The Unhappy Stonecutter: A Japanse Folk Tale by Charlotte Guillain

September 30, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Unhappy Stonecutter: A Japanse Folk Tale by Charlotte Guillain
Folk Tales From Around the World
Publisher: Raintree
Genre: Childrens, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal, Historical
Length: Short Story (24 pages)
Age Recommendation: 3+
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

This book tells the story of the Unhappy Stonecutter, a traditional Japanese folk tale. In it, a simple stonecutter learns that you should count your blessings and be grateful for what you already have, instead of always wanting more!

No one has a perfect life.

This story had a wonderful sense of humor. Haru found something to complain about no matter what the Mountain Spirit did to improve his life. The interesting thing is, all of his complaints were framed in a funny way. That was an excellent way to keep the plot light no matter what the main character disliked about what was currently happening to him. It also kept me guessing how he might respond to the newest changes in his fortunes.

While I understand this was heavily based on a traditional folk tale, I would have liked to see more attention paid to the development of the ending. Haru was such a restless person that I was surprised by how his adventures were wrapped up. It would have been helpful to have a little more of an explanation of how he ended up with the resolution that he did since he was so unhappy with the things that happened to him earlier on.

With that being said, I still liked Haru as an individual. Honestly, there have been times when I’ve wanted to walk in someone else’s shoes. I appreciated the fact that the narrator spent so much time exploring what this character disliked about his daily routine as a poor stonecutter and how he wished things would change. He was so open about his complaints that I couldn’t help but to hope he’d find a solution for them.

I’d recommend The Unhappy Stonecutter: A Japanse Folk Tale to anyone who has ever hoped for something they didn’t have.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Glow by Megan Bryant

September 26, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Glow by Megan Bryant
Publisher: AW Teen
Genre: Historical, YA, Fiction
Length: Full Length (272 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 16+
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Lydia is thrilled to join the working girls in the factory, where they paint luminous watch dials for the soldiers fighting in World War I. In the future, these girls will be known as the tragic Radium Girls: factory workers not only poisoned by the glowing paint, but who also had to fight against men who knew of the paint’s deadly effect. One hundred years later, Julie, whose life is on hold after high school, becomes intrigued by a series of mysterious antique paintings she finds in a thrift store. When she discovers their hidden-and increasingly nightmarish-glowing images, Julie is determined to learn more about them. As Julie’s obsession mounts, truths about the Radium Girls-and her own complicated relationships-are revealed. Can she uncover the secrets behind the paintings before she puts herself and everyone she loves at risk?

A special painting that changes when the lights go out and a girl with a complicated life. This book packs a punch.

The author has created a story that captivated me from the first page. The writing flowed well and I had to know what would happen next. I also got emotionally invested in Charlotte, Liza and Lydia. I liked them, even when I wanted to shout, don’t eat that paint!

The characters of Lydia, Liza and Charlotte were well-planned and made the most of the situation the Radium Girls went through–they tipped their brushes to paint watch dials with paint that glowed in the dark. They also painted their jewelry, painted their teeth and as a bi-product, ate the paint. I liked these characters and would’ve loved to have read more about them.

Julie, the modern day character, had her issues. Now, she’s a young adult who didn’t get the chance to go to college because she got her mother’s house out of foreclosure. So, yes, she’s got some issues. She’s a older teen, she’s the bread-winner in the family and she has some communication issues common with teens – she thinks everyone knows what she means and she knows everything. The author created the character in an interesting manner, but there were a few things that happened to her that seemed a bit cliche.

Still, I liked this book, and while I don’t read much YA, I recommend this one. Give it a try.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Rise of the Rocket Girls by Nathalia Holt

September 24, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Rise of the Rocket Girls by Nathalia Holt
Publisher: Little, Brown and Co.
Genre: Non-Fiction, Historical
Length: Full Length (326 pgs)
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The riveting true story of the women who launched America into space.

In the 1940s and 50s, when the newly minted Jet Propulsion Laboratory needed quick-thinking mathematicians to calculate velocities and plot trajectories, they didn’t turn to male graduates. Rather, they recruited an elite group of young women who, with only pencil, paper, and mathematical prowess, transformed rocket design, helped bring about the first American satellites, and made the exploration of the solar system possible.

