Elin Hildebrand’s “Winter in Paradise”

Although I struggled to keep the characters and their familial relationships straight through the first 4-5 chapters, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I actually cannot wait to pick up the second book in this trilogy from the library!


Russ and Irene Steele live in the Midwest; after struggling financially for the first half of their marriage, Russ’ current position allows them all the frills of upper class living. Unbeknownst to Elaine and their two grown sons (each with his own issues), Russ has some really big frills in the USVI; like another woman and a multi-million dollar estate.

Shortly after Christmas, Russ’ mysterious employer notifies Elaine that Russ has been killed in a helicopter crash near St. Thomas. Once Irene, Baker and Cash arrive on the islands, the second bombshell hits, the knowledge of Russ’ secret second life. His deceased mistress Rosa, her living daughter Maia, her deceased mother Lee Ann, her living stepfather Huck, and her living best friend, sexy and confident Ayers, complement the Steele characters in surprising ways.


Elin has written a gem of an escape novel, perfect for a cold January day by the fire with hot tea or expresso. And the best part is that it’s a series of three! Stay tuned.

Christmas time!

WINTER STREET by Elin Hilderbrand

I wanted to finish the year with a non-thriller, non-historical fiction, Christmassy book; a story of a loving family gathering by the fire on a snow covered Christmas Eve. I looked to Elin Hilderbrand’s “Winter Street,” because Nantucket seemed the ideal setting for this cozy novel I had in my mind.

Well, there is snow, and these family members do love each other, but there is a twisted turning path before we figure out the latter!
First we must share the main character, Kelly Quinn’s shock at discovering his wife’s infidelity. Then we read of his sweet daughter Ava’s disappointment with her aloof suiter, the deep concern for Kelly’s youngest son Bart marching off to war in Afghanistan, and the unexpected shame of his the oldest son’s involvement with illegal insider trading. Did I mention an unplanned pregnancy? I didn’t think so. Did I also mention that both Kelly’s unfaithful wife and his first wife end up coming for Christmas? Trying not to give too much away.

It is a bit of a mess, but a humorous one at that. How can this sad conglomeration of scenarios possibility provide entertainment, you wonder? Oh, it does! Elin Hilderbrand’s Norman Rockwell-esq Nantucket in winter warms the heart and somehow puts all trials into perspective. The love between family members will override all embarrassment, shame, regret, and fear. Quinns will have a happy Christmas, despite what the news may be the day after.

And the best news for me is that there are two other books in this winter series!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Fall!

“The Lost Girls of Willowbrook” by Ellen Marie Wiseman

Spooky story!

I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked up this book from the library. The story line about the WIllowbrook mental institute on Staten Island that had existed in the 1900’s intrigued me, and I was expecting historical fiction and some drama. What I got was the closest thing to a horror-thriller that I have ever read.

This book is not for the faint of heart or stomach. Ellen Marie Wiseman’s prose captures the stench of the institution so well that I had to put it down several times, walk outside and breath fresh air. She lays out the horrid details of cruelty and neglect in the institution and bares the psychological and physical oppression endured by the protagonist, Sage.

Sage is a likable character, and I could sympathize with her plight. With no adult caregiver or mentor, she was the type of person who who would’ve been victimized by Willowbrook.

The worse part of this story is that the details of the asylum are based on facts. The press eventually opened the public’s eyes to this bell-hole, and it was closed. That so many innocent and misunderstood people were forced to live in sub-human conditions, with no hope of ever getting out, was sickening to process.

While reading this historical novel, it was as if I were walking through a dark tunnel with Sage. Finally, I realized It was too dark for my liking, but there was no going back at that point. There had to be light at the end of the tunnel; all tunnels end, and so I continued reading, determined to see Sage through to the other side of this suffocating, harrowing, and hideous
journey.

We did come out of the tunnel into the light. Wiseman rewards Sage, and the reader, with an uplifting ending to her psychological trial.

Wrapping up summer in time for a hurricane

As I prepare for Idelia to swish by, I am reflecting on the best books I have read this summer. There were some really good ones! “One Summer in Savannah” by Terah Shelton Harris was one of my 5 star favorites.

