April, 2016

“The Tumbling Turner Sisters” by Juliette Fay         

The four Turner sisters hit the road, performing a vaudeville acrobatic routine, when their father is injured and unable to work. Their mother acts as manager, shuffling them from place to place. This book was well written and engaging. It was funny and heartfelt. Overall, well worth picking up. 

“There Once Were Stars” by Melanie McFarlane         

The residence of the Dome live within its boundaries in order to survive the deadly radiation that was unleashed several generations ago. Natalia, whose parents died exploring the outside, begins to question everything when she sees a stranger on the outside. Natalia is taken from her grandparents, and put on a scientific crew, the same one her parents were leading when they died.         

Although this was an interesting premise, the author repeated the same information over and over. Every chapter she told us about the virus, the cleansing and Natalia’s parents. The book seemed to move forward in illogical jerks. One moment Natalia’s grandfather was being dragged off. The next she was placed in a job that she was completely unqualified for. Overall, not a book I would reread.

“Radio Girls” by Sarah-Jane Stratford

Desperate for a job, Maisie takes a job at the newly created British Broadcasting Corporation. Working as a secretary, Maisie finds a kindred spirit in Hilda, the director of the talks department. Under Hilda’s tutelage, Maisie changes from a shy reserved girl to an outgoing, confident woman. Although the book moved slowly at times, it was fascinating to watch Maisie’s transformation. Thrown in between is a little intrigue, spies and Nazi business deals. Overall, well worth picking up.

“Orphan Trains” by Rebecca Langston-George         

During the 19th Century, orphans and unwanted children were sent to the Midwest to be adopted. This is an elementary/middle school level book outlining some of their stories. Interlaced with photos, the book brings this little known piece of history to life. Overall, a good learning tool. 

“Broken Angels"by Gemma Liviero         

Elsi, Matilda and William’s stories merge, as they all live through World War II. Elsi, imprisoned in the Lodz Ghetto, struggles to survive along with her mother and sister. Matilda, a young girl, is taken from Romania to Germany, where she is sent to a “rehabilitation camp” where they attempt to turn her into the perfect German. Willem, a Nazi doctor, and son of a high ranking Nazi, lives first in the ghetto and then works at the rehabilitation camp.         

This book was fascinating and hard to put down. The characters really came alive. I loved how their stories merged and were ultimately woven together. I would love to read more by this author. Overall, highly recommended.

“The Clancy’s of Queens” by Tara Clancy         

Tara grew up in three very different homes. With her father, she lived in a boat shed amongst the working class of Queens. With her grandparents, she lived in a community of elderly Italians. With her Mom, she spent every other weekend at a sprawling Hampton’s estate. Able to fit comfortably in all of these worlds, Tara provides us stories from all three of her lives. This was a great read. It was well written and engaging. The family was very interesting. Overall, highly recommended.

“Ink and Bone” by Rachel Caine         

In an alternative reality, the Great Library controls all knowledge and learning. Original books are extremely rare, and illegal to own. Jess family has made their living running illegal books. Now, he has been sent to the Library, a true test of his loyalty. Jess quickly meets the other applicants, and makes both friends and enemies.         

I have to admit that it took me a little while to get into this story but, once I did, I was hooked. The book was well written and engaging. The world setting was fairly interesting. I absolutely loved that the author provided a music playlist at the back of the book. I only wish that it was at the front, so I could have played it while reading. Overall, a great series.

“Paper and Fire” by Rachel Caine         

This is the second book in the Great Library Trilogy. Jess and his comrades have been promoted to full positions within the Library. Jess has been chosen to work as a guard, a position he has little interest in. When rumors that their friend was not killed surfaces, Jess and his comrades do everything they can to uncover the truth and rescue him.         

I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, interesting and presented a realistic world. Jess and his friends are easy to like and route for. I do wish we had learned more about Morgan and her life in the Iron Tower, but perhaps that will be another series. I am very excited to read the next book in the series.

