The Daisy Chain Flower Shop, by Laurie Gilmore

 

Publication May , 2026

This was my first read of this series but I'm hooked. I was lured in initially by the cover and title since my dog's name (and this review blog) was Daisy. That said, I was immediately drawn in from the very start and found myself liking and rooting for Daisy and Elliot. Dream Harbor sounds like one of those small towns where everyone knows everyone's business almost before they do. It's also quirky enough that the town seems to have fallen into believing Daisy's flower shop is cursed due to a dream the town mayor had.  Although I'm only getting introduced to many of the probably usual characters at this point, none of them seem to genuinely dislike Daisy, so that belief was a bit, uh, "out there". It was rather sad to read that in a town that seems to pride itself on knowing everything and then some about residents, however, that Elliot remains a mystery to most. Talk about not being noticed. 

I definitely don't want to ruin the plot for readers so will keep this vague. Fake dating is the trope of the day here and while it isn't necessarily one of my favorites, it's sweet and works. Honestly, I was rooting for Daisy even before Elliot appeared. His quick thinking and ability to follow the upset Daisy's lead on deceiving her former boyfriend and his new girlfriend, who, no lie, she finds herself liking, made me like him immediately. That he's a history buff would have been the deciding factor for this history buff but, well, as noted, I was already rooting for them as a couple. As a new reader, I may have been hearing Daisy's background for the first time but family is obviously important to both and they find themselves caught up in looking at some old photos and digging into their family backgrounds. The idea of the curse is woven into it all and gave the story a bit more meaning to me as one who has spent some time researching my own family's heritage and backgrounds. So, all in all, as noted, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and will be looking for future books from author Gilmore as well as catching up on all I've missed. 

Bottom line, a sweet story that had likable characters and a quirky but fun setting made this one a winner for me. I use the word sweet in that their connection was so cautious and was a gentle slow burn with small, usually hesitant steps together with shared looks, hand holding, and getting to know each other without relying on steamy scenes. Thanks #Harper30 for introducing me to this charming couple and the town of Dream Harbor where dreams do make a difference. 

Canada: We Are the Story, by Richard Wagamese, Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (illustrator)

 

Publication March 17, 2026

Although I'm not Canadian, I'm an Alaskan. Our indigenous populations share a heritage, so I was drawn immediately to this book. The cover art with the aurora definitely caught my eye. With stunning artwork throughout and powerful words, this one is a winner. Seen through the eyes of an indigenous child tasked with writing an essay about why they're proud to be Canadian, it's a lovely, beautifully illustrated reminder of what all of us have in common. It encourages us to honor our past while looking to the future. 

Given that I read this soon after the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny's Super Bowl half-time show, it carried even more meaning. It is not just a strong testimony to not just ones own cultural identity but of learning where you fit in the grand scheme of things. There's something of a dreamlike quality to many of the illustrations, reminding us of the thin veil between our past and present. Written for children, its strength is how it honors the past and those who came before us, no matter what their origin, but gives a sense of how we fit into the whole, how we're shaped by all those who came before us. I've spent time working on my own family tree which harbors long gone souls from faraway places who made our country strong, including family who came on the Mayflower, but all were met by indigenous people who also helped shape the world as we know it. As such, I could sense the awe felt by the child in the book as they meet their ancestors and are reminded to celebrate not just past achievements but the present and future yet to come. I liked the subtle blending of "old" style and modern clothing used in some of the illustrations, a subtle shading of past and present. The artist's renderings of the Northern Lights was stunning, I must say, and captured that sense of awe well. Even today they are mystical as the wave and dance above us, reminding us that our ancestors also must have watched in awe. The spreads featuring the aurora were, no surprise, my personal favorites. 

On a less mystical plain, the artwork is largely done in earth tones, with the blues ancestors are pictured in perhaps meant to convey that thin veil between past and present. You see the ancestor spirits surrounding the child in one rendering, another powerful image. To paraphrase the author, the ultimate message is that we are all one, we're all family, mankind. Different parts of Canada seem to be shown, too, again a reminder that we are bigger than one soul, living in a diverse world. We can learn from one another and bring our knowledge to the future. Obviously I could ramble on longer but will simply say this is a beautifully done book with stunning artwork and words that mean something rather than just entertain. My sincere thanks to #TundraBookGroup for allowing me early access to this lovely work. As an Alaskan, Canada is my closest neighbor and our worlds do blend at times, I'll certainly have this book firmly in my mind the next time I take in a Native gathering. 

Bridal Shower Murder (A Lucy Stone Mystery Book 31), by Leslie Meier

 

Publication March 25, 2025

Murder aside, the word that comes to mind first for the Lucy Stone series is family. We've watched Lucy grow, as did her family, from the time she was a young mother to now, the upcoming marriage of her youngest, Zoe. Of course, this being Tinker's Cove, you know things won't go smoothly. There's a murderer for Lucy to track down while trying to finalize Zoe and Chad's wedding day. Hetty Furness, head of the Tinker's Cove Historical Society, is missing, then found dead. She's been murdered. 

