Pottstown PA is, on the surface, a true melting pot in the 1930s. While the WASPs run the town and control the water, sewage, and basically every govePottstown PA is, on the surface, a true melting pot in the 1930s. While the WASPs run the town and control the water, sewage, and basically every government agency, the black and Jewish residents fend for themselves serving and cleaning for their privileged neighbors. When the jews move down the hill, leaving their black neighbors in the slums of Chicken Town, Moshe and Chonda remain. Chonda runs the Heaven and Earth Grocery, extending credit to community members in need. Moshe runs the two local theaters, providing entertainment for the Jewish families as well as dance music for the black community.
Trouble brews when a deaf child is orphaned and the government decides that he should be sent to an institution for the mentally disabled and insane people. His guardians, horrified at the prospect of this bright and vibrant child being condemned to such a brutal fate, ask Chonda to hide the boy until the situation blows over. But influential members of the white faction are determined to make sure the boy is found and locked away.
Told with humor and unswerving candor, this book delivers a powerful lesson on the importance of accepting responsibility for those who need help. There are characters that made me proud to be American, and some that embody the most vile and hateful aspects of human nature. It’s a story for everyone who aspires to leave this world better than they found it....more
Maggie, Simone and Star are half-sisters who share Augustus as a father. Raised by their respective mothers who could not be more different in personaMaggie, Simone and Star are half-sisters who share Augustus as a father. Raised by their respective mothers who could not be more different in personality, and in different parts of the country, the girls only see each other for one month each summer. But those summers spent with their carefree and puckish father are the best times of their lives.
Jump forward to the day they each receive notice that Augustus has passed away. The three women, who have grown apart over the years, are summoned to the reading of their father’s will. To their dismay, the will stipulates that they must perform certain tasks to receive their inheritance or everything will go to charity. First, they must locate 32 hidden Monopoly houses in the antique shop Augustus spent his life operating (but never selling any of his treasures). Then they must revive the traditional Winter Solstice celebration, complete with a feast and wassailing open to the community.
Surprisingly, the entire village turns out to help organize the event and the sisters find their lost sense of family. The good feelings build as the season advances, and we meet a cast of pleasantly eccentric people. Obstacles are overcome and all the characters learn things they never knew about their neighbors and themselves.
Yes, it’s formulaic and there are few surprises, but this is also a feel good holiday story that brought a smile to my face. Eating, drinking, dancing and a bit of romance in between; what more can you ask for?...more
I was drawn in by the premise of this book: a dead man trying to keep his promise to his wife. I wasn’t, however, thrilled with the actual character. I was drawn in by the premise of this book: a dead man trying to keep his promise to his wife. I wasn’t, however, thrilled with the actual character. Aiden was selfish, egotistical and arrogant. He manipulated Maddie, his wife, from the start, both emotionally and sexually. His drive to prove himself as the best climber was more important than his family. What a douche.
I loved Maddie and Gabe, although I found it hard to believe that a strong, intelligent woman would subsume herself so completely in another person. In every scene where Aiden and Maddie are together it’s his way or the highway. Please stop apologizing for things that aren’t your fault, Maddie.
Through most of the book I was exasperated by Nick. Although everything about his life felt wrong to him when he woke up in the hospital, he jumped into the improbable story that he was deeply in love with a woman he’d never met. It’s not until late in the game that Nick became his own character, and I liked him much better for it.
Finally, I know it was formulaic to the extreme, but I couldn’t help rooting for J.C. to get what he deserved and find someone to complete him. He was a sweet, loving man who was loyal to a fault. He was the rock in Aiden’s tumultuous life, cleaning up the messes his friend left behind.
Overall, I fell into the narrative quickly and felt connected to all the characters. An interesting story worth reading....more
A cute, magical cozy mystery that goes a bit too hard on the southern charm. Needs to dial down on the y’all’s and sugars and pay more attention to grA cute, magical cozy mystery that goes a bit too hard on the southern charm. Needs to dial down on the y’all’s and sugars and pay more attention to grammar....more
I’ve been enjoying this series with all its cozy, witchy vibes. The Torrent women are a handful at the best of times, but problems just keep popping uI’ve been enjoying this series with all its cozy, witchy vibes. The Torrent women are a handful at the best of times, but problems just keep popping up in Harlot’s Bay.
