The Christmas Pearl

It’s not everyday a book comes along and it hits the nail on the head. This is what I’ve been feeling recently.

As I get older I think to myself, “What’s going to happen to me?” Nothing is the same. Things are changing. Christmas is materialized and the spirit is not there anymore. And your family, the grandkids, children have their own agenda. What’s a mom, grandmother, wife to do?

This is exactly what Theodora thought. She lost her husband. Her parents passed, along with her brother. And the person who took care of her, Pearl. Her children grown had kids of their own. And no one had that Christmas spirit. No one believed anymore

Theodora’s house started talking to her. Telling her she needs to do something to be able to live her rest of her life in peace.

As Christmas is magical who walks in is Pearl. She takes over her old job. Of course Pearl needs to earn her wings. So she sets to get Theodora and her family on the right path.

Bumps along the road. A lot of walking down memory lane. Theodora stands together with her daughter Barbara. Barbara finds her voice, gets her kids in line. And sets her husband straight.

After all that Pearl needs to go. Theodora asks to come with her. Which is understandable. I would miss my husband too. I know I miss my parents and brother all the time. Christmas time is especially hard. Pearl says she needs her family. And her family needs her.

The story gives a nod to some of the Christmas movies we see. And that is one way it is a nice story.

I give The Christmas Pearl 5————>

I always liked Dorothea Benton Frank’s books

 

The Christie Affair

There was so much chatter around this book that I decided to read it. It was said in a time of Agatha Christie's life she went missing for I believe it was 11 days. No one really knows what happened to her or where she went. That is the story.

The author Nina de Gramont, built a story around Agatha Christie's disappearance. Although an intriguing thought it just dragged on. It wasn't for me til I got around the 85% of the book it started to take off and have some juice to it.

We know that Agatha didn't stay with 1 husband. So it makes sense to build that thought of an affair. Not only for her husband but for Agatha too.

I found myself getting a little confused on which character was speaking. I feel the author kept going back and forth.

There was a murder in this story. And there was very little mention of it to solve. And I thought the story should be around Agatha. Where half the book talked about Nan who was the mistress. We finally find out that the murder had something to do with Nan.

It was nice to read about Christie in another light. That she not only had passion for her Piorot, she had a passion that she could be better and deserved more. Then what she got.

I give The Christie Affair 4 

I would of like to give a 3 but the story was based on truth loosely.

 

Drop Shot

 

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What can I say. I think I found the books that I like from author Harlan Coben.

I don't know what it is about the character Myron. But I like him. Maybe because he doesn't hang around to impress people. He does care.

This story focused on tennis. Who was good at it. Who was going to be good at it. And who is going to make the advertisers the most money. And of course there is murder.

Myron gets involved because of a girl name Valerie. Why is he so interested? Because he feels obligated to find the truth. With his friend Win lets him know to be careful. And Win always has his back. If a famous coach can abuse one young girl, who's to say he doesn't do it again. With Myron looking into this murder he stubbles into something that went wrong I think 6 years ago. Why would 2 people break into a tennis club? To steal? To steal what? Or is it just to play tennis?

What happened to that scene? Another murder and how it was covered up. Myron sifts through all info. With Win by his side to help keep yes Myron's love save. Jessica and Myron are still going. It is wild for Myron to find who the killer/s are.

We get to know more about Myron. Even Win and Myron's office manager Esperanza.With Myron's witty come backs with his friends I do believe it makes the story a feel good mystery

I'll be looking toward #3. 

I give Drop Shot 5________>

Still Life

 

This was a first for me from Louise Penny. I enjoyed this first book in her series.

Here you find a community of Three Pines. Friends who just want to live out a normal life. Artist that are eccentric and maybe recluse. But get along. So we think.

