Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week a new theme is suggested for bloggers to participate in. Create your own Top Ten list that fits that topic – putting your unique spin on it if you want.
This week’s topic: Things I’ve Googled because of a book
I do a lot of googling and have found out some interesting things.
How far underground can a dog smell a body? Yes, I read suspense and was curious. Answer a dog can smell remains 15 feet deep.
I live in the US and read a lot of books taking place in the UK so I google to see if these are actual places.
I read a lot of historical fiction and look up words of old-fashioned objects. For example, I’ve looked up what a U boat was and jack boots. These are WWII related.
I look up events in history I’d like to know more about.
I look up foreign words in books I don’t understand.
While reading a historical fiction about a person going to someone for a natural substance for poisoning, I had to look that up. They were given purple nightshade berries.
I google series of books or what book is releasing next by an author I read.
I google people I read about in books to see if they’re actual people and find out more about their life.
I’ve googled words from books I’ve read taking place in the UK. I’ve learned boot is the trunk and bin is for household waste and recycling.
I’ve googled what current places used to be called for example I didn’t know Nova Scotia used to be called Acadia until I read The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz.
246 pages Bookouture publisher December 17,2021 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
A completely gorgeous story about lost loves and small-town secrets that will sweep you away to the Irish coast.
Maggie remembers her summers in the village of Sandy Cove in Ireland like they were yesterday. She and her family would swim in the crystal-clear waters, collect beautiful seashells and relax on the sand. So when she sees that her family’s old coastguard cottage is available, she wonders if renting it for the summer will finally help her move on from the man who just broke her heart.
As soon as Maggie arrives, she is delighted to find her childhood bestfriend Sorcha and Sorcha’s cousin Brian still living in town. They enjoy cosy nights in the local harbour pub, with its stunning views across the ocean, as if no time has passed. And when Brian reveals he had a fierce teenage crush on Maggie, she can’t help but notice just how handsome he has become.
But then Maggie finds a worn metal box hidden in the attic of the house, full of love letters she exchanged with a sweet American boy she met one summer. During their last night together, star-gazing on the beach, they promised to find each other again. Soon it becomes clear that Maggie is not the only one returning to Sandy Cove.
Torn between her growing feelings for Brian and the romance she’s held in her heart for many years, Maggie realises that her summer may be more complicated than she’d expected. Will Maggie finally find a true love who can sweep her off her feet or will this holiday in Sandy Cove be her last?
Once again, we are swept away to the beautiful south-west of Ireland. This is the third book in the Starlight Cottages series. You’ll love spending time on the beautiful Irish coast.
Though this contemporary is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone because each book has different main characters, but we visit with familiar characters from past books in the series.
Maggie’s family lived in a cottage here thirty years ago and it just so happens to be empty at this time. After a breakup she’s so happy to be able to come back “home.” It’s surprising to her that some of her old friends are still living here.
In the attic of her old cottage, she finds love letters from an old love from America. When she is reunited with her love from her teenaged days will things be able to go back to the way they were and what’ll happen when she finds out he’s been hiding secrets from her?
The author’s writing is very descriptive. Maggie’s pretty oblivious in her relationships not realizing how much someone cares for her and the secrets being kept from her. Such a heartwarming read about reunions and happy memories.
Pub Date 17 Dec 2021 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susanne O’Leary is the bestselling author of more than thirty novels, mainly in the romantic fiction genre. She now writes full-time from her home in Dublin and a little cottage in Kerry.
394 pages Revell publisher Feb 6 2024 publication date
ABOUT THE BOOK
As the German army invades the Netherlands in 1940, Aleida van der Zee Martens escapes to London to wait out the Occupation. Separated from her three-year-old son, Theo, in the process, the young widow desperately searches for her little boy even as she works for an agency responsible for evacuating children to the countryside.
When German bombs set London ablaze, BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood reports on the Blitz, eager to boost morale while walking the fine line between truth and censorship. But the Germans are not the only ones Londoners have to fear as a series of murders flame up amid the ashes.
The deaths hit close to home for Hugh, and Aleida needs his help to locate her missing son. As they work together, they grow closer and closer, both to each other and the answers they seek. But with bombs falling and continued killings, they may be running out of time.
