Secrets of Willow House: A heartwarming and uplifting page turner set in Ireland (Sandy Cove Book 1) —by Susanne O’Leary

 Fiction / Feel Good

Bookouture

March 25, 2019

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07ML46CWK

1845 KB

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1786818531

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1786818539

306 pages

5 Stars

 

This is meant as a compliment, truly it is. I’ve been missing Maeve Binchy and this book reminds me of her writing and stories. Not an adrenaline gusher, but a nice story of (mostly) nice people. It is predictable, but it is pleasantly so. The world is in such turmoil right now, it’s a delight to read something that you know will turn out alright, instead of the gloom & doom of news.

 

To be sure, this is Brain Candy, but it great fun, and we all need some calorie-sweetness in our lives now and again. So, pour a cuppa tea, heat a scone, and enjoy while you read.

The House at Mermaid's Cove --by Lindsay Jayne Ashford

 Fiction / Historical (WWII)

Lake Union Publishing

August 11, 2929

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07ZJ2Y3FG

5615 KB

Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 154200635X

287 pages

5 Stars

 

I borrowed this book with my Prime Reading membership. Not real sure what I expected, but Boy Howdy, was I pleasantly surprised. This book has it all—a nunnery, a spy, a resistance fighter, a widower, a want-to-be-ex-nun. Romance, obstacle, war. It’s all here, and masterfully told. The story mostly follows the people involved, not the blood and guts of war. If you like historical novels, a good love story, I think you might want to try The House at Mermaid’s Cove. It’s delightful.

Kill Three Birds: A Kingdom of Aves Mystery-- by Nicole Givens Kurtz

 Fiction / Fantasy / murder mystery / first in series

Mocha Memoirs Press

July 20, 2020

ASIN :   B089S8QHDT

1611 KB

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0984004238

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0984004232

200 pages

5 Stars 

 

I love new worlds with different people, customs, etc. Believe me, this book is a whole new galaxy. The characters are developed, believable, and interesting. There are a few glitches, but very few, and I suspect it’s where something was cut/pasted and the tense change got lost. Nothing big. And the world is so much fun, one can easily gloss over those areas.

 

The humans are birds, and at least some can fly. Our protagonist is the Hawk Tasifa. Hawks are detectives because they can see the unseen. And like any kind of “magic” there is a price to pay. Doves are the priests. There are insiders and outsiders, and it is very logical to the story who is which.

 

Kurtz has finely developed this world down to inhabitants, currency, certain phrases. I had no trouble suspending my disbelief and entering her world. In fact, it was a tad jarring to put the book down and return to my own mundane existence.

 

If you like world building, read this book. I suppose if you’re a mystery aficionado the mystery may not be all that great, but I try not to figure them out, as I like to be surprised by who dunnit. A great book.

A Trifle Dead (Cafe La Femme Mysteries, Book 1)-- by Livia Day

 Fiction / Cozy / Tasmania

Deadlines

November 22, 2013

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00D09W7P4

3184 KB

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0987216295

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0987216298

370 pages

5 Stars

 

Started this book a day before leaving on a journey. Since I was driving, I couldn’t read until I got to my destination. Trust me, it just isn’t couth to arrive at a friend’s and shut yourself away to finish reading a novel. I really wanted to, but I was a good visitor.

 

Don’t think I’ve ever read a book with Tasmania as the background. That was fun, and the characters were great fun. I’m enthralled with Day’s ability to write the Scottish brogue the way she does. Not too often, and not too much, but just right. Thanks to this book, I am now homesick for a place I’ve never been!

 

The characters are all believable, and for the most part, downright likeable. Even the bad guy was likeable, until we figured out who he really was. They were also each their own person. Loved the gal who makes adult cakes and cookies, the Scot, the cops. Even the landlord. And Hobart is like I imagine a small city or a large town. Everyone knows everyone. 

 

But, the biggest thrill came after The End. She has recipes! Real recipes. And they look mahvelous, dahling. Simply mahvelous!

 

For a fun read, and recipes, too, buy this book. It will feed your soul as well as your body. 

Daughter of the Moon Goddess (Celestial Kingdom Book 1) --- by Sue Lynn Tan

 Fiction / Fantasy / Historical Chinese Fiction / Asian Myth & Legend eBooks

Harper Voyager

January 11, 2022

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09292T7S9

5959 KB eBook

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0063031302

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0063031302

512 pages Hardback

5 Stars

 

I started reading this book as my bedtime read. I want good stores that draw me in, and don’t give me nightmares. This book was perfect, until yesterday. Yesterday, I had to sit and finish it. I could not put it down until I knew how it ended.

 

I loved the set-up, the characters, well, not so much the despicable ones. A debut novel that I could get totally lost in, leave my reality for a totally new one which is why I read fiction. It’s an adventure story, a love story of the best kind. I can hardly wait until Heart of the Sun Warrior: Celestial Kingdom,  is available.

 

Sue Lynn Tan is an author I shall put on my shelf next to my other favorite authors, Anne Bishop and Patricia Briggs. Ms Tan deserves that shelf.

 

The Day I Die, the Untold Story of Assisted Dying in America —by Anita Hannig

 Nonfiction / Death and Dying / Doctor Assisted Dying 

Sourcebooks

2022

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1728244919

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1728244914

320 pages

Hardcover

$23.20

5 Stars

 

 

I was 19 years old in 1972 when I watched “An Inalienable Right to Die.” It was the ninth episode of the fourth season of The Bold Ones: The New Doctors tv series. I have been a proponent of the individual right to die since then. Not just the right to die, but if wanted, medical assistance. (I am assuming here that those who want to die have non psychiatric reasons for doing so—medical conditions and face a drawn-out, prolonged, frightful, painful end if left to nature. Or god.)

 

I have read, through the years, several books on death and dying, from Dr. Sherwin Nuland’s, How We Die: Reflections on Life’s Final Chapter to Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, and several in between. 

 

Death is something all persons born of woman will go through. If you are one who believes people should suffer as they die for atonement purposes, this may not be the book for you. But if you or a loved one are facing death, and you, or they, wish to be in control without making a bloody mess with a shotgun in the basement, then read this book.

 

Ms. Hannig is a trained anthropologist, and spent time living in Oregon, researched their right to die laws and spent a great deal of time in both Oregon and Washington interviewing people who wanted to, and were preparing to, Die with Dignity. She attended several deaths, with permission, and interviewed survivors. She has compassion and empathy for both sides of the story. Her writing is accessible, gentle, sensitive, and informative.

 

I believe the art of dying should be part of the required curriculum in Medical Schools. Doctors want to keep us alive at all costs, when in fact, many people would prefer a good death. Why be forced to stay alive in a drug induced state when one is not able to function? Why not be able to have friends and family around you for a last party, drink your cocktail, go to sleep while they sing you out? Or at least let you know they love you, hug you, and give permission. 

 

Buy two copies of this book. One for you, and one for your doctor! The more you know, the less frightening it will be. 

Reviews of related books I've read and reviewed:

Dying Well – Peace and Possibilities at the End of Life – Ira Byock, M.D.

 

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End –by Atul Gawande