Tag Archives: books

Amelia is Coming Soon!

17 Dec

I am so excited that the time has come to give full details about my upcoming release, Amelia!

A few fun facts: this is my debut novel; I’m self-publishing; I’m trying to learn marketing without losing my mind; I’ve got wonderful editor; I’ve also got a lovely friend who’s helping with all the steps of self-publishing.

Synopsis:

What does it mean to be a woman of true beauty in a society obsessed with all the wrong things? This question is at the heart of Amelia, the debut novel—and the first installment in the City of Roses Collection—by author Laura Starr Waxman. 

It’s the late 19th century in Portland, Oregon. After having been sent away by her overbearing mother, sixteen-year-old Amelia Lynn Hughes finds herself living in a welcoming home with her adored Aunt Angie. Unbeknownst to Amelia, her aunt harbors a life-altering secret that will soon change everything. 

Captivated by the allure of high society, Amelia tries to fit in but finds it unfulfilling. Determined, Amelia pursues her long-held ambition of becoming a journalist and enters into the male-dominated world of newspaper reporting—no easy feat for a young woman who aims to move beyond the societal columns. Complicating matters, two suitors vie for her hand. While one has her heart, the other may hold the keys to her future. 

In the end, Amelia must choose the path she truly desires. Is being a journalist worth the sacrifices required? And how exactly should a young woman of substance carry herself in a changing world? 

This is a lovely, cozy story of a young woman finding her path amid trials and successes. I hope you’ll give it a try once it’s released, and that, for now, you’ll share news about it to those you think might enjoy it!

You can watch for updates on my website, Instagram, or Pinterest. Of course, I’ll keep you updated here on SGL as well!

Thanks for stopping by SGL,

Laura

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Sisters of Bethlehem Springs Series Review

11 Dec

Updated on Dec, 11th 2024 – In the interest of sharing some more historical fiction novels with you, I decided to bring this post from 2019 to your attention. I fondly remember these sweet stories from time to time – Hatcher is a favored storyteller for sure. With my own novel set in the late 1890s, it’s fun to revisit novels set in the same time period!

I’m excited to be sharing this series by Robin Lee Hatcher with you guys today. I know I promised this review to you way back in December but it’s finally here! And it’s definitely worth the wait. Trust me. I actually heard about this series from my aunt who found it at her local library.

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A Vote of Confidence, When Gwen Arlington complains about the mayoral candidate for their small town of Bethlehem Springs, she is encouraged to run for office herself. Although she’s unsure about upsetting her cozy life as a piano teacher and writing for the local newspaper, she decides to go for it. Unknown to her, newcomer Morgan Mckinley also decides to run for mayor. The health spa that he’s trying to build has stalled and he’s decided that being mayor will help cut through all the red tape. As both Gwen and Morgan try to prove that they are the best candidate for the job, not only to the residents of the town but to each other, sparks fly. But Gwen’s fiercely protected independence and Morgan’s guarded heart may just keep them as adversaries instead of allies.

Fit to Be Tied,  Cleo Arlington isn’t your typical young woman. She can rope, ride and wrangle a horse with the best of the outfit on her father’s ranch. But in 1916, those qualities aren’t what men are looking for in a wife. Her dreams of being married and having a family of her own look grim. So when Sherwood Statham comes to their ranch, she has a hard time with his uppity attitude. This English aristocrat isn’t there in Idaho by choice, but by order of his father. Cleo and Sherwood’s every encounter leaves one or the other mad as all get out. There’s no way he’s the one she’s been waiting  for, is there?

A Matter of Character, Writing dime novels isn’t what people expect of an heiress, so Daphne Mckinley keeps her hobby to herself. But the stories are a hit and the readers keep asking for more. Daphne eagerly obliges, continuing the saga of her villain Rawhide Rick, who is loosely based off local lore. But when Joshua Crawford comes to town in search of the man who has slandered his grandfather’s good name, Daphne learns just how powerful words are. She also has to make a choice on using her gift and just what she wants her life to be.

This series was so much fun. I love the time period – starting in 1915 – and Hatcher describes just enough of the world that you can picture it without there being too much reminding. Know what I mean? (there really can be too much description in a book. . .) The main characters are great, although I have to admit to liking Daphne the most (although I do remember getting frustrated at her a few times…) but I suppose that’s no surprise as she’s a writer and I’m a writer.

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aren’t these covers just perfect?! I’m in love

Anyway, this series was SO much fun, my friends. I read them all so quickly and was sad when they were over! Faith was an aspect of each book, but not overly done. (there can also be too much preaching in books…)  There is something so fun about reading novels set in this time period – the newfangled contraptions of typewriters and automobiles. The dresses, gloves and hats. (happy sigh)

The twists and turns were great as well, keeping me in suspense as to just how each book would end. I highly recommend this series, from teens on up! This series is definitely on my re-read list (we all have one of those, don’t we?)

Also, I have reviewed another of Hatcher’s books, The Shepherd’s Voice. Go check it out! It’s also set in Idaho.

