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Stephanie has a gift or a curse- she can control space. She has been able to do this for as long as she can remember but once others learn of her ability it either amazes or frightens them. It is not easy for her to trust people but she makes a work friend and helps them by creating a hidden terrace that only is there when she comes over to visit. This gives the couple and their baby a wonderful escape from their tiny apartment but do they love Stephanie for her friendship or the terrace? Stephanie's story is told in four vignettes and I enjoyed all of them but have to admit I was a bit lost in the last one. All of the stories explore love, loss, longing for family and connectivity. It also makes us keenly aware of how much or little space we take up in life. A slim novel that asks a lot of heavy questions. 3 1/2 stars 
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A Korean-American family must deal with something no one wants to face - dad didn't come home from the park and his disabled son did emotionally overwrought. To make matters worse Eugene is autistic and also has a rare disorder that doesn't allow him to communicate at all. 20 year old twins Mia and John begin to unravel their dad's papers and computer to try to figure out what happened only to discover he was working on a secret project "The Happiness Quotient" trying to define happiness. Within the coded notes may be the truth but the truth may not be what they expect nor want. The police have damaging video from the park and Eugene's outburst tirade may be used to charge him with hurting his dad. The family must now work to clear Eugene and shine a light on this hidden side of their dad. A family drama caught up mystery as well as a look at the importance and variety of communication. I was fascinated by Eugene, both his condition and interactions with the family and was less interested in the side line project on happiness. Angie Kim shares much information on the Angelman Syndrome, autism and new ways of communicating that will interest a wide variety of readers. 4 1/2 stars  The second book in a fantastic Asian inspired fantasy series full of pirates, politics and power struggles. This is an immersive fantasy that will pull you into a vicious world led by a smart, fierce pirate queen who hungers for the throne but she is not alone and must first fight off contenders from sea and land. Historical background with a wave of imagination that readers of both nautical fiction and fantasy will enjoy. This series is not to be missed. 4 stars  While there has been quite a few recent books on British women doing their part for the war there have not been as many of American women taking those jobs left vacant by men fighting overseas. Nora's husband is serving abroad leaving her at home with limited income and two kids. She takes a job as a riveter at the Boeing plant about the same time some of her new co-workers are falling prey to a serial killer. She is already uneasy due to the vandalism at her house, losing loved ones to war, her teenage son has been sneaking out of the house each night and something is off with the new garage apartment tenant. Nora begins poking around to solve the murders and may be getting too close. A grown up Nancy Drew mystery that also touches on the very real issues of racism against Japanese Americans, homophobia and the changing views of women entering male dominated jobs in the workplace. Bookclubs will find much to love in this historic thriller. 4 stars  A historical mystery that takes place in Columbia in 1925 which was also when a deadly earthquake and cholera epidemic broke out. A love triangle , a missing plantation owner and plenty of secrets await. Characters from the first book, THE SPANISH DAUGHTER continue in this story where Puri comes to Columbia in search of her business partner and past love have disappeared. She poses as a nun and together with the missing man's best friend set in search of what happened. Lush writing and landscape of Columbia together with the interesting time period and effects of devastating loss make for a romantic mystery. This works easily as a standalone. 3 1/2 stars  A frightening horror story grounded in history about families living on the Texas Mexican border in 1840's. Mexican ranching families living north of the Rio Grande were Mexican citizens yet they were given no support from their home country when American armies swarmed them ready to take the land they had held for generations and claim it for the states. Nena is the daughter of a wealthy rancher who is destined to marry one of her class not her childhood friend Nester a vaquero who works for her family. While a tragic event caused them to be separated for almost ten years those feelings have remained. However they have bigger problems on the horizon. A strange malady is taking hold of the people of South Texas as shadowy blood sucking vampires of legend are attacking more frequently and the Anglo armies land vampires are pushing south. Family loyalty, old traditions, love and magic will all be put to the test in this horror story you can sink your teeth into. Readers of historical fiction will enjoy this as much as the readers of classic horror stories. 4 stars  The second thrilling adventure of a French detective caught between a rock and a hard dangerous place namely having to work for the Nazis who have taken over Paris. Henri Lefort has no love for the Nazis running his country and in his mind messing up everything good about Paris. He really has no love for solving this case that involves yet another missing German but he also very much wants to keep living. Somehow this case leads to another that his friend with access to better food and wine, wants him to look into involving missing children. Henri's banter is sharp, his heart is big and his brushes with near death and the gestapo are becoming legendary. Included in the character list are some very real players in wartime Paris and this gives the series a real footprint with a fictional detective. For historical mystery lovers who always root for the underdog! 4 stars  Recently widowed President Woodrow Wilson would have created quite the social media scandal today if he had acted as he did then by throwing himself at Edith Boling. His daily love letters and constant attention finally won her over and she marrys him if for no other reason than to get his attention back to his job and the ever growing war in Europe. Despite public opinion and several member's of Wilson's staff, Edith becomes a voice of reason, a calming influence and a true helpmate at her husband's side. She quietly helps with his correspondence, offers sage advice and covers for Wilson's failing health. Behind the scenes she brokers for peace in Europe, suggests cabinet positions and runs the White House as her husband would. Another illuminating journey into a powerful woman behind the man in power. 3 1/2 stars  A retelling of Rapunzel that is significantly different from the original because she might not be the helpless sleeping princess cursed by a vindictive evil fairy. Instead, we meet Toadling a shape shifting water fairy who has been left by the thorn hedge to stand guard over the tower and princess sleeping inside. For hundreds of years she has seen many close calls but it has been quiet for some time when she first meets Halim a gentle knight who is curious to see if the legend and rumors are true. Toadling and Halim develop a fondness for each other and she lets her guard down which in fairytale land means all Hell breaks loose. This is no Disney rendition but is closer to a dark tome by the Grimm brothers. Masterfully told and fully developed in such a slim volume that is just enough for a one sitting read. 4 stars  Ben Packard is the Sheriff in a small town in upper Minnesota. He is trying to lead a more quiet life than he had in Minneapolis but being a gay sheriff in a small town and gearing up for an election isn't that easy. What starts out as a random murder of a man with many friends and no enemies leads to more deaths and many more secrets. Was it a shady business deal or bad blood between his two wives who are sisters? Quiet but deadly mystery that proves small towns can have just as much drama and danger as the big city. This is the second book with Sheriff Packard in a satisfying series that fans of S.A. Cosby and C.J. Box will enjoy. 3 1/2 stars  |
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