I was intrigued by reviews I saw on this book. I’m not at all knowledgeable about anthropology, but knowing this was inspired by the work of Margaret I was intrigued by reviews I saw on this book. I’m not at all knowledgeable about anthropology, but knowing this was inspired by the work of Margaret Mead inspired me to read this, as well as all the 5-star reviews.
Andrew Bankson is an anthropologist who has been living and working in New Guinea for several years. He’s been studying a tribe there, but the isolation and things from his past have left him very depressed. At this time, he happens to meet fellow anthropologists Nell Stone and her husband Fen. Andrew is drawn to them… to Nell, who is in poor physical condition, and Fen who is complex. They have decided to return to Australia, but Andrew entices them with news of a tribe that has not been studied.
Nell and Fen have a complicated relationship. While originally drawn together by their passion for anthropology, Fen has become resentful of Nell. Andrew is immediately attracted to Nell, especially her intellect and the wonderful conversations they have, but also physically. The book explores the dynamics of the relationships between these three, but set in the midst of exploring a new culture. Nell wants to understand the women of the tribe, their roles, etc. Fen seems more interested in living a wild unrestrained life with the men of the tribe.
Fen sets in motion a sequence of events that will change their lives. The relationship with the tribe is threatened, at the same time as the fragile harmony between these three splinters. Lily King has written an interesting, involved and interesting book. I was pulled into the characters, even though at times I questioned if I was enjoying the book. But overall I’d say it’s excellent and something I’m happy I read and experienced. ...more
This second book in the series finds us back in Rudolph, New York. The town promotes Christmas all year, but as the holiday approaches they are in fulThis second book in the series finds us back in Rudolph, New York. The town promotes Christmas all year, but as the holiday approaches they are in full swing. Merry is busy at her shop, but joins her parents and friends for dinner at the Inn. Things have been in upheaval since the owner’s heart attack, with his son taking over running it.
When the son is found dead, there are lots of suspects. One of the primary suspects is her father Noel, who plays Santa each year for the celebration. Merry is trying to solve the murder to save the festivities.
It’s a fun cozy holiday read. My only irritation was the relationship between Merry and her employee. It’s fine for the relationship to be casual, but they occasionally bicker with each other. ...more
It’s a good thing this is short, because it’s hard to put down. Harry is a great dad, looking after the kids while his wife works. But Harry has a secIt’s a good thing this is short, because it’s hard to put down. Harry is a great dad, looking after the kids while his wife works. But Harry has a secret.
Teaghan is a detective who has just returned to work after her maternity leave. Life is chaotic with a new baby, and things aren’t quite right with her work partner.
Hold on! The audiobook is well narrated and makes for a fun listen. ...more
Good Spirits is a sweet and spicy version of the classic A Christmas Carol. Harriet owns an antique shop, given to her when her aunt died. Her family Good Spirits is a sweet and spicy version of the classic A Christmas Carol. Harriet owns an antique shop, given to her when her aunt died. Her family had a very different path set out for her, so her already tenuous relationship has been further fractured. Nolan is a ghost that has come to help her examine her past. Two problems though: Harriet has always tried to be a good person, and is a people pleaser; also, Nolan is a sexy Irish ghost who makes it hard to focus.
As they visit Harriet’s past, they’re not finding what they are looking for. However, they begin to realize that there are unknown things that tie them to each other. As they get closer, they know their deadline is Christmas Eve, when Nolan will disappear, along with any memories of him.
It’s a cozy holiday story with a spicy romance. ...more
Juliet is on a roadtrip when she sees a detour and follows it into Forget-Me-Not, Alabama. Her car suddenly stops in front of a house and spews blue sJuliet is on a roadtrip when she sees a detour and follows it into Forget-Me-Not, Alabama. Her car suddenly stops in front of a house and spews blue smoke. It’s the home of Tallulah her two young daughters and her grandfather. The town is special, and it draws troubled people to it, and to the people who can help. Juliet was involved in a terrible lightning accident that killed her grandfather and changed Juliet’s life. Tallulah is recently divorced, and has returned to her hometown to start over. Although wary at first, the two women become friends.
While Juliet is waiting for her car repair, she gets to know the town and its people, who lovingly accept and support her. Tallulah works at the town library, where a woman from her past and a special cat work to help her find her way forward.