“The Forbidden Orchid” by Sharon Waller         

Elodie’s father comes home from a plant hunting trip in China completely devastated in both mind and body. When Elodie learns that her family will be ruined unless her father can secure a rare orchid from China, she slips onto the ship, determined to help him.         

This book just hooked me. It had interesting characters, a strong willed female and an exotic locale. It was well written and hard to put down. Overall, well worth picking up.

“Glory on Mars” by Kate Rauner         

Emma has volunteered to be one of the first colonizers on Mars. Days before her crew of four is launched, one of the eight settlers on Mars commits suicide. Once landed, it becomes pretty obvious that something isn’t quite right on Mars.         

This was a great book. I thought the characters were rich and dynamic. It was interesting reading about their environment and adaptations. I hope there is a sequel, I will definitely check it out.

“The Syndicate” by Sophie Davis         

Stassi works as a Runner. One of the elite who travel through the multiverse to collect items from the past. Sent back to Paris during the 1920’s, Stassi searches for a lost manuscript. When a serial killer shows up unexpectedly during the timeline, Stassi and her partner are thrust into a dangerous and highly volatile situation.         

This book reminds me a little of Kage Baker’s books. The world is pretty fascinating. I would love to read the next book in the series or other books by this author. Overall, highly recommended.

“Auburn: Outcasts and Underdogs” by Valerie Thomas         

Ashley, along with two of her friends, are self-described outcasts. They don’t fit in with other social groups and consider themselves less than. She is a target of bullies and struggle to make it through each day. When the trio decide to form a band, Ashley writes songs that outline her frustration and feeling of being lost. 

I had a hard time with this book. It was really slow and repetitive. Ashley went over her feelings time and time again. The book was pretty slow. I will not be picking up the sequel.

“The Slaying Mother:  Belle Gunness” by Rosewood & Lo         

Belle Gunness murdered an estimated 48 people during her lifetime. She lured men to her through personal ads, only to steal their money and murder them. Her killing spree only ended when a fire destroyed her property and may have killed her. Although this was an interesting subject matter, the writing style was extremely basic. It seemed to be written on an elementary school level, which is odd given the subject matter. I also think there was too much conjecture and amateur psychology throughout the book. Overall, a bust.

“Sister of Mine” by Sabra Waldfogel

Adelaide and Rachel are both daughters of Mordecai, a Jewish plantation owner in Georgia. However, Rachel’s mother was a slave while Adelaide is the daughter of Mordecai’s wife. Rachel is given to Adelaide as a maid, where she is forced to work for her sister. When Adelaide marries and establishes her own household, her husband quickly becomes enamored with Rachel.         

This book seemed to move very slowly at times. I wish the author had used shorter chapters, or at least used a new chapter every time she switched to a different point of view. Adelaide wasn’t a particularly likeable character, and the author didn’t really show much a transition. One minute she was an angry wife and the next a complacent friend. Despite these criticisms, this was a well written book. The subject matter was interesting, and I would pick up another book by this author.

“The Girls” by Emma Cline         

Evie, a young restless teenager, falls into a cult under the leadership of a charismatic leader. Evie, a bit younger than some of the other girls, is drawn to Suzanne. As she let’s go and joins the group, she does everything she can to fit in at their dirty, run-down ranch.         

I thought this book was extremely predictable. The characters were stereotypical and lacking in depth. There were too many parallels with the Manson family, which made it look like the author wasn’t willing to do real research. I thought this was a bit off putting. Overall, a bust.

“The Last One” by Alexandra Oliva         

Before deciding to plunge into motherhood, Zoo joins a reality TV show for one last adventure. Twelve contestants are sent into the woods, where they compete for food and resources. As the contestants enter the solo phase of the competition, a viral outbreak devastates the population around them. Zoo continues to plod on, looking for clues and hints to lead her through the competition.         

I thought this was an interesting premise. The psychological aspects of the book were intriguing. I enjoyed the characters and would love to read more. The book did need at least one more chapter or an epilogue. It almost seemed that the author was tired of the book, so she just decided to end it. Overall, well worth picking up. I look forward to reading more from this author.