For the first time, Rise of the Rocket Girls tells the stories of these women–known as “human computers”–who broke the boundaries of both gender and science. Based on extensive research and interviews with all the living members of the team, Rise of the Rocket Girls offers a unique perspective on the role of women in science: both where we’ve been, and the far reaches of space to which we’re heading.

The Rocket Girls rocked.

I’ve been on a non-fiction kick, reading books about people in the space industry. I stumbled on this book while looking at those lists of ‘if you liked______, you’ll like_______’. I’m glad I looked at that list. This book, Rise of the Rocket Girls by Nathalia Holt, was great reading. It was like reading about a circle of friends who happened to be really smart and know about engineering/math before women were considered capable of doing such things. But it seemed like I was included in the group. The writing flowed very well and I hated to put this down so I could sleep and such. I had to get back to the book.

It tugged at the heartstrings with stories about the ladies and how they did the calculations for the rocket launches, orbits and such. The women share their stories about how they felt when the Apollo I accident happened, Challenger and Discovery. They talked about the trials and tribulations of their lives, too. They were working moms when that wasn’t a popular thing. I wanted to know more about them and felt like I did know them when I finished reading the book.

What tugged the hardest at my heart had to be when the women got together for a reunion and said ‘this will be the last time we see each other[. Talk about ending on a sad note, but a cool one! They knew they’d done some awesome things. I loved going on the ride with them, even if it was only through the book.

If you’re interested in the lives of the ladies involved in the space race, then this might be the book for you. Pick it up. Recommended.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

When the Marquess Was Mine by Caroline Linden

September 20, 2019 By Leave a Comment


When the Marquess Was Mine by Caroline Linden
The Wagers of Sin series
Publisher: Avon (HarperCollins Publishers)
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (384 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Mistflower

In the game of love…

Georgiana Lucas despises the arrogant and cruel Marquess of Westmorland even before learning that he’s won the deed to her friend Kitty’s home in a card game. Still, Georgiana assures Kitty the marquess wouldn’t possibly come all the way to Derbyshire to throw them out—until he shows up, bloody and unconscious. Fearing that Kitty would rather see him die, Georgiana blurts out that he’s her fiancé. She’ll nurse the hateful man back to health and make him vow to leave and never return. The man who wakes up, though, is nothing like the heartless rogue Georgiana thought she knew…

You have to risk it all

He wakes up with no memory of being assaulted—or of who he is. The bewitching beauty tending him so devotedly calls him Rob and claims she’s his fiancée even as she avoids his touch. Though he can’t remember how he won her hand, he’s now determined to win her heart. But as his memory returns and the truth is revealed, Rob must decide if the game is up—or if he’ll take a chance on a love that defies all odds.

I’m so excited that I got to be the one to read and review this book!

My reviews are from my heart. I write them right after I finish the book so that everything is fresh in my head and I’m still feeling the book glow if there is one. With that said, to say I’m experiencing a book glow is putting it mildly. This is my first Caroline Linden book and I need to fix that ASAP. When the Marquess Was Mine is part of the “Wagers of Sin” series. It’s actually the third in the series which means I have two books that I need to read. Each can be read as a standalone so no worries there. I just thoroughly enjoyed this one so it’s only logical that I’d want to read the previous two.

As honest as my reviews are they are still only a reflection of my opinion. I thought the last book I read was unforgettable and I raved my love for it while I rated it a five. Yet, after finishing this book I realized it was way better than the previous book and that I thought was a must read by any historical romance lover. That leaves me no choice but to rate this as a Best Book.

The plot is elaborate and masterfully executed. My interest was piqued immediately as the story starts with depth right away, introducing names and places with descriptions. I had to slow down my reading and concentrate at first. Once I learned the names and who was connected to who I was able to pick up my pace and then I was able to easily maintain a steady reading rhythm. Kudos to the author’s writing style because typically when a story has that many layers of characters I tend to get lost and confused. Especially when there are exciting plot twists.

