A Room Of Books

Effie is a lone mom with children. She also takes care of her daughter's child, her grandbaby. Every day there is a battle of some kind. Frank, one son, is a bully. Everything makes him angry. He resents his niece. Not knowing why in the world the  mother walked off and left her, He thinks the infant is just one more mouth to feed. This is not a happy family whether in their house or outside on the street. Every person is miserable. Changing their lives does not seem possible. Not true, there is a little bit of love in each one.  

     Emigrants are rushing to America to start new lives. Although they are away,  on the boat they still suffer. Their dreams never have a chance to grow. Golda experiences a nightmare while traveling. One she will never forget. This book is hard to put down. You can feel Golda trying to figure out how to start a new life in a place where no one knows her except her brother - in - law.Your guess is good as mine. I only know she will have to move forward.  Before our dreams come true, there are many obstacles. Some times you just want to give up. I think Golda is too loving and strong to sit down and do nothing. She has a lot of life to live. Thank you to She Writes Press for a complimentary copy.  

It is difficult to determine the historical time of the book. It begins with a particular incident and goes forward, I wanted, at least, the year that it all took place.Reconstruction, during the war or immediately after the war? The Emancipation is mentioned. So, all we need is a date.  Looking back I see the author, Kim Coleman Foote, gives far more information about a date than I expected. The story is filled with pathos. I feel that the ones telling the story have invited me into their home to hear their memories. Some White people were brave enough to say these people are not human. Therefore, they need nothing except work. In Coleman Hill, we hear the longings of the Black people. They had dreams to conquer like any other human beings. They dreamed of going to school too. An education would lead to many other dreams becoming real. Thank you for a complimentary copy from Zando Projects

Today, there are so many devotionals. "Bold Pursuit" seems like just one more at the bookstore. This devotional is different. It is very simple while making very important points. There are three or so other parts, These bring the main point a deeper and more personal meaning. The book has the power to shake out our private weaknesses. With all of this, God's saving power of love comes through by saving us from ourselves.

  Nazis have taken over the town where Sylvia lives.  In "The Shadow of the Greenbrier"  by Emily Matchar,  there is a resort called Greenbrier.  Many of the Jews have experienced many moments there. There are seven hundred rooms. Once,  Debbie Reynolds and Bob Hope visited there. Howwever, no one expected to see the uninhibited Nazis at Green brier. Everything to the Nazis is one big laugh. How horrible it is to see these Nazis taking advantage of everyone and everything at the Green Brier.  It is difficult not to think of racism. The Germans or another group are called "Krauts." It is all so sad. Each group hates the other group. It is so depressing. Everything seems more divisive during this period in history. People are automatically stereotyped. It is so sad when one person examines the size of her nose. People have laughed at it. Apparently indviduals do not know how to take our individual differences seriously. If they would look without malice, their life wo

There is help for the pain. Viv, Janet and Zelda find one another by accident. One of the ladies has the idea to start a club, a widows' club.I think what a grand idea. After all the friends and relatives have left to catch a plane back to their homes or go back to work, they will have each other. Best of all they have shared the same experience, the death of a husband. There is no need to think this is a book just for widows. It's for widowers too. It is basically about friendship. There, with people who like you, you can unwind.  Discover your need. No reason to fear empty hole because there are friends to help you dig it out and clean it up. It is like excavation work. Then, you can explore ways to refill the hole. A club with friends who suffer in the same way. It is nothing but good.

 Life has settled in a delicious place for Nicole and Tom. They have won the lottery. They are now rich. Unfortunately, while money is just dropping from the stars and the moon there is sorrow. Tom is found face down in the pool dead. I feel so sorry for Nicole. She shared every moment with Tom. They were not only husband and wife. They were also best friends.  Life too often follows this scenario. In one hand are your wonderful dreams that have come true. In the other hand is all your tears for broken  (dreams) bubbles. It is for sure. Happiness can fly away too quickly. Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for a complimentary copy.

   Mattie is beginning to feel like her life has not been lived. In other words, she feels as though its in a rut. She asks for her goddaughter's help. Maybe it is too late for Mattie to begin a new way of life. Its probable she's too old to travel. Taking a spin on a new life is interesting. What most readers like reading about  is dreams and bucket lists. Really, your reading about courage. It takes a brave person to go for a whole new way of life. Just the thought of a person choosing to change deserves a reward.

It is too brutal. It makes me feel sick. Someone else would like this one. I am not reading any further. There is only gratitude for any written warnings about "The Bitter Past." It hurts and frightens me to think one person would commit a crime like this one. Of course, we hear about the torture of soldiers and other people on the news.  It's just awful. I am sure someone else, maybe a future detective, will love this book. There are many different types of Mystery readers and writers. It is fun reading this genre because everybody can find a book to interest their curiosity and to enhance their lives. Mysteries do serve as warnings about how not to live our lives.