Why? No one is quite sure initially, but Lucy doesn't let that detour her. Never mind that she's a bit busy dealing with Zoe's sudden announcement, trying to gather the family from across the globe, dealing with Ted, the annoying publisher of the Courier newspaper, formerly Pennysaver, while supporting Chad as he deals with his own family issues. Oh, boy, wait till you meet his mother. He's such a sweet, charming young man, a first-baseman for the minor league team he plays for, but, oh, my, his mother is a piece of work. I won't detail the plot further other than to say it definitely deals heavily with not just family but family secrets, history, and long-standing prejudices. Do we really know who the people about us really are? Through it all, Lucy is quite aware of the clock ticking as the wedding approaches, wondering how to pull everything together. The side-stories, maybe not all side-stories, are intriguing and we learn a bit about history in the process. Lucy even manages to maintain her sense of humor through it all, not easy when husband Bill decides to play the tough father upon Zoe's arrival with Chad in tow. Let's just say, it's fortunate Bill's a baseball fan. 

Bottom line, this was a fun, intriguing read. The themes range not just with family but with young love, siblings being there for each other (you'll learn exactly how far the drive from Alaska to Tinker's Cove is), and how one sibling marvel of organization pulls a lovely setting and reception together practically overnight. Lucy has an amazing family, let's face it. Of course, that one lives in Alaska makes this Alaskan enjoy it all the more. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing - #KensingtonCozies for answering my plea and sharing an early virtual invite to the wedding. It's going to be interesting seeing how Lucy deals with the newly extended family.

Lights, Camera, Bones (Sarah Booth Delaney #27), by Carolyn Haines

 

Publication May 21, 2024

Much to my surprise, I have somehow managed to miss this long running series of 27 books until now. As such, I can confidently vouch that it works well as a standalone. Although I'm sure coming into the series this late means I've missed lots of character nuances and relationships, they were easily sorted out and made sense. Set in Greenville, MS, it has a distinctly Southern tone at times, including many of the names.

You're going to like Sarah Booth Delaney and the easy relationship she has with investigative partner Tinkle Bellcase Richmond. Sarah calls Tinkle the brains of the outfit, especially when it comes to sorting out financial info, though that doesn't stop her from being able to pick a lock in under three minutes or navigate some less than stellar back roads at speed. Not exactly skills many society types have. Add in Sarah's super scent dog and a rather ninja cat, not to forget Poe, the raven, and it's an interesting mix and I haven't even mentioned her mutual trust with romantic partner, Coleman, or the great relationship she seems to have with the local police. My verdict on Jitty, who seems to be a ghost, is still out as, unless I totally missed it, her presence wasn't explained nor her affinity for adopting different guises, not all of them human. Yep, I really need to sort out the "who, what, why" of Jitty. 

As for the mystery, it centers around the disappearance of two members of the film crew that go missing, one of them the writer, producer, and star. Jules, the gaffer, mysteriously goes missing first. Then, gulp, a severed foot is discovered in the river. Oh, did I forget to mention a shark is involved? A pregnant bull shark nicknamed Betty, at that. That whole scenario is a big part of the action, so I'll simply leave it at that. The disappearance of Marlon, the force behind the film, however, leads us to several other angles of the plot. Again, don't want to give away too much, but ol' money and the power that goes with it, murky family histories, and issues of racism all play a role. Whoever has control of a family history has the power to mold it, let's just say. As the plot progresses, we learn bits of history, bad and good, how one's relationship with family impacts one's current life, and quite a bit about sharks. I mean, who knew sharks might be an issue in the Mississippi River? 

Bottom line, Carolyn Haines does an excellent job of melding together a quirky but likable cast of characters and portraying them as multi-dimensional people we might know. I liked Sarah and Tinkle a great deal and found Tinkle's Southern charm and backbone (and love for her daughter) made for a good partnership. Sarah does seem to have a knack of being around when bullets fly but, hey, she doesn't back down, either. Let's just say, she wasn't fond of almost meeting Betty the shark too up-close-and-personal, though. Can't say that I blame her. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #Minotaur for introducing me to this fun series, slow as I was to jump aboard. I'll be catching up on it while eagerly awaiting the next adventure. Nice nod to Miranda James, too. Grin.

In Sunshine or in Shadow: A Molly Murphy Mystery (Molly Murphy Mysteries, 20), by Rhys Bowen , Clare Broyles

 

Publication March 12, 2024

On the surface, the plot seems rather straightforward. Who killed the wannabe husband of Mira? There are multiple suspects and Molly Murphy Sullivan, albeit pregnant and relatively retired from her detective business, is on the spot to investigate. It's much more than that, however.

While the murder investigation is intriguing, the various facets of the plot are equally so. The expectations and roles of women in 1908 and discrimination against Jews are prominent. The relationship between Sid and Gus, aka Elena and Augusta, isn't spelled out but is clear. So, too, is their support of the women's movement and environmental issues. Then there's the history aspect of the earliest formation of what might be called a Jewish enclave in the Catskills of upper New York. The early idea of building get-away homes/cabins is addressed. 

In other words, there's much to take in while pondering whodunit.It's actually been awhile since I've revisited Molly's world but I immediately felt comfortable as I caught up on past events, including her current pregnancy. The authors' descriptions of characters and the settings were lovely, especially in contrast to Molly's usual location in NYC. I could just imagine bouncing along in a horse drawn carriage in the beautifully described areas, much of it park land. You'll also sense Molly's unease at what she's gotten herself into when she stumbles into an environmental protest in the middle-of-nowhere. For someone determined to take it easy this pregnancy, she does have a way of forgetting. Husband Daniel, of course, makes an appearance, partly to help the local police and partly because, quite frankly, he misses his wife and family. I mean, he sent them away to his mother's to avoid the spread of typhoid in the city but Molly still manages to endanger herself. 

I won't detail the plot as it's quite interconnected and I don't want to give away anything. The history aspects of the story, of course, appealed to the ol' history major in me as did the well rounded characters. Rhys Bowen and daughter Clare Broyles' collaboration works well. I won't stay away as long next time. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for this sneak peak. I enjoyed my trip to the then rustic Catskills.

History Smashers (#8): Christopher Columbus and the Taino People, by Kate Messner, José Barreiro, Falynn Koch (Illustrator)

 Publication August 8, 2023

Quick quiz: Who was Juan Rodriquez Bermejo? Answer near the end of review.

Although I've had this series' Mayflower book in my digital stash for awhile, I have to admit to having never read it. I'll be remedying that failure soon. In other words, this one hooked me. As a former history major and teacher, while I did actually know many of the not-so-well-known details, I was delighted to discover that I not only had something to learn from this book but that it was such a delightful experience. 

The book's format, with a combo of easy to read and grasp text mixed with often humorous drawings/comics, photos, maps, scrolls, and dialogue that flowed like you were having a discussion with the authors, it was a fascinating look at the myth of Columbus the great explorer, why that myth isn't true, and the actual facts. As it turns out, not only wasn't Columbus very likable, he also wasn't much of a manager and never came to accept that he hadn't, in fact, found a new route to Asia/India. In fact, he died still claiming he'd found Asia/India. Unfortunately, many others died because of him. The addition of the information on the Taino people then and now was an added plus. In fact, co-author Jose Barreiro is a Taino elder.

Bottom line, this one has turned out to be an excellent read. It’s aimed at children but, quite frankly, should work for about any age from upper elementary on up, adults included. I looked up some of the previous books in the series and they seem to follow the same basic pattern: introduce the myth, show why it can’t be completely true, then present the facts. I won’t detail here further other than to say I love the mix of breezy, conversational text and usually humorous comic book worthy illustrations. 

Finally, Juan Rodriquez Bermejo was the first man to actually sight land, a white beach, on the initial voyage of the Pinta, Nina, and Santa Maria. Let's just say, he wasn't very happy with Christopher Columbus, whose real name you'll learn in the book.

This one would be an excellent addition to school, library, or personal bookshelves. Thank you #NetGalley and #RandomHouseChildren's - #RandomHouseBooksForYoungReaders and the authors for opening my eyes to "the rest of the real story". I'll be reading that Mayflower edition asap.

Hard Dough Homicide: A Spice Isle Bakery Mystery (Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries #2), by Olivia Matthews

 Publication May 23, 2023

This series is as much about families and togetherness as it is about murder investigations. I'm finding myself more and more drawn to cozy mysteries with strong families and character development. This one is still relatively new and has a way to go toward having completely well defined characters but it's showing promise. Main character Lyndsay Murray/Lynds began the series as a likable but probable push over, bullied as a child and not accustomed to standing up for herself in most circumstances. 

The circumstance that kicked started her willingness to step forward involved her family, as it does here. Her family has invested their hearts, time and money, not to mention their energy, in making the Spice Isle Bakery a success. Despite this, she is reluctant to book a retirement dinner for an old nemesis of her mother. It's a family decision to accept it when the outrageous fee quoted to discourage those trying to book the dinner is accepted. Little did Lynds know it would lead to her involvement in another murder investigation when her mother's past history with the victim makes her a person of interest.

So, who killed retiring school principal Emily Smith? Quite frankly, simply based on her arrogance and sense of entitlement even before the meal begins, it could be any of the invited guests. Tensions are high and that isn't helped when it turns out one of the male guests once had a crush on Lyndsay's mother. To complicate things, it turns out a hefty sum of money may have gone missing from school funds. How was Emily poisoned? Could it be the assistant principal, eager to take her spot? Emily's assistant, who is downright nauseating playing up to Emily, seemingly to gain favor? One of the others? Who had the opportunity and, more importantly, how did they do it?

Through it all, the Murray family stays strong, even when Lynds is crushed to hear her bakery will not be included in that year's Caribbean festival due to the murder there. How will that impact their quite young business? Will the threatening messages sent to Lynds detour her? Oh, come on. Of course not. Read this one to find out how it all plays out in the end. There's even romance brewing.

Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress - #StMartinsPaperbacks for letting me revisit Lyndsay's Spice Isle Bakery. Looking forward to where the end-of-the-book developments take us.

Star Tangled Murder, by Nancy J. Cohen

 Publication March 14, 2023

When I last dropped in on Marla and husband Dalton, change was coming. This book, the 18th in the series, picks up a few months later. Dalton is retiring from the police force to, essentially, begin teaching his future replacements. Marla seems to have changed, too. Unlike the previous book, when she seemed perpetually exhausted and struggling to adapt to motherhood, she seems to have hit her stride. As the book opens, Marla and Dalton are on their way to tour a living history site near their home in Florida. All hopes for Dalton's last days as a detective being easy end when a dead body is found. Tomahawked to death, no less.

