Category: In The Library

Good Writing Book Review

36 Ways to Improve Your Sentences

Good Writing by duo Neal Allen and Anne Lamott belongs in every writer’s personal library. Originally a check-out from the local public library, my own copy should arrive soon. That’s how much I like this book.

I struggle to read non-fiction. This self-help guide defies this generalization. Perhaps, the annotation by Anne on Neal’s 36 rules appealed to me most. Or maybe the commonsense presentation kept me turning the page. Regardless of why, Good Writing engaged this lover of fiction.

36 Rules of Thumb

Sadly, I did not grow up learning grammar through the Shurley Method as did my youngest two offspring. So, I struggle. Seldom will I use either who or whom. The same holds for lie or lay.

Good Writing goes far beyond good grammar. The authors concentrate on sentence structure. Eliminating passive voice is the subject of Rule 3: Keep it Active. I often fail with this.

Rule 9: Question Transitions contradicts the writing skills my kids were taught in school. Back then each new paragraph started with a transition. Am I splitting hairs too much? The SEO engine also stresses transitions. So, there is a bit of confusion here.

Good Authors and Good Writing

 

The repartee between Neal and Anne resonated with me. (Oops, repartee may violate Rule 5-but I can’t think of a better word.) They are a couple of veteran writers first, and soul mates second. Genuine respect and care flow in their writing. And the writing is truly continuous.  And yes, I am breaking so many rules. Hence the ordered book.

The higher numbered rules prove even more difficult to incorporate into my writing. I plan to try harder. Rule 26: Show Then Tell and Rule 24: Crystallize Your Dialogue challenge this struggling writer. Both chapters deserve another read.

 

 

Recommendation for Good Writing

I think Allen and Lamott hit the target with Good Writing. Every household with students needs a copy. The book benefits office workers as a handy reference guide whether they write memos or reports. I suggest all readers, writers, students, teachers, parents and grandparents buy a copy now!

No One Knew Book Review

New to Me Author

No One Knew is my first Kendra Elliot novel. Elliot is a prolific writer, and her engaging style shows why she is popular. The second in the Noelle Marshall series, No One Knew stands alone. Even if the first novel served as an introduction to the main characters, as a new series, the reader does not have much to catch up on.

Intertwining Plots

Multiple murders are investigated as parts of two plots. The first involves a teenager. Emma Chambers discovers a body while searching for cans and bottles to collect the deposit money. Assigned to the case is Deschutes County sheriff’s detective Noelle Marshall.

Simultaneously, Max Rhodes, an FBI agent, and partner Mercy Kilpatrick receive a warning of a possible terrorist attack. Dead bodies soon follow. Eventually, the two cases merge due to forensic findings.

The author twists the plot even further providing more background into Rhodes’ character history as well as an action-packed suspenseful ending.

Point of View

Multiple characters provide points of view. Emma Chambers gives a unique perspective. One that comes with years of abuse from an anti-government father. Marshall and Rhodes offer law enforcement beliefs. And personal involvement. The author uses italics and parenthesis to separate thought and action. Overall, the approach works. The reader becomes invested in multiple characters and fears for the survival of each.

Setting of No One Knew

Deschutes County, Oregon, the newest county in the state is the setting for No One Knew. Away from the beaches and the tourists, this location is a perfect backdrop for a series. The author can create characters with depth and personality.

Recommendation for No One Knew

I enjoyed this recent library check-out. The book provides entertainment without the need to do much more than open the cover. Individuals preferring law enforcement themes will like the characters as well as the themes. Look for this new release at your local library.

Women in Wonderland: Lives Legends and Legacies of Yellowstone National Park Book Review

Legends and Legacies

Elizabeth A. Watry penned a collective biography released under the title Women in Wonderland: Lives, Legends, and Legacies of Yellowstone National Park. The fourteen histories focus on individuals with lasting impact on the park. Several were born in the 19th Century and two lived into the 21st Century. Alas none of them survive today.

Watry’s research is solid. End notes for each chapter are found at the conclusion of the book. Each chapter highlights a different heroine. All the women faced adversity either from the natural elements or the obstacles created by humans or from both.

Steam rising from a Yellowstone Mud Pot
Steam rising from a Yellowstone Mud Pot

Through the years, the reader can see the slow progress toward women’s equality. Many of the women far exceeded the accomplishments of their male counterparts just so they could work and live in Yellowstone. Each left a legacy.

Women in Wonderland

The book is comprised of twelve chapters. Two of the chapters highlight a combination of relatives. The third chapter spotlights sisters Anna Trischman Pryor and Elizabeth Trischman while the fifth showcases the mother-daughter pair Willie Frances Crawford Bronner and Jean Crawford Sharpe.

Other biographies include women acknowledged as Park Rangers as well as those who had to have other titles due to discriminatory attitudes against women in the park workforce.

Backgrounds varied from businesswomen to scientists, including Margaret Mary Meagher (1935-2023) recognized as the first female PhD. in wildlife biology to work for the National Park Service. Her seminal work on bison assured her renown long after her retirement from Yellowstone.

Biographies presented: Emma Carpenter Cowan, Martha Shipley Culver, Ida Christine Carlson Eagle, Beulah Brown Sanborn, Isabel Deming Bassett Wasson, Jane Marguerite Lindsley Arnold, Frances Eva Pound Wright, Herma Geneva Albertson Baggley, Eleanor May Hamilton Povah.

Bison Grazing in the distant plain
Grazing Bison

Evolving Treasure

Yellowstone National Park has evolved through the years and Watry portrays the change of the park while highlighting the women. Furthermore, much of the change is a result of the work of those women working in the wonderland of Yellowstone. Tourism has taken a back seat to preserving nature, wilderness and wildlife. Geysers, melting mud pots, waterfalls and other geological features still delight visitors. Explanations of the natural wonders stem from work and research through the years. And many of the researchers shine in the included biographies. Therefore, a focus on the natural habitat greets visitors today. We owe a great deal to the women in wonderland.

Rushing Water

The Night We Met Book Review

Love Triangle

Abby Jimenez’ latest romance, The Night We Met starts inauspiciously. Mike calls his best friend Chris to fill in for him. Mike is due to pick up his new girlfriend Larissa and her mother and take them to a surgical appointment. But he is hungover. Chris, as always covers for him. Thus, the love triangle begins.

Themes in The Night We Met

In addition to the love triangle, Jimenez explores alcoholism and work ethic along with loyalty to friendship. Further themes are betrayal and following in the footsteps of a flawed parent. None of these make for an easy read. This is not a typical romance due to such intense themes.

Characters

The story unfolds by alternating points of view from Larissa and Chris. Yet, the character of Mike manages to dominate. He is larger than life and yet full of insecurity. Chris covers for him again and again, until Larissa’s life is endangered.

Secondary characters include Larissa’s mom and best friend as well as the gang that revolves around Mike. The gang includes Chris.

Moralistic Story

The Night We Met may be a sweet romance, but the novel shines a glaring light on the disease of alcoholism. In Mike’s case he never made peace with the shattered dreams of a teenager. A dozen years have past and he has yet to set new goals. Alcohol erases the pain, or so he thinks. It takes a greater loss to turn him around.

Recommendation for The Night We Met

The novel repeatedly harks back to a single event of Larissa getting a ride from Mike instead of Chris. Those small decisions that cause life’s path to change. Jimenez manages to create an ending if not happy for all, at least the best for the characters. Friendship and loyalty are tested and to a certain extent succeed.

I enjoyed the book even though it is not a summer beach read. It is a romance and yet the plot does not give off a warm fuzzy feel. Alcoholism is an illness far too many suffer from. Abby Jimenez gives the reader much to ponder.

The Expectant Detectives Book Review

British Cozy Mystery

Kat Ailes published The Expectant Detectives in 2023. I bought in sometime thereafter and it came off the TBR pile briefly in 2025 before everything became sunny side up in my life. By briefly, the bookmark was at page 9. So, when travelling to Houston last week to help ready a nursery for the next little one expected, I popped the book into the carry-on. I am glad I did. The book is a delightful cozy mystery.

Plot of The Expectant Detectives

Joe and very pregnant Alice leave the busy and expensive city of London for the small burg of Penton in order to give their baby-to-be a better life. It is an adjustment. Rural life is not as tranquil as one might think. Murder strikes at the first birthing class, and Alice gets swept up into “detectoring” along with the other expectant moms.

The Expectant Detectives

The diverse group of expectant women are split between those new to the community and those native to the area. Their search for the murderer is complicated by events that happened in the distant past. And the bonds formed among the group are strong.

Ailes successfully develops each character. The wide range of personalities adds to the story and brings realism to the novel. This provides room for the surprises at the end of the book. It also gives readers multiple characters to defend.

British Humor

I enjoyed the subtleties of Ailes’ British humor. However, there is a learning curve to the language differences. British and U.S. English are not identical. Dry humor is a key part of the personalities of the moms. However, for the most part readers will understand.

Cozy Murder Recommendation

I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy murder. While I missed the clues to the murderer, the other complexities were spotted. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope to put the sequel, Dead Tired, on my TBR list.

The Gardeners’ Club

2026 Release

At first glance, The Gardeners’ Club is a sandwich generation tale. Veteran British author Marnie Riches utilizes the character Gillian Swanley to demonstrate personal growth is not restricted to the young. Gill is a widowed, working mom of a teenage son trapped in a corporate job without respect. She also is responsible for her aging mother. At the urging of her therapist, she joins a local gardening club.

The Bromley Botanists Gardeners’ Club

Gill hesitantly joins a local gardeners’ club. The seven members range in age from early twenties to past retirement. Well past. The mix of characters is delightful. Before long they are wrapped up in the murder of a rival gardening club member. The amateur sleuths’ bond during their search for answers.

Personal Growth

Mid-life crisis abounds in the story. Multiple characters are trapped in careers they dislike. The retirees are searching for ways to stay meaningful. And the youngsters, they, are uncertain in which direction to strike out. All are searching for answers.

Winning a coveted gardening competition depends on solving the murders. And the competition prize may be the answer for all the members of the gardeners’ club.

As the key character, Gill’s growth is most notable. Particularly in how she relates to those around her. The transition from an individual seeking help to make daily decisions to one that knows what she wants is uplifting. Furthermore, after many years of identifying primarily as a widow she begins living life again.

Recommendation for The Gardeners’ Club

Perhaps because I am such an avid gardener myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. However, the main thrust of the book concerns people more than plants. Marnie Riches provides a believable plot and wonderful characters. Each reminds you of someone you know, or want to know.

This is just released in 2026 so look for it at your local bookstore or request your librarian to order a copy. I think you will like the story and love the characters.

You Belong Here Book Review

Tricky Title

The cover of You Belong Here has an almost hidden “Don’t” between the first two words of the title. This mirrored my thoughts on the Megan Miranda title. As I was reading the book I felt like the title and the book didn’t quite match. However, the ending gives deeper meaning. In fact, the entire book is loaded with many layers.

On the surface the novel is an intense drama filled with missing persons and murder. Then, family dynamics come to the forefront. Especially parent/child relationships. But other forces are also at work. Anyone with experience of living in a college town understands the complex nature of the town/gown relationship. You Belong Here has all of this.

Protagonist

Beckett Bowery is a single mom dropping her only child, Delilah, off at college when the story opens. Beckett, named for one of the buildings at the college Delilah will attend has a difficult relationship with her parents and a decent relationship with Trevor, Delilah’s father. Mother and child are close but not without secrets.