MY THOUGHTS
When I think of WWII books this is the author I think of. Her books are amazing, and she is an auto read author for me. She has a new and interesting take on WWII that I’ve not seen presented before.
As the Nazi’s invade the Netherlands in 1940, Aleida van der Zee Martens is on her way to London with her husband and son to escape. Her son is separated from her without her permission and the young widow heartbrokenly makes it her mission to find him.
In a city as huge as London it may be next to impossible. It was interesting to read about the reporting the BBC did, how they had to give information but not too much so as to aid the enemies.
As she and BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood draw closer, he vows to do whatever it takes to find her son. I could feel their frustration as they visit many children’s homes where refugee children have been taken, they are so close but yet so far away.
As the search continues you can feel the danger surrounding them with the London Blitz. There are so many twists and turns with events happening while the search continues: multiple murders and a mother’s unwavering love for her son leading to the most heartrending decision of her life.
Pub Date: 06 Feb 2024 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of Embers in the London Sky (February 2024), The Sound of Light (2023), Until Leaves Fall in Paris (2022), When Twilight Breaks (2021), and several World War II series.
Sarah’s novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. Until Leaves Fall in Paris received the 2022 Christy Award and was a semi-finalist for the 2023 Carol Award, The Sound of Light, When Twilight Breaks, and The Land Beneath Us were finalists for the Christy Award, and The Sky Above Us won the 2020 Carol Award.
A mother of three, Sundin lives in Southern California and enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers’ groups. Sarah serves as Co-Director for the West Coast Christian Writers Conference.
Is this an author you have read yet? Do you have a favorite book she has written? When Twilight Breaks is one of my favorites by her.
322 pages Bookouture publisher 06 Sep 2022 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
New Hampshire, 1796. “My name is Ona Judge, and I escaped from the household of the President of the United States. I was the favored maid of George and Martha Washington, but they deemed me a slave and thought me property, and I hear ten dollars is offered as reward for my capture. Now I must write the truth that I have lived, and tell my story…”
Chincoteague, Virginia, present day. Rain soaks Tessa Scott as she runs from her car to the old, vine-covered property she has been called to survey. She’s too busy to accept a new job, but doing this favor for the grandmother of her childhood sweetheart delays a painful decision she must make about a future with her controlling boyfriend.
But when Tessa finds a tattered journal carefully hidden inside the house’s ancient fireplace, the tragic story of how Ona was ripped from her mother’s arms to live and work in the palatial Mount Vernon, and the heart-shattering betrayal that led her to risk her life and run, has Tessa spellbound. Could discovering this forgotten scandal at the heart of her nation’s history force her to confront her own story? As she races to reach the final page, will anything prepare her for the desperate moment when Ona’s captors find her again? Will it inspire Tessa to take ownership of her own life and set herself free?
MY THOUGHTS
This will be my last book I read this month for Black History month. I’ve read some incredible books this month for it, and this is one of them. The book is so well researched, the author vividly brings Ona Judge’s story to life.
This wonderful book honor’s Ona Judge, a black woman born into slavery, as she became old enough, she was the Lady’s Maid to Martha Washington, President of the United States wife. Even amongst the slaves there is a pecking order. When she displaced a slave a few years older than herself to become the president’s wife’s personal maid there was jealousy, threats and bodily harm done to herself.
The book follows the daily life of Ona as she is at Washington’s home Mount Vernon, always on call as a lady’s maid, following every whim Matha has and even having to bow down and answer to the grandchildren of Martha that were younger than her. It was disheartening to see the violent behavior the slaves were subject to in Washington’s care. Though most tried to please you couldn’t defend yourself with words and had to demurely keep the eyes lowered and heaven help you if you were learning to read or write. This was punishable by beating to death.
Having more than her fill Ona Judge makes an escape to freedom but will she be caught, and freedom taken away?
This dual timeline has in modern times Tessa Scott in Chincoteague, Virginia, surveying a property of the grandmother of an old boyfriend as a favor. Ready to leave she spots an old diary stuck in the fireplace and she grabs it to look at later.
