Summer Reading Celebration

The Western Wind carries the changes that the Renaissance and Age of Enlightenment will bring to 15th century England through the microcosm of a small, backwater town called Oakham. The story unfolds in reverse, beginning with the last day and ending with the first which makes for a thought provoking premise from the start. But soon you realize that the narrator isn’t entirely reliable and as the storyteller he attempts to put himself in the best light. It’s a mystery but not a typical whodunnit. The small focus questions center on is it murder, a suicide, or an accident? The bigger questions grapple with the nature of sin and forgiveness, the perceived need for an intercessor between humans and God, the role of art and music in religious experiences. The motivations of the characters are as real as yours and your neighbor’s. There is much to chew on here.

Heart of Darkness was a fantastic read. It told of a thrilling adventure and depicted the main character, Marlow, as brave, but not faultless. The story had many ups and downs, I never knew what was going to happen next!

Yeah.....not for me. Especially because I really am interested in the history of the place.

Pleasant read of historical fiction set in Ireland in the 1920's during the Irish war for independence from England. The story involves the daughter of the English overseer who has been sent to the area to keep things in check. In an unprecedented move, her father allies her to apprentice at an Irish owned jewelry shop. The owners son is dead st against it because of who she is. While the story feels predictable, the history is well researched. The writing lacks the depth of best sellers, but it was a pleasant enough read.

4.75 stars. I loved this book! Emma and Justin have my heart!

An incredible story of survival against all odds. Watched the movie after reading the book and of course, the book is sooo much better. This is a must read!

The fascinating Hildegard was a composer, seer, nun, and spiritual leader in the 1100s, in Germany. In this historical fiction account of her life the “illuminations” referred to are less about her mystical visions and more about her personal enlightenment and growth. It is about her growth in understanding people, connections, relationships. She grows to understand that some can help and enrich the world and others hinder and harm. Hildegard’s naivety evolves through experience to wisdom. Though her life was nothing like ours, her wants, needs, and desires are as real as yours or mine. Read this book to learn what it is to be a woman ahead of her time.

Quick, cute, interesting to a fault.

4.5 stars. I loved this book! Emerson and Maverick have my heart! Can’t wait for Hudson’s book.

I liked it in general but Olivia wasn't my favorite protagonist so I was just a bit more out of the book than normal