 You can tell Elizabeth Goddard is familiar with writing adventure stories. From the very beginning you start breathing fast and your heart beats more quickly. When a woman goes missing from Alaska, the only thought is to find her.There is nothing else that matters. All of a sudden the community is depended on strangers who have some knowledge of the area or some other knowledge they can bring to the search. Are they the right people to use? Shadow at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard is a stand alone book. So, you can start it without thinking whether it is number three or number ten. I don't want to imagine being in these circumstances especially not without God.

 Life has become difficult for Kyle Getty. He is a real estate broker with a family. He has fists and he knows how to use them. He lacks self control. He judges situations too quickly. Then, decides he is Superman come to save the world. For a time he is admitted to a mental health facility. In Fallbrooke, we hope he will find his place in society again.

 Ellen and Rosanna are sisters. Their parents died while traveling. Since they are alone, they cling tightly to one another. The younger sister takes the position of an older sister. The older sister slips into the younger sister's position. Ellen wants her sister to have a good life. She is worried. She feels her sister has chosen the wrong man to date. His name is Matt. Not afraid to voice her opinion, Ellen constantly tells her sister why this relationship is not good for her. Of course, this kind of talk is not making Rosanna a happy camper.  It is absorbing to read about these two sisters straining under different needs and desires. We wonder whether their love for one another can stand the pressure. It is hoped their love for one another is a forever love.

 Onions, orange pots and lentils are only a tip of the different items found in Piglet's kitchen. Her love to connect with people through food is very much a part of her life. At the same there is the feeling that relationships are a strain for Piglet. Foods wrapped around irritation or admiration are comforting to read. You can smell the tea brewing and the potatoes cooking while feelings spread around, under and over a table or wherever you are standing. It is precious watching the dynamics grow, bloom and simmer.    

Danielle Steel restores meaning and purpose to life in all of her books. "Never Too Late" is no different. It is about all of us needing each other. It is also about insurmountable love. This time she takes us to New York.  

 I love Lois Lowry's books. Unfortunately, I am coughing too hard to write this review. It deserves every detail and a big hope that Lois Lowry will continue to write for a long, long time. This one, "Tree, Table, Book is just too cute.

  Becoming a widow or widower is more than sad. The question is how do you heal. Stella sees her father given over to strong grief. He misses Stella's mother. Stella, writes cooking articles. For now, she is extremely worried about her father.  Her typewriter is on the kitchen table. Stella finds time to comfort her father and to try recipes.I like this book. Who knew there had once been a Hannah Glasse? Stella is creative.She is creating recipes and also, striving to make a new world for her father. One that is less sad and lonely. I feel like donning a pretty apron and cooking a pie for a neighbor.

  Oh my goodness, I have fallen in love with the dedication written in the pages of "Murder at the Merton Library." Such a one entering the family is thought of as blissful. Within the pages of the book there is the smell of the library. If you love libraries, you will adore this mystery. The murder scene is particularly sophisticated and ugly. "Murder at the Merton Library is one of the finer pieces of Historical Fiction. Where there is fire, you smell the ashes and smoke. This book brings back to life all the deadened senses.  

 It is the snappy, fast floating world of fashion. The author, Natasha Lester, needs to know some of us do not know a bunch about this fancy world. I needed something explained. What did I need explained? Natasha Lester should know, if I do not.

Just when Carly is about to make a happy announcement to her husband, Eric, something horrible happens. We are in South Carolina where the whether is sticky and hot. Someone with a grudge is roaming around causing confusion and hate. Life is not precious to him or her. Colleen Coble catches attention with her first line. Her characters are like people who live in your neighborhood. Carly's grandmother has a grand plan for Carly's future life. You can read this one without worrying about hooking it up to a series. It stands alone. It is interesting reading about the life of a grandmother. Usually, grandmothers just sit in rockers and smile. The novel is a reminder that lives need planning. Do not make a plan and life will dry up like an unwatered African violent. This is  Christian Romantic Suspense. By the way, you must meet Noah.  

Little Ruby is kidnapped. She is three years old. Her family loves her, This is only one of the stories told by the heiress of Asby House in North Carolina. Rachel Hawkins' book is exciting. At first it is difficult to remember all the names and how they will blend with all the other lives mentioned in the book. Mainly, there is Ruby and Nelle. These girls are sisters. Ruby is the oldest. Nelle is the one whose purpose is to fill the emptiness life has left with Ruby gone. I like the novel because there are surprises. The family is different. I also like to read about people who can fulfill all their dreams. They are rich. I am fantasizing and enjoying it. Am I beginning to think about trading lives? Yes.    

