Nonfiction Review: War Bonds

War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation is available now ***3/5 stars- liked it! Columnist Cindy Hval brings together 30 snapshots of enduring love forged in World War II. Recommended readers: Fans of a good human interest story Readers of short nonfiction and essays Readers of history and social history Here’s my Rankings: 3/5 overall REVIEW FROM BOOKS FOR HER: War Bonds is a collection of … Continue reading Nonfiction Review: War Bonds

Debut Author Review: Decorum

Available March 31: Decorum, a debut novel by Kaaren  Christopherson ***3.5/5 stars – Liked it to the edge of love- a stage 1 crush. An evolving New York society love story gives Decorum a Downton-Abbey feel. Recommended readers: If you like Downton Abbey If you like turn of the century and reading about women who change with it Here’s my Rankings: 3/5 for characters 4/5 for plot 3.5/5 overall 1/5 steaminess … Continue reading Debut Author Review: Decorum

Available tomorrow: Meadowlands

Available April 1st:  Meadowlands by Elizabeth Jeffrey **2.5/5 stars- it was ok, but something was missing An aristocratic English family weathers the changes wrought by the Great War. Recommended readers Readers of World War I lit Downton Abbey fans Suckers for a family drama Here’s my Rankings: 2.5/5 for characters 2.5/5 for plot 2.5/5 overall REVIEW FROM BOOKS FOR HER: Meadowlands traces the lives of the … Continue reading Available tomorrow: Meadowlands

At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen

Available this week: At the Water’s Edge: A Novel *****5/5 stars Another historically compelling, deeply personal novel by Sara Gruen, At the Water’s Edge is a great read. Recommended readers: Book clubs Those who like multiple genres in one book – historical, coming of age, romance and more And if you liked Water for Elephants. Here’s my Rankings: 5/5 characters 5/5 plot 5/5 overall REVIEW FROM BOOKS … Continue reading At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen

Review: Daughter of the Regiment

Available today: Daughter of the Regiment ***3.5/5 stars A Civil War romance with depth, Daughter of the Regiment is a great read. Recommended readers: If you like Civil War Fiction If you like a taste of American history through a romance Here’s my Rankings: 3/5 for characters 4/5 for plot 3.5/5 overall 2/5 steaminess REVIEW FROM BOOKS FOR HER: Typical American History recounts the Civil War from two … Continue reading Review: Daughter of the Regiment

Review: Breath of Scandal by Sandra Brown

Available Now: Breath of Scandal ****2.5/5 stars Get ready for another gritty, fast paced thriller from Sandra Brown, but beware sensitive readers. Recommended readers: If you like books you just can’t put down If you like a good modern-day suspense If you’re a fan of Sandra Brown Here’s my Rankings: 3/5 for characters 2/5 for plot 2.5/5 overall Steaminess: 5of 5  (see our scale here) REVIEW FROM BOOKS … Continue reading Review: Breath of Scandal by Sandra Brown

Review: Angels at the Gate

Available this month: Angels at the Gate ****4.5/5 stars Angels at the Gate is a fascinating adventure-romance and culturally powerful portrayal of early Biblical times. Recommended readers: If you enjoy learning about women in the Bible Anyone who wants a realistic portrayal of early Biblical times Looking for culture, adventure and a touch of romance Here’s my Rankings: 5/5 characters 4/5 plot 4.5/5 overall REVIEW FROM BOOKS FOR HER: As … Continue reading Review: Angels at the Gate

Review: Magnolia City

Available now: Magnolia City by Duncan W. Alderson ***3.5/5 stars In the setting of high-society, oil- rich Houston, Hetty Allen has wealth, boredom, and sass, and two men on her tail. Recommended readers: If you like southern lit, if you like just a bit of danger in a self-made man, and if you like a throw-back romantic novel (not to be confused with romance novel) written … Continue reading Review: Magnolia City

Review: The Sweetness of Forgetting

Available now: The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel ***3.5/5 stars In this classic tale of present meets past, a struggling bakery owner learns that her family’s World War II legacy stretches far beyond her imagining. (Bonus: there’s recipes!) Recommended readers: If you like a bit of chic lit in your historical fiction, If you could use a classic heart warmer, And if you like … Continue reading Review: The Sweetness of Forgetting

Review: The Book Thief

Available now: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak *****5/5 stars Don’t be put off by the young adult category or the experimental format: this one is worth your time. Recommended readers: If you’re open to experimental fiction and alternate formats, If you’re looking for something new and utterly original in Halocaust literature, And if you hope to be completely undone by a book once in … Continue reading Review: The Book Thief