And here we go again!

I have no idea if I will top the 37 books I read in 2023. I doubt it. I’ll be happy to read one book per month since I’ve got a busy work life and home life. But I’m already on my third book of the year and for the month of January. I will soon post a TBR pile for the year. Again, I like to alternate between memoir and fiction and, already, I have more contemporary fiction and mysteries than I do of memoirs. So, give me a few weeks and, hopefully, I’ll get a stack you can view – to see if I can do it and to see if you might like to read any.

Below are my reviews so far for 2023. As usual, I post reviews here on my website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and BAM! (Books-a-million). I also post on my Instagram feed depending on the book and time constraints.

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January 2023

DEAD DOG POEMS

Lynne Schmidt

My Review: “A touching poetry collection of pet love and loss….Had I not had to give my heart a break from the depth of love in every word, I could have read all the poems in this book in one sitting. The emotions and compassion the author evoked in me as I read left me even more passionate about my fur babies than ever. If you have ever loved and lost a pet, you will appreciate reading Dead Dog Poems. This poem collection may only feature a few pages, but they pack a real punch.”

Book Quote:

“They said

I would know when the time comes….

….The thing they forget to warn you about,

is that you can know when it’s time,

you can know it’s the right thing to do,

but just because it is,

doesn’t mean you’ll ever be ready to let go.”

From “When It’s Time,” Lynne Schmidt, Dead Dog Poems (page 19)

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GRAVITY

Lynne Schmidt

My Review: “When a relationship ends, put those emotions into poem-form…A collection of poems filled with raw emotion, that of disappointment, sadness, hope, and misplaced love. In this short poetry collection, Lynne Schmidt captures the evolution of a relationship not meant to be, the one-sidedness, the grief, the dawning of insight when it becomes apparent he is not the one. If you are looking for poetry that hits you full force or that may lead you to healing, you will appreciate Gravity. This poetry collection is fresh and gutsy, while being descriptive yet concise, and right on target.”

Book Quote:

“I’m going to give you a universe.

The kind we talked about

where we both say maybe

someday

somewhere….”

From “Maybe, Someday, Somewhere,” Lynne Schmidt, Gravity (page 19)

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A BOUNDLESS PLACE

Pamela Stockwell

My Review: “A story of community, loss, and new beginnings filled with spunkiness and boundless hope….I absolutely loved A Boundless Place. Pamela Stockwell masterfully weaved a story filled with interesting characters and then surprised her readers with the main characters’ backstories. If you love light-hearted stories of community mixed in with some depth and a little mystery, then this story is worth your read. I found each character delightful from beginning to end. I’m definitely looking forward to this author’s next novel.”

Book Quote:

“Rescue? You think I need rescuing?” A wave of anger cascaded over her, replacing her fear of losing him like a sudden summer storm. Did he think she was laying all this before him because she wanted to be rescued?

I think I put that badly…” Nick started.

“No, no, I think you put it perfectly.” She stood stiffly, smoothed her skirt, and steeled her spine. “If you think I need someone to rescue me, then you’re right. We need a break. Because you don’t know me at all.” She crossed the room to the door and held it open. She needed him to leave. Now. She was shaking with fury. “Good night, Nick.”

(Violet) Pamela Stockwell, A Boundless Place (page 334)

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February 2023

THE ART OF REASSAMBLY: A Memoir of Early Mother Loss and Aftergrief

Peg Conway

My Review: “A journey through early mother loss and its aftergrief….Reading Peg Conway’s The Art of Reassembly was enlightening. Having myself experienced the loss of loved ones at a very young age, I could see and feel her angst as she faced life without her mother, and at a time when there was no one to speak to about one’s grief. I was impressed how Peg would not give up on her journey to reconnect with her mother, care for her aging stepmother, and learn how to deal with her ever-present grief. I could feel her confusion over being a daughter to two mothers and its affect on her, and I highly recommend to anyone who has lost their own mother to read Peg’s memoir. I have not lost my mother yet, although she has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but I did lose my father at the age of seventeen. Peg’s story has encouraged me to read books on the loss of father-daughter connections. If you are experiencing aftergrief from the loss of a parent, I encourage you to begin your journey of healing and reconnection by reading Peg’s memoir. It is a story for anyone who has lost a parent and are still struggling with grief over that loss. Peg has a way of showing her vulnerability with honesty and determination. It will encourage you to dig deeper and discover how to embrace your parent-loss and live wholly rather than walking around with questions and unresolved sorrow.”

Book Quote:

“After my cursory research on bereavement, I appreciated anew the pain that flowed through my aunts’ accounts of my mom’s disease and death, beneath my dad’s anger, and within my grandma’s listlessness. Our family’s loss occurred just before a cultural tipping point on grief, and all of us suffered, young and old alike, because we could not talk about what we felt. We did not know how to, and there was no one to help us.”