Unbeknownst to Beckett, Delilah had applied to the same college her grandparents had taught at and her own mother had attended. Beckett never shared why she distanced herself both from her parents and her hometown. This resulted in a forbidden attraction for Delilah.

Before and Present

The author shares Beckett’s story alternating between past and present by chapter. The back story is compelling and as dangerous as what is currently happening to Delilah. One’s past has a way of complicating the present and impacting the future. Beckett finds that true.

Recommendation for You Belong Here

Megan Miranda has written an intense suspenseful novel with incredible depth. The surface story captures the reader with action. But it is the under story that captures the reader’s thoughts long after finishing the book. Relationships between parents and their children are complex. Reactions have consequences far after the event. And life can change not only from a single event, but even a single (re)action or a misplaced comment.

Miranda is a top selling author for a reason. I highly recommend this book.

Dating After the End of the World Book Review

Zombie Fiction

Jeneva Rose wrote the Zombie filled Dating After the End of the World at the request of a fan-her father. Since this is my first zombie novel, it has no comparisons. And the author suggests it is a mix of genres.

The fast-paced book is both gruesome and entertaining. Her writing is topnotch even though it will be a while before I pick up another zombie story…if ever. But I do look forward to reading more from Rose.

Plot

Dating After The End Of The World opens up with a young Casey Pearson struggling with the doomsday prepping task of building a perimeter fence with her off-the-wall prepper dad. She hates the work and harbors bitterness for her dad and more so for the kids that torment her at school over the family lifestyle.

Flash forward sixteen years and Casey is bantering with her fiancé Nate Warner as the pair of doctors begin making rounds at a city hospital during an influenza outbreak. But this is not the regular flu and patients are biting everyone in sight. Zombies are here.

The pair escape the hospital only to be separated weeks later. Casey does the only thing she can and heads home.

Romance in Dating After the End of The World

Rose’s novel includes a lover’s triangle with Casey at the center. One of the inhabitants of her dad’s compound is Blake Morrison. He was chief tormentor at her high school. There are plenty of bitter memories and perhaps a few that conflict. So, sparks fly between Casey and Blake as they struggle to keep the compound safe from the Zombies.

Things get very complicated when Nate shows up.

Plenty of Action

Since Dating After the End of The World is an action thriller at heart, the characters face danger on almost every page. Bonds form, and romance is mixed in. The fight scenes are graphic and so are the love scenes. If books had ratings this one would definitely be for over 18.

Recommendation

This is the first Jeneva Rose book I have read, and I could hardly put it down. Despite the gory details of the zombies, the book resonates with those that look at the conflict between good and evil. Forgiveness also plays a small part. And for those crazies out there that fantasize about a reset in the world, Rose has a very realistic ending. Be careful what you wish for!

I bought my copy at Target but maybe you can find a copy at your library.

Last Train to Paradise Book Review

Henry Flagler and the Florida East Coast Railway

If Last Train to Paradise existed during my school days, I am sure the Les Standiford history would have been required reading. However, the text was not published until the early 21st Century. Thus, the non-fiction account was an option. And a very good one for history buffs and others.

The Last Train to Paradise is more than a biography of Henry Flagler. The book chronicles his life and work. But at heart, the writing conjures the trials and tribulations of building the Florida East Coast Railway. A feat most said was not possible, indeed only a folly.

Author

Les Standiford writes both fiction and non-fiction. This gives Last Train to Paradise an edge in literary circles because the writing is engaging even though it is at core factual history. Standiford catches the reader from the start with a snippet on Ernest Hemingway as the Hurricane of 1935 approaches. Then he dives into a deep history of Henry Flagler.

This roundabout approach works. The reader knows a catastrophe is on the horizon. The writer is up to the task of both entertaining and positing the inevitable outcome of building a railway over the open sea. Last Train to Paradise captures the reader.

Last Train to Paradise

For readers unfamiliar with Henry Flagler, the author does an outstanding job from a biographical viewpoint. Flagler made the choice to develop the Atlantic Coast of Florida instead of remaining actively involved with Standard Oil. The development of cities, hotels and railway lines used up much of Flagler’s oil fortune.

So, while J.D. Rockefeller remains a recognizable name, outside of Florida, Flagler is not as well known. Fortunately for history buffs, historians such as Les Standiford are preserving the past.

The details of the Florida East Coast Railway construction are preserved in books such as Last Train to Paradise as well as museums and other writings. Visitors to the Florida Keys can see remnants of the passageway. Those vacationers driving to Key West will have the best understanding of the magnitude of the task of building the railway.

Family Drama Book Review

Debut Novel

Family Drama is a debut novel by Rebecca Fallon. It begins with the funeral of Susan, heroine of the story. Fallon jumps between Susan’s life and the story of her family after her death.  This is a debut novel and has the hallmarks of one. The start of the novel is captivating. Then the middle becomes a bit muddled. However, those with persistence are well rewarded. The complexities of the novel make it unique.

Two Careers

Susan is torn between two loves, her family and her career thus creating much family drama. She is an actress and stars on a popular soap opera filmed on the West Coast. Her family: her husband and twins reside in New England. She wears out with a constant shuttling back-and-forth.

Family Drama Present Day

The current story focuses on the motherless twins growing up to adulthood. Viola and Sebastion differ in personalities as well as in memories of their mother. Viola is serious and scholarly like her father even though her looks resemble her mother. Sebastion is far more artsy and hates to study. Plus, he is obsessed with Susan the actress.

Fallon’s plot is intriguing, if a bit unsettling. Young Viola falls in love with her mother’s co-star when she meets him at the funeral. And again, many years later as a college student in England. Their relationship is troubling until the author unravels the plot.

Meanwhile, Sebastian continues his rebellion against their father. He is unwilling to accept a replacement for his mother even though her death occurred fifteen years prior. Fortunately, Sebastian learns to channel his anger into art.