 Petra decides not to marry. She will not change her mind. Her inheritance is in  her name, No one can take it from her. I suppose she is a Bluestocking?  She seems to have the perfect personality. She could marry or not and still remain content. Learning about what is going on all around her is interesting to read. It is thought everybody is doing fine, healthy,wealthy and wise, during the Regency period. This is not so.. Some suffer more than others. That is the only difference.  I am partial to Petra's name. I doubt that name is ever picked in our society at this time. Petra seems to know what talk to share with others. This is very important because conversation is the number one past time. It is an art to know how to glow in a group of conversationalists. Too little talk is not good. Too much is worse.  Celeste Connally has the magic touch. Because of her I do not want to leave this period in history, Regency, soon. I want to stick around and learn about their accoutrements. I

It is very sad to read about young minority men and women losing their lives. It is alsso sad to read about policemen dealing with sttess on the job while dealing with their home lives.Blood Betrayal is well written.   It is hard not to think that the book by Ausma Zehanat Khan is not non-fiction. It seems so real because of our daily news.      

Isabela Soto is Mexican. She has a very strict father. When Isa goes out on a date she is chaperoned by the housekeeper. Like most men, Isabela's father is concerned about Politics. Should Mexico become a state or become independent? There are definite feelings about whether the United States should help or stay out of the arena. I am surprised. Feelings about religion have not been brought up yet.  Memories about hurricanes.  Simply because so many lost their lives. A severe case of Pneumonia  causes the death of Isabela's grandmother. San Felipe is blamed for the sickness. All in all I see this as a lovely romance. It is a love story. I hope not a tragic one. It is also Puerto Rico's story.

It is exciting to read about the Twenties.  I like to read about the movie stars and any scandalous behavior they might have shown.In "Murder Off Stage" by Mary Miley an actor is shot two or three times on stage. There is no way to know who shot  the actor on stage. Just think of all the people in the audience who heard the shooting gun. Whoever murdered him must have been in a  calm rage. The mind might have been stimulated. Perhaps, he felt courageous. It just shows the shooter's thoughts are totally mixed up. We can never read too many mysteries. The motives for murder are manifold. The audience might have  quickly began to search their hearts for the smallest acts  or the most daring acts. in their lives. Perhaps, the public did their soul searching much later. First, they must have gone into shock.

 In her dreams,,  she lives in a parallel universe.Then, she comes back to a normal life. She  receives a model of one in the mail. There are no postal markings on it.  What comes out of the package she uses to create a parallel world. This book ix extremely different. That is if you have no knowledge of parallel universes.  I am the latter. Please enjoy this as a new experience or an old one. Perhaps, you have a guide like Brilliant Jade. Red Dust, White Snow does make you think of what our future worlds will look like. What if you do not want to experience it? Is there a word for no? Thank you to Fairlight Book for a complimentary copy.

t  Tessa, Nova, Jason and Kristie live in Omaha, Nebraska. Tess's daughter is Nova. Jason lives with Tessa and Nova.  Kristie is Tessa's best friend. Tessa feels responsibile for everyone's well being. Tessa yearns to have a great mother and daughter relationship.  Trying harder to make Nova open up to her just does not work. In the background somewhere is Tessa's ex-husband Donny. He puts his needs before Nove all the time. The bombshell is that Nova wants to move in with her father. This breaks Tess's heart.  It is so much going on here. I do not blame Tessa for being upset and broken about everything that is happening to Nove. As for me, Donny and Tessa's reactions to life and to Nove became very important.  Tessa is a spectacular mother and Donny is still a young boy. He only cares about himself. If he is content that is all that matters. This truly is  a good book to use for introspection or soul searching.. Thank you for a complimentary copy from  Victory

   Km Singleton's book is a celebration . It is hard not to read it in one sitting. Her enthusiasm comes through the pages to you.  Black people who help us come closer to our dreams. There are: Matthew Henson, Octavia Butler Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King. It is possible to find new names too. It is a small book packed with energy.

 Cruel men have arrived at Aphrodite's temple. While she bathes, her priestess hopes to welcome friends. Instead one man pushes Xanthippe down. This does not set well with Aphrodite. She will touch his genitals until he screams. She is unafraid. Then, she will cause the earth to shake. Talk about power. There is no fear of this attack. This temple is a place of love and peace.  Weapons are unnecessary. In today's world we still yearn for friends rather than enemies. However, when foes would breach our walls with weapons, how will I or you react? I hope not to become a coward. I hope to raise my goblet to adoration and devotion always.  

