The Names by Florence Knapp

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

As Cora pushes the pram with her newborn son to the Registry Office, having been informed by her husband that registering the baby’s name is today’s mission, she discusses this concept of name choice with her daughter, Maia. Her husband, Gordon, has chosen the name Gordon, because, after all, his father was Gordon and therefore this was certainly going to be the boy’s name. Cora, has secretly harbored the wish to name him Julian, and Maia fancies the name Bear. As we read on, we learn how this one decision can potentially impact what happens not only to this baby, but to their whole family.

This is a brilliant idea exquisitely executed. We actually follow the family down the path of each possibility: one name foisted on the baby by the manipulative and frighteningly abusive father; one name chosen by the mother in the hopes that it will liberate him from the fate she fears for him; and the third an imaginative and spirited name chosen by his sister. There are consequences for each choice, which we learn as we follow each story over time. One might think this would become confusing, but the author does a magnificent job of keeping the details of each plot line so illuminated in our minds that each remains separate and equally intriguing.

The novel also highlights how domestic abuse affects not only the victim, but all those around her. Children, even if not directly physically hurt themselves, become victims just being in the home where violence is occurring. Their lives are directly impacted by the examples that are set for them, their personalities formed around this. In addition, the depiction of the father is incredibly thoughtful and realistic. As eerily calculating and evil as the father is in the home, particularly over Cora, he is equally charming and charismatic toward everyone else. This compounds Cora’s entrapment, as no one can imagine that he is capable of cruelty.

There is so much to unpack in this novel – but I will leave the rest to you. I cannot recommend this book enough – and yes, we have another MUST READ here.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Dominic already has his hands full. He is preparing his already diminished family – his daughter and two sons – to evacuate their tiny Shearwater Island along with its UN-funded vault supplying the essential seeds for a would-be ecocrisis. But when a frightening storm causes a shipwreck near their coast, Fen, Dominic’s daughter, discovers a woman’s body floating near shore. Being an exceptionally strong swimmer, she pulls the body to the beach and finds that this woman is miraculously still alive. As the family together care for this mysterious woman, Rowan, their secrets emerge, their conflicts come to light, and Rowan’s own story becomes intertwined with theirs in dangerously unexpected ways.

There is a good reason for this book being on so many “favorite” lists of 2025. It truly has everything: characters who are struggling with their circumstances and with whom we can identify; a setting that is both picturesque and tragic; themes that are crucial for us to ponder; and a plot that builds to a physically tremulous crescendo. And all told in writing that is vivid and tactile.

The narration rotates around from character to character, so that the story can build around each character’s perspective. This provides great depth to both the plot and the character development, as we see from each of them how the story is built, where their thoughts are based, and what they are experiencing emotionally. And it is a profoundly emotional story, from all sides. And it builds and builds and surprises and shocks – and I, for one, was up until the wee hours of the morning just to finish this book, which I cannot say I do often.

One underlying theme here is that our world is sinking. Not just this tiny island near Australia, but all of it. Perhaps not this week or next, but within our lifetimes, and certainly within our children’s lifetimes. And while it’s terrifying to think about, we cannot deny facts. How many wildfires or vicious storms do we have to live through to understand that our world is changing because of what we’ve done to it? Receding back to reliance on oil and gas when we were going forward to renewable energy sources is a dangerous strategy. We can make a difference by whom we vote for, what strategies we support, what we invest in. We can effect change.

And yes, this is a MUST READ, as you might have guessed. Because yes, you really must read this one!

No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson by Gardiner Harris

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Johnson & Johnson is probably the most venerated pharmaceutical company in the US. They may not even be thought of as a pharmaceutical company (which we normally associate with prescription drugs), because most know them best for their baby products, bandages, and skin care lines. Their story, as they love to tell it, is more about how they are the most honest, most trustworthy, family-run company, having recalled their tainted Tylenol decades ago, at great cost to them. Well, this revelatory, painstakingly-researched book will call into question everything we have believed about this company, reducing their golden reputation to a mythology. Time and again, this company has chosen to spend billions of dollars on litigation defending their repetitive deceptions rather than admit that a product is harmful. They have released products before being tested, not tested enough subjects, hidden data that has not been favorable, and have falsified data on tests they have submitted for review. Their executives have lied under oath about their products. Even after seeing horrific harm result from their products, they have continued to conceal evidence in order to continue to make money. No matter the human toll (including deaths in the millions). Because, of course, it is always about the money.