The leading hero, the Marquess of Westmorland aka Rob, was perfect. I loved everything about him. He will be in my dreams tonight. If I had to try to explain why I fell so hard in love with this character then I’d say it was because he was written as heartless at first and then redeemed after his assault. I loved seeing the reformation but because his redemption was because he lost his memory, it left me on pins and needles to see who he would become once his regained his memory. All of this had to do with the excellent writing style. I’ve read amnesia stories before. This one was entertaining, fun and a bit suspenseful.

The leading heroine, Georgiana, was hilarious. She made me laugh more times than I can remember. She was brave, witty and caring. I thought Georgiana and the Marquess of Westmorland made a perfect romance couple as they won my heart. Their chemistry was infectious and made for a spicy romance. I loved the ending as all the threads were tied up leaving me with a happily ever book glow that shined bright the rest of the day.

When I read, I hang onto every word savoring the story. Near the end Sophie, one of Georgiana’s friends, revealed something to Georgiana. Without revealing any spoilers, I wanted to address one tiny concern I had regarding Sophie. Sophie and Georgiana were engaged in an activity from which Sophie had to excuse herself. I was left wondering if Sophie was okay. Prior to the activity Sophie had made a comment that caused concern which lead to what she revealed. There was no follow up to reassure me so I’m going to assume she was okay. She excused herself from the activity and I assume she went home and recovered. That tiny little thread is nagging at me. I don’t like to assume anything. I like complete closure. That’s a pet peeve of mine. I’m still going to rate it as a best book because I’m probably the only human to care that much about that detail. There was a lot going on in this activity which involved several people. It was a tense moment in the plot. This activity led to the culmination of the suspense part of the storyline. I didn’t want to give any spoilers so this part of the review will only make sense after the book is read. I felt it was worth noting.

I’m sticking to Best Book based on how this book made me feel while I was reading it and after it was done. I recommend this story to others. It is one that I’ve put on my keepers shelf. Now I’m off to find the other two books in this series. Happy Reading!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Sword Song by Bernard Cornwell

September 19, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Sword Song by Bernard Cornwell
The Saxon Stories #4
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full length (314 pages)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

The year is 885, and England is at peace, divided between the Danish kingdom to the north and the Saxon kingdom of Wessex in the south. Warrior by instinct and Viking by nature, Uhtred, the dispossessed son of a Northumbrian lord, has land, a wife and children—and a duty to King Alfred to hold the frontier on the Thames. But a dead man has risen, and new Vikings have invaded the decayed Roman city of London with dreams of conquering Wessex… with Uhtred’s help. Suddenly forced to weigh his oath to the king against the dangerous turning tide of shifting allegiances and deadly power struggles, Uhtred—Alfred’s sharpest sword—must now make the choice that will determine England’s future.

Even in peace there are battles to be fought.

Before enjoying this tale, I highly recommend reading the preceding three books in the series, The Last Kingdom, The Pale Horseman, and Lords of the North. As I’ve mentioned in previous reviews, I believe reading the series in order is necessary to have a better understanding of Uhtred’s character growth, his history, and role in the development of England. Again, I must warn readers that this book contains graphic violence.

Uhtred is one of the most memorable characters I’ve had the pleasure of knowing, and he’s quickly becoming a favorite of mine. In this installment, Uhtred is doing things the way he wants, which of course irritates Alfred to no end. However, Uhtred enjoys getting under Alfred’s skin. I must admit it is rather entertaining to see how far Uhtred can push the limits of Alfred’s patience without getting into serious trouble. Even though I enjoy watching Uhtred antics, I lament their inability to see eye to eye. Uhtred and Alfred are great leaders who’ve accomplished a lot by grudgingly working together. Their achievements could reach even greater heights if they put aside their differences. Unfortunately, Alfred does not trust Uhtred and consistently denies him the credit for his victories. As a result, Uhtred continues to resent and hate his king.