~Laura

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Book Reviews- Nov 2024

4 Dec

Welcome back to another monthly book review! I finished up a trilogy, read a few standalones and am still working my way through an incredibly long audiobook…

The God of Lost Words (Hell’s Library #3) by A.J. Hackwith- Claire, Hero, angel Remi and muse Brevity might just have to destroy the Library in order to save it… After saving the Library of the Unwritten Wing and finding out just what the books are made of, their secret out and all of Hell is coming for every wing of the Library. A war erupts and it’ll take all of their wits to survive.

–This was a good finale to the trilogy with a fantastic battle for each of the characters and bringing in a new villian (Godmother of Ghosts mwahaha). I admit some of the…details of the plot left me a little confused but I just kept reading anyway. It was more along the lines of fantasy-rules, so I didn’t feel like I’d understand it even if I stopped and pondered it… Anyhow, once again I did like the character growth – their battles and losses and victories felt specific to them. After finishing it, I was a little confused by some of what had happened but still finished content overall. The romance is, as I said in my reviews for the previous two books, is different than I normally read/prefer. (pansexual is apparently the word for it…) While I may not necessarily like this part of the plot, Hackwith wrote it so well that it didn’t take away from the story. And that the love was true and deep – not this flighty, physical focused type of infatuation. I appreciated that. With that in mind, a cautious recommend. As a last thought, I think the first book was my favorite, with this one being the second favorite.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien- Bilbo Baggins, hobbit of Bag-End, joins the wizard Gandalf and twelve dwarves, led by none other than Thorin Oakenshield, across Middle Earth to help the dwarves reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. Through many obstacles – most of them extremely dangerous- they struggle through before even reaching their destination- the Lonely Mountain

–  I always love the Hobbit but listening to Andy Serkis narrating it, just improves it by leaps and bounds, somehow. It has been several years since I read this story and thoroughly enjoyed how Tolkien points out these random facts/feelings – in a way that modern authors just don’t do (well, that I’ve come across). Anyway, it is a nice, concise wonderful adventure story. I love how talkative Gandalf is. How uncertain Bilbo can be. How much the dwarves complain all throughout but then repent soon enough after. Highly recommend reading or listening to (esp with Andy Serkis narrating) this story!

Dragonsteel Prime by Brandon Sanderson- On Yolen, we follow the story of a boy named Jerick and a fool or jest, who calls himself Topaz (though you might know him by another name).

–this was written back in 2001 and only now has been widely printed and sold. We see Sanderson’s original attempt at writing the Bridge Four story. I appreciated that, at the beginning of the book, he even says that the story is a bit all over the place. This acknowledgement made a difference through the parts that seemed out of left field.. I adored all things to do with Topaz. And Bat’Chor. And really, there were times I was wishing we were focusing more on Jerick… Anyway, I did enjoy this story even though I, maybe, don’t love certain elements of it. (some choices near the end just frustrated me!) I got the hardcover and it’s simply gorgeous.

Where the Long Grass Blows by Louis L’amour- Bill Canavan rides into a valley at war – the two large ranches are owned by rustlers turned ranchers, fighting to dominate the entire valley, and a third small ranch caught in the middle. The third ranch was owned by honest folk – a brother and sister. But Canavan didn’t just happen to choose this valley to settle in. He knew this land, this range war and had decided he’d stay. He’d staked a claim and had plans to be the one still standing after the the war had blown over. What he hadn’t counted on was just how much the woman owner of the small ranch would affect him…

–whenever I want a nice, cozy, western read, I pick up a Louis L’amour. I greatly enjoyed this one – it was full of the clever cowhand with a fist of iron and a moral compass; the villians who run roughshod over everyone; the beautiful spirited woman that fights back and cattle, horses and the range. I always like the straight-talking, quick-decision making aspects that are in L’amour’s stories. I liked that Canavan entered the town of Soledad with the intent to stay -this wasn’t a spur of the moment decision. And I liked the comparisons drawn from the other characters, between him and Star Levitt. Highly recommend.

Currently Reading:

Uprooted by Lyn Julius

The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle (at 59% of a 69 hr audiobook)

I hope you found something to add to your to-read list!

~Laura

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Book Reviews- Oct 2024

27 Nov

As soon as I got caught up on monthly book reviews, I got behind again. Oy. Well, at least I realized it while we’re still in November!

Let’s get right to it!

The Flight of the Falcon by Daphne Du Maurier – Armino Fabbio is a guide for Sunshine Tours and is satisfied with his humdrum life of leading tourists around, when he’s circumstantially involved in a murder of an old peasant woman on the streets of Rome. When he learns that the woman was his family’s faithful servant, he returns to his hometown of Ruffano. Once there, he’s haunted by the phantom of his brother, Aldo, that was shot down in flames in 1943. But the town seems to have forgotten its violent past – that of Duke Claudio, known as The Falcon, the twisted and cruel man that preyed on the people of Ruffano. But as the days pass, the parallels of past and present are ever more evident…

~This is the third Du Maurier book that I’ve read. I enjoyed the beginning a lot but as the book progressed, I got confused and then frustrated with the choices Armino was making. I finished it with a firm feeling that I wouldn’t read it again, but after a few days, I thought maybe I would… Now, weeks later, I’m undecided. There were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming that kept it from being predictable, I think I just didn’t like the direction some of them went, ha! So, a hesitant recommendation for this one, I suppose.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame – Follow Mole, Rat, Badger and Mole through their lives- whether it’s lounging by the River Thames, going on a great adventure or a comical caper.