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache gets called to look into a murder, a crime. Was interesting to see how Gamache conducted the investigation. How he got along with people. The characters of the story were much interesting. I was looking forward in reading who they where, what they did, how they acted when coming in front of what happened to Jane? Armand Gamache takes us step by step on why this would happen. Everything, every one is not perfect. Naturally it's a hunting town. So everyone thinks that is how Jane is killed. But Gamache doesn't agree so easily. With his colleagues Jean Guy Beauvoir, and one other they uncover and turn around to find out the truth of what happened. Except for someone that Inspector Gamache takes a chance on, Agent Nichol. But we find out quickly she does try to help. But in a way that offends pretty much everyone including Gamache, who sends her home. I hope she doesn't come back. Person after person seems to me that Armand has some sort of connection with. And that what makes him unique. And that is the town that you want to be apart of.

Jane knew. Some might of thought her painting was a bit juvenile. But when you look at it, it told a story. A story of a town. A Fair Day in a town. Art is in the eyes of the beholder. And there can be many of them.

Eventually Inspector Armand Gamache and Beauvoir get their killer. You can't help but feel bad when you find out. At least Three Pines.

Still Life. Life is suppose to change. If you don't change with it your life might be still.

I really did like this book. Great cozy mystery. Wanted to come back each time for those folks in Three Pines.

I give Still Life 4 

Only because in order to get on with the story it was so many pages to get through a chapter. I'll be looking for more from the series.

Black Cake

I thought the story was interesting. I like the idea it was written around families. But wish it had more on the geography of the Caribbean Islands, Jamaica, West Indies.

Starting the story with Covey's children coming together after her death was good. Which led to the story of Covey and her dad. How she threw herself into the sport of swimming. Swimming the ocean, pushing herself to be even stronger. We find how Covey's dad gambled everything away. To the point in marrying her off to the person who owned almost everything.

Covey escaped with her fine tuned swimming. With the help of Pearl and her closest friend Bunny. As we find out about Covey, we find that she left a recording for her kids to listen to. Telling her story to Benny and Byron. We find that Benny and Byron have their own things to deal with each other.

And with themselves. Both seem to be working it out through hearing their mothers voice.

We learn through all this, the one thing Covey kept a tradition was making The Black Cake. Her mother showed her and Covey showed her children how to make it. As well how important it is to carry traditions on. 

We read how each place Covey and her husband went from West Indies, Caribbean Islands, London, then California. Yes she found the guy she left. And married him. Stayed away from crowded Caribbeans in fear someone would recognize her from her country. As she made it through the years, she befriended a girl named Eleanor. Elly for short. Sadly she died on a train accident. And everyone thought it was Covey that died. So Covey took Elly's name. Word got back to her country that she had died. No one looked for her.

We also learn it's the same than, sadly as today, of how different the color of your skin is. Whether it's dark or, color of straw, characters still had to prove themselves. Still had looks thrown at them. Still had to answer to. Toward the end of Covey's life she did get to see her friend Bunny. Bunny was the no.1 swimmer by now. A black swimmer!

The one thing I noticed with this recording Covey had was she kept mentioning her 1st born. It couldn't of made Byron, and especially Benny feel so good. But what Covey had to endure. And found herself pregnant. She gave up the baby. But wanted to still find out about her.

The end Covey wanted Byron and Benny to find their sister. Their sister Mabel, or Marble did come around to excepting them. All visited Bunny, and Bunny took all 3 back to her country. Showed them that this and her family, (dad). This is also their family. Sadly Covey's dad was still a not so nice man.

The storyline for Marble wasn't that interesting. 

Plus Covey's mom not much on her. The way she died. But then again not much help for an immigrant. The 3 finally got along. Byron found out what was going on with Benny. Great news, he became a father also. Benny still wasn't giving up on her cafe. But she was the most excepting person. And Marble she straighten her life out with her son.

Last request from Covey to her 3 children was to have a slice of Black Cake. Black Cake was the staple of the house wherever that was. They would know when the right time would be. The time it looks, was 3 children together, knowing who their mom and dad were. plus their mom's family.

I give Black Cake 4 

My reason, is there were too many characters for too many chapters for one character at the end. Other than that it was a good book.

