Not Just Fred’s Sister!

Book Review for “Starring Adele Astaire” by Eliza Knight. Summary: "Adele Astaire was a glittering, glamorous star, dancing with her brother, Fred, endearing herself to audiences from New York to London. But although she is toasted by royalty and beloved by countless fans, Adele Astaire has dreams of a loving husband and a houseful of … Continue reading Not Just Fred’s Sister! →

TCL’s #6Degrees of Separation for June 3, 2023.

From “Friendaholic” by Elizabeth Day to “The Phantom's Apprentice” by Heather Webb. This is a monthly link-up hosted by KateW at Books Are My Favourite and Best. Each month a book is chosen as a starting point and linked to six other books to form a chain. A book doesn’t need to be connected to … Continue reading TCL’s #6Degrees of Separation for June 3, 2023. →

The Bubbling Beneath.

Book Review for “The Paris Deception” by Bryn Turnbull. Summary: "Sophie Dix fled Stuttgart with her brother as the Nazi regime gained power in Germany. Now, with her brother gone and her adopted home city of Paris conquered by the Reich, Sophie reluctantly accepts a position restoring damaged art at the Jeu de Paume museum … Continue reading The Bubbling Beneath. →

#ShortStorySunday – TCL’s Homework.

Four Short Reviews for Four Irish Short Stories. In preparation for my writers' retreat in Ireland in September (with Claire Keegan - author of "Foster" and "Small Things Like These" which were just amazing), participants were requested to read the novel "The Barracks" by John McGahern, as well as the following short stories: “The Tent” … Continue reading #ShortStorySunday – TCL’s Homework. →

Cherished and/or Cursed?

Book Review for “The Castle Keepers” by Aimie K. Runyan, J'nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan. Summary: "1870. After a disastrous dinner at the Astor mansion forces her to flee New York in disgrace, socialite Beatrice Holbrook knows her performance in London must be a triumph. When she catches the eye of Charles Alnwick, one of … Continue reading Cherished and/or Cursed? →

TCL’s #DNF Friday #14 – Off-Key Notes.

Why I can't write a Book Review for “Rhapsody” by Mitchell James Kaplan. Summary: "When Katharine “Kay” Swift—the restless but loyal society wife of wealthy banker James Warburg and a serious pianist who longs for recognition—attends a performance of Rhapsody in Blue by a brilliant, elusive young musical genius named George Gershwin, her world is … Continue reading TCL’s #DNF Friday #14 – Off-Key Notes. →

The Formula of Secrets.

Book Review for “Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl” by Renée Rosen. Summary: "In New York City, you can disappear into the crowd. At least that’s what Gloria Downing desperately hopes as she tries to reinvent herself after a devastating family scandal. She’s ready for a total life makeover and a friend she can lean on—and into … Continue reading The Formula of Secrets. →

The Crushed Poppy.

Book Review for “Under the Cover of Mercy” by Rebecca Connolly. Summary: "The Great War has come to Brussels, and Edith Cavell, Head Nurse at Berkendael Medical Institute, faces an impossible situation. She has sworn an oath to help any who are wounded, under whatever flag they are found. But Governor von Lüttwitz, the ranking … Continue reading The Crushed Poppy. →

Angel of the Seneca.

Book Review for “Two Wars and a Wedding” by Lauren Willig. Summary: "September 1896: As an aspiring archaeologist, Smith College graduate Betsy Hayes travels to Athens, desperate to break into a very male-dominated field and find work at some of the world’s most famous excavation sites. In the midst of the heat and dust of … Continue reading Angel of the Seneca. →

Their Way.

Book Review for “Strangers in the Night” by Heather Webb. Summary: "In the golden age of Hollywood, two of the brightest stars would define--and defy--an era... She was the small-town southern beauty transformed into a Hollywood love goddess. He was the legendary crooner whose voice transfixed the world. They were Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra. … Continue reading Their Way. →