~I read this a few years ago and it was enchanting to once again be immersed in the beautiful world that Grahame created. I adore Mole and Badger so much. I love the descriptions of their world- the season changing, the wood…etc. I highly recommend this not only as an idyllic story but also as it has several nuggets of life wisdom spread throughout.

Silver Canyon by Louis L’amour – Matt Brennan rode into Hattan’s Point and decided he wanted to put down roots. But a land war is brewing between the big ranches of the area and he’s warned to get out of town immediately. But Matt’s never backed down from what he wants- and he wants a ranch and the hand of beautiful Moira Maclaren.

~I always enjoy a L’amour novel – the fights are written with enough pizazz to be interesting and short enough that you’re not skimming ahead to get to the end of it. The romance was sweet but I felt that if the whole story had been longer, this part, perhaps, would’ve been more fleshed out. I liked that Matt kept getting into some serious trouble and having to figure his way out of it again. This wasn’t one of my favorites of his, but it was an enjoyable short read.

The Library of the Unwritten (Hell’s Library #1) by A.J. Hackwith – This is where all books that weren’t written, reside. And it’s the Librarians’ job to organize and repair all books. And, of course, retrieve any books that go wandering… Claire Hadley, Head Librarian of the Unwritten Wing, must retrieve a Hero that has gone in search of his author. She takes along her assistant, former muse Brevity, and a reluctant courier demon, Leto. But the simple retrieval turns into anything but, when the angel Ramiel attacks them, demanding they give him the Devil’s Bible… a book that has the power to reshape heaven, hell…and the earth. It’s up to the librarian to find this powerful weapon before it can be used in the battle between heaven and hell.

~Now, just to be perfectly clear here- this is a fantasy series. *ahem* With that out of the way, I’m not sure I would’ve picked this book up if a friend hadn’t strongly recommended it. As she’s rarely ever wrong on book recommendations, I went ahead and started it, even though it seemed way out of my normal. Well. This was well written and the twists and turns in the plot were mostly out of left field, that I had a hard time putting it down. There were parts that dragged, but I liked that characters overall, enough, that it didn’t ruin it for me. What I wasn’t a fan of, was the…what’s the word – pansexual- thing spattered throughout. Thankfully, it was written in a way that wasn’t off-putting enough that I had to stop reading. With that caution, I can recommend this book without reservation for the writing, the fun take on a library and its caretakers.

The Archive of the Forgotten (Hell’s Library #2) by A.J. Hackwith – The Unwritten Wing was saved, but hundreds of books were destroyed and Claire and Brevity both feel their loss. But as they’re trying to find their routine again after all the changes, a new threat appears. A strange ink appears in the Arcane Wing. Claire and Brevity are immediately at odds in their approach to deal with this new threat; a representative from the Muse Corps arrives to offer assistance; Hero and the angel Rami go searching in another realm for the answer… The true nature of this strange ink could change the afterlife entirely.

~After finishing book 1, I immediately requested this one from the library and devoured it. I was a little miffed at some of the character’s choices, especially the first half of the book. But, I really loved the reveal of what the ink was and how the characters chose to deal with it. There was a little more of the romance that I mentioned in my review of the first book but it was still so…nicely done. It’s weird to skirt around this topic a bit, because I don’t want to give away any spoilers. But what I did appreciate about it was that the attraction wasn’t just a physical-instant-love-throw-all-caution-to-the-wind type of thing. It was rooted in knowing the other person. Again, with that caution of the nature of the romance, can recommend.

Currently Reading:

Uprooted by Lyn Julius

The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle (at 55% of a 69 hr audiobook)

Dragonsteel Prime by Brandon Sanderson

Conagher by Louis L’amour

God of Lost Words (Hell’s Library #3) by A.J. Hackwith

I hope you found something to add to your TBR! What have you been reading lately?

~Laura

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An Exciting Announcement

31 Oct

Hello my friends,

Now that I’ve gotten caught up on book reviews, I wanted to share some exciting news.

I’ve been hard at work getting my first novel ready to publish! I am self-publishing and cannot wait to be able to share it with all my lovely readers.

It’s set in my favorite time period (in a place where I’ve lived), is a coming of age story and the main character is a redhead!

A little about me is that I’ve been a writer since I was a kid – poems, short stories etc, as long as I had a bit of time and a pencil and paper, I was scribbling away. I’ve mostly stopped writing poetry but have found that novels are so fulfilling to craft. I love character development and story arc and creating a whole world that one can get lost in.

As of yet, I don’t have a release date but you can bet that once I do, I’ll share it with you all! I would love some help sharing the news of this novel of mine, so if you could share this blog post, and any subsequent ones, to those who you think might be interested, I’d be ever so grateful!

Eventually, I’d love to have a small street team. I’ll announce that as I get all my ducks in a row!