Is there romance? Yes. But the core of the book is about friendship and working through tough emotions to find your own path forward… not the path your family wished for you or that your younger self wished for, but what will help bring future happiness.
It’s a sweet, well-written book with characters that are relatable to. A book about finding happiness ...more
This book is set in the small town of Holt, Colorado.
A teacher is raising his two young boys; their mother isn’t coping well with life. The boys make This book is set in the small town of Holt, Colorado.
A teacher is raising his two young boys; their mother isn’t coping well with life. The boys make an unexpected friend. A young girl finds herself pregnant and alone. She seeks help from her boss, who helps as much as possible… but then she comes up with an unusual solution. Two elderly bachelor brothers don’t realize how quiet and empty their lives are until they open up their home and hearts.
In a small town, lives become entwined… in dangerous and wonderful ways....more
This is such a delightful series, and I am loving getting to know Emma Lion and the people in her life. Life in 1883 London is slow by today’s standarThis is such a delightful series, and I am loving getting to know Emma Lion and the people in her life. Life in 1883 London is slow by today’s standards, but Emma seems to get involved with all sorts of adventures. She’s independent and determined, and just so much fun. ...more
Katie is a video producer whose job is on the line. The company is downsizing and her boss has told her she may be laid off soon, but he has a plan. TKatie is a video producer whose job is on the line. The company is downsizing and her boss has told her she may be laid off soon, but he has a plan. There is a gig to film & produce a feature about the Coast Guard, highlighting Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson. Hutch is a rescue swimmer in Key West… and her boss Cole’s brother. Cole even sets up for Katie to stay at his Aunt Rue’s inn. Katie & Hutch are soon spending a lot of time together, both at work and in their free time.
It’s a cute rom-com with fun characters. It has some of the typical tropes, but I did really enjoy this audiobook. 3-1/2 rounded to 4....more
Andy Carpenter keeps trying to retire and enjoy helping at his foundation for rescue dogs. Once again he’s pulled in to defend someone arrested for muAndy Carpenter keeps trying to retire and enjoy helping at his foundation for rescue dogs. Once again he’s pulled in to defend someone arrested for murder… because the man coming back for his dog is what gets him arrested. Andy has a soft spot for dog lovers.
The man was aboard his boat when someone boards and his two friends are shot and killed. He is down below and able to hide, but hears them mention a bomb. He’s able to escape… now it’s up to Andy to find out who wanted him dead.
Always a fun read, and the narration by Grover Gardner is excellent. ...more
The author explores two families who come together in the 1950’s. Both husbands are on the forefront of building America’s space program, but otherwisThe author explores two families who come together in the 1950’s. Both husbands are on the forefront of building America’s space program, but otherwise the families are very different.
We meet Sofie and her husband Jurgen, who live in Berlin in 1930. Sofie’s family had wealth, and Jurgen is an academic, interested in rockets and getting one to the moon. As Hitler comes into power, there are small changes at first, but their city and country quickly transform. Even though they detest the new policies and regulations, they get drawn into hiding their views in order to survive. They feel unsafe expressing their opinions, even in their own home. Sofie knows that Jurgen is getting pulled in deeper, but they feel helpless. When the war ends, Jurgen is encouraged by the US government to go to the US and help with their emerging space program.
Lizzie grew up on a farm, and her family suffered through the drought and dust storms of those years. She has always clung to and protected her brother; however, he has changed since he returned from the war. Lizzie’s husband Cal is Jurgen’s boss. Many scientists from Germany have been recruited, but they are not welcomed by many of the people in town, who consider all Germans to be Nazis.
The new life that Sofie imagined is a struggle, and though she has been through hard times, she doesn’t want her children to suffer. As they try to find their way in their new town, tensions rise into a collision.
The book at face value is excellent. The characters come to life and are complex. The pull between following your beliefs and protecting loved ones is written so well. At any time this would be a thoughtful book, but during these times it hit me hard. It’s easy to go along as you see dangerous changes begin, because surely courts won’t allow or our leadership will step in. But what happens when they don’t. When a president clearly states he does not intend to follow the Constitution,when he threatens news reporters and political opponents. When he begins to use martial law. There have been many comparisons of how Trump is using strategies that Hitler used… from creating a common enemy, marginalizing women, and hateful rhetoric.
