Leif Enger’s I Cheerfully Refuse started out slowly. But I wasn’t ready for the story to end. The characters are compelling and the plot solid. This most likely made the futuristic sci-fi appealing to a reader that turns toward historical fiction. So, a great book to read if you are expanding your brain with different types of reading. And you might want a dictionary handy for the vocabulary.
I Cheerfully Refuse is set in the not-too-distant future in the vicinity of the Great Lakes. There were references to events taking place in the twentieth century. Also, the book alluded to lots of pollution and great storms. Finally, the stage is set between “haves” and “have-nots.”
The “haves” are the uber-wealthy and the ones that work for them. Perhaps there is a parallel with the billionaires of the early twenty-first century. The main villain of the story is a bureaucrat named Werryck. He and Rainy cross paths multiple times.
Ranier, known as Rainy, is married to Lark. Their marriage is solid and their lives happy even though they do not live among the astronauts. Apparently, those with money live on the coasts of the country and are referred to as astronauts. But money doesn’t buy happiness.
Rainy is a musician and Lark is a bookseller. She is the optimist and her upbeat way of looking at life while pushing the edges allows Rainy to get through the dark days of life. He is one to learn from others. Furthermore, Rainy is the person who is always there for others, even at a personal cost.
As stated before, I feel like the book started slowly. However, the author needed to lay out a backstory. Once in place, the plot moved quickly. This is the first Leif Enger novel I have read. The story manages to leave the reader upbeat even though the key characters suffered much grief. I highly recommend this book. Look for it at your favorite bookstore or library.
Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay is a page turner. Finlay is a new-to-me author, and I am unsure if Parents Weekend is part of a series or a stand-alone novel. Either is possible. The book falls into the mystery/thriller category and is highly entertaining.
New York FBI Agent Sarah Keller has asked for a hardship transfer to the West Coast so that the family can support her father-in-law in his final stages of cancer. She is called for a case immediately. Five college students have gone missing. Keller has notoriety from a previous case (hence possibly a series.) Refreshingly, the author provides good balance in the storyline between her work and her family.
The five freshmen, three males and two females are assigned to a team. But the cohort become close friends. Two of the guys are prankster fraternity brothers. The remaining male is caught up in a bit of a platonic lover’s triangle. They are scheduled to have dinner with their parents on the beginning evening of parents’ weekend. But none of them show up.
The parents are a mess. All of them. And this is before the kids disappear. Adding to the complexity is yet a sixth student who is found dead from drowning. The university is in a state of chaos. The parents want results. The drama of each family comes to light as the search for the missing students unfolds. Lastly, not all will reunite with their child.
I very much enjoyed this thriller. Although this was a library check out, purchasing the book is certainly an option with respect to gift-giving. The author is not the happily ever after type. Furthermore, there is more than one male character with sexual exploitation as a character flaw. But when it comes time to reveal the culprits, Finlay packs a surprise punch. Buy a copy or check it out from your local library. The depth of cultural observation coupled with a fast-paced mystery/thriller creates a winning novel.
Until reading the author’s note at the end of One Golden Summer, I did not realize the novel was a sequel. Mostly because this is the first Carley Fortune book I have read. She is good. Very good. And I really enjoyed the romance between Charlie and Alice.
Alice is a professional photographer working her way past a devastating break-up. She’s worked 9 days straight when the call comes in regarding her grandmother’s fall and subsequent hip replacement. She immediately clears her calendar. That is Alice.
With her gran, Nan, down in spirit, Alice decides a summer at the lake would be the perfect tonic for both Everly’s. Alice hasn’t been in over a decade. She was a shy self-conscious seventeen-year-old on her last visit. But it was a summer that changed her life. Good memories remain of that one golden summer at Barry’s Bay.
Charlie is enigmatic. A charming flirt. A successful businessman. And a man of depth. Charlie grew up in the area, indeed he was one of three teenagers Alice used to watch from across the bay. Furthermore, he figures in her first great photo. The first she sold and the one that remains close to her heart.
But Charlie is battling demons and loss from his past. He needs friendship. Perhaps even more.
While others see the spark between the two, Alica and Charlie each fight the attraction for their own reason. But attraction wins out.
The two lovers have much in common. Foremost is the ties to family. Both Alice and Charlie support their families. Then, when they are at crosshairs, their families return the favor. As in most romances, the couple split for a while before reuniting. Each more in love than before but stronger as individuals. And a better understanding of each other.
I enjoyed this summer read. If you have a free day, you may even finish it in one sitting. The romance is spicy, but not too hot and the characters truly fit together. Carley Fortune is one to add to your list, if the Canadian writer isn’t already on your radar. She is now on mine, and I look forward to her next novel.
Sarah MacLean’s 2025 contemporary novel is a romance, not historical in nature. Yet, fans should be quite happy with These Summer Storms. The setting is a private island off Rhode Island and the characters center around patriarch Franklin Storm who made his name by revolutionizing the tech communication industry. The dare-devil billionaire took one risk too many, and his death brings the family together. At least in body if not mind and spirit.
Franklin Storm exerts control from the grave. Three of his children and widow receive letters. And each missive contains one final challenge. Per the will, all must succeed, or no one will inherit.
There is no fairness to the requests. Furthermore, protagonist Alice Storm wants no part of the game. Since she was banished five years ago, no letter was included for her. However, she is instructed not to leave by her father’s second in command.
Greta Storm has the hardest task from an emotional standpoint. Thus, Alice tells her not to comply. Second born Sam, the only male offspring is determined to make everyone comply. Even if it means detaining Alice on the island. Emily, the youngest, has secrets to disclose and the widow Elisabeth is compelled to tell the truth.
Jack Dean, Franklin’s second-in-command, is present to see if the rules are followed. But he has already broken one. Seemingly he is attracted to Alice. The feeling is somewhat mutual. Unsurprisingly, there are complications and greed shines through. Can the siblings work together?