This book was a bit scattered for me. There are always a few different plot lines running through each novel, but this one was a jumble of different disasters vying for attention and distracting me from the love/hate salamander that could cause a major catastrophe in the small town.
Running through the last few books has been Harlow’s knowledge that she’s under a powerful spell of unknown origin. Every time she thinks about investigating it, she’s deflected by an equally powerful concealment spell that makes her forget what she’s doing. This device is getting a bit old for me. I have trouble with the fact that her cousins, the moms, Aunt Cass and even Hattie Stern are all under the same compulsion to pay no attention to this huge elephant in the room. Who’s the mystery caster and what are they hiding?
I didn’t enjoy this story as much as I could have if I wasn’t constantly distracted, like Harlow and her family. I hope the next book is more satisfying. ...more
I wouldn’t have predicted how much I’ve enjoyed this series based on the first book. I hated most of the characters and found the teen 4.5 of 5 Stars
I wouldn’t have predicted how much I’ve enjoyed this series based on the first book. I hated most of the characters and found the teen drama overwhelming. But the author built up some interesting personalities and the plot shaped into an intriguing supernatural story.
Zoe is back with Aric and I couldn’t be happier. They make a great team and pretty much all the Evils are aligned against them. Someone is going all out to frame Zoe for all the crazy things that have happened on campus since she arrived, and the police are following her every move. The murders are coming fast and furious while Zoe and Aric struggle to find out who is behind all the mayhem.
I wasn’t very surprised when the mastermind was revealed, but I had fun getting to the climactic reveal. Lots of people to both love and hate here, plus some of those frustrating “are you seriously going to do this?“ moments.
I’m glad I stuck around and finished the story. Make sure you read these books in order or you’ll ruin the experience....more
Once again, why am I reading a RomCom? I don’t know, but I’m also not sorry.
Being an average looking woman in the entertainment industry should come wOnce again, why am I reading a RomCom? I don’t know, but I’m also not sorry.
Being an average looking woman in the entertainment industry should come with a full-time therapist. Sally is smart, funny and incredibly insecure - go figure. When she meets a handsome, talented and successful man who shows interest in her she doesn’t know what to do. Can he possibly be serious?
The thing I really dislike about this book is Sally’s constant sabotage of any budding feelings between Noah and herself because of a) her failed marriage, and b) a brush-off by one of her egotistical but not particularly attractive co-workers. I got really tired of watching Sally deliberately throw vile innuendos in Noah’s face for being who she believes he is.
This was a slow starter as the author spends an inordinate amount of time detailing every minute of the week Noah will be the host of the SNLish show Sally writes for. It’s a lot of setup with not much payoff. It seems the author is just really into sketch comedy and I was dragged along for the ride.
Then, the pandemic. This is where the book really earns my 4.0 rating. Two years after meeting on the show, Noah reaches out to Sally via email and they begin a conversation that’s both funny and touching. From a distance, they’re finally able to connect on a personal basis and share stories about who they really are. Sally, of course, is still reluctant to believe Noah may actually (that’s the subject of each message, which I loved) have feelings for her, even when he invites her to come to Los Angeles and stay at his place. She decides to take him up on the offer.
The rest of the book proceeds in a predictable way. My absolute favorite character is Sally’s Uncle Jerry, an adorable octogenarian with a heart of gold, and his beagle, Sugar. I also love Sally’s best friends Henrietta and Viv. The story was quite satisfying when it hit its stride, and the dialogue was entertaining and realistic.
I expected more from this book than it delivered. I enjoy stories of witches and the practice of the craft. The Orchiere women are historically accuraI expected more from this book than it delivered. I enjoy stories of witches and the practice of the craft. The Orchiere women are historically accurate Romany witches, with the family crystal and grimoire handed down over generations, even when the power is not strong.
