-
Book Review: The Orphan’s Tale
I’m always intrigued by fact-based historical fiction and The Orphan’s Tale was inspired by two stories from WWII: that of a German circus who hid Jews among their performers, and one of the Nazis filling rail cars with Jewish babies from their families. One tale heroic, one horrific, both inspired an amazing book. If you haven’t read Pam Jenoff before, you are in for a treat; she is a master at creating characters and stories from factual accounts and histories. Read on for my review of her newest book, The Orphan’s Tale. The Orphan’s Tale Publisher: Harlequin (US & Canada) Genre: General Fiction/Historical Fiction Pub Date 21 Feb 2017 336 pages Synopsis A powerful novel of…
-
Review: Debris & Detritus, The Lesser Greek Gods Running Amok
Someone once tried to convince me that anthologies were books for people with short attention spans. I prefer to think of them as a word buffet, with a multitude of delicious varied tastes, and I appreciate them because I can also devour them in small bites (if I can show self-restraint). If you feel the same, I have just the book for you: Debris & Detritus, The Lesser Greek Gods Running Amok. And much like me viewing a dessert buffet, complete with chocolate fountain, I wasn’t able to resist devouring this in one sitting. Debris & Detritus, The Lesser Greek Gods Running Amok Authors: Patricia Burroughs, Michelle Muenzler, Robin D Owens, Irene…
-
Reviewing Foy: On the Road to Lost
FOY:ON THE ROAD TO LOST by GORDON ATKINSON Genre: Literary Fiction Publisher: Material Media LLC Facebook I Twitter Date of Publication: March 1, 2017 Number of Pages: 194 Scroll down for Giveaway! Gordon Atkinson, of the popular blog RealLivePreacher, brings us Foy, a recently- divorced, recently-resigned pastor in the midst of redefining personal meaning. As Foy travels to New Orleans, hoping to find a new identity separate from the church, he keenly observes the everyday, rendering ordinary moments unexpectedly significant. Atkinson’s own background as a preacher and blogger inspires Foy’s confessional voice, the voice which characterizes this story about how our own experiences impact the universal search for…
-
Two Twisty-Turny Psychological Thrillers
When the world feels upside down and my anxiety is through the roof, a fast-paced, tense roller-coaster of a psychological thriller through which I can funnel and filter that anxiety is often just the thing I need. Forget a gentle, happy book. I need to work through my jitters and restlessness. In this case, I have just the books for you. Set in London, both books have the kind of eye-opening endings that will make you look back at everything you read. Both will have you looking over your shoulder – but you’ll forget all your other concerns! I See You Author: Clare Mackintosh Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group Genre: Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 21 Feb 2017 372…
-
Book Review: The Bear and the Nightingale
This book…oh, this book. Magical, rich, and lyrical, this book was just gorgeous. Who says fairy tales are for kids? I didn’t want this one to end. The Bear and the Nightingale is one of those finds that make me appreciate the diverse array of books and authors that NetGalley introduces to me, because this is a gem. Curious? Read on… Genre: Literary Fiction Publisher: Del Rey Books Release Date: January 10, 2017 Pages: 336 Synopsis At the edge of the Russian wilderness, winter lasts most of the year and the snowdrifts grow taller than houses. But Vasilisa doesn’t mind—she spends the winter nights huddled around the embers of a fire with her beloved siblings,…
- Uncategorized
2017 Disney Movies to see!
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures has released it’s 2017 lineup, and it’s looking like my family will be spending quite a bit of time at the movies this year. From live-action remakes of a favorite classic to more sequels of Disney favorites, along with another wonderful Disneynature film in time for Earth Day to a new adventure, there is a lot in store for fans. Here’s the scoop on the 2016 Disney movie releases! Disclosure: Film details, photos and trailers are courtesy of The Walt Disney Studios. March 17, 2017 – BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Walt Disney Studios) #BeautyAndTheBeast “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young…
-
One Word 2017: Conquer
I am not one for resolutions. And I’m downright disappointing at keeping promises to myself. Other people? No problem. Italian-Catholic guilt will get it done if determination and organization are lacking. All too often, however, I fall guilty to the mom phenomenon of putting everyone (and everything) else first to the detriment of herself. I also lay the blame at the feet of my squirrel-like inability to focus, which I’m beginning to suspect may have something to do with my foggy brain and not just my ADD tendencies. Over the past few years, I’ve given up the idea of “resolution” and instead chosen one word, which encompasses all my goals for the year…
-
Book Review: Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall
I’ve been on a YA/Middle School reading binge (and a horror/thriller binge, and…fine, I’ve spent most of the past two weeks with my nose in a book.) This was simply a remarkable, fun, smart, painful (at times, in a good, “I feel her pain” kind of way) read. Let me introduce you to Louise Gornall’s Under Rose-Tainted Skies. Title: Under Rose-Tainted Skies Author: Louise Gornall Publisher: Clarion Books Release Date: January 3, 2017 Pages: 320 Synopsis Norah has agoraphobia and OCD. When groceries are left on the porch, she can’t step out to get them. Struggling to snag the bags with a stick, she meets Luke. He’s sweet and funny, and he just caught her fishing for…
-
Yummy Ham and Bean Soup
Growing up, after every nearly every holiday dinner that included a spiral-cut ham, my father made ham and bean soup. Like the turkey salad he made from the last dregs of turkey leftover from Thanksgiving dinner, it was one of those fixtures of childhood that was unique to my dad. I cooked a spiral ham for Christmas day, in part with the anticipation of turning the ham bone and some of the leftovers into a lovely warming soup. As soon as the excess meat was trimmed off, into the freezer it went until a free afternoon. There’s something soothing about making homemade soup. Simmering on the back burner, lovely scents…
-
Book Review: Life in a Fishbowl
I’ve spent most of the past week reading, and several of the best books I’ve read all year were those read over this weekend. Len Vlahos’ upcoming release Life in a Fishbowl was one such book, read in one sitting, with eye gritty at 1 a.m., but I simply had to finish it. It just bowled me over, it was that good. Take a look at this wonderful book, due to be released on January 3, 2017: Title: Life in a Fishbowl Author: Len Vlahos Genre: Juvenile Fiction Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens Release Date: January 3, 2017 Pages: 336 Synopsis: Fifteen-year-old Jackie Stone’s father is dying. When Jackie discovers that her father has been diagnosed with…
