Some poets took the title literally with trees, a cactus, parks, the ocean and other natural places central to their prose. Other contributors described their internal “here.” It was less engaging than I had hoped. Some favorites: When the fact of your gaze…, Aia I Hea Ka…, Unendangered Moths, Remembering a honeymoon and To think of Italy… Only 3 ⭐️ for this collection.

It has been several years since my Civil War class in college (shout out to my prof with unbelievable recall); but as I read DoU I was reminded that the missteps, misunderstandings and mistakes on both sides seemed to fan instead of douse the flames of war. The declarations of secession for many of the confederacy were honest; it was about slavery 1st and state‘s rights 2nd. A 4/5 ⭐️ read with contemporary insights.

In this novel, Quain dreams up a young adult Sense and Sensibility on a cruise ship. Margaret is planning a summer on the sea with her sensible oldest sister Elinor before leaving for college, but the romantic middle sister Marianne appears after another shattering breakup. Margaret devises a plan to find new love for Marianne, but Margaret is the one in danger of falling when she meets Gabe. A 4⭐️ pick for a sassy heroine full of wit and love.

Jefferson Davis - “Our separation from the old Union is complete. No compromise, no reconstruction can now be entertained.”

I suspended my hold so as to not read this at such a fraught time, but in a moment of weakness I downloaded it when it was again available. That was a mistake. It is a difficult read at this time in history.

The Secret Book & Scone Society friends and the Miracle Springs community are still reeling from the murders and financial fallout of the summer. A new mystery arrives at Nora‘s door in the form of a young woman in need of help. The friends take her under their wings, but is she behind a new murder? I was a little less invested in the murder mystery, but did appreciate how Nora and the others worked together to help a newcomer. It‘s a ⭐️⭐️⭐️+ pick

Mallory is making a place for herself in 1869 Edinburgh. She is the assistant to Dr. Gray and aids him and McCreadie in their investigations. The friends are invited to a mummy unwrapping, but the unwrapping unveils murder and ruins Mallory‘s borrowed dress. There is a mystery to solve and Mallory is given an unexpected opportunity. Interesting historical notes in this entry. A 3+⭐️ pick. I guess I now have to wait for the 4th installment.

Still trapped in 1869 Edinburgh, Mallory along with Dr. Gray and company investigate three mysterious deaths. The stakes are raised when Gray and Isla‘s older sister, Anis is under suspicion for poisoning her husband. Another satisfying 3+ ⭐️ read from Armstrong. I am enjoying the series and when I have finished one title I promptly download the next.

Mallory is in Edinburgh to visit her grandmother, but on a run she sees a young woman being attacked. While distracted, the police detective is strangled and left for dead. Impossibly, Mallory wakes up in Victorian Edinburgh and struggles to adjust and find a way home. This was a fun time travel mystery. Interesting characters and detail. Some details were repetitive. It is a pick with 3+⭐️. I am reading the next in the series.

I have decided to keep my reading light or uplifting. This entry in the Ellie Avery series is an engaging addition to my list. Ellie‘s organizing business is sidelined & she finds herself caught up in parenthood & planning too many parties. Ellie discovers two dead bodies in one grave, joins the search for a missing person and can‘t help but begin her own investigations. Three ⭐️ for a few interesting plot twists, Ellie & nice narration.

Glory is a feisty member of a Lafayette Catholic Church & Red Hat Ladies group. She‘s also a bookie working out of a local coffee shop each Sunday. One Sunday she learns of a police call to her best friend‘s apartment. When Glory arrives she finds her Catholic nun friend dead. Glory can‘t shake the feeling that something is deeply wrong and with the help of her daughter begins to investigate even though she has problems of her own. A 4⭐️📖with❤️.

Hattie only needs to survive senior year, but when she is asked to be an ambassador to new student Kit, Hattie‘s carefully constructed facade falls to reveal the grief and hurts she has shouldered for 3 years. The pain and angst feel real, but the ghost hunting less so. I did like the relationships between Hattie, Kit and her family. The narrator did a fine job. A pick with ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for a fun diversion and the joy of young attraction.

