I loved this story that featured two complicated main characters, unlovable most of the time but had their redeeming selfless moments. Addie, our main character, makes a deal with ‘the devil,’ Luc. The agreement is immortality without any lasting relationships, romantic or otherwise, as nobody remembers Addie. This is not precisely what Addie had in mind, and she lives a difficult 300 years and has a tumultuous relationship with Luc. This is Addie’s life until she meets Henry, a character I sincerely pitied (I won’t go into this). I loved reading about their relationship and what Henry brings to Addie’s life. Indeed a ✨magical story✨, and I look forward to reading more by the author.              Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Definitely Recommend            Author Page:  VE Schwab    

This is the story of three women in 1950s London. Evie, Grace, and Vivien have unique backgrounds and work together at a historically male-dominated bookstore, Bloomsbury Books. In the novel, Jenner tells us of the trials and tribulations of the three women making their way in an ever-changing world post World War II. It is interesting to read about the interactions between the three women and their colleagues at Bloomsbury, their growing relationships, and the changes made at Bloomsbury Books due to their employment. The story was medium-paced and enjoyable for those interested in the post-war period. I loved the character building and the descriptions. Thank you, Net Galley, for the opportunity to read. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Recommended Author Page:  Natalie Jenner

I selected this book because of my love for the national parks and my interest in learning more about their history. Megan Kate Nelson does not disappoint in her telling of Yellowstone's history. The book covers the Lakota and other tribal homelands, the surveyors, the notion of Manifest Destiny, and how the period of Reconstruction and politics played a role in the formation of Yellowstone. Also of significance is the era of history when efforts were made to preserve Yellowstone's natural beauty and wonder. The pacing was well done, and the book was not just a tome of facts but a connection of different histories and how they affected one another. I would recommend it to those that would like to learn more about the preservation of nature and the history of indigenous lands. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly Recommended Author Page:  Megan Kate Nelson

There are so many biographies that I have enjoyed featuring women in history. Here's a short, a really short, list of a few of my favorite biographies.  

  This is a story of mothers and daughters, estrangement and healing. The story centers around Jessica Russo who is called to Miami to meet her maternal grandmother, whom she has never met and her mother has kept this side of her family very private. Curious to learn more about her mother's side of the family, Jessica travels to Miami and bonds with her grandmother, Carmen and her maternal family. She learns a little about her Cuban heritage and the reason for the family estrangement. Jessica returns home to Brooklyn and shares her experiences with her parents. Eventually, this estranged family will reunite and there is a happy ending, one focused on leaving the past in the past, forgiveness, and moving forward. I requested this book from Net Galley as I really enjoy historical fiction. I was actually disappointed to not learn more about Jessica's Cuban heritage. The story really focuses more on the relationships between mothers and daughters, which was not badly done but it wa...

"The world was filled with ghosts. We were a haunted country in a haunted world." "You can't get over things you did to other people as easily as the things they did to you." This is (so far) my favorite book by Louise Erdrich. The story centers around Tookie, a bookstore clerk, that is being haunted by a former customer, Flora. Throughout the story, Tookie tries to solve the mystery of the haunting (which is a fascinating and intricate story) while dealing with the horrible events of 2020. The Sentence is a poignant title as it refers to the sentence that Tookie serves in prison, sentences that we place upon ourselves, and the sentences imprinted in the books, which were a saving grace for Tookie.   I loved the character building, the relationships between the characters, and the insight into indigenous history. This is one of those novels that one should revisit as a reference to the 2020s and how the period impacted society, especially the indigenous people ...