These Summer Storms, as a novel, is more than a red-hot romance. But the sexual tension between Jack and Alice leaps off the pages. As Alice struggles with her grief and her role in the family, Jack provides support. The chemistry between the two works absolutely. Furthermore, their strained relationship keeps the reader turning to the next page.
I love this novel, and it is perfect for summer reading. However, the writing leaves nothing to the imagination when Alice and Jack come together so it may not be acceptable to some readers. Plus, I do not recommend for readers under 18. But for those who enjoy spicy romance novels with more substance than just a love story, this is a winner. My understanding is this is MacLean’s first contemporary novel. I plan to look for her historical releases. Furthermore, I hope she continues to spin tales filled with rich characters such as those in These Summer Storms.
Gina Lynn Larsen debuts as an author of Young Adult (YA) fiction with the release of Fun Fact: I Love You. The novel follows many themes of the genre such as first kisses, unrequited love and difficult parent/child relationships. However, Larsen throws in much more angst and grief. Fun Fact: I Love You is a tearjerker along the way to the happy ending.
The leading pair have been friends forever. However, their friendship took a backseat to high school. Nellie and Jensen run in the same social circle. But she is unaware of how he feels about her. Then a high school prank goes awry, quickly followed by real life tragedy, and the pair are thrown together again.
Nellie is the school valedictorian with a five-year plan. She will graduate with an associate’s degree and a high school diploma and looks forward to leaving home for UNLV. She is close to her dad and at odds with her mom. Occasionally she forgets her studies to crush on school heart throb Sterling. Until he pranks her. Also unsettling for Nellie is the prankster’s cohort in crime is her best friend, Britta.
Jensen is on a different path. No college in the immediate future. Instead, he plans to continue his current (secret) work. Unbeknownst to his classmates and teachers, Jensen Nichols is writing sci-fi/fantasy under the pen name Jen Dimes. Only a few people know of his secret life including his mom, and Nellie’s dad.
Relationships change over time. This is one of the key themes to Larsen’s story. Furthermore, life throws out hardship at different times. For Jensen, the timing was very early on. For Nellie, just before high school graduation. How one handles the difficulties of life is the true test of growth as a person. Much of Fun Fact: I Love You explores this tenet.
Gina Lynn Larsen is outstanding in her debut novel. Perhaps there were a few weaknesses. (How on Earth could Nellie and Britta be BFF all the way through High School?) Yet, I found Fun Fact: I Love You to resonate with realism with respect to Nellie. And Jensen? I am sure there are many teen writers out there with various levels of success. So, I found the story stirring with emotion, satisfying on a plot level and over the top with respect to the growth of the characters. I highly recommend for teens and above. I really need to start reading more YA! Closing the book yielded satisfaction from a really good story.
Readers of the action-adventure genre are familiar with David Baldacci, author of Strangers In Time. However, this novel is a stand alone instead of one of his many series’. Since I am not familiar with his previous non-series novels, I can’t compare. All I can say is, Wow!
Strangers In Time reminds me of a classic story such as Tale of Two Cities (Charles Dickens), The Sound and The Fury (William Faulkner) or The Sun Always Rises (Ernest Hemingway) and yes this is high praise. The kudos are well-deserved. One caveat, historical fiction is not for everyone.
The setting is bombed-out London. And the bombs keep dropping. Rubble atop the ground and shelters underneath. A shortage of able-bodied men means women, children and the elderly are the driving force of the city. Physical and mental injuries are the norm.
Baldacci captures the reader’s interest with the actions of young Charlie Matters trying to pilfer from those with excess in order to eat. He stumbles onto a bookstore run by Ignatius Oliver and scores a great amount of cash. Unbeknownst to the scamp, he has witnessed wartime intrigue.
The final main character in the story is Molly Wakefield. She is just returning to London from a five-year exile only to find both city and home drastically changed. Molly, Charlie and Ignatius Oliver form a bond more like family than friendship.
But can the bond survive the secrets of the three?
Historical fiction is one if my favorite genres. Additionally, David Baldacci is a favorite author. In fact, Baldacci has made an Econogal Best Books List. Since we are over half way through the year, I believe Strangers In Time will easily make the 2025 index. While there is action and intrigue, the heart of the story is the relationship between the main characters and their struggle to both stay alive and sane in the midst of war.
Baldacci’s writing is not formulaic. His storytelling stands above. I highly recommend this book for both reading and gift-giving! Find a copy today.
Alex Aster’s 2025 Summer In The City is a red-hot romance with enough steam coming off the pages to fuel a locomotive. Reminiscent of the Harlequin Romances I read in college, the novel delivers attraction, passion and angst for the star-crossed lovers. Aster’s writing brought both tears and smiles to this reader. So, all the markings of a good book.
Elle is a very successful screenwriter with a hidden identity. She is up against a deadline to produce a script centered around New York City. But her last stay there ended on a bad note. Because her instant attraction to Parker Warren was spurned by his “I can buy anything” billionaire attitude. She hopes to never run into him again.
However, Elle returns to the city hoping to break her writer’s block with free rent in exchange for overseeing a remodeling job. As luck would have it, (or perhaps bad luck) Mr. Warren lives across the hall.
With a case of opposites attracting, Elle and Parker try to ignore the tension. Furthermore, each needs the other for business reasons. So, they agree to “see” each other just for the summer.
Parker tries to ferret out her true identity and Elle fiercely protects her anonymity. All the while slowly falling for each other. Finally, they run into someone who knows, really knows Elle and her story tumbles out. Parker falls more in love than ever. And like a true romance-blows his opportunity.
I enjoyed Alex Aster’s love story and found her characters compelling. The romance is real as is the angst when things don’t work out right away. Aster keeps the reader hoping for a happy ending and then delivers. This was a library checkout, but between the title, the map highlighting NYC on the inside cover and the blurb on the cover, it could have been an easy buy if I first spotted it in a bookstore. It is a spicy love story with explicit scenes so I would label this for adult eyes only.
