Oleander Girl

By Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Fall in love with Korobi Roy as she takes us on a journey through friendship, family, loyalty and secrets of the past.  This most endearing main character finds herself engaged to the man of her dreams, while forced to question everything she ever believed in about her parents, grandparents and most of all, herself. Korobi attends college in Kolkata, India, while living with her grandparents in their ancient beautiful home. Her grandfather is an especially well respected lawyer with a deep rooted family history that makes Korobi the perfect match for Rajat, son of two successful parents enmeshed in their climb of the social ladder. Korobi's honesty and innocence bring out the very best in this young man, Rajat, who is living life in the fast lane. After a confusing vision following her engagement, Korobi finds herself searching for the truth surrounding her parents death. Korobi is determined to understand the mother she has never known and follow her heart, no matter what the cost. From India to America Korobi's mix of strength, curiosity and bravery helps her confront these ghosts, both real and imagined. The author brings the story alive with the sights and smells and sounds of a rambunctious city (so vivid!) and young love of Rajat and Korobi, extremely likeable characters. Similar to my other India favorite's, here is a beautiful story not to be missed. An enjoyable read of a culture both exotic and mysterious that takes the reader to another continent, if only for a few days!
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Maya's Notebook

By Isabel Allende 

Maya Vidal is abandoned by her parents when she is very young. She is raised by her loving, intelligent beautiful grandparents whom she calls Nini and Popo.  When Popo unexpectedly passes away Maya is devastated and this tragedy leaves her despondent and careless. The beautiful, soccer playing girl is now a rebellious, belligerent teenager. Her behavior spirals out of control until she hits the very bottom of our society. This story approaches love, loss and friendship with a mix of spiritual guidance and sometimes magical beliefs. The very brightest star to the absolute lowest point in a humans life is described with extraordinary detail. The happiness and pain comes alive on these pages as the novel unfolds from their artistic home in Berkeley CA to the streets of Las Vegas and finally a remote island off of Chile. This author has a remarkable way to bring the reader into the very hearts and minds of these loveable characters. Do not miss reading this unique, one of a kind story. Excellent!

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Reconstructing Amelia

By Kimberly McCreight

 Amelia is a smart, beautiful, talented teen attending a posh prep school in Brooklyn NY. She has a best friend, plays field hockey and dreams of being in love. Amelias mom Kate has done all that she can to make their family the best it can be. As a single parent with a stressful but satisfying job at a top law firm, Kate may not have enough hours in the day but like most parents she thinks she understands her daughter. When tragedy strikes Kate delves into the details she never knew existed. Emails, texts, facebook and horrid videos announce all the things that have been troubling Amelia. As Kate searches for answers her past collides with her present and everything she once believed is questioned. This suspenseful story with vivid characters analyzes the truth, not necessarily in the eye of the beholder but in the mysterious electronic language of this generation. If you liked Gone Girl, Defending Jacob or This Beautiful Life do not miss this contemporary mesmerizing story which is already in the works for a movie starring Nicole Kidman, perfect! BUY IT NOW! Reconstructing Amelia: A Novel

Mom & Me & Mom

By Maya Angelou 

A beautiful memoir of what it means to be a mother, a daughter and everything in between. In magnificent prose Maya Angelou details her abandonment and lifelong reunion with her dynamic, brilliant and feisty one of a kind mother. Unable to "mother" as she would want to, Vivian Baxter sent 3 yr old Maya and 5 yr old brother Bailey to Arkansas to live with their paternal grandmother. After ten long but loving years they returned to San Francisco and the home of Vivian whom Maya decided to call "Lady." Although at times a very bumpy road Maya's mother never passed up a moment or opportunity to encourage her daughter to the limits of her talent, freedom and womanhood. She was blessed to have Vivian in her life and double blessed to have the ability to look back with such loving reflection. Most importantly, Maya Angelou has the words to share her story with the world. I found myself wanting to take notes. Don't miss this easy enjoyable perfect Mothers Day read!

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald  By Therese Anne Fowler 

The Jazz Age, Writers, Artists, Musicians, Prohibition, the earlier part of the 1900's in NYC, in Paris. A time when art is exploding. People of interest and ideas are displaying and performing art that had previously been reserved and conservative. Zelda Sayre, a beautiful girl filled with wit and talent and charm is swept off her feet in her hometown of Montgomery, Alabama by none other than F. Scott Fitzgerald, handsome in a military uniform, consumed with desire for fame and riches he felt he should have been born to. Their tumultuous, love/hate relationship with family, friends and each other fits like a puzzle piece into this time period of risk and risque. Ms. Fowler's historical novel, told in Zelda's voice has the reader immersed in another world, a different place, a far off time. Entranced by this intense romance I could not put down, described in a voice so real, I dreamt of Zelda and Scott, heard their voices, almost tasted the champagne! All on the eve of The Great Gatsby remake arriving onto the big screen! WARNING: DO NOT MISS THIS READ!!!

Fever

FEVER  By Mary Beth Keane    This interesting, sad, historical, true story of Mary Mallon, better known as Typhoid Mary! Mary, a beautiful feisty Irish immigrant has made her way to NYC in 1893. She is a fantastic cook and soon finds work in some of the most prominent homes of the time. A few years later Mary is approached by a health inspector/physician and accused of spreading typhoid fever. She is bewildered and distraught and violently responds to their request for testing. Mary is subdued and taken to North Brother Island, a small isolated island adjacent to Manhattan. There, very ill people arrive, never to leave. TB, Diptheria, Typhoid, etc. Mary has never been sick a day and appears healthy and strong. She becomes the first "healthy" carrier and the DOH does not know how to handle the situation. This novel follows Mary's fate and difficult journey through the system. Mary is smart, outspoken and refuses to give up on life. Excellent novel of a subject we do not hear much about. Accurate portrayal of NYC in the early 1900's and relationships within the colorful, loud, immigrant neighborhoods of the lower east side. Highly recommend.

The House Girl

The House Girl By Tara Conklin  

It is the mid 1800's and Josephine, a 17 yr old slave girl that has never stepped foot off of her owners plantation in Virgina wants to/has to/ must! run!  She has been "lucky" if one can see that being a house girl was far better than being a field hand. Josephine's missus teaches her to read and allows her to assist with paintings and drawings that are her saving grace after 17 miscarriages. Josephine is beautiful and has an artistic gift that one can only be born with. Flash forward, Lina Sparrow is a young twenty something lawyer at an elite NYC firm and has taken on the historical case of a lifetime regarding reparations for slave descendants. These two worlds, so separate yet completely connected. Ms. Conklin brings the reader so deeply into the thoughts and hearts of its characters, it's as if you are under a spell as each chapter unfolds. The voices are palpable and while it is quite clear what the heroines should do next, the steps are never that easy. Highly recommend this amazing story of love and hope and dreams of freedom.

Lean In

Lean In By Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl Sandberg is the COO at facebook. She wears many hats; mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and high powered businesswoman. She wears them well. Lean In is about passion, living life to the fullest, and her personal experiences in the workforce. It describes Sheryl's compelling journey, the influential people she has met and her personal and sometimes public unease with the gender gap in the work place. After confirming a pattern in the many successful women and men she spoke with (and quotes) throughout this book, Sheryl Leaned In and faced her fears by chronicling her journey. There are a number of reasons to read this book, some you will agree with, some you will not,  but the most vital lesson is it is never too late to LEAN IN.

The Light Between Oceans

The Light Between Oceans By M.L. Stedman   Life. Death. War. Love. The world does not stop spinning and the waves do not stop crashing on the rocky islands surrounding southern Australia. It is post WWI and Tom is an honored, brave soldier that is trying to rebuild his life and put the death and destruction he witnessed behind him. He falls in love with Isabel in a small town just as he is beginning his post as lighthouse keeper on a rocky deserted island 100 miles away, called Janus. They marry and live in their own little world, isolated from all of civilization. The only voices they hear are each others and there is nothing they would not do in the name of love. But things are not always easy and there is a fine line between right and wrong. They are struggling with protecting their happiness at whatever the cost, convincing themselves the circumstances allow it. This novel is a love story, it is a debate of moral values, of family and friendship. The best lesson, forgiving -  you only have to do once, anger you have to feed continuously. Quite interestingly, and not a spoiler, the author M.L., I was positive! was a male and it turned out to be a woman. It is shockingly her first novel and sure to be a smash success!! Do not miss this one!!! Highly recommend this excellent read!!

Lessons in French

Lessons in French By Hilary Reyl 

Katie has just graduated from Yale, it is 1989 and she is an aspiring artist. Her mom has struggled to provide for her and desperately wishes Katie to follow a more substantial path with a promising future. Through friends of friends she has discovered an opportunity she cannot resist, to assist a famous photographer in Paris called Lydia Schell. It sounds too good to be true, Paris, romance, culture and meeting other inspiring artists. Although she will struggle financially and work hard to avert her mothers growing worries and disappointments, Katie is on the quickest flight to France she can find. In addition to all she hoped Katie also finds, lies, subversion, manipulation and the craziest household she has ever witnessed. The dynamics of those around her are both interesting and scary and Katie learns to find her own "style" and true self. Thoroughly enjoyed this coming of age story. Great characters, love Paris and enjoyable story!