Upon further inspection she realizes it’s details of Ona Judge’s life, her struggles and ultimate betrayal. The book gives her the courage to find the help she needs to leave a controlling relationship. The book fascinatingly is based on actual people and events and gives the respect and honor Ona Judge deserved.
Pub Date 06 Sep 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Suzette D. Harrison, a native Californian and the middle of three daughters, grew up in a home where reading was required, not requested. Her literary “career” began in junior high school with the publishing of her poetry. While Mrs. Harrison pays homage to Alex Haley, Gloria Naylor, Alice Walker, Langston Hughes, and Toni Morrison as legends who inspired her creativity, it was Dr. Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings that unleashed her writing. Harrison prefers happy endings, but loves creating flawed characters and storylines with intricate layers and depth, offering readers unexpected plot twists. The award-winning author of Taffy is a wife and mother who holds a culinary degree in Pastry & Baking. Mrs. Harrison is currently cooking up her next novel…in between batches of cupcakes.
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This week’s topic for Top Ten Tuesday is Covers/Titles with Things Found in Nature (covers/titles with things like trees, flowers, animals, forests, bodies of water, etc. on/in them) (Submitted by Jessica @ a GREAT read) Hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl
I love pretty covers so this is what I’m going with this week, pretty nature covers.
These are all waiting for me to read them from my NetGalley pile Which of these have you or will you be reading?
567 pages HarperVia publisher November 22,2022 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
Set in 1920s New York, an addictively readable, thoroughly entertaining historical novel involving sex and secrets, race and redemption, and power and privilege—based on a sensational real-life case that made international headlines—in which the marriage between a working-class black woman and the scion of one of America’s most powerful white families ends in a scandalous annulment lawsuit.
When Alice Jones, a blue-color woman with at least one Black parent marries Leonard “Kip” Rhinelander, the son of one of New York’s most prominent society families, the scandal rocks high society—and eventually sets the city afire when Kip later sues for an annulment, accusing Alice of having hidden her “Negro blood” and intentionally deceiving him that she was white.
While New York society in the Roaring Twenties witnessed more than a few scandals, the real-life Rhinelander case set tongues wagging and became perhaps the most examined interracial relationship in American history. In Defending Alice, Richard Stratton reimagines this remarkable story, from the couple’s courtship through their controversial marriage to their shocking divorce trial and its aftermath. Chronicled by Alice’s attorney, brilliant trial lawyer Lee Parsons Davis, and told in flashbacks and entries from Alice and Kip’s fictional personal diaries, this epic page-turner vividly brings to life the New York of a century ago—a world seemingly far removed yet tragically familiar to our own.
Stratton brilliantly evokes this dazzling era in all its glamour and excess, and in retelling the Rhinelander story, explores issues of sex, race, class, prejudice, and justice that are as relevant today as they were a century ago when this headline-making trial took place.
MY THOUGHTS
Defending Alice is a historical fiction book I’ve read based on actual events and people. Chronicled by Alice’s attorney, trial lawyer Lee Parsons Davis, taking place during the Roaring 20’s when interracial marriages weren’t as accepted as today.
Leonard “Kip” Rhinelander comes from a high-class New York upper crust high society family and is white. Alice Jones is a working woman and their relationship set the tongues to wagging and caused a scandal. Kip is perceived as a weak individual unable to stand up to his father who wants the marriage annulled immediately.
According to the father Kip was seduced into the marriage having no experience with women by a woman who passed as white but didn’t tell him of her mixed-race blood. Alice claims she did not hide the fact she has at least one black parent and the couple is in love.
The grounds for annulment were Alice married into this prominent family for the money and social standing she would receive with the marriage. What follows is flashbacks of the couple’s relationship and the long trial case. As you can imagine the trial drags on and on with Alice’s name being drawn through the mud and her spineless husband not sticking up for himself or his wife.
Sex, lies, prejudice, race and class, just as relevant today as they were back nearly a century ago when this trial took place figure prominently into the story.