Mary Alice Monroe’s matriarchal novel Where the Rivers Merge is satisfying until the abrupt end. Apparently, there is a sequel in the works. Since the first is just recently released, I will impatiently await the end of the story. I can already picture this tale of Eliza Pinckney Rivers Chalmers DeLancey as a television miniseries with the lush lowlands of South Carolina as a backdrop for a life spanning the twentieth century.
Most of the novel reflects the life of 88 year old Eliza as she tells a granddaughter and a great-niece the history of the murals on the wall. Each chapter begins with facts about the nature of the South Carolina lowlands. This detailed description of the surrounding nature is deftly woven into the story. The author is not so subtly sounding a wake-up call to protect our environment. All through the eyes of a fictional character. Monroe is a maestro.
As Eliza shares her history with a younger generation, the reader becomes a part of the learning. The 20th Century arrived on horseback and by 1988, the current time period of Where the Rivers Merge, rocket ships and women CEOs were present, if not the norm. A lifetime of change.
Monroe’s writing touches on technological, political, racial, and gender equality progress. Yet, she is not preachy. The story unravels naturally, allowing the reader to experience history. Eliza is the vehicle to convey past, present and perhaps the future.
Flashbacks in Where the Rivers Merge occur through the stories Eliza tells Savannah and Norah. Both women are eager to hear her story, as was this reader. The author masterfully employs this technique to bring the past to life while simultaneously creating resonating characters.
At the end of the novel, Eliza is only partway through her life story. Hence the abrupt ending. Mainstream literature has yet to develop devoted followers of lengthy novels such as those readers of fantasy or sci-fi. If Where the Rivers Merge belonged in either of those genres we would have but one book. However, Monroe is mainstream and so Book Two: The Rivers’ End cannot be published soon enough for this reader.
A “new to me” author, Kristy Woodson Harvey will delight summer readers with her 2025 release Beach House Rules. This original novel is full of diverse characters, has a bit of romance and lots of dilemmas for the main characters. So, if you are looking for a great summer read, find a copy!
Bill Sitterly is under arrest for embezzling vast amounts of money from clients, young and old. Everything is seized leaving his wife Charlotte and daughter Iris at the mercy of others. Both want to believe in his innocence, but naturally doubts crowd in.
After a public melt down, Charlotte is invited to stay at the local “mommune” until she gets back on her feet. As rumors spread in the small Carolina beach town, the pair find friendship among the other residents. Furthermore, all turn to clearing Bill.
Inhabitants of the home follow beach house rules which were created by the Black Widow, Alice. Current residents include her niece Julie and her three grade schoolers and Grace whose son is the star quarterback at the high school and his junior high sister. Social media plays a large part telling the stories of the four women.
Harvey’s novel is not a cozy murder mystery. Nonetheless, sleuthing, mostly done by Iris, is key to #freebill. Plus, a heaping of help from a social media blitz as well as old-fashioned reporting from Julie. The families’ bond as each face a personal crisis. Fortunately, the closeness keeps them from turning against one another as the past catches up to the Black Widow.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel with a bit of old-fashioned mystery, much like the “whodunit” books I devoured as a child. Even though I am unfamiliar with Harvey’s previous work, Beach House Rules showcases her talent. So, I will look for more of her novels. The southern location appeals, the writing is superb, and the plotting is solid. Beach House Rules is a winner!
Bridal Shower Murder is a timely cozy mystery blending in with the many weddings and bridal showers occurring during this wedding season. Leslie Meier once again entertains with this addition to the Lucy Stone series.
Zoe, Lucy’s youngest, brings home her beau, Chad Nettleton to meet her parents. The young man is a rising star in professional baseball and his parents hail from Tinker’s Cove. However, in-law problems rear almost as soon as the engagement is announced.
True to her style, Meier uses multiple storylines in her novel. On a personal level, Lucy is managing the stresses of upcoming nuptials for her daughter. However, she is also reporting on the latest news from the fictional Maine hamlet.
The local historical society steps on the toes of area Native Americans with an unintentional exclusion of their participation as early loggers and the shuttering of an entire town by the government benefitting a logging company. Primarily, Eminent Domain unfairly benefits a few at the cost of many minority families. Lucy is in the thick of the story.
Naturally, the two stories end up dovetailing. And a murderer is on the loose.
Much of the story revolves around the differences between the two families of the bride and groom. Followers of the Lucy Stone series have the benefit of familiarity with the Stones. Lucy and Bill Stone are open-minded and could be described as hard-working progressives. But finances are always tight. On the other hand, the Nettleton’s are rolling in dough, a bit stand-offish and shy away from those with different cultural backgrounds. So, the two Moms have very different ideas on how to throw a bridal shower. And a wedding.
To complicate things, Penny Nettleton’s first son, Chris, left behind when she married Nate is accused of murder and then dies from an overdose. Penny is devastated and the bridal shower is cut short.
Bridal Shower Murder is a quick read and a good library check-out. The twists in the story come from subplots with the biggest surprise of all unrelated to the murder mystery. But the villain is easy to spot. Furthermore, the down-to-earth love between Zoe and Chad highlighted the story. However, the reader will need to overlook a few flaws that I won’t disclose since it would spoil the story. Visit your local library to pick up a copy.
The 2025 release The Ageless Brain is the fourth release by Dale E. Bredesen, MD. As in the first three works, this non-fiction tome focuses on Alzheimer’s. Those who have read the blog since 2017 know this topic is germane to the origination of Econogal.
Bredesen’s knowledge of the subject is extensive. Furthermore, he brings a positive, uplifting point of view to a subject that remains devastating for those diagnosed with the condition. However, a major point of his premise is the need for early testing and intervention. Fortunately, the interventions intertwine with healthy living.
