The Book Pusher: May 2018

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THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY May Ann Shafer and Annie Barrows: Historical

In WWII, the Chanel Islands were cut off from England and the story of the people is one of hope, resilience,  and  bravery. This story is one of the best telling of the time. A must read.

TIMELINE Michael Crichton: Historical SF

Crichton creates a fast-paced, thrilling read that takes readers to the Middle Ages...with a twist. You won't put this one down.

NO ONE EVER ASKED Katie Ganshert: Women's Fiction

Racism is an ugly word in our communities. Using several families and situations, Ganshert highlights the issue and shines grace on the characters. Good read.

THE WIDOW'S WAR Sally Gunning: Historical Women's Fiction

History you don't know can open your eyes to the true lives of women and families of the past. Gunning's story is one that can one hearts to women's lives in colonial times. Must Read!

THE WORD GAME Steena Holmes: Women's Fiction

We don't want to admit how deeply entrenched sexual abuse is in our homes and communities, but without stories that are no afraid of looking deeply into the pain can we hope to heal. A great story that doesn't flinch and tells how to begin healing. 

THE BEACH AT PAINTER'S COVE Shelley Noble: Women's Fiction

Noble's latest is a lovely story that shows the truth of family--imperfect but loving in creative ways. You'll read this one fast and the end will linger with you.

THE TIGER'S DAUGHTER K. Arsenault Rivera: Historical Fantasy

Once you enter River's world, be prepared to be blown away at the honest bravery and true love that her characters exhibit. Lovely read.

CHILDREN OF GOD Mary Doria Russell: SF

This is the sequel to The Sparrow and it is a wonderful, comprehensive conclusion to the first book. Emilio Sandoz's journey to another world as a Jesuit missionary comes full cycle and the reason for all his pain is gloriously revealed. Must Read!

Next Post: IWSG for June

The Book Pusher--April 2018

{Note to followers: if you want an email when a new post goes up, go the right column and subscribe for emails. Thanks.}

I have a long, lovely list for you. You'll find at least one that draws you in...or two, or three. What the heck! Just read them all!!! ;-)

SAVANNAH BLUES Mary Kay Andrews: Humorous WF/Romance mix

This is cute, quick, and totally hilarious! When you find a joyous read with adorable characters and twisty plots, you have to enjoy.

THE LILAC BOUQUET Carolyn Brown: Multi-generational Women's Fiction 

When an author has the voice and culture of a place down to the core, their stories will stir your heart and open your eyes. This is an A++ Read.

PALADIAN OF SOULS Lois McMaster Bujold: Fantasy

This is a must read for the 3-D characters who portray what heroic really means and a universe that is as multidimensional as the people in it. This is a fantasy and the sequel to The Curse of Chalion. Read Curse first.

THE CAFE BY THE SEA Jenny Colgan: Women's Fiction/Romance

This is charming, funny, and poignant in turns. Colgan creates a story of depth and feeling on the shores of the Scottish Islands.

IF I STAY/WHERE SHE WENT Gayle Foreman: Literary

An intimate exploration of how love, grief, and music can build a person up and tear them down. Good Read.

SAY GOODBYE FOR NOW Catherine Ryan Hyde: Women's Fiction

When a deep truth is shown through lives of rich characters, you have Hyde's story of love and loyalty. Beautiful Story.

STILL ME Jojo Moyes: Women's Fiction

What a perfect ending to Moyes' trilogy of Louisa Clark. There are readers who think books #2 and #3 are unnecessary, but I disagree. Louisa's story isn't complete until you finish the final installment. Now, get to reading!

THE SPARROW  Mary Doria Russell: Literary SF

With this masterful story of mission, love, and heartache, Russell, introduces us to one of the most endearing and exasperating characters ever. Emilio Sandoz's journey is fabulous and deep. Must read NOW!

LAST CALL TL Watson: Romance

Watson continues to entertain with red-hot stories about intriguing people. Blake and Gwen will win you over and teach you about love. This is a Must Read

THE PROMISE BETWEEN US Barbara Claypole White: Women's Fiction

Anxiety disorders are cruel taskmasters and Claypole White has created a cast of deep characters you will love and cheer for. This is by far her best book yet.

Next Post: IWSG, of course!

My momma is doing well. Her surgery was last Tuesday. She's recovering nicely. Thanks for all the prayers.

Mini-Reviews V and the Blog Blitz!

 

Check out D. L.'s BLOG BLITZ



Everyone knows I like to try new and different things, so today I present to you the BLOG BLITZ. Here’s how I see it working. Sign up on the linky list below, making sure to record your email address, and you’ll instantly become a member of the Blog Blitz Team. Then from time to time, I will select a deserving blog (that must be part of the Blitz Team) and a specific date. I will then email the team members that information and on that date we all will go out of our way to visit that blog and leave an encouraging comment on their most recent post. I'm talking about hopefully a 100+ comments appearing out of the blue in one day!

