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Another fascinating historical tale of tough women in an age of women not having much of a role outside of the home. One is a Coast Guard codebreaker determined to stop illegal rum runners in southern Florida the other is queen of the rum runners herself. One has a supportive husband while the other has been let down by the two husbands she has had but still becomes the mastermind of eliminating the competition while protecting her own. These two brilliant women both inspire awe and shock as they dangerously teeter between the law and opportunity. Fans of Beatrix Williams and Jeannette Walls will love this story. 4 stars 
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BECOMING TED is a sweet story of overcoming obstacles and daring to be who you were meant to be even if it means you might get hurt. Ted is a gentle soul who is managing his parent's ice cream shop, managing to keep his husband happy and managing to keep all his dreams and desires hidden. When he is dumped out of the blue Ted along with his supportive best friend think it might be time to find out who Ted really should be. A new start is scary but this is 50 flavors of positivity along with an extra scoop of the struggles that the gay community have faced and still face in some places today. It proves that love, supportive friends, an understanding family and a gentle kick in the pants conquers all. While this story features a gay man the universal themes of love, acceptance, personal growth and community are some that everyone can relate to and learn from. 4 stars  Happy book birthday to OUT ON A LIMB by Hannah Bonam-Young Winnifred (Win) meets handsome one night stand Bo at their friend's Halloween party. This one evening together yields a big surprise which Bo is more than happy to participate and support. Now Win and Bo must navigate the murky waters of friendship, being roommates as strangers and partners in every way. I loved that both Win and Bo have physical disabilities as well as emotional challenges and it doesn't change the story in any way. If anything, this delightful romcom is a reminder to the rest of the world that these challenges make people stronger not "handicapped". Heartwarming and a fun beach read. It does deal with some pregnancy issues that may spike anxiety in soon to be parents. Definitely a "when life gives you lemons you make lemonade" kind of story. 4 stars  The word influence has as many good (thumbs up) as bad (sad face) connotations. A beautiful and clever little girl seems to become a social media sensation overnight (thanks to an over achieving mom) forming a mother/daughter tornado that doesn't include the older daughter/sister Hazel. Years pass and Evie has passed her mother and has been crowned Queen Influencer until one night when she disappears without a post, like or tweet. Hazel who has not kept up with either of them is called home and the circus begins. We see the many influences that have had an effect on Evie and the cost of that influence as Hazel tracks down clues. What happened to Evie - did she have a stalker or did she just walk away when it got to be too much? A tense situation that comes with a subtle warning of social media and its ability to rule our lives. 4 stars  Happy book birthday to THE COAST ROAD by Alan Murrin What a glorious and heartbreaking story of troubled marriages in 1990's Ireland. The women of Ardglas are good at taking it, tamping down life's disappointments, little cruelties and dismissal from the men in their lives. They live in a world where divorce is not an option - it is illegal in the eyes of the law as well as the Catholic church. The only choice they have is to live apart. The little town is shaken to the core at the arrival of a "separated" woman who moves into a cottage. Colette befriends some but is also a thorn to others and all of their lives will be altered by her. Poetic language by a male author who really understands Irish women as well as injustice in any form. For readers of Elizabeth Stout, Ann Patchett and Maeve Binchy 4 1/2 stoic stars  A story written as if it is a historical gothic novel not one that takes place in 1990's - early 2000's Essex. A devout and quiet man, Thomas is a columnist for the Essex paper and dabbles in astronomy. He ends up befriending and acting as a foster father to a young girl named Grace. They are perfect together becoming good friends despite the years between them and their personalties and teasing banter work off each other beautifully. A mystery of a ruined building, ghost sightings and a missing astronomer peak the interest of not only Thomas and Grace but James Bower after the missing woman's journal is found. Thomas secretly pines for James but keeps his love a secret. Astronomy, religion, friendship and love are all strong themes. It is a quiet little story that winds like a lazy river told in beautiful prose but without any clear path. 3 1/2 stars  The exploration of the Americas or explorations done by Americans starting with Sacagawea and Lewis and Clark through Sally Ride's journey into space. All of these offer a glimpse into the wilderness and the people who courageously set about walking blindly into it. They traveled a path where few or none had gone before and some gave their lives while pursuing that dream. This collection offers readers insight into new explorers not always included in history books. Interesting to history buffs, armchair explorers and those looking to forge new paths of their own. They are listed in chronological order but can be enjoyed just as much reading them in any order. 3 1/2 stars  Happy book birthday to SHELTERWOOD by Lisa Wingate A dual timeline from the Winding Stair Mountains of Oklahoma. 1909 a group of homeless children roam the hills and small towns staying one step away from placement in group homes or forced labor. They depend on the kindness of strangers, bits of food from railroad men and what they can forage or fish for in the woods. Ollie runs from a bad situation at home along with a Choctaw girl that her father took in. Ollie tries to care for her and the other children they meet at a camp in the woods. The more recent story is about a female park ranger in 1990. She is on the scene at a cave where human remains are found. Her digging around to find out who the bones belong to as well as her help ing a young orphan find her missing brother puts her and her young son in danger. It is a story we know all too well - of cruelty to indigenous children, stolen land and people without a voice getting taken advantage of. Lisa Wingate writes stories of children who are brave and wise beyond their years in emotional storytelling that cracks the hardest of hearts. 4 stars  Ellery is trying to make the best out of a bad situation. She is newly divorced and there is no way her ex husband is going to take his new girlfriend to their high end resort anniversary trip off the California coast. While there is a wedding there that weekend it will be the least of Ellery's worries. Bodies start disappearing, high end artworks are stolen and horrific storms cut off the resort from any help. Sounds like the perfect restful weekend right? Her anxiety is made even worse by the fact that this isn't her first dealing with a disaster. As she tries to make everything right by helping calm down the bride, do some sleuthing she could find herself even closer to danger. Classic Agatha Christie TEN LITTLE INDIANS mystery in a remote exotic resort setting full of unreliable strangers. All of the reasons we love Ally Condie's young adult series are found in this adult thriller. 3 1/2 stars  Long walks solve everything or so Michael believes as he begins walking to forget. He plans a multi day hike across England and is matched up with Marnie. They could not be more different and yet over the course of good days and frustrating days they will come together. The beauty of this story is that it follows a real hiking path and somehow it is a comfort to know that both of them will get up and do it all again the next day. Funny, heart warming and totally David Nichols this will appeal to many readers of stories of second chances where hope is featured in all caps. 4 stars  |
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