Review: American Panda

American Panda 

By Gloria Chao

Published: February 6, 2018

At seventeen, Mei should be in high school, but skipping fourth grade was part of her parents' master plan. Now a freshman at MIT, she is on track to fulfill the rest of this predetermined future: become a doctor, marry a preapproved Taiwanese Ivy Leaguer, produce a litter of babies.

With everything her parents have sacrificed to make her cushy life a reality, Mei can't bring herself to tell them the truth--that she (1) hates germs, (2) falls asleep in biology lectures, and (3) has a crush on her classmate Darren Takahashi, who is decidedly not Taiwanese.

But when Mei reconnects with her brother, Xing, who is estranged from the family for dating the wrong woman, Mei starts to wonder if all the secrets are truly worth it. Can she find a way to be herself, whoever that is, before her web of lies unravels?

From debut author Gloria Chao comes a hilarious, heartfelt tale of how unlike the panda, life isn't always so black and white.

My review:

Mei is under a lot of pressure to live up to her parents' expectations, especially after her brother disappoints them to the point that he is disowned. She is smart but she is struggling in her science classes and she doesn't know how she is going to manage to become a doctor when she can't stand germs. Mei's college experience isn't off to the greatest start. Her roommate seems to hate her too. Her only escape is dancing, something she is really good at and loves to do but she has to keep it a secret because her parents would be disappointed. Then she meets Darren Takahashi and things start to look up but she knows that her parents wouldn't approve of him since he is Japanese.

I felt really bad for Mei Her parents are super strict and she wants to please them but it means not being true to herself. She pretty much lives a double life and it is very stressful on her. Her classmates and friends don't get the risks she is taking or understand just how much Mei could lose if her family found out. I couldn't stand Mei's parents. Their behavior was so unloving and unsupportive for much of the book. I was glad that Mei had her brother and some friends who were there for her at least. It was nice to see Mei start to follow her own path and grow as the story went along. The romance with Darren was sweet as well.

While most teens hopefully have parents that are loving and supportive, I think they'd still be able to relate to the challenges that come with college (or growing up in general) and that process of living a separate life from your parents especially if your dreams and goals don't align with theirs. 

Overall, I liked this book and it reminded me a little of When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon. Of course in that book the parents are not mean, just a little overbearing. It is great to see more diverse contemporary YA fiction too. 

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes, courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss.

Review: The Great Alone

The Great Alone

By Kristin Hannah

Published: February 6, 2018

Alaska, 1974.

Unpredictable. Unforgiving. Untamed.

For a family in crisis, the ultimate test of survival.

Ernt Allbright, a former POW, comes home from the Vietnam war a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier.

Thirteen-year-old Leni, a girl coming of age in a tumultuous time, caught in the riptide of her parents’ passionate, stormy relationship, dares to hope that a new land will lead to a better future for her family. She is desperate for a place to belong. Her mother, Cora, will do anything and go anywhere for the man she loves, even if means following him into the unknown.

At first, Alaska seems to be the answer to their prayers. In a wild, remote corner of the state, they find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the Allbrights’ lack of preparation and dwindling resources.

But as winter approaches and darkness descends on Alaska, Ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates and the family begins to fracture. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own. In the wild, there is no one to save them but themselves.

In this unforgettable portrait of human frailty and resilience, Kristin Hannah reveals the indomitable character of the modern American pioneer and the spirit of a vanishing Alaska—a place of incomparable beauty and danger. The Great Alone is a daring, beautiful, stay-up-all-night story about love and loss, the fight for survival, and the wildness that lives in both man and nature.

My review:

Leni Albright is used to moving around a lot and she is used to feeling like the responsible one in her family. Leni has just started a new school when her dad receives a letter from the father of his deceased Army buddy Bo, informing him that Bo left him some property in Alaska. Ernt is convinced that this is a chance for them to start over in a place where they can live free without anyone telling them what to do. Leni's mother Cora is certain this fresh start will save her husband and that he will go back to the way he was before his time in Vietnam as a POW. When they arrive in Alaska they realize just how unprepared they are but thankfully they meet some helpful people like their neighbor Large Marge. Leni and her family have to learn how to live in a beautiful but unforgiving land with long dark winters where you can't outrun your problems.

