The Book Pusher: October 2018

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BEAUTY LIKE THE NIGHT Joanna Bourne: Historical Romance

With another fabulous romance, Joanna Bourne finds Severine de Cabrillac an interesting romantic option--a jewel thief and wine maker. But can they find who killed his wife and is after Severine in time? You'll turn the pages as fast as you can read because Bourne has created a wonderful plot--a always.

THE HOUSE GIRL Tara Conklin Historical/dual timeline

Conklin creates a fabulous tale that will fascinate and horrify you, but hope will win in the end. Be sure to read this one now!

INTO THE WILDERNESS Sara Donati: Historical Romance

Donati takes a page from J. F. Cooper and stirs in a few Easter eggs from D. Gabaldon to create a vivid story of upstate New York. You'll enjoy Nathanial and Elizabeth's story. But I dare you to stop at just one. This is the first in a series. ;-)

THE ROYAL NANNY  Karen Harper: Historical

The story of Charlotte Bill will charm you. Late Victorian, Edwardian, and early 1900's England comes to life in this novel. You'll laugh and cry, but you will never forget Lala.

HEAVEN ADJACENT Catherine Ryan Hyde: Contemporary

With deep insight and true love, Hyde creates a gem of a story about the truth of life, love, and happiness. This one will make you smile--and hug your loved ones. Read it now!

ONCE BELOVED Amara Royce: Historical Romance

Another member of the Needlework for the Needy has found a chance for love--but only if she faces her anxieties and returns to her hometown.

Next Post: IWSG!

The Book Pusher: September 2018

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Many ask me why I don't label my mini reviews with a ranking of 1-5. The answer is very simple. I never review books I can't give either a 4 or 5. Believe me, I read far more than eight or ten books a month. Some I don't review because they are a reread, but others I don't review because I can't give then a high rating. Rather than shame a writer who poured their heart into the story, I choose to not review. So, enjoy the books! I know you will. ;-) 

NOBLE HOUSE James Clavell: historical fiction (classed as anything before 1970)

This is another of Clavell's excellent historical fictions about Asia. This time it's Hong Kong in 1963. As always there are a lot of characters, but they are skillfully woven into the tapestry of a riveting story. The backstory of the Straun's and their company is wonderful. As always, Clavell gives a good read.

THE LIGHT OF HIDDEN FLOWERS Jennifer Hanford: Women's Fiction

Missy Fletcher grinds along in the shadow of her confident, extroverted father. But something's missing. Something she must learn. Lovely Story and Good Read.

WHERE WE BELONG Catherine Ryan Hyde: Coming of Age

A lovely coming of age story that shows what love, trust, and responsibility truly looks like.

BELLEWETHER Susanna Kearsley: historical Fiction

Kearsley's done it again! You'll get caught up in the dual timeline, root for the characters, and learn what love does to protect and survive. A brilliantly plotted, inspired story you can't miss. Read it Now!

MORGAN'S RUN Colleen McCullough: Historical Fiction

Taking a figure from history and telling his story can be fraught with many potholes, but McCulough is a master at this type of story. In MORGAN'S RUN, she takes a man who many wrote off, but who is a founder of Australia. Great Read!

DIGGING IN Loretta Nyan: Women's Fiction

Grief and life can be challenging, but allowing yourself to breathe, grow, and live is the message of Nyan's lovely story. Let Paige Moresco teach you how.

THE ART OF INHERITING SECRETS Barbara O'Neal: Women's Fiction

With an intricately detailed story worthy of long contemplation, O'Neal has created mystery, love, intrigue, and a fully realized old home--a character as much as the people. Enjoy!

UNSTRUNG Laura Spinella: Women's Fiction

This is one of the most amazing books I've read lately. Olivia Klein's life is both haunting and uplifting. I'm amazing and transported as only singing choral music has in my life. Her main character is a symphony violinist and Spinella describes the feeling of providing the door knob into Heaven that I've experienced singing in a choir. An amazing read. Get this one! Read it now! You'll never forget it.

Next Post: IWSG, of course!

The Book Pusher: August 2018

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THREE DAYS MISSING Kimberly Belle: Women's Fiction

With a tautly plotted, tightly written story of a mother's worst nightmare, two mothers become connected even though they couldn't be more different. This is a page turner of a story!

SHOGUN James Clavell: Historical with elements of Romance

Clavell's Asian Saga is a periodic reread for me. Here's the book that caused such a stir with it's debut in 1975 and it became a hit mini series as well. The book tells the story of old Japan, replete with samurai, ninja, geisha, and characters who will live forever--Toda Mariko, Yoshi Toranaga, and the English pilot who turns their live upside down-John Blackthorne. 

THE WAY OF BEAUTY Camille Di Maio: Women's Fiction

Centered on New York's Penn Station, Di Maio crafts a story of three generations of women who challenge and cooperate with the ways of life and family. Good Read!

LAST CHRISTMAS IN PARIS Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb: Historical Fiction

Told through evocative letters from the home front and the trenches of WWI, the authors enchant, intrigue, and best of all, honor our ancestors for their steadfast honor and love. Good read!

AT HOME IN MITFORD Jan Karon: Christian Ficiton

In the first of her Mitford novels, Karon tells a story of decency, caring, and love. All of us can learn at lot from Father Tim and his neighbors.

MADAME TUSSAUD Michelle Moran: Historical Ficiton

There's more to the story of this artist than we know. A survivor and business woman who must thread her way through the French Revolution, she will be remembered for her artistry. This is a story that is by turns fascinating and horrifying. You can't look away from one riveting page to the next. Amazing fictionalized biography!

The Book Pusher: July 2018

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You need some books, right? I know it, so here you go! ;-)

THE SOMETIMES SISTERS Carolyn Brown: Women's Fiction

With her trademark reality and a touch of humor, Brown shows the Clancy sisters at their lowest and shows their grit and grace. Excellent Read!

THE PLASTIC MAGICIAN Charlie Holmberg: Fantasy

Holmberg does it again! Her latest enchanting story in the Paper Magician series is full of adventure, daring, and love. Fun Read! But start with book one--The Paper Magician

CAROUSEL BEACH Orly Konig: Women's Fiction

Maya Brice is hunting the magic of her childhood while grieving her present. You'll love this hauntingly beautiful story--and belive in magic again. 

EVERYTHING WE GIVE Kerry Lonsdale: Women's Fiction

With an emotional and fulfilling conclusion to her "Everything" series, Lonsdale probes the depth of love and lies, family and connection. Bu tying up her stirring story, the author provides closure for her characters--and her readers.

LONG WAY GONE Charles Martin: Contemporary Fiction

With a radical retelling of the Prodigal Son, Martin will rip open your heart and sing you home. This is one of the finest books ever.

HUSBANDS AND OTHER SHARP OBJECTS Marilyn Simon Rothstein: Women's Fiction

Rothstein has done it again! You'll laugh. You'll cry--And enjoy every page. Be sure to read Lift and Separate first. Great Read!

NEVER TOO LATE Amara Royce: Historical Romance

Never Too Late is a rousing romance with a big heart for the social ills of Victorian England. Add a wonderful flip of the usual older hero/younger heroine and it moves into welcome new territory for romances.

THE TIGER IN THE HOUSE Jacqueline Sheehan: Women's Fiction

You'll never guess the plot twists but you'll love the ride. Delia Lamott is one of the best characters ever. This is a must read now!

THE LAST TELEGRAM Liz Trenow: Historical Women's Fiction

With an intriguing story set in the WWII silk industry, Trenow invites us into Lily Verner's life and times, and her amazing ability to "keep her chin up" and carry one. A Must Read

Next Post: IWSG, of course!

The Book Pusher: June 2018

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THE HIDDEN SIDE Heidi Chiavaroli: Women's Fiction (multiple time lines)

No matter which side you're on about gun safety and violence in school, you owe it to yourself to read this amazing story. Chiavoroli shows all sides with compassion and insight. Be sure you read this one. Amazing!

WHEN NEVER COMES Barbara Davis: Women's Fiction

Avoidance, abandonment, and all the hurts one wants to bury can shut doors to our happiness. Christy Lynn Parker is a master at shutting doors. Davis's latest story is a glorious look at learning to open them. A must read!

THIS I KNOW Eldonna Edwards: Women's Fiction

This is a sweet story of spirit and love, truth and belief. The Carter family will touch your heart and bring you to tears of understanding. An excellent book!

WORTHY Catherine Ryan Hyde: Women's Fiction

This is one of the best stories about the meaning of family and home. And there's a good dog at the center too.You owe it to yourself to read this one. It's one of the best stories I've ever read--and I've read a lot of good stories. ;-)

SEND DOWN THE RAIN Charles Martin: Literary Fiction

This is an amazing story of no greater love. Martin takes his characters and their hearts opens and drains their pain. Then restarts it again. Must read--Do Not Miss!

THE UNDOING OF SAINT SILVANUS Beth Moore: Women's Fiction

Moore's first novel takes a reader into the heart of New Orleans. It's a journey you don't want to miss. With her characteristic empathy on display, she tells a story of forgiveness and redemption. You don't want to miss this one--and the Book Pusher can't wait for Moore's next novel.

THINGS I NEVER TOLD YOU Beth Vogt: Christian Women's Fiction

The real world of sisters comes alive in Vogt's story. How many ways can sisters miscommunicate and take one guilty that isn't their to own? All I can say is the resulting forgiveness will win your over. 

THE MARTIAN Andy Weir: SF

This is a total Science Fiction rush! Brilliantly written, The Martian is a great example of maintaining character voice throughout a narrative. Andy Weir has written a compulsive, hard SF story that's so human. Everyone who reads it will care about his main character. Bravo!

Next Post: IWSG, of course!

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

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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.