This book is, of course, a MUST READ. It is relevant not only to anyone in the medical or pharmaceutical field. lt is relevant because it is a perfect example of how money and power are so inextricably linked. As J & J grew, so too did its influence and lobbying power. We see how the independence and integrity of the FDA, for example, has been compromised to the detriment of all of us – because those who make decisions on what drugs and devices are approved for use are also the ones who benefit financially from them being approved. How can anyone possibly be objective when these decisions affect whether or not they may keep their job? Or perhaps their future one? In addition, the company uses FDA approval (for what it’s worth) to shield them from litigation. And those medications and/or devices that are approved by this compromised agency will be used by you, or by your family member, or by your best friend. Are you comfortable with that?

I would encourage everyone to read this book. It’s distressing, yes, but so important to be informed. This “trustworthy” company may no longer be so. And there is much to be done to fix the system that has allowed it to become this way.

My Friends by Fredrik Backman

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Louisa has a plan. If only her human, Fish, were still around to help her carry this one out, she’d have more confidence, but she knows she’ll have to do this on her own. She just has to stay calm and keep quiet (neither being her strong suit, unfortunately). As she works her way into the church where the auction is being held and finds herself near the painting, she is more overwhelmed by it than she ever could have imagined. It is so much more than the picture on her postcard, so much more alive. And when she finds herself bursting to express herself, she nearly gets herself thrown back into her foster home or worse. But luckily for her, the stranger outside helps her evade being caught and her journey toward change begins.

It is the rare book that has ever moved me quite like this one. In the pages of this novel, Backman encapsulates love and art and youth in words so beautifully, it feels like he is painting with his prose. The juxtaposition of the hardened but naive Louisa with the ornery but kind Ted is the perfect way to present the story of the painting that Louisa has set out to see up close. And it is the telling that is the journey itself.

Each sentence is a masterpiece. On the surface, the words may appear simple, but in the simplicity there is meaning, thoughtfulness, kindness, sensitivity, humanity. Two examples:

“Nothing weighs more than someone else’s belief in you.”

“Art is what we leave of ourselves in other people.”

These are just two, but there are so many more.

And beyond the philosophical there is the emotional. You will feel all the feelings: heartbreak, joy, worry, fear, and anxiety, because you will come to love each and every character in this novel as well. You will find each of the friends become your friends, your humans.

Is this a MUST READ? You bet it is.

The Golden Doves by Martha Hall Kelly

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Josie is not happy about her assignment in 1950’s Texas – enabling ex-Nazi scientists to be coddled within the secretive, US government research program – but what is she to do? Allow the Soviets to access their expertise first? She knows she must go along with it, given that her mentor, Karl, has been pressuring her to not let her past at Ravensbruck cloud her judgement as an agent. She finds she is truly missing her days working with her unlikely best friend, Arlette.

We then meet Arlette as she works alongside other Ravensbruck survivors in a tiny cafe in Paris, outwardly appearing content with her lot, just about making ends meet. But inside, she is still struggling day in and day out, not knowing if her son, Willie, lost to her in the camp, is dead or alive. When a handsome stranger walks into the cafe, promising information on her son, she is given a new hope that feels both unreal and terrifying.

This is a brilliantly written historical fiction novel about a time when those who committed some of the most heinous crimes of the twentieth century literally got away with (worse than) murder. Nazi war criminals responsible for the maiming and murders of thousands were given a pass by sympathizers across Europe who funneled them by way of Austria or Italy (sometimes even the Vatican) through the Alps, into hotels where they waited, often for months in plain sight, until receiving false papers to get to South America (often Argentina), to live out their days in peace. Even some of the most notorious, such as Mengele, known for his unconscionable experiments on humans, escaped justice in this way. There were many agents who did seek justice, however, to try to bring these gutless criminals to justice.

But even if the story were not about such a monumental topic, it would still be a standalone epic novel. The crafting of the plot, the gradual reveals in the “before” and “current” (with current being 1952) telling, the way we can’t help falling in love with both Josie and Arlette, and the way we are continuously surprised by the plot up to the very final page – all make for an outstanding, suspenseful page-turner of a book.

