The Last Train to Key West

I was a little disappointed not to read more of the history of the train. But did love the stories around the characters that brought them to life.

I was glad to take our last vacation before the pandemic happened to Key West. I remember riding next to that broken down railway knowing there was some history to that.

"People are what circumstances make them"

Haven't thought about this in this way. I look over the story again. And see that it revolves around these 3 women. 

Helen, Mirta, and Elizabeth paths have criss crossed over this time. 1935 and a hurricane is coming to Key West, Florida. Sadly it wasn't taken so seriously. But for Helen who had a husband that abused her and she was pregnant at the time, plus working in that fast paced tourist cafe. The hurricane gave her an opportunity as well to get out before storm hit.

Mirta who married a man at the time did not know of what his business was. She did for her family to get out of Cuba when the regime would change.

Elizabeth a mystery and hardest to figure out in the beginning. She's childlike in a way also to marry someone that his business was tough. And to help her family out.

The storm hit the Keys and these women drew a strength about them that they didn't know they had.

Set in the Great Depression the effect that it had on the characters the fact at 1 time Key West was the largest and wealthiest city in Flordia. Where things were built by hand and enjoyed by people who had the money. The Depression equalized all that. For all the money in the world like Anthony and Mirta would/have couldn't help them in the long run. Even Elizabeth and her family did things to keep going. Helen and Tom not having much/any money found work, did what they had to do to live. Government had some help to give but seemed never enough.

One larger event that happened was the hurricane. I believe the characters saw more in themselves to give to others. Try to help because they all were in this together. Nature has destroyed that so many men sacrificed for.

The treatment of the soldiers of The Great War and society were grim. Just as it is today in a way. Soldiers were dying and fighting for what they thought a monster. And when it is all said and done when soldiers came home society wasn't as appreciative as they should of been. They needed jobs, a decent place to stay, food etc... but not always the case. Soldiers came home to a different kind of hell. The camps that they stayed at helping to build the Flagler's Oversea Railroad were a disgrace.  Definition of not livable but to ease their minds the people that hired them believed well at least it was a job. Right!

The vision of connecting New York to Havana, Cuba with a few days of travel through the other keys was a great vision that would bring people together socially and in business. Hoping to see Key West as a major trade route. Globally would work if only conditions were better.

The Depression was hard on women because a lot of doors were closed to them. In that period time it was a man's world

Being that said these strong women show how they can be in times of unease. 

With a little romance mixed in with some good story telling. There were a couple of things I was surprised at. Not to give too much away but the stranger that watched Elizabeth and Mirta had an interesting twist. I am a person that goes down that google rabbit hole to find out more on the history.

For that I'm glad to find out more just not the railway was happening.

I give The Last Train to Key West 4

 Since I read the 1st already, 

I look forward to reading the rest of the Cuba Saga books.

 

Best Day Ever

 SPOILER ALERT! 

Good story, was a little disappointed that I seen where the story was going. Predictable what was Paul's game. And Mia what she had to go through with husband Paul was terrible.

I liked the idea that the story was within a day. The timeline aspect of it was interesting. Toward the end it came together for what Mia's role was doing while Paul focused on his idea of Best Day Ever!

If it wasn't brought up many times I wouldn't of known Mia and Paul had kids. Mostly in Paul's mind was how much he had, how many women, and what he thought he gave Mia.

A bit disappointed of how Paul got the upper hand of Buck at the end. But all worked out with Buck, Mia, and the kids.

Question is Paul Strom is an unreliable narrator at what point of the story did I realize he was telling me what he wanted me to know? Almost immediately. I believe the narrator puts across their point of view. And that's where the reader forms their views of story. I didn't know right away of Paul's actions of poisoning his wife. But as Paul droned on about how she wasn't feeling good, changing her diet. All now can see what he was doing. So I guess Paul had me there. Toward the end of book I see.

I thought of Mia just a woman who wanted someone to share her life with, have kids, and just be happy. Mia thought she had that. Being that her family had money I believe had nothing to do how she felt. If Mia knew what was happening and who Paul really was, yes she should of/probably would of made different choices with Paul.  

In Paul's mind he really did believe he was a good father and husband. I think he is trying to fool both reader and himself. He strived of having that perfect family. His own, did a number on him.