Seventh grader, Jordan wants to go to an art school, but with the help of financial aid his parents are able to send him to a private academy known for academics, but not diversity. A sweet story about fitting in, finding friends and standing up for yourself. A 4 of 5 ⭐️ pick for this story with great illustrations and lots of heart.

In 1892 Bombay, a recently medically discharged army Captain becomes interested in the mysterious death of two young women. He is inspired to investigate and is welcomed into the home of the grieving family. With a flair for disguise, Captain Jim methodically follows clues, uncovering more mysteries. With lots of characters, locations and plot twists the audio was at times confusing, but well done. 4/5 ⭐️ for a rousing debut novel.

I had trouble with the way the author played with the timeline, but that does not detract from the power of this novel. A plot that begins as a retelling of Huckleberry Finn from Jim‘s viewpoint, but evolves into a compelling commentary on injustice and a narrative of self-actualization. A work worthy of its many accolades. A 4+/5⭐️pick.

It is difficult to believe that Jim would have time to launch Huck in the canoe and then walk to the cave. Once there he first practiced writing and then completed an essay before returning to the bank of the river to see Huck arrive on the other side. How wide was the river? Impactful read, but I am finding some of the continuity issues distracting.

After reading a few reviews here, I checked out an audio copy. I loved it. A contemporary take on Pride & Prejudice this YA novel features Georgiana Darcy and her very real, very teen problems as she returns for her junior year at a prestigious academy after a traumatic sophomore year. Georgie has a plan to fix everything and find love for her brother. If only real life was as easy as things on her favorite series. A 4 ⭐️ read. Thank you Littens.

I had high hopes that this might be a bit of a romp. I haven‘t read or seen anything Bridgerton, but I always like a woman that knows her own mind and has the means to make her own way. The title was off-putting as was some of the treachery and violence against women. The MC, Petra and her friends are the biggest draw. This 2.5/5 ⭐️ didn‘t meet expectations.

Maddie sneaks away to spend the weekend at her grandparents empty apartment and is left behind after her Colorado community is evacuated. She finds herself alone with only a Rottweiler for company as the days turn into weeks and months. With no way to get help or reach her family, Maddie needs to learn how to survive. This YA novel in verse is reminiscent of a similarly themed classic, but its MC and contemporary setting is a fresh take-4/5 ⭐️.

Dark, classic and sophisticated mystery featuring Edgar A. Poe. After a gruesome murder at West Point Academy, retired investigator Augustus Landor is tasked with finding the killer. His “inside man” is none other than Cadet Edgar A. Poe. The two bond over drinks and late night philosophical discussions. Will their bond help them solve the murders? By turns smart and emotional to earn 4 of 5 ⭐️.

Charles Paris, an alcoholic underemployed actor finds himself investigating the disappearance of his former flame‘s lover. The missing man is found dead of natural causes, but Charles‘s snooping has put him in danger. This was nearly a DNF. The 1970‘s setting and the MC‘s constant pursuit of alcoholic oblivion was frustrating. I was interested in the mystery and held on till the bitter end, but I won‘t continue the series. Didn‘t age well⭐️⭐️.

First in a series featuring Nora, a small town bookstore owner that can give you the right books to help you through a difficult problem. Nora and three other women come together to solve the murder of a man trying to absolve his guilt about the work he does for a local land development co. Each of the women learn to trust each other with their secrets and will need that friendship to survive their investigation. Satisfying read at 3+/5 ⭐️.

Amusing romantic comedy featuring a badly hurt chicken and the two hurt humans that rescue her. Trixie and Bear (Barrett) meet when Trixie stops traffic to rescue an injured chicken and Bear runs interference. They become roommates, but both have difficulty being themselves and demonstrating their feelings. A 2+⭐️ rating for chicken chaos, humor, cute main characters, family hurts and love.

Loved the fourth installment in this series. A friend of the club is murdered. With many suspects and a rising body count, the four Thursday Murder club members each play an important part as they work to solve this dangerous series of crimes. A heartbreaking loss reminds each one that life and love is precious. Great character development and a mystery that kept me guessing merits 4•/5 ⭐️.

