Since I wasn’t able to read as much as I had planned/wanted for the beginning of January, I feel like I’m already behind on my count! BUT - it’s not about the quantity, but the quality, right? And even more so, I think it’s about the enjoyment - and I did enjoy these, so it’s a win!
Earth's the Right Place for Love by Elizabeth Berg
When Arthur becomes friends with the prettiest girl in class, he’s over the moon. The only problem is: He wants to be more than just friends. As the “prequel” to Elizabeth Berg’s other Arthur Truluv books, we get to learn how Arthur’s life growing up in Mason shapes the perspectives that will stay with him his whole life. Although I always enjoy Berg’s books, I wasn’t so sure I wanted to read this one…I mean, come on! Another book about this town and these people? But I was wrong. It caught me hook, line, and sinker and I very much enjoyed it. Not a very long book, but one that left me with a smile on my face for sure.
Special Note: Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
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What Have We Done by Alex Finlay
Young teens who experience a shared bond in a group home each grow up to find moderate success in life. Now, as adults, one of them is killed, and the others begin to be blackmailed, they gather together once again to get to the bottom of things. Told in multiple POVs, I found this to be an interesting book and I definitely looked forward to picking it up at the end of the day, but there wasn’t anything necessarily “new” about the book. I feel like there are many books out there that are similar to this, so I was really looking forward to that twist or turn that would make this one special, but it never really came. Still a good page turner---excellent vacation book for when you want to just escape for a little while.
Special Note: Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
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The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
It’s Kentucky during the Great Depression, and Cussy Mary has gotten herself a job as a packhorse librarian. Now that her mother has passed away, it’s just her taking care of her Pa, which isn’t easy since he’s dealing with lung issues from working in the coal mine. Then there’s the fact that they are poor, hungry, and…blue. Yes, Cussy Mary and her father have blue skin---and the color only deepens during times of stress or high emotion. Not exactly an asset to have, given the already high racial tensions of the times. A fictional account of the true story of the Kentucky “blues,” I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book, especially since I found the beginning of it to be fairly sad and a bit depressing. But it held my interest, so I kept going and I’m so glad I did! One of the best books I’ve read in a while---and now I’m eager to the sequel. I highly recommend!
