👶👶👶👶: Junie, by Erin Crosby Eckstine

 
I feel so giddy when an author knocks it out of the park for their debut novel! Erin Crosby Eckstine has written such a powerful novel that I would've NEVER guessed this was her first! Bravo, Ms. Eckstine💯!

Junie, a 16-year-old enslaved girl, is a character that will stay with me long after the last page was turned. The author managed to create a feisty character with heart and an indelible spirit unlike any I've encountered in the recent past. A well-crafted cast of characters joins Junie as this coming-of-age story unravels seamlessly.

Despite the addition of magical realism, a genre that requires a deft ability to reach a precise balance between suspension of disbelief and a realistic plot line, the author managed to hit the nail on the head. Her writing is silky smooth, and I just couldn't put the book down!

This historical fiction novel is based on the author's ancestral grandmother, and the care and precision with which she writes has resulted in a stunning tribute.

If you're looking for an Own voices historical fiction novel with a twist to read during Black History Month, look no further. This book will readily transport you to the pre-civil war era and will leave a lasting imprint on your heart.

Many thanks to partners, Random House and NetGalley for this gifted review copy!

Read 2/20/24

👶👶👶👶👶: The Sun's Shadow, by Sejal Badani

Sejal Badani has done it again! She has managed to rip my heart out, tear it into shreds, and then reconstruct it in a way that leaves me with more empathy than I had before. I am telling you now, if you've never read a book by this phenomenal writer, now is the time.

I can not tell you how much I despise reading books about a cheating spouse - it makes me so angry that I can't even appreciate the novel I'm reading. And yet, Ms. Badani has written a book that had me glued to the pages, needing to know how the story would unfold and how the characters would survive their circumstances. It's fascinating how Ms. Badani humanizes even the most despicable characters.

The addition of a child's cancer diagnosis was so gut-wrenching and unexpected, and yet it offered perspective that so many of the characters desperately needed.

Ultimately, this was a story about forgiveness and redemption. It was a story about self-discovery and owning the truths that sometimes hurt to admit. It was beautiful and tragic, desperate and heartfelt. I always appreciate this author's ability to explore the secrets that hold people back and often ruin lives. It is a beautiful story that I've come to expect from Sejal Badani, as she has quickly worked her way up on my list of well-respected authors.

I cried and rejoiced as I read this novel and came away with a sense of wholeness that truly is her signature culmination.

Many thanks to Lake Union and NetGalley for this gifted review copy.

Read 1/28/25

👶👶👶👶: The Good Liars, by Anita Frank

This novel sure is a Whodunit that kept me guessing! Agatha Christie fans listen up - this novel read like one of hers and certainly had some unforseen twists. For fans of dark murder mysteries, this will be right up your alley, with plenty of secrets abound. The novel also dealt with the horror of WWI and the impact it had on the young men who served. And yes, the characters are indeed, good liars!

Many, many thanks to partners, TLC Book Tours and HQ Stories for this gifted review copy!

Read 12/24/24

👶👶👶👶: The Mirror, by Nora Roberts

Truth be told, I'm not a huge fan of reading full series, especially those that aren't complete yet, and I will admit that the wait for this second installment about killed me. However, in a plot twist of my own, I have fallen in love with this particular series, which is very unusual in more ways than one. First off, I REALLY don't do scary, but what I love about these books is that they're more spooky than scary. And yet, because there are ghosts involved, now I feel like I can brag that I, too, can read horror😂! Secondly, I'm not a big romance fan, and yet, the characters are so darn endearing that it just works for me (I especially love the non-human figures (dogs, not ghosts). Finally, I have a hard time suspending disbelief, and yet, the story truly kept me engaged from beginning to end.

I have only one gripe, which is that the storyline wasn't propelled forward as much as I'd have liked in this sequel. I was looking forward to getting a bit closer to the resolution and honestly didn't need as much superfluous detail as was provided. So I'll really be interested to see how Ms. Roberts will wrap it up in the final book.

Never having read Nora Roberts' books prior to this series, I must admit, I'm definitely a fan. Her stories are whimsical, and her characters are loveable!

I'm so grateful to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this gifted review e-copy. It was quite an adventure.

👶👶👶👶: The Sunflower House, by Adriana Allegri

What a magnificent debut by Adriana Allegri ! This is an impeccably researched historical fiction novel that rendered me speechless despite the mountains of WWII novels I have read in the past. Ms. Allegri has a true gift as a writer and had me glued to the pages from the get-go.

We meet Allina, a spirited young lady who struggles with staying quiet in the midst of all the injustice she is surrounded by. After a series of horrific events, Allina finds herself forced to work at the Hochland Home, a Nazi baby factory, mirroring one of the real-life Lebensborn facilities opened by Hitler to perpetuate the "German master race." Readers follow Allina's journey as a member of the resistance as her life intersects with Karl, an SS officer, who harbors his own hidden skeletons.

Allegri does an incredible job with the dual timeline. She seamlessly transitions between Allina's modern-day life with her daughter, to whom she eventually discloses the atrocities of the past.

I look forward to reading more of Allegri's work in the future - with such a strong start, I'm sure she will continue to grace readers with her amazing words.

Many thanks to partners, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this gifted review copy.

Read 11/12/24

👶👶👶👶: Gather Me: A Memoir in Praise of the Books That Saved Me, by Glory Edim

What a stunning tribute to the power and importance of books! Glory Edim wrote an intellectual, spirited ode to books in this memoir that had me experiencing all the feels. As the daughter of immigrants, so much of what Ms. Edim said brought back a flood of memories from my own childhood, allowing me to recall the power of books in my own life and how they offered me a means me to rise above the difficulties of growing up as "other".

"𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒐𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅, 𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒂 𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒕𝒉, 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 - 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒉."

There are so many more worthy quotes in this book, and the storytelling is magnificent. Ms. Edim certainly learned the art of storytelling from her father. I was absolutely hooked from the first page!

For a stunner of a memoir that is so relevant today, look no further!

My gratitude goes out to partners, Penguin Random House & NetGalley, for this gifted review copy.

To read more of my reviews, please check out my blog at www.mamasgottaread.blogspot.com or follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mamasgottaread. 

Read 10/29/24

👶👶👶: Small Things Like These, by Claire Keegan

This was a very atmospheric novel, and one must be in the mood for melancholy in order to appreciate it. Claire Keegan certainly writes beautifully, and one has to recognize understated truths to grasp the depth in this novel. She does a tremendous job of allowing her readers to feel the reality of life in a town ravaged by poverty in the late 80's, Ireland.

What I appreciated most was the historical aspect of the book, shedding light on the tragic "Laundries" of Ireland that operated well into the late 20th century. These were institutions headed by the Church that took in "fallen women" who had become pregnant out of wedlock. It was a place of degradation that viewed any pregnancy, whether consensually or by rape or incest, as the young lady's fault, and treated these women as abominations. Their babies were taken, and they were mistreated and held in enslavement under the guise of charity. Ultimately, unmarked graves of 155 women were found, which led to a formal apology by the state (unfortunately not by the church) in 2013.

Overall, I appreciate authors that illuminate these dark times in the past, so that such cruelty will not repeat itself. Kudos to Claire Keegan for informing her readers.

Of special note is that a movie based on this novel will be released on November 8th!

Read 12/8/23

👶👶👶👶: Love at a Girls' School and other stories, by Diana Altman

What a delightful collection of stories by Diana Altman! I'm a sucker for short stories, and so many of these resonated with me. What a joy to catch a glimpse into someone's life for a short moment in time, and come away with plenty to ponder. Ms. Altman has done a wonderful job in connecting readers with each of her protagonists, and as is so often the case with short stories, I didn't feel unsatisfied after these tales. Most of them ended at just the right time were just the right length!

Most fun was the imagination that Ms. Altman brought to the table. Several of these stories brought really vivid images to life. Who couldn't use a tiny purse secretary here in the real world👩?! And what about an eye on the end of your finger to see around corners👁?! Don't let the silly nature of those 2 imaginative scenarios cause you to discount this little gem of a book. On the contrary, many of the stories were incredibly thought-provoking.

Many thanks to Mckinney Media Group for this gifted review copy! It was truly enjoyable!

Read 9/19

👶👶👶👶: Wired and Connected: Brain-Based Solutions To Ensure Your Child’s Social and Emotional Success, by Craig A. Knippenberg

I'm always up for a good scientifically-based parenting book. 𝑊𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 is a great how-to manual that explains the best way to maximize children's brain potential socially, emotionally, and academically. This book addresses all of those important factors while using metaphors and stories to make it palatable for both adults and children.

