and virtually all the water rights. Until one day, Joe Mondragon decides to cut a trench in the irrigation ditch, diverting some of that water onto his late father’s beanfield. I've had this book on my TBR "radar" for a bajillion years and I don't know why I waited so long to read it. I really liked it a lot! The quirky characters, the message, the humor, the pathos, and the landscape all made this an especially moving book for me.
My full review HERE

The Woman In the Window – A J Finn – 4****
This psychological thriller (with a capital ‘P’ !) takes its inspiration from the classic films of Alfred Hitchcock. A trained psychologist, Anna Fox is now an agoraphobe, trapped by her own mind in a 19-century Harlem brownstone. When she witnesses (or thinks she does) a murder during one of her binge-drinking episodes no one believes her tale. A real roller-coaster ride of a thriller. I was engaged and entertained from beginning to end.
My full review HERE

The Names of the Dead by Kevin Wignall
3 Stars

Wes is a former CIA agent who was put in a French jail for an anti-terrorism mission gone wrong. When he learns of a terror attack in Spain that killed his ex-wife, he is released early and sets out to find out the truth. He quickly finds out that he has a 2-year old son that he knew nothing of and he quickly suspects that his ex-wife knew something bad was going to happen to her and puts the boy into hiding.

This is a spy/espionage book that really fell flat for me. I don't know if all espionage books are like this, but it really lacked the whole thrilling aspect of what the storyline could have been. I don't even think that it would make a good movie. LOL! Don't think I'll be reading another one of Wignall's books and I don't think that the espionage genre is for me.

Caught Dead Handed, Carol J. Perry

★ ★ ★

I liked the story, I liked the paranormal premise, & I even liked most of the characters.

After the death of her NASCAR driver husband, Lee Barrett returned home to Salem MA for a job interview at the local WICH-TV station. Before she has a chance to interview the station manager/owner hires someone else.

When going back to her car, Lee comes across a hand; when she looks again, it is connected to the very dead body of the t.v. station's late night psychic. The discovery leads to Lee being given the job of the dead woman.

Immediately after the discovery of the dead psychic, another woman is found with her throat slit... and then the killer attempts to steal Orion (now named O'Ryan), the psychic's cat.

Lee begins to have visions in the black reflective surface of the dead psychic's obsidian ball... A long forgotten/buried scrying talent she had as a child, which gave her a vision of her parent's plane crash when she was five.

I pretty much figured it all out, but it was very interesting and held my attention.

Murder Go Round, Carol J Perry

★ ★

Lee Barrett & her Aunt Iddy bid on and win the contents of a storage unit. The unit once belonged to a Russian family who had a connection to Tsar Nicholas II.

Lee & Iddy rescue a silver samovar, a cuckoo clock, a quilt w/ mysterious stitching, fine hand-made doll dresses, & a carousel horse which was carved by the original owner of a neighboring house & storage unit contents. Everything else is sent to the Goodwill or put into trash bags for pick-up.

When Lee takes the horse to be restored the police find a strangled journalist who was well know for his historical books on treasure hunts and the horse in pieces. Two men then steal the trash bags and go to the Goodwill in order to go through Lee & Ibby's discards.

The local "crazy" lady who runs around town on a pink scooter & reads palms in the park, turns out to be the granddaughter of the maker of the quilt & the carver of the horse.

Then in the reflective surface of the Samovar, Lee sees six men, backs to her at a ship's railing looking out to sea....

It is revealed that the six men once were personal servants of the Tsar and came to America, each with a treasure that would insure the Tsar & his family to live in comfort had they successfully escaped the revolution.

The historical parts of the book was interesting, but much of the rest of the book was boring, especially the portions about the Russian Tea Library Fundraiser....

The Christmas Crimes at Puzzel Manor, Simon Brett

★

Jack Tarrant (recently injured &retired Scotland yard) & companion Maria are invited to Puzzel Manor of a Christmas get-away.

When they get there they immediately find the body of the local vicar crushed under the estate's huge metal crest.

As the holiday moves on, it is apparent that Tarrant is still up against his nemesis who left him in the wheelchair....

The clues to the murders come along as puzzles.....

The writing style was not my cup of tea. Tarrant is macho (stiff upper lip & all that rot), Maria is rather mushily supportive... and the other characters, meh!

The Girl Who Drank the Moon, Kelly Barnhill

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Every year the youngest born of the Protectorate is sacrificed to "The Witch". In previous years all parents have willingly offered up their child in order to protect the rest of the townspeople.

Antain is the youngest member of the "elders". His uncle being the Grand Master of Elders, insists Antain be a part of the current year's selection & offering.

When the "madwoman" with the mark of the crescent moon refuses to give up her child, the "elders" of the Protectorate forcibly take the child & lock the madwoman up in the tower of the Sisters of the Star.

What no one knows is Xan, the witch, takes every baby offered and finds it a loving happy home outside in the Free World.

When Xan comes for the madwoman's child, her life changes. The child, Luna, is fed from the thread of the stars & inadvertently the moon... Xan falls in love with Luna and rather than give Luna to another family. Xan; Glerk, the Bog Monster; & Fyrian, the Dragon raise Luna.

Meanwhile as the real witch begins the struggle to keep her power. Xan teaches Luna all she needs to know about everything except the magic growing inside of her (as Luna can not control her magic and it drains Xan's magic), and Luna's mother (the madwoman) continues to reach out to Luna.

Until everyone meets at a common junction in the forest & evil meets its match.

Wow. this book held my interest and I read it straight through.

Love, sorrow, cruelty, misunderstanding, magic, poetry, & redemption. Small wonder this won the Newbery Award.

Hannah’s Dream – Diane Hammond – 3.5***
This was a heartwarming story and I really enjoyed it. But then, if a book has an elephant in it, I’m bound to be a fan. I really liked Sam, his wife Corina, and Neva Wilson, the young zookeeper who comes to help care for Hannah. And I loved Hannah!
My full review HERE

There’s Something About Christmas – Debbie Macomber – 2.5**
It’s a Debbie Macomber Christmas story – cue the music and the snowflakes, grab some hot chocolate and enjoy the holiday romance. It’s a fun, fast read, if totally predictable.
My full review HERE

From Scratch – Tembi Locke – 4****
This is a wonderful memoir full of love and tenderness, grief and frustration, joy and a sense of belonging.
My full review HERE