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* * * stars. An elderly recluse woman is contacted by a young woman who hopes to rent out her dilapidated storefront in the hopes of opening an art gallery.
The story goes back and forth between timelines and perspectives as the women develop a friendship and begin sharing their stories with each other.
To say anymore would spoil any surprises.
The story was passable but predictable. Midway, when certain things are revealed, the conclusion seems obvious. It's just a question of how will it be pulled off.
What doesn't help is the repeated conversations different characters have about revelations. What was explained in detail to one character is repeated to another character later. Been there; done that; got the t-shirt; got TWO t-shirts.
The conclusion, therefore, seems underwhelming. And the final unresolved issue also is predictable.
Not boring, but not great.
The story goes back and forth between timelines and perspectives as the women develop a friendship and begin sharing their stories with each other.
To say anymore would spoil any surprises.
The story was passable but predictable. Midway, when certain things are revealed, the conclusion seems obvious. It's just a question of how will it be pulled off.
What doesn't help is the repeated conversations different characters have about revelations. What was explained in detail to one character is repeated to another character later. Been there; done that; got the t-shirt; got TWO t-shirts.
The conclusion, therefore, seems underwhelming. And the final unresolved issue also is predictable.
Not boring, but not great.
Hawaiian Nights with the Best Man (Blossom and Bliss Weddings, Bk 2) (Harlequin Romance, No 4877) (Larger Print)
Author:
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Good enemies-to-lovers story set on the Big Island of Hawaii. Bliss and Lance are in Hawaii as maid of honor and best man for Bliss's sister Blossom and Lance's best friend, Joe. It is a problematic partnership because a past encounter convinced Bliss that Lance is a playboy who treats women as disposable. While Lance came across as cocky, Bliss's judgmental attitude was unexpected, mostly a reaction to her attraction to him.
Months later, at Blossom and Joe's wedding, Bliss still fights those sparks of attraction. She uses snark and sarcasm to attempt to keep him at a distance. Meanwhile, Lance gets a great deal of satisfaction from pushing her buttons. Bliss impulsively decides to rent a beach cottage for a few days to get away from him, unaware a tropical storm is headed her way.
Lance has a strong protective instinct, and when he learns of Bliss's plans, he rushes to save her - and not a minute too soon. Bliss was unprepared for the storm; the cottage was not what she expected, and the storm's intensity was scary. Lance's arrival was a relief, though she didn't want to admit it. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other and realize both were guilty of jumping to conclusions. I loved seeing them work together and watching them drop the walls they had around their hearts.
However, both have trust issues and as they grow closer, fears and insecurities stir. I ached for Bliss, whose past made her believe that love isn't enough to make a relationship last, sending her running. Lance won my heart with his appreciation of Bliss's unexpected strength and resilience and his realization that he has the true partnership he's looked for all his life with Bliss. His big moment at the end was sweet, and the epilogue was a great look at the future.
I loved the Hawaiian setting. The vivid descriptions of everything from the storm to the surfing to the lush tropical environment made me feel like I was there.
Months later, at Blossom and Joe's wedding, Bliss still fights those sparks of attraction. She uses snark and sarcasm to attempt to keep him at a distance. Meanwhile, Lance gets a great deal of satisfaction from pushing her buttons. Bliss impulsively decides to rent a beach cottage for a few days to get away from him, unaware a tropical storm is headed her way.
Lance has a strong protective instinct, and when he learns of Bliss's plans, he rushes to save her - and not a minute too soon. Bliss was unprepared for the storm; the cottage was not what she expected, and the storm's intensity was scary. Lance's arrival was a relief, though she didn't want to admit it. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other and realize both were guilty of jumping to conclusions. I loved seeing them work together and watching them drop the walls they had around their hearts.
However, both have trust issues and as they grow closer, fears and insecurities stir. I ached for Bliss, whose past made her believe that love isn't enough to make a relationship last, sending her running. Lance won my heart with his appreciation of Bliss's unexpected strength and resilience and his realization that he has the true partnership he's looked for all his life with Bliss. His big moment at the end was sweet, and the epilogue was a great look at the future.