The terms and language are technical. Yet I gained much from reading this text without specific knowledge of the jargon. Lay people can gain much from reading since the author wrote for a wide audience. Indeed, reaching the greater populace is critical to ending diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and ALS.
Bredesen posits a healthy brain for those in their 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and beyond need not be the exception as I wrote in a Century of Life. For those of us who know (or knew) centurions with sharp minds, the premise is real and not far-fetched. Additionally, the author presents both data and actions which can reverse damage that has already occurred. His findings verified my own research, trials and observations.
Healthy living and common-sense play into protecting the brain. The author highlights things that are harmful for the brain as well as what is positive. The NFL and the pharmaceutical industry are just two of many that will not like a wide-spread adoption of the tools shared in The Ageless Brain.
Prevention plays a large part in protecting the thinking process. Some things are generalized. But Bredesen acknowledges the need for individualized plans when he states:
“Conceptually, when it comes to battling neurodegenerative diseases, our job is straightforward: Identify the needed supplies and ongoing demands for each disease (including age-related changes) and then address those needs with a personalized, precision-medicine protocol to ensure the demands are once again met by the supplies. p.26”
In other words, one size does not fit all. Medicine in general needs to adopt this attitude. The author believes each individual needs to have tests, including blood tests, from the age of 35 on. Thus, stopping the diseases long before they appear in the later stages of life.
Furthermore, there are two approaches to a healthy brain. The first involves protection from environmental toxins, unhealthy eating and lack of essential vitamins. In other words, keeping track of various inputs and how they impact outputs. This includes not only what you eat but when to eat. Bredesen suggests on page 189 that fasting should include a three-hour window before sleep. This allows for better rest, another key component for protecting the brain.
A second approach to having a healthy brain in the senior years is one of creating new paths in the brain. This is a frequent topic on Econogal. Bredesen devotes an entire chapter, The Brain’s Flex Factor, to learning new things to develop an ageless brain.
Neuroplasticity is the technical term for brain growth throughout life. Learning new things thus creating new neurons and pathways in the brain is on par with life-long learning. Bredesen takes the concept one step further. He suggests daily, monthly, and yearly challenges.
Daily challenges can be as simple as taking a new route to work, trying a new recipe, or switching from Sudoku to Logic Puzzles. The key is in changing the daily routine or pattern. Simple in thought, but possibly difficult to implement since there are 365 days in the year.
A monthly challenge could be reading all non-fiction instead of fiction or listening to the classical music station instead of country. The author states the key is to “…vary not just the activity but the type of activity from month to month. p. 207” So, a different reading material one month then followed by a month with a new outdoor activity. Thus, not just a switch of genres each month. The brain needs new experiences on a monthly basis.
Bredesen suggests the yearly challenge should be incorporated with a longer-term goal since it is so time consuming. Examples given include learning a new language. This lengthy process increases understanding which is a different part of the brain.
This review has just touched on the incredible information provided by Dr. Bredesen. This is a fantastic text that belongs in every library in the country. Furthermore, any family that is genetically predisposed to the various diseases of the brain will benefit from reading and sharing. My highest recommendation of 2025 so far goes to The Ageless Brain.
One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter is every bit as good as her debut novel, We Were The Lucky Ones. There are some similarities. Both time periods encompass WWII. And once again, the atrocities committed against the Jewish community is core to the story. Yet, unlike the first novel, One Good Thing is pure fiction.
Lili and Esti meet at university and become close friends. Both are Jewish, one Italian and one Greek. As Mussolini’s Racial Laws intensify, Esti and her husband become more radical, even after the birth of their son Theo. Meanwhile, Lili tends to avoid confrontations even though she feels the tension of the changing political climate too.
Once the Germans invade Italy, matters boil and the women must flee their homes with young Theo in tow. Esti remains outspoken and begins forging papers for the underground. Then disaster strikes and the two women must separate. Esti, unable to travel, begs Lili to keep heading south with four-year-old Theo in tow.
The novel follows the war-time travels of Lili and Theo. Peddling bikes, hitching rides both openly and covertly and walking mile after mile, the pair push towards Rome. Danger lurks at every turn. When Theo needs medical care, Lili is tempted to leave him behind. She doesn’t. He has become the one good thing in her life.
Hunter brings depth to the personal triumphs and tragedies of war through the introduction of a myriad of secondary characters. Good and evil characters as well as those with actions that are a bit blurry. People act differently during war. Even more so when the fighting is close by.
These personalities provide the heart of the story. Heroes and villains’ actions allow the reader to experience the atrocities of fascism, genocide and war. But also, the altruism and dedication of those fighting against the horrors of inhumanity. Most importantly, Hunter warns against a repeat of the past with her story.
We Were The Lucky Ones was on my best books list of 2018. I am sure One Good Thing will make this year’s list. Writers with the talent to evoke strong emotions are rare. Georgia Hunter can bring one to tears and yet have the reader close the book with an expectation of hope, love and certainty that today’s woes can be overcome. And tomorrow offers the promise of a better world.
Furthermore, books such as One Good Thing need to be read far and wide. History does not have to repeat. People can learn from the past, even from historical fiction.
A new series debut, Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies is a good book for vacation travelers. I picked the book up in the Louisville, Kentucky airport last weekend and found it a bit different from the usual cozy murder mysteries. Catherine Mack, who also writes as Catherine McKinzie, mixes a bit of Rom-Com into the novel. Further, the protagonist uses footnotes throughout the novel.
The heroine of Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is Eleanor Dash. A “panster” writer, quirky, neurotic, and quite likeable despite her long-windedness. She is plotting to kill off the star of her book series, Connor Smith. There is just one complication; someone is trying to kill the real Connor Smith and maybe has sights set on Eleanor too.