 This Mystery Cozy is great. Quentin has never left his family. All of a sudden he finds himself  independent. He does not fall apart. He begins to put his pennies and ducks together. His family has not left him with nothing. So the love is still there except for his father. There is where we find the pressure cooker. I wonder if the father and son relationship will heal. When dealing with parents there is always the time factor. Time waits for no one. My mind is on what Quentin finds inside the house. I had to think of the Hardy Boys. Come, have a lark with Quenton, Magpie and Wanda.

Unlucky Noodles by Joi Copeland   When someone hurts you and refuses to face the fact that they are shamelessly cruel, how is it possible to get rid of them? This is the problem facing Mey. Paul, an ex boyfriend has followed her to Maine from Texas. He has the nerve to use the Lord's name. This is a Christian Mystery. It is good to hear Mey and her friends so easily and openly speak of prayer . Dead as Donut  by Cynthia Hickey A poisoned chocolate donut might have caused the death of Bruce Whitton. A fishing tournament on Saturday is the perfect time to snoop. Angel Stirling cannot wait to get some questions answered. After all, it is her pink pretty boxed donuts that are under suspicion. I have eaten two donuts, chocolate glazed and lemon, while reading this delicious mystery. Should I repent? I do not think so. Besides, I really feel badly about that fishing hook in Jack's thumb. Plus, I am worried about the pet cat in Bruce Whitton's house.  Angel ? Why the name Angel? G

   Like most of us, Cynthia Star has suffered many struggles. Worst of all during these times she suffered alone. That loneliness began with a husband who could not share his feelings. He would lock up and lock in and could do it for long periods of time. Next, is that ugly beast called empty nest. Oh, it is one of those painful parts of life. Thankfully Brandie, her daughter, gives her a special gift. It is a cat named Jinx. He is loyal and has many other good traits.    "Happiness Came With A Cat" by Cynthia Star is a reminder that you never know where help will come from in a given day. Some times it comes from the least expected person, place or thing. She also took up Yoga. Some of us still think Yoga is deeply mysterious like an unexplored cave. The way Cynthia Star describes meditation is very nice, almost friendly. There is hope for those tight, tense feelings. Her words are an invitation and plea for the hurting not to give up. The book is very encouraging.

Heavy is the Head by sumaya enyegue is filled with emotional words. Words that strike at the heart. It allows the mind to release truth and pain. A turn of a phrase must glow in the same light. So the meaning is not lost, your meaning. It is advised the book must be used cautiously. Some can see the light immediately. Others must wait for their time of understanding to arrive.  The book is multicultural. Some cultures are particularly recognized. The laments of a Black girl are there and very specific and true. Along with a season. Summer is there with all that shocked our memory. This prose and rhythm seems very important to the young girls. Fragile as lace they are not taken lightly but bring us to more understanding of ourselves and those whom we love. These are prompts to read once, twice and again. These are treasured feelings. We come not sure how to handle our feelings that are now spoken.  

 Of her whole family, Aina, and her brother are the only ones left alive. With all the chaos and bloodshed she loses her brother. Her one hope is to find Dayo again. While running and hiding from those who would take her captive or kill her she makes a new friend from another tribe. Unfortunately, their friendship melts away like everything else.It is exciting to learn about an African Princess. Aina is only six years old. The marks on her face prove she is royal. Before she leaves Africa, her name is changed from Aina to Sarah. Sarah means princess. However, that is not enough. Nothing can stop her from missing her homeland, Africa. New clothing or anything else can not stop her from missing Dayo too. Her whole life is changed. She has no way of knowing how the new people and place will affect her memories. Denny Bryce writes in a way that makes you feel like this is not fiction but the truth. My excitement over the book grew. I wanted to know just how Sarah would react to England and

 Elizabeth Hamilton, the wife of Alexander Hamilton has lost her husband to a duel. Aaron Burr is responsible for the lost of the man she loved dearly. This death has shot her into the real world where rumors fly and accusations are not questioned. You have a winning card if you are wealthy and  are well known. Almost before Mr. Hamilton is buried she finds herself in a fight to survive with her children and all in her household. She is no weakling. She is strong and ready to do battle. It is not the first time strangers had knocked on her door and came in to defame the Hamilton. It is an alien world and a time when  women were thought of as hysterical. Make a significant statement that pertained to your family and a state's truth and find yourself shunned. She would not allow the stereotype to take away her mind.  It did hurt but she did not allow the accusers to smack her fingers and lock her behind an embroidery frame. There were so many questions not answered at this very momen