 

Third Girl

This book was pretty interesting. It put our beloved Poirot in a different light. How vain that he is came out and it was funny to read. When a girl, Norma came to Poirot for help and told him she thought she murdered someone. He was willing to help. But one look and she said that he was too old no-one told me you were so old. Threw Poirot for a loop.

His character was kept through the story which was nice. And it was nice to see another character Ariadne Oliver come back for another go at it. While Ariadne was trying to help. Poirot always seem to want to solve without Ariadne. Of course the banter was pretty good between them. Even when Miss Oliver explained what a Third Girl was.

We have a girl that thought she committed murder. Poirot on the hunt to help and clear up that he wasn't that old. And someone who would love and take care of Norma at the end. Plus sneaky people who weren't Norma's family to take what she had.

Hercule Poirot solves not 1 murder but 2. We meet Miss Lemon, Poirot's secretary. And read how he convinces Norma why she thought to be crazy. Norma appears crazy, or think crazy, and possibly is crazy.As he explains the general may be ordinary for everyday people. But it something to get help in.

Giving Third Girl 5 

Now off to another adventure!

 

My Bermuda Namesakes

 

I always like to read debut novels. Gives me a chance to look at a new author. With hopes that the next book is just as good or, better. 

There was something about this story that was off for me. I believe it lacked a strong protagonist. Josephine James, JJ as friends and family call her. Maybe it was the accident when she lost short term memory that made her wary. But to go to Bermuda to be under one of best doctors took guts.

On a whim to look up namesakes was brave. But when she met one of the namesakes I couldn't stand to read about her actually believing everything people say. What a shame she walked into a mess that somebody took advantage of her handicap.

I think it was the drawn out way she had to keep coming back to her journal. Didn't write anything down when she was talked into something that she shouldn't of been doing.

She finally did meet another namesake which was a better match for her. And a boyfriend to boot. Who is a lawyer.

Naturally everything was put together in a red bow at the end.

Nice concept. A little long, too long on the back and forth and her short term memory

just to get to the bottom of a whodunit .

Good story but can only give 4____________> 

It just was too long for me. And JJ was just too annoying with her being naive. But again the book was ok.

Roar

 

This was a good book. Short stories, so many pages.
30 short stories. Could have used a little less. They are stories that women can relate to. Roar to.

When I first started to read this book. I was scratching my head wondering where this author is going. What is Cecelia trying to say? Stories were told in weird allegories to make a point. In this case how a woman is treated and how she feels.

I totally relate to some stories. Like the story where the woman had to give a presentation. And everything she thought could go wrong, did. Enough that she went down a black hole. Found out she isn't the only one that makes mistakes. She gets support from down there. Gets the confidence that she can do this presentation and anything she wants. She gives a great presentation. With a little help from new found friends.
A story about a woman that has a bird brain. Literally! She has a bird feather on her brain. Everything she did before having kids, taking care of her husband seemed to be in a fog to her. So she had to make a change for herself. So slowly she took care of herself. Spent time alone with her husband. Did things that made her happy. Then that feather was no longer there. Her fog gone.
I think my favorite was when a man went to doctors and wanted a vasectomy. But the doctor couldn't do it. Yet he didn't understand and said he would go somewhere else. Doctor told him not in this country. He was so angry. Telling the doc that they had no right to tell him what to do with his body. But they do. It's illegal to travel, give advice over the phone etc..
With what is going on in this country it's good to read about the other side on what they are going through. How's it feel man? Not so good huh?

Who can resist to Roar! Every woman has her own secret. Her own space. At the end of the day the put together woman gets her chance to ROAR!

I give Roar 4 

Just not because it was too many stories. But I do see other's options that it's not all showing empowerment for women. But a social thing.

The Storm Murders

 

Why I picked this book to read? Well my son was to go to Montreal  Canada. And no doubt the detective, or should I say retired detective is from Montreal.

