Book Review: Day

Day is written with sections including Morning, Afternoon and Evening. Each one is on the date April 5^th. It is the same day, but not the same year. Morning is in 2019, Afternoon is in 2020 and Evening is 2021.

Each segment of the book has the characters evolving in their lives. Morning introduces the characters, blatantly showing all of their flaws. The pains and sorrows of lost chances as well as fleeting time seems first and foremost during the afternoon. Evening brings hope that even though life was nothing like the characters thought it would be, things are seemingly going to work out to each of their satisfactions. The growth of the characters, both children and adults, are much happier than they have been in the past. Throughout the book they are evolving to feel comfortable in where their life choices are taking them, instead of questioning what others may think.

This literary fiction was not a cheerful romp. Dealing with life choices, the characters often seem uncomfortable in their own skin. It makes the reader contemplate the outcome well before Evening arrives. Perhaps that is the intention of the author, whose writing will captivate the readers, wondering how the lives of the characters will turn out.

Day is an interesting book, but in no means a happy go lucky read. That isn’t a bad thing, but part way though the story, I would have liked to have a glimmer of hope for the characters, especially the children. Most likely it is closer to real life than most works of fiction, but as a reader, it made me sad to see how unhappy the characters were in their lives.

This is the first book I’ve read by the Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Cunningham. His accolades include the author of many novels, both fiction and nonfiction. His work has been published in The New Yorker and The Best American Stories. His accolades include wining the PEN/
Faulkner Award and the Pulitzer Prize. Currently living in New York City, he is a senior lecturer at Yale University

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2024 Laura Hartman

Book Review: Zeus: Water Rescue: Dogs with a Purpose

By W. Bruce Cameron

Zeus is a happy Labrador puppy, playing with his litter mates and his human family keeps him busy all day. Until one by one his litter mates were taken by people to their forever homes. Only Zeus and Troy were left. Finally, Marco Ricci, a paramedic and member of the Oahu Search and Rescue team, came looking for a puppy to train to be a rescue dog. Marco took both dogs home to see if one or both were able to be trained in search and rescue. He planned to sell the dog he trained at auction later in the year. So along with Marco and his dog Bear, training began. Sadly, Troy was not meant to be a rescue dog, but Zeus excelled in his training.

Not only was Zeus a happy and smart puppy, he immediately fell in love with Marco’s teenage son, Kimo, who adored Zeus from the moment they met. Marco agrees to allow Kimo to help train Zeus. But sadly, Kimo has to give up Zeus when his training finished because the sale of Zeus would bring in much needed cash for the family.

Everyday Kimo and Zeus become closer. The boy and his dog work well together, but Marco keeps reminding his son that Zeus is going to be sold at auction. Despite this cautionary reminder, the teen and puppy become inseparable. Kimo decides to sabotage Zeus’ training, but his plan backfires. Grudgingly, he realizes becoming a water rescue dog is Zeus’ destiny. Kimo is determined to train his dog and make him the best he can be.

I was in love with Zeus from the first pages. He is definitely the star of this book and doesn’t let his readers down. It is a love story that is full of action with a satisfying end. Classified as a young adult book, adults, especially dog lovers, will enjoy it immensely. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in his series.

W. Bruce Cameron was named Columnist of the Year by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists in 2011. His A Dog’s Purpose Series is New York Times best-selling list as well as his book, 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the publicist and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2023 Laura Hartman

Book Review: On The Rails

The Adventures of Boxcar Bertie

By Rosemary and Larry Mild

Times are tough for everyone in the United States in 1936. Bertie Patchet is no exception. She recently graduated earning her teaching certificate and is excited to have a possible job as soon as the next school year starts. She has contacted the school in her hometown and was thrilled to find out that possibly a teacher would be needed in September. Her homecoming was tainted by the fact that her mother is an alcoholic and her stepfather attempts to sexually assault her the day she arrives.

Bertie realizes she has to get away from the unhealthy environment she has come home to. Without much cash or a plan other than arriving back to her hometown to begin work in the fall, she must face the reality of her position. Where will she go and what can she do? Wandering aimlessly, she comes upon the railroad tracks. Slipping near an open boxcar, she realizes this may be her ticket out of her situation.

Riding the rails is not easy, especially for a woman. She realizes this and for her safety she tucks her hair up under a cap and becomes Bert. So begins her adventure and danger on the rails. She soon learns that it is difficult to be safe, warm or fed. There are many roadblocks and surprisingly many new friends and adventures to be lived while riding the rails. But Bertie always has the plan in the back of her mind to return to her home town in the fall and fulfill her dreams of becoming a teacher.

I loved this book. The characters are interesting and realistic. The idea of riding the rails as stowaways is not romanticized. Life is hard for the characters, bringing the ring of truth to their struggles that many before have made. Conversely, there are good times and generous people they meet along their journey easing their load with the acts of kindness.

Rosemary and Larry Mild are the dynamic duo of writing. I have read several of their books, enjoying each and every one. It would be hard for me to choose a favorite of theirs, but Boxcar Bertie is vying for first place in my head. Each of these amazing authors have published solo books as well as together.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the publicist, Maryglenn M. Warnock and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2023 Laura Hartman

Book Review: Hiss Me Deadly (A Cat in the Stacks Mystery #15)

By Miranda James

When an Oscar nominated singer/songwriter Wil Threadgill decides to return to his tiny home town to share his craft and knowledge with the music students at the college. Everyone is excited. Except of course, the one person that has enough pent-up anger to kill him.

His arrival has everyone in a dither, with the exception of Charlie and his partner in amateur sleuthing Diesel, his Main Coon cat. Charlie barely remembers Wil, who had a band with a group of locals before he fled to California seemingly overnight. The other band members were left trying to keep things together, but couldn’t make it without Wil.

When Charlie is asked to escort Wil and help him while he is in town, he reluctantly agrees. Little did he know that someone would attempt murdering Wil and accidently kill one of his former band members. But was it really an attempted murder or just an accident? Tempers flair as several other attempts to hurt or kill the other band members that came with Wil. The police are baffled, but remain vigilant. Charlie and Diesel are on the trail. Having solved murders before, they just could not stand by as attempts to harm Wil and his band were ramping up.

This is the fifteenth book starring Charlie and Diesel as a crimefighting duo. It is the first one I have read, but I now have the previous 14 on my to be read list. The interesting characters and engaging plot make this cozy mystery a fast and fun read. I highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys cozy mysteries. It is very well written and keeps readers guessing until the last pages.

Miranda James is one of the pseudonyms for prolific writer Dean James. He has led an interestingly diverse life. He grew up on a farm, and then went on to earn his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees as well as an M. S. in library science. His first book, By a Woman’s Hand, won an Agatha Award for Best Mystery Non-Fiction. He writes under several pen names, most notably Jimmie Ruth Evans and Honor Hartman.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the publicist and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2023 Laura Hartman

Book Review: Mia’s Odyssey – Taking Back My Soul

A Memoir by Mia Odeh with Mike Ball

Born in Palestine, Mia lived in a country that was vastly different from the United States. At fifteen her parents struck a deal with a much older man, planning to make her his wife. Her father owned a store and was very kind to Mia. Her mother didn’t really pay much attention to her. In fact, her mother was quite brutal to her, leaving her care to one of her older sisters.

Even though her soon to be husband, Fayed was twice her age, Mia’s mother didn’t care that Fayed was going to take Mia to the United States as he had an engineering job in Arizona lined up. On her wedding night, her new husband made it known that she was there for his enjoyment. Thus began the nightmare of spousal rape that would not stop for years.

Mia loved being a mother, but feared for her children as Fayed took out his anger on her as well as the children if they so much as breathed the wrong way. Her culture demanded submission to whatever her husband said or did. But slowly she began to plan her escape. Mia feared more for her children than herself and would do anything to keep them safe. With no friends, no family except her own children and abusive husband, she slowly began to take her life back. But how long would it take? Will her husband kill her before she makes her escape?

It is difficult to read of Mia’s abuse, but by telling her story with brutal honesty, it opens the eyes of readers to her triumph over tyranny. Because it is non-fiction, I felt it was much more heart breaking than any novel can come close to. I highly recommend it, but full discloser, there is graphic violence as well as spousal rape, so it may be disturbing to some readers. But it was also a book of hope. Many women are abused, and hopefully Mia’s story will give them the courage to seek help.

If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, please contact National Domestic Violence Hotline Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish and 200+ through interpretation service 

800-799-7233

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from publicist Scott Lorenz and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2023 Laura Hartman

Book Review: French Braid – Must Read Fiction

French Braid

By Ann Tyler

The main character in French Braid is the family as a whole. Each person and personality become a working part in the lives of each of the other family members. Robin and Mercy wed and remained together in spirit their entire lives. Their children are vastly different and don’t always get along with their parents, but do respect and love them. While their interactions are few once they grow up, they do communicate and get together for important events.

