Now out: The Dearly Beloved (Wall)

The Dearly Beloved is the first novel by Cara Wall; I am pretty certain that it will not be her last. The Dearly Beloved is the story of Charles, Lily, James and Nan. Each is an adult with a unique upbringing. Charles has faced many parental expectations; Lily has suffered much loss; James had a hardscrabble background, while life seemed sweet for Nan. While in college, Charles and Lily meet as do James and Nan.

Both Charles and James are “called” to the church; they have different approaches to God and activism, as demonstrated over the course of the book. Charles and James are appointed as co-ministers of a New York City church on lower Fifth Avenue. Their strengths and weaknesses come to light and are not the same. The reader watches as the two families’ lives unravel and knit over a period of many years.

This book includes discussion about what faith (or lack of it) means to each protagonist. I found these sections enhanced the novel for me.

This is not perhaps a perfect book, just as James, Charles, Nan and Lily are not prefect but it IS mighty good.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e galley in exchange for my honest review.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

“Writing with restrained lyricism, Wall’s debut offers a kind of literary chamber music, combining the viewpoints of a quartet of characters across multiple decades and events. Finely drawn and paced and written with intense compassion…A moving, eloquent exploration of faith and its response to the refining fire of life’s challenges.”—KIRKUS REVIEWS (STARRED REVIEW)

“A rare and intellectually stimulating outing…By creating such well-defined characters, [Wall] is able to all the more effectively explore the role of faith, or its lack, in dealing with the pressures of marriage, child-rearing, and work.“—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“Underlying the very readable, honestly human propulsion of her characters’ lives in their near-entirety, Wall does a tricky thing quite well, exploring the facts of faith and love at both their most exalting and most trying.”—BOOKLIST

“Compelling…a sneakily addictive read.”—VOGUE

Who decides? Jacob’s Room to Choose (Hoffman) #JacobsRoomToChoose #NetGalley

This book is part of the series that is sponsored by the American Psychological Association. It was written by the parents of a gender non-conforming child who have first hand experience with the topic being addressed here.

The book tells the story of Jacob and Sophie along with their many classmates and wise teacher/librarian. It presents the dilemma that the two friends face when they need to use the restroom at school. With the help of a sensitive adult, the students move away from stereotypes and do a poster project for gender neutral facilities.

This book can provide a way for educators to introduce a topic that may seem difficult but can be addressed with sensitivity. Parents of children and children who feel different at times will most likely find that the book resonates for them.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in return for an honest review.

What will happen to them? The Secret Guests by Benjamin Black

Many readers will know that literary fiction author, John Banville, uses the pen name Benjamin Black. As Mr Black he has written a well regarded series of mysteries that take place in 1950s Ireland.

This historical/suspense novel also takes place in Ireland. It is a dark time for Britain as bombs regularly fell in London. Based on what the author thinks happened, this novel posits that fourteen year old Elizabeth and ten year old Mary were sent to Ireland to keep them safe.

This slow burn of a novel imagines how this was done, what it was like for the princesses and who the people were who ensured their safety. They are challenged.

Margaret, renamed Mary, to keep her identity hidden, is a particularly vividly drawn character. She is inquisitive and a bit of an imp. Elizabeth/Ellen as the older, more staid sister is also brought to life.

There is a plot against the princesses. Who knew they were there? Who is responsible? We all know that Margaret and Elizabeth survived so the reader knows the ending. Nonetheless, the unraveling is suspenseful.

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

Bon Appetit! The Pasta Friday Cookbook (Arevalo)

I love this cookbook! The author was a successful chef and restaurant owner who wanted a less stressful life. As part of this, and wanting community, she began hosting Friday night pasta and salad dinners for friends and family. Simple, fun, rewarding. She shows how you can do it too or just make family dinners. With recipes organized by season and beautifully photographed, you will be inspired!

Highly recommended.

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

E book bargains for August 12, 2019

Some comments…

The Anne Perry is part of a series that takes place during WWI.

In the Presence…is one of my favorite Lynley mysteries.

Before the Poison is a stand alone by the author of the Inspector Banks series.

The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller

Shoulder the Sky by Anne Perry

In the Presence of the Enemy by Elizabeth George

Before the Poison by Peter Robinson

Death in Springtime by Magdalen Nabb

Death of a Nationalist by Rebecca Pawel

E book bargains for August 11, 2019

The Cold Dish by Ctaig Johnson

Song of the Lion by Anne Hillerman

Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

The Mystery of Three Quarters by Sophie Hannah

The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish

A Summer in Sonoma by Robyn Carr

No Time to Spare by Ursula Le Guin

Many Lord Peter Wimseys by Dorothy Sayers

The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott

Mysteries, historical novels, Women’s fiction and Ursula LeGuin. Good options yet again!