This book has a bit of a different feel from the previous three, especially the first half. I got to see a different side of Uhtred. Since there is a tentative peace, Uhtred was able to spend more time with his wife and children. I found I very much enjoyed seeing the softer and dare I say more mature side of his character. I liked watching him play with his children, and his concern over his pregnant wife is very moving. I was also touched by his concern for Aethelflaed, Alfred’s daughter, whom Uhtred has known since she was a child. However, fans of Uhtred’s warrior spirit can rest assured that he is still absolutely lethal on the battle field.

I must also mention I was struck by the contrast in the description of battle scenes and Aethelflaed’s, wedding. It is a testament to Mr. Cornwell’s skill as an author that he can write brutally graphic descriptions of battle and this beautiful scene: “She was in love with love, transported that day to a height of joy that showed like radiance on her sweet face…That spring day was the first on which she wore her hair up, a sign of marriage, and it revealed her long thin neck. She was so graceful that day.” I can practically see Aethelflaed’s face as she walks down the aisle.

Unfortunately, Aethelflaed’s path isn’t easy. I can’t give many details, but I will say that Aethelflaed’s marriage is not a happy one and she has the misfortune to fall in love with another man who is definitely not suitable. Mr. Cornwell perfectly captured the moment Uhtred realized how much trouble lay ahead for his friend. “She glowed. She walked as lightly as a dancer, and she smiled so beautifully…I saw it in her face. I saw in her radiance all her sudden love and all the unhappiness that was to come, and all the tears, and all the heartbreak. She was on a voyage, and it was a journey of love, but it was sailing into a storm so bleak and dark that my own heart almost broke for her.”

I can’t recommend this series enough. Anyone looking for adventure and memorable characters would do well to pick up a copy of this book as well as the previous installments. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book!

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

A New Beginning for Angelo by Morticia Knight

September 19, 2019 By Leave a Comment


A New Beginning for Angelo by Morticia Knight
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (175 pages)
Other: BDSM, M/M, M/M/M, Ménage, Anal Sex
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Angelo wonders if the Hampton Road Club will offer him a new beginning and whether he can love two men at the same time.

Angelo escaped his family’s farm to be with his first and only love in Los Angeles. He meets up with him at Walter’s speakeasy, but their reunion is short-lived when Angelo discovers that his lover is embracing the Roaring Twenties with as many men and as much hooch as he can. With nowhere to stay and no job prospects, Angelo faces an uncertain and scary future.

Ex-prizefighters Bruce and George enjoy their employment at the Hampton Road Club for more than one reason. They can indulge in their passion for sadomasochism and search for the boy who will be the submissive they keep forever. Unfortunately, none of the men at Hampton Road are good prospects. When they run into a forlorn Angelo in the alley outside a speakeasy, their protective instincts kick in. But will they want to do more than just protect Angelo? And will the shy and inexperienced man embrace a lifestyle he never knew existed?

In a world where being with someone of the same sex is frowned upon (to say the least) Angelo still lives his dream by following his lover to a new city, only nothing is quite as it seemed.

The Hampton Road Club series has an excellent historical setting, giving you details on how same-sex relationships had to be handled, speakeasys, and other things to tantalize and tease. I thoroughly enjoyed how Angelo came out of his shell with Bruce and George. All three had such different personalities and yet melded together perfectly. I was glad when Angelo had his moment with Martin, although I was personally wishing for George to get involved!

With no editing or grammatical errors I noticed, this was a great book, rich in detail and emotions. With fantastic characters and a superb setting, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this story.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

A Lady in Disguise by Lynsay Sands

September 17, 2019 By Leave a Comment


A Lady in Disguise by Lynsay Sands
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (400 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Lady Maggie Wentworth must support herself as an investigative reporter. Writing under another name, she’s been exposing the notorious scandals of the ton—this time it’s the “working girls” of London. While interviewing the women, a client enters, and Maggie is shocked to see her beau. She changes clothes with one of the girls and flees out the window, only to be whisked away by a stranger.

Lord James is honoring a deathbed promise: watch over his late friend’s sister. Following Maggie to a house of ill repute, he’s stunned to see her emerge dressed as the notorious Lady X! Hard times must have driven her to such a desperate act, and he is intent on reforming the wanton chit. No amount of protest will stop him from saving her reputation. Now if only he can hold his own desires in check—and keep himself from falling in love.

My sister loves reading Lynsay Sands’ books. There was one book in particular that she said I just had to read called The Switch. My sister knows my taste in books and promised me that I’d love it and I did. Well, it’s my turn to tell her that she just has to read A Lady in Disguise.

I was thoroughly entertained throughout this story. This was a historical romance with some suspense and mystery. While the book was lengthy, the pace was not. I was riveted to A Lady in Disguise from beginning to end.

I loved the heroine, Maggie. She was worse than a cat getting herself into sticky situations. She even said it to herself numerous times “Only you, Maggie”. I can completely relate to that statement since I often find myself in predicaments that only I can possibly get myself into. Maggie made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. I do have to address the frequency of how many times she was hit in the head. It reached the ridiculous meter amount a couple of times. However, who am I to judge the reasonable amount of times one can get whacked in the head? All of Maggie’s other character traits made up for this tiny little ripple. I admired her loyalty, bravery and cleverness.

The hero, Lord James, was swoon worthy. Excuse me while I wipe the drool off my lip. He is the man of my dreams. Gorgeous, strong, intelligent with leadership skills and full of chemistry. He is perfectly capable of handling Maggie with all her shenanigans. Together as a couple they were irresistible to love. I thought they made a perfect match which often brought a smile to my face.

There were other characters that were well developed that added to the enjoyment of the story. One such character was James’s Aunt Vivian. I loved how she put James in his place and was understanding and accepting of Maggie’s plight.

The ending was epic with all the plot threads neatly wrapped up. I was definitely left with a book glow as I reminisced about the developing romantic relationship between Maggie and James. A Lady in Disguise contained unpredictable plot threads that lead me on a reading journey that I didn’t want to put down or end. I highly recommend this book to future readers–but especially to my sister.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Witch King by Nancy Holland

September 16, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Witch King by Nancy Holland
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical, Fantasy
Length: Full length (391 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Dryas

Can they stay alive long enough to save their kingdoms without falling in love?

Kyr, son of the famous warrior, Thalgor, has been tasked to marry the daughter of a warring leader to broker a peace between three clans. Ever the obedient son, he prepares for his wedding only to learn from a slave that his betrothed has fled with a warrior from her own tribe. Determined to save the peace, Kyr sets off in pursuit of the fleeing couple, reluctantly taking the slave with him to thwart discovery.

Ciel has been a slave all her life. She fully expects to be killed when she delivers the news of her missing mistress. Instead she is saved and tasked to impersonate Kry’s betrothed. In the dead of night she and Kyr sneak out of the warrior’s camp hoping to intercept the escaping couple by taking a dangerous route. With each leg of the journey, they are tested. They must learn to trust to survive… not easy when both of them harbor dangerous secrets.

Kur the son of Thalgor the Golden Helmet is at the celebration of the peace treaty between his father and the northern lord. Although, he is not exactly happy to marry the northern king’s daughter, Rynne, he knows his duty. The marriage is a way to seal the peace treaty. What he doesn’t expect is for Rynne’s servant and former slave Ciel to come to his tent the night before the wedding and tell him that Rynne has run away with one of her father’s lieutenants, Will, with whom she has been in love since childhood.

The plot is different from many others I have read and well-constructed. It flows from one part to the next. It reminds us how slavery can affect people who. even when freed, are still being subjugated as servants. Trust is another big part of the plot, as when Ciel’s trust is won it is strong as steel. Another subject is that compassion does not make you weak and that there are many other ways to end a battle or war.

The characters are wonderfully developed in a rich world. Ciel is a strong, competent, loving woman who starts to become the person she was supposed to be without having her personality crushed by cruelty. The trust she had in Kur in the beginning is broken because he did not protect her when a small group of brigands attacks. She pulls herself emotionally and physically from him, hoping that she will be free from her previous life with the sea witches.

