It was time for a historical fiction novel and this one fit the bill for me. An underground library in a tube station during the war was an intriguingIt was time for a historical fiction novel and this one fit the bill for me. An underground library in a tube station during the war was an intriguing concept for me. But it was far more than a library thanks to Clara Button and her friend Ruby Munroe. These two kept the library humming along in the underground world that housed a secret community— forced underground to be kept safe from the ravages above ground.
The chapters included at the end of the book highlighted reading group information which was very enlightening. A great book for book club discussions! ...more
Who doesn't love a book about Gumbo? Yum! Gumbo Joy by Robert P. Dixon, Jr. is a lovely book that celebrates the coming together of the West African cWho doesn't love a book about Gumbo? Yum! Gumbo Joy by Robert P. Dixon, Jr. is a lovely book that celebrates the coming together of the West African culture and the New Orleans, Louisiana cultures. Not only does the word gumbo come from the West African central Bantu dialect, gumbo also represents beaucoup which is a French word for many. There are many cultures represented in one bowl of gumbo and Rose learns all about it in this colorful story as she cooks with her Papa.
Each page features more colorful illustrations than the page before and an additional bonus to the book is that each page features a number - highlighting counting while learning all about cooking gumbo and how cultures can blend together. Gumbo means love and when people come together to share a huge batch of gumbo there is a lot of love in that room.
This was a lovely book celebrating culture and history while telling a lovely story at the same time. Any young one will fall in love with Rose and her Papa. Thanks to the author and Blue Cottage Agency for a copy for my honest review....more
Want to learn more about Africa? This is the book for you. Even adults will love this book geared to the younger set. Reading this book takes the readWant to learn more about Africa? This is the book for you. Even adults will love this book geared to the younger set. Reading this book takes the reader on an adventure and provides facts about the fast growing content of Africa. From languages to Mount Kilimanjaro, the reader will even learn some words in Swahili and Twi. The illustrations are amazingly brilliant - featuring bright colors and designs from the country.
After reading this book I came away with a better understanding of Mama Africa and what she has to offer visitors and those who call her home. What a wonderful book to share with others. Thanks to the author and Blue Cottage Agency for a free copy for my honest review....more
Justice Makes a Difference- The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire by Dr Artika Tyner and Jacklyn Milton is an inspiring story about a young girl Justice Makes a Difference- The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire by Dr Artika Tyner and Jacklyn Milton is an inspiring story about a young girl named Justice who wants to make a difference in the world. After watching all that her grandmother does to help others, she wonders what she can do as a young girl. It seems there isn't much she can do but with the help of her grandmother, she learns that she can indeed make a difference.
Justice's grandmother introduces her to famous and influential people like Ida B. Wells Paul Robeson, Dr. Wangari Maathai, Charles Hamilton Houston, Shirley Chisholm and Ella Baker through books that Justice is able to read. Through the words of the books and the words of her grandmother, Justice learns that she CAN indeed make a difference and plans to become a lawyer to do just that....more
I love a good book of essays and Darlene Foster has written the perfect book for this reader. Growing. up in the 50's and 60's on the prairie of CanadI love a good book of essays and Darlene Foster has written the perfect book for this reader. Growing. up in the 50's and 60's on the prairie of Canada was a special time and this author takes the reader through some of those simple yet poignant experiences that meant so much to her. It would be difficult to not love this book - it is written from the heart.
The book is short - a mere 12 chapters along with dedication and introduction and is easily picked up to read one selection at a time. Each essay is a glimpse into life on the Canadian prairie and illuminates the childhood that Darlene so fondly remembers. It is no wonder - it seems like a pretty idyllic time. Although some of the essays deal with the tougher issues in life, the magic of the prairie and the love of family is what shines through on every page.
Each chapter is well written and filled with descriptions of life at that time in that place. Family was the cornerstone and highlighted in practically every story because that is what mattered. I loved reading each chapter and learning just a little bit more about prairie life and the life of this author. While life was not always easy and challenges came her way, she is able to write and capture those experiences so that her readers feel the importance and the significance of every day events during her childhood.
5 stars for a wonderful glimpse into prairie life and for evoking so many feelings in this reader with such a short book. ...more
Just a young couple getting married. Until they don’t because the bride no longer recognizes the groom. This one is a really fun readTwists and Turns!
Just a young couple getting married. Until they don’t because the bride no longer recognizes the groom. This one is a really fun read that had me guessing all the way through. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I realized I didn’t. If you like a few twists and turns this book is for you! ...more
An amazing story of love and survival during what is the worst time in history. This novel is lovely in a way that was unexpected with such a dark subAn amazing story of love and survival during what is the worst time in history. This novel is lovely in a way that was unexpected with such a dark subject matter. Thanks to Lale for sharing an incredible story of perseverance and survival . ...more
Sometimes you read a book right when you need to read it. Such was the case with The Confession Club. Uncomplicated and thoroughly sweet, this quick rSometimes you read a book right when you need to read it. Such was the case with The Confession Club. Uncomplicated and thoroughly sweet, this quick read had some laugh out loud lines and plenty of thoughtful quotes. I love books that are all about women and their friendships with other women and the Confession Club was full of memorable characters. A quick read that warmed my heart. ...more
Second Chances by Miriam McGuirk is a delightful and enjoyable book to read. This cozy story is set in Kent, UK, but also has a tie to India which givSecond Chances by Miriam McGuirk is a delightful and enjoyable book to read. This cozy story is set in Kent, UK, but also has a tie to India which gives the story a little bit of depth and sense of something exotic.
The main character, Molly, finds herself in a lovely neighborhood with neighbors who become more than that. When Molly starts her life over after a sadly failed marriage, she faces yet another huge challenge that upsets her world. Each neighbor she encounters has their own trials and tribulations but somehow together they are stronger and more resilient.
I loved the characters that author Miriam McQuirk created and found myself giggling at some of the antics. She has a gift for creating characters of depth and while this is not a "heavy" book, it is very enjoyable due in part to her characters who seem very realistic. Kind of like the neighbors next door.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had some sad moments but the ending was in my humble opinion, perfect and the best way to end the story.
A special thank you to the author for an advance review copy for my honest review....more
Prepare yourself. This one is going to stick with you for a long time. Summer 1980.... Location: Minnesota Three girls go into the woods and only one retPrepare yourself. This one is going to stick with you for a long time. Summer 1980.... Location: Minnesota Three girls go into the woods and only one returns and the one that does is not the same.
Jess Lourey weaves yet another tale of mystery and murder and introduces her latest characters -cold case detective Van Reed and forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck . I am hoping this is the beginning of a long and exciting series because if Book 1 is any indication, readers are in for a thrilling ride.
The thing that drew me into with this book was the connections between two different time periods. A cold case from 1980 and a present day case had links that were complicated and difficult to unravel but the build up to the conclusion of the book was amazing. I have come to expect nothing less from this author and must admit that I neglected everything else once I started reading this latest offering by Lourey. How does she do it? And now does she continue to do it so well?
Characters in this one hold secrets and just enough of a past to promise the reader an enjoyable, if somewhat scary, read and this reader is anxiously waiting for more. My only disappointment -- that it ended.
I will be looking for Bendy Man everywhere I go now and keeping my eyes open wide. Thanks to the author, Net Galley and the publisher for providing an advance reader copy for my honest review. A million stars for this one, folks. It's that riveting. ...more
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