I loved the Hawaiian setting. The vivid descriptions of everything from the storm to the surfing to the lush tropical environment made me feel like I was there.
Very easy read.
Story about finding love after hurt
Story about finding love after hurt
Good story and history of the early Circus days.
It seems appropriate to share a review of The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy when it's 7 below zero with 6 inches of snow on the ground in the Midwest. Thank you to Macmillan Audio for advanced access to the audiobook narrated by Karissa Vacker with Graham Halstead.
While Kim and Grant have been a couple for 30 years, they never married and their partnership has a lot of âspace' in it. She's a humanitarian working in non-profits and he's an academic/professor who just lost his teaching position. When they have an opportunity to spend winter in sunny Palm Springs and escape the brutal cold and snow of Wisconsin, Kim is thrilled, but Grant is completely reluctant. Will a change in setting impact them as individuals and their relationship?
This plot - mostly character-driven with some âaction' - was not what I expected, and it continually surprised me. It's told in a Then and Now format, and Grant doesn't appear in real time until the final chapters. I had some issues tracking the large cast of quirky Palm Springs characters but enjoyed most of them. It was interesting to see how both Kim and Grant grew and changed throughout the story. The ending ties up all the loose ends which was a bit annoying.
This is the second novel I've read this month that mention my city of Omaha in a not-so-favorable light - such an odd coincidence.
While Kim and Grant have been a couple for 30 years, they never married and their partnership has a lot of âspace' in it. She's a humanitarian working in non-profits and he's an academic/professor who just lost his teaching position. When they have an opportunity to spend winter in sunny Palm Springs and escape the brutal cold and snow of Wisconsin, Kim is thrilled, but Grant is completely reluctant. Will a change in setting impact them as individuals and their relationship?
This plot - mostly character-driven with some âaction' - was not what I expected, and it continually surprised me. It's told in a Then and Now format, and Grant doesn't appear in real time until the final chapters. I had some issues tracking the large cast of quirky Palm Springs characters but enjoyed most of them. It was interesting to see how both Kim and Grant grew and changed throughout the story. The ending ties up all the loose ends which was a bit annoying.
This is the second novel I've read this month that mention my city of Omaha in a not-so-favorable light - such an odd coincidence.
Karen F. (LeftyTheRebelKnitter) reviewed on
This book clearly started as a good idea, but turned out rather disappointing. Most of the essentials are covered but:
1. it would have been nice to mention that some people are left-handed. It shouldn't be too hard to add a page with images reversed so a lefty could see how their work should look.
2. The only cast-on method shown is basic and simple but there are dozens (or maybe hundreds) of other ways to put stitches on a needle and any one of them is better than the half hitch method. The reader needs to at least know there are better methods to look for as they progress.
3. The section on gauge barely touches on the topic.
4. On page 54 the phrase " ... then block the sweater" is less than helpful.
The really important stuff (knit, purl, bind off) are fine.
The illustrations are good and the writing style is clear and easy to follow.
The projects are good choices for a beginner.
The problem solving section has some good info.
All in all, I am glad to have had the opportunity to read it and comment. I would recommend this book as a basic starter for someone who is creative and has someone to go to for guidance.
1. it would have been nice to mention that some people are left-handed. It shouldn't be too hard to add a page with images reversed so a lefty could see how their work should look.
2. The only cast-on method shown is basic and simple but there are dozens (or maybe hundreds) of other ways to put stitches on a needle and any one of them is better than the half hitch method. The reader needs to at least know there are better methods to look for as they progress.
3. The section on gauge barely touches on the topic.
4. On page 54 the phrase " ... then block the sweater" is less than helpful.
The really important stuff (knit, purl, bind off) are fine.
The illustrations are good and the writing style is clear and easy to follow.
The projects are good choices for a beginner.
The problem solving section has some good info.
