Venezia: Lady Emily is Back!

Death in the Floating City

by Tasha Alexander

Genre: Mystery, series

Review: The next installment in one of my favorite mystery series doesn't disappoint. Lady Emily, elegant wife/sleuth/forward-thinking feminist of the Victorian era goes to Venice to investigate a crime for her childhood rival, Emma.

The handsome Colin accompanies as they traverse the canals and churches of Venice in search of the murderer. Clues found in paintings, gardens, and books abound. Meanwhile, readers are given a glimpse into a 1500s diary that could effect the current events.

Author Website: http://www.tashaalexander.com/

A Slow-Paced Mystery?

Every Contact Leaves a Trace

by Elanor Dymott

Genre: Literary Mystery/Psychological Suspense

Review: Alex, the story's narrator, begins by recounting finding his wifes body beside the lake at Worcester College, Oxford, England. As the events leading up to Rachel's murder unfold, Alex realizes the strength of her love anew, while dealing with her secrets and the truth that he didn't really know his wife. The novel is slow-paced, and touches on the precarious nature of narrative, examining the unique perspectives of Harry Gardner, Rachel's academic adviser, her cold godmother, and Alex's own view of his life. This novel is a mystery, not a thriller; the pace is slow and thoughtful as the events of Rachel's life are revealed to Alex.

Coming of Age in Hungary and England

The Book of Summers

by Emylia Hall

Genre: Women's Fiction

Review: Beth, aka Erszebet, tells the story of her mother, Marika. When she receives an artistic photo scrapbook in the mail, The Book of Summers, she is forced to reflect on the summers she spent with Marika in Hungary and what they meant to her. The gorgeous Hungarian countryside, the spicy cuisine, the cute boy down the lane, Tamas, the thrill of gallivanting around the forest. Discovering painting and sketching for the first time with resident artist Zoltan...all are lovingly rendered by debut novelist Emylia Hall. If you want to bask in the feeling of summer, even in November, read this novel!

Song to Read by: Enjoy some gypsy music from Putumayo's compilation Gypsy Caravan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxmuJEnT0wc

Meryl Streep Movie Club!

The Meryl Streep Movie Club

by Mia March

Genre: Women's Fiction

Review: Two sisters and their cousin grew up together and grew apart, but now they are called back to the Three Captains Inn in beautiful Boothbay Harbor, Maine by matriarch Lolly. Isabel is battling her past and uncertain future; single-mom June is searching for Charlie's long lost father; Kat is making decisions about whether to marry her best friend or take her chances in Paris or open her own bakery. Together, they grow closer, gathering together for Movie Night, and Meryl Streep movies become the catalyst for close relationships and resolving the conflicts in their lives.

Sounds corny, but it is really not! A light read with a big heart :)

We Only Know So Much: Quirky, Funny Family Drama

We Only Know So Much

by Elizabeth Crane

Genre: Literary Fiction

Review: A dysfunctional family drama in the style of Arrested Development or The Royal Tenenbaums, but even more enjoyable. The novel is narrated in a unique manner, using third person plural, which is not intrusive, but very effective. A self-absorbed daughter who yearns to star on reality television, a crossword-making little brother falling into bittersweet first love the way only a 9 year old can, a mother grieving over her lost love, and a father full of facts but not emotions. They share a home with an ailing grandfather and a spritely, controlling great-grandmother.

 This novel is strikingly original, hilarious at time, and sad at times. You won't want your time with this quirky family to end!

Treasure Island!!! Super Quirky and Fun

Treasure Island!!!

By Sara Levine

 

Genre: Literary Fiction

 Review: A 25 year old young woman is losing her way in life, and after reading Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, she decides to emphasize the values she finds in the book, and let these traits guide her life: independence, boldness, resolution, and horn-blowing. As she strives to be more independent, she comes into conflict with her boyfriend Lars, her sister, and her parents. Her boldness leads her to quit her job, and she floats along, holding on to the “boys’ adventure story” for dear life. This book is hilarious, quirky, absurd, and unlike anything you’ve ever read. It encapsulates the way many 25 year olds feel right now, but it is just weird (not too realistic) enough to let the reader experience enjoyably.

Kate Morton's New Book U.S. Release Oct 16!

Get excited!

One of my favorite authors, Kate Morton, has a new book coming out VERY soon! I have already pre-ordered from Amazon, so I should receive the book on the 18th.



The release date for the U.S. is Oct 16th!

Please see the cover below and the overview from Kate's website. http://www.katemorton.com/blog/

The Secret Keeper

1961: On a sweltering summer's day, while her family picnics by the stream on their Suffolk farm, sixteen-year-old Laurel hides out in her childhood tree house dreaming of a boy called Billy, a move to London, and the bright future she can't wait to seize. But before the idyllic afternoon is over, Laurel will have witnessed a shocking crime that changes everything.

2011: Now a much-loved actress, Laurel finds herself overwhelmed by shades of the past. Haunted by memories, and the mystery of what she saw that day, she returns to her family home and begins to piece together a secret history. A tale of three strangers from vastly different worlds--Dorothy, Vivien and Jimmy--who are brought together by chance in wartime London and whose lives become fiercely and fatally entwined...