The subtitle of this book gives readers a perfect sense of the author’s goals. She believes that art can be used as a form of self-care, self knowledge and healing.
Ms. Swift begins by sharing her own story which included a tragedy. She then discusses who might benefit from spending time with this title (most of us). In the pages that follow, readers are invited to work in three areas. These include going inward, considering insides outward, and finally integrating and honoring. She explains how to approach each area.
This is a lovely book. There were so many wonderful examples of Swift’s own artwork. Kudos to this warm and insightful artist for opening up her world to readers and encouraging their art and ability to hear an inner voice.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Not so long ago, I was transported to Paris and the world of Shakespeare & Co. in Ms. Maher’s last novel. This time, readers are placed firmly in the Chicago area in the early 1970s.
It is a time of upheaval and change, even as some cling to a more 1950s lifestyle. Readers are introduced to several main characters who live in the time period.
Veronica is a bit of a free spirit and a person who is involved in the social movements of the time. Most significantly, she becomes a part of the Jane network, providing safe, but illegal, abortion services.
Patty, a friend of Veronica’s growing up years, is more conservative. She is a traditional wife and mother who is concerned about her doctor husband’s recent lack of interest in her.
Siobhan is a newer friend of Veronica’s. The story opens as Veronica accompanies Siobhan to her illegal abortion. Siobhan is an artist who is separated/divorced from her professor husband Gabe. She is active in the Janes.
Margaret is a new Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago. She is finding her way and becomes friends with Phyllis. She also becomes involved with Gabe.
This is a rich historical novel that will remind readers of what life was like in the days before Roe v Wade, a time that we have now reentered. The author tells her story well and readers will become immersed in the lives of these fictional characters and the decisions that they make.
I highly recommend this one. It is being published at just the right time.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 19 September 2023
All You Have to do is Call very much tells its own story but those who read this one may also want to read Looking for Jane. Abortion is also its subject but the two stories are different. My review is below.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“All You Have to Do Is Call honors the heroines of the Jane collective who provided safe, clandestine health services in the pre-Roe v. Wade era. Maher sketches all three women with compassion and sensitivity as they come to rely on each other in the absence of the law, and their journey is profoundly moving. A novel both powerful and timely!” —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye
“A captivating tale of women sacrificing everything in order to support other women. Everyone should read and discuss this book. Everyone.” —Dolen Perkins-Valdez, New York Times bestselling author of Take My Hand
“All You Have to Do is Call is about the power of women working together, their friendships, their loves, their lives and how, when united, they really can change the world even in the face of seemingly insurmountable barriers. Inspiring, important but also page-turning, Kerri Maher pulls off a remarkable feat in this novel.” —Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Orphan
“Although the novel captures a provocative, explosive period in the past, it couldn’t be more relevant today. With unflinching courage and fierce characters, Maher not only packs a punch but also gives us all the feels in this inspiring, powerhouse novel—exposing the profound choices women made and the risks they took to help other women.” —Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author of Woman on Fire
“Sheds light on the intrepid women who put everything on the line… Inspiring and timely, and an absolute must-read.” —Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Librarian Spy
“This powerful story… shows the solidarity and bravery of Jane members in the face of great risk, the immense changes which took place during those troubled times, and the impact of “women’s lib” and Roe V. Wade. An eye-opening, informative book that’s well worth reading.” —Booklist (starred review)
My review of Looking for Jane:
My Recommendation
Heather Marshall’s first novel reads like the work of a more experienced author. She delivers a compelling book on an important issue that has become increasingly contentious. In these pages, through her characters, Ms. Marshall humanizes the tricky topic of women’s reproductive rights and (sometimes lack of) choices. Readers get to know a number of characters in several timelines over the course of the novel. Stories converge in ways that feel just right. Main characters in the novel include those below: Evelyn become pregnant only to have her fiance die; she wanted her baby but had no support. What happens to each of them? Watch what Evelyn does with her life. Evelyn becomes good friends with Maggie. They help one another to get through some painful experiences. How will Maggie’s life relate to those of other characters? Clara faced a life and death situation when she found herself pregnant. How will she cope with the choice that she made? How does Nancy’s life fit into that of other women in the book? What big secret was kept from her daughter and what will happen when it is known? And what about Angela? How will an old letter impact her and at least one other woman? This is a story of all that can happen when a woman faces a pregnancy. I think that is why the author chose to have so many characters. The story is told with compassion and a bit of righteous anger. The scandals around homes for unwed mothers that are described here echo the Magdalen Laundries of Ireland. It is painful to recall that young women in need of compassion were unable to find this during the time period of the story. It was also impossibly difficult for those who chose an abortion during the same time. They knew that the risks were high and that they could die. Imagine the fear. Medical professionals who chose to help others through an underground network knew that the risks were also great for them as those women Looking for Jane found them. This book offers a wide point of view. There are women who become pregnant when they are not ready, there are those who are unable to have children or are struggling with infertility, those impacted by adoption, and the young women who are influenced by the decisions that their mother made. There are no judgments about any of them, just an open and caring attitude. This is a moving novel that reads quickly even as it deals with big topics. I highly recommend ti. Be sure to read the author’s own thoughts on her book. Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Is everything false? Is nothing true? Is the title of the book just a trick? Readers will eagerly, maybe compulsively, turn the pages of this title to find out. If they know Lisa Jewell at all, they will expect a gripping story that takes them for quite a ride. If readers are new to the author, they will finish this and look to her backlist.
