In the Realm of Ash and Sorrow by Kenneth W. Harmon ~ a Review

by MK French

Micah Lund dies during a mission over Hiroshima, and his spirit follows a young widow and her daughter. Watching over Kyomi and Ai gives him more understanding of the people he had thought were the enemy, and he feels guilty about his part in the war. He can interact with them in dreams and now needs to warn them about the upcoming bombings.

Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table, Book Two, by Carole Bumpus ~ a Review

by MK French

Carole and her guide Josiane continue their culinary tour of France in this second volume. Going north from Paris, they explore different regions of France. Collecting tales from the people as well as recipes along the way, Carole describes local festivals, the towns, and the legacy of World War I and World War II on the regions, even seventy-five years later.

With or Without You by Caroline Leavitt ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

I discovered Caroline Leavitt several years ago when I read Is This Tomorrow (read my review). I haven't picked up any of her books in the intervening years, but I always remember that it was a profound read. When I saw With or Without You at NetGalley, I decided it was time to add more Leavitt to my reading. I was not disappointed.

Bronte's Mistress by Finola Austin ~ a Review

by MK French

Lydia Robinson lost her daughter and mother within the same year and lives a bleak existence at Thorp Green Hall in Yorkshire. She hires Branwell Brontë, brother of her daughters’ governess, Miss Anne Brontë. Branwell is twenty-five to Lydia's forty-three and tries to live up to the expectations of his famous literary family. He is emotionally volatile and dangerous, and their relationship is soon gossiped about.

3 Books for Fans of Psychological Suspense

by Susan Roberts

I enjoy reading suspense novels especially since they bring some excitement to my 'shelter in place'  life.  Here are three suspense novels that I read during my time at home.

The Historian - and more about audiobooks

by Alison DeLuca

After listening to Jonathon Strange and Mr. Norrell from Audible, I queued up The Historian by Elisabeth Kostova. Like Strange and Norrell, it's another long filled promising hours of storytelling. 

We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

The 1939 World's Fair in New York City:

"Tens of millions of attendees from near and far are expected to descend upon the far this summer to tour its international pavilions, observe it's art installations, be awed by its technological inventions, behold it's architectural spectacles, enjoy its vast amusements." (loc 27)

I hereby dedicate the World's Fair, the New York World's Fair of 1939. And I declare it open to all mankind".

-President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, April 30, 1939

Cry of Metal and Bone by L. Penelope ~ a Review

by MK French

Following the fall of the Mantle, Lagrimari flee to Elsira. A group with ties to the Elsiran government starts launching attacks, so a team has to investigate them. Disgraced socialite Lizvette Nirale and smuggler Tai Summerhawk must team up to look into deadly magic, secret agendas, and court intrigue to discover the truth.

Virtual Event with Mary Kay Andrews

by Donna Huber

Many authors are doing virtual events these days. The alumni association at the university where I work started the "Between the Pages" book club this summer. The books are by alumni and in addition to the book discussion they are also hosting a chat with the author. The book for July was Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews.