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    Reading Wednesday

    Book Review Life & Death & Giants by Ron Rindo

    June 3, 2026
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    This unique story caught me off guard. The story of Gabriel Fisher, an unusually large child (and then man) is told in the voices of multiple narrators, but not his own. Rather, Gabriel’s remarkable life is told from the point of view of the people whose life was most affected by him. Here is my book review Life & Death & Giants by Ron Rindo.

    Rural Wisconsin

    The story is based in rural Lakota Wisconsin, home to a large Amish community. Lakota is also a Midwest town of “English” residents including the local veterinarian, a local bar owner, and a local high school football coach.

    When Veterinarian Tom Kennedy is forced to deliver a baby it is the largest baby Kennedy has ever seen. The size of the child takes the life of the mother, a local Amish women named Rachel who has been shunned from the community due to giving birth out of wedlock. The baby, Gabriel will be raised by his older brother, until the brother unexpectedly takes his own life.

    This is when Josiah and Hannah Fisher, parents of Rachel, will take the child to raise. It is Hannah’s greatest joy to have the child of her beloved daughter in her home.

    Giant

    Gabriel is a giant in body, towering over every other child and adult as he grows. But he is also a giant in heart, athleticism and kindness. Everyone who know Gabriel loves him. He is a star little league player and later a star high school and college football player. Even when a horrific accident ends his football career, Gabriel finds a way.

    Throughout Gabriel’s unique existence he transitions between the Amish life and the English world. He travels widely, finds love and his successful beyond his dreams.

    Back Home

    Hannah Fisher is meanwhile discovering some terrible family secrets that have her questioning her family and her faith and even her marriage. When Gabriel is diagnosed with a brain tumor, he returns home when the community – Amish and English alike -come together to care for him. Gabriel learns some dark secrets about his father, but also embraces the idea that he too is a father. All while dying. In the end, as Gabriel takes his final breaths, a miracle will occur that will make believers find faith again, and make non-believers question everything they think.

    Book Review Life & Death & Giants by Ron Rindo

    A moving yet somewhat strange story of faith, family, secrets and fortune. Rindo creates an eclectic but well crafted collection of characters in this novel while exploring the question of miracles around us.

    Thank you for reading my book review Life & Death & Giants by Ron Rindo. See last week’s book review The Blackthorn Women by Jess Laurey.

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    Reading Wednesday

    Book Review The Blackthorn Women by Jess Lourey

    May 27, 2026
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    Spark Point Studio provided this book to me gratis in exchange for my honest review.  This novel will released to the public May 26, 2026.

    Cursed

    When four generations of women find themselves all returned to the family home in Faith Hills Minnesota, decades of of magic and misunderstandings will manifest. The four strong women, each with their individual story, need to come together to fight the evil lurking.

    Returning Home

    Katrin Blackthorn has been living abroad for more than a decade. She isn’t even sure why? But after she discovers her husband infidelity, Katrin returns to the family Queen Anne mansion to see if and where she still might fit into her strange family.

    The person Katrin is looking forward to seeing the most is her sister Jasmine. They were so close as girls. But Jasmine is haunted by something unknown, and no one can reach her. Not Katrin, not their mother Ursula – known as the town’s brewer of potions, not even their grandmother Velda – the charmer of the women. Something deep and unsettling is hiding in each of these women, and now that Katrin has returned, the curse has too, and with it the snakes.

    The Blackthorn Women

    What is it about The Blackthorn Women, the secrets they keep, the giant Queen Anne mansion and snakes? Each women is a piece of a deep and sinister puzzle, and the unfolding of the truth makes for a gripping and magical story reminiscent of of Practical Magic, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Unmaking of June Farrow.

    Four stars for The Blackthorn Women by Jess Lourey – out in book stores this week. Thanks for reading my book review The Blackthorn Women by Jess Lourey. See last week’s book review The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner here.

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    Reading Wednesday

    Book Review The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

    May 20, 2026
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    Weaving together historical fiction and mystery through dual timelines, this is a story that is both intense and emotionally engaging. Here is my book review The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner.

    London 1791 and Present Day

    Set in 18th-century London and present-day England, the novel follows Nella, a secret apothecary who sells poisons to women seeking justice against harmful men. Our present day protagonists is Caroline, a modern historian who stumbles upon clues to Nella’s past. Penner’s vivid descriptions of the apothecary shop and its hidden world make me think about a movie set in the making, drawing readers into a richly imagined, dangerous world.

    Female Oppression Then and Now

    One of the novel’s strengths lies in its exploration of female agency and the ways women navigate oppression across different eras. Nella’s story is compelling and morally complex, raising questions about justice and revenge, while her young protege Eliza’s involvement adds an element of curiosity and coming-of-age tension. In contrast, Caroline’s modern storyline highlights themes of self-discovery and personal reinvention, as she realizes she has put her dreams on hold for her husband. Though a bit predictable, the alternating timelines are engaging.

    Debut

    I enjoyed this book and it’s very good given it is Penner’s debut novel. The blending of mystery and magic with historical intrigue and feminist themes is reminiscent of early works by V.E. Schwab. Fans of historical fiction with a touch of suspense will likely appreciate Penner’s storytelling and the haunting world she brings to life.

    Thank you for reading my book review The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner. Four stars for The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner. See last week’s book review Intrepid Girls: The Complicated History of the Girl Scouts of the USA by Amy Erdman Farrell.

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    Reading Wednesday

    Book Review The Tortoise’s Tale by Kendra Coulter

    May 6, 2026
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    If you liked Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt I think you would enjoy meeting a unique and thoughtful Tortoise who reflects on her long life and the humans she encounters. Here is my Book Review The Tortoise’s Tale by Kendra Coulter

    Through the Eyes of a Giant Tortoise

    Coulter gives us a thoughtful and imaginative exploration of perspective, patience, and resilience. Centering on a tortoise who reflects on its own experiences moving slowly through a fast-paced world. Readers will be pulled into a meaningful critique of how speed and productivity are often overvalued among humans. Through calm narrative tone, Coulter invites readers to reconsider what it means to live well, suggesting that observation, persistence, and quiet determination can be just as powerful as quick action.

    Long Life Well Lived

    Our tortoise friend lives a very long life, as giant tortoises will, and we follow her story from her capture in her homeland to her new life on a Southern California estate. Slowly and daily she observes the animals, birds, flowers and humans who come and go over a century. Beyond its surface as a simple tale, the book carries deeper philosophical undertones about time, self-worth, and the natural world. Coulter uses the tortoise as a symbolic figure to challenge societal norms, encouraging readers to appreciate different rhythms of life and to find value in slowing down.

    Book Review The Tortoise’s Tale by Kendra Coulter

    I found this novel a pleasant surprise. **** Four stars for The Tortoise’s Tale by Kendra Coulter. Thank you for reading my book review The Tortoise’s Tale by Kendra Coulter. See last week’s book review Served Him Right by Lisa Unger.

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    Reading Wednesday

    Book Review The Women on Platform Two by Laura Anthony

    April 22, 2026
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    This is one of my upcoming books for book club. I hadn’t heard of it, so I am glad it was chosen for BC or I might have missed it. Loosely based on a true story in Dublin 1969, I found it fascinating and educational. Here is my book review The Women on Platform Two by Laura Anthony.

    Ireland 1969

    While much of the developed world was legally able to access contraception by 1969, Ireland remained stuck firmly in the laws of the Catholic Church. Despite the desperate situation for some couples trying to feed as much as eleven children on a small single salary, contraception remained illegal. Despite the chastised unwed mothers, cast out of family and home even if they had been raped, contraception remained illegal. This is where we find ourselves in the story The Women on Platform Two by Laura Anthony.

    Present Day

    Saoirse flees her apartment when she and her boyfriend again argue over having a child. Saoirse isn’t ready. Wandering the streets of Dublin she finds herself at the train station. She notices an older woman boarding the train, but she has dropped something….a photo. Saoirse picks up the photo and understand immediately the value this image has. She chases the woman onto the train, even though she doesn’t have a ticket. When Saoirse finds Maura, she sits with her as Maura weaves a tale of fifty years ago on this very date and train.

    True Story

    A small group of brave women will change the course of history in Ireland and help to bring rights and freedom of choice to Irish women. Based on a true story, though Anthony fabricates much for the novel, The Women on Platform Two brings to light a little known piece of history. Inspired to stand up for change, the women of Ireland banded together and quietly blazed a path for Ireland’s future.

    Book Review The Women on Platform Two

    It’s easy to forget how recently it was that women did not have the rights to contraception. And in this current world where women’s rights are constantly under attack, we should be reminded of how far we have come. Protecting freedom of choice, reproductive rights and equal rights for women is paramount, and The Women on Platform Two helps remind us of how precarious it really is.

    ****Four stars for The Women on Platform Two by Laura Anthony. Thank you for reading my book review The Women on Platform Two by Laura Anthony. See last week’s book review The Lincoln Moon by Michael Price Nelson.

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    Reading Wednesday

    Book Review The Lincoln Moon by Michael Price Nelson

    April 15, 2026
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    Post knee surgery my reading brain seemed to have disappeared. Until I found Lincoln Moon. I really loved the easy dialogue of this beautiful story. A perfect read during my recovery, and I am sure you would enjoy it too. Here is my book review The Lincoln Moon by Michael Price Nelson.

    Illinois 1857

    Told from the view of a nine year old boy, Truman “Scrump” Armstrong. Lincoln Moon places us in an bucolic farm family of Jack and Hannah Armstrong. From the start you believe these are good, moral folks with strong family and community ties. Scrump, idolizes his older brother Duff, and also understands the value of his contribution on the family farm.

    When local Quaker neighbor approaches Jack and Hannah about helping hide runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad, life shifts. Jack and Hannah believe everyone should be free, but they are fearful their participation could cause trouble for the family. After much thought and discussion they concede to allow their barn as a hiding place for slaves being led to freedom through Illinois.

    Murder

    But when Duff is accused of the murder of Preston Metzker, son of the wealthiest land baron in the county, things become complicated. Duff is adamant that he is not guilty but the sheriff is holding him until a trial. Even though the only supposed eye-witnesses are two of the towns most unreliable men.

    Duff’s family had no money for an attorney and so they write a letter to an old family friend from twenty years hence. A man names Abe Lincoln currently practicing law in Illinois.

    Famous 1858 Trial

    Loosely based on a historical and famous 1858 trail where Lincoln persuades a judge to take into evidence an almanac to contradict eye-witness testimony. Though not historically accurate in detail, Nelson brings the reader into the story through wonderful characters the reader sees and understands…from a bright and perceptive nine year old to Abraham Lincoln himself.

    Book Review The Lincoln Moon by Michael Price Nelson

    I really enjoyed the writing of this book, told in first person from Scrump’s point of view. Easy and quick to read, it should be on your TBR this spring. Thank you for reading my Book Review The Lincoln Moon by Michael Price Neson. See last week’s book review Invasive Species by Ellery Adams.

    *****Five stars for The Lincoln Moon by Michael Price Nelson.

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    Reading Wednesday

    Book Review Invasive Species by Ellery Adams

    April 8, 2026
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    Once again I am working with MB Communications, who have provided this book to me gratis in exchange for my honest review. This novel will be released on April 14th, 2026.

    Monsters Among Us

    Ellery Adams is not an author I am familiar with, but I found Invasive Species a real page turner. If you are a fan of Madeline Miller ( Circe, The Song of Achilles) or V.E. Schwabb (The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil) you will likely find Adams latest work a good read. Here is my book review Invasive Species by Ellery Adams.

    Long Island New York

    Invasive Species is set in the small, tightly knit community of Cold Harbor in Long Island NY. A town on a bay, where everyone is trying to live an idyllic life. Four female friends are close but also in constant competition with each other.

    Also in the community is an ancient and falling apart mansion, home to Mrs. Smith. But no one ever sees Mrs. Smith. In fact most people can’t remember the last time she showed her face. Who is the mysterious woman living shut up in this creepy old house?

    Mrs. Smith

    Of course Mrs. Smith is not who or what people think she is. Living next door, 12 year old Jill and her Nanny Una both fear and wonder about the house and the woman. When one day Mrs. Smith finally re-emergizes into the community, Jill and Una know something bad is about to happen. The community, however embraces Mrs. Smith, including inviting her to a Bar Mitzvah where every child in town will be in attendance. Something mysterious and gruesome is about to happen and Jill and Una must use every ounce of courage they can to try and save the people of Cold Harbor.

    Book Review Invasive Species by Ellery Adams

    If you like mythical and magical stories Invasive Species will have you glued to the page. The novel launches April 14, 2026.

    ****Four stars for Invasive Species by Ellery Adams. Thanks for reading my book review Invasive Species by Ellery Adams. See last week’s book review Isola by Allegra Goodman.

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    Reading Wednesday

    Book Review Isola by Allegra Goodman

    April 1, 2026
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    Isola by Allegra Goodman is a luminous and contemplative novel that explores exile, identity, and the fragile threads that bind people to one another. Here is my book review Isola by Allegra Goodman

    Survival

    Set against the stark beauty of an isolated island, the story follows a young woman cast out from the structures that once defined her life. Goodman’s prose is restrained yet evocative. It captures both the physical austerity of the landscape and the emotional turbulence of her protagonist. The island setting becomes more than a backdrop. It functions as a crucible in which questions of faith, survival, and selfhood are stripped to their essence. This poses a psychological story of human endurance through hunger, heartache, loneliness, and resilience.