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon 

Kamila Sidiqi and her sisters find themselves trapped in Kabul during the Taliban regime. They are educated modern devout women from a large family. Of the nine girls in the family, Mr. Sidiqi, a former military man, insisted that all his girls are fully educated, independent and self sufficient. Although things had never been easy the Sidiqi family had learned to manage and live life to the fullest despite the constant fighting and political upheaval throughout their beloved Afghanistan. When the Taliban arrives in the late 90's, times are not just difficult and they are finally impossible. For their own safety, the men are forced to temporarily leave Kabul and Kamila and her sisters have to find a way to survive. They stick together, and with a tremendous amount of ingenuity, hope and perseverance reach success they had only dreamed of. Ms. Lemmon, a reporter/writer, business student, details this amazing family and the brave people of their community. Easy to read, hard to imagine, more personal than a news brief, don't miss this intimate account of these amazing inspiring young women!

Gift From the Sea

Gift From the Sea  By Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Usually when we read books written long ago we can relish in how different life was "back then" or how much times have changed. It is amazing how this collection of essays by Anne Morrow Lindbergh, a poetic, magical writer, has captured the timeless essence of women. For mothers, sisters, friends, everyday life which includes your hopes and dreams, past, present and future. She says so much in so few pages leaving the reader craving more of her words. Fifty years after its publication, nothing has changed because what mankind ("womankind") holds deep in the heart is  true for all people in all places and at all times. A book to read over and over, I highly recommend this uplifting work of art that is truly the authors never ending gift to us.

The Last Letter from your Lover

The Last Letter from your Lover  By Jojo Moyes 

This enchanting novel takes the reader inside of an old fashioned romance. Laurence and Jennifer Stirling, a wealthy married couple in 1950's, London. Jennifer is miserable, her husband is critical of every move she makes and every word she says. Her job is to look beautiful on his arm and be available when he needs her company. Jennifer is sad, she is lonely, she accepts this existence as she feels this is her job as a wife. Until she meets Anthony, a writer and although she knows it is wrong, she falls madly and passionately in love. Circumstances change her entire destiny. Skip forward 40 years and meet Ellie Haworth, a 32 year old writer in love with a married man. Ellie is anxious about the future of her job at the newspaper and her romance with an unavailable man. Until she meets Rory, until he shows her the beautiful, long lost letters and Ellie searches for the truth in love. Enjoyable, if a bit predictable, Ms. Moyes most certainly has a way with words and a creative mind and heart. Recommend this read!

The Girl Who Fell From the Sky

The Girl Who Fell From the Sky  By Heidi Durrow

Rachel is the sole survivor of a horrible accident. Afterwards, she is sent to live with her grandmother in Portland, Oregon. A neighborhood where she looks different than all the other children. Rachels mother was Danish, and she has inherited her shockingly blue eyes, while her dark skin, hair and other features are a unique combination of both her parents. This novel follows Rachel as she grows up. She is teased at school, lonely and always searching for love and friendship. A bright, beautiful girl, Rachel struggles with who she is, who she came from and most importantly, who she is going to be. This story is a touching, heartfelt journey surrounding the consequences of a tragedy and maybe explaining it at the same time. I highly recommend this interesting read. It is well written and without a doubt something to think about.

The Aviator's Wife

The Aviator's Wife  By Melanie Benjamin    Anne Morrow Lindbergh married Lucky Lindy, Charles Lindbergh after  graduating from Smith College in 1929. Anne, the shy, intelligent daughter of a banker/Ambassador father and socialite mother, surprised even herself marrying this famous American hero just a short while after his monumental solo transatlantic flight to Paris. They begin a life filled with travel, family, adventure and intrigue only to be hounded and tortured by the press and publicity that they could only escape in the silence of the sky. This beautifully written historical novel unravels the mystery behind this famous couple, mostly revered for Charles's flying but there is so much more! Through these dire times of change Anne was the strength behind her beloved children and husband. It took Anne a long time to find her voice and credit herself for accomplishments both public and private. Highly recommend this incredible story, and loved the way the author detailed her path of discovery as an afterword. Don't miss this great read!

The Boy

The Boy By Lara Santoro      Anna lives with her little girl Eva in New Mexico. After bizarre snips of conversation with even more off the wall characters, Anna is described as a free spirit who has left her cheating ex husband who resides in England. After much difficulties in every area of her life Anna has decided to focus completely on her daughter who ironically takes care of her mother much more than the other way around. Until, The Boy. The Boy who is the twenty year old son of her good friend and neighbor. The Boy that makes Anna's mouth ache. A lot happens in this rather short novel. It is a miracle that one can follow the sarcasm, wit, deep dark humor of this unique group of characters as it twists and turns so abruptly but somehow you know what's going on. Most likely it is because this writing is so articulate, intense and original it drags you deeper and deeper into these lives, to places you are not sure you want to go. The storyline is probably less crazy than I would like to believe but it is a quick read and I recommend it if only to experience this style of writing not often seen.