All in all, I am glad to have had the opportunity to read it and comment. I would recommend this book as a basic starter for someone who is creative and has someone to go to for guidance.
I was really into the characters in this book until the final chapters. Sorry, I just can't buy it. I feel cheated.
His Best Friend's Girl (Bravo Family Ties, Bk 26) (Harlequin Special Edition, No 3081)
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Terrific friends to lovers story. Three years after the death of her husband, Matty heads home to Wyoming. Her attempt to move on after Gabe's death leaves her pregnant with the child of her ex-boyfriend, who has no interest in the baby or Matty. She moves back to Medicine Creek to raise the baby in her hometown and run her mother's bookstore. She looks forward to seeing her best friend, Ethan.
Ethan was Gabe's best friend throughout school, and that friendship extended to Matty when she and Gabe became a couple. They hung out together in college, with Ethan a frequent visitor after Gabe and Matty married. He returned to Wyoming to attend law school and set up his practice in their hometown. He never let on to them that he was in love with Matty. To him, she was, and still is, off-limits.
The first person Matty wants to see when she gets home is Ethan. She feels overwhelmed, and Ethan is her anchor. They spent more and more time together, from cooking to watching movies. Ethan insists on helping her prepare for the baby, including volunteering as her labor coach. Ethan realizes quickly that his feelings for Matty have grown. He keeps quiet about them because Matty is emphatic that she will not marry again, and he doesn't want to ruin their friendship.
Matty does her best to ignore the attraction she feels for Ethan until the day the sparks burst into flame. Once they recover from the shock of the experience, Matty suggests a pre-baby fling. Take advantage of the lull before the storm, and when the baby arrives, go back to being friends only. She firmly believes that she can keep her heart safe. She was clearly fooling herself, and I ached for Ethan, who wanted so much more. I cheered for him when he stood up for his needs and hoped Matty would finally realize the truth of her feelings for Ethan. I loved the emotional ending and seeing her let go of her fears.
There was a secondary story about Matty's cousin Heather and her husband Billy. Heather frustrated me through most of the book - I just wanted to shake her. I liked that Matty didn't give up on her, but I could feel her frustration.
Ethan was Gabe's best friend throughout school, and that friendship extended to Matty when she and Gabe became a couple. They hung out together in college, with Ethan a frequent visitor after Gabe and Matty married. He returned to Wyoming to attend law school and set up his practice in their hometown. He never let on to them that he was in love with Matty. To him, she was, and still is, off-limits.
The first person Matty wants to see when she gets home is Ethan. She feels overwhelmed, and Ethan is her anchor. They spent more and more time together, from cooking to watching movies. Ethan insists on helping her prepare for the baby, including volunteering as her labor coach. Ethan realizes quickly that his feelings for Matty have grown. He keeps quiet about them because Matty is emphatic that she will not marry again, and he doesn't want to ruin their friendship.
Matty does her best to ignore the attraction she feels for Ethan until the day the sparks burst into flame. Once they recover from the shock of the experience, Matty suggests a pre-baby fling. Take advantage of the lull before the storm, and when the baby arrives, go back to being friends only. She firmly believes that she can keep her heart safe. She was clearly fooling herself, and I ached for Ethan, who wanted so much more. I cheered for him when he stood up for his needs and hoped Matty would finally realize the truth of her feelings for Ethan. I loved the emotional ending and seeing her let go of her fears.
There was a secondary story about Matty's cousin Heather and her husband Billy. Heather frustrated me through most of the book - I just wanted to shake her. I liked that Matty didn't give up on her, but I could feel her frustration.
Cilka's Journey (Tattooist of Auschwitz, Bk 2)
Author:
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
Jan S. reviewed on + 389 more book reviews
Good read
Dead Post Society: A House-Flipper Mystery
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Dead Post Society is the 7th installment in the A House-Flipper Mystery series featuring carpenter Whitney Whitaker Flynn and set in Tennessee. Whitney's building partner and cousin, Buck and his wife Colette are welcoming a new baby and while they were waiting for the baby's arrival Buck and Whitney hadn't been doing any flipping. Instead they were working for Buck's father Roger doing renovations.