Emile Cinq-Mars a retired cop got called to help and give counsel about a murder that happen in the snow storm. FBI was involved as well as his old partner. Emile's wife Sandra wanted to be kept in the loop. Since  she was always wondering, as Emile was always on a job.

I thought the story was a bit wordy. It took great lengths not to give in and say "I don't want to read anymore". But I got through it. A good story. The way the author put it together, page turner.

As most mysteries go there were murders of instant people as well as police. Motive was what Emile was working on. Lead Emile down to New Orleans. His wife went to. No time for sight seeing. Emile had a job to do.

With the excitement of investigating again. Cinq-Mars had for the first time the saddest feeling of missing his badge and duties with his gun. 

 The story and ending were murky for me. Very long to describe a plan of some sought or other.

All in all the story was good. I would like at some point and read the rest of trilogy

I would give The Storm Murders a 4 <____________

Ordeal by Innocence

 

I really liked this story. There were different characters. And as always only Agatha Christie does, there were many suspects. But these people had an interest  in each other. Because they thought each other had murdered their mother.

I found myself not liking Calgary. For some reason he had to make sure he solved this case. Even though he was no detective. But knowing that he thought he had good news to give the Argyle family. But the news wasn't taken as such. "Jack Argyle was innocent". For whatever reason Calgary had to put the pieces together. He must do what had to be done and forget after that. I found myself saying "stay out of it".

Who killed Mrs. Argyle? Her kids that she adopted from bad situations they were in? Playing the good person for better. Or was it her husband? Or maybe the housekeeper? And then you have Philip Durrant. Husband of Mary. Another amateur detective. In this case he was found the same way as Mrs. Argyle.

Different brothers and sisters that found comfort in one another. At least two anyway.

It all comes down to Arthur Calgary figures out the pieces and with the permission and help from Superintendent Huish.

Not the guilty who matter, it's the innocent. At times people forget the innocent can be forgotten. And they are of need of help. It's tougher on them.

The ending surprised me. Between Hester and Arthur Calgary. Hester so unsure of herself, so wild. Calgary really never liked her. Or thought she was too off center. And Calgary a matured man. Find themselves in an understanding. I thought they would never see eye to eye.

I give Ordeal by Innocence 5 

On to the next great novel!

Oona Out of Order

 

I don't really go in for time traveling stories. But this story was a bit interesting. Although it took half the book to start to pick up and grab my interest. I thought there was a meaning for this time travel. 

I believe it was used as a metaphor for Oona's life. How she looked at her life out of order and pieced it together. How she looked at her love life, her mother, her son. She figured things out one period at a time. Grabbing pieces here and there to move Oona's life along. And in doing so she leaves letters to help her through the process. Fate vs free will- I think the time travel is Oona's fate. But what she can make out of her life is her free will. Even changing her future.

What I really don't understand if she was really time traveling, why? Why her? Anyone else in the family does it? Is it hereditary? It is called a condition in the book. Questions do not get answered. Ever! I think it answers one question though. What if time was a disease? Just doing what Oona did piece together her life. Make the best of it and as long as she had to make it maybe easier.

Oona says her "condition" is the closest to immortality. I guess so since she bounces from one year to the next. And back again.

Oona and her mother Madeleine's relationship change over the years. Because Oona learns more about her mother. Oona travels through life and goes through what her mother went through. Sees it through Madeleine's eyes.

Oona has challenges in her life as she "leaps" but she seems to always want to go back to when she's younger. Of course she does when your younger it's easier than trying to"navigate an "adult Oona."

Bittersweet Oona's life is. Why/not? Because maybe to some it's fun to time travel. She gets to see her mother and son all over again. Even her true love Dale. She gets to change and live what she can, a"normal life." But it's not sweet. Oona never stays for more than a year. She has to wait to the year to see and know her son, even Dale. Oona's life "the good, the bad."

Music is universal. And to use music in the story to keep that connection with Dale and her son is sort of a way to shape Oona's life. And Kenzie's, her son.

Kenzie wants to time travel too just like his mom. Again the adventure, the fun. But reality not so much fun.