Miss Timmins' School for Girls

Miss Timmins' School for Girls 
By Nayana Currimbouy  

In 1974, Charulatta Apte is a young girl living with her parents in India. She is an only child and the loving light of her parents life. Charu is a smart, shy girl who lives on the edge of society due to a "blot," as she calls the scarlet birthmark, on the side of her face. The blot defines her life as she knows it and Charu has never been brave enough to venture out of the shell she created. After college Charu gets a job teaching English literature in a small mountain village boarding school. Miss Timmins' School for Girls is based on the British system and ideals of the missionaries of times past. Charu learns about love, loss, sexuality and her own inner strength after the mysterious death of a fellow teacher called Prince. A coming of age story with a murder mystery, this Indian novel contains the smells, sounds and quirky language of young girls in search for acceptance and happiness. If you enjoy the novels of India, this is a must read.

What Alice Forgot

What Alice Forgot By Liane Moriarty    While Alice is cycling away in her Friday Spin Class, she becomes dizzy, falls, bumps her head and so begins what Alice forgot. Alice has forgotten the last ten years. She does not know her three children, she thinks she is 29 and happily married, while in actuality she is 39 and in the middle of a nasty divorce. Her younger, happy, carefree spirit is shocked by the very "busy", angry lady she has become. While Alice tries to figure out what has become of her life and waits for her memory to return, she has to contend with her affection for her ex husband, distant sister, remarried mother and her apparent boyfriend. This witty, laughable satire is one any woman could relate to. The freedom, hope and bright light of a young marriage is extinguished by crying babies, lack of sleep, lost career and growing resentment of the spouse flourishing in the business world, choosing office success over stress at home. What Alice Forgot makes the reader remember. Loved this adorable novel, highly recommend this fun read.

On the Island

On the Island  By Tracey Garvis Graves     Anna, a thirty year old teacher from Chicago is hired by the Callahan family to tutor TJ for the summer. TJ is in remission and having missed most of the 10th grade he needs to catch up with his classmates. As TJ and Anna's plane approaches the remote island home his parents have rented for the summer, a fateful accident occurs leaving TJ and Anna alone on an uninhabited island. Fighting for their health, safety and sanity, TJ and Anna battle the elements to stay strong while their feelings and emotions towards each other grows into a beautiful friendship. This wonderful story is a simple one of love, friendship and dreams with a little bit of survivor, a dash of fifty shades and a reminder of the blue lagoon. It is that wonderful chick lit romance, tears, smiles and all over fuzzy feeling. I adored this story and read it in one day. If you long to escape if only for a short while, this is it. Enjoy!

The Last Runaway

The Last Runaway  By Tracy Chevalier      Honor Bright arrives in Ohio in 1850. She settles in a small Quaker community called Faithwell. After traveling from England and suffering horrific sickness throughout her journey her real pain is caused when Honor loses her sister to yellow fever. She is 20, she is on her own in a strange new land. Honor is a quiet girl who finds her solace and is much admired for sewing beautiful quilts. She has an unlikely friendship with an outspoken milliner, Belle, a strange and steamy acquaintance with Belle's brother Donovan and a deep strong belief, as Quakers do, that slavery should not exist. Similar to The Kitchen House, The Help and Someone Knows My Name, a perfect read for Black History Month. I learned much, loved the characters and highly recommend this excellent novel by a superb author!

Yes, Chef

Yes, Chef By Marcus Samuelsson     The idea of celebrity chef is a fairly new phenomena in our culture. Famous chefs have longtime existed. In small circles of foodies their names are often revered. Today chefs are a household name due in large part to cooking competition television shows. The words Yes, Chef mean something even if you have never worked in a restaurant. Marcus Samuelsson was three years old when he and his sister were orphaned in Ethiopia and adopted by a loving Swedish family. He grew up in a small Swedish village and a lifelong love of cooking was born as he helped his grandmother Helga in her small kitchen. This memoir follows Marcus on his journey through his life in Sweden, how he finds his way to food, culinary school and the restaurant business. The writing is heartfelt and entertaining. This author speaks from the heart on all matters regarding love, family, the color of our skin and every morsel we put in our mouth. Highly recommend this terrific read! Bon Appetit.

The Secret Keeper

The Secret Keeper By Kate Morton     As Dorothy's life is nearing the end, her adoring daughters and son reminisce their younger days and attribute it to the mother wonderful Dorothy has been. Laurel, the eldest and a famous actress, is reminded of a tragic incident she witnessed as a teenager and her siblings were much too young to remember. A strange man at the farmhouse, a knife, a murder, and a string of memories that have been buried in the back of her mind for fifty years. Laurel decides the time has come and she must know, she needs to understand how this violent event occurred while her mother has been the most loving adoring of souls to her family, friends and neighbors for all of these years. Her investigation begins as the chapters skip back and forth from 1941 England during the Blitz to 2011. This story pulls the reader into the characters lives, as it twists and turns it becomes less predictable and I happily found myself racing to the end to see what would happen next. A well written saga revealing what can transpire when people try to protect their loved ones by keeping the secrets.