Uncle Roger has taken on the job of renovating the former Ridgetop Preparatory Academy which closed in the early 1980's and had remained vacant. The school and dormitories are still filled furnishings and supplies. Troy Loflin, a local developer has purchased the property and has plans to turn the grounds into a retirement complex. Troy is a former student so the project is close to his heart and money is no object.
Adjacent to the school is the former headmaster's house. The dilapidated Victorian has seen better days and has a unfavorable reputation. The headmaster, Dr. Irving Finster is reported to have killed his wife and then himself in an apparent murder suicide. Whitney decides that she wants to purchase the house and turn it into a Bed and Breakfast for the families who come to visit their relatives staying in the retirement home.
Curious as to why Dr. Finster would have killed himself or his wife, Whitney starts digging into the 40 year old mystery and quickly discovers that a third party might have been involved in the shootings. Could it have been one of his former students or colleagues? The girl who stalked the headmaster and his wife, the boy who was expelled for bad behavior or maybe even one of his fellow teachers.
A good addition to the series although this one fell a little flat for me. I missed the usual banter between Whitney and Buck, the descriptions of the renovations and having Sawdust on the job site. Whitney is contemplating a baby with her husband, Collin and working through her emotions about being a mom.
Uncle Roger has taken on the job of renovating the former Ridgetop Preparatory Academy which closed in the early 1980's and had remained vacant. The school and dormitories are still filled furnishings and supplies. Troy Loflin, a local developer has purchased the property and has plans to turn the grounds into a retirement complex. Troy is a former student so the project is close to his heart and money is no object.
Adjacent to the school is the former headmaster's house. The dilapidated Victorian has seen better days and has a unfavorable reputation. The headmaster, Dr. Irving Finster is reported to have killed his wife and then himself in an apparent murder suicide. Whitney decides that she wants to purchase the house and turn it into a Bed and Breakfast for the families who come to visit their relatives staying in the retirement home.
Curious as to why Dr. Finster would have killed himself or his wife, Whitney starts digging into the 40 year old mystery and quickly discovers that a third party might have been involved in the shootings. Could it have been one of his former students or colleagues? The girl who stalked the headmaster and his wife, the boy who was expelled for bad behavior or maybe even one of his fellow teachers.
A good addition to the series although this one fell a little flat for me. I missed the usual banter between Whitney and Buck, the descriptions of the renovations and having Sawdust on the job site. Whitney is contemplating a baby with her husband, Collin and working through her emotions about being a mom.
Ginger: A Simple Ginger Cookbook with Tasty Ginger Recipes for All Types of Delicious Meals
Author:
Genre: Cookbooks, Food & Wine
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Cookbooks, Food & Wine
Book Type: Paperback
With BookSumo's expertise, I was surprised that the recipes were helter-skelter (not in categories such as Soups, etc.). However, the recipes are simple, and the directions are clear. There are no photos other than the cover. However, BookSumo is famous for its nutritional information (in every cookbook it produces). One amusing recipe was HOW TO COOK SQUID.
Murder at the High School Reunion (A Maya and Sandra Mystery)
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Murder at the High School Reunion is the fifth installment in the Maya and Sandra Mystery series featuring private detectives Maya Kendrick and Sandra Wallage and set in Portland, Maine. The ladies and their dates are planning on attending their 25th class reunion at South Portland High School. Mostly, they are looking forward to seeing fellow classmate Alyssa Turner who went from being the awkward, shy wallflower to a mega Hollywood star.
Just prior to the reunion, the duo is approached by another fellow classmate, Tawny Bryce who wants to hire them to prove her husband is cheating on her. Tawny was one of the mean girls, who got a kick out of bullying people, including Sandra. She faked a pregnancy to snag the handsome football star Chad Bryce at graduation and unbelievably they had stayed together for 25 years. However, now the kids are off at college and the marriage seems to have run its course. The ladies decide to take the case mostly because Maya needs the money.