The distancing between the twins as they mature is blamed by both on their mother’s premature death. Yet, they are also accountable.

Alcott Bliss

Husband and father, Al bears the brunt of the blame both before and after Susan’s death. Yet the author does not paint him as a villain. His blunders in handling the twins as they grow stem from his own great loss. However, Fallon takes her time in revealing the depth of his love for Susan. His grief is truly the cause of the later family drama.

Recommendation

I enjoyed this debut novel. Hard to put down from the first, the complexities keep the drama from roaring past reflection. This is a good book to look for at the library. Since Family Drama is a 2026 release, copies should be in all major bookstores.

The Fair Weather Friend Book Review

Captivating Novel

Jessie Garcia’s The Fair Weather Friend captivated me from start to finish. This can’t put down book is full of surprises right up to the very end. And I am not quite sure how I feel about the outcome. Multiple characters in the novel face moral dilemmas. Not all choose wisely.

The story has numerous points of view with most of the main characters baring their souls to the reader. Some are deserving of empathy, most are not. The Fair Weather Friend is so much more than a murder mystery.

Overarching Theme

At the heart of the story is a repetitive and unsettling theme of ethical choice. Unsettling because so many of the characters lack empathy for others and thus don’t follow the golden rule. Furthermore, greed and envy also make an appearance. As does guilt. All human frailties, and The Fair Weather Friend shines an ugly light on these and other shortcomings of the soul.

Demise of Faith, The Fair Weather Friend

Faith’s early demise by foul play keeps her from protagonist status. But the story truly revolves around her. A popular TV meteorologist, her murder is the focus of the story. The other characters are either suspects, co-workers or fans. Garcia advances the story through various points of view.

Garcia’s twists in the plot are truly surprising. Additionally, many of the characters lack empathy for the murder victim. Indeed, they make the departed unlikeable.

Then a second character is murdered, and everything twists again.

Author Jessie Garcia

The writing is exceptional. I could not put the book down. However, it is not a feel good story. Only a few characters are likeable. Most of the relationships have serious flaws. And an innocent, but very flawed, character takes the fall for the murders.

Thus, Garcia forces the reader to explore guilt and ethics. The Fair Weather Friend makes a great choice for a class discussion or book club meeting. Put this book on your reading list!

The First Time I Saw Him Book Review

Good Sequel

Laura Dave’s The First Time I Saw Him is the sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me. It is just as action packed and suspenseful. But, not quite as many twists and turns as the previous novel. This book literally picks up where the other one ends.

Hannah and Bailey

Mother and stepdaughter are settled in California. Both working with fulfilling careers. The book opens with Bailey bringing a new boyfriend to meet Hannah. Normal life. Or almost, Hannah thinks she has just spoken with Owen, Bailey’s dad.

Then the next morning everything changes. Bailey’s grandfather has died and their lives are once again in danger. Is Owen involved? Regardless they face a threat and are again on the run.

Flashbacks in The First Time I Saw Him

Laura Dave uses flashbacks to move the story forward. However, in this sequel they include multiple points of view. This allows the reader to gain more understanding of the men in the background. Owen, Nicholas and Frank all played pivotal roles in the past. And are important in keeping Hannah and Bailey safe as they flee the country.

Emotional Impact of The First Time I Saw Him

Multiple emotions are at play for both the characters and the reader. Keeping loved ones safe is an innate desire and that theme stays constant throughout The First Time I Saw Him. What boundaries will be tested to safeguard family?  Also, what role will forgiveness play among family and the closest of friends. These questions are central to the storyline.

Recommendation

The First Time I Saw Him is satisfying. However, the heartbreak is not as deep as in the previous novel. Those readers that love happy endings will be met part way. Unfortunately, there is always a cost of dealing with the mob. And forgiving and forgetting is also a challenge. This is a great book to give or own. Plus, your local library will certainly want a copy as well. Laura Dave has penned another winner.

 

The Bride Wore White Book Review

A Romance at Heart

A fairly recent release (2023), The Bride Wore White is a romance combined with a hefty dose of the paranormal. It has been a decade or more since I have read anything penned by Jayne Ann Krentz under the name of Amanda Quick. The novel is spooky violent at the beginning, so much so that I almost put it down. But I am glad I finished. The romance tempers the multitude of murders.

The Psychic Dream Consultant

Prudence Ryland better known as Madame Ariadne reads and interprets dreams. At the start of The Bride Wore White, a client unknowingly reveals to her that his mission that night is to kill her. Prudence channels all her power to thwart him. Naturally, she flees the city immediately.

But things get worse.

Even though she changes careers, the past finds her. So she turns to Luther Pell and Jack Wingate for protection. Sparks fly between Prudence and Jack.

Extrasensory Perception

Prudence comes from a long line of women with psychic abilities. The type of ability Jack doesn’t believe in. Yet Prudence thinks Jack may also possess paranormal abilities. Perhaps heightened by the chemical explosion that so badly scarred his face and his dreams. Both Prudence and Jack need all their powers to trap the murderers.

Greed and Murder in The Bride Wore White

Using Prudence as bait as well as logic and insight, Jack narrows the suspects down one-by-one. However, the author throws out twists and turns so that the reader is kept guessing. In the end multiple suspects are greedy enough to commit murder. Suspects become victims. Finally, there is one left standing.

Recommendation

Amanda Quick lovers most likely already own The Bride Wore White. Copies are still available online. Most libraries probably have copies of this spicy romance. I enjoyed the book and recommend to all romance lovers. The characters attraction works and the plethora of villains works well too.