Pub Date 22 Nov 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Richard Stratton is an award-winning writer and filmmaker. His feature film work includes writing and producing Slam, which won the Grand Jury prize at Sundance and the Camera d’Or at Cannes. Stratton also wrote and produced Whiteboyz for Fox Searchlight. He recently completed an adaptation of the non-fiction bestseller Facing the Wind.
384 pages One More Chapter publisher 07 Jul 2023 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
Born Nigerian royalty, Princess Adenrele Ademola trained as a nurse at Guy’s Hospital in London and stepped up to serve the people of Britain when war broke out – facing both the devastation of the Blitz and the prejudice of some of the people she was trying to help.
80 years later, Ade’s great-niece Yemi arrives in London clutching the Princess’s precious diaries and longs to uncover the mysteries they hold…
MY THOUGHTS
Another beautiful read I’ve read for Black History month. I find it so fascinating to read historical fiction book based on actual people and events such as this one is. Richly detailed, I’ll admit to having never reading about Nigeria and knew very little about its customs, people and foods and I found the learning process interesting.
This dual timeline effortlessly blends past and present this debut novel is one not to pass up. Princess Adenrele Ademola was born Nigerian royalty, but you would not know by her actions. She only wants to help the people of Britan, training at Guy’s Hospital in London as a nurse, she receives no special treatment. She faces the devastating effects of WWII and prejudice behavior of some of those she is trying to help. She won’t let this stop her though.
Through diaries Yemi who also comes from Nigeria to London, the great niece of Ade and her friend Mike who’s relative was a friend of Ade are able to find out more about their families.
The story is magnificent and unique, I’ve never read a story taking place during WWII like this. Though Adenrele Ademola faces many adversities she is strong, and she shines, not letting anyone hold her back.
Pub Date 07 Jul 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ola Awonubi was born in London to Nigerian parents. She grew up and attended school in Brighton and lived in Nigeria before returning to England in 1992. She now lives in London. An avid reader, she nursed the idea of getting back to writing – something she had enjoyed doing as a child and enrolled in some writing classes and went on obtain an MA in Creative Writing at the University of East London.
In 2008 her short story The Pink House, won first prize in the National words of colour competition. This was followed by another story – The Go- slow Journey, winning the first prize in the Wasafiri New writing prize 2009. Some of her short stories feature on blogs and journals and anthologies such as African writing.com, Afreada, The Ake Review, Brittle Paper, Wasafiri Magazine as well as various literary magazines, journals and on blogs.
Author of 7 books – Love’s Persuasion was published by Ankara Press – the Romance imprint of Cassava Press, Abuja. Nigeria in 2015. Her second book for the imprint – I love You Unconditionally was published in 2017. Her third book – an anthology of short stories – Naija Love Stories was published by Conscious Dreams Publishing in October 2018.
Her 4th book 14 Days and Other Stories is a romance novella and her 5th book Reasons Why I Need to Get Married Yesterday and Other Poems was published in 2019.
Her 6th book – Lovers, Leavers and Keepers was followed by her Christmas Novella – The Keresimesi Wish in 2020.
Her current historical fiction manuscript – ‘A Nurses Tale’ has been published by One More Chapter Books; an imprint of Harper Collins and is due for release in July 2023.
352 pages Berkley publisher June 29,2021 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
A remarkable novel about J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white in order to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation, from New York Times bestselling authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.
In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection.
But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African American.
The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.
When I read The First Ladies by Marie Bendict it was my first read by this author though I have heard of this author before. Based on actual people and events, The Personal Librarian opened my eyes like never before.
When Belle da Costa Greene’s, a black woman’s father left the family, she was forced to do the unthinkable, as was the entire family and “pass” as white to avoid the racial prejudice. A woman of intense intelligence, she is hired by J.P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library.
Bold and shrewd, she is oftentimes the only woman at these book and art sales, and she also knows if a piece is authentic. The men often backdown when they see she wants a certain item.
Because she is J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian, she must not only put in many hours each day, but she must travel abroad to curate these one-of-a-kind pieces for him. Her important work has an expensive lifestyle as appearances must be kept with her bedecked in fancy ball gowns and jewelry. Her family benefits greatly from this as they have more money than they would have each brought in individually combined and they have a fancy house. I was very impressed with the intelligence of Belle as she goes about the buying of certain old manuscripts and Gutenberg bibles and as she goes about authenticating certain art pieces.
