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Reviews by Barbara P. (Hixson, TN)

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Remembrance
Remembrance
by Rita Woods
Remembrance (11/13/2019)
This ended up not being the book that I expected. It was more about the "voodoo" beliefs that transcended over time rather than the history of the native Haitians. At times I was enthralled with the story and at other times I thought the story dragged. I loved the authors prose and would be interested in reading other novels she has written or will write.
Sold on a Monday
Sold on a Monday
by Kristina McMorris
Historical novel with suspense and romance (8/17/2018)
To think that people would actually sell their children! The Great Depression brought on poverty and many were pushed to do this in order for those children to survive. This story shows what happens when those that are impoverished and those that are wealthy handle their different problems. Of course, the children are the ones that suffer.

The newspaper reporter and the editors assistant seek to find out exactly what happens. A thoroughly enjoyable page turner, I would recommend this novel to those interested in a mystery taking place during the Depression.
A Place for Us
A Place for Us
by Fatima Farheen Mirza
A moving story of a Muslim-American familygood memories and the bad (4/8/2018)
How alike we all are! Whether Christian, Muslim, Jewish or other, families are families. This writer explained in such beautiful prose about the customs and mores of an average Muslim family living in America. She also wrote about the reactions of Americans to their customs. I understood that we all have the same emotions; the misunderstandings, the forgiveness, the lack of forgiveness, the good memories and the bad. One feels like they know each member of the family through the beautiful writing. The last chapters of the book moved me in a very special, personal way.
I look forward to future works by this new author.
As Bright as Heaven
As Bright as Heaven
by Susan Meissner
Beautiful prose, beautiful book (10/11/2017)
Historical fiction is my favorite and this book ranks in the top ten, in my opinion. The story takes place in 1918 Philadelphia, PA during the Spanish flu epidemic. One becomes part of a family, that you feel a part of, through the authors beautiful prose. It is heartbreaking as well as joyful as the author describes how one family grows through the turmoil of this time.

I am looking forward to reading more by Susan Meissner.
The Twelve-Mile Straight
The Twelve-Mile Straight: A Novel
by Eleanor Henderson
Outstanding writing, excellent story (5/11/2017)
It has been a long time since I've read such a gripping story. It takes place in a small southern Georgia county in the 1930's. The story tells of two young girls; one white and one black and how they grow up together. Race relations is a large part of the story and bootlegging, as well. The character development is so real that you feel you are there growing up with them through all of their trials and tribulations. Sometimes it is difficult to read because of the horror of some of the things that happen. I would highly recommend this book to all that are fans of historical fiction
The Second Mrs. Hockaday
The Second Mrs. Hockaday
by Susan Rivers
A "must read" for historical fiction lovers (12/13/2016)
I found myself unable to put this book down. The reader is caught up in the mystery of Placidia Hockaday. Something happens while her new husband goes off to fight in the Civil War that greatly affects her life. You want to know what has happened. This book is written in letters that she and other family members wrote and in a diary that she has kept. It's important to watch the dates in order to follow the story. I would've
given this book five stars if it weren't for the early confusion in the dates.
Karolina's Twins
Karolina's Twins
by Ronald H. Balson
Not just another WWII novel (7/19/2016)
I enjoy historical fiction and have read a lot of books with WWII as the setting. This book has a different slant as it has some mystery in it. At the risk of sounding trite, once I started I couldn't stop! The only criticism I would have is that I felt the author could have developed the characters more than he did. I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction.
The Railwayman's Wife
The Railwayman's Wife
by Ashley Hay
Engaging story of post WWII Australia (2/14/2016)
This is a beautifully written story of a widow, her daughter and several of the village men home from the war. They all grieve in their own ways; alone and with each other. The way it is written allows the reader to feel as though they were there in this beautiful area of Australia and feeling many of the feelings that the characters feel. I would've given it a 5 but the sadness was overwhelming at times.
Maud's Line
Maud's Line
by Margaret Verble
Maud's Line (7/21/2015)
I was attracted to this novel because I hadn't read much about the Cherokee people once they had been sent out west. The story was entertaining but would have liked more character development. I felt like I needed to know more about what Maud, Booker and Billy were thinking. We knew more about their physical relationship than anything however I do realize that that was a large part of their attraction.
I did enjoy the book and would recommend this as light summer read.
The Secrets of Midwives
The Secrets of Midwives
by Sally Hepworth
Hated to see this book end! (1/11/2015)
A combination of mystery, family relationships, romance and character study, this novel is one of the best I've read in a long time. As a nurse, I found the medical story line accurate. The characters were both real and likable. The grandmother, mother, and daughter are all midwives and watching their story unfold was a truly delightful experience.
Mimi Malloy, At Last!
Mimi Malloy, At Last!
by Julia MacDonnell
Mimi Malloy, At Last (4/4/2014)
I can't say for sure why I didn't care for this book. I think I just didn't care for Mimi's daughter who constantly was in her business. I'm sure this is how the author wanted to portray this character and she she did a good job of it. I also was looking for more of a story of Mimi and her "boyfriend".
Doing Harm
Doing Harm
by Kelly Parsons
Exciting! (11/5/2013)
For his first novel, I really enjoyed this medical thriller. Once started, I was unable to put it down. I don't think that his medical and technical knowledge was too much for the average reader. His writing flowed very well. I would recommend this novel for anyone interested in this genre. He may very well take over where Robin Cook leaves off.
Once We Were Brothers
Once We Were Brothers
by Ronald H. Balson
Once We Were Brothers (8/25/2013)
As a lover of historical fiction, I found this novel to be excellent. This debut author did a really good job of developing his characters. I felt I knew the main characters; Ben, Catherine and Liam as if they were friends or colleagues. The story had me fully absorbed and I had trouble putting the book down once I started it. I would highly recommend this book.
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate: A Lucy Campion Mystery
by Susanna Calkins
Good read for debut author. (3/31/2013)
After a rather slow start, I really enjoyed A Murder at Rosamund's Gate. I love historical fiction but had not read anything during this time period. So l learned quite a bit of the history of England during this era. I enjoyed all the characters although I felt the author could have elaborated more on some of them. I felt the author did an excellent job for her first try and will look forward to reading more of her books.
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