I think the characters in this book, especially Sofie and Jurgen, will stay with me a long time. ...more
I don’t read a lot of true crime, but the occasional book will interest me. I think the book cover with the photo of the four victims is what drew me I don’t read a lot of true crime, but the occasional book will interest me. I think the book cover with the photo of the four victims is what drew me to it. And overall, I liked that much of the focus was on the four of them, their lives and families. There was necessary information about the killer, but he wasn’t the main part of the book. The aftermath for the families, and how law enforcement worked to solve this horrific crime, these were important inclusions.
Hard to write much more, there were things I appreciated and some I wasn’t sure how they fit, but for this genre I think it was well done, and the narration of the audiobook was good....more
Melody is a widow with twin nine year old boys. She’s adjusting to life as a single mom, but life gets chaotic. And it’s another morning when they’re Melody is a widow with twin nine year old boys. She’s adjusting to life as a single mom, but life gets chaotic. And it’s another morning when they’re running late, and so she’s dreading the comments and looks from the school principal, Jonathan Braxton. On top of that, she discovers that the school’ cookie committee has been disbanded. Their activities during the holidays are the highlight for the town at Christmas, so she impulsively volunteers to chair the committees - even though she is not much of a baker.
As they work on the committee together, she and Jonathan form a friendship… but there is something more there. Is she ready for love? Especially in a tricky situation with her boys’ principal? This is a fun and sweet holiday romance with loving family interactions. 3-1/2 rounded to 4....more
At this point, I know I’ll enjoy the next Cork O’Connor book. In fact, I oftentimes go into them blind, without reading the summary. Kent Krueger alwaAt this point, I know I’ll enjoy the next Cork O’Connor book. In fact, I oftentimes go into them blind, without reading the summary. Kent Krueger always delivers, and David Chandler narrates Cork and the other characters like a master.
Fox Creek starts with a man approaching Cork to help find his wife.Then he tells Cork that she has run off to be with Henry Meloux - yes the same Ojibwe healer we all love, but Henry is over 100 years old. When Cork visits Henry’s cabin in the woods, his wife is also there, helping the woman with a sweat, as she has reached out to them for healing.
Quickly we discover all is not what it seems, and the man searching for Delores is not her husband. When men come after them at Henry’s cabin, he leads the two women into the woods. The mercenaries after them are experienced, but Henry Meloux is one with nature and he is committed to getting the women to safety, even if he has to sacrifice himself.
The story is great and keeps your attention, and I love that the book is focused on Henry. But Cork and law enforcement are working to find them, as well as Cork’s son Stephen and others. The characters bring such richness to this, and it’s easily a 5 for me....more
It’s been a while since I read the first in this series, so it took a bit for me to refresh myself with the characters. As Sonya and her friend settleIt’s been a while since I read the first in this series, so it took a bit for me to refresh myself with the characters. As Sonya and her friend settle into the mansion that she inherited in Maine, it’s clear the house is haunted. Music plays, doors slam, etc. But with the use of “the mirror” she can see/visit the past. Every bride that came into the house was soon dead, and there’s an evil presence who always wanted to be the lady of the manor.
The characters are fun, and the storyline is engaging. But somehow I got lost in the stories of the previous brides and keeping tack of their stories. I’ve read Nora Robert’s throughout the years and for the most part have always enjoyed them, but I felt a little less connected in the book. 3-1/2 stars rounded down, but will read the third to see how the trilogy ends. ...more
This second journal of Emma M. Lion continues the fun. After returning to London and finding that her cousin Archibald has spent her inheritance, she This second journal of Emma M. Lion continues the fun. After returning to London and finding that her cousin Archibald has spent her inheritance, she needs to find ways to get by. Renting out a portion of her beloved Lapis Lazuli House is keeping her afloat, and The Tenant has piqued her interest. We can’t help but be amused with their notes back and forth through the wall… and how they solve their mouse problem. I’m excited to see what happens next. ...more
Looking at that sweet face on the cover, of course you’d expect a sweet story about a cat in a library.And you’d be right… but this book is really so Looking at that sweet face on the cover, of course you’d expect a sweet story about a cat in a library.And you’d be right… but this book is really so much more. The employees of the Spencer Public Library found a small kitten abandoned in their book drop on the coldest night of the year. Vicki Myron is the library director; a single mom who has battled health issues and a disappointing marriage, she is used to handling problems. But this little frostbitten kitten quickly wins her heart. Not just her heart, but the library employees, patrons, town, and even those from far away who learn about Dewey.