When beginning to read this book I never thought what the next few years for Oona's might be. But now I imagine it will be chaos at times. She'll find years that she loves. And years that I think she may even  give herself a break and leave more details in her letters. Oona tries to build a future with her son- her constant!  I would like to see her life complete though

I give Oona Out of Order 4 

The Guest List

I was told that I should check out this book. It is compared to Agatha Christie novels. Ok so I gave it a try. Not bad. Yes it does have similarities to Christie's novels.

We have a destination wedding to Ireland. Which becomes the never ending wedding. And the guest list is everyone that you can think of. Loud and obnoxious friends of the groom. A bridesmaid that is sad and carries so much hurt. The MC that is a friend of the bride, and his wife. Also the bride Jules, and groom Will (or is it Steve?) And last but not least you have Aoife and Freddy who run and cater the venue and event.

Will, or Steve is exactly what Olivia (bridesmaid and step sister) had written to Jules. Don't marry him, he is not what you think. Everyone has issues with him including Charlie (brides friend and MC) his wife Hannah. He felt privileged nothing he did was right for his father. So Will used that to dominate his weak friends, and women.  Everyone is capable of doing whatever. The guests have baggage along with skeletons and secrets. And all this gets hashed out at the wedding.

I never decided to solve the crime earlier in the story. But since the story was long, even with short chapters (a lot of chapters) toward the end is where it starts to pick up. Must of been 6-7 chapters in a row it goes fast. Clues started to pop up and then I try to put the pieces together.

What I was thinking at first leaning toward the folklore of Ireland. I grew up on stories of the bog people. My father was a good storyteller. I guess that's where I get my love of books. It's always on a deserted island where the ground is soft, black and wet. That someone/s is held close. It can be hungry for a long time.

We find out how each one is connected to the person who is murdered. Shocking it is. And like Christie one by one the guest list gets ticked off. Until we find the person/s that hate so much and maybe raised hell around a graveyard and the spirits.

I give The Guest List 4_____> 

Only because all of the book except several chapters were slow.

I'm hoping another of the author books are just as good or better. Some highlights I give on Goodreads.

 

The Mammy

The Mammy is a re-read for me. Several years ago I watched the movie Agnes Browne. I wanted to find out about the kids. What happened to them. I discovered that there was more to the story of Agnes Browne who is " The Mammy". 

And what I found interesting and different to begin with Agnes Browne and Marion Monks have a friendship that people would love to have. "We're here for a good time, not a long time. And having a friend like you is as good as it gets".

Agnes with seven kids and a widow. Marion and her husband Tommo Monks help out. She is by Agnes side all the time. Mark her eldest, looks at his mammy in a different way now that she would have no more children.

Marion has health problems and Agnes is there for Marion with her at doctors.

Meanwhile Cathy gets her bangs cut by a nun. And Agnes has enough with the nun. Throws a cucumber at her then goes to jail. At trail the question, why? I couldn't put it better myself. Agnes laughed. "Ha! What policeman would arrest a nun on my word as quick as I was arrested on hers"?

Thought it interesting when Cathy had her Confirmation that they would go to relative to friend's house and was given money.

Agnes meets the Frenchman by accident. Looking in his store at a carpet. Cathy was with her. He tried talking to her. But they didn't understand a word each other said. But Cathy and she laughed and said he was handsome anyway.

There was an outing for all the kids. But they went separately. The funniest was Mark who didn't have a tent and Agnes bought him one. Unfortunately it was a teepee.

Agnes grieves for 3 days @ Foley's and was surprised Monica knew about Marion's daily visit to church. "Hello God, it's me Marion".

Agnes felt better stepping into the church for Marion's funeral. She heard a warm voice say "Hello Marion, it's me God!"

Well having a date with Pierre was a mistake. After a night of drinking Agnes comes out of bar and throws up. Not just that, she throws up her false teeth. Puts them in her pocket and when Pierre asks her out on date she throws her teeth in with tissue stuck to it. Sounds like Arf! Arf! The night turned out pretty good. Except for the kiss.

