Reading this week

I read a total of 1,892 pages this week.

Finished

Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy edited by Anthony Harkins and Meredith McCarroll

A Serial Killer’s Daughter by Kerri Rawson

Killer Exposure by Jessica R Patch

The King’s Mercy by Lori Benton

Sweet on you by Becky Wade

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep

Reading

Her Oklahoma Rancher by Brenda Minton

Act of Valor by Dana Mentink

Non-fiction reading

Classic

Audio on the Way to Work

Getting ready to read

Romanov by Nadine Brandies

Superman: Dawnbreaker by Matt De La Pena

Murder in the City of Liberty by Rachel McMillan

Book reading for bookclub at work

Reviewing

Devotional reading

Did not Finish

Reviews Posted this week

Grateful American Review

Review of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

First Lines Friday

First line Friday's hosted by Hoarding Books

I've discovered a new favorite author with this first line.

"Alex MacKinnon roused to the press of wood beneath his cheek and an ominous churning in his gut"

 The Newest release by Lori Benton is perfect for fans of Laura Frantz, Scottish heroes,  and Colonial Fiction.  And those who are suffering from droughtlander waiting for Outlander to come back. 

The Book Woman of Trouble some Creek by Kim Michele Richardson book review

Title:  The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

Author: Kim Michele Richardson

Chapters: 47

Pages: 308

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: 4.5 stars

This book had me hooked as soon as I heard what it was about, librarians pack horse librarians at that, and the people of Eastern Kentucky. A group of people hit hard by the Great Depression.  Cussy Carter one of the pack horse librarians are different that the rest of the people in her community, she's one of the blue people of Kentucky.  But to the people on her route she is the one bright spot in their week, the book woman. 

I love just about any historical fiction novel set in Kentucky, I love reading about my home state in the pages of a book.  As well as learning about its history in any form.  The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson is full of rich detail both of setting and historical detail.  The characters are easy to relate to. Though some you just know from the beginning that you are going to hate.    Though other characters you’re going to laugh with, cry with and rejoice with. Have tissues handy.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, Kentucky settings, and libraries and librarians.   There is some language in this book.  Though most seems to come from one character as well as some scenes of abuse and hate. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone

Grateful American By Gary Sinise review

Title:  Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service

Author: Gary Sinise, Marcus Brotherton

 

Chapters: 17

Pages: 280

Genre: Memoir

Rating: 5 Stars

If Gary Sinise wasn't one of my favorite actors before reading this book he is now.  Surprisingly however I have only seen one of his movies Forrest Grump and only one of his TV shows.   Reading his memoir is easy to see that he is a one of a kind actor who understands that the reason he can do the job he does is because of our Military men and women as well as our first responders. Who defender and protect us on a daily basis. 

That this man chose to give his character the background of a Marine who had survived Beirut in order to bring attention to a tragedy that affected many Marines, their family and friends. Because it is something that most people don't realize happened.  As the daughter of a Marine who lost brothers in arms there I am grateful that this actor chose to give them a voice. 

Unlike most celebrity memoirs Gary doesn't really boast about what he's done. Instead he shares about what his frame has allowed him to do for others.

This is one celebrity memoir that is worth the read. I do recommend having tissues when your read it.  

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Reading this week

I read a total of pages 1,261 this week.

Finished

Sherwood by Meagan Spooner

Anna of Kleve: The Princess in the Portrait by Aliso Weir

The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White

Reading

Sweet on you by Becky Wade

Her Oklahoma Rancher by Brenda Minton

Non-fiction reading

Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy edited by Anthony Harkins and Meredith McCarroll

Classic

Audio on the Way to Work

Getting ready to read

Romanov by Nadine Brandies

Superman: Dawnbreaker by Matt De La Pena

Murder in the City of Liberty by Rachel McMillan

Book reading for bookclub at work

Reviewing

The King’s Mercy by Lori Benton

Devotional reading

Did not Finish

Reviews Posted this week

The Number of LoveThe Number of Love by Roseanna M. White

The Blue Castle By L.M. Montgomery

First Lines Friday

I'm joining in on my first line Fridays hosted by Hoarding Books.

"The Numbers marched across the page in glory all their own" 

 If you enjoy Historical fiction especially set with the backdrop of WWI then Roseanna M White's newest  book is for you.

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery book review

Title:  The Blue Castle

Author: L.M. Montgomery

Chapters: 45

Pages: 218

Genre: Classics

Rating: 5 stars

I can't believe I waited so long to read The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery.  It was my mom's favorite L.M. Montgomery book and she was the one that got me started reading the Anne books.  So it was kind of bitter sweet reading it now that she's gone.  But after reading it I realized that I read the book at the right time for me. Had I read it earlier I wouldn't have been able to appreciate what Valancy went through and what it took for her to grow.  Being just a few years older than Valancy is in the book and like her being consider and "old maid" by members of my extended family I could relate to how her family and so of the town treated her.  Had I read this book as a teenager I wouldn't have had the same respect and view of Valancy as I do as an adult. 

Like Valancy did, sometimes it takes shocking news for you to realize that it's your life. You've got to live it for yourself and stopped hiding your dreams because you’re afraid of what everyone might think.  Anne Shirley is a heroine for young girls, but Valancy Stirling is a heroine for women.