Peg Conway, The Art of Reassembly: A Memoir of Early Mother Loss and Aftergrief (page 197)

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HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE

Ronit Plank

My Review: “Short stories with powerful impact….I love short stories, and this compilation of short stories does not disappoint. Ronit Plank does an excellent job of telling each story within a few short pages. After reading each gripping story, each with its own surprising plot twist, I was left with a new perspective of family, love, and loss. If you enjoy short stories, I highly recommend Home is a Made-Up Place. Each story is stand-alone, and yet each one encourages you to read the next one and then the next one after that. Once you get started reading, you won’t want to stop.”

Book Quote:

“ “Traci?”

“Yeah?”

He gives my hand a squeeze.

“Take care of yourself.”

I nod and back away from his car.

I’m so tired of taking care of myself.

I walk toward my building. From our third-floor apartment, blue television light flickers in the window like always when my father is home. My eyes sting. I can’t swallow past the lump in my throat. I wipe tears off my face.

Somebody is always missing. “

From “What February Feels Like,” Ronit Plank, Home Is A Made-Up Place (page 96-97)

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March 2023

MANGO, MANBO, AND MURDER (A Caribbean Kitchen Mystery)

Raquel V. Reyes

My Review: “A fresh and fast-paced mystery with a Caribbean flair….I love mysteries, and Ms. Reyes’ Mango, Mambo, and Murder was a delight to read. I love how she combined family and friends, food and recipes, and mystery and suspense into a worthwhile read. I also love how she kept the story moving with vivid characters, events, and interesting dialogue peppered with Spanish, reminding me of my growing-up days in a bi-cultural Hispanic family. If you love a good mystery with viable plot twists, loveable characters, and a steady build in amateur-sleuthing, then you’ll love this book. I’m so looking forward to reading Ms. Reyes’ next installment in her Caribbean Kitchen Mystery series!”

Book Quote:

“ “But your family lives in Coral Shores, is that correct?”

“My husband’s family.”

“I see. Alright, thank you for your time. Here’s my card if you remember seeing anything else. Anything. Someone she might have talked to before lunch. Or someone giving her a pill? Prescription or OTC.” The detective signaled to Gordon that they were leaving.

Prescription or over-the-counter? They don’t think this was natural. They think she was killed. A chill ran up my spine. “

Raquel V. Reyes, Mango, Mambo, and Murder: A Caribbean Kitchen Mystery (page 64)

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Share Your Stuff. I’ll Go First.

Laura Tremaine

My Review: “A self-help book that reads like a memoir….I absolutely loved this book. I could read it forever. And as I was reading it, I kept asking myself, “Where has this book been all my life?” If you are looking for a book that will help take your life and self to the next level, this is it. It’s filled with candidness, friendship, and inspiration. Several chapters resonated with me, but they were all wonderful. Whether the author meant this book to be a self-help or not, I’m not sure. But what I am sure of is all her sharing and going first has me doing the same even more now. Take a chance and read it for yourself. You’ll be happy you did.”

Book Quote:

“….This whole book is about sharing our stuff. I would never advocate that we tell our stories haphazardly, but we have to be in a place of trust with one another. We are going to honor and not belittle one another’s stories. The telling of them doesn’t diminish their truth. The telling of them doesn’t diminish their magic. I’m not going to share every single thing, nor are you.

But there is magic in the sharing, and there are stories in this magic.”

Laura Tremaine, Share Your Stuff. I’ll Go First. (Page 161-162)

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A MYSTERY IN HAWAII (Margaret & Molly)

Sarah Evangeline Martin

My Review: “A children’s mystery that keeps even adults engaged….Considering the author’s age, I was quite impressed with her book’s storyline and the amount of dialogue contained within its less than 200 pages. Miss Martin has a natural ability to flesh out her theme and characters. I enjoyed her elements of familial relationship as she built upon her little sister’s obsession with solving their Hawaiian vacation mystery. I also loved how she was able to include her love of God, enhancing rather than detracting from her story’s flow. I look forward to future books by this young author and will enjoy gifting them, and her current book, to my nieces and friends’ daughters.”

Book Quote:

“She looks like someone I’ve met before,” Molly said….

I tried not to freak out. “Mom’s high school friend?” I questioned.

“That’s it!” Molly blurted out. “It’s Miss Mary!….”

….I looked over to where Miss Mary had been sitting. She was gone. “Where did she go?”

Sarah Evangeline Martin, A Mystery in Hawaii (Margaret & Molly) (Page 71)

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April 2023

NINETY-NINE FIRE HOOPS

Allison Hong Merrill

My Review: “A memoir that keeps you engaged from start to end….It was such an honor to read Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops. I was amazed at so many things – how the author endured growing up at the hands, or I should I say voices, of her parents; how her first marriage suffered from the fallout of her in-laws’ marriage; and how her subsequent dating life went – before finding Mr. Right. And then, she fit all of these and more into a well-written book of ninety-nine chapters. I was and am inspired by Ms. Merrill’s story – her desire to rise above her circumstances in life, communication challenges, and simply being a woman at the mercy of men who took advantage of her naivety and of her kindness. If you love being inspired, you’ll love reading how Allison did not let culture, society, or fear keep her from her best life but instead picked herself up and rose to a place of beauty, love, and grace.”