With the understanding that "one philosophy of parenting or teaching does not fit all," Mr. Knippenberg simplifies three brain areas: the frontal lobe (the President), the limbic system (the Factory), and the mirror neuron system (Mirror) in an effort to help your understand the best way to help your child thrive.

Put your thinking cap on and pick up this book if you want to enjoy some Aha moments with regard to your children's behavior! Let's raise some resilient kiddos together!

I'm so grateful to Roger Charlie for sharing this very educational book with me!

Read 10/14/24

👶👶👶👶: The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern, by Lynda Cohen Loigman

This was such an unexpectedly delightful novel! Generally, I'm a pretty serious reader, and most days, you'll catch me reading a historical fiction novel or memoir. But when the opportunity for this unique magical realism novel was presented, I thought, 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒏𝒐𝒕? and my goodness, am I happy I did!

Told in dual timeline format, this story dips into Augusta Stern's life both as a teen in New York and later as an 80-year-old woman in Florida, where she encounters an old flame. The entire time, the reader is brought along on this mini mystery quest to find out why their relationship ended all that time ago.

Generally, in dual timelines, I am most often immersed in the past, as it is often a richer, more in-depth story. However, I'll be honest, both of these time periods had me fully invested. I truly adored the focus on octogenarians and their ability to lead a very fulfilling existence, despite their old age.

If you're looking for a charming, insightful novel that's sure to bring a smile to your face, look no further!

So grateful to St. Martin's Press for this gifted review copy.

Read 10/8/24

👶👶👶: A Place to Hide, by Ronald H. Balson

Comin' atcha on this World Smile Day with gratitude for all of my blessings. Each time I read a novel about WWII, it hits me how privileged we are here in the USA to be so far across the pond and to have avoided so much horror in both World Wars.

This particular story enlightened me on the plight of the Netherlands in WWII. Despite their neutrality that kept them from the atrocities of the First World War, unfortunately, that didn't stop Hitler from incurring his wrath this time around.

This particular story follows Teddy Hartigan as he is assigned as US Consulate in Amsterdam in a quickly declining situation. Teddy, along with help from those closest to him, manages to save the lives of many children.

I found this book informative, and I always appreciate the effort that goes into writing historical fiction. The multiple timelines added an interesting element, albeit using a common method, a journalist as an audience surrogate. I would say this book is written in a very straightforward manner, perhaps lacking the depth I crave in these stories. It would be a good novel for young adults, in my opinion, offering crucial history lessons along the way.

Many thanks to partner, St. Martin's Press for this gifted review copy.

Read 10/3/24

👶👶👶: The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux, by M.J. Robotham

90-year-old Ruby Devereaux isn't one to back down from a challenge, especially when she can drop some jaws along the way. So when her publisher demands she fulfill her contract and write one more book, Ruby ultimately obliges, but does so on her own terms, adding some shock value along the way.

This novel takes readers on a romp through a good portion of the 20th century, all while learning a few of the "scandalous" details of the many loves of her life.

Overall, it was an entertaining read. I enjoyed Ruby's feisty nature and her assertion of her female autonomy. I'm probably not in the target audience, but for the most part, I still enjoyed Ruby's escapades throughout the decades - even the farfetched ones. I will admit, the historical fiction aspect kept me interested for sure. If romance tropes are your shtick, this novel certainly covers several of them!

Many thanks to partner, @kayepublicity for this #gifted review copy.

Read 8/20/24

👶👶👶: Beneath a Crescent Shadow, by A.L. Sowards

Set in medieval Serbia, this historical fiction novel takes readers way back in time to the 14th century. As one would expect, the novel includes all the sultans, knights, battles, jousting, and even arranged marriages common in this time period. At the center of this novel is a love story, as Vassal Konstantin is betrothed to the daughter of a wealthy merchant, Suzana, in order to avoid losing his lands. Things get tricky as he bears the weight of struggles within the feudalistic system under the control of the Ottoman Empire.

I don't generally gravitate toward Christian novels, so I hesitated when asked to review this novel. However, because the medieval ages were known for their extreme religiosity, Ms. Sowards' inclusion of religious themes didn't feel egregious or forced. In addition, romance is not a genre I'm attracted to (no pun intended), so I must give kudos to the author for not making me want to run the other way. She is a talented writer, and as far as the historical aspect, she really did her homework! To boot, the cover is a stunna😍!