Ernt may have survived some terrible things in the war but he was not a sympathetic character. Only Cora sees something good in him and tells Leni all the time about how he used to be. Leni doesn't really have those memories of him. Cora drew my ire. I thought she viewed her husband through rose colored glasses some of the time and when things were bad she just held on to this idea that she could save him. I felt really bad for Leni. Her parents were both a mess. I was reminded a little bit of The Glass Castle (movie-haven't read the book yet) at times. Leni's parents were similar in some ways to Jeannette's. Fortunately for Leni she has the friendship of some great people like Large Marge and Matthew Walker, a teen her age. She also falls in love with the land and photography. I was really rooting for her to escape her family's issues and it was great to see her start to thrive in Alaska.

I had high hopes for this book after reading The Nightingale and while this is a very different story, I was not disappointed. The setting is vivid and the story is well written and engrossing. I didn't feel the quite the same emotional pull that I had when I read The Nightingale but I still cared about what would happen to the characters (except Ernt who I hoped would be eaten by a bear). I think The Great Alone would be a fantastic pick for book groups and it would make a good movie. It will likely be one of my favorite books this year though it did not make me want to visit Alaska. I think I'll aim for Hawaii instead regardless of how much I want to see the Northern Lights! Kristin Hannah is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can't wait to see what she writes next.



Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss

Review: Still Me

Still Me

By Jojo Moyes

Published: January 30, 2018

From the sensational #1 New York Times bestselling author Jojo Moyes, a new book featuring her iconic heroine of Me Before You and After You, Louisa Clark.

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She is thrown into the world of the superrich Gopniks: Leonard and his much younger second wife, Agnes, and a never-ending array of household staff and hangers-on. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her job and New York life within this privileged world.

Before she knows what's happening, Lou is mixing in New York high society, where she meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. In Still Me, as Lou tries to keep the two sides of her world together, she finds herself carrying secrets—not all her own—that cause a catastrophic change in her circumstances. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you reconcile a heart that lives in two places?

My review:

At the end of After You, Louisa decided to take a temporary job in New York with the wealthy Gopnik family. Now she is finally in there and ready for adventure but her new job isn't quite what she expected and neither is life in New York. She is sort of an assistant to Agnes who is lonely and rejected by the other society wives who hate her for replacing the first Mrs. Gopnik. Louisa's friend Nathan reminds her that the Gopniks are not like Will and his family. Agnes may call Louisa her friend but she really isn't. It is quite an adjustment for Lou to get used to both a new job and a new city. She also really misses Sam and it is so hard connecting with him across the miles. 

I really enjoyed this sequel to After You. I liked it more than that book in fact. It doesn't have the same kind of emotional impact as Me Before You but I liked how Lou continued to grow as a character and really try to figure out who she is instead of being what others needed or wanted her to be. While she still misses Will so much it is nice to see her find happiness and future possibilities. There are some great secondary characters too and some unexpected friendships that developed. I was glad we got to see more of Lou's family as well. They can be such a hoot!

If you haven't read the first two books in the trilogy, I really recommend that you do so the story makes sense. I don't know if this is the last book about Louisa but if it is, I think the author left things in a great place. 

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Netgalley

Review: Moxie

Moxie

By Jennifer Mathieu

Published: September 19, 2017

An unlikely teenager starts a feminist revolution at a small-town Texas high school in this novel from Jennifer Mathieu, author of The Truth About Alice.

MOXIE GIRLS FIGHT BACK!

Vivian Carter is fed up. Fed up with an administration at her high school that thinks the football team can do no wrong. Fed up with sexist dress codes, hallway harassment, and gross comments from guys during class. But most of all, Viv Carter is fed up with always following the rules.

Viv's mom was a tough-as-nails, punk rock Riot Grrrl in the '90s, and now Viv takes a page from her mother's past and creates a feminist zine that she distributes anonymously to her classmates. She's just blowing off steam, but other girls respond. As Viv forges friendships with other young women across the divides of cliques and popularity rankings, she realizes that what she has started is nothing short of a girl revolution.

Moxie is a book about high school life that will make you wanna riot!

