Gina B

The premise seemed to be ripped from the headlines, but it was too compact and concise to really appreciate. I felt as though I was reading a detailed recap of the original. I liked the main characters, and was sympathetic to the plight of the illegals, but I wish there was more detail to really get to know them. I came away feeling that something was missing. There were 3 major events in such a short span, and it left me wondering what the real takeaway was. That being said, I still enjoyed it for a quick read.

I am a big fan of fairy tales and folklore in the vein of the Brothers Grimm. This tale has been told over the centuries with variations from country to country. But this current retelling, which is based in the Alaskan wilderness of the 1920's, tugged at me because I grew up in Alaska. The author captures the era and landscape vividly, and the story of the childless couple who create a snow child from a snowman feels fresh and new. Mabel and Jack's tale of longing and love will whisk you away to a beautiful, barren, faraway place and leave you pondering the power of our mind's capacity to fill the voids in our lives. Perfect for curling up next to the fire on a cold winters day and reading in one sitting.

I loved this story right from the beginning. Fans of history and the supernatural will enjoy the parallel tales of Tilda Fordwells and Seren Arianaidd, a witch and shaman. They are both strong, independent women of extraordinary talent. It reminded me of The Mists of Avalon and the lady of the lake. The location is a small, lakeside village in Wales set in both the early 10th century and present day. Love, romance, jealousy, power, mystical visions, war, suspense and death all move quickly throughout the story, drawing you in and holding your attention until the end. It left me breathless and wanting more.

The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell transported me to a different time. This is not my usual fare - with the transgender subject matter – but the historical time period drew me in and I was pleasantly surprised. After finishing it, I realized that I had read something so powerful, touching and honest. Lucy's story is both heartbreaking and uplifting – her sharp wit and authenticity will make you appreciate every page of this beautiful and accurate portrayal of her struggle to find her place in society.