I’ve got an author page on Instagram and Pinterest, if you want to check it out!

~Laura

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A Gentleman in Moscow Book Review

3 Oct

Welcome back to SGL, thanks for spending a few minutes of your busy day with me.

As most of you probably did, I saw this book floating around the internet, especially when it came out in 2016. And while I was intrigued, I never was moved enough to actually read it. Until I learned that they were making a tv series based on it, and of course, before watching it, I knew I had to read the book first.

Synopsis:

Count Alexander Rostov, a man of learning and wit, faces a Bolshevik tribunal in 1922 and is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat and is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol – a grand hotel right across the street from the Kremlin. The Count – a man who’s never worked a day in his life- finds that his reduced circumstances have provided him a foray into a much different sort of world.

My review:

I had hopes that this would be an enjoyable novel and that it wouldn’t have any…. ‘spice’ that would cause me to immediately close it and return it to the library. I’d never read anything by Amor Towles and so, of course, had no experience with his writing.

Let me tell you, I was absolutely captivated. His writing style just pulled me in almost instantly to the world of the Count and the Metropol. It really was fascinating, reading about the grand hotel as it became the Count’s whole world. And of course, the Count himself was a wonderful character to read about – being a man of learning and insatiable wit… and seeing how he did grow and change as time went on.

Now, I’ve not studied Russian history, so I don’t know how accurate Towles’ portrayal of that was, but I did find it interesting, as well as the idea of seeing the changes without being a part of them, per se.

The descriptions of the food – for the Count is a dedicated lover of such- were wonderful. I always love it when I find a novel that somehow centers around good food (immediately, I thought of Chateau of Echoes and the Redwall series).

There is some ‘spice’ (aka sexual content) here and there throughout the story but I did find it to be written subtly enough that I didn’t dnf it. Because of these scenes, I would recommend pre-reading it before handing it to a teenaged reader.

All in all, I had a hard time putting this book down and an even harder time not picking it up again. I am interested in reading other books of his, so if anyone has a suggestion for a next read, I’d love to hear it!

All in all, highly recommend this book for the beauty of the scenes, the character development, the plot (all the things you don’t see coming!) and just a wonderful escape.

And hopefully, I’ll watch the tv series soon and will be able to come back and share my opinion on that.

~Laura

dnf = did not finish

While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.

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Book Reviews – Sept 2024

26 Sep

My crazed reading days have faded apparently. Part of that is simply because I am in the middle of two quite long books (the Sherlock Holmes audio is 67 hour long…). But, with finishing Murtagh, I’ve completed the last series I started earlier this year!

While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury – As a fireman, it’s Guy Montag’s job to destroy books and the houses they are found in. Books are illegal contraband and Guy never questions his job, finding satisfaction in carrying out justice and going home at the end of the day to his wife, Mildred, who spends all her time with her television ‘family’. But when Guy meets a neighbor, Clarisse, who shows him that not only was the past not what he’s been told, but that the present can be one of enjoyment and peace, he starts to question everything he’s ever known.

~I hadn’t read this since high school and wow, did I forget the powerful way that this book is written. The emotions evoked by the repetition, the short sentences, the pacing of Guy’s journey… I listened to this via hoopla and the narrator (Tim Robbins) made it come alive so incredibly. What caught me was how much I could see the chain of events that occurred in the novel, actually happening. The ending was far different than I remembered but completed it well. I figure this will be a bi-yearly read, now. I quite enjoyed it.

Murtagh (The Inheritance Cycle #5) by Christopher Paolini- Now that Galbatorix has been defeated, Murtagh and Thorn are exiled – hiding from civilization as much as they can since the people still see them as murderers and traitors. But Murtagh learns of the rumors of brittle ground and brimstone-tarnished air and he and Thorn set off to investigate. It will take all of their wit and strength to overcome the mysterious witch they find – a witch that is much more than she seems.

~I am so glad that I’ve finally gotten to read this! I love that Paolini came back to Alagaesia and gave us this story all about Murtagh and Thorn. The storyline was not what I was expecting – don’t ask me what I WAS expecting though, because it wasn’t a fully formed idea… But that’s not to say that I didn’t get truly engrossed in the story. (I even read it during our drive to an event, because it was at such a climax moment that I couldn’t bear to leave it til the next day). It was a darker story overall, I felt, from Eragon’s – but after all, Murtagh had a different upbringing that affected his actions/thoughts. And it felt right that the story reflected that. (there is torture in this book, that while not graphic, is still fairly upsetting).

Intermittent Fasting Transformation: The 45-Day Program for Women to Lose Stubborn Weight, Improve Hormonal Health, and Slow Aging by Cynthia Thurlow- With her six-week program that was created specifically for women, Thurlow guides readers through what intermittent fasting is, steps on how to have the most success by fitting it to your body and life for your hormonal needs.

~While I didn’t read this cover to cover, I read as much as I felt was helpful for me to dive into intermittent fasting and not become overwhelmed. I enjoyed the chapter on her own experience with it as well. Honestly, if I was wanting something a bit more structured, this program seems like it would be really good. She gives you small-ish tasks to do in the beginning to set yourself up for success. If you’re wanting to know more about intermittent fasting, this book does a great job telling you what is happening in your body as you eat and as you fast.