A new listing for Kate is a beautiful, but run down mansion. It has potential, but also a body killed in a grisly murder years ago. The original guests from the last dinner party are returning to the house to protect their secrets. Sara, Kate and Jack want to solve the 25 year old murder. The suspects seem too nice and the trio learn that relationships evolve. Another solid entry in the series with 3+⭐️s.

This was a recent Libby Big Library Read. The MC, Tuyet is a recently divorced mother in Vietnam in the early 1940‘s. After an encounter with a corrupt official, Tuyet is wooed by an occupying Japanese soldier. They begin a life together, but as the country remains a pawn of the French, the violence and misery for the family and Vietnam increases. A slow start, but ultimately emotional satisfying novel for 4 ⭐️.

Miles Morales is having a bad day. He is serving in-school suspension for standing up for himself and so distracted by thoughts of bad teachers, fairness and girls that he almost misses the villain sitting near him. The “day in a life” narrative is told with simple exposition punctuated with spare gorgeous poetry. Four ⭐️s for this novel that has Miles take on racism and other critters.

“A pit, boiling, burning, bubbles bursting in me…”
What spider-sense feels like

Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron are back with a new case involving the disappearance of a local TV personality 10 years ago. The gang keeps growing as each member brings friends and enemies into the fold. The case has a lot of twists and turns and romance is afoot, but each member remains true to themselves. TBTM is endearing, funny and sad at 3+⭐️.

Kendra and Adam are pulled into a new case when a serial killer reappears after 15 years and the daughter‘s of one of his victims disappear. More straightforward investigating and less reliance on Kendra‘s sensory superpowers. When are directed clandestine activities a cover for evil? No big surprises, but always satisfaction that there is some justice. Fast paced and expectations met. 3/5⭐️

I wanted to read a graphic novel on my eReader and selected Super Boba Cafe with few expectations. Aria is escaping trouble at home and spending the summer with her grandmother helping at the Boba Cafe. Her grandmother has a secret and it is up to Aria to free her from it. The story was a little goofy and a little sweet. Three ⭐️ for the adorable kittens.

This author read audio book kept me engaged until the end. A young houseboy fulfilling a promise and an apprentice dressmaker working at a dancehall to pay her mother‘s debts are thrown together with dangerous results. Choo‘s novel explores family relationships against the lush backdrop of 1930‘s Malay. Adding more Choo titles to my TBR after this 4/5 ⭐️ read.

Orphaned Crow lives on one of the small Elizabeth Islands off of Massachusetts. It is 1925 and at 12 she begins to ask the difficult questions her guardian Osh has trouble answering. Ostracized by the other islanders, Crow can‘t help but want to learn about her parents, but this search becomes dangerous and Crow learns she has more friends than she knew. Only 3⭐️ for a this one.

This is a lovely children‘s novel. Eleven year old Sophia‘s best friend is her 87 year old neighbor Sophie. When Sophie‘s son has concerns about his mother‘s wellbeing, young Sophia devises a plan to keep her best friend close. A sweet reminder that friendship is not limited to age, experience or distance. Four ⭐️ recommendation for friends of all ages.

A horrible murder is discovered and Din must go investigate and then report back to his superior, Ana. They discover it is only one of a series of violent deaths. It is a world with helpful and dangerous plants, peopled by individuals enhanced in ways to better do their work, protecting the empire from leviathans from the sea. Rushing to discover the truth, Ana and Din forge a strong partnership. Solid characters and an interesting world merit 3⭐️

Another great Towles novel. A Gentleman had a MC tied to one place, but The Highway takes us on a road trip. Emmett & his younger brother, Billy are on their own and ready to drive The Lincoln Highway to California to start a new life. But, first they have to deal with two workhouse runaways with other plans. At turns, funny & heartbreaking, this novel will take you on an epic journey worthy of 4+ ⭐️. Amazing narration elevates Towles‘ prose.