Book Quote:

“We live in the narrative of gravity; life has a way of bringing us down to our knees, to the level of dust. People age. People fall ill. People become weak. People divorce. All my childhood heartaches, desperate cries, and seemingly endless trials and tribulations felt like God’s test to try my faith, resilience, and tenacity. It was as though He’d asked me to jump through ninety-nine fire hoops to receive the promised reward, gift, and blessing….”

Allison Hong Merrill, Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops (Page 344)

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THE 4Ls: A Simple Way to Find Life Purpose

Lynne Beverly Strang

My Review: “A book to help you find your purpose in life….I found the 4Ls very insightful. Filled with practical tips for defining your likes and don’t-likes, this book can help you find a career, change careers, consider a job promotion or major move, take up a new hobby and which one, or even just assess your current lifestyle. As I read Ms. Strang’s book, I jotted down my routines and interests in each quadrant of Love, Like, Live-with, and Loathes. Now, I’m using this knowledge to reduce stress in my life and to move forward with the writing support group I’ve been wanting to start for years. Whether you’re looking for a career change, to find an extracurricular activity, or just improve what you’re already doing, I highly recommend The 4Ls. By clarifying your life purpose, you can find the time to do what you love. You’ll be pleasantly surprised!”

Book Quote:

“Each of us is on this planet for a short time. Why spend it on something you don’t enjoy? Define where you want to go and create a plan to get there. Set yourself free.”

Lynne Beverly Strang, The 4Ls: A Simple Way to Find Life Purpose (page 103)

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THE AUDACITY OF SARA GRAYSON

Joani Elliott

My Review: “A novel with lots to offer – mystery, romance, and writing…..Right from the start, I was pulled into Sara Grayson’s life. The author did a great job of establishing suspense on if Sara would honor her mother’s dying wish thereby leading the reader on her journey of discovering whether she had it in her. This novel is filled with warm characters, great dialogue, and family intrigue involving her parents’ past. The present is filled with Sara’s yearning to find herself and the peeling back of layers of family secrets, and how they have influenced each of her loved one’s life directions, even affecting her new love interest. A huge thumbs up to Joani Elliott for writing such a wonderful book of, well, writing. My only criticism is that it wrapped up way too soon; for being a longer book than I usually read, I didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend this book to any writer – a pure delight! – and any person thinking of becoming a writer. You absolutely won’t be disappointed.”

Book Quote:

“…. Sara stood in London’s Heathrow airport in front of an aging passport control officer with wildly overgrown eyebrows. His eyes looked permanently suspicious, half-closed and squinty.

“State the purpose of your visit.”

“Business…I guess.”

“You guess?” He looked at Sara’s passport and then back at her. “What do you do?”

Sara looked down at the dingy, gray countertop and back at the officer. She straightened her back and said, “I’m a writer.” ….”

Joani Elliott, The Audacity of Sara Grayson (Page 323)

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May 2023

THE EXIT STRATEGY

Lainey Cameron

My Review: “A book of shock, unexpected friendship, and rising to the top…The Exit Strategy is more than having a backup plan. It’s about being transparent in a world of fakery, being real instead of a fraud, and having grit and tenacity. The main characters were delightful. I loved how both Ryn and Carly, both different yet complimentary to one another, fought to rise above their circumstance. The Exit Strategy is about bouncing back after learning the life you built is nothing more than a Jenga puzzle waiting to come crashing down. I loved how Ryn and Carly chose friendship over fear and took time to stand up for women in an imbalanced and unethical work environment. Seeing them rise above the injustices handed out to them and choose the higher path of courage – and taking their life back – was a true delight. If you enjoy stories of women pulling together in support of other women – and finding the grace to choose a new journey for themselves, you will love Lainey Cameron’s novel, The Exit Strategy. This book was definitely a pleasant surprise.”

Book Quote:

“….“Tell me again that thing your Uncle Remy used to say?” Ryn asked.

Carly set aside her wine and met her gaze. “It’s never too late to become the person you want to see in the mirror.” She searched Ryn’s eyes, as if questioning whether she could rise to the challenge….”

Lainey Cameron, The Exit Strategy (Page 296)

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The ABCs of Self Love

Melody Godfred

Review: “ABCs on learning how to love ourselves better….I was so pleased to “happen upon” The ABCs of Self Love. I’m all about LOVE in all its shapes and sizes and how everyone of us can learn to love each other, and ourselves, more. Each letter of Melody Godred’s ABC book on self-love is filled with a wise reflection of how to better love ourselves as we journey the road of life. Each letter has a little exercise, mostly written but sometimes something else, of how we felt about the letter we just read and how we let this new knowledge affect the world around us. If you enjoy discovering more about yourself, in a self-paced and gentle way, this book is worthy of your time. I loved it, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with all my friends and family. I think you will, too.”