The Little Bride

The Little Bride  By Anna Solomon       Minna,  sixteen years old, is a struggling Jewish orphan in Odessa during the late 18oo's. Her mother ran off, her father dies and she found herself work as a maid for an older woman named Galina who is out of her mind. Minna desperately wants a family, a place she can call home and a new life. She finds herself applying to become a mail order bride to a Jewish man in America. Not mature enough to think this through, Minna feels it is her only option of escape from the orphaned life she leads and the pogroms that fill the Jewish community with fear constantly. She travels to America by ship and goes to live in South Dakota to marry Max, live in a mudlike hut and act as mother to her new stepsons, close to her own age, Jacob and Samuel. Minna desperately tries to stay focused on the goal, which is to be part of a real family. Difficulties quickly surmount during brutal, suffocatingly lonely, harsh winters and an underlying attraction to the eldest son, Samuel. A unique story. For all the historical fiction I have enjoyed I did not know of Jews homesteading in the American West, the movement called Am Olam. Characters are most definitely odd but the writing is excellent, descriptive and heartfelt. I recommend this story and would be interested to read this author again.

Me Before You

Me Before You  By Jojo Moyes    After losing her job at the local cafe, Louisa Clark finds herself at a crossroads. Not much experience, limited education and little faith in her own abilities. She is a spunky 26 year old girl living in a small village in England where the biggest attraction is an old castle in the center of town and a strong cup of tea. Lou lives with her loving working class parents, her sister Katrina and her nephew Thomas. Her world revolves around a very small epicenter of work, her Running Man boyfriend Patrick and a weekly night at the pub. Until she meets Will, her new employer. Will Traynor is a quadriplegic. He is 35, handsome, wealthy and very very angry. Lou is hired to be Will's caregiver for 6 months and with this, her life is changed forever. This unique story is one I could not put down. The witty outrageous characters fill these pages with love, laughter, regret and possibility. They will remain with me long after the novel ends. Do not miss this one, a must read!!

The Light of Amsterdam

The Light of Amsterdam By David Park    Belfast, Ireland. Three different families are taking a weekend trip to Amsterdam. Gordon and Marion on going on a pre-Christmas holiday, they have been married for many years, are grandparents and Marion is critically analyzing all that has changed in their lives while she incessantly worries about their future. Karen attends her daughter Shannon's hen party with a group of young girls that drink hard, party often and expect instant gratification in every aspect of their lives. Karen is a struggling single mom that has sacrificed her entire adult life for her daughters' well being while sinfully neglecting herself in every way possible. A father, bitterly divorced, takes his 16 year old son Jack to see Bob Dylan. He reminisces about his past trips to Amsterdam and desperately tries to connect with his miserable, spoiled teenager. Maybe the depression lies in the reality of it all, while the writing is excellent and Amsterdam is a dynamic, intoxicating city, the story lines are rather dull and my AHA! moment never arrived. Can't say that I would not read this author again but this story was mediocre at best.

The Art Forger

The Art Forger By B.A. Shapiro    Claire Roth is a struggling artist living in Boston. After a tumultuous affair with her professor Isaac, she finds herself paid to do professional reproductions of famous works. Surrounded by an eclectic group of friends and filled with a burning desire to show her own personal work Claire longs to escape the label as the great pretender. Claire enters into an agreement with an unlikely, handsome art dealer that changes her life in every way. She is forced to choose how far she is willing to push aside her conscience to get what she has long desired. An intriguing look into the art world of the masters, forgeries, art dealers and museums. Likeable characters, a little romance and a unique world all its own. Highly recommend this read!

Reading Lolita in Tehran

Reading Lolita in Tehran  By  Azar Nafisi   After attending school in England and the U.S. Ms. Nafisi returns to her homeland of Iran. Shortly after the revolution begins and she spends the next 18 years pondering her existence as a woman, a wife, a teacher and a mother. She passionately loves teaching English literature at the University but life has become so difficult in the 1980's. The restrictions on women and the cultural arts has become suffocating. This memoir reflects her time as a teacher and the works she studied with her enthusiastic students. After leaving her teaching post she creates a small reading group in her home for some of her brightest and favorite students. These women embrace Austen and James and Fitzgerald to name a few. They begin to wonder who they are and what possibilities are available outside of Tehran. This memoir is very thoughtful and passionate. As a reader it is interesting to delve into the thoughts and ideals of these intelligent women. The freedom to choose what we read and when we read and have an opinion, is priceless.

These is My Words

These is My Words By Nancy E. Turner     The Prine family is traveling west on a wagon train in the Arizona Territories in 1881. Life is hard. They work day and night to merely survive, they struggle to eat, sleep and stay safe and healthy. Sarah is a young girl that begins to keep a journal practicing the bit of reading and writing that her papa taught her and most girls/women have not learned. She is tough and smart and brave and the reader is enamored with Sarah immediately. As she grows up begins the saga of her life, her deep romantic love with Captain Elliot and the family she raises. This book is Little House on the Prairie for adults, it is a time that is both hard to imagine, yet not that long ago. The characters are wonderful and remain with the reader long after the book is over. Could not put this one down. Enjoy!!