I Know Why Old Men Plant Trees Book Review

Great Library Find

I Know Why Old Men Plant Trees by Bob Seay is a library find that is absolutely delightful. Pinpointing the genre is a bit difficult. The story reminds me of books I loved long ago. Seay’s story is a mix of Ray Bradbury and George Orwell with a healthy dose of Dave Barry. The book can be found on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Compliance in I Know Why Old Men Plant Trees

The book set in suburban Denver focuses on the Algorithm Compliance Department of Peregrine Perch, Colorado. Since Peregrine Perch has a mayor, the community is bigger than a subdivision with an HOA. But the rules and regulations remind one of such an entity. And of course, there are many departments of compliance in Peregrine Perch to keep the residents in line.

Wendell Jones- Protagonist

We meet Wendell Jones on an executive bonding retreat for the various compliance officers of Peregrine Perch. He is out of his natural element and quite concerned about the first day task, rock climbing in California. He completes the task and immediately quits. Both the retreat and his job.

Back in Colorado, he begins walking dogs for a living. And starts a rebellion against his old boss. Key to Wendell’s transformation from compliance officer to renegade leader for common sense laws are friends, Michael Porter, Mr. Tuttle, owner of an area landscape company, Erica, and the many residents of Peregrine Perch.

Wendell becomes a hero to all as he sabotages park landscape rules and regulations.

Algorithms, AI and Bureaucrats

The overarching theme in I Know Why Old Men Plant Trees is the dark side of algorithms and artificial intelligence. Common sense goes out the window when a society tries to keep everything within a narrow window of parameters. Exceptions and anomalies are part of life, but it is easier for bureaucrats to maintain conformity. Otherwise, those in charge must engage in critical thinking to ensure fairness and justice. Algorithms and AI are restricted by their inputs. At least for now, computers cannot think for themselves.

Recommendation for I Know Why Old Men Plant Trees

I absolutely love this book. Well-written and edited, Mr. Seay’s work rivals many of the books I review from established publishers. So, for my followers in the field of publishing, always bombarding me to read free copies, take some time to buy a copy of I know Why Old Men Plant Trees. You might just find your next best-selling author…unless you are just an algorithm or AI bot.

Innocence Road Book Review

New to Me Author

Laura Griffin penned Innocence Road. Since she is a new to me author, I do not know if this book will remain among her stand-alone novels or if it will turn into yet another series. It certainly has potential. The protagonist is interesting; with her flaws and the way she pushes others away. Furthermore, rural Texas near the Big Bend area is a rich setting for description and a complex background to develop both storylines and characters.

Protagonist of Innocence Road

Leanne Everhart returned to Madrone, Texas following the death of her father. She now works for the Madrone Police Department just like he did. Following in his shadow is not easy.

Tough and experienced by a stint in the city, Leanne faces a complicated life back in the small town. Her brother is a recovering addict with a secret girlfriend. And then there is her mom. Since her mom remarried just weeks after her father’s death, Leanne holds a bit of a grudge.

Finally, Duncan Harper, a sheriff’s deputy has a soft spot for Leanne. But she is keeping him at arm’s length despite her feelings for him. Why, is a bit of a mystery. So, life is complicated for Leanne even without two major cases popping up to catch her off-guard.

Plot of Innocence Road

Leanne is assigned the case of a brutally murdered young woman. The body was found along a stretch of highway, desolate and isolated. Simultaneously, a murder case her boss and her father had solved is thrown out and the local man convicted of the slaying returns to Madrone.

The two cases overlap and Leanne finds herself butting heads with everyone from her boss to her mother. Is it possible her dad sent an innocent man to prison? Just one of many questions posited.

Recommendation

Laura Griffin is a best-selling author, and it shows. She presents many possible culprits and creates suspense as well as mystery. The unveiling of the villain was a bit of a surprise, yet very plausible. I will continue to look for books from this author. I highly recommend either purchasing Innocence Road from your favorite bookstore or visiting your local library.

The Black Wolf Book Review

Long Awaited Sequel

Louise Penny’s The Black Wolf is a follow up to The Grey Wolf. The book more than satisfied my anticipation for the sequel and the latest in the Armand Gamache series. While The Black Wolf continues the saga, Penny has penned a totally new story. Political intrigue and action blended with climate change awareness and the age-old need for basic survival. And what is more critical for a country than clean water?

Theme of The Black Wolf

Climate change is central to the novel. Specifically, the author writes about wildfire, similar to the huge wildfires North America has experienced over the last few years. She deftly ties the wildfires to water quality. Furthermore, Penny takes this point one step further. “What happens when the water runs out?” Historically, wars are fought over resources and power. Penny stresses this fact throughout The Black Wolf. And as often happens fiction can be a precursor to life. Is it possible that Canada could become the 51st state?

Plethora of Characters

One of the complexities of the Gamache series is the plethora of characters. It is possible for the reader to become confused. Another difficulty relates to Inspector Gamache inability to decide who the mastermind is. And who can be trusted. This is intentional. The twists and turns engage the reader.

The characters are divided into three groups, those always in the books, those appearing from time to time and first-time appearances. New readers will have a hard time keeping everything straight in The Black Wolf. Perhaps even devoted followers.

The Black Wolf and Current Events

One of the zingers in the novel relates to the current political climate. The plot of The Black Wolf hinges on strained relations between Canada and the United States of America. Penny proposes in her fiction that a plot is underfoot to merge the two countries. Both misinformation and disinformation play a part. Power figures include politicians and the mafia as well as various police forces. The current real-life idea of a fifty-first state iterated by President Trump mirrors the fiction. Penny unknowingly foreshadowed this power move. Again, it boils down to “What happens when the water runs out?”

Recommendation

The Black Wolf lives up to expectations. In fact, the novel exceeds. The added climate change theme fits well with current events. This is fiction, but what will happen if the climate scientists are right and the United States runs out of water? Is invasion of Canada a possibility? Inspector Gamache and his wife Reine-Marie think so.