Book Quote:

“Realizing your potential is not about conquering the space between where you are and where you want to be. It is about recognizing that who you are is already enough.”

Melody Godfred, The ABCs of Self Love (Page 100)

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GABRIEL: Angel in Training

Meredith Baldwin

My Review: “A story of miracles and redemption …I found the Esperanza family to be appealing in their Hispanic and Christian heritage and culture. Getting attached to the main character made it hard when his inevitable passing happened. But Gabriel and his supporting characters were quite a delight as he trained to return to earth as an angel. If you enjoy fiction teen or young adult novels, you’ll love this one. It’s written with heart with each character showing their struggles of what it’s like to suffer the loss of a child, sibling, and friend. Everyone deals with grief differently and you can feel these dynamics in this book. It’s worth sharing with your loved ones as a gift or just because. Book two is in progress, and you don’t want to miss out on reading the first book before the second book is released in the coming future. So, get your copy today. You won’t be disappointed.”

Book Quote:

“Gabriel wasn’t sure why he couldn’t just fall in line and step up to take on a bigger role on the farm. But there was something about the hardware store that called to him. Maybe because it had air conditioning. Gabriel liked being around tools and wood. He definitely had a green thumb, but that didn’t interest him as a lifelong career. He was leaning towards the excuse that Ezekiel had chosen a different career path, and no one was disappointed in him. Although, being a youth minister was like being God’s third in command, so you couldn’t really fight that position. His parents had never given Gabriel the impression that they would be upset; it was just an assumption.”

Meredith Baldwin, GABRIEL Angel in Training (Page 13-14)

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June 2023

TWICE A DAUGHTER: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging

Julie Ryan McGue

My Review: “A story of two daughters, two mothers, and the search for answers in the world of adoption….Twice A Daughter was filled with “two steps forward and one step back” and all the roller coaster emotions that searching for one’s identity brings and even more so. What started out to be a simple search for her birth parents – to learn about hers and her twin sister’s health history – turned into years of roadblocks and frustration with a system which deemed a parent’s right to privacy as most important. Yet, Julie perseveres through it all. Not just reuniting with her birth mother, after an initial rejection, but also with the children of her birth father. In the end, Julie found more than what she was searching for. She extended the joy in her life and was rewarded for all the struggles she endured during her search. Through adoption, Julie lived a life of love and validation as a person. And, in finding her biological identity, she was rewarded with a better sense of herself and an extended family who’d been on the outskirts of her family life all along. You won’t want to miss this heart-warming memoir of discovery and reunited family.”

Book Quote:

“I can’t recall when I first learned that I’m adopted. I seem always to have known. Yet my adoption wasn’t a topic tossed around the dinner table like the White Sox’s standings, or Grandma Mimi’s health. What I do remember is that on a handful of occasions, my parents pulled my sister and me into the living room for a private talk. By the second or third time this checking-in occurred, Jenny and I guessed what was in the offing. Our parents would sit stiffly next to one another on the sofa, avoiding our eyes and stealing looks at one another. In these chats, Mom and Dad professed their support should we ever want to look into our roots, but I had the sense that they were muttering a script given to them by a social worker.”

Julie Ryan McGue, Twice A Daughter (Page 6)

Side Note: I started this book in May, but didn’t finish it until June. Due to life, it took me 29 days to read it. I have learned from this experience that it’s far better to read a book in a shorter period of time. I’m sure I would have enjoyed it even more if I could have read it in one week rather than a month’s time.

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FROM ZERO TO ZEN: A Guide to Help You Thrive as a Caregiver

Alexandra Free

My Review: “A book to help you navigate the ups and downs of caring for an ill loved one….I had the honor and pleasure of endorsing this book with a blurb as it so excellent. And I’d like to expand on my testimonial here with a lengthier review. As I read From Zero to Zen, I see Ms. Free’s book as a roadmap to being a better caregiver for your loved one. Alexandra Free gives her readers an overview of what she experienced firsthand to get started in understanding and embracing the caregiver role. Whether you are a caregiver out of a willing heart, guilted into it, or it was dumped on you, you’ll appreciate her candidness, encouragement, and information she learned the hard way. From legal documents, medical records, and insurance to making peace with your grief and coming to terms with resentment, Ms. Free shares what helped her navigate through her dad’s and mother’s unexpected illnesses and gives her readers an outline of items needed to help you and your loved(s) one weather the storm of illness. In this book, I found not only much-needed knowledge and direction but also hope and courage to embrace the journey of caregiving. Ms. Free’s candidness is refreshing, and the sharing of her story gave me the feeling that I’m not alone in my own journey. Her easy-to-read content has just enough information to help you, as she puts it, “get your ducks in a row.” If you are struggling with your journey as a caregiver, this book is packed with the guidance and caring you may be looking for at this very moment. Let this “road map” guide you through your mountains and valleys of caregiving and get you through to the other side of what may seem too overwhelming to bear right now. I know I will continue to recommend it. And, I believe, once you read it, you will, too.”

