The reader joins the authors family's story during civil and political unrest during the Communist takeover in China 1948, but in rural Shandong, the wealthy, landowning Angs are more concerned with their lack of an heir thus treating the mother with distain. In this novel, we experience the emotional, often heartbreaking but determined journey of a mother and her four daughters from their home in the countryside to the bustling city of Qingdao, and onward to British Hong Kong and eventually Taiwan where they were forced to endure because they were left behind when the father and others fled the unrest because there were no male heirs.

The daughters' characters are very well drawn and quite distinct, which adds depth and multiple perspectives, as their mother reacts to them individually and as a group. The mother's character also evolves as they endure dangers and hardships, leavened with happy moments and growing togetherness. Their travels are conveyed to reader in a clear informative narrative where we feel part of their lives and cheering them on, as we learn about China during this time period and the suffering many, especially women, endured to achieve success and the decisions mom and the children made together.

An excellent book and wonderful read. Highly recommended.

An absorbing and engaging historical fiction covering multiple historic events. First, the Portuguese anti-Protestant movement on the island of Madeira that provides the back setting of the two main characters, John Alves and Mary (Maria) Freitas, who by chance meet and a make lasting connection, but both must flee the country to America. Thus, the premise of the plot is set, will they meet again? The reader follows the life adventures of all the characters, especially John as an American soldier and inventor working with Thomas Edison and Mary as the obedient wife of Edward, a wealthy businessman, and her work with her father, a famous botanist, plus her passion for fabric design, but many others as well. Not an easy read because of the multitude of storylines, subplots that one must follow, internal narratives and interactions between the characters, but it is essential for the plot development, and so that the reader can identify more readily with and feel for the characters, especially John and Mary, their supporters and enemies, and some famous people, including not only Thomas Edison but also Abraham Lincoln. These plot twists give the reader hope and wonderment of the destiny of characters during the other historic events the author interweaves so well: the American Civil War, the San Francisco earthquake, and other, more minor ones as well. What are their secrets for survival? Is it only marriage for Mary, and being a teacher for the deaf for John, and where and who will provide them support, and who must they support? Yes, John and Mary maintain contact, although not always successfully, but do they meet again and if so, is there a reason and who would orchestrate it? Overall, a highly recommended read, one which the reader receives a different understanding of historic events and some people’s contribution and view of these.

A multilayer story inspired by the author's family experiences following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, In the Time of Our History tells the story of an American Iranian family, and their love for and frustrations with one another. The family has continued to embrace the richness of ancient and modern Persian history, and the novel's focus is on the traditional Iranian "One Year" remembrance after the death of her younger, more obedient sister, Anahita. Reluctantly, the older sister Mitra returns home for the occasion, but is not acknowledged by her traditionalist father Yusuf.

The blending of family traditions, acceptance, love, expectations against personal goals, and frustrations adds dimensions and cliffhangers to the evolving story—one in which the reader does not completely know all the answers until the very end. Mitra, one of the primary characters, defies expectations of arranged marriage and is living an independent life in San Francisco, where she supports the Iranian immigrant community, rather than in New Jersey with the rest of the family. But even in New Jersey there are family tensions. Even after all the years in this country, her father Yusuf believes the family should listen to him and go by his rules. His wife Shireen is at first obedient, but Yusuf's lack of empathy even after the death of his daughter has caused her to rethink her beliefs and position.

The book is rich in context, and captivates the reader through to the end. There are surprises in the plot. Moral issues arise for the characters, and many are discussed fully and frankly. An array of supporting characters adds to the understanding of how new American citizens and refugees find and adjust to life in this country, as they are supported by Mitra and her family as they adjust and in more difficult times.

A perceptively written modern day Daphne and Apollo tale on the campus of Oxford University. Mark Prins uses his knowledge mixed with emotion and humor to capture to the academic environment and pressures felt between professors and their students. Tessa must prove herself academically to others despite the efforts of her protégé advisor Chris, who tries through romance to sabotage her work and block her academic pathway. The supporting characters add dimension, perspective and intrigue to his narrative, and provide Tessa with information, support, and clues in finishing and figuring out her situation with Chris. On the other hand there are supporting characters who favor Chris. The details of Tessa's discoveries, going back to discover the similarities between modern and ancient civilizations, add to the reader's involvement, and fascination with academia and how success is achieved even with the odds are against you. It may take the reader a short time to absorbed in this modern-day Daphne and Apollo tale, the reader will find it an engaging, fascinating and engaging read.

An enjoyable, informative historical fictionalized account of the important role nurses played during World War I focusing on Julia Stimson and the nurses under her command. All of the characters, based on true persons the author researched especially from the book Julia’s father wrote, “Finding Themselves,” which is a compilation of Julia’s letters to her father are well-developed and their stories during the time period especially how they interacted with one another are engaging. Julia Stimson’s successes, frustrations, and yes failures as the Superintendent of Nurses in particular is engaging because she must fight for implementing her discoveries and procedures, and care for nurses under her command when they think they are failing or not feeling well. The critical role the nurses played, as discussed in the book was so underappreciated and often negated by the doctors. Tracey Enerson Wood captures these stories making the reader contemplate: how much do we as readers know and appreciate less visible figures during critical times?