DNF: (did not finish)

Choosing A Jewish Life: a handbook for people converting to Judaism and for their family and friends by Anita Diamant – honestly, this had been on my shelves for years before I finally started reading it. It had some good information and encouragement in it but a few things that I flat-out disagree with, so it’s now in the donate pile.

Currently Reading:

The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Uprooted by Lyn Julius

Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Flight of the Falcon by Daphne Du Marier

To Read:

Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep

And that’s it! Have you read any of these books or are interested in any of them?

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Book Reviews- August 2024

4 Sep

In August, I finished two series’ (am still in one though!) and honestly, my reading slowed down a bit, with those being done.

While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.

In The Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick- The harrowing tale of a sperm whale aggressively attacking, and sinking, a whaling ship, in 1840, and the subsequent trials of the surviving crew. This is the real-life event that inspired Moby-Dick, and was as big of an event in their time as the sinking of the Titanic was, in ours.

~I heard about this book from a friend and listened to the audiobook via Hoopla. While I’ve never read Moby Dick, I definitely want to, after reading this. I feel like this is a docu-novel. It is interspersed throughout with information that makes the world of the whalers and what they went through being stranded on small boats in the middle of the South Pacific, more understandable and impactful. I’ve always had an affinity for anything nautical, plus it’s history- so I enjoyed this quite a bit, despite the heartbreaking story.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #7) by J.K. Rowling- In the final installment of the series, we see Harry leaving behind the safety of the Burrow and setting forth on a dangerous and secret mission. Never has he felt so alone, overwhelmed or uncertain about the future. But he must find the strength to go on – and find just how he can defeat Voldemort.

~I’ll admit it, as I was listening to the audiobook, I was thinking that there was yet one more book to the series… This book definitely was a darker story that dealt with so many hard things -death, grief, making the decision you know is right despite everyone saying something else, etc. Certain events left me just staring at my phone in disbelief!! I felt it was a good ending to a fantastic adventure.

Eldest (The Inheritance Cycle #2) by Christopher Paolini- After helping save his new friends from destruction, Eragon must travel, with Saphira, to the elves’ city of Ellesmera for Rider training. He is soon thrust into a whole new world- one where he must take advantage of every moment. Eragon must do all he can as chaos reigns, despite the betrayal that plagues him.

~I feel like, in this one, I found Eragon to be a bit too… teenager-y for me. In the first one, his immaturity made sense and wasn’t too bothersome. While it still did in this one- he’s young, still learning and has been thrust into this important role… it grated a bit. But, I’m not the intended age target for the series, so mostly I was able to brush it off. I thought his training was interesting, and seeing him reunite with Roran was a nice touch of bringing together the old familiar with the new familiar.

Brisingr (The Inheritance Cycle #3) by Christopher Paolini -Very little time has passed since Eragon since uttered the word ‘brisingr’ – the ancient language word for fire, and has been tested to his very soul. He sets off with Roran to help his cousin rescue Katrina who’s being held by the Razac. But he’s bound to many others by promises of loyalty and he must abide by them, even as unrest claims the Varden and he must be an example and encouragement to them all.

~It was nice seeing Eragon grow up in this novel. He does his best to uphold his promises and oaths – but finds that more is needed when he is the Rider among the Varden. I really do like Nasuada, and tend to forget that she also is young. While there is a scene in Eldest that is my favorite of the series, I think this book is my favorite overall.

Inheritance (The Inheritance Cycle #4) by Christopher Paolini – Eragon and Saphira’s journey has been full of victories and heartbreaking loss. They’ve come further than anyone thought they could- but their greatest battle still lays ahead of them. Confronting- and beating- Galbatorix. And if they can’t defeat him, no one can.

~There was so much of this book that I did not remember! I really don’t know what to say about it- seeing how things came together – or fell apart- kept me turning the pages for sure. Nasuada and Murtagh and Roran. Jormundur and Orrin and Orik. Seriously, all the people with all their different personalities and roles… It was a great conclusion although I did have one scene firmly fixed in my memory and I kept waiting for it to happen but it never did… so I don’t know where that ‘memory’ came from… Anyway, very much enjoyed it!

About the B’nai Bagels by E.L. Konigsburg- Mark Seltzer has had it tough lately – losing his best friend and rigorous studying for his Bar Mitzvah, but then his mother becomes the manager of his baseball team, and his brother, the coach. His aggravation knows no limits – and indeed there is skepticism among the whole team. But they’re surprised when ‘Mother Bagel’ and Coach Spencer’s advice starts to bring improvement in all of them. They’re set up to being champs -something impossible the past years- but then Mark hears some startling news.

~ This is a children’s book published in 1969. As such, its style was definitely young for me, but it was still a fun story. There were some subtle references that will make me add a ‘parent’s read first’ caution.