While reading the first chapter, I was not sure I would like this book, or even if I would finish it. I could not understand why Sara was living at the other end of the east coast from her famiy, why she wouldn’t want to return home to see her ill father, and I certainly couldn’t imagine why she wouldn’t want to take her 8-year-old daughter with her.

It was the second chapter, written from Jacob’s point of view, that began to soak me into the story. Again, I had questions such as why had Jacob changed his name? But instead of finding the unanswered questions annoying, by this time, I was in this book to find out.

Sara is an awesome character. She could be just about any teenage girl, too inexperienced to know where she shouldn’t have been going and what she shouldn’t have been doing. Yet, she possesses the surprising strength to make brave choices, standing up for right even when no one believed her, protecting her child and herself. The depth of her kindness, humility and ability to love is inspiring.

There are clearly some aspects of the plot that require a “leap of faith,” but I won’t mention them. I do not want to ruin the story for anyone. My advise is to read it – skip the reviews with any spoilers!

Some of the best beach days are in September, when there is NOT a hurricane, and so I wish you all at least one beautiful sunny day at the beach with a good book before cold weather comes your way.

Bubbie’s Book Blog

Summer 2023!

My FIVE STAR Historical Fiction Selections

The solemness of Memorial Day has led us, once again, into the beautiful summer season, more daylight, more sun and water, and, I hope for all of us, more time for books.

I’ve been a little tough with my ratings of recent books, and so I am looking back over my past two years of reviews in order to recommend some FIVE STAR BOOKS for summer.

This first Summer post is for the historical fiction fans. I offer two selections, “The Things We Cannot Say” by Kelly Rimmer and “The Nurse’s Secret” by Amanda Skenandore. One will surely inspire tears, and one laughter.

“Slipping between Nazi-occupied Poland and the frenetic pace of modern life, Kelly Rimmer creates an emotional and finely wrought narrative that weaves together two women’s stories into a tapestry of perseverance, loyalty, love and honor. The Things We Cannot Say is an unshakable reminder of the devastation when truth is silenced…and how it can take a lifetime to find our voice before we learn to trust it.”– from the publisher’s synopsis

I honestly did not expect to love “The Things We Cannot Say” for a few reasons…

First of all, I had not heard of the author. Secondly and quite honestly, I am growing weary of the two narrator, past and present, point-of-view novels. However, I found both characters’ stories intriguing, especially Alina’s, of course.
This book is part mystery, part suspense, but predominately a love story. Kelly Rimmer’s plot centers on the characters “Alina” and “Tomasz,” their simple and beautiful life in Poland, their violent and destitute existence after the German invasion, and their path forward. The permeating message is that of love, a deep abiding love which embraces sacrifice and loyalty.
For me this was a wonderful 2-day read, and I loved the ending. Enjoy.

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“The Nurse’s Secret” by Amanda Skenandore was a pleasure to read.

The main character Una Kelly is an Irish American young woman living in New York in the 1880’s. After her mother’s death and her father’s descent into addiction, Una survives on the streets as a professional pick-pocket for the later part of her teens and early 20’s.

The book does not sugar coat the poverty and prejudice which defined the tenement lives of the Irish in NYC in the 1800’s. Rats, roaches, and lecherous cops provide some of the obstacles which Una faces in her quest to survive day to day. One decision on Una’s part to fetch a little extra cash will put her in the proverbial wrong place at the wrong time, and she is falsely accused of murder. I will admit that this protagonist, like a rebellious teenager, almost drove me crazy. I don’t know how many times I shook my head, or how many times I wanted to say, “No Una, please don’t do it.”

Without any means by which to defend herself against the accusations, street-smart Una manages to break out of custody and devise a highly irregular plan to hide from the police. She will join a class of young women at Bellevue Hospital in a revolutionary program to train well bred women as professional nurses. The uniform and the walls of the institute will protect her from recognition. Of course, there is the matter of admissions criteria… I won’t spoil how Una accomplishes this feat; suffice it to say she creates a few falsehoods and revisits her strained childhood memories of her mother’s instructions on deportment and etiquette.