Mark found a trade. By 1st helping an older man start his fireplace on weekend where he could not since he was Jewish and it was Sabbath. It's good for him to be nice and genuine. 

With Agnes and Mark working when Christmas rolls around each could give. Mark buys a tv for the family. And Agnes gives for the kids. Especially Mark he will get tools for his  trade. Agnes pays for  a newspaper everyday to see what's on the telly.

To get the rest of money for Mark's tools Agnes tells the boys to go and get the union check that is the Christmas benefit that Redser would of gotten. With Trevor and Dermot's mouth gets them in trouble. They run in a stranger's room. This stranger hears all about Marion, their dad, Mark's job.

Surprise! Surprise! Who shows up at the house is Cliff Richards! The famous singer with tickets sold out.

"Sometimes this turbulent, tragic, sad, and busy world turns on it's head and comes to a sudden halt. Just to accommodate someone's dream... Dream on Agnes Browne for everyone's sake. Dream on!"

Always! 5___> 

Why Didn't They Ask Evans?

Enjoyed this story! one of my favorites so far of Agatha Christie.

A lot of twists and turns as AC writes.

One thing I have taken away from the story is a couple of times I was saying "No don't tell everyone your true identities and why you are doing what you are doing." Trust no one.

A good pair Frankie and Bobby are.  Solving a murder and figuring out who is who. So many characters with so many questions of who exactly are they. 

And what was surprising is the question of why didn't they ask Evans? Really was put in the back story. Never to be solved. But it was. And finding out about Evans, surprise!

So who did what? The doctor, neighbors, in laws etc.. A variety to choose from.

The pieces of story I liked are on kindle

Now to see Hugh Laurie's adaption!

I give Why Didn't They Ask Evans?

5 

 

The Body in the Library

I try not to solve mysteries. Especially Agatha Christie ones. It only ends up that I'm wrong anyway. This one was kind of a funny one. A lot of things going on. And a lot of twists. I must say some didn't make sense. But it did work out. Story was good!

There is a body in the library. Ma'm there is. Mary Bantry trying to get her husband Colonel Bantry to check it out. But he doesn't believe that there is a body. So what is a person to do?

Call Miss Marple of course, Mary Bantry's friend. She's good at bodies.

Miss Marple comes and surveys the scene. Of course she has her ideas. Two murders. Why? Two twists, mistakes get made.

Miss Marple tries to convince The Bantry's just because someone may have a bad reputation doesn't mean they killed them. But who did, and why the library?

Miss Marple says people including policemen are too trusting in this wicked world.

Is that how people see Miss Marple? A straight backed old lady with a familiar face. Or is it just certain people think that Miss Marple should stop being a noisy body?

Miss Marple's methods of untwisting the strange could be called amateurish. Shame for the two that were murdered. For money or for attention. Either or Miss Marple solves the mystery. But at the end someone really doesn't know what's going on. And someone/es does.

I give The Body in the Library 5_____>

 

The Truth According to Us

 

I can see why this book was titled The Truth According to Us. From the Romeyn Family the secrets and stories they told were according to them. It was believed to be their truth. You tell enough, you start to believe it.

The fixed history in this book about a small town in the Depression period was very interesting. How this one family was mainly the center of whatever was brought about. Romeyn Family owned a sock factory. Employed half the town. And class and privilege how it looked from this small town America.

The sock company never moved down to the next generation. Felix one of the sons didn't want to go into the business. But was always looking for that next quick buck. And from the start Felix and his best friend got in trouble.

Jottie, Felix's sister never forgave Felix. Her true love no longer . But she never knew how and why til the end when everything came out.

A terrible period of time to live in. Felix was thought to be a bootlegger. He kept odd hours. He would come and go anytime. Even days and nights. As small towns go Jottie and her 2 sisters helped raise Felix's 2 kids, Willie and Bird. With the help of their brother Emmitt.