Gretchen sees a man who makes her special. It's hard to walk away from someone that plays that they need and are happy with you. For that I think Gretchen was a victim. Very hard to see pass the charade that people play.

Paul was on a downward spiral from the beginning. He really wasn't right. Caroline rejecting him just sped up the process of him doing damage around him. Almost in a childlike manner.

The idea of Paul would not be interested in Mia if her family wasn't wealthy is correct. That is what fueled him in his hunt of money and adoration for himself.

We now know Paul was abused as a child. It answers the question of why he was the way he was. But it doesn't justify his behavior. Even though we have choices we do need to follow some set of rules. And if Paul goes off, without answer for what he did, people would be in chaos. And justice wouldn't prevail. As it did for Paul at the end.

It's hard to say if I feel sorry for Paul's mother. I almost forgot about her. Since Paul does talk about his father mostly. She did go through mental and physical anguish. Its easy to say she should of stood up for herself and Paul. Again Paul punishes her for something she couldn't control..

Buck is motivated by doing good. I didn't know his background was so intense til later on. But he saw that Mia needed help, she was his neighbor and he helped her. Didn't hurt that he had feelings for her. Losing his wife is terrible and lonely. To find happiness twice, rare. Buck symbolizes the link to put right what is wrong. The knight in shining armor. He was the calm effect.

I give Best Day Ever 4

Predictable but good! There is another story in there with them all. Especially the kids. Kind of creepy that one of the boys say the same thing as his father. Best Day Ever!

 

The Sweeney Sisters

I believe this is a first time author for me. I don't have many sisters but I did enjoy how each sister's personality was brought out.

The first question is which of Bill Sweeney's daughters do I most resemble? I believe it is Liza. Married, children, "holding the fort down". When someone needs something done if I can do it, it gets done. Reliable!

I guess I am the glue that tries to keep family together. I certainly try to keep in touch with all. And I think each Sweeney sister did their part to hold the family together. Each softened up and thought of each other as they learnt more about themselves as well as Serena.

The sisters were guilty of suppressing and denying things in their own lives just like their father, Bill. Tricia denied that anyone could be worthy of being a Sweeney. Never seemed good enough. Always a debate. Maggie never got support. Her talent was questionable to Maggie. And Liza seemed to get the anger that her father had for her mother. Which made Liza strive more to be perfect. Perfect enough not to see what's happening around her with her own married life.

Should Bill had said, met up with Serena? Yes I believe he should of. He made it about himself that the hurt would still break his heart. And the failures were too dramatic for him. Bill should of let that up to Serena to decide what kind of person he was. And why Serena did the things she did, including her career she has.

I probably would react the same way if I met a long lost sister I didn't know about. I would consider the timing of it all like Serena, came to be around their father's death. First question would be what does she want? Even if she wanted to get to know her sisters there's got to be a reason. And for Serena being a journalist, writing a book I would be cautious.

No I don't think taking DNA test should be a cautionary tale. It opens up a lot for people. People who are looking for something. Wanting to belong. As well as medical issues. For me I don't feel the need to take a DNA test myself. I'm happy for what I know.

I didn't like what Bill did and burned Maeve's poems. It was so childlike to feel that she was so much better them he. It would of been something to be proud of. That both had their unique way of expressing themselves. What could a woman that passed do to him now. I actually thought he was a decent person in the beginning. Writers have there quirks. But at the end Bill was down right mean. So glad that the project that sisters had planned will honor their mother with the last poems she wrote.

Learning the truth about Serena I think was a positive experience for the Sweeneys. It taught them a lot of themselves and how they can change for the better.

I think Maggie became a good mother. I think she continued to flourish with her paintings. Although not the typical family. She makes it work. I think for Tricia  she takes a not so hard core life as a lawyer. But as a good lawyer that cares for the people. I think eventually she will have that life that she wanted with Raj and children. With Raj she becomes softer. Liza I believe she straighten things out with the divorce  from Whit. A hard road ahead but makes it work with her children. And eventually when th time is right she finds her way back to her true love. And as for Serena. She had the career that she wants. Book gets published. And finds herself what she really wanted to be part of a sisterhood.