This is a great book to borrow, or buy, and share. Louise Penny has another winner.

The Correspondent Book Review

Sybil Van Antwerp

A recent recommendation was The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. I enjoyed this book and finished it in just two days. The greatest challenge comes from the author choosing to write the entire book as a series of letters and emails. Hence the title.

Another quirk is the protagonist is in her 70s. Sybil is blunt, a bit antagonistic at times, and quite possibly lonely. She is also fascinating.

The Final Ten Years

The Correspondent begins in 2012. At first, the letters are spaced close together and the reader discovers Sybil’s background and character in fits and starts. She corresponds mostly by hand-written notes with everyone from family members and favorite authors to children and teenagers. She also fires off missives of anger and contempt to individuals deserving such admonishments.

The book reveals everything through this format. And while it may be difficult to follow at first, Evans does an excellent job engaging the reader. Over the course of the decade, Sybil grows and gains understanding, even as she reaches her eighties.

Key Themes in The Correspondent

Aging is a small piece of the novel. Health issues creep up as the years pass reflecting real life. Sybil is losing her sight, and this threatens her at the core. Writing letters becomes increasingly difficult and as the years go by, and time between missives widens.

The overarching theme is family relationships. The mother-daughter relationship between Sybil and her daughter, Fiona, is a major component of the story. As is the loss of a child. So, it is not surprising that grief, guilt, culpability and blame play important parts in The Correspondent.

Love and Joy

Another significant theme is more upbeat. Sybil is courted by two men as the story progresses. Can she find happiness on her own terms? Do second chances at love happen in the senior years? Again, all of this transpires through letters. Furthermore, the reader becomes more and more intrigued by the characters from their methods of correspondence.

Love and joy also reignite Sybil’s passion for life with the discovery of unknown family members.

Reparations

Finally, the author solidifies Sybil’s morals through forgiveness and reparations towards those few individuals she has wronged. In this manner, Evans shows how individuals never stop evolving in character. Until they are no longer with us.

Recommendation

I enjoyed The Correspondent. It is a great debut novel. The format is quite different in that the entire book is a series of letters. This takes tremendous effort to bring the characters to life and Virginia Evans succeeds. It is easy to see why the novel is a top seller. Visit your library or bookstore and find a copy to read.

 

All The Beauty In The World: The Metropolitan Museum Of Art And Me Book Review

A Memoir

All The Beauty In The World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art And Me by Patrick Bringley is the most insightful and hauntingly beautiful memoir I have ever read. The author shares the pain of losing a sibling way to early and how a position as a security guard at the Metropolitan of Art helps him heal along with the passage of ten years. His descriptions of the plethora of masterpieces on display shine through the rote and routine of grief.

The reader only glimpses his home life. Much of what is depicted is life at the museum. Bringley focuses on his interactions with co-workers, the public, and most importantly the art. The beginning of his tenure is tinged with raw grief. As the years pass, his reflections encompass grief, current life and thoughts about the future.

The Metropolitan Museum-A Grand Museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art encompasses history of mankind and beyond. Illustrations include a map as a reminder to those who have visited. For those without that pleasure, the map and illustrations of various art pieces will stir a desire to visit New York, if only to walk through the museum.

Bringley does justice with his descriptions. Not just the masterpieces, but also how the public interacts with the museum itself. Various types of individuals are described, both good and not so good. From chattering school children to college student to art lovers, the museum welcomes all.

Working through Grief

The book came recommended by a family member. Perhaps she guessed I might be ready for this introspective on grief. Certainly, my last five years have brought forward much pain. The glimpses into Bringley’s private life allow one to feel a connection. Reconciliation of the loss of a loved one does not occur in just a few months. It takes years.

Perhaps others in similar situations will also relate. If so, my hope is that All The Beauty In The World: The Metropolitan Museum Of Art And Me brings you peace. Life does not stop for the living. There are new challenges and new seasons. Many reasons to keep living.

Recommendation for All The Beauty In The World: The Metropolitan Museum Of Art And Me

I highly recommend All the Beauty In The World. My parents took me to many museums. (Although I first stepped into The Metropolitan Museum of Art with college roommates.) Then we took my children. Now, my husband and I accompany our children while they introduce their children to the many wonderful museums. And of the many museums, The Met is at the top.

However, Bringley’s memoir is so much more than the inspiration of art. The process of grief differs for each individual. The loss of a parent, child, sibling, mentor or close friend brings a change that cannot be undone. Death is permanent. Patrick Bringley understands this. Furthermore, All The Beauty In The World is his acknowledgement of his brother’s passing; an uncle his children will only know through stories. And this story is a great tribute.

If you are grieving or know someone who is, buy this book, read and if appropriate, share. The memoir is as beautiful as the art at The Metropolitan Museum.

Econogal’s Top Ten Books of 2025

Busy Spring, Slower Fall

The close of another year once again brings a listing of the top books read by this blogger. The year started out with lots of time spent turning the pages. However, the fall proved sporadic. There are many excuses. Hopefully, this trend does not continue into the new year.

Even with the slowdown, it was hard to keep to just ten. Once again, very little non-fiction. The one I connected with, The Ageless Brain by Dale E. Bredesen, M.D., was panned by the bigwigs. However, I stand by my review which you can click here to read. I think the other reviewers missed the forest while searching for trees.

I also enjoyed the sole Young Adult review, Fun Fact: I Love You. This debut novel by Gina Lynn Larsen makes me want to read more of this genre. And of course I need not neglect books for younger children.

My Top Ten Books of 2025

One of my favorite authors tops this year’s list. However, the entry from David Baldacci differs from many of his releases. The stand-alone book is outstanding. Furthermore, the novel showcases Baldacci’s depth as a writer.

Several of the books fall into the historical fiction category and there are murder/suspense and romance entries. Click on each of the titles in the book list to link to the review. Happy Reading and Gift Giving!