There is an awkward exchange between Tawny and her clique of mean girls and Alyssa at the reunion and words are exchanged. When Tawny ends up dead behind the bleachers nobody is surprised, but who had the guts to kill the woman? Was it Alyssa who was seeking revenge for the way Tawny treated her in high school, was it Chad who had been publicly exposed for cheating or one of their other classmates who still harbored a grudge.
A quick and easy afternoon read with a returning cast of characters. Sandra is still struggling with her relationship with Lucas, 14 years her junior and unfortunately seems to be embarrassed by their age difference. The mystery exposes the hidden dangers of online dating.
Just prior to the reunion, the duo is approached by another fellow classmate, Tawny Bryce who wants to hire them to prove her husband is cheating on her. Tawny was one of the mean girls, who got a kick out of bullying people, including Sandra. She faked a pregnancy to snag the handsome football star Chad Bryce at graduation and unbelievably they had stayed together for 25 years. However, now the kids are off at college and the marriage seems to have run its course. The ladies decide to take the case mostly because Maya needs the money.
There is an awkward exchange between Tawny and her clique of mean girls and Alyssa at the reunion and words are exchanged. When Tawny ends up dead behind the bleachers nobody is surprised, but who had the guts to kill the woman? Was it Alyssa who was seeking revenge for the way Tawny treated her in high school, was it Chad who had been publicly exposed for cheating or one of their other classmates who still harbored a grudge.
A quick and easy afternoon read with a returning cast of characters. Sandra is still struggling with her relationship with Lucas, 14 years her junior and unfortunately seems to be embarrassed by their age difference. The mystery exposes the hidden dangers of online dating.
Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself
Author:
Genre: Health, Fitness & Dieting
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Health, Fitness & Dieting
Book Type: Paperback
Reading this book was the beginning of a long road of recovery for me. You cannot fix what you didn't know was broken!
She not only reassures us that is is more than okay to not fix everything for everyone, she encourages us to step back and allow them the confidence that comes with solving our own problems. This book would be prominently helpful for those who love and caretake for someone, despite how often they create their own mess.
My codependency stems from childhood and this book has helped me to tear down a lot of my unhealthy beliefs and rebuild for a happier, healthier me!
My therapist was thrilled that I had read this.
She not only reassures us that is is more than okay to not fix everything for everyone, she encourages us to step back and allow them the confidence that comes with solving our own problems. This book would be prominently helpful for those who love and caretake for someone, despite how often they create their own mess.
My codependency stems from childhood and this book has helped me to tear down a lot of my unhealthy beliefs and rebuild for a happier, healthier me!
My therapist was thrilled that I had read this.
Joanna Crosby has been reared without affection. Thus, she tries to garner it from friends. However, she is so needy that people use her and make fun of her behind her back. Joanna veers between talking too much and talking normally. However, she must feel comfortable in a person's company to speak normally. Thus, she has a difficult time on social occasions.
Joanna has been in love with Dr. Edward Vaughn for a long time. He is always kind to her and asks her to dance whenever they meet. However, he's not interested in marriage. He wants to return to Thornsby and participate in his father's practice.
When some of Edward's friends pull a prank, the results are awful. Edward and Joanna are faced with social ruin or marriage. They choose marriage. Unfortunately, no one tells Joanna that the marriage is the result of a prank, and she thinks she is entering a love match marriage.
Ms. Nichols has the skill to resolve this complex conundrum. The story is beautifully told. Both characters grow through their marriage. Overall score = E.
Joanna has been in love with Dr. Edward Vaughn for a long time. He is always kind to her and asks her to dance whenever they meet. However, he's not interested in marriage. He wants to return to Thornsby and participate in his father's practice.
When some of Edward's friends pull a prank, the results are awful. Edward and Joanna are faced with social ruin or marriage. They choose marriage. Unfortunately, no one tells Joanna that the marriage is the result of a prank, and she thinks she is entering a love match marriage.