Gaudy Night (Lord Peter Wimsey #12) by Dorothy L Sayers – Harriet Vane, murder mystery author, once accused of murder – only acquitted because of evidence found by Lord Peter Wimsey- puts aside her lingering shame of the trial and goes back to her alma mater – Oxford’s Shrewsbury College. But she soon realizes that her life is in danger again, when she receives the first poison-pen letter. It merely calls her names but they grow ever more threatening and dangerous. Harriet calls in Peter Wimsey to help her- for a killer is hiding among the Shrewsbury College dons.

~This one had such a different… feel than the other ones. The mystery definitely kept me guessing all the way to the end. And, as in the last Harriet point of view story, it was fun seeing Wimsey through a different lens. It was quite interesting reading about an all-female college as well. All in all, I highly enjoyed this one and recommend it.

Busman’s Honeymoon (Lord Peter Wimsey #13) by Dorothy L Sayers – At long last, Lord Peter Wimsey has succeeded in his ardent pursuit of Harriet Vane. They get married and immediately depart for their honeymoon in a picturesque farmhouse. But as soon as they get there – things are not as they anticipated. And when the previous owner is found dead in the cellar, more questions arise. Their honeymoon is suddenly over and Peter and Harriet are on the case as they try and find the identity of the murderer.

~I won’t give any spoilers, but I thought it was fun how this book started out. And then, on to seeing Harriet and Peter so newly married and expecting a tranquil honeymoon… instead they are met with upheaval and spiderwebs and suspicious neighbors and blocked chimneys. I appreciated how Sayer’s wove the mystery with the romance -written perfectly chaste! – so that it flowed and reminded you how little time really had passed since they’d gotten married. All in all, might be one of my favorites of the series.

Currently Reading:

Murtagh (The Inheritance Cycle #5) by Christopher Paolini

Farenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury

The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Uprooted by Lyn Julius

Choosing a Jewish Life by Anita Diamant

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June and July 2024 Book Reviews

13 Aug

I hope that putting these two months into one blog post isn’t too long for you, my lovely readers. I’m nearing the end of two different series’ and have started (yet again) another series. While I have read a few non-fiction books this summer, I’d like to fit a few more in. As well as starting a Dickens perhaps.

While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.

Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes- I was so honored to be part of Dykes’ street team and to read her newest book for my honest review! Click the title to see my post about it.

Long Way Round: Chasing Shadows across the World by Ewan McGregor- McGregor and Boorman, celebrities and friends, decide to undertake a motorcycle trip that’s 20,000 miles long. From London to New York they travel through some of the harshest country, and document every step of the way.

~ It was fun to read as they rode through Europe, Asia and Alaska. The sights they saw, the experiences they were able to have and the people they met along the way. The only downside was the swearwords and I think, a few, inappropriate things. It was an enjoyable travel-ogue but I’d only cautiously recommend it.

Have His Carcase (Lord Peter Wimsey #8) by Dorothy L Sayers-We meet Harriet Vane for the second time in this series and this time around, it’s she that finds the corpse. This inevitably unites her with Peter Wimsey again and they set off to solve the lethal mystery. As they do so, avoiding danger as a matter of course, they find themselves becoming more than sleuthing partners.

~It was nice to see Harriet Vane again and I enjoyed how much of the book was in her point of view. It let us see Wimsey through her eyes, and in consequence, get to know him better. The murder mystery was quite complex and interesting, I thought. Another thing I enjoyed was the references to how Harriet thought like a writer. Highly recommend this one!

~Side note, yes these seem to be out of order, but apparently some short stories were also written, and those are, apparently, included in the series order. Articles I’ve read, share that if one skips these and reads only the full-length novels, you won’t miss much. (subjective of course, that). As I tend to prefer books to short stories, this is what I’m doing. Although I’d like to read all of them eventually.

Murder Must Advertise (Lord Peter Wimsey #10) by Dorothy L Sayers- Lord Peter Wimsey is called in to investigate a death that originally looked like an accident. At Pym’s Publicity, a respectable London advertising agency, ad man Victor Dean died after falling down a set of office stairs. But Wimsey soon learns that there’s more to copywriting than meets the eye- a bit of cocaine, blackmail and of course, the five brutal murders that occur in quick succession. This case will require all of Wimsey’s wit and cleverness to avoid being corpse number six.

~ Now, folks, this is the book that started me on this series in the first place. I got an old copy from a library book sale and was instantly intrigued by the title. I, of course, loved the theme of copywriting throughout the story. The case is especially intriguing as it’s not only centered in the agency’s office, but among the high-brow society. This is one of my favorites of the series, for sure.

The Nine Tailors (Lord Peter Wimsey #11) by Dorothy L Sayers- A disfigured corpse is found in a country parish, leaving the rector worried. He pleads with Lord Peter to investigate how the man died, who he was and how he came to be laid to rest…in the unfortunate place he was found.