Two women. Two lives. Two stories. Intersections. Podcasts. True crime shows. Is that enough? I assure you that it will be.
Josie and Alix are both celebrating a forty-fifth birthday. Their lives look very different when each goes to dinner that night at the same place. Josie is there with her husband and it is a big splurge while Alex is there with a large group of friends and seems more financially comfortable.
Josie starts something when she points out to Alix that they are “birthday twins.” Uh-oh, a lot happens from this point on as readers get t know these women, their families, the way their minds operate and more. When Alix and Josie start work on a project together a complex set of circumstances results.
Those who like domestic thrillers and.or domestic thrillers will turn the pages at lightning speed in an effort to figure all of this out. Ms. Jewell has done it again; she has written exactly the kind of novel at which she excels.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Dead and Gone is book three in the Detective Annalisa Vega series. Fans will welcome this new story and those who have not read the series can start here and find out what it is about.
Ms. Vega is a Chicago police detective. Her victim is an ex-police officer who became a P.I. Is his death related to one of his cases? to the police? to Annalisa or her family? to others whom he knows?
To further complicate matters, there is a stalker on a college campus. Readers know that can’t be good. In addition, a double murder from years ago enters the picture.
Readers also delve into Annalisa’s private life and relationships. This helps to round out the story.
Dead and Gone is a good but gritty novel with a lot going on. Not for cozy fans but its audience should enjoy this title.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for this title. All opinions are my own.
Wars are fought by soldiers but they are not the only victims. Families are torn apart, loyalties are tested and, bonds either sever or become stronger. We see that in our time and it was also true during the Civil War.
This is the story of two sisters, one perhaps more well known than the other. Mary Todd became Mrs. Lincoln while Emily Todd married Hardin Helm. Each husband chose a side in the war-one was president and the other a Civil War General who served President Davis. Thus, the sisters were also put on opposite sides. It was an incredibly difficult time for all.
Ms. Higginbotham tells this story well. Historical fiction lovers, this is a very good read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book was published in 2019.
Publishers Weekly says:
Historical fiction enthusiasts will delight in this revealing view of the relationship between Union supporter Mary and her Southern-sympathizing sister.
New beginnings don’t always mean painful endings . . .
A fabulous, timeless story of friendship set in Devon from bestselling author Jennifer Bohnet.
As time ebbs and flows over the summer both Katie Teague and her godmother Mattie Cranford discover their lives are at a crossroads
Mattie shackled to the family wool shop for over 50 years, feels life has passed her by. She dreams of seeing the world and shaking off a lifetime of regrets.
When Katie is made redundant, Mattie seizes the moment and asks Katie to move back to her home town of Dartmouth and breathe new life into the rundown wool shop and to her surprise Katie agrees.
As Katie settles back into the rhythm of Devon life and renovating the shop, Mattie sets off on a luxury cruise.
But the arrival of Katie’s ex-boyfriend with an unexpected dream job offer threatens to unsettle the calm waters.
Will she sacrifice the shop and Mattie’s happiness – or her own career?