Ms. Nichols has the skill to resolve this complex conundrum. The story is beautifully told. Both characters grow through their marriage. Overall score = E.
Approval Addiction : Overcoming Your Need to Please Everyone
Author:
Genres: Health, Fitness & Dieting, Christian Books & Bibles
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Health, Fitness & Dieting, Christian Books & Bibles
Book Type: Hardcover
For years, I have lived through and with the need for approval from others. Be it in my actions towards them (acts of service), words that I withheld, or who I believed myself to be based on the opinions or actions of others towards me.
This stemmed from an early set "root of rejection" by my father who left home when I was 5. The image I had of myself was poor, I needed God and I needed direction in my thoughts and behaviors.
I found Joyce Meyer on Facebook reels and she has been a true inspiration and guide post for me. She is funny and down to Earth, but truly convicted in her belief of our Higher Power.
I recommend this book to anyone needing a quick read for recovery for approval addiction.
"I'm not where I need to be, but I'm not where I was. I am OK and well on my way!"
This stemmed from an early set "root of rejection" by my father who left home when I was 5. The image I had of myself was poor, I needed God and I needed direction in my thoughts and behaviors.
I found Joyce Meyer on Facebook reels and she has been a true inspiration and guide post for me. She is funny and down to Earth, but truly convicted in her belief of our Higher Power.
I recommend this book to anyone needing a quick read for recovery for approval addiction.
"I'm not where I need to be, but I'm not where I was. I am OK and well on my way!"
Forbidden Ground (Cold Creek, Bk 2)
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Kelly O. (KellyWilloughby) reviewed on + 213 more book reviews
Cold Creek #2 - good mystery that makes you wonder who constantly. The oldest sister's story. Very good!
Close to Death (Hawthorne & Horowitz, Bk 5)
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
This was actually the first book of this series that I had picked up. While I enjoyed the storyline, I wasn't sure of the author's style. That being said, I have read several of his past novels, and have enjoyed them very much. This style is a new taste, and I may need to read a few more before I get comfortable.
Thank you, Mr. Horowitz, for the entertainment you have provided over the last couple decades.
Thank you, Mr. Horowitz, for the entertainment you have provided over the last couple decades.
One of several things I like about mystery authors of the early 20th century is they didn't feel they had to fill four to five hundred pages to tell you a good story.
This is a new author for me and I'm going to look for more of his books. And I'm actually amazed I've never read him before, as Wikipedia states, "He wrote more than six hundred novels using twenty-eight different pseudonyms." His first was published in 1932. After a search on Book Browser, I found a number of them are posted on PBS.
But it's always possible I read at least one of his books written under one of his 28 pseudonyms.
This is a new author for me and I'm going to look for more of his books. And I'm actually amazed I've never read him before, as Wikipedia states, "He wrote more than six hundred novels using twenty-eight different pseudonyms." His first was published in 1932. After a search on Book Browser, I found a number of them are posted on PBS.
But it's always possible I read at least one of his books written under one of his 28 pseudonyms.
Nemesis: An Orphan X Novel (Orphan X, 10)
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Although it was more about Tommy than Evan, I think that this is one of the best books in the Orphan X series. Everything is wrapped up neatly by the end, which makes me hope that this is not the last time we will read about Evan.
Definitely a beach read, as they say. Lots of crazy characters, wacky storyline.
The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, History, Politics & Social Sciences
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, History, Politics & Social Sciences
Book Type: Paperback
Helpful Score: 1
When I read the synopsis of The Secret History of the Rape Kit, I knew I had to read it. Call me more than a little disgruntled when I learn of all the work done by women that men have stolen the credit for.
Martha "Marty" Goddard's work is outstanding because she pushed it through the most corrupt police department in America at the time: the Chicago Police Department. This woman did not like public speaking and often found someone else to do it for her, but when she had to, she would. That is how dedicated she was to her project. It's hard for me to believe that Goddard sank almost without a trace. How can someone do something so important and then disappear? I congratulate Kennedy for bringing Goddard back into the spotlight where she belongs.
