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James by Percival Everett

This novel is the reimagined version of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told from the point of view of the runaway slave, Jim. The numerous awards this book has received are well deserved. Everett got down to the heart and soul of Jim. It was revealing to hear the man’s inner thoughts as well as see him as a leader among the other enslaved in his community. There is still the humor that Twain was famous for, but there is also the horror of the dehumanization and violence of slavery during this shameful time in American history. I thoroughly enjoyed this new take on an old classic.

Song of the Chimney Sweep by Tamatha Cain

I listened to this book on Audible, read by the author. It was great. Tamatha Cain weaves a bittersweet love story in this duel timeline historical fiction about a podcast that seeks to find the answers regarding the disappearance of a woman decades earlier. In doing so, they reignite the legend of a lost treasure supposedly hidden in the chimney of an unknown historical home. The intrigue keeps the reader invested in the answers. I enjoyed the background of the music industry that is also a central theme in the story. As the author connected all the dots in the mystery there were things I didn’t see coming; I admire that kind of skilled storytelling. Cain’s lovely singing voice adds so much to the telling. I encourage you to give it a listen.

The Irish Girl by Ashley E. Sweeney

This is the story of Mary Agnes Coyne, a thirteen-year-old Irish girl who, because of a tumultuous family dynamic, immigrates to the United States, all alone, in the late 1800’s. Her journey leads her to Chicago, which is my hometown. I really enjoyed reading the vivid description of the city during that time period. Mary’s development takes her from being a dreamer of what she wants her life to be, to fulfilling dreams she didn’t know she had in the beginning. Throughout the tale Mary is a strong female character, a hard worker and determined to survive all the adversity that comes her way. The story has friendship, love, violence, class struggles, courage and setbacks. It grabbed me in the beginning and kept me engaged to the last page.

Friends With Secrets by Christine Gunderson

I loved the two women characters in this story. They are both mothers whose children attend the same private school and there is trouble brewing around the coach of the girls basketball team. Together they must find evidence to expose the man’s sketchy past without endangering their families, their futures and possibly their own lives. It is a fast paced read with plenty of humor, intrigue and smarts. In the end it’s about friendship and doing the right thing even if it is unpopular with one’s peers. This is an enjoyable novel.

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn

Set in Briarwood house, a women’s boardinghouse, during the 1950’s in turbulent Washington D.C., this historical fiction story delves into the lives’ and secrets of the tenants. As you would expect from a Kate Quinn novel, the research is impeccable. Each character had their own interesting backstory as well as their unique dilemmas they confronted in post-World War II America. The house itself is a character in the book. There is mystery, murder, romance and friendship. All the things I love in a good novel. I also like it when I learn something new about history. The Briar Club checks all the boxes!

Everything We Thought Was True by Lisa Montanaro

This is a thought-provoking family saga about a husband and a father who strives for a normal heterosexual life, while living a double life with male lovers. The character development feels natural as all involved experience a wide range of emotions and growth throughout the story. The dialog is as real as if this were nonfiction. So many questions are raised: How should a wife deal with such a situation? What are the lifelong implications for the kids? Should there be loyalty to one parent over the other? This is a timely story that stirs raw emotions and makes the reader hope that we do not return to a time when the LGBTQ+ community feels forced into living unauthentic lives. It is a story that will stay with you.

Weyward by Emilia Hart

This is a triple timeline, historical fiction, about the generations of the Weyward women. The writing is visual. The characters are well developed and the story is excellent. I find it impossible to pick my favorite Weyward, as they are each interesting and their stories equally compelling. They all have things in common; their connection to nature with a hint of magic and their troubled relationships with the men who fear them and try to control them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who love historical fiction.

This Isn’t Everything You Are by J. Marie Rundquist

The story centers on a pair of siblings who, as young children, experience a trauma that defines much of their lives going forward. This was the first book I’ve read where one of the main characters is Autistic. I found that point of view very informative and interesting. The other character is struggling to find her identity as she grapples with past mistakes and the consequences. The book is beautifully written and held my attention from the very beginning. For those who enjoy a contemporary family saga, this is a must read.

The Missing by Ben Tanzer                                                                                                                     Seventeen-year-old Christa runs away from home with her boyfriend after an argument with her mother. The narrative of the novel is what goes through the minds’ of her parents Hannah and Gabriel. Could they, should they have handled things differently with the girl? Was their toxic marriage a contributing factor in the girl’s decision to leave? They struggle with guilt and blame and are forced to look at their behaviors, reactions, mistakes and the times they were happy as a family. This is a deep dive into the thoughts and emotions of a couple who are facing the scariest scenario of their marriage. It’s thought provoking. Will Christa be found safe? You’ll have to read the book to find out. I recommend that you do.

Up to this point, I’ve nabbed these reviews off my Facebook page. Sorry the picture quality isn’t that great. Going forward, I’ll try to figure out a better way to post them here.