Many thanks to partner, TLC Book Tours for this gifted review copy.

Read 9/1/24

👶👶👶👶: The Sing Sing Files: One Journalist, Six Innocent Men, and a Twenty-Year Fight for Justice, by Dan Slepian

WOWOWOWOW Dan Slepian ! What an incredible book filled with true stories of the unjust realities plaguing our criminal justice system. As a Dateline investigative journalist, Mr. Slepian unearthed some disturbing details that will make the average American's jaw drop. These are actual cases in which he helped free wrongly-accused inmates after tireless effort.

One would assume these cases were tried in such a manner that mistakes were made by prosecutors and juries in convicting these people - that the accused must have found themselves on the wrong side of the law because they had made bad decisions or were in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, this book contradicts these long-held assumptions; these were often cases where the accused were either nowhere near the crime scene, were not criminals beforehand, and/or had strong alibis to support their innocence. I was blown away by these stories, knowing that any day, any one of us could be wrongfully convicted, and it would take decades to clear our name despite overwhelming evidence proving our innocence.

Dan Slepian's writing was engrossing, and I found myself unable to tear myself away. True crime followers, you'll love this book. But even people like me who have never watched a full episode of Dateline will be lured in by the stories Mr. Slepian has presented.

Kudos Mr. Slepian for not only uncovering the truth, but for giving these people back their rightly-owed freedom. I am in disbelief that this happens so frequently in this great nation of ours. But I am also grateful to learn of these stories and men like JJ who have turned something that could have destroyed them into something that holds others up and gives them hope in these rather hopeless situations.

Many, many thanks to partners, Celadon Books
and NetGalley for these gifted review copies.

Read 9/19/24

👶👶👶👶: Mercury, by Amy Jo Burns

Temperatures rise in this hometown mystery set in the small town of Mercury, Pennsylvania. Marley, a drifter who has spent the better part of her youth traipsing from town to town as her vagabond mother searches for work, finds herself drawn into the Joseph family's drama. Amy Jo Burns does a wonderful job with character development, and I found myself completely enthralled in the family dynamics! Albeit a whole lot of crazy in this small town, it was a story with rich layers that delved into human frailty. Of course, I figured out whodunit early on, but luckily, that didn't detract from the story.

Many thanks to Celadon Books for this gifted coming-of-age novel.

Read 4/6/24

👶👶👶👶👶: Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning, by Liz Cheney

Paulo Coelho once said, "The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion."

Nowhere is this more evident than by the integrity and bravery exhibited by Liz Cheney. As a lifetime member of the Republican party and mother of 5, she had nothing to gain and absolutely everything to lose by her courageous actions after the January 6th insurrection, and yet, she persevered.

No matter which side of the aisle you are on, this is an absolute MUST READ. Ms. Cheney goes into depth regarding the events that occurred before, during, and immediately after the insurrection. All. Of. The. Irrefutable. Nonpartisan. Facts. She even narrates her own book and does a tremendous job!

Here is just a taste of the powerful messages relayed in this book:

"I knew from my time overseas, a free society that abandons the truth - that abandons the rule of law - cannot remain free."

"The assumption that our institutions will protect themselves is purely wishful thinking by people who prefer to look the other way."

"Margaret Thatcher said this: 'Let it never be

said that the dedication of those who love freedom is less than the determination of those who would destroy it.'""A person with that kind of power - to intimidate and threaten and motivate others to carry out violent acts - does not just slowly fade into the background."

"As a nation, we can endure damaging policies for a four-year term. But we can not survive a president willing to terminate our Constitution."

"Our oaths are not given to any specific president. They are given to preserve the constitutional structure that has governed our republic for over 230 years. The oath does not bend or yield to popular sentiment

mob rule, or political threats."

This was an absolutely a worthy and important read.

Read 4/25/24

👶👶👶: The Disappeared, by Rebecca J. Sanford

It is amazing how many stories are based on tragic and inhumane events in history. Each time I read a new one, I am certain I have read them all, and each time, I am shocked anew😢. How can leaders in government exact such vicious cruelty on humans? This question haunts me each time I learn of persecutions in the name of absolute power under the guise of justice.

