October Reviews

The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss👍👍👍

The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss is a wonderful Middle School book about surviving in WWII.  The story was based on Johanna’s life when she was young and the Nazis ruled Holland. Johanna was hidden with her older sister, Sini for two years and seven months.  I can’t even imagine that life, never going outside, never been seen from a window, and having a secret hiding place when the German soldiers came.

Annie (Johanna’s nickname when she was young) as a Jew found her life slowly being taken away, no shopping, no school, no anything, until she was left to hide for over two years.  I am grateful, I had the chance to read this book. I look forward to the students reading the story and finding out more about Annie’s life.

The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss is a special read.  The book has won all sorts of literary awards and more importantly opened people’s eyes to the truth of the past.  It was an honor to read!

The Taming of Lord Scrooge by Renee Ann Miller🙂🙂👍👍

The Taming of Lord Scrooge by Renee Ann Miller is a novella about refinding a lost love.  Julien Caruthers, the Earl of Dartmore has been forced to “Christmas” with his family and every debutante from the season this year.  He is horrified, but knows he has to stick it out, but he can at least go for a horse ride. Too bad he didn’t plan on what happened while riding.  When he comes to, he realizes that he is not at home and in the home of one tenant. 

Evangeline Breckenridge is horrified when she realizes that the man that passed out on her doorstep was Julien Caruthers, her sweetheart from the past.  He disappeared and she married another, had a child and was widowed. To top it all off, she has been writing him scathing letters about how much he has taken away from his tenants.   

Who knows what will happen with Julien Caruthers and Evangeline Breckenridge snowed in for a few days before Christmas.  The Taming of Lord Scrooge by Renee Ann Miller is a hot, fun, Christmas Novella.

Let It Snow by Nancy Thayer 🙂🙂👍👍

Let it Snow by Nancy Thayer is a wonderful Christmas read.  Nancy Thayer has managed to write a sweet love story that epitomizes the gifts of Christmas of love, friendship, caring and sharing.  The story is neither preachy nor overly flowering. Christina Antonioni rents a small space for her toy shop in Nantucket.  It is not well maintained, so it is cold this time of year, but Christina is determined to have a great Christmas season.  Too bad the landlord has decided to raise the rent to a level that is not possible. 

Andy Bittlesman is her landlord’s son.  He is charming and is sweeping Christina off her feet.   Christina falls even harder for his niece, Wink a youngster that has captured her heart.  Still the fear of losing her livelihood and falling for someone out of her league are overwhelming. To top it all off, Christina feels the sadness of her first Christmas alone all.  

With the season of sharing and caring, it is hard to not find hope.  Christina is determined to put her best foot forward. Andy is growing more dear to her and the season of Christmas with her friends shines.  Let It Snow by Nancy Thayer reminds us all that is good this season and accents that goodness with a sweet love story. Nancy Thayer has written a good read!

To Tame a Scandalous Lady by Liana De la Rosa 🙂🙂👍👍

Despite Liana De La Rosa being a new author for me and To Tame a Scandalous Lady being a book in the midst of the series, I enjoyed the story and the writing.  I found the book interesting and smooth to read. I liked the main characters (mostly) and enjoyed the plot line.  

Lady Flora Campbell is horse crazy… and I mean crazy.  She loves them and wants to own her own farm one day. She has the capital (from her dowry) but wants to learn more, so she has a plan.  A plan that can be dangerous, if she is discovered to herself or family. Flora wants to learn from the best and she decided that Christian Andrews, the Marquess of Amstead is the best.

Christian Andrews needs to make money and fast.  When his father died, he was left holding the debts and the results of the devastating fire that took his father’s life.  Christian has a fast horse and a new trainer and a new assistant trainer, who is interesting to him.

I found Christian Andrews a little overbearing at first, but loved the character Flora from the first.  I did think that Flora’s bravery was remarkable and was concerned more than once for her choices. I do think the book’s name is a misnomer. (The title is almost as sexist as Christian.)  He did not tame Flora, she taught him about life, love and treating people fairly. To Tame a Scandalous Lady by Liana De la Rosa was a good read.

Seven Letters by J P Monninger🙂🙂👍👍

Some books take you on a slow journey into the life of a novel.  The book becomes the lifeline for you to read despite the highs and lows of the story, and the actions of the characters.  Seven Letters by J P Monninger is such a book. A book that brings you to the heart of the characters, allowing you to join their journey.  

Kate Moreton teaches at Dartmouth College.  She is presently working on her research into the Blasket Islands where her family once came from.  It is while in Ireland doing her research, she meets Ozzie Ferriter, a fisherman. Both fall into the relationship and into love with each other.  Until his demons and her fear run into each other.

I loved the characters of Kate and Ozzie, with their flaws and foibles.  Thinking that they were able to live on an island of their love without recognizing each person is much more complex. The book did not grab me right away and I needed to give it a bit of time.  I love how the Irish legends and poetry are woven within the story. I think this story, while not my traditional love story, is such a powerful and beautiful story. Seven Letters by J P Monninger is a fabulous book.