A beautifully written historical novel by one of my favorite authors. Eliza Rivers, 88 years old, tells the story of her childhood growing up on Mayfield, her family's estate/farm to her grand-niece and granddaughter. She wants them both to understand how important it is to her to conserve the land and hopes they will join her in her fight. It is a very emotional story of family, young love, friendship, and betrayal.

Interesting book about a southern women who helps save the life of a Northern soldier during the Civil War

.The Business Trip Jessica Garica Two women, meet on a plane, both feeling the need to escape complicated lives. Then the two women go missing. Soon their friends start receiving weird texts. Twist upon twist, all of us (including the reader) are at the hands of a master manipulator. Fun read.

Women’s Fiction spanning thirty five years. The author put a good deal of thought and effort in writing this book. (Hence the two stars) It was easy to get lost and confused as names changed and time periods jumped around. For example: Bear was also Julian and Gordon. It takes place in London, Ireland, Africa, Italy, and Paris, I believe. Not sure if the author was exploring the possible opportunities for a baby boy born in 1984 or the ravages of wife abuse, or the confused experiences of a young daughter. As I started the book, iwasrecommending it to friends who have experienced wife abuse and survived. Then I had to call back and tell them not to waste their time.

I loved how much tension and emotion built up between Conrad and Belly, but when it finally came together it felt too rushed. So much time was spent on other relationships that I was left wanting more of their quieter, meaningful moments. As a Team Conrad reader, I just wanted more of their happiness after all the drama. I would honestly read another book just to get those missing pieces, and I really hope the Amazon Prime streaming show gives us more of that side of their story.

The VANISHED by Bill Pronzini, written over 50 years ago, is a classic old time detective novel in the style of Sam Spade or The Maltese Falcon. "A dame walked into the office...." kind of story. This book is the second entry into a long running series that features the "nameless detective". The private detective is hired to find a women's missing fiance. The hunt is wonderful to follow in the pre cell phone, pre internet world that nameless inhabits. I thoroughly enjoyed it and plan to read more of Pronzini's work.

Great story. Nice twist.

Fredrik Backman has a way to write broken people that you fall in love with. A priceless painting is gifted to a runaway foster kid by the artist himself. Can Luisa handle the responsibility of having such a priceless gift? As she travels with the artist’s best friend to sell the painting, the full story of the artist, his friends and growing up in a poor neighborhood is unfolded. This book weaves past and present together creating an intriguing story.

I have loved every book that I've read by Kristin Harmel and I loved this one too. Set primarily in 1940's Paris, it bounces to 2018. The story line is different than most WWII books. The characters were interesting and likeable. I'd love to see a present day sequel.

This story is set in China during the 1800s. The fate of girls and women were tied to male society. During that time mothers bound their daughters feet. Generally, the feet of girls born in the country were not bound. This story is about two young girls: Little Flower and Lingjing. Little Flower’s mother bound her feet to give her a good chance of marriage. Lingjing’s father interceded in the binding of his daughter’s feet so she was released from the process. When Little Flower’s father dies, her mother needs to make a deal for her daughter’s future. The fate of both girls is sealed. The look at Chinese culture as well as twists and turns in the life of the two girls was fascinating. I could not put this book down. I was engaged in all the twists and turns in little Flowers’ life.