In this particular novel, based on actual events, @rebeccajsanford takes us into the heart of Argentina's Dirty War of the late 1970s. At a time when political upheaval was at its worst in the form of a military dictatorship, Lorena Ledesma and her husband are kidnapped, without a trace, from their home.

The rest of the story is a split timeline between the past and current day, where we learn more and more of what actually happened from that day forward. I had never heard of the Mothers and Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, a group of women who fought tirelessly to hold the dictatorship accountable for the loss of their children and grandchildren. Thank you, Ms. Sanford, for enlightening me.

I am always a fan of a solid historical fiction novel that that can be read by young people as well. Because this novel reads a bit like YA, it is one that can span many ages and educate the masses.

Many thanks to partner @tlcbooktours for this #gifted review copy.

Read 8/13/24

👶👶👶👶: By Any Other Name, by Jodi Picoult

Imagine if Shakespeare's works had actually been written by a female (gasp😮)! Well, no need to imagine it because the marvelous Jodi Picoult has whipped up this well-researched story based on real-life speculation about Emilia Bassano (aka Aemilia Lanyer). In this wild reimagining of what truly went down back in the late 1500s, we are reminded that an indomitable spirit and a willingness to think (or write) outside the box is sometimes all it takes to overcome injustice.

Here's the real question: is there any story Jodi Picoult can't tackle?! It is always obvious how much effort and research Ms. Picoult puts into her work, and this novel is certainly no exception. In stepping further back in history than usual, she has shown us that, wildly enough, women of today face many of the same issues that women of the 16th century faced!

Told in alternating voices from different time periods, this is a tale of hindered female talent and overcoming obstacles. Throw in Picoult's signature twist, and you've got a story for the ages (quite literally)!

Many thanks to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for this gifted review copy.

Read 8/20/24

👶👶👶👶👶: A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy, by Tia Levings

There are some books I read that I just want to skywrite the importance of. Tia Levings has bared her soul in this unputdownable memoir filled with heart, grit, and jaw-dropping courage. Being part of the homeschool community, but not having made the choice for religious reasons, I have been caught off guard a few times by brow-raising comments from homeschool moms. Some have admitted they can only vote for whomever the husband decides, that they have to get approval for homeschool curriculum from their husbands even though they are the primary teacher, and that they did not want to have a gaggle of children, but it wasn't their choice. I have been told that the husband is the only one who is able lead the family to heaven, that they must tolerate their husband's cruelty because divorce is not an option, and that the bible says they should be submissive to their spouse under any and all circumstances. Many of these comments have left me scratching my head, but it wasn't until I read this eye-opening book that I realized that many of these women have no choice in these matters. Not only have they been raised in this belief system, but these realities are also a closely guarded secret that many never reveal. This book shines light on the fact that many ultra-conservative Christian women are in an abusive situation that they cannot escape and includes some horrific details that absolutely broke my heart. It angers me to no end when people hide behind their religion, but to use religion in such a perverse way that excuses domestic violence is evil on another level. I have been a Christian all my life, but I refuse to accept that Christ would ever sanction abuse in any form, especially within the family unit.

This book sheds light on religious extremism and how it can infiltrate family life, communities, and even politics. Tia Levings I am in awe of you for speaking out🙏🏼.

Many thanks to partners, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this gifted review copy.

Read 8/13/24

👶👶👶👶: Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp, by Michelle Moran

What a lovely read Michelle Moran ! This unique take on Maria Von Trapp brought me so much joy! This is actually a novel about the creation of the musical 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑐 and brings to light several nuances I was unaware of. As soon as Penguin Random House reached out asking if I was interested in a review copy of this novel, there was no hesitation in my response! What a privilege to be an early reader of this gem!

Each page brought back a flood of memories of this classic musical, and I just couldn't put it down. The story takes place in the late 50s during the making of the unforgettable musical. Maria Von Trapp is none too pleased with Hammerstein and the way her life story has been changed. The resulting meetings between Maria and Hammerstein's assistant allow us to see the "real story" through her descriptions. Things don't veer too far off course (aside from the truth behind Leisl, IYKYK😂), until after midway through the book. At that point, the true history begins to deviate from the musical, which is quite fascinating, and you'll just have to read to find out!

I loved every minute and highly recommend it for 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑐 fans!!! I haven't stopped singing the songs since I turned the last page of the book!

Thank you so much, partners Penguin Random House & NetGalley for this gifted review copy!

Read 7/27/24