My review:

Vivian starts out hesitant to rock the boat but she decides to act when no one does anything about the unfair rules and harassment towards girls at her school. Inspired by her mom's collection of Riot Grrl zines, Vivian makes one of her own and secretly distributes them in the girls' bathrooms. The zines gradually inspire the other girls at her school to make a stand of their own and the movement grows beyond anything she could have imagined.

I really liked the girl power and focus on friendships and empowerment. Not all of Vivian's friends were onboard with the Moxie movement at first and Vivian also had to figure out what she believed about feminism and how far she was willing to go to change things at her school. She also kept her involvement with Moxie a secret from her mom. She kind of wanted it to be her own thing and she also had a reputation for being a "good girl" and not a "troublemaker" the way her mom was so it was hard for her to break that mold. Although there is a romance (and a decent love interest), Vivian wasn't all about trying to impress a guy. 

Overall I thought this book was fantastic and so timely! Although I was a teen in the 90s I didn't really know anything about the Riot Grrl movement but now I wish I had. I didn't really think much about feminism till I got to college. I think during my high school years I sort of viewed feminism as this historical movement and not something that applied to my life and there was also this undeserved negative reputation that feminists were "man haters" or that you couldn't be a Christian and be a feminist. Thankfully those false ideas were debunked when I got to college! Hopefully Moxie will inspire today's young women to take a stand for themselves and cause them to view feminism as something important and relevant to their lives.

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss

Review: The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give

By Angie Thomas

Published: February 28, 2017

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.

My review:

At the beginning of the book, Starr goes to a party with her friend Kenya (she also happens to be a half sister of Starr's half brother Seven). While she is there, Starr feels like she doesn't belong. She may have gone to school with the other teens long ago and she still lives in the same neighborhood but now she goes to a prep school and has a secret white boyfriend. Her wealthy best friends don't know what her home life is really like as their parents wouldn't allow them to visit her. She is torn between two different lives and has different versions of her persona, not really able to be herself with anyone. It is at this party that Starr reconnects with Khalil. When she was a child, Khalil was one of her best friends but in recent years they'd grown apart. Her other childhood best friend died tragically in a drive-by when Starr was ten.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Starr is broken. She can't stop reliving what happened and she has to face going down to the police station to give a statement. There are all kinds of nasty things being said about Khalil in the media where he is not portrayed as a victim but a criminal. Starr's only break from her pain is at school where she tries to act like everything is just fine but even there she can't escape what happened.

This was a powerful novel inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and many true stories. The title comes from Tupac's T.H.U.G.L.I.F.E. tattoo and what it stood for (The Hate U Give Little Infants F*cks Everybody). Angie Carter has written a book that will make readers think and feel strong emotion and hopefully want to take action in a positive way. 

One of the most impactful moments of the book for me was when Starr talked about how her parents had "the talk" with her. Not the one that everyone gets at puberty but rather what to do when a cop pulls you over. It was heartbreaking that such a conversation needed to take place and it is a common occurrence. In a later scene, Starr witnesses a loved one being forced to lie down on the ground as an act of police intimidation. Not all cops are portrayed in a negative light. Starr's uncle is a police officer and second father to Starr and he has faith in his fellow officers though not all are deserving of it.

Starr goes through so much and I really felt for her. I was glad she had such a loving family and her boyfriend was pretty sweet. I loved how they bonded over their mutual fandom (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air). Unfortunately not all of her friends were there for her and she had to figure out who her true friends were. I admired Starr for standing up for herself and Khalil even though it was so hard to do (and scary). 

The Hate U Give is the best book I've read in 2017 so far. I think it is so relevant to what is going on in America today but it is also a well written story. I highly recommend it. I'm afraid my review doesn't quite do it justice.



Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss

Review: The Daughters of Ireland

The Daughters of Ireland 

(orig. The Daughters of Castle Deverill)

By Santa Montefiore

Published: August 15, 2017

Ireland. 1925.

The war is over. But life will never be the same...

In the green hills of West Cork, Ireland, Castle Deverill has burned to the ground. But young Celia Deverill is determined to see her ruined ancestral home restored to its former glory — to the years when Celia ran through its vast halls with her cousin Kitty and their childhood friend Bridie Doyle.

Kitty herself is raising a young family, but she longs for Jack O’Leary — the long-ago sweetheart she cannot have. And soon Kitty must make a heartbreaking decision, one that could destroy everything she holds dear.