Jennifer Bohnet is the bestselling author of over 12 women’s fiction titles, including Villa of Sun and Secrets and A Riviera Retreat. She is originally from the West Country but now lives in the wilds of rural Brittany, France.
Those who are looking for a relaxing summer read may very well enjoy this title. It is an easy read with good settings and characters, just the thing for a lazy afternoon. Readers meet Mattie and Katie. Mattie is of a certain age and looking to expand her world from Dartmouth, where she has lived her whole life. Katie is looking for a change after losing a job and no longer having faith in her boyfriend. Each will shake their life up with what readers will hope are good results. Mattie has run her family’s yarn shop for years but has had enough. She offers Katie the opportunity to make of it what she can, while Mattie plans her first trip away. Mattie goes on a luxury cruise where she meets Henri and has the beginnings of a romance. Katie, meanwhile, faces challenges in getting the store up and running; who is sabotaging her? Good thing that Leo is around to offer support. I liked the descriptions of the settings in this book. I especially enjoyed visiting the small island that Mattie and Henri went to (where they heard the chanting). In some ways, this story is predictable but, then again, predictable sometimes is just what I want. Recommended for when a reader wants a nice story.
Many thanks to Rachel, Boldwood Books and NetGalley. It was a pleasure to be part of the blog tour for this enjoyable title.
Do you enjoy stories that are absolutely filled with suspense? If yes, read on.
Many thanks to the team at HTP for the opportunity to be on this blog tour.
The cover:
About the book:
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In this chilling new novel, a pastor’s wife discovers that her estranged daughter is missing, but no one will believe her, until she meets a man claiming to be her daughter’s fiancé.
The book is about Tatum, a woman who secretly reconnects with her estranged adult daughter—secretly because Adrienne’s been all but disowned by Tatum’s husband, a pastor at the church in their small California town, where every move is watched and reported by his congregation. When Adrienne doesn’t show up for her shift at the bar where Tatum’s been visiting her, she knows something is wrong. Adrienne may have been a bit of wild child, but she hasn’t missed a day of work without calling in for years.
Tatum tries desperately to get the police or her husband to take her daughter’s disappearance seriously, until a mysterious man shows up claiming to be Adrienne’s fiancé. It’s a relief to finally have someone who believes her and is trying as hard as she is to find out where Adrienne is. But can she trust that this stranger is really who he says he is? And can she find her daughter before it’s too late?
On Sale Date: August 8, 2023
9780778334255
Trade Paperback
$18.99 USD
336 pages
She wrote it:
Amber Garza has had a passion for the written word since she was a child making books out of notebook paper and staples. Her hobbies include reading and singing. Coffee and wine are her drinks of choice (not necessarily in that order). She writes while blaring music, and talks about her characters like they’re real people. She lives with her husband and two kids in Folsom, California.
His hands were in her hair, fingers threaded through the silky strands. I knew what it felt like. My fingers had been buried in her hair many times, including last night. When their lips met I sat up straighter, leaning forward. It didn’t feel real. I worked my jaw. It popped and clicked. My own mouth buzzed with the memory of how her lips felt on mine.
The kiss was long. Too long.
She liked it.
My shoulder muscles pulled tight, a rubber band being stretched beyond its limits. I thought they might snap.
The two of them drew back. She smiled. Smiled with the same lips that had smiled at me. Kissed me. Told me they loved me. Clearly, a lie.
She brushed back her hair, and the diamond on her finger sparkled.
Her ring. The one I’d given her. She was wearing it.
It felt like a punch to the gut. Like a big “fuck you” to me.
It wasn’t like she knew I’d followed her. But still… Shouldn’t she take her engagement ring off before she hooked up with another dude?
Throwing her head back, her neck exposed, she giggled.
Imagining my hands wrapping around that tender flesh, I squeezed the steering wheel. It gave under the pressure, and I squeezed harder. It felt good. Therapeutic. I pictured her terrified. Pleading. Mouth tight, eyes bulging. I squeezed and squeezed, my teeth grinding, the vein in my forehead throbbing. My muscles ached by the time I released my grip.
Their hands clasped. My breathing was labored as I watched them walk off together, around the side of the building, out of sight.
I’d loved her. Given her so much.
How dare she?
No one made a fool out of me.
She wouldn’t get away with this. Not by a long shot.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 