When J. P. Morgan dies, she is kept on by his son to continue as his librarian. I had never heard of this woman before and was busy looking up more information about her. The book was fascinating and enriching and I enjoyed learning about the lives of the characters involved.
Pub Date: 29 Jun 2021 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHORS
Victoria Christopher Murray is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 novels. Her novels, The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies, which she co-authored with Marie Benedict were both Instant New York Times bestsellers and her novel, Stand Your Ground won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction. Four of her novels, Lust, Envy, Wrath and Greed have been made into TV movies for Lifetime. Visit her at http://www.victoriachristophermurray.com.
Marie Benedict is a lawyer with more than ten years’ experience as a litigator at two of the country’s premier law firms, who found her calling unearthing the hidden historical stories of women. Her mission is to excavate from the past the most important, complex and fascinating women of history and bring them into the light of present-day where we can finally perceive the breadth of their contributions as well as the insights they bring to modern day issues. She embarked on a new, thematically connected series of historical novels with THE OTHER EINSTEIN, which tells the tale of Albert Einstein’s first wife, a physicist herself, and the role she might have played in his theories. The next novel in this series is the USA Today bestselling CARNEGIE’S MAID — which released in January of 2018 — and the book that followed is the New York Times bestseller and Barnes & Noble Book Club Pick THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM, the story of the brilliant inventor Hedy Lamarr, which published in January of 2019. In January of 2020, LADY CLEMENTINE, the story of the incredible Clementine Churchill, was released, and became an international bestseller. Her next novel, the Instant NYTimes and USAToday bestselling THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE, was published on December 29, 2020, and her first co-written book, THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN, with the talented Victoria Christopher Murray, will be released on June 29, 2021. Writing as Heather Terrell, Marie also published the historical novels The Chrysalis, The Map Thief, and Brigid of Kildare.
Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! And audiobooks. Don’t forget audiobooks! Hosted at Reading Reality.
NETGALLEY GRABS
LIBRARY CHECKOUTS
Husband’s book checkout
Husband’s book checkout
I didn’t really add a lot to my shelves this week. I’m finishing up a book from 2021 for Berkley from NetGalley. I’m also starting to read books for my blog tours for next month then I’ll be concentrating on books either taking place in Ireland or having to do with St. Patrick’s Day. Of course, I do have a few to read from publishers on NetGalley who don’t like you to be late with their reviews but not naming names 🙂
352 pages Bethany House publishers February 13,2024 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
Amid the hushed city, two hearts must navigate danger and deception, bound by a love that outshines the stars. Katherine Schneider’s life as a dentist in 1913 New York is upended when a patient reveals details of a deadly plot while under the influence of laughing gas. As she is plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a police officer she has long admired from afar.
Jonathan has harbored powerful feelings toward Katherine for years but never acted on them, knowing his dark history is something she could never abide. Now, with her safety on the line, he works alongside her through the nights as they unravel the criminal conspiracy that threatens her . . . even as he keeps his deepest secrets hidden at all costs.
MY THOUGHTS
This is now my favorite book by this author as it has absolutely blown me away. So much happening in the book, it’s pretty much nonstop action and I swear at one point I was sweating and holding my breath because of the danger. Danger, intrigue and a fascinating story taking place quite a bit at night while the city sleeps.
We get to visit the underground subway and get an up close and personal view of the different functions of the NYC police department and the danger they put themselves into. The story made me think of my son as he’s an officer as well. Just like in this time period many people don’t respect LEO’s.
Touching on many subjects such as bomb making, and the mafia I found the book utterly fascinating. I will say the addition of the owl and her babies added a special touch to the story.
Many things in the book are based on actual past history which I am always glad to read about and learn from. The characters are well suited for each other. Nighttime NY city life vividly brough to life like you haven’t seen in a historical fiction before. This needs to be your next read.
Pub Date 13 Feb 2024 I was given a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.
Have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for stopping in.
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READING
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