Top Ten Books of 2025

  1. Strangers in Time by David Baldacci
  2. Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe
  3. One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter
  4. I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger
  5. Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay
  6. The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny
  7. The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens
  8. Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell
  9. Variation by Rebecca Yarros
  10. Every Time We Say Goodbye by Natalie Jenner

A Matter of Pedigree Book Review

New Series

Prolific writer Leslie Meier introduces new characters and a new series in A Matter of Pedigree. Set in Providence, Rhode Island, the series introduces readers to the Capobianco family. The book revolves around Frank and Carole and their dog Poopsie. Of course, Poopsie is just a nickname because she has uhm, stomach issues.

Nouveau Riche

Long a working-class contractor, Frank strikes it rich with the invention of a fancy toilet. Then, denied a place in a snooty condo by a stuffed shirt, Frank “threatens” to kill Hosea Browne. Months later Browne turns up dead, and Frank is arrested.

Now Carole and Poopsie are tasked with clearing his name.

Supporting Characters in A Matter of Pedigree

Three generations of Capobianco’s are introduced in the novel. Frank and Carole are the sandwich generation. Big Frank and Mom are Frank’s parents (and very close to Carole). Connie, a lawyer, and Frank-O, a student artist are the younger generation. Eventually, Polly, Carole’s mother, arrives on the scene as well. All feature in A Matter of Pedigree.

Additionally, residents of the original condo as well as the apartments where Frank and Carole ended up, take part in the story. All fall under Carole and Mom’s investigative eyes. Of course, Poopsie steals the role of heroine.

The Capobianco Family

Reading this new series reminded me of reading Meier’s first Lucy Stone mystery decades ago. There is always a slow pace when introducing an entire batch of characters. The Capobianco’s are original characters and grow on the reader as the book develops. Perhaps the early stereotyping served to create a difference between the two series’ heroines. If not, Carole could become a very shallow main character.

Recommendation for A Matter of Pedigree

Kudos to Leslie Meier for taking a leap and introducing a new series. Dog lovers will adore Poopsie. Long time fans of Lucy Stone may have a difficult time adjusting to a new and totally different character in Carole Capobianco. I encourage those fans to find a copy at their local library. The family as a whole is quite charming. A Matter of Pedigree is a pleasant afternoon read.

Sweet Romance

Cover of novel Snow Kissed by Rae Anne Thayne with a snow covered scene depicting a couple walking toward a home flanked by snow laden evergreensSnow Kissed by Rae Anne Thane is a newly released Christmas romance. The sweet love story is perfect reading for the holidays. The book is part of the Shelter Springs series yet works well as a stand-alone novel.

Holly Moore and Ryan Caldwell cross paths during a hectic December. Each living a life too full for relationships. Then romance catches them by surprise.

Single Mom Holly Moore

Holly is a divorcee, a small business owner and most important of all, single mom to Lydia. Five-year-old Lydia is a bubbling, outgoing special needs child surrounded by loving family and friends.

Holly harbors no ill will towards her ex. She just wishes he would take a bigger role in his daughter’s life. The rest of her family is not as magnanimous.

Ryan Caldwell

Ryan is a career military helicopter pilot. And a confirmed bachelor.  He is in Shelter Springs to care for his thirteen-year-old niece Audrey, while her mom Kim is in rehab after an accident. His loyalty to Kim stems from the loss of their mother when they were both young teens.

However, he must also interact with his estranged father who lives in nearby Haven Point with his second wife Diane, who broke both an arm and leg in the accident. Ryan genuinely likes Diane but has no desire to be around his father. Most importantly, he must care for Audrey.

Snow Kissed Romance

Holly and Ryan make a deal to help each other. Holly needs a date to a wedding she must attend since Lydia is the flower girl in her dad’s sister’s wedding. And Ryan needs help making Christmas bright for his niece and sister.

Idaho weather makes a romantic backdrop for the growing attraction between the pair. Snow kissed nights of family-oriented outings allow the attraction to grow. Naturally, both fight their feelings because a long-distance relationship is not easy.

Recommendation for Snow Kissed

I really enjoyed this sweet romance. This is the first Rae Anne Thayne novel I have read. The story is uplifting, the characters all show growth and the writing is suitable for teenagers to grandmothers. Furthermore, the book would be perfect in a Christmas stocking. Find a copy and enjoy!

I Cheerfully Refuse Book Review

Leif Enger has a Winner

Leif Enger’s I Cheerfully Refuse started out slowly. But I wasn’t ready for the story to end. The characters are compelling and the plot solid. This most likely made the futuristic sci-fi appealing to a reader that turns toward historical fiction. So, a great book to read if you are expanding your brain with different types of reading. And you might want a dictionary handy for the vocabulary.

Setting and Plot

I Cheerfully Refuse is set in the not-too-distant future in the vicinity of the Great Lakes. There were references to events taking place in the twentieth century. Also, the book alluded to lots of pollution and great storms. Finally, the stage is set between “haves” and “have-nots.”

The “haves” are the uber-wealthy and the ones that work for them. Perhaps there is a parallel with the billionaires of the early twenty-first century. The main villain of the story is a bureaucrat named Werryck. He and Rainy cross paths multiple times.

Protagonist of I Cheerfully Refuse

Ranier, known as Rainy, is married to Lark. Their marriage is solid and their lives happy even though they do not live among the astronauts. Apparently, those with money live on the coasts of the country and are referred to as astronauts. But money doesn’t buy happiness.

Rainy is a musician and Lark is a bookseller. She is the optimist and her upbeat way of looking at life while pushing the edges allows Rainy to get through the dark days of life. He is one to learn from others. Furthermore, Rainy is the person who is always there for others, even at a personal cost.