I give The Sweeney Sisters 5  

When the mood strikes I might look into another book of Lian Dolan

 

The Witness for the Prosecution

Even though a short story Agatha Christie does know how to pack a punch. And give readers something to think about.

SPOILER ALERT!

In The Witness for the Prosecution Mr Mayherne thought this case seemed dark, and the guilt of the prisoner, Leonard Vole was clad tight. But Mr. Mayherne had doubts has he was talking to Vole.

The story was that Vole killed an elderly lady, Miss. French. Because she was rich, lived alone, and eccentric. And had eight cats. Typical description you read.

So Mr Mayherne goes into lawyer mode to establish the things are wrong on what is said about Leonard Vole. The only reason he had anything to do with Miss. French is because of her money. He starts there. Who told you Miss. French was well off? My friend George Harvey of course. He probably won't remember it was some time ago.

Mr. Mayherne gets frustrated with Vole for not answering his questions seriously. I don't like the line you speak to me with. Mr Vole it is you that I look to guide me.

More gets out on he and Miss. French. Why was he there so long. Because Vole is a weak nature. One of those people who can't say No. She was worried about some investments and knew little of money matters. Vole's dealings with Miss French were perfectly fair and above board. He acted in her best interest. That will hardly do. Mr Vole its not up to the witness to find out who murdered victim. You need alibi.

Finally it comes out another excuse that Vole has an alibi, his wife Romaine. I was with her at the time of murder. As Vole spoke of Romaine that she is devoted to him. That she would do anything in the world for him. Mr Mayherne's heart sank.

Fact remains wife never met Miss French.

Mr Mayherne goes and questions wife but she would not make good witness since she admitted what she needed to say.

A letter gets written to Mr. Mayherne. If he wants to find out the truth he needs to go to the rental place to find out. He follows the lead. There is a letter....

How did you get this letter. Doesn't matter the old lady says. Just give me my money.

Trail begins wife is a witness. Fingers crossed. Wife tells her side. And as Mr. Mayherne looks at her he notices something.

The question remains did Romaine give enough testimony to make Leonard Vole not guilty? Or is he really guilty? hmm....

Update: After watching a version of The Witness for the Prosecution I realize that a story especially a classic as Agatha Christie stories are, should be left alone. The story should end the way she wanted. Probably being a short story that’s why the ending was more dramatic and not just as is. Rather see it stay the same. Again because it a short story it needs to be drawn out. I don’t have to like it though.

Although it did answer the question of who was that other  that had the letters for the lawyer.

I give The Witness for the Prosecution  5-------->

Can't pass on Agatha Christie!

 

Boardwalk Summer

At first reading this story I was intrigued. It had some mystery to it. At least I thought. 

A story of 2 women parallel in their lives. And a connection that they never dreamed.

Violet Harcourt a woman just wanting to live her life in love and happiness. Just like every other girl did in the 40's. But back then women also got married so they had someone to take care of them. 

Charles Harcourt, Violet thought he was the one. They had their home that overlooked the ocean. Was the safe haven that Violet longed for. But her home became her prison. She loved her husband and he loved her. But her life turned frightful.

 Those days things people just didn't say anything about abuse or anything personal that goes on in their lives.

So Violet took matters into her own hands.Knowing she wouldn't see her friend Evie and parents anymore. The tide came in violently inviting Violet to come closer to the edge. Til we no longer see Violet again.

And Marisol Cruz of Mexican descent. Worked in a cafe and supported her daughter. She lived with her parents. And were close to her grandparents. Always a dream to work at the museum. Being able to work on the boardwalk for their centennial. 

She noticed pictures, papers that her grandfather was in and picture of a woman that he actually knew.

Investigating and meeting a handsome man named Jason.

She found herself fighting to save a gazebo that meant so much to her through her grandparents. Since it was the few places that the Mexicans had to enjoy.

With his help she was able to confront and show her strengths.

Mari finds that Jason is related to this mystery. Violet comes back and Travis Harcourt's father wants a relationship with his granddaughter Lily. And Mari finds out who and how her grandfather knew Violet

The story is a sweet summer read!

I give Boardwalk Summer 4--------> 

I just wish it wasn't so packaged up.

I would read another book from this author.