The author is a nurse as well as a writer, and her exacting details of the medical procedures were almost as fascinating as the immensely creative plot. It was refreshing to read an excellent piece of recently written historical fiction focused on something other than WWII. Historical value, entertaining, and highly enjoyable.

Reading with Babies & Toddlers

Violet loves her books!

Ever since our little granddaughter Violet was born, I have loved reading books to her. Her mama had Violet’s library ready for her at birth, and so there are plenty of books from which to choose!

Nicola Edwards, Australian author and illustrator, has created an especially sweet series of books for little ones that all begin with an affectionate, “You’re My Little …” In the photo above, Violet is appropriately holding up “You’re my Little Bookworm.”

One of my favorites in the series is “You’re My Little Cuddle bug.” It begins, “You’re my little lady bug, you brighten up my day. With rosy cheeks you smile at me and chase my blues away.” The front of the book features a picture of an adorable lady bug.

Edwards’ illustrations are bright, warm and very attractive to readers of all ages. The brief stories are happy and affirmative. And the verses all rhyme, which enhances pre-readers’ awareness of the pattern of written language.

In case you haven’t noticed yet, I’ll point out the seasonal angle to this smart series! “You’re My Little Honey Bunny” makes a nice Easter gift. . .”You’re my little honey bunny, there’s no one else like you. You’re brave, and bright and funny, you make me feel brand new.”

Around Christmas time you will want to read “You’re My Little Christmas Cookie.” “You’re My Little Lucky Charm” is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, while, or course, “You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie” for fall. You’ll want to have them all, and read them over and over while enjoying the charming illustrations!

Violet is studying her books quite seriously, and I bet that pretty soon “my little bookworm” will read these to me!

What I’ve been reading lately…

I have been studying for my Florida real estate exam, and I haven’t kept up with my blog. In the meantime, I have been reading as usual. And now that I have passed my course and the licensing exam, I am so happy to be able to connect with you again and tell you about what I have been reading this spring.

A few books were just not worth writing about here on my blog, but fortunately a couple books were fantastic and illuminating!

I have decided to put it all out here on the table, the good, bad and ugly! I would love your comments. Perhaps I missed something valuable in a few of these, so please let me know if you think I’ve been too harsh with my criticism and ratings. (Please post here on this site rather than on my FB page).

“Violeta” by Isabel Allende 1/5 stars

“In Five Years” by Rebecca Serle 2 /5 stars

“The Hunting Party” by Lucy Foley 3/5 stars

“The Lost Apothecary” by Sara Penner 4/5 stars

“The Boys from Biloxi” by John Grisham 5/5 stars

“A Fever in the Heartland; The Ku Klux Klan’s Plot to Take Over American, and the Woman Who Stopped Them: by Timothy Egan 4/5

I am going to start with the best!

“The Boys from Biloxi” John Grisham

Timothy Egan’s “A Fever in the Heartland”

Prior to reading “A Fever in the Heartlands,” I did not realize the extent of the KKK’s reach into the northern states. Egan’s sources, photos, and prose reveal an unsettling influence of the Klan’s influence in Indiana and other states that had been non-slave holding.

Timothy Egan presents the real story of David Stephenson, narcissist from Texas, who had deserted his first wife and child and fled to Indiana, where his charismatic personality allowed him to lure thousands, if not millions to his racist, ethnocentric view. Stephenson’s empire grew to the point where, as he stated, he “owned” the police, the courts, and the entire law of the state. He abused and raped women at will, bought out Protestant clergy, authorized lynchings of Blacks, and threatened and killed immigrant Catholics. The highest possible hypocrite, Stephenson publicly proclaimed a Christian faith and love for American, but his private life was that of a lecher.

I had to read sections at a time and take breaks. Egan’s story of Stephenson and the KKK of the 1920’s is brutally honest. We need to take a deep breath and think about what lessons can be learned here.

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John Grisham did not disappoint with “The Boys from Biloxi.” At times this book read like non-fiction, and I mean that in a good way. The characters and events are historical, but Grisham wrote in a way that every detail seemed perfectly real, which increased the intensity level.