As a mystery writer, Eleanor barely outlines her work. But as a real-life crime solver, she needs a bit of structure. Especially after several attempts on her own life. Author Mack develops her protagonist’s character through a series of footnotes. These notes are non-ending at first, yet by the end of the novel, this reader was glancing at the bottom of the page first.
There is a plethora of secondary characters in the novel ranging from Eleanor’s younger sister Harper to Connor’s ex-wife Allison. And there is Oliver. He provides the romantic hero figure for Eleanor. Of course, the multitude of characters means plenty of suspects to sort through. As the writer of the series within the series, Eleanor encourages the reader to solve the mystery. This is quite tough with all the twists and turns regardless of the many clues given in the footnotes.
I enjoyed reading this light-hearted murder mystery by Catherine Mack. The romance is sweet and the murders not graphic. Perfect for reading while traveling.
Anne Tyler’s Three Days in June reads like a novella. Short and to the point. But there is a definite back story. So, the book has elements of a novel. The entire story takes place in about 72 hours. And the opening pages are a bit of a misdirection. Even though the daughter, Debbie, is a bride-to-be on the cusp of saying vows, her parents Gail and Max are the main characters.
The saga which makes-up Three Days in June is told by Gail Baines. Gail is almost more than middle-aged, divorced and possibly fired or maybe just quit. And she carries secret guilt. She freaks out over the possibility of her future son-in-law cheating on her daughter just before the wedding.
The first of the three days in June follows Gail’s job loss and the potential disruption of the wedding.
Debbie gets married with angst from her mother and a totally different attitude from Max. He is the forgive and forget type of person. This personality lends a lot to the back story. It is not always the male that cheats on a marriage.
Secondary characters add to the wedding scenes. Indeed, the families are the center of the plot instead of the bride and groom. Gail’s mom, Joyce, provides a good contrast in personalities. And Max is a keeper.
In the final day of Three Days in June, Max and Gail re-connect. More flashbacks from Gail bring forth the pain of infidelity from both sides. Anne Tyler expertly writes of the trials and pains of adultery. Guilt and remorse from the cheater’s side and forgiveness from the betrayed spouse.
The writing is deep. Three Days in June looks at the possibility of conciliation long after a marriage breaks apart. Anne Tyler does a good job explaining the complexity of a relationship in the aftermath of a broken marriage. She offers hope and an olive branch for those who have made the biggest mistake of their life. Once again, the author strikes gold with her writing.
Natalie Jenner’s 2024 release Every Time We Say Goodbye is outstanding on many levels. First, the story takes a compelling look at Rome in the aftermath of World War II. The city became a refuge for individuals caught up in the Hollywood blacklists of the McCarthy era.
Then the author dives deep into the human condition of the era. She focuses on the emotions of the survivors, particularly on those who lost loved ones during the war. Naturally, each character showcases the many reactions to intense loss.
Finally, Jenner’s publication date makes Every Time We Say Goodbye prescient to current events. Fascism is once again rearing its’ ugly head. How did she know how quickly the status quo would unravel? Once again, parallelism brings deeper meaning to the written words.
Vivien Lowry is a British playwright escaping to Rome after disastrous reviews. A woman with secrets in her past, she is barely living the present. Her fiancée never returned from the war. And she made several decisions in the past that still haunt her. Vivien is a compelling character. Her growth as a person is the story. Even the flashbacks to the war connect to her. Rome heals her heartbreak; Destroys it, then mends the soul again. Endurance is key.
Jenner uses a combination of fictional characters and fictionalized actions and dialogue from real life actresses and writers to create Every Time We Say Goodbye. Her story offers hope to the disenchanted. Yet, she does not overlook the evil in the world. Instead, her characters demonstrate ways to cope with those intent on disruption if not actual destruction.
The Roman Catholic Church plays a large role in the novel, like its influence on the city of Rome itself. The Church is shown without any colored lenses yet plays a pivotal role in one of the actresses finding solace in a discriminatory world. The existence of good and evil is a key theme throughout the book.
This novel is highly relatable. The characters cover the spectrum of humanity. Opening quotes from Hemmingway, Stevens and Giambattista Vico set the tone. Everyone has secrets, everyone has setbacks. And you never know when goodbye is final.
This book is suitable for many audiences. The depth of emotional growth is tremendous. I highly recommend Every Time We Say Goodbye! Natalie Jenner scores again.
Variation by Rebecca Yarros was on the new arrivals table at my local library. I grabbed it for a quick fun romance read and loved it so much that I knew a review was forthcoming before I was even halfway through. Yarros is another one of those bestselling authors that I was unaware of but now is a favorite. Her writing is that good.
The novel centers around ballerina Alesandra Rousseau. One of four sisters raised by a determined and domineering mother. All had a shot at greatness, yet tragedy struck and only the youngest two still perform. And not without jealousy intervening.
For those not familiar with ballet, variation equates to a solo dance. Yarros uses the title as a metaphor for where Allie is in life. Connections with family and the ballet troupe are strong but it may be time for her to fly solo.
A forced reunion between Allie and first love Hudson Ellis is complicated by a past tragedy as well as family secrets. Hudson’s adopted niece wants to dance even though her mother has forbidden ballet lessons. Furthermore, young Jupiter thinks Allie is her birth mother. The truth is closer than either Allie or Hudson know.
The pair are thrown together to help Jupiter find her history and pursue her dance dreams. Neither know of the possible danger. Allie is still healing from the past and Hudson is unwilling to pass on a second chance with his one true love.
The author writes in multiple genres and may be best known for her Empyrean fantasy series. Variation is a stand-alone romance novel, but perhaps the author could create love stories for the key supporting characters. She weaves such a magical tale of heartbreak, redemption and happily-ever-after.
Yarros creates wonderful characters, believable conflict and leaves the reader wanting to experience more of the same. The romance is spicy, and I would recommend the novel for adults only. Variation explores many topics including parenting techniques and family loyalty. Finally, the novel spotlights the determination and hard work needed to reach one’s goals. Absolutely loved this book! I wish I owned a copy so I could read it again.
