Multi-generational story of early inhabitants around Denver, Colorado. From the Indigenous and Latino settlers to the influx of East Coast white people who came and claimed most of the land and mineral rights we see a state in flux. Part of the story deals with Denver becoming a larger city clearly divided and stories of those who fought to obtain miner's rights, communism, violence at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan, and poverty amidst strong ties to family and culture. Luz is a seer like her family before her and she reads the tea leaves to share good news or shatter dreams. She along with her brother and aunt live on the other side of the tracks from the wealthy landowners in their mansions and instead live on the fringe area. Their struggles are like those of their mother and grandparents before them. A stunning mix of historical drama, romance and the intangible inner voice and second sight of what is to come. Reminiscent of Jamie Ford and Maggie Shipstead this is a new look at how a western city was won or lost. 4 stars
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Not much is known about fashion designer Ann Lowe even though she created gowns for top ranking American socialites including creating Jackie Kennedy's wedding dress. From the day she could hold a needle and thread Ann helped her grandmother and mother sewing dresses in Alabama. There she learned that black women didn't get recognition for their beautiful creations the most they could hope for was a steady job. She remained invisible even though she was sought out by many who could have publicly given her her due and chose not to. Finally Mrs. Lee saw what others did not giving her money and a chance to leave Alabama with her young son eventually leading Ann to work in several states before finally opening her own dress shop. Another fascinating portrait of a little known strong woman who refused to let bad marriages, failing eyesight and prejudice stop her from achieving her dreams. Fans of THE GREAT MRS. ELIAS and THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN will enjoy this immensely. 4 stars
There are rules that Iona follows while on the Tube every day - never talk to strangers, don't give up your seat except to a select few, be prepared for everything and no hot food. When she helps one of her fellow passengers and begins to talk to those around her most of the rules go out the window. As an advice columnist Iona knows how to solve almost everyone's problems but her own. Her "larger than life" with beloved Bea, dog Lulu and her job at the magazine take up her life but when she is about to become redundant she throws all her energy in a small group of commuters who in turn become friends. A hodgepodge support group of unlikely people who see the world differently thanks to the quirky wisdom of Iona. The best part of this book is the variety of the characters from ages to background to ethnicity and the wonderful mix of viewpoints. For those readers who fear being made redundant or have dreams of dancing the can-can in another life Iona's take charge advice will leave you with a big sloppy grin on your face. 4 1/2 stars
1985- a beautiful banker from Laredo Texas gets in over her head and leads a double life in Mexico. Delores (Lore) has a good life with her husband and twin boys but when she travels to Mexico City for business and meets Andres she can't help but fall for him and the life he promises. Neither family knows of the other until the secret is out and Lore's life tumbles. 2017- Cassie is an aspiring writer and true crime buff and when she learns of Lore and her husband who is in prison she seeks out Lore for her side of the story that Cassie will write. Lore tells Cassie what happened and as their time together grows so does Cassie's attraction to Lore. How could this caring, generous middle aged woman carry on an elaborate dual marriage that tore apart two families? The narrative goes between Lore in two timelines and Cassie as she deals with her own personal upsets. True crime meets intense family drama and female friendships - this is like the Latin version of MY FRIEND ANNA. A stunning debut that bridges cultures.
4 stars An old estate in the woods, a troubled butler who is trying his best to keep his employer on the right path and take care of a very special little girl and keep the bad guys away is the setting for this gothic tale. Eustace has a good heart and a horrible job. When the eccentric Mr. Crowe shoots someone he is the guy who arranges for disposal and when this same boss is about to be visited by some dangerous guests he is the guy who must keep all well even when it clearly isn't. Clara, the precocious mute ward of Mr. Crowe, is very attached to Eustace and less so to Mr. Crowe since he started showing off her talents like a parlor trick. There is an underlying current of the paranormal and gothic feel to this setting infused with witty banter and memorable characters in Eustace and Clara. The language and setting will appeal to classic Agatha Christie mystery lovers as well as those who loved THE HOUSE AT VESPER SANDS.