A memoir of the author's, Carrot Quinn's, life from an underprivileged, sometimes homeless youth with a mother who suffers from being schizophrenic wrapped up in religious visions, and the consequent road to self-discovery for the author. Her journey starts with being adopted by her grandparents and then riding the rails as a train-hopper and walking or hitchhiking across the country, meeting many people including family that help her choose life paths to follow. The journeys expose her to different lifestyles and she develops different passions and identities, all of which propel the book's momentum. For some readers may find the author's flipping back and forth through the years disconcerting but it is essential for the unveiling of her life story and road to self-discovery, plus her coming to understand and accept her life's journey so far. An engaging, reflective, and engrossing read that may involve self-discovery and self-reflection by the reader.

An engaging historical fiction about one woman’s struggle to use her abilities and knowledge in medicine and science during Victorian times in London and the societal roadblocks she faced. Nora has mentors that support and encourage her but there are obstacles and decisions she must reach including going beyond boundaries set for her and breaking of an agreed upon confidence. One of her initial skeptics and later supporters develops into a mutual romantic interest. An excellent book for book groups because there are many points and views to discuss.

An engaging read starting from the first page to the last page about the women who wanted to serve their country as pilots during World War II and the hardships they were willing to endure in order to accomplish their mission and prove they were capable as the men they served along side or in minor but important roles. However, their service was nearly forgotten and not recognized nor did they receive the benefits of their male counterparts for recognize of or the benefits of military service until 1977 when the WASPs were recognized of their military service and provided the same benefits of men who had served. Another inspiring read of the achievements of women have made in the last one hundred years.

Russel Shorto's Smalltime, is a captivating and engaging family story of Russell Shorto's relatives' and friends' deep involvement, even if involuntary at times, with the mob. The story stretches from the immigration of great-grandfather, who leaves Italy and his life and family to find a new one in Johnstown Pennsylvania, and progresses through the next generations and how they survived and strives with the help of the mob in small town America, but not without disappointments and hardships.

What makes the book so engrossing is the author's research and reliance especially on his father, who a forms writing partnership with the author to explore family memories, and interviews not only with his family and friends, but with others who knew the author's ancestors and their associates who were helped by the family though time and if they had any association with the mob.

Amazingly the author admits to missing pieces of the story. A highly recommended memoir that is rich in detail but offers humor and is written in a pace that keeps the reader involved and discovering and appreciating the strength of the family. An interesting side note while looking biographical information on the author, I found an interesting interview in BookPage (https://tinyurl.com/frczrd8), in which Russell Shorto discusses eight true factors that led to the growth of the mob in America.

In Ed Tarkington's The Fortunate Ones, take a journey through the formative years and beyond from the perspective of Archer Creigh, from a privileged family, and Charlie Boykin, from an underprivileged one, and discover how their lives become intertwined and depend on each other. In this engaging thoughtful book, the reader explores the dynamics and interconnections between the wealthy and underprivileged families, who they depend upon, and for what and how they handle their differences and similarities.

Throughout the novel many questions are raised for the reader to ponder. One question not answered: yes, the reader the sees the fortunate ones, but what about the unfortunate ones who do not receive the advantages that Charlie and his mother Bonnie received? The author does provide a full array of life decisions made by the two main characters, including Charlie deciding he must escape from this life to head to Mexico and be with other friends and pursue his art career, but devotion to his mother causes him to come home and return to his former life and support Archer and his aspirations to seek political office because of the lifeline he gave to Charlie.

The Fortunate Ones will provide the reader much thought with a wide array of characters and how they interact with one another, and how their thought processes and consequent emotional reactions add to interactions with the other characters, all of whom have contributions and indiscretions but support how the plot evolves.

Despite not looking enough at the unfortunate ones, The Fortunate Ones is a recommended and thoughtful read, because the author's focus in The Fortunate Ones was to look those who were given the opportunity to be fortunate.

Another engaging read from Chanel Cleeton with a strong plot and characters that keep the reader reading and identifying with them. A must read just her two earlier books were.

For readers of The Paris Wife or A Well Behaved Woman, a debut novel with historical accuracy and detail which enhances the enjoyment and ease of reading. Travel to early twentieth century Paris, the English countryside, and by necessity to New York and beyond to immerse yourself in the world of Lady Thelma Furness and her family and acquaintances. Discover how the daughter of an American diplomat marries the aristocratic Viscount Duke Furness and through him, meets Prince Edward (known to his inner circle as David); however, can she trust her friend Wallis to care for him while she journeys to New York to support her twin sister Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt in her notorious child custody battle? There are many intriguing and accurate subplots.

An intriguing and thought provoking read into the societal demands of the British noble and royal families and their circle in the early twentieth century. The relationships between Thelma and Gloria, and with the younger generation, adds depth, interest, and understanding of the period. The details of the homes, estates, and more add color to the book. The only hindrance for some readers will be the interweaving of the two plots and time periods on the opposite sides of the Atlantic but these drive the plots and the family dynamics. These twin plots are needed to understand. If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this book. The plot is well executed and the characters draw into their lives.

Discussion are included in the book or your contemplation or for group discussion.