March 2025 contained a variety of weather from balmy to frigid. Moisture was on the light side, but the last few days look promising for April showers. Travel, gardening and quilting took up quite a bit of time. Books were read and reviewed. All in all, it was a productive month.
On the economic front, tariffs are eminent, and the outcome is uncertain. Naturally this translates into an unsettled market. Young stock market participants need not panic but I am sure retirees and fixed income individuals are as jittery as the stock exchanges. I have added a New Market Basket to track how the coming tariffs will impact prices. The Misery Index fell slightly to 6.9%. This is opposite of what I expect going forward.
Politics in the United States continues to be acrimonious. Our united front after 9/11 is all but gone. There is plenty of blame to go around and none of it is helpful. Personally, I only know of a few people planning to locate outside of the country. But others may be entertaining the thought of moving abroad. The parallels to the 1930s and 1940s have the elderly population shaking their heads.
While only two books were reviewed, several more were read. Some will be reviewed in the coming weeks. Deciding what to review is easy for the most part. I try not to have too many of the same author. I also refuse to review those I did not enjoy and, in some cases, don’t even finish. Furthermore, I often read for fun. Those books tend not to get reviewed. However, the next review will be an exception. Check back in a few days.
March is a good time to start seeds. So, the cool-weather crops were started in early March 2025 while the tomatoes were planted toward the end of the month. Lettuce, kale, spinach and Swiss chard make up most of the plants. Six different tomato varieties were planted. The Genuine Heirloom Marriage Hybrid tomatoes took longer to emerge, and the germination rate was about half. But the seeds were from 2023. Viability decreases over time.
Additionally, repairs were made to the raised rows in the Big Garden. Early March brought tropical storm and even Cat. One winds to the Great Plains. Dust storms still exist in this part of the country in the early spring. Fortunately, by the end of the month the wheat stands turned green and helped mitigate the dirt-filled air. Hopefully, April will bring rain.
Work continues on the king sized bargello quilt. Once pieced, the quilting can begin, and piecing of the baby quilts can start. Quilts are a labor of love as well as an expression of art. I also find quilting a stress reliever.
I hope March 2025 was productive for you.
There are books that are hard to classify by genre and The Wolf Tree is such a novel. The riveting story by Aussie author Laura McCluskey is part supernatural, part folklore and a combination mystery and true crime. Throw in a heroine on the verge of addiction to painkillers and the resulting tale is a web of lies and half-truths. All of which makes the plot twist believable and unbelievable at the same time.
The dank, cold, windswept island of Eilean Eader, isolated in the North Atlantic Ocean, provides the perfect location for McCluskey’s multifaceted story. Remote and only accessible by sea, the sparsely populated locale lends itself to self-reliance and self-rule.
Inhabitants are leery of outsiders and those moving into the community face the same barriers to acceptance found in all rural, isolated hamlets across the globe. Transportation is limited to bicycle and foot. So, everything is at a slower pace.
Georgina “George” Lennox is the lead character in the story. Fresh off a medical leave for injuries suffered in a case, she and fellow inspector Richard “Richie” Stewart travel through stormy seas to confirm a suicide is the correct ruling in the death of a teenager. Autopsy findings are uncertain.
Opposites in age, experience and investigative approaches, the partners’ working relationship has been strained since George rushed into a scene without backup and barely survived. The tension increases on the barren island as George combats physical pain and self-doubt. Her police instincts have disappeared. And she questions the unbelievable sights and sounds of the island. Are they real or imagined?
An array of villagers complements the story. Everyone from the grieving mother to the outgoing postal clerk to the young mother- a contemporary of George. Then there is the priest. Father Ross is not only in charge of village society, but he also has a great concern for the souls of its’ inhabitants. The suicide has impacted everyone.
Laura McCluskey posits an alternative ideal of justice. Readers and book clubs will be pondering the outcome of The Wolf Tree for years to come. The novel is very entertaining, and I always enjoy stories with wicked twists at the end. The author delivers a winner in this first novel. Hopefully we will see more of George and Richie in the future.
The 2024 release in Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta series, Identity Unknown brings the series cast together to solve two murders linked together even though different individuals are responsible. Throw in a UAP/UFO at one of the murder scenes and fiction takes on a modern twist. Drones and secret military sites also play a role. The question of beings from other planets already on Earth is not new. But Cornwell does a good job exploring the plausibility.
The series is known for the intense autopsy scenes and Identity Unknown is no different in that aspect. But the scenes that stand out in my mind were of an abandoned amusement park and two harrowing flights where a helicopter took on Mother Nature.
Cornwell’s prose brings scenes to life. Whether protagonist Kay Scarpetta is performing an autopsy in the lab or on site, the reader is a part of the action. The same holds true when she encounters dangers during her investigation. The scenes with the caves and mines of West Virginia make you feel transported to that location.
The first murder is solved in a traditional way. But catching the second murderer involves the use of AI. And secret military autopsy rooms. A stretch of the imagination leads to the possibility that these secret rooms examine beings other than humans. But in the end it is simple greed and vengeance, not “Others”, responsible for the death of Kay’s old friend and lover.
As the plot unravels, the author suggests a plausible explanation for the increase in UAP/UFO sightings. High tech secret flying machines produced by various countries, both friend and foe. To bring a touch of reality, the infamous Chinese weather balloon gets a mention in the story.
Identity unknown has multiple meanings in the novel. Both victim and villain need identification with respect to the second murder. Plus, what kind of unidentified flying machine left a circle of flower blossoms around the body? Finally, a decades long mystery kept by Kay of the mystery lover from Italy.
This last brings out a myriad of emotions during an interview by top military authorities. The attempt at discernment on Kay’s relationship with the victim stirs a wide range of emotions with respect to Kay, Benton and Marino. Thus, the examination of their feelings becomes a main thread in the story. For this reader, the approach is preferable to the suspenseful gore of earlier novels. The lack of intense violence makes the book more palatable.