~The way this story started was quite different, a slower pace, I thought. Actually, the whole story was a slower pace, probably. Anyway, this story talked a lot about bell tolling (apparently they’re called tailors? or is it the bells that are called tailors?) that lost me from time to time although some of it was interesting. I liked the rector – his forgetfulness and humble pride of his parish- and his wife – her gentle reminders to her husband and how she organized ‘everything’ so to help him in his calling. The plot did lose me from time to time, and I’m still not completely certain how it all tied up in the end. But, that’s why I don’t write murder mysteries, ha. Still an interesting story, but not, overall, one of my favorites.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter #6) by J.K. Rowling- The last time Harry saw Professor Dumbledore was when he was battling Lord Voldemort. And now, two weeks before start of term at Hogwarts, Harry is waiting nervously for Dumbledore to arrive at the Dursley’s. However, Harry doesn’t know why Dumbledore is coming – what is it that’s so important it can’t wait until he’s in Hogwarts?

~Ahh, Dumbledore. Seeing him at the Dursley’s was quite entertaining. There were so many more politics in this story -and man, if Rowling didn’t accurately portray the different motivations of those in power… We see more of Snape, Dumbledore and Draco in this story- and some drama between Hermione and Ron. The happy surprise in Harry’s year is that he rises to the top of potions class- all thanks to a tattered copy of the potions textbook whose previous owner was ‘the half-blood prince’ that causes some problems – naturally .

Waiting for Hope: Malachi Study by The Daily Grace Co. – Malachi, as the last book in the old testament, is a lesson on patience and faithfulness through trying times. This study highlights how to follow in God’s people’s footsteps – waiting with hope.

~This is a three week study, helping the reader through dealing with God’s seeming silence and trusting that He is still at work in our lives. Hope is an essential part of faith, isn’t it? Anyway, this study was good – although there were several repetitive questions and that tends to bother me. Obviously, being only a three week study, one can’t dive too in-depth but I did feel that this one stayed on the surface a little too much. The book itself was beautiful.

Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds by Brandon Sanderson- Stephen is a genius, but that comes at a price – his mind creates personalities, he calls them aspects, to contain all the information he can learn in a few hours. But his brain is getting crowded with all these imaginary experts and as he investigates the cases he’s been hired for, he must learn what is happening inside his own head.

~ I’d read this only once before, and as it’s a genre I don’t normally read – thriller-, it was a fun rabbit trail to dive into. Stephen Leeds does all he can to create as normal of a life as he can for himself. The case he investigates is intriguing- a camera that can supposedly take photographs of the past, and what that could mean for the world. I obviously like books dealing with case investigations and this one is no different.. well, it is because it’s a thriller…anyway.

Why The Jews? by Dennis Prager- This book sets out to uncover and understand the antisemitism that started in the ancient world all the way to the modern world.

~A friend recommended this one to me. I am glad I read it even though so much of the content was hard to read about (not surprisingly). I can definitely recommend this book if you’re interested in learning about the unique role that Jews play in human history.

DNF’d:(did not finish) It’s not often I don’t finish a book, but here are two. I won’t go into their synopsis’ here though, if you’re interested, go look them up. Just because they weren’t for me, doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy them!

The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle by Steven Pressfield- This had statements that I didn’t think were appropriate, especially not for a book on creativity. It wasn’t the type of book I was expecting – think more of a read-a-page-a-day. I would’ve gotten through it if it hadn’t been for the other issue.

The Heirs of Falcon Point by Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey, Paige Edwards and A.L. Sowards- At first, this one sucked me in easily. But as I dove further into the story there got to be more instances of ‘gee that’s convenient’ and over telling. Now both of those are sure-fire ways to pull a reader from a story. Don’t let your hero/heroine know something just to move the plot along. Make them work for it. If you need further examples, watch certain superhero movies where they only survive because the plot needs them to. Anyhow, the over telling was what made me put the book in the donate pile though. I know what staircases look like and I know what people do when they get a phone call. . . As you can tell, these are two issues that drive me a bit batty. Otherwise, I would’ve loved this story. (update: my mom loved this book!)

Currently Reading:

In The Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #7) by J.K. Rowling

Eldest (The Inheritance Cycle #2) by Christopher Paolini

About the B’nai Bagels by E.L. Konigsburg

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March 2024 Book Reviews

23 Jul

It’s time for book reviews again! I’ve been missing doing these monthly write-ups so I’m going to do my best to keep up with them. I’m actually surprised how many books I’ve read already this year – but I know that audiobooks have had a large role in that! I do try and share with you when I read it via audiobook – and I want to start sharing more about that edition (whether I liked it or not) because the narrator can really make or break it!

Around the World in Seventy-Two Days by Nellie Bly – As a journalist stunt in 1889, Nellie Bly traveled around the world to beat the fictional record of Phineas Fogg. She even made a stop in France to meet Jules Verne.

~I’ve been a fan of Nellie Bly for years now, so reading a book that’s based off the newspaper articles from 1890 was so fascinating. It was fun to read her record of her experiences, and the fact that she was able to meet Verne! I think anyone with a love of Fogg’s journey would enjoy this short read.

Strong Poison (Lord Peter Wimsey, #6) by Dorothy L. Sayers- When a man mysteriously dies from poison, it is his former lover that is investigated. Harriet Vane, mystery writer with a knowledge of poisons, is about to be charged with murder, because the man’s death is eerily similar to a death in one of her books. But Lord Peter Wimsey is determined to prove her innocence.