Determined to help ease her husband's burden during his waning career as an active detective, Marla sets out to help. After all, asking a few questions surely can't hurt, right? Wrong. 

More often than not with young Ryder in tow, Marla revisits the pioneer site and begins asking questions of those who might be involved or know something. She's accompanied by step-daughter Brianna, who seems to be wonderful with and adore her much younger brother, and friend Susan. They raise a few ruffles as some of the questions aren't, well, always subtle. Should Marla be concerned when, say, a brawny blacksmith pulls out a heavy iron tool? 

So, who killed Phil, who seemed to have his hands into many of the operating parts of the living history site? Marla and Dalton were there to watch a battle reenactment involving troops and the Seminoles when the murder happened. Can the fact the murder weapon was a personalized, decorated tomahawk be a clue? How about the small item discovered under the body? What personal relationships between those acting the historic roles might be important? And, yikes? Another murder? Someone shooting arrows at Marla? Her questions have obviously gotten too close for someone's comfort. 

And, oh, that's enough teasers right now. Put this one on your TBR list. The various characters are people you could know, all with their own lives and stories. You'll like them. In addition, Marla is a strong female character, one determined not to put herself in danger but, well, life happens. I will note that her hair stylist job wasn't really involved in the story, but, dang, those recipes at the end are worth a trip to a stylist if they have those kind of recipes. I think you'll enjoy this story, which stands-alone nicely. 

Thanks #NetGalley and#OrangeGrovePress for allowing me to revisit my ol' turf, Florida. I've never been to a reenactment there but have visited historic sites in their area, so it was a bit of a nostalgic visit for me.

Last Seen in Santorini, by Vivian Conroy

 

Publication Jan. 6, 2023   Miss Ashford Investigates #2

I first crossed paths with this book when the author noticed I'd shared several cozy mystery reviews on Twitter, of all places, and suggested this one as one I might like. Despite the slow-to-me start, once I settled into the slower pace, I was hooked. I haven't read book one but other than wondering if it might have made it clearer why Atalanta Ashford didn't completely trust Raoul, there were no issues. In fact, I deducted that it was her own feelings toward the handsome race driver that she didn't trust, not Raoul himself. I also give credit to the book for distracting me while dealing with an unhappy tummy over the weekend, meaning it definitely kept my interest.

The author does a lovely job of description. It allowed me to thoroughly enjoy my arm-chair traveler experience to both Venice and Santorini. Heck, it even seen me to research Santorini, which I knew little about. The photos I found made the scene come that much more alive but, no, you don't need to research your arm-chair travel to enjoy. You'll hear, see, and smell the noises, voices, vivid blues of the sea, and aroma of the flowers. All without leaving home!

As for the murder, this is only Atalanta's second case. She seems to have become a tad over-confident after solving the first, only reluctantly only giving Raoul the deserved credit for his help, not to mention info found in her late grandfather's papers. In this case, she responds to the distress and sadness of a woman in black who begs her to investigate a daughter's death in Santorini. 

Thanks to her butler's info, Raoul seen appears. She spends a great deal of time denying her interest in him to herself, despite spending real time with him that is easily observed by others. Heck, she even thinks he may be part of the problem, if not the solution to at least one of her questions. Then, another death. The Bucardi family is not all it appears on the surface and, in fact, she fears for the young son's well-being. Convinced she can solve the investigation on her own, Atalanta tends to leap from one supposition to another. She even resents Raoul pointing out that just because she believes something to be true doesn't mean it is. Her attitude was rather annoying at times but I liked her.

Supposedly arriving to be caretaker to an elderly aunt of the Bucardi family, Atalanta quickly discovers all is not as it appears. Pirate's treasure? Quick tempers that flash into violence? Why are Luca's parents so cool toward him? Why does his father react so violently when Luca is given a puppy? Was Titia the innocent young victim she appears on the surface or could her photos hold a clue? Then, another murder? How the heck does the victim's body wind up in bed when evidence indicates they died elsewhere? Is Atalanta truly safe? Will she ever learn to trust both Raoul and her heart? Who.....oh, enough teasers. You're just going to have to read the book. I know I'll be looking forward to Atalanta's next adventure.

Thanks #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK - #OneMoreChapter, not to mention author #VivianConroy for bringing this book to my attention. Venice sounded dreamy but Santorini, with all its history and beauty was amazing.

Just Murdered: Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries, by Katherine Kovacic

 Publication Jan. 10, 2023 

Since I hadn't seen the tv screenplay by Deb Cox this is based on, I began the book with no expectations. The dialogue rang true and it was easy to visualize how much of the action would play on the screen.

The supporting characters were intriguing, from the thoroughly unlikable Inspector Sparrow, to the strong, multi-talented women of the Adventuresses' Club. I'd definitely like to know much more about them. Detective Steed seems a bit taken about by Peregrine but although constantly under pressure from Inspector Sparrow to arrest Sparrow's designated guilty party, shows promise. I see a budding romance coming. I also liked the growth seen in just this book of the female police officer, who Peregrine earned a few points on my respect monitor for standing up for. 

Unfortunately, after a promising opening, I found Peregrine Fisher to be less than charming. She was rather careless and not at all dependable from the very beginning. For example, her flippant attitude toward the poor woman in the hair salon's dilemma after she rushed out to be with her boyfriend without insuring someone would check the progress on the woman's treated hair, was uncaring and caused harm. I also found myself disliking her self-important attitude, especially given that we're frequently reminded she's failed at about everything she's tried, and her "in you face attitude" toward Detective Steed. As noted earlier, I did like that she stood up for the policewoman, however, a sign that maybe there was hope. She's definitely gutsy, gutsy and thinks quickly on her feet.

As the plot progressed, I found myself warming to her, however, and will definitely give future books of this series a chance, I just couldn't get into the idea that she was suddenly worthy of joining the seemingly exclusive Adventuresses' Club of the Antipodes. 3.5 overall, rounded to a 4.

Thanks #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for introducing me to Peregrine, who I was warming up to as the book drew to a close. I hope they find her aunt.

Irish Coffee Murderl, story collection by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, Barbara Ross

 

Publication Jan. 24, 2023

The luck of the Irish was definitely with me. Not only a collection of mysteries built around the theme of Irish Coffee, but by three of my favorite authors and sets of characters. I definitely felt like I'd found the reader's pot of gold.

I won't detail the plot except to note that each author shines with their own voice and style. Even better, you don't have to be a former reader of that author to thoroughly enjoy the story, all of which include tidbits from past adventures but don't rely on them for the solution. Mysteries include the death of a single mother of a talented young Irish dancer, the poisoning of an up-and-coming stand-up comedian, and a very cold case, as in over a century old unsolved crime. The collection provides a great introduction to the various series and characters, including seeming to introduce some newcomers. In other words, a winning combination for both authors and readers. ENJOY! I know I did.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me over for some Irish Coffee.

FOR BLOG READERS, the publisher's book blurb:

" You don't need to be Irish to enjoy St. Patrick's Day in Maine, where the chilly March weather offers the perfect excuse to curl up with an Irish coffee. But someone may have spiked this year's brew with
murder . . .

IRISH COFFEE MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
Part-time reporter Lucy Stone is writing a piece for the Courier about four Irish step dancing students from Tinker's Cove on the cusp of making it big. But the story becomes headline news for all the wrong reasons when one girl's mother is found dead in her bathtub. Did a stage mom take rivalry too far, or is some other motive at play?

DEATH OF AN IRISH COFFEE DRINKER by LEE HOLLIS
As owner of Bar Harbor's hottest new restaurant, Hayley Powell offers to cater the after-party for popular comedian Jefferson O'Keefe, who's playing his old hometown for St. Patrick's Day. But it's no laughing matter when Jefferson keels over after gulping down his post-show Irish coffee, leaving Hayley to figure out who decided this joker had gone too far . . .

PERKED UP by BARBARA ROSS
It's a snowy St. Patrick's Day in Busman's Harbor. But when the power goes out, what better way for Julia Snowden to spend the evening than sharing local ghost stories--and Irish coffees--with friends and family? By the time the lights come back, they might even have solved the coldest case in town .

Brave Bird at Wounded Knee: A Story of Protest on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (I Am America Set 5), Rachel Bithell (author), Eric Freeberg (Illustrator)

 

Publication Jan. 1, 2023

Impressive. Patsy Antoine may be a fictional character but the events are real. As one with some Native ancestry, it's a story I knew but seeing it through the eyes of 11-year old Patsy, who is half-Lakota, made it all the more real to me. 

Author Rachel Bithell not only knows her material, but how to bring it alive to her audience, in this case ages 8-12/grades 4-6. She presents the material in a variety of ways, including letters, news clippings, and a journal Patsy begins when she visits the reservation with her father. There are illustrations interspersed throughout which, in their simplicity, add greatly to the mood, plus real photos at the end (of the digital version I read).

I liked the books straight-forward approach, one that neither elevates not derides the events of the occupation. It does, however, take the stance, via Patsy's belief, that violence isn't an answer. In the process, we learn a bit about life on the reservation in 1973 -- many still had only outhouses! -- as well as some words in Lakota. We're also gently directed to two excellent sources of information via a short research paper Patsy is urged to do for "extra credit" for her social studies class: "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" and "Black Elk Speaks". Both are on my own bookshelves. 

Excellent work and one that should be shared. Reminders like Patsy's Lakota father having to hide his identity while her white mother goes to the bank to apply for a home loan are a reminder that equality touches many. And, that journal? Given to her by an understanding, caring teacher. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #NorthStarEditions - #JollyFishPress for allowing me to reexamine the story of Wounded Knee. It's a story more should know about.

For blog readers: Here's the publisher's blurb for the book, taken from GoodReads:

"

It’s 1973, and in Denver, Colorado, Patsy Antoine doesn’t usually give much thought to her relatives living on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. After all, her classmates don’t even know she’s part Lakota. Then she learns the tiny town of Wounded Knee has been occupied. Now Patsy’s relatives are stuck amid the conflict between American Indian Movement activists and Oglala Lakota tribe members on the one side, and federal marshals and FBI agents on the other. When Patsy visits her relatives on Pine Ridge, she learns more about her heritage and the clashing perspectives on the Wounded Knee occupation. As she connects with her roots, Patsy must grapple with the complexities of the conflict and of being biracial. It’s the storytellers that preserve a nation’s history. But what happens when some stories are silenced? The I Am America series features fictional stories based on important historical events about people whose voices have been excluded, lost, or forgotten over time.