Copyright-Zan Marie Steadham, March 2009
 

Spring is here and we all need good reads to fill the new season. Here's my latest installments of good books to read.

BEL CANTO Ann Patchett (literary suspense)
This is an excellent book. Blending opera, terrorists, and music into a readable, edge-of-your-seat read is an amazing achievement and Ann Patchett pulls it off with style. The deep, but shifting, third POV is seamless and smooth. I never had a doubt about whose head I was in and why. Must Read!

THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLADE Diana Gabaldon (Historical Fiction)
You can't go wrong with Diana Gabaldon's books! This one is a great read that cuts to the heart of one of her beloved characters, Lord John Grey. Add a neat mystery and Jamie Fraser and it's as good as a read gets.

CHILDREN OF GOD Mary Doria Russell (Literary Science Fiction)
This is the sequel to The Sparrow and it is a wonderful, comprehensive conclusion to the first book. Emilio Sandoz's journey to another world as a Jesuit missionary comes full cycle and the reason for all his pain is gloriously revealed. Must Read!

CROSSING OCEANS Gina Holmes (Christian Women's Fiction)
The main character must make some tough decisions when faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis. Some reviewers thought the Christian content was heavy handed and others didn't see it at all. I think it's just right. Good read.

EMMA JEAN'S BAD BEHAVIOR Charlotte Rains Dixon (Women's Fiction)
Emma Jean's Bad Behavior enchanted me. The main character, Emma Jean, has a snarky exterior that hides a deeply wounded and insecure soul who is searching for the truth of the story of her life. She's delightfully flawed and I wanted to take her by the shoulders and shake her. Great Read!
See my interview with Charlotte Rains Dixon on February 19.

RESCUE Anita Shreve (Literary)
Rescue is a good story, but the style wasn't my taste. The third person POV was distant, but not omniscient and much of the book was in present tense.

PIRATE CAPTAIN: CHRONICLES OF A LEGEND Kerry Lynne (Historical with Romance touches)
Pirate Captain: Chronicles of a Legend, is not your usual pirate story. It’s a sprawling tale with more layers than a hundred onions. At the center of the tale lies the stories of Cate McKenzie, a woman who hides deep secrets, and Capt. Nathanael Jonathan Edward Blackthorne, a man of mystery and legend.  Good read.
See my interview with Kerry Lynne on March 12.

THE SCOTTISH PRISONER Diana Gabaldon (Historical Fiction)
This is even better than BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLADE and true to its title, it concerns Jamie Fraser and Lord John Grey. If you've ever wondered how these two very different men can be good friends, you must read this book. Besides, we all need a dose of Diana Gabaldon while waiting for the next big Jamie and Claire book, WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART'S BLOOD.

What about you? What are you reading this spring?

Mini-Reviews IV and an Announcement

And another list of good reads for all of you who have lots of time to read, read, read... ; )

CARNELIANS Catherine Asaro (Science Fiction)
Carnelians is a solution for all the various story lines in Asaro's Skolian universe that began in Primary Inversion in 1995. Even if there are subsequent books, this one answers the burning questions. It's a bit telling so that all the threads will knit together. Still, it's a good read.

CAPTAIN VORPATRIL'S ALLIANCE Lois McMaster Bujold (Science Fiction)
This is another example of a great SF series that is nearing its end. Bujold has created a vivid, detailed universe that centers on Miles Vorkosgian and his family. One of those relatives is Ivan "You Idiot" Vorpatril, but in this new book, Ivan comes into his own. Bujold's "Vorkosiverse" is so good, that John and I regularly reread and enjoy it all over again. Great Read!

DANDELION SUMMER Lisa Wingate (Inspirational)
This is part of Wingate's Blue Sky Hill Series. I've never read any of her books before, but I will seek them out now. Dandelion Summer has a light touch with the inspirational part of the story. What's most impressive is the fully-realized characters of J. Norman Alvord and Epiphany Jones who both learn the importance of family and that it's not too late to connect. Great read.

STILL LIFE IN SHADOWS Alice Wisler (Christian Literary)
This is a fascinating story about the challenges facing those who choose to leave the Amish Community. It's an interesting read.

THE SPARROW Mary Doria Russell (Literary Science Fiction)
The Sparrow is one of the most amazing books I've ever read. It is an intriguing, thought provoking, and deeply philosophical look at faith and how it is lived out in real lives. I'd recommend this book to anyone who asks me for a great read and warn them that it will show them the complexities of faith and obedience. A Must Read!

And now the announcement! I'll be interviewing Charlotte Rains Dixon about her new book Emma Jean's Bad Behavior on February 19. You won't want to miss it. Charlotte is an author, writing teacher, and writing coach. Check out her blog at charlotterainsdixion.com.