Bridie, once a cook's daugher in Castle Deverill, is now a well-heeled New York City socialite. Yet her celebrity can't erase a past act that haunts her still. Nor can it keep her from seeking revenge upon the woman who wronged her all those years ago.

As these three daughters of Ireland seek to make their way in a world once again beset by dark forces, Santa Montefiore shows us once more why she is one of the best-loved storytellers at work today.

My review:

In the first book in the Deverill Chronicles, the story focuses on Kitty Deverill but here we get to see what is going on with Celia, Bridie and several other characters. The legacy of the castle ties them all together. It is more than just a place. It represents family and heritage and home. When Kitty's father Bertie had to put the castle up for sale, the family had no idea that Celia would be the one to buy it. She pours money and effort into rebuilding it and making it better than it was before. For Kitty, it is bittersweet. While Castle Deverill stays in the family, it is still hard to see it in someone else's hands and it isn't the same. The castle is also home to the ghosts of the Lords Deverill because of the curse Maggie O'Leary placed on Barton Deverill centuries ago. This time we get to find out what happened in the past as well.

In addition to the Deverill family in Ireland we also see what happens in the lives of the London Deverills and a long lost Deverill in America. As the years pass, there is tragedy and family secrets are unearthed. Meanwhile Bridie Doyle is nursing an undeserved grudge against Kitty Deverill. Even though she has riches (far more than Kitty who is living at the mercy of her cousin) Bridie is bitter and wants more. She blames Kitty for her unhappiness instead of rightly looking in the mirror (though Kitty's father holds some blame as well). Bridie is not my least favorite character in the book but she certainly comes close. I'm really hoping she will finally grow up in the next book. Celia on the other hand starts out as flighty and by the end has matured quite a bit. I really liked her character progression. Kitty grew up some more as well. It is hard for her to decide if she should let go of Jack and put her family first though I don't think Jack is good enough for her. He is a bit of a mess but both Kitty and Bridie still love him.

The Daughters of Ireland is the story of the Deverill family in the 1920s but it is also about the idea of home and what that means to the various characters. The setting of Ireland as well as the castle is important although at times the story goes to New York and even South Africa. The family curse ties into it as well. So does the concept of revenge and forgiveness. The novel covers several years and a lot happens but the story moves at a good pace and there is some character development though there is a large cast to keep track of. 

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It has historical details, interesting settings, characters that I cared about and some soapy drama and scandal as well. Now I am waiting for my copy of book three to arrive from Book Depository because I don't want to wait till next year to find out what happens. I'd suggest this series to readers who are interested in historical fiction set in Ireland or family sagas. 


Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss 

Review: The Paris Spy

The Paris Spy

By Susan Elia MacNeal

Published: August 8, 2017

Maggie Hope has come a long way since serving as a typist for Winston Churchill. Now she’s working undercover for the Special Operations Executive in the elegant but eerily silent city of Paris, where SS officers prowl the streets in their Mercedes and the Ritz is draped with swastika banners. Walking among the enemy is tense and terrifying, and even though she’s disguised in chic Chanel, Maggie can’t help longing for home.

But her missions come first. Maggie’s half sister, Elise, has disappeared after being saved from a concentration camp, and Maggie is desperate to find her—that is, if Elise even wants to be found. Equally urgent, Churchill is planning the Allied invasion of France, and SOE agent Erica Calvert has been captured, the whereabouts of her vital research regarding Normandy unknown. Maggie must risk her life to penetrate powerful circles and employ all her talents for deception and spycraft to root out a traitor, find her sister, and locate the reports crucial to planning D-Day in a deadly game of wits with the Nazi intelligence elite.

My review:

At the end of the last book, Maggie used her connections to find a way onto a plane to France. Maggie wants to find her sister Elise and rescue Agent Calvert and retrieve the information she had collected. Also newly arrived in France are her friends (and fellow spies) Sarah and Hugh who have their own mission to accomplish. Unfortunately there is a mole in their midst which makes the situation even more dangerous.

The Paris Spy is a fast paced mystery with some unexpected twists and edge of your seat moments. I did figure out early on who the traitor was but that didn't lessen my reading experience. Like in the other books in the series there are real historical figures like Winston Churchill and Coco Chanel. I really didn't like her at all. She may have been stylish but she was also a Nazi collaborator. It was fascinating to get more insight into all the preparations that went into planning the invasion of Normandy. There is also an interesting discussion about espionage and the expending of lives for the greater good.