160 pages, Paperback

Blue Skies and Golden Fields, ( Kindle Edition) by Oksana Lushchevska

 Publication Sept. 1, 2022 

I was a sunflower fan long before it became an international symbol of not just peace but hope and resistance against foreign invasion. As such, the cover grabbed my attention immediately. As a retired teacher, I wondered how it could be used for learning, particularly as I imagine many children, the target audience, had never heard of the country before recent (2022) events. While it certainly isn't a comprehensive tome on the country's culture and place in history, it does provide a solid starting point as well as some hands-on projects.

My first reaction, probably naturally, was to delight in the colorful photos spaced throughout the book. For instance, rather than simple drawings of, say, a nightingale, the national bird of Ukraine, photos were used. No surprise, the sunflower got its own section, one that included instructions on planting them. They share a bit of culture here and there and one of them was a Ukrainian poem to be recited as you water your flowers. 

History-wise, they provide a very basic overview and timeline. I should note  that the book seems more directed at adults, adults who can read and discuss the information within with children. It provides a taking off place, in other words. Known as "the breadbasket of the world", Ukraine certainly is worthy of discussion. A handy timeline is provided, by the way. Given recent events, it provides a handy reminder that Ukraine's geographical location has made it something of a volatile barrier between the west and east at times. Again, not presented politically but in a conversational tone as a starting place for discussion. As such, this book would be an excellent starting point for adults wanting to know more about Ukraine. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #Capstone - #CapstoneEditions for providing this quick, easy-to-read overview of Ukraine, it's culture, history, and importance to the world. Now I'm going to go practice those Ukrainian phrases.  

An Advent Carols Countdown, by Michael D. Young

 

Publication Sept. 6   Shadow Mountain Publishing

Savor this one. I deliberately only allowed myself to read one carol's story per day so as to create the spirit of the title. It not only allowed me to fully take in the background and history shared but time to think about what I'd learned, too, in the midst of my everyday life. It was a complete delight.

Although some of the songs were unfamiliar to me, it didn't matter. Not only are the lyrics and background provided but there was a link to a performance of each song provided in the digital copy I read. (It's my understanding there will be a QR code available to access this in print versions.) In the process, I learned a great deal such as that "Angels We Have Heard On High" is considered a "macaronic" hymn in that the lyrics alternate between Latin and another language, and that "Carol of the Bells" origins are Ukrainian. Beginning life as a folk song basically celebrating winter, it was first performed at Kiev University in 1916 and seems to have made its first American appearance at Carnegie Hall in 1921. "Silent Night" was one of the songs performed by the Von Trapp Family of "Sound of Music" fame when they performed across Europe. 

And, oh, so much more. These little details, connecting time periods and people of the times pop up throughout. There's sure to be something for everyone. Even the carols that weren't familiar to me had intriguing back stories, so I thoroughly enjoyed my read and listening to the songs via the links provided. For the more scholarly among us, there is an extensive bibliography provided at the end. Enjoy! I know I did.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #ShadowMountainPublishing for allowing me to tune into this celebration of Christmas. The ties to history and events were fascinating and, of course, what is Christmas without Christmas carols?

Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves, by Art T. Burton

 Publication Sept. 1, 2022

This was a tough one to rate. While I found the topic intriguing, particularly since I recall hearing periodically of Bass Reeves' possible connection to the Lone Ranger, a favorite show of my horse loving childhood, it wasn't an easy read. The author is obviously a researcher and scholar and, as such, he provides us with a wealth of documentation and information as any research project should do. Unfortunately, research papers, which I believe this is/was, don't necessarily make for good reading. I'd find myself fascinated at one point, then not many pages afterward, I'd feel my eyes glazing over. Don't get me wrong, this isn't to slam the book. It's simply that it's far more research paper than the average, mildly interested reader can digest with the wealth of often contradictory information and detail. Thus, for the average reader, this one might be a 3 star at best. For those of a more research oriented mind, it might easily rate a 4+ rating. I've opted to rate for the average reader, however, so take all this into consideration when deciding whether to read or not. 

As for the content, as noted, there is an abundance or documentation and information, all fact based and checked. Personal memories were probed and the stories of the real Bass Reeves were fascinating. Were they all true? Who knows? Sadly, for the simple fact that he was a black man, records on his history and exploits were scarce. Author Burton has done an admirable job pulling it all together in this well researched volume. 

Whether Reeves was the inspiration for the Lone Ranger or not, his story is one that deserves to be told. Born into slavery, he escaped and became one of the West's best lawmen ever. Those who knew him personally claimed he outshone the likes of the legendary Wyatt Earp. He was conscientious. He even arrested his own son at one point. An excellent horseman, he was also said to be a dog-lover, a real plus to me. Some say he rode a white horse, or maybe gray, which, of course, calls to mind the TV Lone Ranger's Silver. Reeves was known to distribute silver dollars, however, not silver bullets. Hmm, another tie. I understand there are ongoing talks about a movie featuring Reeves, so will be intrigued to see if that happens and how the research within this book is utilized. The story of a respected and authoritarian black man in a decidedly white world is definitely one that deserves to be heard.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the #UniversityOfNebraskaPress - #BisonBooks for giving me the chance to delve into a childhood legend in depth.

