The Orphan Thief

Alright readers!! First and foremost, I should apologize for the prolonged absence of any posts. It's not as though I haven't been reading, but the motivation to follow it up with a blog post was just.... gone. It's been an exhausting time for all of us during this pandemic. I'm sleeping less, stressing more... and trying to homeschool two crazy children. I'm sure plenty of you are in the same boat. It's a big adjustment for anyone. Even after a couple of months, this version of life doesn't feel like the real thing. However! I am thankful that my children and I are back home, and that everyone here is safe and well.

Okay! The book. The Orphan Thief. I will be honest. I totally bought this one after looking at the cover and assuming it was some sort of WWII book about orphans being stolen. Which... maybe it is.. sort of? Vaguely. In a roundabout way.


This story actually centers on Ruby Shadwell, and her story of loss during a bombing in Coventry, England; which takes all of her family, and her home in one fell swoop. It details her mental and emotional strength as she works through her grief at the young age of only 16. Through this novel, she experiences all the highs and lows you would expect during such a terrible time in history. Perhaps even more than you would think. Life continues to batter Ruby in different ways, but, she remains strong. To be like that at 16? I can't even begin to imagine. War makes children grow up far too quickly.

Despite her numerous losses, this is definitely a novel full of both love and hope; something I would assume many were without during those times in Coventry, and throughout England. Peters also introduces a Canadian solider, who (of course) is something of a hero (though not in the traditional sense).

I didn't think I was truly that invested in the characters (any of them, really) until I reached the last few pages. I cried. Something that rarely (if EVER) happens to me when I read. I will dwell on certain books long after I have closed them.. but to actually cry? No. Clearly Peters did a better job than I thought hooking me in on this one. The characters are definitely a mixed bag; but they work. A new family, cobbled together from loss. There is something so beautiful in that. To rebuild what was lost. Not to replace it. To have it as an extension of yourself.

Anyways. I feel I'm sort of rambling and unfocused on this one, readers. But. I'M BACK.

Then Came You

For those of you who despise ChickLit? Close this window and check back in about a week. For those of you that adore those fluffy, feel good novels that sometimes touch on more difficult subject matter? This novel is for you.

In Then Came You, Jennifer Weiner ties together (using a surrogate pregnancy) four women who's lives couldn't be more different. India is a forty something semi successful woman who has reinvented herself for the sole purpose of attracting an extremely rich husband. Jules is a Princeton senior looking for a way to save her addict Father from himself. Annie is a housewife struggling with finances in her otherwise happy family. And lastly, Bettina is the daughter of an exceedingly successful and wealthy business man with her own set of familial issues.

This book isn't going to go down in history as an incredible book, but I rather enjoyed it. Discovering the backstories of these four woman will pull on your heartstrings just a bit as they each struggle to find their place, really. Unexpected emotions (on the part of the characters, perhaps not so much as a reader) unfurl and complicate matters more than you would initially guess in what I would consider a beach read.

My mother lent me this book months ago, during a visit (since I had either finished what I was reading, or forgotten to bring a book at all; which would be entirely unlike me, but still possible), and I forgot to take it home with me to finish. That being said? Once I finished my previous read, I was through the remaining couple of hundred pages in a flash. Weiner's characters are well written, and what I would deem 'real'. You can picture all of these women easily in their different walks of life. Their problems and pasts, though while very different, shape them into the strong woman they all are, in their own way.

I found myself feeling different things throughout this novel, as you relate (on some level) to each of the characters. We have all known someone who suffered addiction that we prayed would recover. We all know (or have heard about) a woman who is seemingly with a man simply for his wealth. We all have family politics we have had to deal with at one time or another. Most of us have felt imbalance in our relationships, and struggled to make things right. The way they were.

If you are looking for something quick and easy during this not so quick and easy time? Give this one a try. It's not chock full of romance (for those of you that are on the fence about such novels), and there are certainly some parts that are fairly mirthful. Go in with no expectations. Let's be honest. It's still ChickLit.

Once again, dear reader. Stay safe.

Something in the Water

No. It isn't sharks.

