You won’t forget: The Women (Kristin Hannah)

#KristinHannah #NetGalley

There is no doubt that Kristin Hannah knows how to write about war. Her novel, The NIghtingale, has been wildly popular. I enjoyed Winter Garden, another story set in a difficult war time, even more. So, no surprisse that this latest book is an excellent one.

Here Hannah turns her eye to the Vietnam War era. Interestingly, this time period echoes loudly to today when the U.S. is once again experiencing much division, posturing and an inability for people to listen to one another.

Hannah tells her story thorough Frances Grace (Frankie) McGrath. She is the daughter in a family that venerates men and the bravery of the military. While Frankie is expected to be a “good girl” and to marry, the expectations are higher for her brother. 

Readers learn early on that Frankie’s brother died in Vietnam. Following his death, Frankie, who is a trained nurse, wants to make a difference. She somewhat naively works her way through the military branches until the army accepts her and sends her to Vietnam.

Hannah does an outstanding job of bringing the country to life. Readers will feel the scorching heat and drenching rains. They will find that their heart rate rises at the sound of VC attacks. The scent of blood, the anxiety of being an inexperienced medical provider, the hooch, the officer’s club-all of these and more feel so real.

Frankie does not live in a vacuum. She becomes very close to two other nurses. She also is attracted to Jamie, a surgeon. These characters and many others become known to the reader. 

Readers are aware that there were many who protested the war. What happens to Frankie when she returns from the war zone after her service? Slight spoiler…it will not be easy.

Here is a compelling read. I found Hannah’s last few books to be good but I think that this one is so much better. The Women is not an easy read but it will sear itself into its audience’s heart and mind.

I wish that this book had been given a more distinctive title, not because it isn’t apt but because I think that, it could easily come out lower in any kind of search engine request than it should. It is a book that cries out to be read.

It is probably clear by now that I give this novel five stars.

Note: I alternated between listening to the book and reading it, one of my favorite ways to stay connected with a story as I go for a walk. The narration is superb. Whelan gets the tone and emotion of the story just right.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: )6 February 2024

From the Publisher

The Women Kristin Hannah Karl Marlantes quote
The Women Kristin Hannah Delia Owens quote
The Women Kristin Hannah Nicholas D. Kristof quote
The Women Kristin Hannah Bonnie Garmus quote

Now out: Hope for Widows

This is not the book anyone dreams of. Who in a happy relationship wants to face the death of a partner? And yet, of course, this is a part of life. Sadly, two friends of mine are currently in the early stages of figuring out this new identity.

The author of this book understands what it means to become a widow. Nutter knows that it is a change of immense magnitude. She tries to gently guide and offer support to the members of this (unwanted) club. 

The reflections in this book are divided into chapters. A few of these are titled Some Widows Say, Gratitude List, Spiraling, and The Presence of a Friend. Each chapter has a number of short entries. There are suggestions in them for building on the entries with reflections and thoughts. There are also a number of quotes about grief scattered through the pages.

Our Daily Bread is a religious publisher but I don’t think one has to be Christian to find some solace in these pages. Take a look at  this one for someone you know and sadly, perhaps for yourself one day.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Four stars ****

Discover: Secret Britain (Mary-Ann Ochota)

#SecretBritain #NetGalley

his beautifully illustrated title will be enjoyed by those who are interested in the British Isles, history, archaeology and more. It is a beautifully photographed and wide-ranging tile.

The author begins with an introduction, a timeline and a map. She follows this with the many places where she is interested in “unearthing our mysterious past,” as the title of the book notes.

There are so many places included. To name some there are the Tomnaverie Recumbent Stone Circle, Seahenge, Must Farm, Snettisham Treasures, the Dagenham Idol and Stonehenge. The geography includes Kent, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Moray and many more locations. The first object featured is the Westray Wifey which is over 5,000 years old and was found on Orkney. There are so many more to follow.

This book can be dipped into or read in its entirety. I very much enjoyed the time that I spent with this fascinating title.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-galley. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 12 March 2024

Now out: Simple Ways to Unwind Without Alcohol

People drink for different reasons. For many alcohol consumption does not pose any issues while, for others, there is an awareness of discomfort with their intake of drinks. There are those for whom a drink serves to calm, to feel better in social situations and so on without it feeling like an issue but others may feel that they want/need to try something else.

For anyone who is interested in thinking about this topic, this book is definitely worth a look. It delivers on exactly what it promises which is to give tips on how to unwind without using alcohol.

The authors use practices that are well regarded and considered to be evidence based to help. They specifically suggest things to try from meditation, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy).

This title is divided into sections including Soothe Your Mind; Engage with Your Body; Love Your Home; Rediscover Nature; Nurture Your Relationships, Reconnect with Your work; Savor Your Food and Drink; Embrace Your Family; Bond with Animals; and Celebrate Your Spirit.

A few examples of the fifty ideas included within these sections are Meditate But Keep it Short; Explore Nature Trails; Schedule Your Down Time; Reignite Your Nutrition; Bond with Animals and many more.

Be sure to read the introduction. It gives a nice sense of the authors’ perspective. Then, as they suggest, go slow and see what makes sense. This book is filled with ideas.

While this book is written for those thinking about alcohol consumption, in my opinion there is much here for the general reader as well. It is a very good resource.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harbinger Publications for this title. All opinions are my own.

Four stars ****

From the Publisher

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like without alcohol? This guide has the answer.
If you're stuck in a drinking rut and in need of a wellness reset, this book is for you.
"A treasure chest of insightgful and compassionater ways to self-soothe."

Expect some fun: The Expectant Detectives

I first saw this book when I was browsing in a British bookstore on line and knew that I wanted to read it. It was great to find that it was also being published in the U.S. and it felt like a real treat to receive this one from NetGalley. 

Anyone who is (or has been pregnant) or knows someone who has, and those who enjoy somewhat frothy mysteries laced with humor should take a look at this one.

Imagine a baby being delivered right in the middle of a prenatal class. If that weren’t enough, imagine that a murder follows not long after. 

A group of women from the prenatal class are on the case. Will they solve it?  Readers can guess the answer to that. The fun is in watching events unfold.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books for this title. All opinions are my own. 

Pub date: 09 January 2024

British cover and next in series