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I read and enjoyed Ms. Sittenfeld’s, American Wife, which was about a fictional Laura Bush. It felt so true and believable. So I was excited to learn that the author had written another story based in politics, this one about Hillary Rodham.

The first section of the book reportedly stays pretty close to what really happened, with Hillary meeting and becoming involved with the charismatic Bill when they were students at Yale Law. It is, in part in this section, a story of a young woman who always felt smart but not always attractive. Hillary here was fiery and committed, just as she had been in her college graduation speech. This continued in the work that she did for children and families while at Yale. Any woman or girl growing up who feels that being labeled “smart” was a mixed blessing will understand the fictional Hillary’s feelings and surprise that “someone like Bill” was interested in her.

Post graduation, Hillary and Bill live in Arkansas in this novel with Hillary becoming a law school professor and Bill beginning his steps into politics. No spoiler after the publicity for this novel…but Hillary chooses not to stay with Bill. She is uncomfortable with his inability to commit to just one intimate relationship. So…what happens to Hillary after striking out on her own makes up the rest of the novel.

Hillary initially returns to Chicago where she teaches at Northwestern and over time becomes interested in running for office around the time of the Clarence Thomas hearings. I won’t say more but leave it to readers to find out what happens. Would this life have been preferable for Hillary? It is something to think about. Clearly the choices that we make impact how our lives unfold. Readers will no doubt contemplate that as they read discover where the author’s imagination takes them.

The reviews that I have seen for this novel have been mixed. I am in the camp that is glad to have read the book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Editorial Reviews

My favorites out of these are Dog songs and The Guest Book.  I reviewed  The Guest Book previously.  I plan to read Queen of the Owls.  Enjoy.

This is a title for sheer escapism. It is a follow up to the author’s earlier novel, The Royal We, the first story about Bex and the prince with whom she falls in love. In this title, which seems to have some similarities with stories in the British press, the newlyweds have decamped in order to protect their relationship. (a bit like Harry and Megan?) What happens when they must return to London? What will be the fallout in their relationships with other members of the Royal Family? Will their own relationship emerge as a strong one? Read this sequel to find out.Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheHeirAffair #NetGalley

This is a lovely book that has very appealing illustrations. The outdoor ones are in earth tones and show nature beautifully.

Readers will learn the story of a young girl who had curiosity in abundance. Her discoveries led to the discovery of dinosaur bones and so much more. Mary studied and learned for her whole life; she became an expert even though she was not allowed to study in the all male universities of the time. Interestingly though male scholars came to her with their questions.

Mary’s story is well told. It is inspiring and I hope through this book will become better known. The end of the book contains additional helpful resources.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed The Citadel when I read it many years ago.  I wrote about and liked the Munier mystery.  The Wodehouse is free. Enjoy.

I adored the Anne books when I was young and have also enjoyed rereading them as an adult. Every time a new book about L.M. Montgomery becomes available I want to spend time with it and this title is no exception.
Readers will get to know the young author through her scrapbook, a forum that provides a true sense of connection with Ms. Montgomery. Enjoy seeing what the author was doing right around the time that she would be writing about Anne in this beautiful book.
I recommend this title to those who are part of the author and Anne’s fan club. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#ImaginingAnne #NetGalley

Mostly mystery…I reviewed and enjoyed The Banker’s Wife.  I also liked Shem Creek, a book that I read before I began blogging.  I also enjoyed the Dorothy Sayers…in this one SPOILER….Peter and Harriet have married.

Laurien Berensen has been writing cozy mysteries since 1995.  I have always spending time with her protagonist Melanie, Melanie’s son and, of course, Aunt Peg.  The dogs also add to the series’ charm.

I once went to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show so was intrigued to see that this was a setting in the novel.  Of course, though, the show in the book was not like the one that I attended as there is murder.  Who killed Victor?  Why? Read the book to find out.

If you are a lover of cozies, I recommend the Melanie Travis titles. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#GameofDogBones #NetGalley

Are you a person made anxious by corona virus?  One of the many people whose set point is anxiety?  Or, are you just looking for a few minutes to yourself each day in order to feel and enjoy a sense of calm? Whoever you are,  this book is worth a look.  Each entry has a quote, a short vignette and space to write one’s own reflections.  For example there are entries with titles like “When Life Is Harder than You Ever Imagined” or “Fearless.”

This book is Christian in its orientation but may well speak to anyone who is seeking a life with a bit less in the way of anxious thoughts.  The vignettes are ones to which many may relate,

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  August 27, 2020

For some reason, during the corona virus pandemic, I have been spending a lot of time in virtual Italy reading mysteries that are set there. My guides, until I read this novel, were Donna Leon and her Inspector Brunetti, and Andrea Camilleri and his Detective, Montalbano. Their novels feature an engaging protagonist, beautiful locations and, VERY IMPORTANT, delicious food.
So, I was curious about this book set in Tuscany and happy to receive an ARC. I was not disappointed. This novel, the start of a new series, and its detective, fit right into the sub genre of Italian police stories.
The protagonist of Murder in Chianti is widower and former New York City police detective, Nico. He has moved to Chianti following the death of his wife, Rita. Rita has a cousin in Chianti who owns a restaurant, one source of the delicious sounding food in the novel. Food wise, I would give a lot to get breakfast where Nico does each day. I also would like to sample some of the alcohol mentioned in the book, especially the red wines.
Around Nico are the police officers who want his help in solving a case, Perillo and Daniele. The murder of the story has ties with the past. The victim left Italy a number of years ago and became a successful vintner in California. Why did he return to Italy? How does this visit lead to his death? Who will be hurt as the case is solved?
This was a very readable book and one that I enjoyed. I recommend adding it to your TBR list.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an hoenst review. I look forward to the next novel in this seris.

#MurderinChianti #NetGalley