The Ecological Buffalo: On the Trail of a Keystone Species by Wes Olson, Johane Janelle (Photographs)

 

The Ecological Buffalo: On the Trail of a Keystone Species

by

Wes Olson,author/researcher

Johane Janelle (Photographs),

Harvey Locke (Foreword),

Leeroy Littlebear (Afterword)

 

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from this book other than, hopefully, lots of lovely photos. I lucked out. I not only got the lovely photos but a very readable, intriguing look at the role of the buffalo in the ecological system. While I won't pretend to be an expert, I found it not only understandable but a relatively easy read, even when statistics were tossed at us. I won't even try to detail all the information within. This book is the culmination of decades of observation and study of the buffalo. Instead, I will settle for explaining the use of the term "keystone".

For me, having had a killer good humanities teacher, it took me back to the classroom when we were discussing Roman architecture. Think about the giant stone arches of which you've surely seen pictures. The central stone, the one atop the arch at the top center is called the keystone. Take that stone away and the rest of the arch will collapse. Without the keystone, the strongest of arches can't stand. In the ecological world, the buffalo served much the same role in its environment.

As someone who grew up watching countless westerns, I've of course heard stories and read about the buffalo and its importance to the Native Americans. Every part was somehow utilized, right down to the tongue. What I hadn't thought about was how non-human species, or even the, say, grass growing on the plains was impacted by the near complete destruction of the once enormous buffalo herds in the late-1800s. Did you know how even gophers and woodpeckers and other birds were impacted by the loss of the herds? For instance, the buffalo grazed in the areas the gophers dug their holes. Since the buffalo grazing kept the grasses and brush down around the gopher colonies, there was less chance of a predator sneaking up on them. As for the woodpecker, I was startled to discover how much they seemed to have enjoyed feasting on the ant colonies that were built in, hmm, let's say bison dung, and the disappearance of the buffalo of course lead to there being fewer ant colonies and, thus, fewer birds. An ornithologist, a US Army surgeon, kept records of birds seen and noted the loss of the Sprague's lark but didn't make the connection at the time to the relatively sudden disappearance of the vast buffalo herds.

That sort of fascinating information is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. All illustrated by lovely photos of both the buffalo and other ecological neighbors. Author Harvey Locke does a great job of connecting the dots, pulling all the facts together and showing how they are related and had an impact on a wide variety of species as well as the land. The photos by Johane Janelle are a bonus. I'm certainly not a student of the buffalo but have enjoyed observing them at one of the wildlife centers as well as following the release of the bison to the Alaskan wilds. This book make me understand not just the animal itself but the importance of heir continued survival to humans and the world we share with a wide variety of species. if you have any interest in ecological systems and how the work in unison, history, wildlife, or simply like looking at pretty pictures, this book should be on your bookshelf. Well written, clearly written, and informative without talking down to us, it's a winner.

Thank you #NetGalley and the #UniversityOfReginaPress for allowing me to spend such an enjoyable time getting to know the amazing creature better. We ARE all interconnected.

Becoming, by Michelle Obama

Excellent read (really a re-read for me) with insight into her mind at times re world events but mostly focused on the issues that were important to her. Looks at how being in White House had an impact on daughters and really everyone as real people not just faces on the tv. I think that is what I liked most, the look behind the curtains at “real people “ with feelings and beliefs without slamming others. Read it!

Aunt Dimity and the Enchanted Cottage (Aunt Dimity Mystery #25,) by Nancy Atherton (Dreamscape Audio)

 

I love this series. True,  the first time I read one of its book I kept waiting for a murder to happen. Oddly enough, although that didn't happen, I found myself settling into the rhythm of life in Fitch, a place where everyone knows your name and business. Opening with a lovely, peaceful audio tour of Fitch and some of what makes it so special, you feel yourself relaxing, slowing down, enjoying the friendly chatter and gossip of the characters. The town itself seems almost a separate character, in fact, with its scenic beauty and seeming operating motto of "everyone knows...." Instead of feeling oppressed by that knowledge, it's comforting. It allows you to focus on the main thread: Who is the new neighbor and why does he seem to sad?

Narrator Christina Moore does a lovely job of introducing us to the various characters, expertly adapting her voice to each, even main character Lori's daughter's repeated "quacks". I enjoyed the gentle humor as I settled into a comfortable chair on "Windle Watch" with Lori's friends, sipping my tea and rolling my eyes at some of the theories offered up about new resident Crispin Windle. I'd also love to have a mysterious, magical blue tablet that "talked" to me as the late Aunt Dimity does to Lori. That touch of whimsy, rather than intrude, just seems part and parcel of this little town where "it's always been like this" seems a ruling guideline.

