Reviews by Shawna (TX)

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Jane and Dan at the End of the World
Jane and Dan at the End of the World
by Colleen Oakley
Need to Escape? (12/23/2024)
While a quick read, this book entertains. It has humor and nod-your-head moments that sound like me (or my friend's marriage.) It is fiction, so if you expect reality in every plot detail this book might not be for you. If you're looking for an escape from routine and heavy …more
The House on Biscayne Bay
The House on Biscayne Bay
by Chanel Cleeton
Want to get lost in another time & in a beautiful place?fu (2/25/2024)
A wonderful book to get lost in. Dual time lines in 1918 and 1941 set the stage for an engrossing story. The gothic elements of this book will make for an interesting comparison to discuss in book groups.
Becoming Madam Secretary
Becoming Madam Secretary
by Stephanie Dray
Outstanding Historical Fiction (11/30/2023)
I knew very little about Frances Perkins but am familiar with the history of the FDR era. I found myself wondering how much was historical and how much was fiction. Dray's note at the end detailed what was historical. As usual, Dray has done her research and the novel stays …more
Mrs. Plansky's Revenge
Mrs. Plansky's Revenge
by Spencer Quinn
Add to your summer reading list! (5/22/2023)
What a delightful read! A fresh story (from today's headlines) written engagingly and intelligently. Mrs. Plansky is a charming character with relatable family relationships - both her 98-year-old father and adult children. Book groups will have several topics to discuss …more
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley
Ageless Friendships and Family Secrets (11/12/2022)
What an unexpectedly enjoyable book! At first glance, you might not consider this novel for a book group. I will choose this for my group. There are many themes to discuss including family secrets and what to share or not share; friendships between young adults and mature …more
Jackie & Me
Jackie & Me
by Louis Bayard
Friendship and Courtship (6/12/2022)
For those who love historical fiction, this is an intriguing read of Jaqueline Bouvier's life before and her courtship with the Kennedy Family. Louis Bayard acknowledges this is a fictional work, but enough of the story rings true that it holds your interest and you wonder …more
On a Night of a Thousand Stars
On a Night of a Thousand Stars
by Andrea Yaryura Clark
Family Secrets (3/14/2022)
In a dual storyline, Andrea Yaryura Clark tells a story of family and secrets amidst the brutal backdrop of Argentina in the 1970s. As a reader who loves historical fiction, this novel takes place during a period which I knew little about. Clark successfully shares …more
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie
by Marie Benedict
Must Read for Agatha Christie fans (11/27/2020)
I first read an Agatha Christie novel in junior high. I was hooked. I've read most of them over the years, and was intrigued by Marie Benedict's book on the actual eleven day disappearance of Mrs. Christie.

Blending events from Agatha's life with a writing style familiar to …more
The Woman Before Wallis
The Woman Before Wallis: A Novel of Windsors, Vanderbilts, and Royal Scandal
by Bryn Turnbull
Historical Fiction at its best (7/7/2020)
Having read a lot of historical fiction over the years, I was excited about The Woman Before Wallis as it is a less written about time in history. It did not disappoint! If you have watched The Crown or are familiar with English royalty or the Vanderbilts of Newport, RI, …more
The Prisoner's Wife
The Prisoner's Wife
by Maggie Brookes
Inspired by actual events, but not inspiring (3/15/2020)
World War II historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the most difficult of circumstances. It can inspire us and educate us in with details of little known events. The Prisoner's Wife is inspired by actual events. The …more
The Secrets of Love Story Bridge
The Secrets of Love Story Bridge
by Phaedra Patrick
Padlocks, Love, and New Beginnings (1/20/2020)
Every wondered about the locks on the Pont des Arts in Paris, or anyone of the other bridges with "love locks." Phaedra Patrick creates a lovely story about just such a bridge and how it is a part of Mitchell Fisher's life. Mitchell's recent past has regrets and wondering …more
I Want You to Know We're Still Here
I Want You to Know We're Still Here: A Post-Holocaust Memoir
by Esther Safran Foer
"History is public. Memory is personal." (11/21/2019)
World War II literature is one of my favorites. I've read many books, fiction and nonfiction, about the Holocaust, however I've never read anything like "I Want You To Know We're Still Here". What a powerful, thought provoking memoir. Esther Safran Foer shares her journey …more
The Secrets We Kept
The Secrets We Kept: A novel
by Lara Prescott
Original, Captivating Historical Fiction - Secretaries & Spies in the Cold War (7/14/2019)
Very interesting historical fiction novel set during the Cold War about the writing, publication, and distribution of Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak. Few novels are set in this time period and Prescott's detailed research provides for a rich narrative told through the eyes …more
When We Left Cuba
When We Left Cuba
by Chanel Cleeton
Revenge, Patriotism, & Love (12/28/2018)
Beatriz Perez's desire to return to Cuba and a new life in Palm Beach set the stage for her involvement in events in the early 1960s. An engaging and compelling story set in a seldom written about time in history makes this book hard to put down. Beatriz's choices will give …more
Sold on a Monday
Sold on a Monday
by Kristina McMorris
Ever Wondered About an Old Photograph? (8/16/2018)
We've all seen newspaper photographs from the 1930's and 40's, but to take that photo and create a backstory is brilliant! McMorris creates a captivating story based on a photograph she saw. What led a woman to create a sign stating 2 children for sale? Are they sold? What …more
Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions
Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions
by Mario Giordano
Welcome Auntie Poldi! (1/7/2018)
A delightful light mystery set in Sicily centered on Auntie Poldi and her community of family and friends. Easy reading with details of Sicily and food, Poldi's adventures make for an enjoyable afternoon curled up with a book. I did discover my Italian was lacking, and I …more
Next Year in Havana
Next Year in Havana
by Chanel Cleeton
Next Year, I want to go to Havana (10/22/2017)
Next Year in Havana is an engaging read for those who enjoy either historical or present day fiction. The stories of Elisa and Marisol are intertwined with events in Cuba leading to Fidel Castro coming to power and fifty years later the change to tourism policy. Chanel …more
Love and Other Consolation Prizes
Love and Other Consolation Prizes: A Novel
by Jamie Ford
"People ....can affect our gravity" (8/15/2017)
Engrossing story set in a little known era in Seattle 1910's and also in the 1960s. Historical fiction lovers will enjoy this novel.

Themes to discuss include what makes a family, human trafficking, who we choose to love and why we make those choices.

Don't miss the author' …more
Manderley Forever
Manderley Forever
by Tatiana de Rosnay
Great Biography of a Favorite Author (1/11/2017)
For those who love Daphne Du Maurier's book, Manderley Forever is a chance to understand her. Reading more like a novel than a biography, it gives insights into her life from beginning to end including information about her books. De Rosnay does a wonderful job presenting …more
Victoria
Victoria
by Daisy Goodwin
Love Historical Fiction & BBC period dramas? (11/2/2016)
If you enjoy historical fiction or BBC period dramas, this is the book for you!

An easy to read fictionalized account of Victoria as she turns 18 and becomes the Queen of England. While much is know about her lengthy reign as Queen, very little is told about this period of …more
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