Each witch is a unique character: some powerful, some doubtful of their own abilities. Most are likable (Nanette is my favorite), and others hateful (Irene is a greedy bitch with delusions of grandeur).
My problem is that I got bored. The author tries to cover a hundred-year span, and it just didn’t keep me engaged. Too much info, not enough action, most of which involves love spells and trying to get impregnated with a daughter to carry on the family “business.” This is what you do with centuries of knowledge and power?
This is an interesting read, but I advise you skim through portions that clog the narrative....more
The more I read about Zoe Lake, the more I actually start to be interested in her. In the first two books of this series I found her to be obnoxious. The more I read about Zoe Lake, the more I actually start to be interested in her. In the first two books of this series I found her to be obnoxious. Now she’s starting to develop into less of a brat and more of a person. Her nasty personality and tendency to lash out at both friends and enemies has mellowed into a sarcasm that can be funny at times: “Shiny objects could distract Tally. Kristy needed me to explain how the shiny objects worked before she could be distracted.”
After a disastrous encounter with a sorority of witches wanting her dead, Zoe discovered that her heartthrob, the werewolf Aric, had kept vital information from her. No longer able to trust him, she broke up with him. Although there are plenty of other guys who would be thrilled to date her, including the handsome and moody vampire, Rafael, Zoe isn’t ready to dive into another relationship.
She’s also busy trying to figure out what Professor Blake and his Academy of zealots are up to. They’re planning some major offensive against the supernaturals on campus, and both the werewolves and vampires are stirred up. There’s going to be a blowup and Zoe will be at ground zero.
The tension builds as the book reaches its finale, and I wasn’t disappointed. Just one more book in this series and I’m already reading it....more
Oh dear, I’m going to have to make a confession. I have always dissed the romance genre and avoid reading them at all costs. And now I have to admit tOh dear, I’m going to have to make a confession. I have always dissed the romance genre and avoid reading them at all costs. And now I have to admit that I enjoyed a romance novel. A Regency Romance novel.
There, I said it. I picked this book up because I’d heard so much kerfluffle about the series and was hoping it might be similar to Highlander. It isn’t. But the further I read, the more interesting I found it.
Daphne is a bleeding heart, the kind of female character I love to hate. But she’s also intelligent, warm and stubborn in matters involving those she loves, mainly her large and boisterous family. She’s learned from her mother, who has raised eight children on her own, to handle whatever life throws at her. Her only demand is that she wants to marry a man she’s comfortable with and have children of her own. For a young woman of her era, that’s a reasonable expectation.
For some reason, the eligible men of London fail to appreciate Daphne’s fine qualities and have relegated her to perpetual existence in “the friend zone.” They all enjoy her company but are looking to marry brainless beauties who will hang on their arms and have no opinions of their own.
Enter Simon, a devastatingly handsome duke who has all the mothers with marriageable daughters throwing the girls under his carriage to get his attention. Unfortunately, Simon has inherited some baggage from his heartless father and is adamant that he will never marry or have children.
Then Daphne meets Simon and the chemistry is immediate and scorching. They acknowledge that their goals differ, but agree to enter into a pretend courtship to make the bachelors desire Daphne and the young ladies believe Simon is off the market. The plan works perfectly until the sexual tension between our hero and heroine becomes untenable and they are caught in a scandalous position by Daphne’s brother. Now Simon must marry Daphne to protect her from dishonor and social exile.
Yes, there are stereotypes, class distinction, misogyny and sexism, but that’s an accurate representation of the dictates of the time. There were no emancipated women and the patriarchy was firmly established. Mainly, however, this is a love story about two unconventional people trying to make a difficult situation work for them.
There are so many wonderful characters in this story and somehow it all worked for me. I enjoyed every bodice ripping moment of the book and have already ordered the next in the series. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?...more
We’ve met werewolves, vampires, a ghost and a sphinx, but a coven of dark witches is more than Zoe can hanThis is my favorite, so far, in this series.
We’ve met werewolves, vampires, a ghost and a sphinx, but a coven of dark witches is more than Zoe can handle. Unfortunately, she has no choice because their nefarious plans seem to be directed at her. She still hasn’t figured out what she is or what powers she may have, but all the supernaturals on campus are focused on Zoe. And one of them wants her dead.
The story is fast and furious, culminating in a ritual that will be the end of either Zoe or her enemy. I was caught up to the very end and, again, I’m raring to read the next book....more
I wasn’t thrilled with the first book in this series. The main character is so obnoxious that it was hard to care what happened to her.
This story is bI wasn’t thrilled with the first book in this series. The main character is so obnoxious that it was hard to care what happened to her.
This story is better, even with an incredibly pugnacious teenager in the lead. The mystery, while not difficult to solve, presented an opportunity to explore the different characters and types of supernatural creatures running around this tiny college campus.
I enjoyed the book and have already picked up the third in series....more
This is my favorite in the series so far. The magic has become stronger (unfortunately, not for the Torrent witches), and Harlow seems to be the targeThis is my favorite in the series so far. The magic has become stronger (unfortunately, not for the Torrent witches), and Harlow seems to be the target of a mysterious witch with some very old and powerful spells.
The Torrents are unable to use Aunt Cass’ vast knowledge as she is currently in the basement with Grandma, also frozen. This hampers Harlow’s investigation, but at the same time clears the story of the most obnoxious and disruptive character in the series. It also opens the story up to more input from Hattie Stern, Aunt Cass’ rival. Hattie becomes a more interesting character as we get some background on her family and see things from her perspective.
The plot is action packed and kept me on the edge of my reading chair seat. There are four more books in this series and I can’t wait to read more....more
Magical Realism is my favorite genre. So why couldn’t I connect with this book?
Words. Too damn many words. If something could be explained in a sentenMagical Realism is my favorite genre. So why couldn’t I connect with this book?
Words. Too damn many words. If something could be explained in a sentence, an entire chapter would be devoted to it. Then, later on, it would be explained again in pretty much the same words. I skipped so much of this book simply because I knew what was going to be said before the author finished. Pages and pages of needless explanations and descriptions.
I’ve seen other readers wax poetic about the lyrical prose, but I found it overwrought and pretentious. This should have been a novella or, better yet, a short story. Instead I spent hours slogging through a novel that lacked a solid plot. The purpose of the story was to affirm that different sexual orientations should be accepted by society at large. Boom, one sentence and done.
I understand that this subject is very dear to the author’s heart, and I applaud her committing her beliefs to paper. I just wish this had been a more enjoyable novel for her readers....more
Snarky is not a word I would use to describe Zoe Lake. She’s mean, snotty, overbearing, and full of herself. She lashes out indiscriminately at any anSnarky is not a word I would use to describe Zoe Lake. She’s mean, snotty, overbearing, and full of herself. She lashes out indiscriminately at any and everyone, including her roommates, teachers, and even boys she’s attracted to. A main character I love to hate.
I do, however, like some of the other characters in the story, which is why I didn’t just drop this book like a hot rock. Zoe’s roommate Paris is a girl with a lot going for her. I fail to understand why the hottest guys are attracted to Zoe when Paris is prettier, nicer, and far less infuriating.
Aric, the gorgeous werewolf, is also a fun character, but seems to be obsessed with Zoe. He rescues her when she belligerently throws herself headfirst into dangerous situations, and flirts with her even when she’s busy putting him down.
The story doesn’t make much sense, but I’m intrigued by all the paranormal activity on campus and interested by how things will develop....more
Who knew reapers could be so much fun? I was rooting for Aisling from the get go. She’s smart and snarky and holds her own with four brothers who alteWho knew reapers could be so much fun? I was rooting for Aisling from the get go. She’s smart and snarky and holds her own with four brothers who alternate between making a joke of her and being so overprotective it must be hard for her to breathe.
Jerry, her bestie and roommate, is a live wire, constantly blurting out the most embarrassing observations in front of her brothers, as well as the hot detective who’s taking far more interest in her than the job requires.
This is a fun romp in the paranormal, fast-moving and action-packed. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to pick up the next episode in the series....more
“Much of my working time is devoted to getting mice drunk.” - Don Tillman
Don is absolutely amazing: intelligent, engaging, honest, loyal, and good lo“Much of my working time is devoted to getting mice drunk.” - Don Tillman
Don is absolutely amazing: intelligent, engaging, honest, loyal, and good looking as a bonus. The fact that he has difficulty relating to most people on an intimate level prevents him from dating women (more than once) and finding his soulmate. His rituals and inability to express emotions set Don apart from all but the few friends who are perceptive enough to see past his differences and appreciate him as is.
Rosie also is so much more than just a pretty woman, which she proves as she spends more time with Don. Cynthia is far too good for Gene. He is truly the lowest of life forms and uses his faithful wife and trusting best friend in the worst possible ways. He deserves to be kicked to the curb after decades of lies and infidelity.
The story is so sweet it brought me near tears at times. The lesson here is that everyone deserves to be appreciated for who they are....more
This started out so well, I was ready to recommend it to my reader friends. I really liked Madi and felt empathy for her as a single mother, devoted tThis started out so well, I was ready to recommend it to my reader friends. I really liked Madi and felt empathy for her as a single mother, devoted to her daughter, but threatened by the girl’s budding relationship with the father who wanted nothing to do with being a parent. It’s every single mother’s nightmare.
When Henry walked back into her life I saw it as an opportunity for them to become a family, although he was haunted by the memory of his son, who had disappeared years earlier. Oh man, I had no clue how weird things could get.
Madi tries to help Henry get over his obsession with a child who hasn’t been seen in five years. Something happens when she attempts to read his palm, however, something strange and frightening. Madi only pretends to read palms and claims no psychic abilities. So what are the visions she sees when she connects with Henry, of water and an abandoned duck blind?
From here on to the story’s conclusion it’s all about some truly bizarre and eerie events that I could only hope were the product of Madi and Henry’s overwrought imaginations. I found it impossible to believe the way Madi turned around and began believing the boy could be found alive and well. Was it something in the water? Perhaps……
The book devolved into cheap horror thrills and the ending was beyond the stretch of my imagination. 2.5 of 5 stars, rounded up....more
Great story with an amazing cast of characters. Mab , Monday, and Mirabel are triplets born into a town polluted by the nearby chemical plant. TownspeGreat story with an amazing cast of characters. Mab , Monday, and Mirabel are triplets born into a town polluted by the nearby chemical plant. Townspeople sickened and died, cancer ravaged the populace, and babies were born with a plethora of tragic conditions. The chemical company denied any culpability, closed their plant, and left town.
Mab is the first born, a bright student expected to graduate high school and leave town for college.
Monday is second; she too is smart, however her autism makes it difficult for her to function without her family. She can’t bear to be touched, is obsessed with the color yellow, and is impelled to organize and catalogue everything around her. Monday is also the town librarian and keeper of all the books that weren’t sold when the actual library was closed down.
Then there is Mirabel, my personal favorite. Mirabel suffers from multiple disorders to the extent that she is wheelchair bound and can only control her right arm and hand. She speaks through a computer generated voice box that she types words and phrases into. Mirabel is also kind, generous, and extremely intelligent. “After all, they say the most sexual organ in the body is the brain, and by that logic, I am pretty well-hung.”
Sixteen years after the plant closed, the girls’ mother, Nora, is still pursuing a class action lawsuit to try and get reparations. The town is stunned when the son of the man who destroyed their lives moves into the abandoned library building with his wife and teenage son. Then he announces that the company will rebuild and reopen.
Nora and the triplets are determined to stop the company by any means necessary. The book becomes a battle of wits between the wealthy owner who holds all the cards and a woman with three crafty teens in her corner battling for their lives.
The story cycles through the POVs of the triplets, a device that works very well in this case. It’s witty and funny and also heartbreaking at times. I enjoyed this book immensely and recommend it highly....more
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