A Story of Being Lost and Found

by Angela Williams Gorrell

Pub Date 09 Mar 2021

I love the title of this memoir; it reminds one that finding joy is not something to be taken lightly. It is also a reminder to fully experience joy when it appears in one’s life.

This book is one that tells about both heartbreak and resilience. The author was offered the incredible opportunity to study the topic of joy at Yale’s Center for Faith and Culture. While given this experience, the author was also presented with multiple family losses in quick succession. Joy was not her dominant emotion.

However, Ms. William Gorrell went on to learn a lot about joy through her work at a women’s prison. Interacting with and hearing the inmates’ stories was an extraordinary experience and influenced the author’s world view.

This book is geared towards a Christian readership but those of other faiths might also enjoy it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Postscript Murders

by Elly Griffiths

PS for PS. What does it mean? Read this entertaining and intriguing second book in the series about Harbinder to find out! You will be glad if you do.

Harbinder, a gay, Indian woman who grew up in England is a detective. She first became known to readers in this author’s The Stranger Diaries. She is back in fine form here. Harbinder is open about who she is and what it is like to be living with her parents (still) while she is in her 30s. Several characters lead her into the (possible) murder of Peggy Smith, a murder consultant. What is that, you ask? Again, read the novel to find out.

Those who lure Harbinder to investigate are:

Natalkya-She is beautiful, Ukranian and a person with a lot of hidden assets Where did they come from? Who is following her? Despite her education and money, she works as a carer. Peggy was one of her clients.

Edwin-He was Peggy’s neighbor in their seaside retirement community. Edwin grew up gay, worked for the BBC and feels some youth restored as he becomes involved in the investigation.

Benedict-He runs and owns the local coffee kiosk where he has served the others. Benedict had once been a monk. Why did he become one? Why did he leave his order?

Oh, by the way, Peggy’s death is just the first. Why is another popular author and several others receiving mysterious notes? How many will die?

How this cast of characters come together, have adventures and try to figure out what happened to Peggy makes for a well-told tale. Along the way, there are thoughts about the world of publishing, appearances at writer’s talks and festivals, a trip to Scotland and more.

I would (and do) read anything (and everything) by Ms. Griffiths. This includes the wonderful Ruth Galloway Series, her historical detective series and the stories about Harbinder. Please, please keep writing Ms. G. Give her books a read. You, too, will become a fan.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Band of Sisters

A Novel

by Lauren Willig

Lauren Willig has written many novels including those in her Pink Carnation series. This title is based on true events; during WWI a unit of Smith College graduates traveled to France to offer aid and assistance. These real life volunteers are acknowledged at the beginning of the novel.

The book’s protagonist, Kate, was a scholarship student at Smith. This experience left her with an excellent education and some feelings of insecurity despite her friendship with the wealthy, Emmie. A few years after graduation, Emmie recruits Kate to be one of the fictional band of sisters of the title. These “sisters” include the married woman in charge of the volunteers, two female physicians and the other Smithies. Their experiences in France and the interrelationships of the characters form the basis for the story.

This book has an interesting premise and the story is well told. I especially enjoyed the letters that begin each chapter. My only quibble was that, at times, it was a bit difficult to differentiate the characters. Many, but not all, had a trait or relationship that helps the reader to keep track.

Willig includes information at the novel on her historical sources and the ways in which her own education led to the writing of this title.

Of note: I alternated between listening to the audio of this title and reading it. The audio was well produced and engaging. It is so nice to be able to follow a story by doing both. Also, I note the beautiful cover of the novel; it drew me in.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my ow

A Story About Joy

by Kochka

Pub Date 23 Mar 2021  

This is a book that has simple, yet charming illustrations. Young listeners will get to know Elliott as he eagerly awaits his half-sister’s arrival. Waiting for Lucy seems to take so long but…oh, the joy of reunion. This is an uncomplicated book, for the youngest children, that is about happiness and anticipation. There is a helpful section for adults at the end.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

by Edward Hirsch

Pub Date 30 Mar 2021

Some of the many poets whose works are included in this collection are Wordsworth, Keats, Tennyson, Hardy, St. Vincent Millay, Langston Hughes, Anne Sexton, Randall Jarrell, Muriel Rukeyser, Robert Lowell, Sharon Olds and Phillip Larkin, among many others. This is certainly a good collection with, as the title suggests, a focus on heartbreak. What a topic for Covid times, although there are many kinds of losses and many centuries during which poets grappled with this emotion. Grief does not only belong to today.

This collection will most appeal to serious readers of poetry. There are many kinds of poems including sonnets, aubades, a villanelle, a nocturne and more. The erudite editor has selected poems that have special meaning to him and he explicates them all. Some readers may not want all of this additional content but it is worth looking at, at least some of the time. Other times, readers can dip in and read whatever poem they like on its own merits. Readers who take their time with this title will learn a lot and feel a good deal as well.