Robin and Mercy’s three children, two girls and a boy, grew up and out of the house, having problems and families of their own. Their grandchildren are closer to Robin and Mercy than their children have been. Perhaps the grandparents are seeking the joy they missed while parenting them, not noticing how far apart the family has become until the reality of grandchildren jars them into the present. The author appropriately writes: “Oh, the lengths this family would go to so as not to spoil the picture of how things were supposed to be”. Who really knows what goes on behind closed doors?

I loved this novel. It quietly moved on over the lifespan of the characters, just like real life. One day we are young and all too soon we grow old – it is what happens in between that the author writes of. As in all families, there are joys and sorrows. There are choices made that ended badly, but some of them worked out just fine. But no matter what happens, the characters, like most people, are lucky enough to be able to love, share and help their families.

Anne Tyler is the acclaimed author of many works of fiction. I have read some, but not all of her books. All that I have read, I have enjoyed, especially French Braid. I highly recommend reading this magnificent work of fiction. Her style of writing is like talking to a dear friend. Not to mention gems throughout the story such as, “…Greta slept peacefully, her breathing as soft as flour sifting…”.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the Author and Netgalley and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2022 Laura Hartman

Book Review: A Delightful Story for All Seasons

A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale

By Karen Schaler

Kaylie is an investigative reporter, exposing scams to forewarn consumers. Moving to New York, she landed a job with a major network, finally feeling at home. When her boss calls her into his office, she is sure it was about a promotion and a new series, featuring her helping others that are scammed. She is wrong. The station was sold and she no longer has a job. Later that night, her now former boss has a tip on a new job for her. She will have to leave for a small country in Eastern Europe the next day to follow a story about Christmas Traditions. The small country of Tolvania is beautiful, but she is not convinced she can write about Christmas. Since becoming a reporter, she hasn’t had time for the holidays. She hasn’t celebrated Christmas or seen her family for a long time.

She makes a snap decision to go. Upon her arrival, her driver brings her to a beautiful castle. She thinks it is a joke, but much to her surprise she is going to stay there with the Royal family. The Queen and young princess are delightful. The prince is another story. They have not celebrated Christmas since the untimely death of his wife. He is determined to keep everything Christmas out of the castle. Sadly, the little princess longs for the Christmases of the past. Her father loves her but has distanced himself since his loss. To make matters much worse, he hates reporters. They have been banned from Tolvania, and the idea of letting one stay in the castle is beyond comprehension. But the Queen feels differently. She welcomes Kaylie with the hopes of a positive change in her son’s Christmas spirit.

Can the love of a little princess and the magic of Christmas warm the cold heart of the prince enough to start living again? Will the reporter fail the family by reporting perceived scandalous stories?

This delightful cozy mystery is perfect. The setting, the characters and the plot will bring laughter and perhaps a tear to your eye. Anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery will love this book as well as the others from this author.

As I was reading this charming book, it reminded me of the Hallmark Christmas movies I love to watch. To my delight, when I researched Karen Schaler, the author, I found she is the award-winning screenwriter of several original Christmas movies for Netflix, Hallmark and Lifetime. She is also a journalist and national TV host. This amazing author keeps wowing me and her other fans. A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale is one of my favorites. I highly recommend it.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the Author and Netgalley and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2022 Laura Hartman

Book Review: Black Cake – Amazing Debut Novel

by Charmaine Wilkerson

Benedetta (Benny) and her brother Byron used to be inseparable, but have grown apart after a blow out Benny and her parents had on Thanksgiving Day. She was more hurt than angry, but didn’t know how to fix the rift or if she wanted to. Sadly, it became a wall between her and her family. Eventually she mellowed, but it was too late. Her father died and her mother, Eleanor, became very ill, then succumbed to her illness before Benny came back home. Her mother’s dying words are in a message to her children. The lawyer has strict instructions for the siblings. They are to listen to an audio file their mother prepared for them and eat the black cake she has left for them in the freezer. They must do this together.

Their mother’s words remind them that black cake is a family tradition. It was served for all special occasions, and had been for as long as she (and her children) could remember. She made it on the small island she grew up on, celebrating holidays and special occasions even when they had scarcely enough food to survive. She shared the tradition with her children.