And yes, you’ve guessed it: this one is absolutely a MUST READ! Because although it is a painful subject, and some of it is truly hard to read, I feel you absolutely must read it. If not for the historical value, for the literary value alone!

Three by Valerie Perrin

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Nina, Etienne, and Adrien can barely remember a time when they were not inseparable, when Nina was not in the middle, Etienne was to her right, Adrien to her left. While they each have their respective family challenges – Nina being raised by her grandfather, Adrien being raised by his single mom, and Adrienne never feeling approval from his father – they promise to always be there for each other. As they grow into their teen years, when those around them expect they’ll drift apart, they remain steadfast, tolerating Etienne’s many girlfriends, Nina’s eccentricities, and Adrien’s quiet. When two tragedies strike on the same day, quite suddenly, life takes a dramatic turn, and their friendship is tested, bringing misunderstanding and miscommunication to a whole new level.

I loved this novel. The construction of the plot is ingenious, as if the author has created a puzzle, or rather, a maze that she is guiding us through. But as the plot unfolds, we are also getting to know the characters as well, and we bond with each of these quirky but lovable, heartbreaking characters as they are bonding with each other. And as we go back and forth in time, between the mid-1990’s and 2017, the plot builds in a way that is not only engaging but also utterly surprising. The story we think we know becomes a completely different tale that we learn anew.

I am refraining from describing it in too much detail because I do not want to give too much away, so I’m leaving it at this. I encourage you to read it, in spite of its length. (Don’t let the over 600 pages scare you – it flies by!) Read this MUST READ and allow yourself to love these characters, worry for them, perhaps even cry a bit. Isn’t that what fiction should do?

The Love Story of Missy Carmichael by Beth Morrey

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Millicent or “Missy” has been feeling quite lost since her son, along with her beloved grandson, moved all the way to Australia. Her loneliness has been a constant for her, as she is not a gregarious sort, never made friends easily. That had always been her husband’s gift. But now she finds herself mostly in her large, empty home, occasionally venturing out merely to get necessities. That is, until she inadvertently meets the very colorful Angela and her young son (who reminds Missy of her grandson). When Angela begs Missy to care for her friend’s dog, Bob (a female dog, by the way), this opens up possibilities for Missy in the most unexpected ways.

This is one of those unique books that upon opening the pages, opens your heart. While Missy may be awkward and uneasy around others, she is also insightful and kind and loyal, and those around her see this and gravitate to her, in spite of her own discomfort. She has also been wronged and has pent-up anger and resentment. She is a complex human – but aren’t we all? It still fills me with awe how an author can create a character as genuine as Missy, that we can love and relate to on such a basic level.

There are also surprises here, some unseen truths that are gradually revealed. Missy’s story is told in slices, in past memories that are triggered by her experiences in the present. We learn of her relationship with her husband, more complicated than it appears to be at first. We learn why she’s been estranged from her daughter and how they might find a way back to each other. And we learn how she might forge a path to a life that balances her own needs with the needs of others, a struggle she’s had since early days.

Another aspect of this book I appreciated is how it highlights the wonders of caring for a pet. While not everyone feels that the benefit outweighs the cost, I believe that these small creatures we care for truly give back more than they receive. As I sit here writing this with my own cat nestled contentedly on a stack of papers right next to my computer, I smile as I think of how Bob brought a new kind of love to Missy and opened her up to a whole new community (of dog walkers in her neighborhood). It is a unique and tender connection (except of course when my cat decides to communicate his love by nibbling on me…).

This is a MUST READ, in my opinion. Just a heartwarming story with lovable, imperfect, characters. I’d love to hear what others think!

The Wicked Redhead AND The Wicked Widow both by Beatriz Williams

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

After leaving us with Gin Kelly down in Florida with her beloved and her much younger sister, we find that she is still in hot water, so to speak. While her true love, Anson, has sworn to remain out of the business of going after those defying the law to cash in on quenching the thirst of their fellow Americans (with illegal alcohol), he cannot help but be pulled back in by those who have been after him – just this one more time. We see this happening over and over, and because he is such a straight-laced, ethical, devoted person, we go along with his life-threatening choices again and again, just as Gin does.

