“These are the lessons to be learned. Drink chamomile tea to calm the spirit. Feed a cold, starve a fever. Read as many books as you can. Always choose courage. Never watch a woman burn. Know that love is the answer.”

Powerful read. In today‘s time of the overturning of Roe v. Wade it is even more so. There was a huge fight and lots of sacrifices made for women to be in charge of their own bodies; and this book gives that perspective. So many women do not have the privilege of choice. And to quote one of the characters, “as long as the male sex continues to exist there will be a need”.

Ideas are seen in our heads like seeds. Some are scattered and some are forgotten; others take root and grow to become something much bigger than they were in the beginning. Sometimes we make notes in the margins of our minds, thoughts and ideas that are just for us alone to read and ponder over.

In my favorite reading spot, ready to start a book recommended by one of the librarians at one of my many local libraries available to me. (I realize that when I have 3 libraries within 10 miles of my home or work is a luxury for which I am very grateful!) It also came with a bookmark! I chose a black and white filter because of the WWII setting. #weekend #weekendreads #NEVERwithoutabook

I love the Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacot series. Just downloaded the latest and it‘s already great 3 chapters in. To borrow from Kingsley in the Harry Potter series, Say what you will about JK Rowling‘s personal views. You‘ve got to admit she creates great characters and stories.

So, this would have been a pass should I have come across it myself. My husband was recommended this as a gift for me from our local Barnes and Nobles. This is a true literal “don‘t judge a book by its cover” or it‘s title. This was a really fantastic crime/mystery novel! I read it in a day and will be on the look out for more in the Hard Case Crime series.

So, I rarely find a book that I don‘t like; and this book had a lot of potential. I liked the premise and the fact that the author brought in sexual identity and neurodiversity in her characters. However, everything was too much for me — too much angst, too much personal drama. I felt like Ron Weasley when he said that a person couldn‘t feel all those things or they would explode. I almost bailed but I needed to find out how it ended.

Just finished this wonderful book. I loved the quirky band of characters, the glimpses of past memories and the present, and the growth of relationships throughout this story of a not so talked about subject—death and dying. Eudora and her “family” are now added to my long list of literary heroes. 💕

Being from North Carolina, I always enjoy reading books by local authors. Angela Davis-Gardner has a captivating narrative style that keeps you hooked in to the end. While I did not grow up in the time era of the book, the setting and descriptions were identifiable and nostalgic. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

“Sheer Entertainment” is accurate! I adored The Windsor Knot and have been saving this for a good rainy day read. I would love to see the author perhaps write about Queen Elizabeth as a younger woman solving mysteries.

I really enjoy the historical fiction of Marie Benedict. This selection is co-authored with Victoria Christopher Murray and gives us a glimpse into the life of Belle de Costa Greene. Being a woman in the early 1900‘s was limiting. Being a woman and black was even more so. Belle de Costa Greene passed for white and became the personal librarian to J.P. Morgan. What an extraordinary story and life.

I was excited to find this at the library today as I thoroughly enjoyed the first book: Mycroft Holmes. I have admired Kareem Abdul-Jabbar from my childhood days and to know he shares my love of mysteries makes him even cooler in my eyes.

My Historical Fiction find at Barnes and Nobles! Already hooked into the storyline from the first pages.

Boy, I really enjoyed this book! Sweet, romantic story of two women — one in current time and one‘s story from WWII. Well developed characters with a well written story line. A happy ending, too. Exactly what I needed to read on vacation!

So far this book is riveting! Enough past/“present” narrative to keep me intrigued and wondering just HOW is this going to end?!!

Love Kate Morrison! With this one, though, I felt I had to do a “quick read” to see what happens at the end and I don‘t usually do that. Part of it was there were so many layers/characters that I was getting too restless to invest. However, I will be re-reading for a more thorough job the second time around.

Definitely a beach read. Plot was a bit transparent and predictable and the female characters were too angsty.

This one I had to finish in a day! An excellent mystery set in the 1920‘s based on true events. Well written and a page turner to see what will happen!

I liked that this book had a unique plot and characters. I enjoyed reading it, but when I got to the end I felt as if I had missed something or needed more for a true ending.

A rainy day, warm blanket and the latest from one of my favorite series!

A very different perspective of German women in the aftermath of World War II. The story line was compelling and I finished it in a day.

I really enjoy historical fiction. Not sure how this will end, but I was sucked in to the characters and plot within the first chapter. I can only imagine what life was like for those during World War II on any side.

The opening line of this book was perfection. "Every night, Frank played harmonica for the cats." Richard Fifield captures small town life and complexities of family disfunction. With characters that draw you in, humor, and realism, this book reminds me of Richard Russo novels. Poignant, bittersweet, but with a resolution that allows for happiness through tears. Well worth the read.

Whew, I rarely decide to not finish a book. However, this book's main character was so unrelatable. Her internal dialogue was pompous, shallow and so melodramatic that I just couldn't finish it. I am a fan of historic fiction and this book didn't cut it. I cringed at the thought of this real person being reduced to being Alexander Hamilton's cheerleader upon first sight.

Best opening line ever! Hoping this book is as good as the first sentence.

Excellent book! The story of adoption, marriage and parenthood pulls you in from the beginning. The sacrifices and realities of life in India is quite heartbreaking. Very well written.

Found the historical fiction section at Emerald Isle Books! Took a pic so I could remember the titles.

"It reminded him that time was short, but that beautiful endings could still be found at the end of cold, dreary days."

"And if we can't make me better, can we at least make me not CARE that I'm not better?"