Willie wanting so much to have her father around. Needed that connection with him.

All stories and secrets would not come to life if it weren't for Layla. Layla was sent to Macedonia to write a guide book. She was from a privilege family. She didn't know at the time she wanted a normal life. As she dug up information she was also unveiling about the Romeyn Family. And because she made a mistake with Felix that made her wise up. Things became clearer for everyone.

Except for Willie. I felt for her wanting her father. Jottie coming to decisions about her lost love and Sol who loved her. The actions of Layla and Felix did some damage to Willie. Confronted things came to a head. Felix did though pay more attention to Bird and Willie. 

Felix still came and went when he wanted. But Willie knew he still will be back to see her and Bird.

Jottie still took care of Willie and Bird. And tried to make peace of what she learned. As for Layla she follows her own path. Maybe Emmitt was there?

I did like the story. But it was so so long for me. It repeated and stretched for me. Especially a pet peeve of mine calling each other honey. How much can read the same thing.

I do agree though with a review about the author. Maybe I feel this way because the author has no co author here. She was a co author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (which I enjoyed even though it was through letters. It was to the point)

I really wish I could give this book a 5. But it just was too long for me.

I give The Truth According to Us 4______>

 

The Marriage Lie

I started reading Kimberly Belle's books just a little while ago. The 1st book I read was fantastic. I felt The Marriage Lie wasn't so much intense, like before. But it had another quality to it. The story showed a person/s that are so connected when one is missing the other's world seems to crumble.

Iris and Will's life seemed like a perfect fit. Then a plane crash happened and Iris's world crumbled. I don't think I would believe it too. Like Iris, I want prove. As the story moves on Iris finds out that Will may not be who he is and is/was going where he said he go. Secrets can be a dangerous thing even if the person was/is trying to protect you. So is it justifiable to lie? The person who is doing the lie thinks it is necessary. But can go too far by upsetting the other person's life to the extent that they may be sick or be in danger.

I don't think Iris was responsible for knowing what she did about Will. It's good that she had her brother Dave with her. I would too have a need to find out. It's natural to find out who is this man she married and why.

I don't think Will actually changed. I think he was trying. But something about that neighborhood and how his parents were. Some neighborhoods are like little parts of a private world.

I think Iris used her knowledge of people as a psychologist as best she knew. She found her center toward the end with Corban. But through the story she did lose course. Especially loving someone that much is blind. And with the tragedy she is not herself.

I think Iris and Evan would be friends. Somehow their paths would cross. And after Iris did to Will at the end I still think Evan and her will find each other.

I was looking for other culprits. And missed Corban. Thought it was weird that he was his only friend at a gym? Will? Didn't put it together.

Iris has a fight between loving Will and how he made her feel after her finding out. Then hating him. Yes perfectly normal. You can love someone and hate that they are doing something wrong or someone doesn't like. I really did feel for Iris. How shitty he made her feel.

When Iris pushed that button at the end she knew deep down it was the right thing to do. If you love let it free to account for the actions that Will did. Yes her closure was to find out  the truth and set things right so Will can atone.

One thing though I would not of taken care of a man (Iris's father in- law) the way she did. At the end she got hurt.

I give The Marriage Lie 4______>

I still look forward to read another story.

 

The Murder on the Links

 

I liked this story. True to form there were a lot of characters to choose from. What an interesting place to have someone found dead. Monsieur Renauld did like the golf. Enough to have have to do with the design of a golf course. Was it a women's crime or a man's?

The character I'm most annoyed with is Poirot's assistant Hastings. As one reviewer did say "Shut up! Shut up! Hastings" He was so annoying crying about Poirot never giving him a chance at solving the crime. While all he did was critique Poirot. And talk about how he has no one to love.

The story I felt took a curve on the romantic side. It was a side unusual to read on Poirot being a bit soft. The story kept on path with Poirot solving a case while he was asked to help Renauld. Pretty much stayed on the area of the Villa.