    Isolation

    There are quiet and terrifying rhythms of isolation. Goodman’s story builds and places readers clearly in the visual and painful story. The story inhabits the slow passage of time alongside her characters.

    Based on a Real Woman

    Like many of my favorite books, Isola is a fictional tale based on a real woman. Marguerite de La Rocque was an orphaned French noblewoman from the 16th century who endured abandonment.

    Ultimately, Isola is a meditation on what it means to endure—physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Goodman resists easy resolutions, instead offering a nuanced portrait of transformation shaped by hardship. The novel explores themes of friendship, love, abandonment, death, faith and a women’s strength against all odds.

    Book Review Isola by Allegra Goodman

    Thank you for reading my book review Isola by Allegra Goodman. ****Four stars for Isola by Allegra Goodman. See last week’s book review Pick a Color.

    We are always grateful when you pin, share and comment on our book reviews. Thank you.

    Isola by Allegra Goodman
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    Reading Wednesday

    Book Review Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout

    March 18, 2026
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    Pulitizer Prize winning novelist Elizabeth Strout is known for her novels with shared characters expertly developed and engaging. Although she has many more books, this is the fourth novel I have read of hers. And per usual Tell Me Everything reintroduces the reader to several of her most loved characters. Here is my book review Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout.

    Unrecorded Lives

    A theme in this book revolves around storytelling, and recognizing “unrecorded lives”. In the small Maine town where everybody knows your name, prominent and aging Olive Kitteridge begins a friendship with writer Lucy Barton. The two get together regularly to talk and Lucy tells Olive stories of people. Exceptional stories of unrecorded lives. Olive, a bit of crumudgion and nosy octogenarian of the town, sees a loneliness in Lucy.

    The Kindness of Bob

    While Olive is considered a little difficult, Bob Burgess is the local good guy. Bob has he lived his life taking the blame for an accident he did not cause, and yet he is always ready to help others. He is also is Lucy Barton’s close friend. The two seem to be headed to a romantic relationship out of shared stories and loneliness. Bob brings groceries every week to a shut- in, helps anyone and everyone who asks, and sits in the pew every week listening to his wife’s sermons in the local church. And yet something is missing in his life.

    A Murder

    Bob is an attorney and he agrees to take on a client who has been accused of murder. Here the novel continues to explore themes of empathy and loneliness, family secrets and love. Strout has a particular way of bringing to light the hidden stories of people in the community. She explores how tragedy and regret from childhood and young adulthood can define lives. She does this in a simple storytelling style through meaningful characters we can identify with.

    Book Review Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout

    I think I was in the right frame of mind for this book, and I enjoyed the most of the books I have read by Elizabeth Strout.

    *****Five stars for Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout

    Thank you for reading my Book Review Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout. Please see last week’s Book Review Her Cold Justice by Robert Dugoni.

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    Reading Wednesday

    Book Review Her Cold Justice by Robert Dugoni

    March 11, 2026
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    Once again I am working with MB Communications, who have provided this book to me gratis in exchange for my honest review. This novel was released on January 27, 2026.

    This is my third novel I have read by Seattle author Robert Dugoni. However, this is my first one of his legal thriller series featuring Keera Dugan. Here is my book review Her Cold Justice by Robert Dugoni.

    Robert Dugoni

    I absolutely loved Dugoni’s The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell and his fascinating novel Hold Strong which he co-authored with Jeff Langholz. Both made my top 15 list for last year! But Dugoni is more well known for his police series and legal thriller series. And this new novel is my first foray into his work in this genre.

    Injustice and the Courtroom

    Dugani, a self-proclaimed “recovering lawyer” knows his stuff when he writes about injustice and the courtroom. In Her Cold Justice, the third in a series, we meet attorney Keera Duggan. Following and living in the shadow of her famous attorney father, Keera is determined to prove herself. She is given the opportunity when she takes on a case of a young man accused of smuggling drugs, and also of murder.

    It’s a huge case for the young attorney and she uses every bit of savy and wit to fight her way despite circumstantial evidence. Keera faces ruthless prosecutor Ann Tran, herself a victim of childhood violence, who is known for winning on much less evidence. Kerra is not deterred.

    Keera Duggan

    Throughout the novel you root for Keera, despite the difficulty of the case, the shadow of her father and her own personal demons. Will she save her client from life in prison?

    Her Cold Justice by Robert Dugoni

    Thank you for reading my book review Her Cold Justice by Robert Dugoni. See last week’s book review The True True Story of Raja the Gullible by Rabih Alameddine.

    ****Four stars for Her Cold Justice by Robert Dugoni. We are always grateful when you comment, pin and share our book reviews. Thank you.

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