Meanwhile, we continue to follow Ella’s timeline, as she also struggles with her complicated situation. She is juggling her ex-husband and the newly discovered “gift” he’s left her newfound love, Hector. How could she possibly contend with all of this and the possibility of losing her job on top of this? It feels like too much. But as Ella sorts out her life, she also discovers how she is connected to her past and to the past lives of those who have lived in her building before her…

These last two stories in the trilogy are as suspenseful and as tantalizing as the first one and I have to say that I devoured them hungrily. Williams’ writing is consistently engaging, with the dialogue crisp, characters snarky and heartful, and plot twisty and surprising. I was kept guessing throughout. I especially loved Gin’s story – it was never dull, never lagged, never felt predictable. I am envious of Williams talent down to my core.

You may end at the first book, but you will be left hanging. Honestly, even reading to the third, you will be left with a few ends to be tied – but that is how life is, isn’t it?

Loved these books!

The Wicked City by Beatriz Williams

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

NYC 1990’s: Ella has just moved into her own tiny apartment in the Village. Not by choice, mind you – but what’s a girl to do when her husband cheats on her with a prostitute in her own apartment building? Thankfully, she has a job she likes and she can quickly move on. And the super/musician who lives on the top floor with whom she has just had a strange but flirty interaction in the laundry room just might be the right distraction for her…

NYC 1920’s: Gin is living in a tiny apartment in the Village and frequents a speakeasy where she has found a fast but comfortable crowd to match her fast and comfortable wit. Having escaped her western Maryland home, she has made her way to this rather questionable boarding house, if it can be described as such, and found a position in a typing pool down on Wall Street. But her side hustle has gotten her mixed up in some other exploits that may threaten everything she understands about NY and how it operates.

These strong and savvy female heroines are written as only Beatriz Williams can: snarky of wit and soft of heart. Combine that with a plot that is replete with intrigue, suspense, and surprise – not to mention historical context – well, you definitely have my attention. And my attention was held from beginning to end – could not put it down.

And it’s a trilogy! Wow! So get ready to hear about numbers 2 and 3, because I am planning to actually read them in direct order – something I rarely do. But for Williams, one of my favs, I am doing it.

You know I have to make anything by her a MUST READ, so once again, this one is added to that list. Just for the fun of it!

Forbidden Places by Penny Vincenzi

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Grace feels literally swept off her feet by her new beau, Charles. He’s way out of her league and she cannot fathom what he sees in her, but she is grateful for his attention. He is just so handsome, debonaire, quite the socialite – it feels hard to keep up. If only his mother and sister would show her just a little more warmth, just a little more approval, she’d feel a bit more comfortable about it all. But he’s so reassuring that she feels marriage to him will work everything out in the end. When she is further overshadowed, even dominated by Charles, she begins to question her judgement, but the oncoming war makes her hesitate to make any changes in her life. When Charles is called to serve, Grace sees herself become empowered to stand more firmly and independently than she ever thought possible.

This is a unique perspective on the second World War: that of the impact on the women “left behind.” While they were often victims of the violence, they were also fighting battles of their own, juggling the care of their homes and families with having to survive both emotionally and financially. As many of them had to earn livings while their husbands were sent off to battle, others also volunteered in the many services that supported the war efforts, bolstering the soldiers’ supplies and also participating in espionage and technical maneuvers. Their support was often disregarded and minimized, but they contributed enormously to the effort, and many discovered a new self-worth through their work. They discovered that there was more to life than being subservient to their husbands, and that they were able to find gratification and fulfillment through work outside the home as well as inside it.

Grace grows tremendously throughout the narrative, and her growth is aided by the characters around her. Her sister-in-law, Florence, is a particularly complex character, who teaches Grace humility in the most unexpected and enlightening way. Florence is brutally frank, curt, and awkward, which Grace interprets as hostile. As the story unfolds, we learn that while Florence is, indeed, awkward and frank, she also has justification for her anger, even if it need not be directed toward Grace. Eventually, Grace learns this as well, and she learns to accept folks more and more for who they are, becoming more accepting, less judgmental. We learn much from Grace’s lessons.

There are so many layers to this story, so many lovely characters, so many threads. I am in awe of how the author has woven the story in such a way as to create a world in which we are so entangled, so engaged that we cannot put the book down and yet are stricken when it ends. This is how all books should be.

Definitely read this one! I guess this is a MUST READ!