Book Quote:

“The talented Toni Morrison once said, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”

This is that book.

But this is also the book I wish I didn’t have to write, and it’s the book I truly hope you need to read. However, it is the book I desperately could have used when I was caring for my sick parents, so I think that still falls within Ms. Morrison’s purview.

You see, I believe none of us want our parents or loved ones to get sick, and we certainly don’t lie awake at night excited by the prospect of becoming their caregivers. The fact is, people are living longer but unfortunately, they aren’t living healthier – so the likelihood of becoming a caregiver to a sick and/or aging loved one is a very real possibility for all of us.”

Alexandra Free, From Zero to Zen (Intro)

Side Note: I read this book in the first five days of May as an ARC. The author asked me to do a book blurb of which I was so honored. I had never done one before, so I have to admit I did some research on writing one. And so, here’s my book blurb for From Zero to Zen which launched today, June 20.

My Book Blurb: “Think of From Zero to Zen as your roadmap to being a better caregiver for your loved one. The author, faced with both her dad’s unexpected hospital stays and ten years of caring for her mother suffering from Alzheimer’s, offers you not only practical knowledge but also the courage to embrace your journey. Ms. Free’s candidness is refreshing, and the sharing of her story gives you the feeling you are not alone. Her easy-to-read content has just enough information to help you, as she puts it, “get your ducks in a row.” If you are struggling with your journey as a caregiver, this book is packed with the guidance and caring you may be looking for at this very moment. This book is it.”

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Ms. Starr’s Most Inconvenient Change of Heart

Dorothy St. James

My Review: “A whodunnit plot that keeps you interested from start to finish….I love a good mystery with a little romance. And there was so much I loved about this book. The plot, for one. The characters, for sure. Just when I thought the worst would happen, something else occurred. There really was no dull moment. So much so that it was difficult to not keep reading in one sitting. The main of two drawbacks to my overall enjoyment of this book was a few unnecessary word choices; and by that I mean, the storyline didn’t need anything “extra” thrown in it to grab a reader’s attention. Despite this, I am definitely interested the author’s other mystery books and will be adding them to my TBR lists for future consideration. If you love a fast-paced story of espionage and whodunnit with some romance and desire and a lot of the unexpected, then you’ll enjoy this book.”

Book Quote:

“I watched him for a moment. His entire focus was locked on the computer screen in front of him. His fingers flew across the keyboard. I was impressed. Not only did Superman leap off tall buildings with a single bound, but apparently the man of steel also moonlighted as a computer genius.”

(Samantha Starr) Dorothy St. James, Ms. Starr’s Most Inconvenient Change of Heart (Page 81)

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WHITE ELEPHANT: A Novel

Julie Langsdorf

My Review: “A community of homeowners struggling to find their place in the neighborhood….This book was more than I expected. The author did a great job of keeping the story on track and moving it along. I enjoyed how the narrator rotated from main character to main character, developing some suspense and mystery about the neighborhood of well-meaning residents. I also enjoyed how the expected perceived protagonist was unexpected. And I was impressed with how I could see each character’s perspective–not knowing the real truth behind another character’s actions–could read untruths into certain situations. My only disappointment was the seemingly abrupt ending after investing so much time in the story, community, and characters. (Was this possibly done to leave an opening for a sequel for certain characters?) Other than that, it was an enjoyable read which kept me interested at the end of a long day.”

Book Quote:

“Allison and Ted’s long-debated decision to have their dinner party on the back porch on this Indian-summer night would have been the right one if the Coxes hadn’t decided to throw a party as well. The Coxes were having a luau for goodness’ sake, complete with tiki torches and leis, a shindig so over the top it was a parody of itself.”

Julie Langsdorf, White Elephant: A Novel (Page 59)

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July 2023

BENEATH THE SEAMS: A Social Impact Novel

Peyton H. Roberts

My Review: “A thoughtful story of what lies beneath the layers of consumerism….From beginning to end, and despite the “heavy” topic, this book was a delight. The characters were loveable and compelling. The story line was gripping in ways one wouldn’t expect. And the author did a wonderful job of tying together what would seem like a simple business deal with the impact that one transaction, one incident, one unknown can have on the connections and lives of consumers, retailers, manufacturers, laborers, and even their children. If you haven’t read Beneath the Seams yet, you’ll find true pleasure in a story well told. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll have developed new wisdom and insight, not only for what choices we make as consumers, but also as good citizens in a world of growing products and marketing trends. I highly recommend Beneath the Seams to you. This book’s message is much needed in our world today and deserves being made into a movie.”

Book Quote:

“….“Dear Shelby, don’t you see, you have already answered your own question?”….

Shelby sat silent and still, staring into this woman’s eyes awaiting the solution – any solution – to this impossible puzzle.

“Do something different.” Pritti’s words were soft but sincere. “If what you have always done isn’t’ working, do something different.”….”

Peyton H. Roberts, Beneath the Seams: A Social Impact Novel (Page 280)

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MRS. ROSA OGAWA: Her Love & Legacy for her Warrior Dad, Captian Tsunezo Wachi

Alfredo Cooke

My Review: “A historical and touching story compiled from letters between author and daughter of Captain Wachi….I was quite impressed with this book. I found the story of daughter and father interesting and even more so of the development of a writing relationship between daughter and author through their continued letter-writing of over twenty years. Being a letter-writer myself, I was intrigued by the things they learned about each other’s lives and how, over time, each other’s families must have felt like their own. I liked how the author narrated a summation of the letters he received from Mrs. Ogawa and also included the letters he received from Mrs. Ogawa so the reader could read each one for themselves. Like the author, I enjoyed Mrs. Ogawa’s humorous writing style. This was a touching book of love, hope, and friendship. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys memoirs, historical nonfiction, and cultural learning.”

Book Quote:

“Once again, Mrs. Ogawa apologized for writing so long. She said, “Sorry this has gotten so long that you had to spend much of your precious time. I don’t write frequently but when I do I’m afraid it gets too long proving myself a poor correspondent. Too bad!” “

Alfredo Cooke, Mrs. Rosa Ogawa: Her Love & Legacy for her Warrior Dad Captain Tsunezo Wachi (Page 134)

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The Mortality of Dogs and Humans

Victoria Waddle

My Review: “If you’ve ever lost a pet, you’ll appreciate this short book about Love and Loss.…I loved this book. It made me cry in so many places. I could feel the author’s love and caring for her dogs with every word she wrote. I was impressed at how she weaved the telling of how much she loved her pups and how they affected her life so positively (and, at times, not) into such a short book that felt like a memoir. I know this is not the end of her journey of dog love. It is only a fraction of how deep one’s life, love, and heart is affected by an animal who cannot speak but – with every other part of them – shows you their most incredible and unconditional devotion.”

Book Quote:

“Dogs have taught me so many lessons over the years. Now that I have traveled the road of aging and death, not only with my pups, but with my parents, I have a pretty good idea what decreased activity means….”

Victoria Waddle, The Mortality of Dogs and Humans (Page 65)

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August 2023

I’LL PRAY FOR YOU: And Other OUTRAGEOUS Things Said to Disabled People

Hannah Setzer

My Review: “A touching account of a life not normal but extraordinary….Hannah Setzer is more than she seems. When we look at people, we immediately want to judge them by their looks. It’s human nature. But Hannah will surprise you. She is not only a fitness advocate and model for the disabled, she is a wife, mother of four, promoter for inclusiveness, and she also holds down a full-time job. “I’ll Pray for You” is Hannah’s second book, and she speaks as frankly as she does in her first book, “30 Days of Movement. “I’ll Pray for You” is filled with reflections and anecdotes of life growing up not knowing if your last day will be today or tomorrow, and of dealing with reactions to her appearance. Despite hardships from being born with physical challenges and countless surgeries, Hannah keeps a positive outlook on life. If you haven’t read her book, you’ll enjoy her story – and her humor.”

Book Quote:

“If I had a dollar for every time someone told me, ”I’ll pray for you,” I’d be rich. Literally a millionaire. Daily, I receive messages from very kind and well-meaning people telling me they are praying for me. People that I don’t know but who have just seen me on social media. Seen is the keyword here. They see my face and equate how I look with needing healing.”

Hannah Setzer, I’ll Pray for You (Page 7)

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A THEORY OF LOVE

Margaret Bradham Thornton

My Review: “A novel about perceptions, expectations, and love….I enjoyed this book and main characters more than I first expected. I could see how much Christopher and Helen loved each other and, in the beginning, thought they were being loved as much as they wanted to be by each other. However, with each one involved in their own endeavors, their love was tested by the lack of adequate time together. Yet, despite the deterioration of their relationship to the point of almost no return, they found their way back to each other. The ending is somewhat vague and not as defined as I like a “happily ever after” to be, but I have to believe their love survived it all. Given more interaction between these two “meant for each other” characters, I could see an even more delightful sequel. But that’s based on just how much I enjoyed these characters.”

Book Quote:

“So do you feel different?” Christopher asked when she returned.

“No, but I guess I thought I would. That it would feel like some big shift. As if a heavy door had closed behind me. But I don’t. It just feels as if everything has become simpler, less complicated.”

“I didn’t know we had a complicated relationship,” he said with a dip in his chin.

“That’s not what I meant, it just feels smoother and quieter. How about you?”

“Me? Do I feel different? I don’t know. I mean, I never thought that much about getting married, and then when I met you I couldn’t imagine ever being without you.”

“But what if I resisted you or played hard to get?”

“I would have had to learn more songs.”

Margaret Bradham Thorton, A Theory of Love (Page 74-75)

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SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER: A Memoir

Ashley C. Ford

Book Review: “A memoir about rising above family dysfunction….This account of childhood with its innocence, naivety, and missed social cues could be written about many families. Even though the author’s life was quite different than mine in many respects, I could relate to so much of her story in regard to treatment by her mother, being too trusting of the wrong people, and breaking away from the repetitive familial cycle of poor communication. In Ms. Ford’s retelling of her life, I could sense her growth into her own person and also the pull to her familial ties as part of who she still is. I highly recommend this memoir to anyone looking to understand their own background better. It is well worth the read.”

Book Quote:

“I tried to count again, to breathe, or at least go numb enough to speak without crying. My emotions moved through me faster than I could name them. Feeling any of it felt like the beginning of losing control, and losing control felt like certain death in my body, if not my mind. If I didn’t process the feeling, I wouldn’t feel it, and if I didn’t feel it, it couldn’t kill me.”

Ashley C. Ford, Somebody’s Daughter (Page 8-9)

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September 2023

THE CHOICE (A Novel)

Nicholas Sparks

My Review: “When one choice determines your future forever, what do you do?….The Choice was such a sweet read. I absolutely loved the story line and the interaction between Gabby and Travis. Once you realize what “the choice” is, it wakes up all kinds of questions of how anyone would deal with the medical decision at hand. As always, the author comes through for us. If you love Nicholas Sparks stories, or romance books in general, you’ll enjoy this read, for sure.”

Book Quote:

“How far should you go in the name of love?”

(Travis Parker) Nicholas Sparks, The Choice (Page 243)

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TODAY WILL BE DIFFERENT

Maria Semple

My Review: “Striving to be better each day beginning with today.…Today Will Be Different started out and finished up strong. I loved, loved, loved how the main character was stiving to do better as a wife, mother, friend, and overall person. Yet, despite her best efforts, life and the failings of her past kept her from making good choices. In the end, she became a better person just by striving to be. Her husband still loved her. Her son still loved her. Her friends still loved her. And, I imagine, their puppy still loved her. If you’re looking for a book with food-for-thought, a few tears, and a lot of good laughs, this one is it. From beginning to end, it’s filled with action, interesting characters, and forgiveness and letting go.”

Book Quote:

“Today will be different. Today I will be present. Today, anyone I speak to, I will look them in the eye and listen deeply….Today there will be an ease about me. My face will be relaxed, it’s resting place a smile. Today I will radiate calm. Kindness and self-control will abound….Today I will be my best self, the person I’m capable of being. Today will be different.”

Maria Semple, Today Will Be Different (Page 3)

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YOU COULD MAKE THIS PLACE BEAUTIFUL: A Memoir

Maggie Smith

My Review: “A memoir that seeks beauty and hope amidst the unexpected….It’s true, you could make this place beautiful, and Maggie Smith does a fine job of showing us how she turned her life into something beautiful despite never quite understanding what happened to her marriage. I appreciate how she chooses not to show us the bad things that happened because we all have feelings and, of course, she was devastated. Astonished. Confounded. Perplexed. So many emotions and with two young children to care for. She could choose to fall apart. Or she could choose to set a tone of beauty despite being bereft with anger, rage, depression. Take a read of Maggie’s poetic memoir and you’ll find yourself cheering her on. There isn’t a page I didn’t want to turn.”

Book Quote:

“Forgiveness is complicated. To be at peace, I think what I need is acceptance. I accept it.”

Maggie Smith, You Could Make This Place Beautiful (Page 302)

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October 2023

Searching for Sylvie Lee (A Novel)

Jean Kwok

My Review: “A novel that keeps you guessing until the end….I found Searching for Sylvie Lee to be quite interesting. Written in multiple character narrative, I found myself not wanting to put it down. The story moved along well and kept me guessing until the end. If you like mystery, the idea of being stumped, and then having all the pieces fall together at the end, you will love this novel. It is filled with love, yearning what was once, and the quest to find out exactly who Sylvie Lee really was.”

Book Quote:

“ “Hamster in a wheel, that’s me.” Eighty to a hundred hours a week at work. The glow of the laptop keeping me company…Flights to city after city. Always another deadline, another crisis. And for what? When it mattered, no one had stood up for me…I was beginning to realize that I had kept myself so busy to avoid examining my life….”

Jean Kwok, Searching for Sylvie Lee (Page 122)

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THE UNIVERSAL TONE: Bringing My Story to Light

Carlos Santana with Ashley Kahn & Hal Miller

My Review: “A biography that surprises and inspires….The Universal Tone is a longer book than I usually read, but it held my attention. It is well-written, and I could hear Carlos Santana’s voice in every word, although written along with writers, Ashley Kahn and Hal Miller, as he talks about his childhood; how he developed an interest in music, playing with his dad in a band, and forming a band with like-minded musicians who wanted to bring something more to the world; his experience at Woodstock; how he dealt with fame, fortune, and the ever-present access to drugs and everything that comes with excessive income; and how he found spirituality through meditation. I was also pleased, as he was, that his agent and attorney made sure he received royalties on his songs no matter who sang them, “the gift that keeps on giving and giving.” If you haven’t read his biography, I encourage you to do so. It’s a book that will surprise you with its easy flow of words, like a one-on-one conversation, and with Carlos’ determination to make an impact on not just in the world of music around him but throughout the entire world.”

Book Quote:

“My reality is that God speaks to you every day…you got the candles, you got the incense, and you’ve been chanting, and all of a sudden you hear this voice: “Now, write this down. ” ”

Carlos Santana, The Universal Tone (Page 470)

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TRUTH AND OTHER LIES (A Novel)

Maggie Smith

My Review: “A book that keeps you guessing what is really the truth….I found Truth & Other Lies much more enjoyable than I expected. I appreciated that the author kept the main character, Megan, and the plot in the spotlight, although I wouldn’t have minded her relationships with her friend, Becca, Nick, or even her mother, a little further developed. I was also keen on how Ms. Smith kept the reader guessing about who was holding secrets, who was lying, and when it would all be revealed. I felt as though I was reading a mystery, and I do love a good mystery. I enjoyed following Megan as she tries to pick herself up from a broken relationship and loss of a job to begin anew as a dedicated journalist, all the while finding herself in an unusual mentor arrangement that makes her question her own integrity. If you like a strong female character who can’t let a good story go, you’ll love this one. I was pleased with how it wrapped up, leaving me with wanting a sequel.”

Book Quote:

“The boomer generation. In the beginning, they’d had optimism, energy, camaraderie – all the ingredients a movement needed to succeed. But they’d given up, settled, got comfortable.

And left my generation to clean up the mess.”

(Megan Barnes) Maggie Smith, Truth and Other Lies (Page 189)

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CHEDDAR OFF DEAD: A Cheese Shop Mystery

Korina Moss

My Review: “A mystery that keeps you guessing all the way to the end….This cozy mystery was a pleasant surprise and easy read. I quickly developed an interest in each of the characters as I tried to figure out who did it. In the end, the culprit was also an interesting surprise. If you love a good, clean, not gross, or even close to overly-macabre mystery, you’ll love Cheddar Off Dead. It reminds me of the Hallmark Mysteries, and I look forward to reading the next books in Ms. Moss’ Cheese Shop Mystery series. Get your copy today!”

Book Quote:

“It was days like this when I tended to question giving up my nomad life. The more you had to love, the more you had to lose. Unfortunately, I knew that as much as anyone.”

(Willa Bauer) Korina Moss, Cheddar Off Dead (Page 35)

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And that’s a wrap!

Here we are at the end of 2023. The year I didn’t think I’d be able to read as much as I did in 2021 or 2022. And yet, I managed to read 31 books in 2023 compared to the 37.5 books in 2022. I’m happy to say I’m impressed yet not surprised at all that I did or didn’t read more. It’s been a tough year with working full-time and trying to get moved into our Little Casita before Christmas.

The good news is we are in for three weeks now and loving it. The other good news is I have no reading goals for 2024. I will probably still read each evening, as reading helps me sleep better. But rather than having a TBR pile to read books in a prearranged order, I will instead let each book I read lead me to the next. It feels a little less stressful for me, a person who tends to overdo things a bit, lol.

My reading goal for 2023 was one book per month, but I instead averaged 3.0 for the year – up until I got to October. Then, I read the longest, thickest book I have read in ages (lol) but one I couldn’t set down except for getting for our move or being out of town. I felt if I exceeded the rate of one per month, great. And if I stayed on target, also great. I thought now that I was no longer teaching an 8th grade religious class, as I had last year, I’d have more time for reading, writing, social media, and starting that writing support group I’d been wanting to for years. In fact, I’m constantly trying to simplify my life. And, of course, as you may well know from your own life, this is the greatest challenge of all these days.

I never did get my writing support group started (for various reasons, of course). But in the end, I’m glad it didn’t work out as moving – although only across a yard and drive – has been challenging. We’re still finishing up tasks like installing interior doors and completing a half wall between the kitchen and living room and emptying the old house. But, all in all, we’re very happy with downsizing and looking forward to more good times inside and outdoors (huge smile here).

My main reading and writing goal for 2023 was to get Book Two published, which I’ve now been writing on for over two years. This did not happen, of couse, but I’m almost done with my current round of edits. Then, my manuscript will be on to my next round of readers/editors.

For now, I’ve started my 2024 reading lineup and am pleased with the memoir I have chosen. For details, click to my Books in 2024 page. I’ll be shutting down on writing, blogging, and posting soon to read. It helps me to sleep better. And so, read, I will.

What are you reading lately?