Spencer, Iowa is just a small town, experiencing hardships like many other small towns in its state and across the country. The farming and other economy in this rural area is struggling. There are many things to worry about; yet slowly, many of them are able to find comfort and connection to Dewey. And Dewey has the unique ability of making everyone feel like they have a special relationship with him, whether it’s school kids who spend their time after school in the library, a local homeless man, and of course Vicki.
Vicki takes Dewey home during times the library is closed. She sees to his healthcare. And over nineteen years, he provides her with comfort, laughs, and a way to help the library become an integral part of the community. This is Vicki’s story as well as Dewey’s, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. On a personal note, I’ve been a dog mom and I appreciate their exuberance… but as a cat mom I must say you feel like you have to earn their love. When a cat seeks you out for a pet or a lap for making biscuits, when they grace you with a contented purr, you know can’t help but feel special ...more
Annie is preparing for the Christmas holidays, in her role working at the Secret Bookcase. Everyone is shocked when a celebrity baker dies at their giAnnie is preparing for the Christmas holidays, in her role working at the Secret Bookcase. Everyone is shocked when a celebrity baker dies at their gingerbread baking competition. There are rumors that she had a heart condition, but then evidence of murder is discovered. Annie works with her friends, and her new love interest Liam to search for clues. It’s a fun cozy holiday mystery, with baking and bookstores. 3-1/2 stars....more
Lightning Strike seems to appear in different places in the Cork O’Connor series. After finishing #17, this came up in my list, yet it’s listed as 0 iLightning Strike seems to appear in different places in the Cork O’Connor series. After finishing #17, this came up in my list, yet it’s listed as 0 in the series. This book focuses on a time when Cork was a boy and his father, Liam was sheriff. Cork and friends find the body of man that they greatly admired. It seems to be a clear case of suicide, yet most people question that finding. Liam must find answers while navigating the difficulties between tribal and white man’s law.
Certainly this book could be read at the beginning of the series, and would give a look into Cork’s upbringing and early years. But I find it much more meaningful once further into the series and characters. This book also weaves in some of the mysticism that continues throughout the books. I thoroughly enjoyed this look into Cork’s younger years....more
I didn’t expect much from this holiday book, set in Silver Bells, Wyoming…just something to listen to while working through some things. But I found mI didn’t expect much from this holiday book, set in Silver Bells, Wyoming…just something to listen to while working through some things. But I found myself pleasantly surprised by this sweet town and characters.
Sylvia is the baker at the Christmas Cafe, a place with years of memories with her Gram working there. Gram died a couple years ago, and they all miss her; especially Gramps. Gramps now lives in Sylvia’s cozy home, along with her rambunctious dog Crumpet. She is devastated when she discovers the owner of the cafe is considering selling.
But the Holiday Channel is in town filming a movie, and Sylvia wonders if she can capitalize on it and draw more crowds to the cafe. She has a meet-cute with the handsome lead actor Royce, and he starts spending time with her. But things aren’t quite what they seem with him… and she starts wondering about another man that she’s been friends with for years.
Is it predictable? Yes. But it’s just a feel-good story with Christmas, family, yummy desserts, a misbehaved dog, and a baby goat. What’s not to like?...more
This series starts with our main character in this series, Miss Atalanta Ashford. Atalanta is worn down after sleuthing several murders, so it’s perfeThis series starts with our main character in this series, Miss Atalanta Ashford. Atalanta is worn down after sleuthing several murders, so it’s perfect timing when Raoul Lemont invites her on a getaway to Tuscany. Atalanta has feelings for Raoul, but he’s a happy bachelor and race car driver. Their friendly adventure begins with a trip on the Orient Express. Onboard, they meet Catharina, an Italian heiress returning home to celebrate her father’s birthday. She invites the pair to join her for the party; they’re undecided until it seems like Catharina may be in danger.
They arrive at the family’s beautiful estate and join in with the festivities. The night ends with a murder, and Catharina is the primary suspect. As Atalanta and Raoul work to find the murderer (or could it be Catharina?), they discover several strange events and mysteries that have occurred over the years… could those events shine a light on who committed the murder?
This is such a cozy series with likable characters, set in beautiful locations throughout Europe. And next is an adventure in Salzburg that drew me to this series, but knowing I needed to work my way to that one.
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