Almost Single

Almost Single By Advaita Kala     Aisha is a 30 yr old woman living in New Delhi and working as a  guest relations manager in an upscale hotel. She and her two girlfriends are too "old" by India standards to still be single and they try in every way possible to overcome this circumstance. Call it Sex and The City in New Delhi, Aisha is definitely Carrie, loving her friends and freedom, getting herself into ridiculous situations and always landing on her pedicured feet. This is a light, fun read and I thoroughly enjoyed this break from reality.

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie  By Ayana Mathis    Hattie Shepherd moves with her family from Georgia to Philadelphia during the 1920's. They immediately encounter a new world where they can hold their heads high and walk on the sidewalk past a white person without stepping into the street. But life is not so easy for Hattie, although beautiful and smart Hattie marries August who becomes the great love and the disappointment of her life. She has many children, struggles through their illnesses, poverty and August's constant philandering yet her will to survive is as strong as her intense sadness. This novel is almost like 12 short stories connected through Hattie. The characters are intense and the writing is extraordinary leaving the reader to imagine every detail. The only downside is the inexplicable sadness of Hattie, that is so strong it has a life of its own. The glimpse of mental illness is heartbreaking and appears hereditary throughout this powerful novel. There is no doubt that the characters will linger in your heart and imagination long after the last page. Highly recommend this authors first novel.

The Sweet Life in Paris

The Sweet Life in Paris By David Lebovitz      Sweet memoir of this pastry chef/authors life changing move from San Francisco to Paris. This funny, witty, honest story details the ins and outs of what day to day life feels like in Paris for an American. David is both an outsider and insider when it comes to his foodability. He loves everything french and everything that is delicious. He learns you can definitely win them over with kindness, if not awesome brownies and ice cream! This glimpse into the authors daily life is very entertaining and a delicious read, recipes included!

Secret Daughter

Secret Daughter By Shilpi Somaya Gowda     A couple in a small village in India cannot afford to raise their baby girl, the father, as is customary, longs only for a son. Krishnan and Somer, two doctors in America try and try to have a child but to no avail, Somer continues to miscarry. These lives cross paths over and over again. This novel speaks of love, marriage, family, loyalty and hope. It is a simple, almost predictable story but the author creates these intense, loveable characters and touches on the most common threads of humanity that we all face, every day. While reading this story the tastes, sights and sounds of India come alive and days after finishing, these characters remain in my thoughts. This is a most enjoyable read and it is highly recommended!

Paris A Love Story

Paris A Love Story By Kati Marton   This memoir reflects the life of Kati Marton, journalist, novelist, mother, daughter and wife. She has lived an exciting life as she traveled the world, spoke multiple languages and was married to both Peter Jennings, renowned newsanchor and Richard Holbrooke, beloved American diplomat. All of this, combined with living in the romantic exciting city of Paris (at multiple times in her life) would have seemed a perfect read except; the author has used this memoir as her therapy after the devastating loss of her second husband Richard Holbrooke and it its thoroughly depressing. In addition, it is equally sad that Ms. Marton who is no doubt extremely successful and accomplished in every way, contemplates the majority of her choices through her relationships with these famous and complicated men in her life. Maybe this is more common than not but I was uninspired by this story.

The Baker's Wife

The Baker's Wife  By Erin Healy      Audrey senses peoples emotions. She can feel their pain, their illness and their sadness. It is random and when Audrey deciphers whose feelings she is emulating, she aims to help them, to soothe them and share their pain. When she does, hers subsides as well. Audreys family life is in turmoil. Her husband has lost his job as pastor and they are struggling to start a new business, a bakery. Their teenage son has troubles of his own and then there is a mysterious accident and Audrey has to use her faith and intuition to save the people she loves. This unique story captured my imagination with many twists and turns. I really enjoyed this mystery filled with the power of the mind and the heart. Highly recommend this intriguing read.

Mrs. Queen Takes the Train

Mrs. Queen Takes the Train  By William Kuhn       The Queen of England is feeling a little blue. She decides to venture on her own (unheard of!) and visit a place she has found much happiness over the years. The Brittania was a yacht the royal family vacationed and traveled on until it was docked and made into a tourist attraction in recent years. This very British work of fiction both sympathizes with and somewhat makes of fun of the inner workings of the monarchy. The Queens adventure includes a most eclectic group of characters that normally revolve around her daily life and find themselves in a secret search for her whereabouts before the M15 secret service needs to get involved. This light, humorous novel humanizes the monarchy and the people who keep it in the peoples favor, an ongoing and difficult job. If you enjoy British writing (think The Uncommon Reader By Alan Bennett), and the monarchy, don't miss this most enjoyable read!

