3.5 stars For 11 years, her twin sister Caitlin’s disappearance has haunted Serena Warren. The discovery of Caitlin’s bones in an untouched 18th-century church vault thrusts Serena into a tangled web of family secrets, historical mysteries, and a relic with otherworldly power. Add in the Wars of the Roses, the Princes in the Tower, and a dash of paranormal intrigue, and you’ve got Nicola Cornick’s The Last Daughter of York. This dual-timeline novel spans centuries, weaving the stories of Serena in the present and Anne Lovell in the 15th century. Francis and Anne’s tale of loyalty and loss during the fall of Richard III is rich with drama, but Serena’s […]
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A Timeless Tale of Art and Family
Tracy Chevalier’s The Glassmaker feels like stepping into a kaleidoscope—colorful, intricate, and timeless. Set on Murano, the island of Venetian glassmakers, this novel captures the lives of the Rosso family, particularly the indomitable Orsola Rosso, whose spirit and skill defy societal expectations. The story opens in 1486, where Orsola longs to craft delicate glass goblets, but as a woman, she’s deemed fit only to make “inconsequential” beads. Those very beads save her family repeatedly as the novel skips through centuries of triumph, loss, and survival. From the Renaissance to plagues, Napoleon’s conquests, and even COVID-19, Chevalier vividly portrays Murano’s changing fortunes and the resilience of the Rosso women. The glassmaking details are […]
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A Magical Journey of Love, Loss, and Connection
The Lost Bookshop is a heartwarming blend of mystery, historical fiction, and contemporary storytelling, woven together through a magical bookshop brimming with secrets. The novel follows three storylines: In 1921, Opaline defies societal norms by escaping a forced marriage and finding refuge at a bookstore in Paris. In the present, Martha rebuilds her life after fleeing an abusive marriage, and Henry searches for a missing manuscript tied to the enigmatic bookshop. At its heart, the story centers on a hidden bookshop that transcends time and space, offering solace and second chances. Woods’ vivid descriptions bring the settings to life, from Dublin to Paris, and the bookshop itself, with its dusty […]
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A Life of Courage in the Shadow of Evil
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy isn’t just a biography—it’s an incredible story of a man who stood for truth and justice in the darkest of times. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian, joined the Confessing Church and even took part in the Valkyrie plot to assassinate Hitler. His bravery cost him his life, but his legacy is unforgettable. Eric Metaxas does a great job showing both sides of Bonhoeffer’s life—the pastor and the spy. Using personal letters, journal entries, and other documents, the book brings Bonhoeffer’s choices and struggles to life. His decision to leave the safety of America to return to Nazi Germany especially struck me. What stuck with me […]
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A Sweet Lesson in Appreciation for Young Readers
We Are All Flowers by Orlaith O’Sullivan introduces kids to the gentle art of “flower-watering,” a mindfulness practice rooted in Zen teachings that encourages appreciating the good qualities in others and ourselves. With its rhyming text and whimsical illustrations, the book delivers a lovely message about kindness, self-esteem, and connection. The concept of “flower-watering” is beautiful—showing children how recognizing others’ strengths can brighten everyone’s day, while also encouraging self-reflection and self-care. The mindfulness tie-in makes it an enriching read, especially for families exploring emotional intelligence or Zen practices. However, the rhyming meter felt awkward, making it tricky to read aloud smoothly. When I shared the book with my grandchildren, I […]
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Beyond the Headlines Review
Beyond the Headlines takes readers into the fast-paced world of investigative journalism, following veteran reporter Clare Carlson as she tackles the murder case of billionaire Charles Hollister. The story’s premise is captivating, weaving together themes of celebrity, domestic abuse, and a decades-old mystery tied to the Vietnam War. The author’s newsroom expertise is evident, providing an authentic glimpse into the relentless pressures of breaking news. The novel kicks off with an emotional jailhouse interview with Laurie Bateman, a former supermodel and actress accused of killing her husband. As Clare digs deeper, the case becomes more tangled, spanning multiple murders and unsettling family secrets. While the plot promises suspense, the execution […]
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Revenge and Redemption in Ancient Egypt
Wilbur Smith, the legendary master of historical adventure, immerses readers in ancient Egypt with The New Kingdom. Known for his vivid storytelling, Smith’s novels span continents and eras, and this book certainly adds to his impressive legacy. Hui, a young scribe, sees his life shattered when betrayal and murder tear his family apart. Cast out by a conniving stepmother and brother, Hui’s journey takes him from the comforts of Lahun to the harsh realities of exile. Along the way, he joins the Hyksos—a formidable army of outlaws—and transforms into a fierce warrior. His quest for vengeance becomes intertwined with the fate of Egypt itself, as gods and mortals collide in […]
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Picture Book Review: Women in Medicine
Women in Medicine, the fifth book in the “Science Wide Open” series, introduces young readers to the incredible contributions of women in the medical field, including Dr. Helen Taussig, Dr. Gerty Cori, and Florence Nightingale. The book’s premise is engaging—a curious young girl asks questions that spark a journey through several careers in medicine. It aims to inspire kids, especially girls, to explore science. The vibrant illustrations by Danielle Pioli are a highlight. They bring the concepts to life and make the historical and medical details accessible. However, medicine is a vast field, and while the author touches on a range of topics—from surgery to disease treatment—the breadth ends up […]
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Sisters in the Shadows: A Review of Daughters of War
Daughters of War was an emotional and gripping experience. Historical detail saturates the story, vividly portraying the dangers and harsh realities of wartime France. I asked, “Would I be as brave as these three sisters in the face of such adversity?” My honest answer? Probably not. Set in the small village of Dordogne in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, this novel introduces us to three sisters—Hélène, Élise, and Florence—who each grapple with the weight of war in unique ways. Hélène, the eldest, shoulders the heavy burden of keeping her family safe, often at great personal cost. Élise, headstrong and rebellious, risks everything by aiding the Resistance, while Florence, the […]
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Love, War, and Legacy: A Journey Through the Castle Keepers
Collaborative novels like The Castle Keepers are on trend for good reason—they bring fresh perspectives and layered storytelling. Written by Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan, this book weaves three tales of love, war, and resilience. While the concept is solid, it didn’t wow me. Set during the Gilded Age, the Great War, and post-WWII, the stories follow three women navigating societal constraints and class divisions. The setting—a castle overshadowed by a family curse—adds an air of mystery that unites the narratives. The novel shines with its strong female characters, rich historical detail, and intriguing themes. The first two novellas stood out: Beatrice’s rise from scandal in “The […]
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