Recommendation for I Cheerfully Refuse

As stated before, I feel like the book started slowly. However, the author needed to lay out a backstory. Once in place, the plot moved quickly. This is the first Leif Enger novel I have read. The story manages to leave the reader upbeat even though the key characters suffered much grief. I highly recommend this book. Look for it at your favorite bookstore or library.

Parents Weekend Book Review

New to Me Author: Alex Finlay

Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay is a page turner. Finlay is a new-to-me author, and I am unsure if Parents Weekend is part of a series or a stand-alone novel. Either is possible. The book falls into the mystery/thriller category and is highly entertaining.

Protagonist Sarah Keller

New York FBI Agent Sarah Keller has asked for a hardship transfer to the West Coast so that the family can support her father-in-law in his final stages of cancer. She is called for a case immediately. Five college students have gone missing. Keller has notoriety from a previous case (hence possibly a series.) Refreshingly, the author provides good balance in the storyline between her work and her family.

#The Five

The five freshmen, three males and two females are assigned to a team. But the cohort become close friends. Two of the guys are prankster fraternity brothers. The remaining male is caught up in a bit of a platonic lover’s triangle. They are scheduled to have dinner with their parents on the beginning evening of parents’ weekend. But none of them show up.

Parents Weekend

The parents are a mess. All of them. And this is before the kids disappear. Adding to the complexity is yet a sixth student who is found dead from drowning. The university is in a state of chaos. The parents want results. The drama of each family comes to light as the search for the missing students unfolds. Lastly, not all will reunite with their child.

Recommendation for Parents Weekend

I very much enjoyed this thriller. Although this was a library check out, purchasing the book is certainly an option with respect to gift-giving. The author is not the happily ever after type. Furthermore, there is more than one male character with sexual exploitation as a character flaw. But when it comes time to reveal the culprits, Finlay packs a surprise punch. Buy a copy or check it out from your local library. The depth of cultural observation coupled with a fast-paced mystery/thriller creates a winning novel.

One Golden Summer Book Review

Perfect Summer Read

Until reading the author’s note at the end of One Golden Summer, I did not realize the novel was a sequel. Mostly because this is the first Carley Fortune book I have read. She is good. Very good. And I really enjoyed the romance between Charlie and Alice.

Alice Everly

Alice is a professional photographer working her way past a devastating break-up. She’s worked 9 days straight when the call comes in regarding her grandmother’s fall and subsequent hip replacement. She immediately clears her calendar. That is Alice.

With her gran, Nan, down in spirit, Alice decides a summer at the lake would be the perfect tonic for both Everly’s. Alice hasn’t been in over a decade. She was a shy self-conscious seventeen-year-old on her last visit. But it was a summer that changed her life. Good memories remain of that one golden summer at Barry’s Bay.

Charlie Florek

Charlie is enigmatic. A charming flirt. A successful businessman. And a man of depth. Charlie grew up in the area, indeed he was one of three teenagers Alice used to watch from across the bay. Furthermore, he figures in her first great photo. The first she sold and the one that remains close to her heart.

But Charlie is battling demons and loss from his past. He needs friendship. Perhaps even more.

While others see the spark between the two, Alica and Charlie each fight the attraction for their own reason. But attraction wins out.

One Golden Summer

The two lovers have much in common. Foremost is the ties to family. Both Alice and Charlie support their families. Then, when they are at crosshairs, their families return the favor. As in most romances, the couple split for a while before reuniting. Each more in love than before but stronger as individuals. And a better understanding of each other.

Recommendation for One Golden Summer

I enjoyed this summer read. If you have a free day, you may even finish it in one sitting. The romance is spicy, but not too hot and the characters truly fit together. Carley Fortune is one to add to your list, if the Canadian writer isn’t already on your radar. She is now on mine, and I look forward to her next novel.

These Summer Storms Book Review

Death Reunites

Sarah MacLean’s 2025 contemporary novel is a romance, not historical in nature. Yet, fans should be quite happy with These Summer Storms. The setting is a private island off Rhode Island and the characters center around patriarch Franklin Storm who made his name by revolutionizing the tech communication industry. The dare-devil billionaire took one risk too many, and his death brings the family together. At least in body if not mind and spirit.

These Summer Storms- Extreme Dysfunction

Franklin Storm exerts control from the grave. Three of his children and widow receive letters. And each missive contains one final challenge. Per the will, all must succeed, or no one will inherit.

There is no fairness to the requests. Furthermore, protagonist Alice Storm wants no part of the game. Since she was banished five years ago, no letter was included for her. However, she is instructed not to leave by her father’s second in command.

Greta Storm has the hardest task from an emotional standpoint. Thus, Alice tells her not to comply. Second born Sam, the only male offspring is determined to make everyone comply. Even if it means detaining Alice on the island. Emily, the youngest, has secrets to disclose and the widow Elisabeth is compelled to tell the truth.

Jack Dean, Franklin’s second-in-command, is present to see if the rules are followed. But he has already broken one. Seemingly he is attracted to Alice. The feeling is somewhat mutual. Unsurprisingly, there are complications and greed shines through. Can the siblings work together?

 

Spicy Romance

These Summer Storms, as a novel, is more than a red-hot romance. But the sexual tension between Jack and Alice leaps off the pages. As Alice struggles with her grief and her role in the family, Jack provides support. The chemistry between the two works absolutely. Furthermore, their strained relationship keeps the reader turning to the next page.

Recommendation for These Summer Storms

I love this novel, and it is perfect for summer reading. However, the writing leaves nothing to the imagination when Alice and Jack come together so it may not be acceptable to some readers. Plus, I do not recommend for readers under 18. But for those who enjoy spicy romance novels with more substance than just a love story, this is a winner. My understanding is this is MacLean’s first contemporary novel. I plan to look for her historical releases. Furthermore, I hope she continues to spin tales filled with rich characters such as those in These Summer Storms.