History has always been my favorite topic so when I saw this book I had to read it. The Secret History of the Rape Kit - A True Crime Story by Pagan Kennedy was quite an eye opener. The author did extensive research trying to find the origin of the rape kit. Her investigation led her to a Chicago police Sargent, Louis Vitullo, but she became suspicious because she knew the Chicago police department was well known for its violent behavior toward suspects and victims, as well, of crimes.

After further digging she uncovered the name Martha "Marty" Goddard and set out on a quest to find her. Vitullo at this point had died so Pagan wanted interview Goddard to find out how the rape kit came to be.

The story reveals how Goddard decided a rape kit was a necessity in determining whether a rape took place and possibly finding the perpetrator. The challenges that Goddard faced were incredible but she never gave up. Pagan had her share of challenges as well. I don't want to reveal too much. The book is not long and is filled with an amazing amount of information from the 70's until the book was written. It's a very interesting account of the little known origin of the rape kit used today to help the victims. I applaud Pagan and her temerity to take on a topic such as this.

This story grabbed me from the beginning! Two women, two lives 20 some years apart and house are the main focus in this book. Throw in some intrigue, murders, affairs, opulence, mystery along with some revelations and this book has it all!
The author takes you to Miami in the early 1900's and gives you a glimpse of the area as it was being built. Cleeton then takes you to the 1940's with a new owner of the grand home, Marbrisa. Eventually the two stories collide and take you on a roller coaster of surprises.

A young woman, Sylvia, who works at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History is getting costumes together for the Hollywood Glamour Exhibition. While working on the costume for the final film worn by Greta Garbo, designed by Michele Clemente who was a well known designer of the 20's and 30's, a tag falls off the costume revealing another name, Zora Lily. Who was Zora Lily? An so the life of Zora Lily begins. It's a story of dreams, ambition, heartbreak and happiness.
I enjoyed following Zora through her fun times, struggles and heartaches but in the end she gets her well deserved recogniton. As you read this book you are immediately drawn into Zora's life and the excitement of the roaring 20's as well as a captivating cast of characters!

I had never heard of the ship the Wager, an armed trading vessel bought by the Royal Navy in 1739 to help attack and capture Spanish ships. This is an account of the hardships the crew endured when they became marooned on an island after their ship wrecked and the aftermath when the survivors were rescued.
The story kept my interest but there was a lot of technical jargon about the ship that I did not understand. Drawings or pictures would have helped.
This was a sad tale of the many months of bad weather and starvation while trying to survive. Mutiny was inevitable and many men did not survive.
The ending was not what I expected and it left me disappointed that no one was held accountable for all that transpired.
I appreciate all the research done by the author to bring this story to life!

I admit I am a historical fiction addict. On a Night of a Thousand Stars by Andrea Yaryura Clark took me to a time and place about which I knew virtually nothing. Argentina in the '70s was in turmoil and entered a time of chaos with kidnappings and assassinations. The story follows the lives of Santiago, Valentina and their friends as they try to survive the times. Alternating chapters take place in 1998 as Santiago's daughter get caught up trying to find out what happened to the thousands of people who disappeared during this time. This is a story of love and loss with a few surprises thrown in.

It grabbed my attention from the beginning and inspired me to explore this time in Argentina's history.
I highly recommend this book!!

Marie Benedict is one of my favorite authors which drew me to pick this book to read and review. Even though this is historical fiction I like the way the author gave a voice to Agatha and all she went through during her marriage. The reason for her disappearance as laid out to Archie shows her cleverness and in turn the reason for her successful career.
I investigated her disappearance further and find it interesting with all the publicity and people looking for her that she did not come forward sooner to let everyone know she was alive.
Was it a publicity stunt as some claim or revenge for her husband's affair because he did become a suspect in her disappearance. Agatha never divulged her reason but the whole affair resulted in her books becoming very popular.
The author does an excellent job of bringing to light the mystery writer's unsolved mystery!