I loved this book, as you can tell by the five stars. There is nothing I would change and I hope there is a sequel to it. Readers will be drawn into a world where magic is an everyday thing, with lords that are good and those that are power hungry. With the love and friendship, the world can change.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Hello Girls by Elizabeth Combs

September 16, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Hello Girls by Elizabeth Combs
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Genre: Historical, Non-Fiction
Length: Full Length (400 pgs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

This is the story of how America’s first women soldiers helped win World War I, earned the vote, and fought the U.S. Army. In 1918, the U.S. Army Signal Corps sent 223 women to France. They were masters of the latest technology: the telephone switchboard. General John Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, demanded female “wire experts” when he discovered that inexperienced doughboys were unable to keep him connected with troops under fire. Without communications for even an hour, the army would collapse.

While suffragettes picketed the White House and President Woodrow Wilson struggled to persuade a segregationist Congress to give women of all races the vote, these competent and courageous young women swore the Army oath. Elizabeth Cobbs reveals the challenges they faced in a war zone where male soldiers welcomed, resented, wooed, mocked, saluted, and ultimately celebrated them. They received a baptism by fire when German troops pounded Paris with heavy artillery. Some followed “Black Jack” Pershing to battlefields where they served through shelling and bombardment. Grace Banker, their 25-year-old leader, won the Distinguished Service Medal.

The army discharged the last Hello Girls in 1920, the same year Congress ratified the Nineteenth Amendment granting the ballot. When the operators sailed home, the army unexpectedly dismissed them without veterans’ benefits. They began a sixty-year battle that a handful of survivors carried to triumph in 1979. With the help of the National Organization for Women, Senator Barry Goldwater, and a crusading Seattle attorney, they triumphed over the U.S. Army.

Gone but not forgotten.

I had no idea how much women did during World War I. I admit, I haven’t done as much reading about WWI, so that’s on me. When I saw this book, I knew I needed to read it. Women in the war? I’m all in. I’m glad I did.

The book is written in an easy manner that flows well. It’s like reading a narrative, but with many facts thrown in. It’s not like a textbook. I got to know the ladies and see what they had to put up with–things like not being recognized as veterans after the conflict, being put down by the male soldiers, but also being absolutely vital to the war effort. They ran the phone lines! The author touches on suffrage and how women’s rights didn’t move much until the 1970s. I learned a lot and enjoyed this book quite a bit.

If you’re interested in a book that’s a lot about history, but a lot like a novel, then this might be the book for you.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

To Air the Laundry by Krysta MacDonald

September 13, 2019 By Leave a Comment


To Air the Laundry by Krysta MacDonald
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (175 pages)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

It’s a late spring day in 1969 and Sharon has been married eleven months. For eleven months she’s woken up and made her husband his coffee and meals. She’s cleaned his dishes, his house, his laundry. She’s filled her days in her effort to be a good wife. But Sharon has a secret, something even Albert doesn’t know. It’s a secret she’s buried beneath years and silence and sad smiles.Trying to reconcile her past decisions with her current realities, and her relationships and promises with her own wants, Sharon stumbles through her day. She faces questions, uncertainties, conflicts, routines, and above all, her own truths.At times painful, at others triumphant, but always sincere, this emotional story offers an unflinching window into a single day in a time not far removed from our own, and a woman grappling with the secret that shapes her life.

Some secrets should never be shared with anyone.

Sharon’s character development was well done. There were so many layers to her personality that weren’t revealed in the first few chapters. She’d been through some tough experiences in her lifetime, and they’d obviously changed her in all sorts of meaningful ways. The deeper she explored these parts of herself, the more I came to like her as a person.

There were some mild pacing issues in the beginning. Sharon was so shy about discussing her past and so slow to give hints about what was really happening in her current life that it took me a while to get into her tale. While I did eventually come to enjoy it, it would have been nice to have a little more action in the first few chapters while I was getting to know her.

Some of my favorite scenes were the ones that compared how Sharon spent her days to how she wished she could spend them. Few of the people in her life understood how feminism that was slowly changing their world in the late 1960s, so even something as simple as her wanting to finish her nursing degree and get a job at a hospital was unusual and bizarre in that culture. I was fascinated by all of the restrictions placed on her as a married woman and wanted to know if she’d find a way to make her dreams come true.

This is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone work.

I’d recommend To Air the Laundry to anyone who has ever looked back and wondered if they made the right decision about something important.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
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