The stories of the Croatian families’ first generations in America create a study in family sociology. Both patriarchs arrive with little if anything, work hard, establish homes, participate in the life of the ethnic community, contribute time and treasure to the church, and raise families. However, their grandsons will end up on opposite sides of the law, indeed opposite sides of morality. One a casino owner with illicit sex workers; the other a District Attorney, deeply committed to justice and decency, to the point of risking his own life every day as a target of the players of the Biloxi Mafia.

As I stated, at times this historical fiction-thriller does read like non-fiction. A few reviewers have mentioned the length of the book and indicated they feel it is a bit “too long” in the middle. I did not feel that way, but I just mention this so that you know you are not getting a quick read.

I am not a huge fan of John Grisham, but I became a little bit more of one due to “The Boys from Biloxi.” I’ve run across some poorly written fiction this spring, and it was refreshing to read a book by a mature author who certainly has the gift of telling a story, and an inherent talent for creating suspense and investing the reader in the characters. It was a very enjoyable book, and I learned a lot about the history of Biloxi Mississippi as well.

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I’ll give you my honest opinions of those other books in my next blog, and so stay tuned!

Children’s Literature Part I

BOOKS FOR YOUNG GIRLS

Let’s talk about children and literacy. We all know that cell phones and other personal electronic devices have replaced books for most children. When my husband and I see young families at restaurants, we notice that 9 out of 10 children have their faces in their phones (usually the parents do too, but that’s another issue). Now I could have a blog on how this practice alienates family members from one another, harming the mental health of the individuals, the family, and society as a whole, but for my purposes today I will simply and gently suggest that children put their faces in a BOOK every day! Afterall, a book is easier on young (and old) eyes than a screen, it doesn’t have to be charged, and it doesn’t come with distractions such as rings and pings. What a great concept, the book! It’s been around a really long time and has formed the educational foundation for millions of humans. Reading stories increases vocabulary, encourages creativity, empathy, problem solving ,and critical thought! Whew!! It also teaches children about their topics of interest and educates them about other places they may or may never visit.

As a child I read some wonderful books that still have an impact on me today. I remember reading the Meg mystery books by Holly Ann Walker. The ones I still recall are “Meg and the Secret of the Witches’ Staircase,” and “Meg and the Mystery in Williamsburg.” The setting of Colonial Williamsburg captivated my imagination, and I was convinced that if I went there it would be just like I were back in time in the 1700’s. When I visited the colonial capital decades later as an adult, I felt the joy of seeing a place that had only existed in my mind until then. I absolutely love Colonial Williamsburg, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, St. Augustine and all the wonderful historical sites along the east coast, and I visit and support historic preservation as much as I can. It all started with a children’s mystery book when I was 8.

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Another memorable book series from my childhood was the Misty series by Marguerite Henry, which began with “Misty of Chincoteague.” I remember crying while reading this book, overcome with affection and sadness for the horses who were separated. I read all the books in the series, and when I was about 10, my parents drove me to Chincoteague and Assateague, Virginia, to see the setting for the series that was the object of my literary devotion. While I was appreciative to see the coastal illustrations come to life before my eyes, I was dreadfully disappointed that we did not see a single wild horse that day! Surely, my parents must have been frustrated to have driven over 6 hours, only to see me letdown about the lack of a horse siting. My father assured me they were all happily living in the wild with their families and avoiding people, and that explanation sufficed.

My husband and I are blessed with three granddaughters, and one of the many joys of grandparenthood is sharing the treasured books from my girlhood with them. I gave a copy of “Misty of Chincoteague” to my oldest granddaughter Riley about a year ago. At the time she was not especially fond of reading, but I knew that she was obsessed with horses and hoped this book might pique her interest. I think the book may have sat on the shelf just below her many model horses for several months before she picked it up. But one day she opened it! She loved the book, especially the illustrations, and she finished it and has even moved on to the next book of the series. Lucky girl, unlike her grandmother, Riley HAS seen wild horses! Her parents took her on a wild horse tour on the Outer Banks a couple years ago, and she saw some of the horses who may even be descendent from the wild horses of Misty’s day. I am so proud and thrilled to share her review of “Misty of Chincoteague” with you.

“Misty of Chincoteague” by Marguerite Henry reviewed by Riley Ann Hanlon age 9