The history the author provides is fascinating. I'll share a couple of examples. Would it surprise you to learn that Hugh Hefner and Playboy played a very important part in getting Goddard's rape kits accepted? They did. Would it also surprise you to learn that the infrastructure we use every day is constantly feeding us messages about who is important and who is not? It does. The designer of the bridges and underpasses leading into Long Island purposely had them built with low clearances so buses couldn't get through. You see, he didn't want poor people to have easy access to the area.
Kennedy shows us how the rape kits and forensics have changed over time and shares her own experience of sexual assault. While I didn't really find the author's personal experience all that necessary to the book as a whole, it does shed light on a survivor's thoughts and feelings.
The Secret History of the Rape Kit is a valuable addition to not only the history of forensics but women's history as well.
Martha "Marty" Goddard's work is outstanding because she pushed it through the most corrupt police department in America at the time: the Chicago Police Department. This woman did not like public speaking and often found someone else to do it for her, but when she had to, she would. That is how dedicated she was to her project. It's hard for me to believe that Goddard sank almost without a trace. How can someone do something so important and then disappear? I congratulate Kennedy for bringing Goddard back into the spotlight where she belongs.
The history the author provides is fascinating. I'll share a couple of examples. Would it surprise you to learn that Hugh Hefner and Playboy played a very important part in getting Goddard's rape kits accepted? They did. Would it also surprise you to learn that the infrastructure we use every day is constantly feeding us messages about who is important and who is not? It does. The designer of the bridges and underpasses leading into Long Island purposely had them built with low clearances so buses couldn't get through. You see, he didn't want poor people to have easy access to the area.
Kennedy shows us how the rape kits and forensics have changed over time and shares her own experience of sexual assault. While I didn't really find the author's personal experience all that necessary to the book as a whole, it does shed light on a survivor's thoughts and feelings.
The Secret History of the Rape Kit is a valuable addition to not only the history of forensics but women's history as well.
Brother Odd (Odd Thomas, Bk 3)
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Quick easy read.
When the Unseen See
"Th1rt3en" by Steve Cavanagh was such a brilliant read, one of my favorite courtroom thrillers, so I had high hopes for his new book, "Witness 8." Could it live up to my expectations?
Ruby Johnson is a maid and nanny, nearly invisible now to her former social circle. She sees everything that goes on, including a murder. This is an opportunity to score big and escape the life she has been walled into. She is more than capable of manipulating the situation, with counseling from a less than pious conscience.
Eddie Flynn, the protagonist of the book and series, is a clever, streetwise defense attorney. He and his team are defending John Jackson, an innocent man accused of the murder. Jackson's neighbors have turned against him, leaving him with only his family and Eddie to rely on. Oh, and of course, they can count on their trusted nanny, Ruby.
A significant subplot involves Eddie getting into trouble with corrupt police officers, which results in a bounty being placed on his head. This ushers in a colorful set of assassins, including the polite, classy, and dapper old professional hitman, Mister Christmas.
The captivating plot and rich characters in Cavanagh's work make it impossible to put down. "Witness 8" is the eighth in the Eddie Flynn series and it delivers as a standalone, although you are going to risk the temptation of adding the other titles to your to-be-read list. If you ever find yourself stuck in a reading slump, grab one of these and watch the pages fly.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Th1rt3en" by Steve Cavanagh was such a brilliant read, one of my favorite courtroom thrillers, so I had high hopes for his new book, "Witness 8." Could it live up to my expectations?
Ruby Johnson is a maid and nanny, nearly invisible now to her former social circle. She sees everything that goes on, including a murder. This is an opportunity to score big and escape the life she has been walled into. She is more than capable of manipulating the situation, with counseling from a less than pious conscience.