A tragic fire at a controversial oxygen therapy clinic leaves 2 dead and 3 injured. On trial is a mother, but everyone lies to cover up their secrets. The plot has nice pacing and it kept me engaged with the story. I did want to know who set the fire. I did not like any of the characters and had mixed feelings about the outcome. So a so-so at 3 of 5 ⭐️.

Andrea and her brother Pablo are young Puerto Rico born children living with their parents in a small rural factory town in Massachusetts. Their mother flees with them to PR and their lives are up ended as they are caught between their parents and two different cultures. They return home, but fitting in and growing up against the backdrop of the 1960‘s and 1970‘s is lonely and painful. A 4 ⭐️ pick for an inspiring and beautiful novel.

A heartfelt contemporary novel about the relationship and family struggles of an ultra rich family in New York. It is a soft pick at 3 of 5 ⭐️.

First in a translated series. A Nordic procedural featuring a young detective with a complicated traumatic past. A series of murders and an investigation that uncovers a frightening conspiracy. The twisty twisted plot was less satisfying than the revelations and relationships of the MC, but the short chapters and narration increased the tension and propelled the story. A 3.5 ⭐️ pick. The sequel will go on my TBR list.

Loved this novel in free verse. No editing needed. The verse propels the two timelines in Odder‘s life as a Monterey Bay otter needing rescuing. It made me smile and cry. The illustrations are beautiful. A delightful 5/5 ⭐️ for any age.

Such joy! I am loving this novel in verse. The illustrations are delightful.

Ogilvie packs a great deal of detail into this A to Z volume of the eclectic people that helped create the Oxford English Dictionary. The varied and prodigious contributions are as interesting as the people that made them. Although an inspired work, it was too much material and needed editing. It is a soft pick for me with 3 of 5 ⭐️.

Allen‘s book offered me an opportunity to remember the importance of recognizing emotions and the impact they have on my body, mind and spirit. She offers simple, but effective ways to understand and let go of emotions that hurt our ability to enjoy life. She reminds readers that they may not be able to heal without professional help. This was a 4⭐️ pick and pick-me-up at the right time.

Lucinda has lost her father and her fiancée to violence. Although officially cleared, society still views her with suspicion, especially since as a botanist of talent she is asked to use it to help the police. Now a poisoner has used one of her plants to kill. Lucinda hires Caleb from the Jones Detective Agency to find the murderer. Together they uncover a complex plot to take down the Arcane Society. A dash of wit, danger and romance for 3+⭐️.

Cash is back! The Red River has flooded much of the valley and a woman‘s body has floated into Ada. Sheriff Wheaton hopes Cash can help. As Cash investigates she is intrigued by a prairie church pastor and his wife with a connection to the murdered woman. I love that Cash is also learning about friendships and relationships as she sleuths. If only her judo helped more! This 3rd in the series is a pick and rates 4 of 5 ⭐️.

Graphic edition of Gaiman‘s short story. Spare and dark, but there was little depth for me. Beautiful illustration juxtaposed with an ugly tale. It is a pan with only 2+⭐️.

Belle da Costa Greene was a remarkable and formidable woman. Hired by JP Morgan in her 20‘s she researched, purchased and built one of the most prestigious library collections. After his death she remained the librarian and oversaw its transition from private to public library. Although she was well-known in society she kept her past and her private life secret. A 4⭐️pick for a portrait of an inspirational woman ahead of her time.

Second in a series and reading out of order may have made this novel much harder to follow. Lacking context, I found the first third of the book slow and a little frustrating. The crime solving duo of Mossa and Pleiti were pleasant enough, but I can muster only 2+⭐️ out of 5 for this cozy mystery set among the stars in a far away future.

Interesting premise and plot. The initial impression of the titular character is of a smart, driven woman using all of her assets to become a movie star at the height of Hollywood glam. The reality is more nuanced and complex. This 4⭐️ pick thoughtfully delves into important topics and offers a strong cast of characters.

At the Great Exhibition of 1851, Kara Levett is there relishing her opportunity to showcase her intricate automatons. When a man is found dead, she is a prime suspect. With the help of another exhibitor, Niall Kier, Kara investigates the murder to try and clear her name. First in a series, this breezy period mystery rates 3 ⭐️s out of 5.