As delightful as it is to spend time with friends, of course, there is a mystery. Even as we learn more about Crispin Windle we wonder why he is so focused on seemingly finding one particular landmark in the area. A retired industrial historian, he digs up some of Fitch's past that maybe many would just as rather stay buried. Toss in side-stories of romance, the past impacting the present, and a daughter's perpetual energy and enthusiasm and you've got an idea what is going on. So, set aside all thoughts of murder and mayhem, slip into something comfortable, prepare some tea, and curl up on a cozy chair and enjoy Lori's latest mystery of life. This, the 25th book in the series, shows why it's a continued winner.

Thank you #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for allowing me to drop into Fitch and spend some time sipping tea and listening to the gossip as life goes on in front of me. For a small town where not much happens, big things seem to change in Fitch. Love meeting the new residents as they move in.

The Memory Keeper of Kyiv, by Erin Litteken

Stunned. I was absolutely stunned as I read "The Memory Keeper of Kyiv". History repeats itself. This isn't an easy read. Reality slaps us in the face. But, it's an important read. Even as a history major who was certainly aware that awful things happened there, seeing that knowledge translated into words and characters we quickly came to like and care about made it all the more horrifying. People going about their everyday lives, loving, living, laughing, sharing first kisses... Then it's all ripped away from them. The cruelty of war. The desperation. The randomness. The lives destroyed. Erin Litteken captures it all in this novel, using the format of a modern character discovering her grandmother's journal as a means of bringing the past to the present. As we reel today of a story of a Ukrainian man going out to simply walk his dog, something I do daily, and being shot in the head by invading forces, we see the past happening in the present. Yes, history repeats itself.

I won't attempt to detail the plot and take away any of your immediate reaction to the story. The book uses alternating viewpoints. One is of present day Cassie, a still grieving widow, and her daughter, who go to stay with Cassie's grandmother while she recovers from an accident. The other is of 16 year-old Katya (the grandmother) as she shares her first kiss and hears whispers of invasion and awful tales of events elsewhere. Cassie discovers her journal. We follow her throughout the invasion and eventual Holodomor, a time of a man-made famine when keeping a single shaft of wheat to feed a starving family could be a death sentence. Friends and loved ones simply disappear. Children are snatched from their homes, never to be seen again. People are forced to make life or death decisions every day. Katya chooses to live. This is her story, yes, but also the story of her family, past and present, Cassie looks to her future, too, with hope.

I know now why Ukrainians fight so bravely and relentlessly. They know the consequences. This book, ironically conceived of even before the 2014 invasion of Crimea, should be required reading for anyone with an interest in history and current events, not to mention in learning the truth. Katya's story, fictional as it is, must be told.

Thank you #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me the opportunity to read #TheMemoryKeepersOfKyiv.

 

From GoodReads: "Erin Litteken is a debut novelist with a degree in history and a passion for research. At a young age, she was enthralled by stories of her family’s harrowing experiences in Ukraine before, during and after World War II. She lives in Illinois, USA with her husband and children."

Mystery at Lovelace Manor (Eve Mallow #8,) by Clare Chase

Eve Mallow fascinates me. On the one hand she lives a buttoned up life as she keeps her private life and growing romance with Robin shrouded in secret. On the other, she's outgoing, well known and liked as a community friend, worker, and volunteer. She definitely more observant than the average person. I mean, who else would spot a tiny hole in a juice bottle and connect it to murder? Or think that a discarded gum wrapper might lead to a meaningful clue? An excellent writer and interviewer, her obituary writing job gives her the perfect excuse to ask questions without being looked askance at. She displays dogged determination to find the truth, even when it puts her in danger, too.

I loved the fact that in her quest to find the truth behind the murder of celebrity dare-devil Cammie, that there were no big reveals. Yes, she gets tiny bits of information here and there, but it's up to her to put it all together. It's fascinating to watch. Death by hot-air balloon isn't exactly a common murder tactic, you have to admit. Toss in a grand, stately home, competing personalities, and the possibility money and prestige is involved and Eve is in the midst of a volatile situation. Then the dead bodies start piling up. What secret could be so dangerous, so harmful, that it has lead someone to commit murder to keep it from being revealed? Or, hmm, was it all about money? Maybe love, or rejected love?

It seemed like for every legitimate clue Eve found, it only lead to more questions. What, if anything, had Cammie discovered in her research? Was Raven friend or foe or, for that matter, even really Raven? Could Diana be involved? How about successful model Sebastian? How could someone ignite the leaking gas from the balloon from the ground? Why was Ralph Roscoe insistent he jump into the balloon basket with Cammie? As the murders pile up, so do the suspects but, then, so does the business for the funeral director. Was he for real? Was he trying to ask Eve for a date or to buy a casket? And....oh, so many more questions, all of which we ponder both on our own and inside Eve's mind as we read.

Despite a deceptively slow beginning as the hot-air balloon murder plot plays out, the plot moves along quickly as Eve pursues gathering info for the obituary she's to write on Cammie. The twists, turns, and misdirection kept me guessing until the end. I liked Eve and Robin, not to mention Eve's little dog Gus. I loved the plot and pace, which kept my attention. even though I didn't guess "whodunit", it all made sense at the end. Nicely done, Clare Chase. I highly recommend "Mystery at Lovelace Manor".

Thank you #NetGalley and #Bookouture for inviting me into Eve's world again. You can almost see the wheels turning in her brain, even when running for her life.