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Reviews by Martha D. (Poway, CA)

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The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls
The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls
by Anissa Gray
A story of sisters (10/19/2018)
There's something about the dynamics between sisters that is always full of drama. The story was layered and fascinating, I was immediately drawn in and invested in their outcome. A well written and deeply moving novel. I look forward to future books from this author.
No One Is Coming to Save Us
No One Is Coming to Save Us
by Stephanie Powell Watts
Not the Great Gatsby but..... (4/18/2017)
I'm not sure why the publisher decided to promote this as an African American, Southern Great Gatsby because I just didn't see it. That's not to say that it wasn't good, though a little tightening wouldn't hurt. In the end I'm glad I read this and look forward to seeing what's next from this author.
The Second Mrs. Hockaday
The Second Mrs. Hockaday
by Susan Rivers
The Second Mrs Hockaday (1/12/2017)
I love historical fiction but not a huge fan of the Civil War time period. That being said the epistolatory narrative of this story pulled me right in. There's quite a bit here for book clubs to discuss and an interesting mystery to solve. Definitely one of the better books I read last year.
The Comet Seekers
The Comet Seekers
by Helen Sedgwick
The Comet Seeker (9/12/2016)
First off I should say I'm a sucker for stories with even a hint of magic in them. Much like Sarah Addison Allen and Alice Hoffman, Helen Sedgwick took ordinary people and gave them extraordinary lives.

With the backdrop of comets and stars, Roisin and Francois lives and the lives of their families unfold with all the small and grand moments that make life interesting. I loved spending time in their world and was sorry when it had to end. A true sign of a good book is slowing down near the end hoping to make it last just a little bit longer. Helen Sedgwick has a good book on her hands.
The Return of the Witch
The Return of the Witch
by Paula Brackston
Return of the Witch (1/12/2016)
I started this series not really being a fan of the genre. Still not a big fan but I love this series. Brackston has a way of telling a story that really pulls you in and makes you want to stay until the very end. I recommend starting from the beginning (and not just because I'm OCD about it) because there are references that you'll understand better. I think even if you're not a big supernatural fiction reader you would still enjoy this series.
The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes
The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes
by Anna McPartlin
Kleenex should come with this book. (8/24/2015)
Knowing the fate of our main character before beginning helped to let me dive right into the emotions of this book. I'm not always a big fan of books where to outcome is a foregone conclusion but it worked for me here. I think Americans have a much harder time talking about the realities of dying (though I think we're getting better) as people from other cultures. But don't think this is just one big cry-fest, there are laughs and genuine moments of heartwarming truths. Don't let the subject matter turn you away from this story you'll be very glad you spent Rabbit Hayes' last days with her and her family.
The Silver Witch
The Silver Witch
by Paula Brackston
Love this series. (4/2/2015)
This is not my usual cup of tea kind of book series. But since the first installment I have loved it. The characters are so well drawn out. I love where the story takes me. I'm drawn in from the first page and can't wait till the end (and then I'm sorry it's over). She has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I can't wait to see what she does next.
The Paris Winter
The Paris Winter
by Imogen Robertson
The Paris WInter--Excellent Historical Fiction (7/28/2014)
I make no bones about being a big fan of historical fiction, I'm a big fan. If you're not, if you've never tried it, The Paris Winter is a great place to start.

Imogen Robertson paints a beautiful picture of the Belle Epoque. Her characters are fascinating and richly drawn out. The story grabbed me from the start and kept me involved until the last word.

The story has it all, friendship, art, history, and a interesting mystery thrown in to boot. I doubt you'll be disappointed if you decide to make The Paris Winter your first or fiftieth adventure into Historic Fiction.
The Quick
The Quick
by Lauren Owen
The Quick by Lauren Owen (5/5/2014)
I've recently come back to Gothic novels. I used to love them when I was younger but lost interest but now I'm back. The Quick is a good starter to come back. It's a nice low and slow burn, building on interesting characters, who I rooted for and couldn't wait to find out what happened.

The Quick is well worth the read and a good example of a Gothic novel.
House of Bathory
House of Bathory
by Linda Lafferty
An entertaining read (1/15/2014)
If I could have given 4 1/2 stars I would. Taking half a star away for what seemed like a rushed ending.

I have actually heard of Bathory before and found her story very interesting (boy, be a woman with power way back when and did they talk smack about you-wait, not much different than today).

I loved the historical fiction take on Bathory story and I'm a fan of cliffhanger ending chapters so this book just moved right along for me. I'm not a real vampire/zombie fan but this kept me intrigued the whole way through.

I'll be looking for more by Linda Lafferty very soon.
Palisades Park
Palisades Park
by Alan Brennert
A window to a time gone by (2/12/2013)
I'll own up to having fantasies about this time period and place. So, right away, this book had me. I loved the characters, they jumped off the page and became real to me. The story flowed and made me nostalgic for a time and place I didn't know but wish I did. Now I feel I do know it. Wonderful book, I highly recommend it.
The House Girl
The House Girl
by Tara Conklin
House Girl by Tara Conklin (11/7/2012)
I was so excited to get an advanced reader copy of this book. I was looking forward to it and was not disappointed at all. I was caught up in the story from the very beginning. I know many people are not fans of epistolary stories but I really do enjoy them. The main characters are completely engaging and while the storyline was often hard to read and a reminder of just how awful parts of our history are, it was still a very worthwhile read and I highly recommend this book.
The Forgetting Tree
The Forgetting Tree: A Novel
by Tatjana Soli
I'm still not sure... (9/10/2012)
...what I felt about this story. I was both fascinated and frustrated by Claire and her dedication to her land. I did find both Claire and Minna's story in the second half of the book, as another reviewer said, "haunting" and rather "spooky". And the end left me with many questions, which is not always a bad thing. I am still thinking about it so that says something about the story.
A Partial History of Lost Causes
A Partial History of Lost Causes: A Novel
by Jennifer duBois
A Partial History of Lost Causes (1/4/2012)
I like many other wanted to like this more than I did. If I were to grade it on a scale of how much I appreciated it I would probably give it a 4 out of 5. But it was a little much for me and the characters weren't as engaging as I usually like. That being said Jennifer DuBios has some writing chops and I will definitely check out what any other books from her.
All the Flowers in Shanghai
All the Flowers in Shanghai: A Novel
by Duncan Jepson
An interesting veiw into the past. (11/26/2011)
I have been interested in historical fiction for some time now and this was a interesting look into a period China I found fascinating. I found myself staying awake to find out what would happen. If you're looking for a look into another time and another place this book will take you there. A completely enjoyable read.
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake: A Novel
by Jenny Wingfield
A Perfect Southern Read (7/24/2011)
What's not to love about great Southern literature? Especially during the summer. I loved the story, the characters, the setting. Like any really good story I don't want to give too much away. I always think the beauty of a great tale is having it unfold before you page by page. I don't think I'm misspeaking to say you'll be carried along by this story and won't want to put the book down until you're done.
A Good Hard Look
A Good Hard Look: A Novel
by Ann Napolitano
A Good Hard Look (3/31/2011)
I understand there are many people who don't enjoy speculative historical fiction. I'm not one of them. I take them as a work of fiction with a character name I happen to know. And the references to their lives usually makes me want to find out more about them. I really enjoyed Gothic feel of this book. I haven't read much Flannery O'Conner but after reading this book I want to go out a read more of her work. Much like The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott I'd like to think Flannery had a little life in her life even if it may have lead to heartache. I love a good piece of Southern fiction and this is a good piece of Southern Fiction. I look forward to seeing what this author does next.
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