The last two books of Cornwell’s have softened in tone. The graphic descriptions are there but fortunately the terror is gone. I enjoy suspense, but not violent terror. I am glad I checked this out at the library. See if your local library has a copy or find it on Libby.
A 2025 release by Allen Eskens, The Quiet Librarian is historical fiction at its’ best. However, the history is fairly recent. The book rotates between present day Minnesota and the 1995 civil war in Yugoslovia. Specifically, the ethnic genocide of that summer. Eskens is excellent at conveying the horrors of war. Men, women and children all suffer. Neighbors and friends turn against each other along ethnic and religious lines. When a country is at war from within, there is no escape; “war has a way of finding everyone.”
The protagonist, Hana Babić has lived in Farmington, Minnesota for thirty years. She leads a quiet dull existence. Yet her instincts immediately kick in when a police detective appears at the library seeking information about a friend. Hana has secrets as did her friend who died under suspicious circumstances.
In her late forties, Hana appears older aided by hairstyle and drab clothing. Her past identity is hidden. Or so she thought.
Assigned to the investigation of a deadly incident, David Claypool starts with Hana, who is the person named to become the guardian of Dylan Greene. He is trying to determine just how a woman tumbled from a balcony to the street below. Signs indicate either a struggle or torture. He seeks help from the quiet librarian.
Sparks fly between the two.
Flashbacks provide the backstory of Hana Babić. The atrocities of war transformed a teenager into a warrior. The author does not mince words. People change when fighting. Self-preservation and revenge lie in each individual. Peaceful lives are shattered. Killing and death become the norm.
As a young teenager, Hana escapes death but the only meaning left in life is revenge. Thus, she is a wanted woman by present day Serbians. And her friend may have lost her life protecting Hana’s true identity.
The Quiet Librarian explores multiple types of love: love of family, of friends and of a lover. Hana’s internal struggles to keep her secrets may destroy a future romantic relationship with David Claypool. However, her secrets not only protect her life, but also that of young Dylan.
In the opening pages, Hana is shelving books in the Civil War section of the history stacks. The nuance of the foreshadowing is just one instance of the author’s ability to weave depth into the story. Casting Hana as a quiet librarian is another. War and its threats are spread across Earth as I write this. Causes vary. Hatred and fear of religious differences are on par with greed for another country’s land and resources, so justifications also deviate. The “why” of war takes a backseat to the horror.
This is the first novel from Allen Eskens that I have read. In the author’s notes, Eskens indicates it differs from his other work. I do not know what the differentiation is. However, the writing is outstanding. The romantic spark between the two leads is juxtaposed with each individual’s internal code of ethics. The conflict threatens their chance at happiness. But lives are at stake. The twist at the end was unexpected and satisfying to this reader. I highly recommend.
After Sundown is a collaboration between Linda Howard and Linda Jones. This is yet another 2020 release that I missed. Searching for books on Libby is not nearly as rewarding as scanning book shelves and displays.
The novel is a combination of a spicy romance (adults only) and a survivalist thriller. A natural disaster strikes in the form of a coronal mass ejection (CME) and hero and isolationist Ben Jernigan somehow feels the need to warn just one person-Sela Gordon.
Sela Gordon is the main character in After Sundown. Most of the writing is from her point of view. A divorcee, she is content to interact with customers and her family. She sees no need to chase companionship. Ben is one of her customers. Interactions have been quick and quiet, typical for two introverts.
However, both are born leaders. So, they are thrust out of their comfort zones during this emergency. Sela supports and then stands in for her aunt as a De-facto leader of Wears Valley. Gradually, Ben is drawn in to help the inhabitants of the valley as well.
Naturally, life is different without electricity. Especially after sundown. The relationship between Sela and Ben becomes deeply personal. And the scenes are explicit. If you are averse to spicy romances, you can easily skip over these parts as they do not take up a majority of the book.
Furthermore, the authors include a lot of common-sense ideas for dealing with no electricity. Yet, the novel is at heart a story of love and validation. The prepping hints do not interfere with the plot.
Of course, any disaster-based story tends to have a wide range of characters. In After Sundown opportunists do appear. But the real danger comes from the drug addicts and alcoholics that no longer have a steady supply.
Fortunately, most of the characters fall into the “good guy” category.
I enjoyed the novel. While I have not read any of the books penned by the two Lindas, I have reviewed Linda Howard previously. You can find the review by clicking here. Since After Sundown was released a few years ago, you may need to order online. Or check it out of the library like I did.
I found The Next Mrs. Parrish difficult to read. It was the theme, not the writing. Even though the sister duo writing as Liv Constantine excel with their creation of characters, I find manipulation off-putting. And two of the characters are the epitome of manipulators. Plus, there was one small plot flaw that needs addressing.
Additionally, this is the third book featuring Amber Patterson Parrish. A master of evading punishment, one wonders if there will be yet a fourth novel featuring this con artist. Characters people love to hate, tend to re-appear.
In addition to Amber, Daphne Parrish (the first Mrs. Parrish), Jackson Parrish and Daisy Ann Briscoe all have pivotal roles and their own chapters/point of views. This approach connects the readers with the individual characters. Since the characters all have human flaws, misdirection by Constantine keeps the reader guessing as to how the story will unravel.
This technique could have been extended to Mason Briscoe. The one piece of the plot that did not make sense to me was the 180° turn by Mason concerning Daisy Ann’s quest to bring her father’s killer to justice. Most of the novel he was dead set against her actions. Then in the final pages he was by her side. An explanation was needed for this reader.
The novel is characterized as a psychological thriller. With a few exceptions, action scenes and physical violence are absent. Thus, focus is on the tremendous damage that can be inflicted through manipulation and lies. Perhaps this is why reading The Next Mrs. Parrish was so difficult.
