The concept behind this novel is fascinating. Ford frames the narrative around the field of biology known as epigenetics--the idea that memories can be passed down from generation to generation through genes. Starting with Afong Moy--rumored to be the first Chinese woman to set foot on American soil--he traces the lives of seven generations of Moys and how their memories and traumas intertwine. It's a powerful book that examines the lives of these women, but also speaks to the universal hardships women face, including sexism, heartbreak, and misogyny.

All of the women in the Moy family are so vividly drawn, you form an emotional bond with each. However, it's Dorothy who is the one who keeps the story moving forward. Living in 2045 Seattle, she's suffering from episodes where she falls into the lives of the women from her family's past. Her boyfriend/father of her child becomes even more volatile and unyielding when she seeks out help from a practitioner of experimental treatment for epigenetic experiences.

I loved the stories of each woman and the exploration of shared trauma and emotion, yet the ending seemed too convenient to me. It was a shame because the stories of each women leading up to the ending were so engaging. I loved the peeks into the future Ford gave us, too, with the bits of the story that took place in 2045 and 2086. Even with the too-convenient ending, I really enjoyed this book and its clever premise. Absolutely recommend!

Whenever I read something about a historical event that I’ve never heard of, my history-nerd spidey senses tingle & I need to know more. I’m especially interested when it’s related to women’s rights or the rights/plights of marginalized communities. For years & still today, their narratives were/are ignored or, worse, purposely suppressed.

In this fascinating nonfiction book, history professor Sweet mixes scholarly research with embellished storytelling to explore the people involved in and the societal issues surrounding a New York City rape trial in 1793 colonial America (Alexander Hamilton was involved at one point!). The case: Working-class seamstress Lanah Turner was raped by wealthy entrepreneur Harry Bedlow. She said he pretended to be “Lawyer Smith” and feigned interest in her. After scheming to meet up with her for a stroll, he forced her to accompany him to a brothel, and, even though she screamed and tried to fight him off, he raped her and kept her there for the night.

What makes this case extra intriguing is how while some things about it are antiquated others are infuriatingly the same, even over 2 centuries later! Women having to “prove” their case beyond just their word. Men, especially white, prominent men are given the benefit of the doubt. The female victim is denigrated again & again & again. Sweet does a great job highlighting the inequities between men and women of the time, but also how Lanah’s case upended the status quo.

It’s a testament to Sweet’s skill that the scholarly info is never overbearing or didactic but deftly woven into the third-person narrative. All in all, this is an excellent book that spotlights a little-known but fascinating moment in history. I just wish some things weren’t still so unfair, 200+ years later.

If you’re a history fan, read this book! Thanks to @netgalley for the gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This charming book not only has a delightful cover, it has a lovely story, too.

Jess Metcalf is reeling after the death of her beloved grandmother, who she has lived with since her parents died in a car accident. After getting laid off from her job as a librarian, she’s even more at a loss. While driving to clear her mind, she ends up in the village of Middlemass in the English countryside. She’s immediately enamored with an ivy-covered cottage she finds, and is even more curious about the old red abandoned phone booth that sits in front of it. Jess pushes aside her worries and anxieties and takes the plunge.

This novel is a warm cup of tea in a book! Although Jess’s story is a bit predictable, the distinct details that Alexander included made me smile, tear up, and cheer. I especially loved the phone-booth-turned-littlest-library-in-England as the focal point. There is lots of talk about the classic books you love, the relatively modern joy of Manga books, and, of course, how books can enhance and change lives, in this case Jess’s. The littlest library is the catalyst that sparks her change from grief-stricken lady to a woman with a community, confidence, and love in her life.

I’d classify this book as more women’s fiction than romance. There’s flirtation and a connection with a hunky-if-grumpy neighbor, but it’s not the driving story of the book. Instead it’s Jess’s change and progress. I do wish there had been a bit more “on-the-page” romance, but it wasn’t a deal breaker. I still loved Jess’s relationships with her neighbors, especially her love interest’s daughter, and her growth. And, of course, all the talk of gardening in the English countryside, delicious cups of tea, and the power and joy of books. Bookworms (and anglophiles!) will love this one.