This thriller was on Reese's list; and I must say that I was somewhat disappointed. I supposed having read so many thrillers makes you a bit more critical.

Erin is set to marry Mark, the love of her life in London. He loses his job, things get tense. They make it through, and honeymoon in gorgeous Bora Bora (you're jealous, right? I know picturing those over the water bungalows, and endless blue skies has me seeing a bit of green lol.) Life is blissful for the newlyweds. Until (you guessed it) they find something in the water. And in all likelihood, not what you would expect.

Between filming her documentary, and dealing with life after Bora Bora, Erin's life (and Mark's as well, of course) is turned upside down. She becomes entangled in things she never would have dreamed of, but finds thrilling alongside her handsome and intelligent new husband. An adventure all its own. Until (of course) things become more serious. Because, let's be honest. They always do in these types of novels.

The first chapter of this read takes place nearly at the end of the novel; rewinds to before anything at all happened, and shows you how it got to that point. I do understand that perhaps Steadman expected to engross readers from that first chapter... and I'm sure that for many readers it had them turning pages quickly, wanting to see exactly the circumstances that lead to that first chapter. For me personally? I would rather be 100 percent surprised by the ending in a thriller. (Which, if you have read enough of them, can be difficult enough without any hint of the ending at the very start of the book.)

Not exactly a ringing endorsement, is it? I didn't hate this novel, I swear. It does make me smirk after reading it to see such praise on the blurb. "Superbly written, clever and gripping" is just one of the brief reviews included. While I cannot deny that the author wrote well, I didn't find it all that clever, or gripping. But, we're all entitled to our own opinions, right?

That's all for now, readers. Stay safe.

The Familiars

From the speed with which this post follows my last, I'm sure you can tell this book must have been a good one. The title caught my eye while browsing the stacks, the colourful illustration pretty much had me sold; and after reading the book flap, I had to read this book. Set in 1612, in England, the young Mistress of an elegant manor (Gawthorpe) is having trouble carrying her pregnancies to term. After discovering a letter between her husband and a physician indicating that if "she finds herself once more in childbed, she will not survive it and her earthly life will come to an end", Fleetwood Shuttleworth becomes increasingly desperate to produce an heir and child for husband.

At the opening of this novel, Fleetwood already finds herself pregnant with the child that could end her life. She feels like a failure. Encouraged by her husband, chastised by her hateful mother, she feels betrayed that her husband would not have shared this news with her. She begins to doubt her worth as the Lady of the manor, of the affections of her husband. She stresses about what the servants and townsfolk are surely saying about her; a Lady of only seventeen who cannot carry a child to term.
When Fleetwood meets the mysterious Alice in the wood near Gawthorpe, things begin to change. The two woman become close, and bound to one another throughout the course of this novel.

You may be thinking that this is not the book for you. Let me bring in the other interesting element that ties this well written novel together - trials for witchcraft. You read that correctly. In case you didn't know (because I surely didn't!), the Pendle Witch Trials are listed among the most famous in English History. This particular books draws in characters that existed in real life, during the time of these trials. While Fleetwood herself is not a work of fiction, there is little known about her outside of that she was indeed the Lady of Gawthorpe. Her companion, Alice Gray? Is documented in these historical works as well (though I won't list anything further in regards to either character's place in history).

I honestly didn't think of The Pendle Witch Trials as being real whilst reading this book.. in all probability because it seems so ludicrous to think people suffered through the fear of these trials and being accused of witchcraft. In some cases, simply for their knowledge of herbal remedies! (If only they could behold the times we live in now, where people are always looking for such natural ways to deal with what ails them! SO many would be tried as witches!) I have read several articles after finishing this book yesterday regarding the trials. There are photographs of proposed sites for Malkin Tower (where the "witches" held their infamous meeting), drawings of these women with the devil, and a fair amount of information for an event that took place so long ago.