Manipulators are everywhere. Most are not as evil as Amber Patterson Parrish. Many just want to have their own way. The phrase had her cake and ate it too comes to mind. Yet, everyday manipulation creates a rippling effect across lives. So, this novel seems so much more plausible and that is scary.
The Good vs. Evil struggle is a key part of this novel. Furthermore, Liv Constantine provided unique forms of justice-indeed diabolical in the case of Jackson Parrish. Sometimes death is the easy way out. So, I do recommend the novel. The book is perfect for those cold winter nights reading by the fire.
Rainbow Rowell released Slow Dance in 2024. The story takes place in 2006 and “before.” At first the flashbacks were hard to follow. Then they became the heart of the book. Additionally, correspondence between the two main characters enriched the writing. Of course, the flashbacks contained letters and postcards while the 21st century used emails.
Shiloh, Cary and Mikey were fast friends in high school. Even though everyone, including Mikey, thought Shiloh and Cary were more than friends, they weren’t. At least not in high school. Since the theme of Slow Dance is one of star-crossed lovers, there was one hook-up during the “before.”
After parting as teenagers, each went their separate ways. Shiloh fell into a failed marriage and Cary dedicated himself to the Navy. The latter a barrier to the free-spirited Shiloh from a philosophical stand.
The irony of Slow Dance is the inability for the pair to communicate despite their closeness contrasted by the talent of the author to communicate with the reader. Rowell’s flashbacks and dialogue via email keep the reader hoping for a lasting connection between Shiloh and Cary. She creates compelling characters as well as a fresh storyline for a traditional theme.
Neither Shiloh nor Cary come from a traditional family. Both lived in the same lower income neighborhood. Both wanted escape, but only Cary succeeded. Shiloh never knew her father. Cary’s situation was even more complicated as his “mom” was his grandmother and his “sister” his mom. Yet family remains an important constant. Love and loyalty shine through.
This is the first book by Rowell that I have read. I found it compelling and entertaining. I am so thankful for my local library as it was on the “NEW” table that I seek out every time I enter. If your library does not have a copy, it is certainly worth finding online or in a bookstore.
Slow Dance is perfect for book clubs and young adults. Romance fans like me may read it in one sitting as I did. There are many authors, and Rainbow Rowell is a very talented one. Another winner from the heartland.
Louise Penny’s The Grey Wolf released in 2024 looks at the possibility of bioterrorism. At the same time, the many layers of the Catholic Church also play a part in the murder mystery. Long-time fans will love this book a part of the series featuring Armand Gamache. Furthermore, newcomers should not worry about missing previous stories. The Grey Wolf not only does a good job of standing alone, but it also has the reader anxiously looking for the follow-up 2025 release-The Black Wolf.
Although quite a few of the minor characters are from previous books, Penny does an excellent job of weaving enough clues and background information into the story. This allows the occasional reader of her work and even a first timer to enjoy the developing plot. For this occasional reader, not remembering one key character was actually helpful. And in The Grey Wolf, the plodding Gamache did not lose my interest as did the last book read a year or two before the pandemic.
Misdirection is still part of the author’s writing skill. Dying words kept this reader guessing as to who would be disclosed as traitors. I was wrong.
Trust is the overarching theme of the book. Penny does an excellent job of demonstrating the importance of trust on both a personal level and a community/governmental level. Multiple characters in the story experience the question of who to trust. Furthermore, the inability to trust leads to self-doubt and second guessing. Naturally, this plays into the hands of the villains.
Key scenes emphasize the dangers of distrust including the one located in Washington, D.C. The author is clearly sending a message. One that is important to heed.
Penny uses the backdrop of various cloisters to add a philosophical component to the story. Differing religious orders are also included and distinguished from one another.
Of great foreshadowing was a parable of the Grey Wolf and the Black Wolf. Penny deftly uses this parallel to hook the reader on the next release. At least this reader is anxious for the next edition in the series.
The Grey Wolf has various international settings. So, even though the beautiful Province of Quebec starts and ends the story, Penny expands her descriptive prose to the Vatican, a French fortress of a monastery, a watering hole in Washington, D.C. as well as the governmental halls of Ottawa. She also weaves in a comparison of the governments both north and south of the border.
It has been a few years since I last read a novel by Louise Penny. The Grey Wolf entertains. Furthermore, it creates impatience for the next in the series. Find a copy today. Highly entertaining!
My Top Ten Books of 2024 highlights my favoritism of fiction over non-fiction. I struggled on whether to include non-fiction on the list as I have for certain years. Or leave them off all together since I read too few to compile a list. In the end, my decision was to discuss the top three.
Most of the non-fiction I read is categorized as self-help or do-it-yourself. Perhaps I read too many biographies as a child and too many research and theory books during my career. Regardless of the reason, most of what I read is either home improvement or self-improvement. This year follows the trend. So, there are no top ten books of 2024 in this category. But here are three with merit.
Survive and Thrive: How to Prepare for any Disaster Without Ammo, Camo, or Eating Your Neighbor by Bill Fulton and Jeanne Chilton Devon is excellent. Anyone who has experienced a natural disaster knows the importance of preparedness. In addition to reading and owning this book, visit www.ready.gov.
Early in the year, I read Hidden Potential. Adam Grant presents anecdotes outlining theories and then follows with constructive steps to reach goals. For the most part, reading is straightforward. However, there are parts where one must diligently slog through. Nothing worth doing is easy.
Finally, Ageless Aging: A Woman’s Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan by Maddy Dychtwald with Kate Hanley is a book I am gifting. While geared toward women my current age, I wish I had read it decades ago. Especially the part concerning finances.
As always, determining the order of the top ten books of 2024 was difficult. Click on the title to reach each review. This helps determine if the book will be a good gift for your holiday shopping. The tones vary from light-hearted to deep suspense.