Astray

Astray By Emma Donoghue   After loving the novel "Room" last year (if you haven't read it, a must!) I decided to try a new collection of short stories by Ms. Donoghue. These short stories were various types of people in the midst of traveling, to find gold, a new home, the truth or peace at the end of life. These stories varied throughout history from the mid 1600's to 1960's. Short stories are tough for me personally because just when I am getting involved, it ends. I loved that following each story Ms. Donoghue briefly details the source of the story and at the very end of the book, surmises the entire account. An excellent collection and easy to read. If you enjoy historical fiction and short stories, this one is for you!

Gone Girl

Gone Girl  By Gillian Flynn  Amazing Amy is amazing; a clever beautiful, sophisticated girl, madly in love with Nick. They marry and are the ideal New York couple. Young, eager, happy and having the time of their life. Until they are not. Their lives change dramatically when they move back to Nicks small home town. Their lives unravel even more rapidly when one day, the day of Nick and Amy's 5th wedding anniversary, Amy is missing. And then their story really begins. This novel is told from 2 points of view. One chapter Amy, the next Nick. It is truly amazing how two people can see one story in two totally different ways. I rarely read mysteries of any sort. I could not put this one down. A must read.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao  By Junot Diaz    Oscar Wao is a teenager growing up in Paterson New Jersey with his outrageous, beautiful, intelligent sister, his completely off the wall but hard working intermittently very ill mother and again out of jail tio (uncle). Oscar is obese, science fiction obsessed, extremely girl crazy, brilliant writer and wordsmith. This family is originally from the Dominican Republic of which the past history, superstitions and cultures remain a stronghold within them all, whether they like it or not. The Brief Wondrous Life takes the reader on a journey backwards and forwards in Oscars life. Back to his ancestors tortured by Trujillo and his present search for acceptance, friendship, sex and love. Oscar is unquestionably a remarkable and likeable character. This author is no doubt full of talent, humor and a prose all his own. I enjoyed the DR history and spanglish very much but this story is at times hard to follow. It is not newly published but something I always wanted to read and although at times I was pushing myself to continue, there is no doubt I will read other works by this author and for me, that is the point.

Some Girls Some Hats and Hitler

Some Girls Some Hats and Hitler  By Trudi Kanter      A beautiful, poetic memoir of a young gorgeous woman living in Vienna in 1938. Trudi is a stylish, sharp hat designer with her own successful boutique. She is in love with Walter and her intelligent, kind parents live nearby. They live an exciting yet simple life in a lively city that is filled with art and culture and romance. Through the eyes of this young woman we read of the destruction of this life, of this city and all Trudi knows and loves as Vienna is taken over by the Germans. The people of Vienna lose their freedom and livelihoods very quickly. Fear is instilled seemingly overnight. But Trudi is not in denial and she quickly uses her wit, her charm and her instincts to guide her family out of their beloved city. This is a unique memoir of a time when Trudi is recalling not only the terror but the details of her young life, love and passions. Trudi is amazed people are still wearing hats at a time such as this.

The Tea Rose

The Tea Rose  By Jennifer Donnelly     In the year 1888 Fiona Finnegan is 18 years old. She and her family live in Whitechapel, a town in the east end of London. Their lives are not easy, they struggle to make ends meet and sometimes don't have enough to eat, but their home is filled with love, support and dreams. Joe Bristow, Fiona's childhood sweetheart holds their tin that is filled with all their savings and all their hopes to someday have their very own shop. What sounds like a most simple story develops into a lengthy tale of love, trust, mystery, friendship and lots of tea. The reader holds on to the characters, both loveable and adventurous as it twists and turns through a decade of their lives. Although by the end the story is mostly predictable, the writing is easy and enjoyable and I highly recommend this novel. Note: It is lengthy, start when you have an ample amount of time!

Seating Arrangements

Seating Arrangements By Maggie Shipstead      A wedding weekend meticulously planned by the Van Meter family. No detail left unattended. But this is no ordinary wedding. Daphne and Greyson are to be married on the small vacation island of Waskeke. The one hitch of this perfect hitch is the rush before the baby is born. Daphne is pregnant. And in this world of perfect table settings and lots of cocktails her saving grace is that they are a perfect match and very much in love. The chaos that ensues around the happy couple are predictable and hilarious with the island celebration  bringing the two families together. Throw in some beautiful bridesmaids, a father of the bride who openly lusts one of them, a groom with three brothers and a whale found dead on the beach and there is quite a party weekend to be had by all. Highly recommend this light, funny, easy read about social ladders, weddings and family. This author is terrific at character building. You feel like you know them from somewhere, maybe you do?

