Light on Snow by Anita Shreve

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

One cold, New Hampshire winter evening, NIcky joins her father, Robert, on a walk in the woods by their home just before sunset, and much to their shock they hear a mewling sound, which turns out to be an abandoned newborn baby. They immediately jump into action, Robert tucking the baby into his shirt to warm her up, and running back to their home, hopping into their car and driving the slick roads as fast as possible to the hospital. And while Robert has been seeking to be as inconspicuous as possible, ever since the “accident,” this simple act of kindness has changed all of that, bringing them into a spotlight of sorts. When a stranger appears under the guise of shopping for furniture built by Nicky’s father, it both endangers them and opens up conversations Nicky and her father have been unable to have.

Anita Shreve is another author who can richly craft a story piece by gradual piece. As Nicky and Robert are blundering through their painful present, we learn in small morsels of their happier past, before the tragic accident that changed their lives forever. We peek at moments of their life back in New York, when Nicky had friends and sleepovers and after-school activities. Not like now, when she’s living deep in the woods, secluded with her father who loves her but has been silenced by his own pain. Their story unfolds as they remember, as they open up, as they gradually attempt to heal.

There is also an ever-present suspense that thrums in the background throughout and builds as the story progresses. This adds to the reader’s urge to move on, to need to know what happens, even as the pace is as plodding as the snow that piles high and pauses the action in the story. It is very effective and keeps one glued to these pages.

I highly recommend this novel – excellent writing, richly developed characters, and a strongly constructed plot.

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 Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly

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World War II is currently raging and the US has just been drawn in as well. Feeling somewhat removed, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, are the Smith sisters, are Candace and Briar, who are just trying to get through their days. But Briar in particular is keenly aware of the rumors of German U-boats encircling the island and when she reports seeing them, she’s merely ridiculed for it. After a stranger washes up onto their beach and soldiers move to the island to begin training maneuvers, their lives become more complicated than they could have ever imagined.

Fast forward to today, we meet Mari Starwood who has just arrived onto the Vineyard. She has given herself 24 hours to take advantage of a golden opportunity to have an art lesson with the famous but reclusive Elizabeth Devereaux and she plans to turn right back around, back to her life in LA. While her passion is art and painting, her real life is weighed down by her tedious employment as a barista and a very lukewarm relationship. What she finds on the island is a story that is as unexpected as it is enchanting, and she finds it may be harder to leave than she ever thought possible.

This is an historical fiction novel – loosely based on actual events and real individuals – written so beautifully that it will have you burning that proverbial midnight oil until the end. You will come to relate to each of the characters, appreciate them for their quirky New England ways (and I can say that as an original New Englander). You will appreciate the suspense that the plot builds, as we are continuously guessing who can be trusted, who might potentially give away the dark secret the sisters must hide. And you will love the characters for their loyalty, particularly as the sisters grow closer as the strain of their situation necessitates their cooperation.

This novel is yet another great work by the author Martha Hall Kelly. I am a true fan!

Park Avenue Summer by Renee Rose

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New to New York City, Alice will not let her mid-western naivete hold her back from achieving her dreams of becoming a professional photographer. She uses her one connection, her late mother’s old friend, to find her first job, as assistant to the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief, Helen Gurley Brown, and cannot believe her luck. She is immediately thrown into the deep end, as the magazine and its funders have predicted utter failure. But Gurley Brown, in spite of her own behind-closed-doors self-doubt, has radical ideas that may change the magazine forever.

While Alice’s character is fictional, Helen Gurley Brown’s is not – and this story is based on her dramatic rise from author of a fairly controversial book to the savior of Cosmo Magazine. Apparently, Cosmo’s roots were much more literary, with major authors contributing stories and early chapters of successful novels. Just before Gurley Brown arrived, however, it had sunken to a paltry readership and teetered on closing. Gurley Brown brought a new slant to the magazine, appealing to the young, independent working woman, but with the goal of enabling her to be able to make herself more appealing to male partners. And while this did not sit well with many in the women’s movement (this was the 60’s after all), it did strike a chord in enough women to turn the magazine around in quite a dramatic way.

Even while we might guess the ultimate outcome of the story, the telling is excellent. The characters are interesting, multifaceted and just fun to read. And our heroine, Alice, always loyal and true, simultaneously grows stronger and bolder over every page. We root for her, cry with her, and celebrate her success.

It’s a great historical fiction novel that celebrates the 1960’s and the women’s movement, in all its contradictions, messiness, and glory.

The Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton Frank

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It all begins with a family dinner celebrating Maisie’s 80th birthday. We hear the story from Maisie, who feels she is just misunderstood, as she just happened to fall in love with her 65-year old driver, who now lives with her. Liz, her daughter, feels it is absurd, but would just be happy to hear a single word of approval from this mother of hers. Her own daughter, Ashley, feels quite the same way toward Liz, feeling that both parents have been critical of her life choices, never appreciating her for who she is, her talents, her aspirations. And we learn this directly from each character, as the family goes through one crisis after another – first breaking apart, but ultimately coming back together.

I loved how this book began. The writing was clever, the characters colorful and the dialogue sharp. There were some cringy moments, but it was it was all working. And I loved hearing from each of the characters, as if they were speaking to me. Great start. Very optimistic.