As the siblings listen to their mother’s words, they find that their parents held many secrets. How could they not have known the hardships and dangers their successful parents weathered? Eleanor’s final confessions about all of her past is pinned to the hopes that her children will reconcile. All three of them.

This book is an emotional ride of family, betrayal, secrets and lies. It is also a heartwarming story of love, forgiveness and the survival against all odds. The characters are fully developed and interesting. Some are scary, others make very bad choices leading to disaster. As we listen to Eleanor’s story, it is impossible to forget her courage, strength and determination. She is one of the strongest characters I have read about in a long time. I highly recommend this book.

Black Cake is author Charmaine Wilkerson’s debut novel. Her words and characters will not be forgotten on the last pages, they will pop up in your thoughts and you’ll share them with fellow readers. I daresay it is destined to be one of my favorite books of all time, and hopefully yours. I’m impatiently waiting for Ms. Wilkerson’s next novel.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the Author and Netgalley and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2022 Laura Hartman

Book Review: Hello, Transcriber – Must Read Debut Suspense

By Hannah Morrissey

Black Harbor is a crime riddled city that people run away from, not to. Hazel Greenlee has moved there with her husband Tommy, because he found a job there. He hunts for their food and seems overly fond of the guns he keeps around the house. Hazel has aspirations to be an author. She finds a job as a transcriber for the local police force, giving her fodder for the book she is writing.

Hazel is an amazing typist, and doesn’t mind working the night shift. When a young boy is killed during her shift, things change drastically for her. She might know who the killer is, but cannot tell anyone. The detective in charge, Nikolai Kole, sends his report to Hazel. With his voice talking in her ear, she transcribes the events, fearing her involvement by withholding evidence, yet intrigued by the sound of Kole’s voice.

Strangely enough, Kole visits her during the long night. This is the beginning of something between them that is more than inappropriate. Hazel fears her attraction will be discovered by her husband. She also fears the repercussions for not sharing her suspicions about the killer with Kole.

This deliciously dark suspense novel is full of twists and turns. The characters are fully developed and most of them have their own agenda that will stop at nothing to attain their goals.

Hello, Transcriber is Hannah Morrissey’s debut novel. Her previous job as a police transcriber and being the wife of a police officer, brings first-hand knowledge to creating her characters. I highly recommend this fast-paced suspense novel. I cannot wait to see what she writes in the future.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2021 Laura Hartman

Book Review: Recipe for Disaster – Must Read Middle Grade Fiction – Even If You Are an Adult

Recipe for Disaster
by Aimee Lucido

Twelve-year-old Hannah Malfa-Adler has been cooking with her Grandma Mimi for as long as she can remember. Life is getting more complicated for Hannah now that she is twelve. Her best friend, Shira is studying for her bat mitzvah. While Hannah is excited for her bestie, she is a little bit jealous. Grandma Mimi is Jewish, which makes her mother Jewish – thereby Hannah is as well. But is Hannah really Jewish if she doesn’t practice her religion? In their house the only person that practices Judaism is Grandma.

Everything was going along well, until Shira made a decision at her bat mitzvah party to dance with a boy she liked instead of the “best friend dance” she and Hannah discussed for weeks before the event. Hurt and jealous, Hannah proclaims she will be having the next bat mitzvah to her friends. Which is pretty unlikely because her mother refuses to have any association with her Jewish heritage. Grandma has a plan that may help Hannah, but is a secret until the time is right to tell Hannah’s mom.

Hannah’s teenage angst is portrayed beautifully. She is in turmoil in many aspects of her life. Religion, losing her best friend, finding a new friend that is edgy and the relationship with her parents all factor into her actions and thoughts. Her family isn’t the best support system at this very moment. First of all, her older brother wants to become a chef, much to the disdain of their father. The tension in their home is buffered with Grandma’s wise advice and delicious family recipes (which are included in the book).

This book is teenage reality wrapped in love. Middle school is not easy. Author Aimee Lucido does not sugar coat the situations Hannah finds herself in the middle of. But Lucido leads readers on a path that shows family and friends will disagree, but things will work out. Sometimes with surprising results.

This is the first book I have read by Aimee Lucido. It is the second book she has written, the first being Emmy In The Key of Code. I look forward to reading it as well as others she will write in the future. She just might be the Beverly Cleary of this generation.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2021 Laura Hartman