Eddie Flynn, the protagonist of the book and series, is a clever, streetwise defense attorney. He and his team are defending John Jackson, an innocent man accused of the murder. Jackson's neighbors have turned against him, leaving him with only his family and Eddie to rely on. Oh, and of course, they can count on their trusted nanny, Ruby.
A significant subplot involves Eddie getting into trouble with corrupt police officers, which results in a bounty being placed on his head. This ushers in a colorful set of assassins, including the polite, classy, and dapper old professional hitman, Mister Christmas.
The captivating plot and rich characters in Cavanagh's work make it impossible to put down. "Witness 8" is the eighth in the Eddie Flynn series and it delivers as a standalone, although you are going to risk the temptation of adding the other titles to your to-be-read list. If you ever find yourself stuck in a reading slump, grab one of these and watch the pages fly.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rock Hopper: Mine asteroids, or die trying by Kenneth Ocklund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An exciting space thriller featuring space pirates and a daring operation to transport an asteroid to Earth's orbit.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An exciting space thriller featuring space pirates and a daring operation to transport an asteroid to Earth's orbit.
Rock Hopper is a new and exciting space thriller from author Kenneth Ocklund featuring pirates and a daring and desperate operation to capture a resource-rich asteroid and transport it to a U.S. Navy spaceport orbiting Earth to mine it for its valuable metals. When access to a super-advanced spacecraft practically falls in his lap, the aimless son of a war hero killed in action after the "Satellite Wars" between the U.S. and Russia hatches a plan to provide such an asteroid to the Navy for a multi-trillion-dollar payday. However, his recent friendship with Becka, the captain of a space privateering operation, puts a target on his back by her traitorous former second-in-command, Blitz.
Toru is the son of a renowned war hero (and secret developer of an advanced triple-threat space fighter - atmosphere, near, and deep space - for the Russians), Tomas Tanner. Access to the "Manta Ray's" capabilities was limited to its creator and pilot by a DNA match, so the fighter has been hangared and basically forgotten in a remote Earthside spaceport in Sweden's far Lapland region: an unusable doorstop. However, with one touch from Toru, the ship responds. Toru, raised by his uncle, had made his quiet, lackluster way through life as a cheap guide into Lapland for budget-minded foreign tourists, drifting and aimless since his father's death when he was still a teenager. The connection to the "Manta Ray" also extends to the father he still grieves, and the opportunity to make something of this life using the spaceship to accomplish something no one else has been able to do galvanizes him. I enjoyed that despite this teenage trauma, for most of the book, Toru is upbeat, rarely succumbing to despair even when things look hopeless and the situation gets dire.Heading up intersecting storylines are Becka, the captain of the "Ching Shih" and her pirate crew, and Vanja, Turo's childhood friend, now the commander of the American-leased naval spaceport in Sweden. When Blitz, Becka's second-in-command, leaves her for dead during an incursion, she and her remaining loyal crew members shift sides to become privateers with letters of marque, looking for revenge against the traitorous Blitz. Vanja enables her old friend and former sweetheart in his venture by granting him access to the "Manta Ray" and setting him up with the commander of the orbiting spaceport where he first encounters Becka. Toru is an engaging innocent in many ways, and while Becka is wily and experienced, she's still someone you hope will come out on top. There is an immediate attraction between the two that is fun; however, Vanja is still carrying a torch for her former sweetheart.
The story progresses swiftly, with the multiple storylines impacting each other in surprising and dangerous ways. Toru's asteroid mission is fraught with peril, and he endures many tense situations. His partnership with the ship's AI "Ray" to creatively solve problems was compelling reading, and the assistance of the mining robot, Baxter, another figure from Toru's childhood, proves fortuitous yet bittersweet. Although the story comes to a close, there are still some loose ends left hanging, such as the romantic triangle and the whereabouts of Captain Becka's nemesis, Blitz. While there's no mention of a sequel, I certainly hope for more adventures featuring these characters.I recommend ROCK HOPPER to readers of science fiction and space adventures.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.| Reviews 1 to 25 of 144 |
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