One thing I noticed with this book is that with the growing cast of characters, the individual stories weren't as impactful at times. I was riveted by what was going on with Hugh and Sarah though. Elise's story also ties in with Maggie as we find out where she is hiding now and what she has been up to. I still cared about all the returning characters but there were some things that I felt detracted from the main action happening in Paris. The ending is something of a cliffhanger however so I'm curious to see what is going to happen to Maggie next. It is going to be a long wait till the next novel! Overall I liked this newest installment in the Maggie Hope mystery series. 

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss

Review: Changes in Latitudes

Changes in Latitudes

By Jen Malone

Published: July 25, 2017

A "road" trip romance that takes place at sea!

All Cassie wants is to get some solid ground under her feet following the shock of her parents' divorce. So when she learns of her mom's plans to take Cassie and her brother, Drew, on a four-month sailing trip from Oregon to Mexico, she's stunned. There is absolutely nothing solid about the Pacific Ocean. 

Cassie is furious. And nervous. It's been hard enough keeping Drew sheltered from what Cassie knows about her mother's role in breaking their family apart, but living in such close quarters threatens to push her anger past its tipping point. Enter Jonah, a whip-smart deckhand who's as gorgeous as he is flirtatious. Cassie tries to keep him at a distance, but the more time they spend together--wandering San Francisco, riding beachside roller coasters, and exploring the California coastline--the harder it is to fight the attraction. 

​Cassie wants to let herself go, but her parents' split has left her feeling adrift in a sea of questions she can't even begin to answer. Can she forgive her mom? Will home ever feel the same? Should she take a chance on Jonah? With life's unpredictable tides working against her, Cassie must decide whether to swim against them... or dive right in.

My review:

I felt bad for Cassie because of the divorce and she is in some deep pain over it and the secret she overheard regarding her mom. Now she has to be stuck on a boat with her mom for four months. While I could understand her hurt, her bratty behavior got old after awhile. To be fair, I know I acted like that at times when I was younger. Cassie's brother Drew is much more sunny even though he is also affected by the divorce. He is eager to learn everything he can about sailing and embraces the trip with good humor. Drew is pretty sweet and I kept thinking he was younger and not a teen yet since he isn't moody like his sister!

Thankfully Cassie's attitude does improve as the book goes on and she is changed by the experience of the trip. The divorce is a really sad thing that happened but it didn't just happen to her. She realizes that her anger and petty behavior was keeping her from making the most of a really cool experience. I think bonding with her brother helped and it doesn't hurt that she meets Jonah who becomes a friend and love interest. I think Cassie grows up a lot during the trip and she learns more about her mom too. 

Overall I liked this book. I appreciated the focus on family relationships and I liked the character development as well. The romance was sweet and I liked how Jonah also befriended Drew and seemed to be a genuinely nice guy. I enjoyed the setting and learning a little bit about sailing though I would never in a million years want to do that. I seriously suffer from motion sickness so I could feel Cassie's pain at the beginning of the trip! I think fans of Morgan Matson, Sarah Dessen and Jessi Kirby would like this.

Review: A Twist in Time

A Twist in Time

By Julie McElwain

Published: April 4, 2017

When Kendra Donovan’s plan to return to the 21st century fails, leaving her stranded in 1815, the Duke of Aldridge believes he knows the reason―she must save his nephew, who has been accused of brutally murdering his ex-mistress.

Former FBI agent Kendra Donovan’s attempts to return to the twenty-first century have failed, leaving her stuck at Aldridge Castle in 1815. And her problems have just begun: in London, the Duke of Aldridge’s nephew Alec―Kendra’s confidante and lover―has come under suspicion for murdering his former mistress, Lady Dover, who was found viciously stabbed with a stiletto, her face carved up in a bizarre and brutal way.

Lady Dover had plenty of secrets, and her past wasn’t quite what she’d made it out to be. Nor is it entirely in the past―which becomes frighteningly clear when a crime lord emerges from London’s seamy underbelly to threaten Alec. Joining forces with Bow Street Runner Sam Kelly, Kendra must navigate the treacherous nineteenth century while she picks through the strands of Lady Dover’s life.