Poirot's saying of using his little grey cells was the way Poirot always went. Gets him to notice things other police don't. Like Girlaud not using all his grey cells. Like  missing the watch (time).

If it was Jack Renauld or the housekeeper Francoise, The Duveen Sisters, Bella and Dulcie. Madame Daubreuil, or Marthe. Even a background mystery on Madame Renauld and Georges Conneau can't be pushed aside because facts seem to twist to fit a theory.

Sturdy and on course Poirot solves the case. It may of been a bit difficult with things changing and Hastings taking a tantrum. But it got solved. With a little bit of softness at the end.

I give The Murder on the Links __________> 5

Until the Robin Walks on Snow

I liked this story. It's really nice to be able to read a story based on true facts in (story form.) Even though it's fiction. I find that some authors try to write from true facts only to get caught up and write like they are teaching a history lesson.

I liked the idea that light was brought on the babies that are born prematurely.  I liked how the author focused not on the baby's challenges. But how others (including family) see the baby. Especially since was never told of the Eastern European people.

Sure you hear baby after baby being lost. But the times mothers, fathers, and even doctors had limited knowledge what to do.

The hope and strength that Marianna and Helena had that this baby would survive was very strong. And the children already that Marianna and Andrzej had, plus grandfather Nikodimas all surrounded Marianna with the support and love she needed. A rare find.

Sadly the rest of family and doctor seemed cruel. With statements like trying to cover the shock to see a stick of flesh just lying on Marianna's chest. Or the doctor saying It's the smallest baby he saw dead or alive. Again back then people just were scared.They knew not what to do. And whatever they think they said.

As everyone's faith strong Antoni seemed protected by the love of the Blessed Mary.

There is a silver lining with a harsh winter with snow. The robins had arrived bringing the hope of warmer, greener weather.

It is not spring "Until the robin Walks on Snow"

I found it interesting from the research that the author did and gave a little insight of how her culture, Eastern Europeans have lived.

.The natural thing a mother would do is make do to keep her baby warm and protected to lay baby on the chest. Shows for decades everyone is the same. To bond with baby. Baby hears mothers heartbeat.

.Many believe that our fate is written before we are born. 

.Antoni's family of Catholic faith baptized Antoni in a Polish church. Because their custom is a male will go with the father's faith. And a female, her mother's faith. Brother and sister would be going to different churches.

. an extra chair is not only set out at Christmas time. But for all the years. Encase unexpected visitors showed up at the door.

Short, sweet and to the point of a family just trying to live life.

I give Until the Robin Walks on Snow 5__________>

 

Verity

This wasn't the first book I have read from this author. I do agree that this story is so much better. The author does have a way with adjectives for sure. From reading the first sentence, "I hear the crack of his skull before the spattering of blood reaches me". I knew I needed to go on.

It's clever to have an author write from a villain's perspective. To have the author write the opposite of the author's life. Truly believable? hmm...

I feel the things that Jermey did came natural to him. He had no regrets of Verity and Lowen. The person I feel sorry for is the son Crew. He got stuck in the middle of this.

Who could pass on the opportunity that was given to Lowen? It was a big job to continue on with someone else's stories. But man seeing what was going on in that house I'm not sure I would of stayed. Lowen never asked why. Didn't she wonder why Vertiy was there? Of course how can you have suspense without romance?

What is done is done. After everything Lowen found out and read of Verity's she still became the author that she wanted. I guess she got both 15 minutes of fame and a paycheck. Got the guy of her dreams, and a baby of her own and be a step mother to Crew.

All the knowledge now that Lowen had she still believed in her heart she was thinking and doing for "her family"the right thing to do. Who is to say she is wrong to think how she feels?

I think Verity's character was intriguing. You think she didn't know what was going on. With deaths of their daughters Chastin and Harper, Vertity kept it together as much as she did. 

Even I thought what had happened was from someone else. 

A tragedy for Vertity. I say even Crew. But to know how clever things where orchestrated,

I give Vertity 5___________>