~I am absolutely loving these Wimsey books. This was the first one with a bit more romance in it but, with a twist than one would expect. Which, I’m coming to realize is very much in line with how Sayers wrote. I feel like this one left me confused a bit more than the others, but as always, I loved Peter and Bunter. I listened to this as audiobook, I believe it was Ian Carmichael narrating.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter #3) by J.K. Rowling – After a long summer with the terrible Dursley’s, Harry can’t wait to start his third year at Hogwarts with his best friends, Ron and Hermione. But when they arrive, things aren’t the same. There’s a mass murderer on the loose and the guards from Azkaban are called to the school.

~Listening to this series slowly has been fun these past months. Jim Dale is the narrator. This book is the one where it really felt like we’ve started to leave the ‘little kid happy’ feel of the previous two books and started feeling the darkness of He Who Must Not Be Named. I did like the puzzle of learning more about Harry’s past and meeting Sirius Black. The Azkaban guards though- messed up for sure. Rowling knew what she was doing when she wrote them. All in all, a fun read with several favorite parts. (honestly, many of those having to do with Sirius).

Easy to Kill by Agatha Christie – Luke Fitzwilliam, retired officer, puts Miss Pinkerton’s story that there’s a murderer on the loose in her small town of Wychwood, and that the local doctor is next, down as fanciful. But when he reads in the paper that both Miss Pinkerton and Dr. Humbleby are dead, he decides there just might be something to it and goes to the small town to investigate.

~This one was a bit off for me in pacing, but I was able to still enjoy the who-dun-it of it all. And I definitely hadn’t guessed it correctly. I did have to turn back a few pages because it so completely caught me off guard. Not a favorite, but still fun.

Padawan by Kiersten White- Obi-Wan Kenobi feels as if his goal of being the best Padawan is almost impossible with his new master, Qui-Gon Jinn. While his friends are going with their masters on missions, he’s stuck researching or sitting in silent contemplation. When Qui-Gon agrees to take him on a mission, but then doesn’t show up the next morning, Obi-Wan impulsively sets off without him. But, arriving at the planet, Kenobi finds a group of teenagers who all seemingly have a connection to the Force. He enjoys the freedom the group offers but not all is as it seems. And danger is getting closer.

~It was fun to read more about when Kenobi was a Padawan and see his interactions with Qui-Gon. The lessons Kenobi goes through in this story were… relatable. Even taking out the Force parts of it. And that is what makes a story one that you keep turning the pages and engaging with the characters. Recommend for Star Wars fans for sure.

Master and Apprentice– Claudia Gray- Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi have been master and apprentice for some time now but they both still struggle in their respective roles. Qui-Gon’s greatest fear is that he will fail his padawan. Obi-Wan respects his master but wonders at the secrets that the man holds. Like why he hadn’t shared that the Jedi Council had asked him to join them? They are assigned a mission to Pijal, on what might be their last one together, and Obi-Wan’s faith in Qui-Gon is tested. Qui-Gon starts to have visions of violent disaster and becomes fully convinced in their truth. But a threat arises that master and apprentice must rise to face together.

~Ahh, Kenobi and Qui-Gon. I enjoyed this one more than the previous s.w. book, perhaps because Obi Wan is older now and he goes on a mission with Qui-Gon. The plot on Pijal was intriguing and seemed to pull the two men in opposite directions. I’d recommend this one even more than Padawan but they were fun to read one right after the other.

In Honor’s Defense (Hanger’s Horsemen, #3) by Karen Witemeyer- Luke Davenport has always been a fighter – for respect, for his country and those who cannot fight. But with his Horsemen friends settled down and married, he looks to tame the wildness within by accepting a job on his own. Damaris Baxter must step out of her comfort zone of invisibility when her brother dies suddenly and leaves her care of his son. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel, eager to create a different life for herself and to give her nephew the family he needs. But when questions arise about her brother’s death, and Nathaniel finds himself in deep trouble, Luke is there to help, along with the Horsemen.

~I haven’t read any of other books of this series but I still was able to enjoy it. Luke has a wandering, hurt soul but his faith is a vital part of him even still. I appreciated the internal struggles we saw him go through, and the growth he had. I always love it when a character is named Damaris (I think this is only the second time I’ve seen it actually. The other one is A Woman Named Damaris by Janette Oke). I felt that she acted a bit too far out of her personality at times, even if she is trying to reinvent herself in a new environment, you know? But, on the whole, this was a sweet read. I am intrigued by the rest of the series as well. I got this from the library, always a nice choice for a new read!

Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen – Marly’s father is a recovering prisoner-of-war. So to help him heal, she and her family move from the loud city to the farmhouse on Maple Hill. They share so many adventures in the small town that all help them recover and bond more closely as a family.

~This book won the Newbery Medal in 1957 and I’m not surprised at all. It was a sweet, cute kids book that showed the beauty of nature, family and friends. One also learns a whole lot about harvesting syrup. My niece gave me this book and I’m so glad, because it’s a treasure. This is a middle grade classic.

And that’s it! Come back soon for April’s book reviews!

Have you read any of these books? Did any intrigue you enough to add to your TBR?

~Laura

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