As the noose tightens around Alec’s neck, Kendra will do anything to save him, including following every twist and turn through London’s glittering ballrooms, where deception is the norm―and any attempt to uncover the truth will get someone killed.

My review:

In this sequel to A Murder in Time, Kendra heads to London to investigate the murder of Lady Dover, a house guest in the first book and also the ex of Kendra's love interest, Alec. Kendra is also dealing with frustration over her situation as well as some changes in her life as she is now the ward of the Duke, meaning a higher social status and more rules to follow. Kendra comes to realize that investigating a murder in London is very different from investigating one on the Duke's own lands and the stakes are much higher.

A Twist in Time is an enjoyable mystery though perhaps not as thrilling as the first book which involved a serial killer on the loose. On the plus side there isn't as much build up to the story because the setting is already established. Favorite characters from the first book are back including the Duke, Sam Kelly and Kendra's new best friend Lady Rebecca who is a feminist ahead of her time. I liked the growth and further development of these relationships as well as the details of life in Regency London and how crimes were solved back then. I'd suggest this series to fans of historical mystery and suspense as well as readers who like time travel fiction.

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss

Review: The Alice Network

The Alice Network

By Kate Quinn

Published: June 6, 2017

In an enthralling new historical novel from national bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption.

1947. In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, American college girl Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried, and on the verge of being thrown out of her very proper family. She's also nursing a desperate hope that her beloved cousin Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France during the war, might still be alive. So when Charlie's parents banish her to Europe to have her "little problem" taken care of, Charlie breaks free and heads to London, determined to find out what happened to the cousin she loves like a sister.

1915. A year into the Great War, Eve Gardiner burns to join the fight against the Germans and unexpectedly gets her chance when she's recruited to work as a spy. Sent into enemy-occupied France, she's trained by the mesmerizing Lili, the "Queen of Spies", who manages a vast network of secret agents right under the enemy's nose.

Thirty years later, haunted by the betrayal that ultimately tore apart the Alice Network, Eve spends her days drunk and secluded in her crumbling London house. Until a young American barges in uttering a name Eve hasn't heard in decades, and launches them both on a mission to find the truth...no matter where it leads.

My review:

The story starts with Charlotte "Charlie" St. Clair who is traveling abroad with her mother and briefly stopping over in England before finishing their trip to Switzerland. Charlie is pregnant and their destination is a clinic where the "little problem" can be taken care of. But Charlie also hopes to discover what happened to her cousin Rose who disappeared during WWII and the key to her quest is Eve Gardiner. She escapes her mother's clutches and finds Eve with the hope that she will lead Charlie to Rose. 

Eve is a fascinating character. During WWI, she became a spy in France and the parts of the story that share her experience during that time are the most compelling. She worked undercover at a restaurant where prominent Nazis dined and her employer was a dangerous collaborator. Eve went through some horrible experiences and the war definitely changed her. In 1947 when Charlie finds her, she is now a drunk suffering from PTSD and guilt. 

Charlie is a privileged young woman but she has her own share of grief both from her missing cousin and her brother who died tragically during the war.  I found it difficult to like Charlie at times though especially with her hallucinations of Rose (and imaginary conversations with her) as well as imaginary conversations with the "Little Problem". I did feel sorry for her because of what happened with her brother and the way her family is treating her though. I just liked Eve a lot more. 

The Alice Network was a real spy ring of women during WWI. I found that part to be really interesting. While Eve is a fictional character, "Lili" was a real historical figure and war hero, Louise de Bettignies. I liked how the author brought this little known aspect of WWI history to life. The novel becomes a page turner, especially the 1915 sections and even the 1947 part has some suspense as the past and "present" collide. Overall I really enjoyed this historical novel. I initially listened to the audio book and I thought the narration was pretty good but I had to switch to the print version because it was too suspenseful to listen to in the car on the way to work and I couldn't wait to find out what happened! I suggest this book to fans of historical fiction like The Nightingale, The Girl You Left Behind, The Orphan's Tale and the Maggie Hope mysteries by Susan Elia MacNeal. Although not quite as good as The Nightingale, it is definitely well worth reading.

Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

By Taylor Jenkins Reid

Published: June 13, 2017

In this entrancing novel “that speaks to the Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor in us all” (Kirkus Reviews), a legendary film actress reflects on her relentless rise to the top and the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.

Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

“Heartbreaking, yet beautiful” (Jamie Blynn, Us Weekly), The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is “Tinseltown drama at its finest” (Redbook): a mesmerizing journey through the splendor of old Hollywood into the harsh realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means—and what it costs—to face the truth.

My review:

I love Hollywood's Golden Age and classic movies so the subject of this book really appealed to me. Evelyn is a strong character and very fascinating though not exactly easy to relate to. In a way she reminded me of Scarlett O'Hara in her drive and determination to get what she wants. Evelyn loves fame and she wants to be at the top of the game but to get there she has to sacrifice a lot and at times she makes some bad decisions. She may have been married seven times but not one of her husbands was the love of her life.  Now that she is in the twilight years of her life, Evelyn is finally ready to "tell all" . Her story is sad at times because even with wealth and fame there was loneliness and all that she had to give up or keep secret for her career's sake.

The parts of the book that detail Evelyn's history and career are the most interesting to read about. While all the actors mentioned are fictional, their stories remind me of real Hollywood stars. Monique's storyline is not as interesting though everything ties together neatly in the end.  Readers who are fans of Old Hollywood will be caught up in this juicy story of Hollywood history, secrets and scandals. I found it to be a page-turning story, perfect for summer reading. 

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss

Review: The Cafe By the Sea

The Cafe By the Sea

By Jenny Colgan

Published: June 27, 2017

Years ago, Flora fled the quiet Scottish island where she grew up -- and she hasn't looked back. What would she have done on Mure? It's a place where everyone has known her all her life, where no one will let her forget the past. In bright, bustling London, she can be anonymous, ambitious... and hopelessly in love with her boss.

But when fate brings Flora back to the island, she's suddenly swept once more into life with her brothers (all strapping, loud and seemingly incapable of basic housework) and her father. Yet even amid the chaos of their reunion, Flora discovers a passion for cooking -- and finds herself restoring dusty little pink-fronted shop on the harbour: a café by the sea.

But with the seasons changing, Flora must come to terms with past mistakes... and work out exactly where her future lies...

Funny and heartfelt, The Café by the Sea is a delightful summertime novel that puts a modern twist on the classic Seven Brides for Seven Brothers story. 

My review:

Flora MacKenzie hasn't been back to Mure in years. Not since a tragic loss hit her family. She is focused on her career and new life in London where she has a tiny apartment and a huge crush on her boss, Joel. Then when her firm's important new client, American multibillionaire Colton Rogers, who happens to own property on Mure, needs legal assistance he specifically requests Flora's help even though she is a paralegal. Joel gives her no choice but to go home to Mure to work on the case. Things are rocky with her family and some in the community who are not pleased that she ditched everyone for the bright lights of London. 

It is really hard for Flora to be back on Mure, facing the sorrow she left behind. Her family initially gives her a hard time, especially her brother Fintan who I wanted to punch several times. The MacKenzies have a dairy farm on Mure and it is facing hard times. That isn't the only change Flora finds when she returns. Fewer businesses and fewer people live on the island due to the economy and the locals aren't pleased that she is working for Colton Rogers who they view as an outsider who doesn't care about Mure. Flora has her work cut out for her as she hopes to win people over for her firm's sake but as she spends more time on Mure she remembers all the good things about her beautiful island home.

The Cafe By the Sea is a charming story with such a lovely setting. Flora is a really likable protagonist. I felt so bad for her as she returned home and tried to come to terms with loss and the changes and the way people were treating her at first. I was glad that she had a good friend in Lorna and gradually others warmed up to her and she started to see that not everyone was upset with her. Something that I've noticed in Jenny Colgan's books is that she creates these wonderful communities with warmhearted and caring people and that is the same here.

Of course there is also a romance. Flora is in love with her boss (Joel) who doesn't really notice her till he visits Mure and sees her in a new light. He initially comes across as a jerk but then we get his backstory and understand why he is the way he is. He changes as the book progresses too.  There is also a local guy who is interested in Flora and I won't tell you who she ends up with!