Unfortunately, about halfway in, it became much too clear where the plot was headed and from there on, I might have written it myself (not a good sign!). There were no surprises, no twists, no unpredictable scenes whatsoever. It continued to be cringy but not in a good way, and everything fell into just the perfect ending. Everyone kissed and made up and loved each other in the end.

Isn’t that just how life always works out?

So, unfortunately, I would not recommend this book. I think there is good intention, as the author is trying to underscore an important social issue – spousal abuse. But because we are beaten over the head with it (pardon the pun!), it diminishes the impact.

The Wicked Redhead AND The Wicked Widow both by Beatriz Williams

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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

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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!

The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis

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Charlotte Cross is determined to make her own way, create a name for herself in the male-dominated space of 1930’s archeology. The only woman on her expedition, and a student studying abroad, she understood she was fortunate just to be in the presence of some of the most distinguished archeologists and Egyptologists in the world, but she still bristled when she was put off by some of the men on the dig. Not so by Henry, however, who showed her unusual kindness, who respected her the way the most senior member did.

Fast forward to 1978, we meet Charlotte in her later years, working at the Metropolitan Museum in NYC in the Egyptology research department, but her life is quite different then. She is keeping secrets that have been held close for decades. Why can’t she go back to Egypt? What is gripping her so tightly? The newest hire, Annie, who has a complicated life of her own may be the key to helping to unlock Charlotte’s secrets…

This story, which appropriately glorifies the Met Museum and its treasures, is a fascinating look at how ancient history is pieced together, one archeological find at a time. As Charlotte theorizes about a female pharaoh and her reign and how its glory was erased by her successors, contradicting her boss’s famed research, she encounters obstacles that not only threaten her research, but threaten her safety and the safety of her family. In this way, the story builds suspense and tension while educating and deepening our understanding of the culture and values of Egypt and its people. And while she and Annie are an unlikely pair, they make an endearing team, balancing each other and caring almost like the mother and daughter that each is searching for in life.

Here’s another historic NYC building around which Davis has managed to build an intense, engaging story. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

Run by Ann Patchett

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Both Tip and Teddy have really had enough of their father dragging them to political events; they both feel they’ve done their share and they’re pretty over it; but at the same time, neither has the ability to say no to him. Tip is more annoyed than usual on this particular night, since he’s got so much work to do before his final exams, so much more to finish up in his lab, and it’s snowing like crazy outside (and of course he did not bring an appropriate jacket). When the speech has concluded, they are outside negotiating their next step – their father is still wanting more from them – a shocking and terrifying event occurs that completely rocks their world.

This is a beautifully crafted story about a complicated family and their complicated relationships. Tip and Teddy had been adopted by Doyle and his late wife when their older son Sullivan was 12 years old. This had a very negative impact on Sullivan, as we learn in the course of the narrative. But the relationship between the younger boys and Doyle is quite tender, in spite of their friction over his ambitions for them. To complicate things further, it appears, as they learn as the story unfolds, Tip and Teddy’s biological mother has been keeping an eye on them their whole lives without them having any clue.

It is almost impossible, I believe, to not love each of these characters and therefore to not love the story itself. Each has a vulnerability, a longing, a concern for the others that is endearing and present almost in spite of him or herself. Each is tied to the other because of their sense of family that goes way beyond genetics.

I highly recommend this book – not only because most anything written by Ann Patchett is extraordinary, but because it is a unique story, rich with complex characters, and told with her remarkable wit, imagination, and gift for words.

The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

New York, 1913: Laura Lyons feels restless. She knows she has a good life, privileged to live in the apartment deep within the vast dimensions of the New York Public Library with her husband, Jack, and two young children. But she craves more. Perhaps if she could obtain a Master’s in journalism, she might be able to contribute to the family income so that Jack won’t feel as much financial pressure as he has been.

New York, 1993: Sadie is beside herself with excitement. She has just been chosen, over her co-worker (and former love interest) Claude, to be curator over the newest exhibit of the Berg Collection, a planned showcase of the library’s collection of their most prized rare books and artifacts. Her mood collapses, however, when she learns that someone has stolen one of the books in their collection – and now, on her watch. As she does some digging, she learns that this is not the first time this has happened in the library’s history…

This is a beautifully rendered story that engenders a deep appreciation for the magnificent New York Public Library building on Fifth Avenue. In telling the stories of both characters, Laura and Sadie, who are both colorful, smart, and ambitious women, the author also portrays the inner workings and operations of the building itself. We learn of how this main branch functions: as a keeper of books, relics, documents – not for lending out, but for preserving, so that anyone may utilize whatever is kept there for research purposes. There are precious first editions, handwritten documents by famous authors parsing out their thoughts, and random items used by the authors as well. More importantly, there are millions of books, both famous and not, kept under tight security, so that our culture, our knowledge, our history is guarded.

The stories themselves are also poignant and, of course, come to intersect. Laura is plagued by the sexism and narrow-mindedness of her era and she learns to fight against them with her pen. She is also torn because it is a hard fight and there are hard choices to make. Sadie’s story is more suspenseful and we find her tracking down the stolen books and the thief in very surprising turns of events.

All in all, this makes a great read – highly recommend this one!!