3 1/2 stars It is a difficult task to return to a beloved character years later and do them justice but that is what Tom Perrotta has pulled off with what is happening to Tracy Flick since ELECTION. Now an Assistant Principal at her old high school where she fought to become a leader she is again involved in an election. She is determined to take over for her mentor who is retiring as Principal and has been acting in his place with great success. The odds are in her favor until local politics, the school board and the past wait to trip her up. When the decision is made to introduce a Hall of Fame for the high school alums Tracy gets caught up in trying to do the right thing and align herself with those on the school board who will pick her for the job. #METOO, sexism, good old boys environment and an ending that you won't see coming all prove that you can go home again but it might not always be a good idea. 4 stars
Aubrey is dealing with a lot - she has inherited a belligerent stepson from her recent divorce, her ex-husband keeps showing up uninvited to beg for money and there was just a cataclysmic solar event that has wiped out all the power for who knows how long. She is resourceful despite what her egotistical brother thinks and manages to organize her household and the neighborhood in their little suburb for survival mode. Meanwhile, her ex is up to no good, her brother has barricaded himself and a select group in an exclusive bunker and is sending Aubrey help whether she wants it or not. Aubrey is a smart protagonist with a take no prisoner attitude but still has a big heart for her elderly scientist neighbor, the two teens in her care and the pot head next door. This is a scary plot with some real violence but the scariest part of it is that we really are due for a huge solar flare. My advice is to start stockpiling books and canned goods to wait it out. If you like some humor with your scary science (like Andy Weir) then this one is for you. 4 stars
While staying at a hunting lodge in Austria a middle aged woman wakes to find herself alone surrounded by an invisible wall cutting her off from everyone. She is resourceful and makes the best of things taking solace in her new companions - a cow, a dog and a cat. This is a quiet apocalyptic novel that almost makes us envious of her solitude and less fearful of how she will exist long term. I think her age benefits her situation as a younger person would have lost it as soon as they were without their digital devices. Instead of giving up and swimming in self pity she becomes a loving protector of her new animal troop. Readers of introspective novels of living in solitude will appreciate this slim story. 3 1/2 stars
Even if you have never gazed up in wonder at a dinosaur skeleton or shivered at the first glimpse of T.Rex in JURASSIC PARK you will be pulled into this account of the race for dinosaur bones especially the elusive full skeletons of giant wonders like T.Rex. The story begins in Gilded Age New York where the robber barons began to amass personal collections of art and curiosities such as dinosaur bones. They began to fund expeditions primarily to the Wild West and want to see their name chiseled in stone above the doors of huge museums. This is how the American Museum, now the American Museum of Natural History began and fought to stay alive through the dinosaur treasures they could find and claim. From little more than P.T. Barnum's curiosity collection to full displays of massive dinosaurs. this accounting highlights the few who were monumental in this race and the sheer luck of finding these remains hidden in layers of rock and covering a vast wasteland. These dinosaur hunters braved unfriendly locals, horrific storms, unbelievable heat and cold not to mention the monumental job transporting the finds weighing tons back to New York. Full of adventure, the characters behind the scenes at the museums or personal collections and the men who risked everything for that one perfect skeleton, this is an interesting look at making science available to everyone. 4 stars and one that Dinosaur George would approve of!
When old friends Winnie and Ava meet after years of being apart they clearly have unresolved issues. Winnie is up to her old tricks running a lucrative counterfeit luxury handbag scheme out of China and wants Ava to get in on the fun. Ava is dealing with a very sensitive toddler, a wayward doctor husband and is more than a little bored after leaving her law degree in the dust. As tempting as it sounds Ava wants nothing to do with it until she needs extra cash that doesn't need to be explained to her husband. The money and other perks are just too good and before long Ava is an integral part of the business. These two savvy women pull the wool over the top retailers in the country and deal with some scary people in China until they get caught which is where we begin. Right detective? Smart characters, clever hijinks and a plan that uses the Asian American stereotypes to their advantage and feels completely plausible this will have you taking a closer look at all those high end brands at the store. I loved the ending suggesting that another book might follow. 4 stars
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