I listened to the audio book which I mostly enjoyed. The narrator did a great job with the Scottish voices. It was wonderful to listen to. The only downside was that her American voices were terrible and as two of the characters are American (Colton and Joel) it lessened my enjoyment a little. Her voice for Flora's niece Agat also grated but Agat didn't have as many lines which helped.

Overall I really liked this book. The setting was fantastic and the heroine was someone I really rooted for. Also the food descriptions made me hungry! The book includes recipes though I probably won't try them. I kind of hope the author will write a sequel so we can revisit Mure and its zany residents. If you like Scotland, village life or foodie fiction, consider picking this up!

Review: Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows

By Balli Kaur Jaswal

Published: June 13, 2017

A lively, sexy, and thought-provoking East-meets-West story about community, friendship, and women’s lives at all ages—a spicy and alluring mix of Together Tea and Calendar Girls.

Every woman has a secret life . . .

Nikki lives in cosmopolitan West London, where she tends bar at the local pub. The daughter of Indian immigrants, she’s spent most of her twenty-odd years distancing herself from the traditional Sikh community of her childhood, preferring a more independent (that is, Western) life. When her father’s death leaves the family financially strapped, Nikki, a law school dropout, impulsively takes a job teaching a "creative writing" course at the community center in the beating heart of London’s close-knit Punjabi community.

Because of a miscommunication, the proper Sikh widows who show up are expecting to learn basic English literacy, not the art of short-story writing. When one of the widows finds a book of sexy stories in English and shares it with the class, Nikki realizes that beneath their white dupattas, her students have a wealth of fantasies and memories. Eager to liberate these modest women, she teaches them how to express their untold stories, unleashing creativity of the most unexpected—and exciting—kind.

As more women are drawn to the class, Nikki warns her students to keep their work secret from the Brotherhood, a group of highly conservative young men who have appointed themselves the community’s "moral police." But when the widows’ gossip offers shocking insights into the death of a young wife—a modern woman like Nikki—and some of the class erotica is shared among friends, it sparks a scandal that threatens them all.

My review:

When Nikki's older and more traditional sister asks her to post her matrimonial ad at the Sikh temple, Nikki reluctantly agrees even if it isn't something she herself believes in. When she visits the temple, she sees an ad for an instructor to teach creative writing and she decides to give it a go. Unfortunately the ad is misleading--the Sikh community center is looking for someone to teach basic English not writing. Things become more complicated when one of her new "students" finds an erotic book in Nikki's bag (that she'd bought as a gag gift for her sister) and the class suddenly has a new purpose. The ladies want to share erotic stories and have Nikki transcribe them. Not at all what Nikki (or the rest of the community) would expect from traditional Sikh widows! Of course there are those in the community who would strongly object if word got out and some who would resort to violence to stop it.

Nikki is an interesting foil to the women in the class. Not all of the women are traditional. One younger widow, Sheena, is more similar to Nikki in her views and behavior but most of the women are very different from Nikki. They see her as an outsider at first because she doesn't embrace traditional roles in her community. She is modern-working at a bar, wearing Western clothing instead of Indian garb, etc. Gradually as they get to know each other I think that Nikki's views of the women changes and they see her differently too. They become a support group and family to each other which is nice to see.

At the beginning of the book, Nikki is sort of aimless. She has been drifting through life since her dad died. Before his sudden death, Nikki and her father had gotten into a big fight over her career plans and it hadn't been mended so that is a pretty heavy thing to bear. She believes he died disappointed in her. Her relationship with her mom and sister is also strained but it is great to see how that changes by the end of the book as Nikki embraces more of her culture while still being true to herself. 

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows is an interesting blend of comedy, romance and more serious topics like abuse and women's rights. As the title implies there are some brief erotic stories told by the women in the class and interspersed through the book (but for those who don't want to read that, you can skip those parts and still enjoy the story).  The stories do illustrate a little about the characters who share them. In a way I was reminded of the tales shared by the pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales but these stories all have to do with desire.  There is also some suspense involving what happened to a young woman who is connected to the class. Everything ties together well in the end. This is a different kind of book--what we in the library field might call a "genre-blending" novel and I think it would appeal to a variety of readers. I wanted to read this book because it is Indian fiction and the hilarious title as well as the book description appealed to me. I'm glad I gave it a try.

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss