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anabel_unker
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity.*
VARINA PALLADINO'S JERSEY ITALIAN LOVE STORY is a hilarious and heart wrenching family drama. It's 'main character' (with that term used loosely) Varina Palladino is entering a new phase of her life, one she's struggling to come to terms with-- her time of independence. No longer a mother to her children, or even a grandmother to her grandchildren, Varina begins to set her sights on sights outside of her hometown of Wyldale, New Jersey.
Her family, a big mess of biological and unofficially adopted children, all play a large part in this story. There are several points of view, and switching between them can be a little confusing at times, and DeFino did a wonderful job of giving each character their own life with nuances that make them feel real.
This is an incredibly fun book, and a good read for anyone who likes large character casts, feel good reads (with lots of messes!), and dramadies.
VARINA PALLADINO'S JERSEY ITALIAN LOVE STORY is a hilarious and heart wrenching family drama. It's 'main character' (with that term used loosely) Varina Palladino is entering a new phase of her life, one she's struggling to come to terms with-- her time of independence. No longer a mother to her children, or even a grandmother to her grandchildren, Varina begins to set her sights on sights outside of her hometown of Wyldale, New Jersey.
Her family, a big mess of biological and unofficially adopted children, all play a large part in this story. There are several points of view, and switching between them can be a little confusing at times, and DeFino did a wonderful job of giving each character their own life with nuances that make them feel real.
This is an incredibly fun book, and a good read for anyone who likes large character casts, feel good reads (with lots of messes!), and dramadies.
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity.*
In DEATH CHECKED OUT, new-to-town Greta Plank truly believes she's found her happily ever after. The idyllic town of Larkspur, Wisconsin has embraced her with open arms as their new Library Director and, even though she's only lived there for four months, she has found herself a new community of friends. However, after tragedy strikes, Greta is forced to not only clear her name, but find out who's threatening her new home.
This book is the perfect example of a cozy mystery. It's never too violent, the plot twists aren't too twisty, and while everything is wrapped up in a nice bow-- there's room for growth from all the characters introduced in this first book.
However, all the things that make it a perfect cozy mystery, also cost it originality. DEATH CHECKED OUT lacked to grab my attention as a relatively seasoned Cozy Mystery Reader, but it would a perfect introductory read for anyone interested in exploring the genre.
In DEATH CHECKED OUT, new-to-town Greta Plank truly believes she's found her happily ever after. The idyllic town of Larkspur, Wisconsin has embraced her with open arms as their new Library Director and, even though she's only lived there for four months, she has found herself a new community of friends. However, after tragedy strikes, Greta is forced to not only clear her name, but find out who's threatening her new home.
This book is the perfect example of a cozy mystery. It's never too violent, the plot twists aren't too twisty, and while everything is wrapped up in a nice bow-- there's room for growth from all the characters introduced in this first book.
However, all the things that make it a perfect cozy mystery, also cost it originality. DEATH CHECKED OUT lacked to grab my attention as a relatively seasoned Cozy Mystery Reader, but it would a perfect introductory read for anyone interested in exploring the genre.
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity.*
WINDFALL by Erika Bolstad is many things. It is an investigation into the North Dakota oil industry, an observation of the historic 2008 Bakken oil boom and it's inevitable downfall, commentary on climate change and it's relationship to oil/natural gas use, a heartbreaking narrative about a woman's struggle with IVF, and the story of a family's hope for a windfall through several generations. This story is not about a woman living on her homestead or an adult version of Little House on the Prairie.
However, that doesn't mean that Anna and her story is merely a means to pull readers in. Anna's short journey provides a beautiful and grounding connection to all of the topics Bolstad writes about. While Anna spent a limited amount of time with her family on the frontier-- she was committed to an asylum shortly after the birth of her only child most likely due to postpartum depression or psychosis-- the impact her story has on Bolstad and her family lasts at least three generations.
Almost considered family lore, Bolstad originally set out to discover more about Anna and instead began unraveling the complicated truth behind mineral rights and the affects of the oil industry in North Dakota. Bolstad is a highly skilled and talented journalist, which easily carries over to this much more personal book through her meticulous research and thorough investigations. She truly leaves no stone unturned, and somehow always manages to bring the story back to Anna and her land.
WINDFALL is the rare type of book that continues to get better long after you've read it. It was a joy to experience, and I am certain that almost everyone will find some part of this book to love.
WINDFALL by Erika Bolstad is many things. It is an investigation into the North Dakota oil industry, an observation of the historic 2008 Bakken oil boom and it's inevitable downfall, commentary on climate change and it's relationship to oil/natural gas use, a heartbreaking narrative about a woman's struggle with IVF, and the story of a family's hope for a windfall through several generations. This story is not about a woman living on her homestead or an adult version of Little House on the Prairie.
However, that doesn't mean that Anna and her story is merely a means to pull readers in. Anna's short journey provides a beautiful and grounding connection to all of the topics Bolstad writes about. While Anna spent a limited amount of time with her family on the frontier-- she was committed to an asylum shortly after the birth of her only child most likely due to postpartum depression or psychosis-- the impact her story has on Bolstad and her family lasts at least three generations.
Almost considered family lore, Bolstad originally set out to discover more about Anna and instead began unraveling the complicated truth behind mineral rights and the affects of the oil industry in North Dakota. Bolstad is a highly skilled and talented journalist, which easily carries over to this much more personal book through her meticulous research and thorough investigations. She truly leaves no stone unturned, and somehow always manages to bring the story back to Anna and her land.
WINDFALL is the rare type of book that continues to get better long after you've read it. It was a joy to experience, and I am certain that almost everyone will find some part of this book to love.
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity.*
TWICE IN A LIFETIME is on of the unique books that easily spans across multiple genres. The element of unexplained semi-time travelling places it solidly into science fiction, but sandwiched between the SciFi is a really beautiful and moving love story. This story is not a fluffy, easy romance-- Isla (the leading lady) suffers from debilitating anxiety and depression, and is struggling to recover from the death of her beloved mother. While Ewan (the love interest) plays a massive role in helping her cope, the work Isla does is real and it's not an example of being miraculously healed through love.
What I loved most about TWICE is that it's as much of a love story about Isla and Ewan as it is about Isla and herself. The story, at it's root, is one about loving yourself as you are and giving yourself the freedom to be loved.
This book will not be everyone's cup of tea, it's a lot heavier than your average romance, but it's such a rewarding read and will leave a lasting imprint if you embrace it!
TWICE IN A LIFETIME is on of the unique books that easily spans across multiple genres. The element of unexplained semi-time travelling places it solidly into science fiction, but sandwiched between the SciFi is a really beautiful and moving love story. This story is not a fluffy, easy romance-- Isla (the leading lady) suffers from debilitating anxiety and depression, and is struggling to recover from the death of her beloved mother. While Ewan (the love interest) plays a massive role in helping her cope, the work Isla does is real and it's not an example of being miraculously healed through love.
What I loved most about TWICE is that it's as much of a love story about Isla and Ewan as it is about Isla and herself. The story, at it's root, is one about loving yourself as you are and giving yourself the freedom to be loved.
This book will not be everyone's cup of tea, it's a lot heavier than your average romance, but it's such a rewarding read and will leave a lasting imprint if you embrace it!
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
Inspired by the amazing true story of the Kingdom of the Happy Land, THE AMERICAN QUEEN details the story of Louella and William Montgomery and their people. Formerly enslaved and burning with a fire for justice, Louella convinces her reverend husband and a group of 50 people to leave Mississippi and move towards the freedom of the north. Along the road, their numbers swell to over 200 before they finally find their promised land on the North and South Carolina border. There, the couple and their followers work the land and in the surrounding towns until a flourishing kingdom is established with the motto "One for all and all for one".
Miller did a a wonderful job of bringing this story to light-- her commitment to accuracy and passion for the narrative of the Happy Land shines through her storytelling. THE AMERICAN QUEEN is a wonderful piece of Christian Historical Fiction that showcase's a little known, inspirational part of American history.
Inspired by the amazing true story of the Kingdom of the Happy Land, THE AMERICAN QUEEN details the story of Louella and William Montgomery and their people. Formerly enslaved and burning with a fire for justice, Louella convinces her reverend husband and a group of 50 people to leave Mississippi and move towards the freedom of the north. Along the road, their numbers swell to over 200 before they finally find their promised land on the North and South Carolina border. There, the couple and their followers work the land and in the surrounding towns until a flourishing kingdom is established with the motto "One for all and all for one".
Miller did a a wonderful job of bringing this story to light-- her commitment to accuracy and passion for the narrative of the Happy Land shines through her storytelling. THE AMERICAN QUEEN is a wonderful piece of Christian Historical Fiction that showcase's a little known, inspirational part of American history.