In the Shadow of the Banyan

In the Shadow of the Banyan  By Vaddey Ratner    Raami is a 7 year old girl in 1975, when the Khmer Rouge revolted and took over Cambodia. The uprisings, massacres, violence, and starvation were ongoing for four years. Raami's family was torn apart. They lost everything, everyone and every way of life as they knew it. They had been a peaceful, spiritual, loving family and its these memories that keep Raami alive, believing and even when all odds are against her survival, holding on to a bit of hope. This novel, based on the authors own life history is moving and honest in ways very few people can describe. I was both on the edge of my seat wondering what the outcome would be and in tears as Raami has to accept things most adults, let alone a small child could endure. This novel and the writing are stupendous. I have learned and loved these characters and their story will always be in my heart.

Paris in Love

Paris in Love  By Eloisa James     This memoir is the year Eloisa James, her husband Allesandro and 2 children stopped "merely existing" in a suburb of New Jersey, by taking a sabbatical and moving to Paris for one year of French living in one of the most exciting cities in the world. It is written almost as a diary, partially a blog as it occurred and I could not put it down. Paris in Love is a witty, loving, honest, funny, charming and delicious (oh, the foods they eat!!) adventure! Ms. James continues to write (when she is not eating at a scrumptious cafe), she explores the most unique museums large and small, and takes care of her family, all while learning the most important lesson of life, to LIVE it!! I give her an A+.

The People of Forever are Not Afraid

The People of Forever are Not Afraid By Shani Boianjiu    Three Israeli women growing up in a small dusty town in Israel become of age to do their service in the Israeli army. This novel follows them through their posts and affairs for the next few years and a few past army service. This story had interesting characters and excellent writing but it was very hard to follow. Extremely confusing. Time jumps forward and back so often it is hard to know when the episode is taking place and just as mysterious as to whom it is focusing on. The girls are brash and have absolutely no drive or goals. I was very much looking forward to a more realistic episode of time spent in the army from a women's point of view. I found this story so bizarre and highly unrealistic. I was disappointed but am hopeful this author will continue to write and learn to focus more because the words and wit are most surely within her.

Dreaming in English

Dreaming in English By Laura Fitzgerald 

Ike and Tami, young, newly married and very much in love. Their world is complicated, Tami, visiting from Iran, needs her residency status to stay in America. Ike's parents are against this rushed, seemingly fixed marriage of convenience and Tami's former matches are angry she hasn't chosen them. This beautiful story is about love, friendship, family and freedom. It focuses on the many difficult issues of cultures clashing and fitting family traditions into modern day lifestyles. Most importantly the challenge of understanding the gift of freedom by birth and helping others that are striving to attain it. This novel is a continuation of Veil of Roses, which introduced us to these beautiful characters. You do not have to read it to enjoy Dreaming in English but why wouldn't you???!!!! Both excellent, enjoy and happy reading!!

Beautiful Ruins

Beautiful Ruins By Jess Walter    Dee is an up and coming actress in 1962, small town girl with her first big break, a minor role in Cleopatra, starring Liz Taylor and Richard Burton being filmed in Italy. Michael Deane is the crazed producer that will do anything to get the job done, Pasquale is a good looking, young, Italian man from a small coastal town that befriends Dee and is sucked up into the drama that is Hollywood. These are just a few of the characters that flash throughout the pages of this novel of love, friendship and betrayal. Flashing between 1962 to the present the reader is not always certain who is being described or when its taking place. The writing is excellent and there is that special something that makes one continue onto the next chapter. Unfortunately, it also contains that rush to the finish to summarize all that has happened (in a long story) into one tidy ending and perhaps leaves the reader wondering if it even really matters since none of the characters are very likeable to begin with. Not a bad read but hard to recommend.

The Age of Miracles

The Age of Miracles By Karen Thompson Walker    To a sixth grade girl, the world and its inhabitants (especially boys) are already a mystery. When the earth begins to slow, the days get longer, the nights get colder. At first its by minutes, then days, then weeks. Light and dark take on new meaning. Eating, sleeping, our most basic functions. This story is told by Julia, an only child living with her parents in Southern California when the slowing begins. People do not function well off the clock but real time becomes impossible as the days stretch and scientists argue over cause, effect and the future of our planet. The government tries to keep order, how quickly chaos can begin. How quickly people, once neighbors, once friends can turn on each other. Survival is a tricky thing. The story is narrated by Julia, and she is still just a 12 year old waiting for Seth, her crush, to speak to her at the bus stop. This incredibly unique, well told story was an amazing read. It is almost unimaginable that this is Ms. Walkers first novel, WOW! Highly recommend.

Defending Jacob

Defending Jacob By William Landay   Andy Barber is the Assistant DA in a suburb of Boston.  He has just taken on the murder case of a teenager in his small town. Near his home, near his sons school. Shockingly, the evidence mounts against his own teenage son, Jacob. He and his wife Laurie turn their lives upside down to protect their son, defend Jacobs case and save their family. This is a suspenseful thriller that cannot be put down. It twists and turns with every chapter. The characters are surprisingly real and likeable. Highly recommend this read, excellent murder mystery (and I hardly EVER read mysteries!)