As much as I hate that mankind has gone through events such as these historically? They are very interesting to learn about (in my personal opinion. Salem as been on my bucket list since I was a teenager, for that very reason!), and I am sure I will be reading more about the Pendle Witches in the future. The Familiars is definitely an outsider's view on these events, as young Fleetwood deals with her own issues (which turn out, include far more than her pregnancy and impending death), and learns more about these accused witches and the events that brought them to the magistrate's attention in the first place.

I'm sorry to be so vague, readers. If you like historical fiction, and events such as the Salem Witch Trials interest you at all, I would for sure add this one to your reading list. Stacy Halls writes with passion, and while it takes a little bit of time to really get into; once you have, you just want to race to the end to see what becomes of Fleetwood, Alice, and the Pendle Witches.

https://historycollection.co/pendle-witches-twelve-steps-gallows/8/ - an interesting link to an article about the Pendle Witches.

**While the book photo is clearly my own, the other images included in this posy are from a Google image search**

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

I will admit; when we were told we needed to be doing social distancing/social isolation, I thought that this would be a great time to get ahead on my reading for the year. Boy, was I wrong! I feel I have fallen behind on the last week! My children and I escaped the city (which I believe I mentioned previously), and are currently ensconced in the safety of my Mother's home. Any of you with small children (or that have had small children) can understand what a trying time it is on a whole different level. We have spent a fair amount of time going on adventures outside (my Mother is in a new build, and there are workers and heavy vehicles lining the street five days a week. So! Off we go to try and discover something new).

Please. Don't think I'm complaining. Though my littles can be a hassle to get out the door, I truly enjoy our little jaunts. Quality time is lovely. It does tend to cut into reading time, however. I also find myself watching tv and chatting with my mother in the evenings once they are asleep. (Again, I am blessed to have this time.) What it comes down to? Less reading time; more family time. A silver lining to this terrible COVID-19 situation.

So. I couldn't tell you exactly what I was expecting from this novel. I suppose from a cursory glance (yes, judging a book by its cover) I had assumed I would be getting some version of your typical Chick Lit. Something light and fluffy, with amusing parts and some sort of romantic subplot. I added it to my reading list simply because it was the first book on the "Hello Sunshine" book list. (Again, scoff if you must; but I have still yet to be disappointed by any of the books on Reese's list). Alright. So, shame on me for judging a book based on the cover alone as to the contents within. I often will choose a book at a glance alone... it's almost like a little surprise when you open it up and get reading.

Anyways! Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is definitely not your typical Chick Lit. In fact, I don't think I would lump it in there at all (despite having seen it on lists for that genre). Eleanor is a complete loner who seemingly thrives on routine. I was smiling to myself through most of the first few chapters; picturing her looking like Amy from Big Bang Theory, but with a lot of Sheldonisms. How's that for a character summary? Interested yet? Add in a dark past that only fully comes to light in the remaining chapters of this charming novel, and I am sure your curiosity might be slightly piqued.

To watch Eleanor grow and come out of her shell throughout this novel makes you feel nearly proud for this awkward woman. She goes through many changes; physically, socially, and even emotionally. I feel like you wouldn't recognise her as the same woman from the beginning of the novel. The other characters Honeyman portrays bring light and warmth into this story, and into Eleanor herself.

I feel like it is a friendly reminder that none of us in this world are alone because we have to be.. it is a choice on some level. Circumstances arise that make you think you aren't worthy, or that you just aren't likeable; and eventually you think there is a reason for it. We are all worthy of laughter, hugs, and connection. Sometimes you can find that in the most surprising places.

Remember through this difficult time of social isolation that you are all loved, and that we should all be trying to check in with those we care about. The smallest gestures could have the deepest meaning. Above all, stay safe.

All The Missing Girls

Alright. I'm a bit late (okay, a lot) with this blog post. Amid all the craziness with COVID-19, it kind of got put on the back burner. I'm sure all of you can relate, as I have been spending more time watching the news than reading of late. I hope you all all staying safe during this time, enjoying time with your families, and staying positive. We will get through this, and hopefully at the end? The world is a bit of a better place for the changes that have occurred since this terrible virus began its spread.