In The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner you will meet three determined women: Nella, Eliza and Caroline and flip between 1791 Victorian London and present day London. Nella is the apothecary in Victorian London who does more than concoct remedies for ladies maladies. Eliza is a young girl who befriends Nella through strange circumstances. Caroline, in present day, comes to London alone after being betrayed by her husband of ten years. Caroline finds a small blue vial while mudlarking (you must read the book to find out about this unusual hobby) and the journey of research, soul searching, murder and revenge begins. As I knew nothing about apothecaries of the late 18th century, I spent some time researching and learned some fascinating information. This is a book that will pique your interest and make you wonder. I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

I was drawn to this book for two reasons: I read "The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper" and I've been to the Love Lock bridge in Vienna, Austria. I enjoy reading heartwarming stories with a little mystery thrown in. I also did not realize that there are Love Lock bridges all over the world. I tend to do a little research when I read a book and something peaks my interest. If you've been reading too many books or articles that have you frustrated, saddened, annoyed, please read "The Secrets of Love Story Bridge by Phaedra Patrick. It will lift your spirits and actually make you want to visit one of these Love Lock bridges to read some of the locks.

I have always been curious about the women in the lives of famous men, how they handled the publicity surrounding them and what their lives were like. Lady Clementine is one of those books. I had no idea how important she was to Winston Churchill nor did I have any clue of her influence to his decisions. This story takes the reader from their meeting and courtship right through WWII. I felt as if I were reading her personal diary. I realize this is historical fiction but it is obvious how much research was done for the accuracy of some events. I have read all of Marie Benedict's books and she never disappoints!

With war looming over Paris, a young widow visiting her brother finds herself in the middle of the infamous rivalry between Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli. The author does a wonderful job of weaving this rivalry with 2 love stories, and the role these two fashion icons played in WWII. I have read the story of Coco Chanel but knew little of Elsa Schiaparelli. This book led me to read more about Elsa and her clothing designs. If you are a fan of historical fiction and fashion, this is a must read book!

The author of Our House, Louise Candlish, wrote this story from three different angles: as a diary, as a podcast and as a word document. Sounds a little strange but once you start reading this book it draws you in. As Fiona walks toward her house, there seems to be someone moving into it. But that can't be! Or can it? Her husband's infidelity is the reason Fiona's life gets completely turned upside down and it goes from bad to worse to evil. The only way you will find out what is going on is to read this book which has more surprises can I can count---up to the very last page!

Beatriz Williams knows how to tell a story! She opens the story having you wonder why Miranda Schuyler has returned to Winthrop Island in 1969. Williams then zips you back to 1930 to begin her tale of love, betrayal, murder and redemption. This intricately told tale has you guessing quite a bit throughout the book as she toggles back and forth between the past and present. Great beach read so dig your heels in the sand and start reading! You will be oblivious to everything around you so don't forget the sunscreen!

Written from a unique perspective, a person in a coma, the story alternates between the present, a few days in the past and several years in the past. Each chapter keeps you moving along to the next so you begin to understand why the main character is in a coma. Then there's the twist that made me reread a certain chapter! It all comes together and just as you think the story will have a happy outcome the ending takes on a Hitchcock type finale. I will definitely suggest this for my book club as I think it will generate a lengthy discussion.

I was looking forward to reading another novel by Jamie Ford, author of "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet". He did not disappoint. "Love and Other Consolation Prizes" was a journey of a young boy through his later life that included sadness, fear, happiness, heartbreak, love, history - a little bit of everything! Similar to "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet", Ford has two narratives. This story starts in 1962, goes back to 1902 and continues to alternate following the life of Yung Kun-ai later known as Ernest Young as he struggles to make the best of the life he was dealt. I don't want to give the impression that this is a depressing story. It is not! It is a heartwarming story of a young child's journey through life and I loved every minute of the journey!

In The Weight of Ink two unlikely characters who are struggling with issues of love are brought together through the discovery of documents found as a result of a house renovation. Helen is an historian called by a former student whose wife inherited a 17th century house to take a look at papers found behind a staircase panel. Aaron Levy is hired to assist Helen against her wishes and together they enter into the life of a Jewish scribe to find the truth behind the valuable 17th century papers. The story alternates between the 1600's and present day and although it took me a while to fully understand where the author was headed I became completely engaged in the lives of the characters. This is not a quick read and I felt it was a little too wordy at times but historically interesting and beautifully written.

If you are a fan of history you will love this book. It is not historical fiction, it is pure history. I have read many historical fiction novels about WWII and have read a few about the brave people who risked their lives to save airmen, Jews, children and many others from torture or death during that time. This book focuses on the women of Paris and their roll during the occupation and beyond.

It is a very detailed book of the struggles, pain and horror the women of Paris endured and I am in awe at the research the author conducted to get the facts for this book. Much to discuss for book clubs!