Okay!! All The Missing Girls. A book I finished a week ago, and have not yet discussed. A thriller written in a completely different style than I am (personally) accustomed to. The book begins in present day, with the protagonist (Nic) receiving a call from her brother (Daniel) indicating that her father (who is residing in a nursing home) requires extra care, and they need to sell their family home to manage the financial upkeep his continuing care will require.

Nic makes the hours long journey to the small town she escaped during her teens, after her best friend had gone missing, and never returned. Making only short visits, and distancing herself more with the passing years, it's as if she both dreads and requires a reunion with some of those she as left behind; many of whom she lost contact with after Corinne's disappearance. 

Shortly after Nic returns home, she encounters her ex (Tyler), and shortly after that, the woman he is seeing goes missing. This book goes back day by day through the investigation, and provides all the answers as to how these two identical situations are tied together. Each character that the author rounds up has their own secrets about the night Corrine went missing; and Nic feels it's only a matter of time until some connection is made and all of their secrets come to light.

Each chapter goes back to "the day before", which is at first slightly disorienting, but I think kept you guessing on a whole different level. Seeing the pieces come together in reverse is a whole different experience. You don't wonder "what will happen next", you wonder what had happened previously. If you are a regular thriller looking to mix it up a bit? Give this one a whirl. While it isn't the most provocative thriller I have read, it did keep me engaged the entire way through.

Once again, dear reader; stay safe.

The Beantown Girls

I have read a few historical fiction novels in my literary adventures. For some reason, generally concerning the Holocaust. I suppose for some reason, I find these books to be quite important, and I feel like we should all have some understanding of the horrors people endured. Many of these books have been loosely based on true stories, and all have been thoroughly researched. (One you must read if you are also someone who shares this interest is The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris, which is based on a true story, and is truly, truly heart wrenching.) However! I am not discussing one of those books today. Today, I am sharing my thoughts of The Beantown Girls, which is also a work of historical fiction taking place during the second World War.
This book, however, follows the travels of three women from Boston who have been shipped to Europe to work with the Red Cross as Clubmobile girls. Perhaps you have no idea what a Clubmobile is? I didn't until I picked up this book and read over the back cover.
These girls are essentially packed up in a truck to make doughnuts and coffee for the Allied troops and boost morale. Seems like a simple idea, and one that was likely a great help to the soldiers during a very difficult time. To see these girls (who were all volunteers) put themselves into a dangerous situation to bring a taste of home to the camps as they played their music and served up smiles and charm is something I imagine was appreciated beyond measure during such a dark time for thousands of men.
The protagonist in this novel; Fiona, has volunteered after receiving news that her fiance has been listed as missing in action. After months of hearing no news, she decides that she needs to become a Clubmobile Girl, and get herself to "the Continent" so she can track him down herself. Last she heard, his plane went down in Germany, and she is beside herself with worry and grief. I just imagine the bravery one would need to volunteer to go to the front lines - and the depth of love she surely felt for her fiance to put herself at risk. Her best friends, Dottie and Viv also volunteer, and the three are shipped off to England; where they learn they may never actually make it to Germany.
I must admit, this is the first book I have ever read that had me welling up - several times. You can't help but feel the heartbreak of so many different characters. The loses they have endured; made all that more realistic knowing that so many went through these difficult situations during that terrible war. The hardships these girls face are actual hardships that were faced by Clubmobile Girls during the war (some events actually did involve Clubmobile Girls, and have been fictionalized to include Fiona, Viv, and Dottie). You feel the highs and the lows as you follow these girls throughout the duration of their deployment. The highs will make you smile, the lows will make you really think.
This book has left me very grateful. Although the world is not entirely at peace; I do not have to suffer any of the difficulties these girls faced; let alone the soldiers that are depicted. It has left me thankful; for those that did fight. For the volunteers who put their lives on the line. Who knows where we would be without the bravery of everyone involved in the war effort.
Bottom line here? READ THIS BOOK. Jane Healey really hits it out of the park (in my humble opinion) with this work.

**Black and white images have been pulled from a google image search of actual Clubmobiles**

clubmobile.org/history.html - contains a brief history of the Clubmobiles, and includes more pictures. Definitely worth a look.