THE VOLCANO DAUGHTERS by Gina Maria Balibrera

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the ARC ebook to read.

A debut set in early 20th century El Salvador. Graciela and her four friends live a simple life along with their mothers on a volcano in a community of indigenous women indentured to a coffee plantation. Most of the children don’t even know who their fathers are. Graciela’s father, who was second-in-command and spiritual advisor to the the general, El Gran Pendejo, has died. Graciela, along with her mother are summoned to the capital to pay their respects. Upon arrival in the capital, the sister, Consuelo, who was kidnapped years ago is reunited with her mother and sister.

This story spans decades and follows the two sisters and their quest to flee the genocide in El Salvador, under the rule of El Gran Pendejo. A massacre of indigenous people following El Gran Pendejo’s coup d’etat leaves their childhood friends and families killed. The novel is cleverly narrated by the four childhood friends beyond the grave. The author did a brilliant job of having these four ghosts doing the narration. The sisters each believing the other is dead have crossed the globe, and reinvented their lives; ultimately reconnecting.

This is a difficult review for me to try and condense, as so much happens when spanning decades. I was pleasantly impressed by this authors debut and style of writing. A novel of resistance, survival, sisterhood, political history, lyrical, and mythical. I will definitely be following her to see what she does next.

THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN by Marjan Kamali

4.5 stars
Narration by Mozhan Navabi and Nikki Massoud was very well done. Mozhan Navabi is a favorite narrator of mine.

Ellie and Homa, two young girls growing up in Tehran meet at school in early 1950s. Ellie, who is descended from Persian royalty, lives in grand comfort until the death of her father, forcing Ellie and her mother to move to a tiny home downtown. Ellie and Homa do everything together and become the closest of friends and share their ambitions for becoming “lion women.” Things change for the girls when Ellie and her mother are able to return to their previous bourgeois life. Ellie meets new friends and soon Homa begins to fade. Years later Homa reappears in Ellie’s life. As they come of age together during a time of political upheaval that is building in Iran, they’ll learn that their lives will forever be changed by the course of their friendship. Though the story is Ellie’s, Homa is the real star in this.

This is a compelling and beautifully crafted historical read about the power and complexities of deep friendship and resilience during a time of political unrest. With love, ambition, loyalty, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness, the complex nature of mother-daughter relationships, family shame and secrets.

“Lionesses. Us. Can’t you just see it Ellie? Someday, you and me — we’ll do great things. We’ll live life for ourselves. And we will help others. We are cubs now, maybe. But we will grow to be lionesses. Strong women who will make things happen.”

THE GOD OF THE WOODS by Liz Moore

Saskia Maarleveld always does an incredible narration. Another favorite narrator of mine. I also paired this with the book.

At an esteemed summer camp in 1975 in the Adirondack Mountains, a young teenage girl goes missing in the middle of the night when the camp counselors aren’t around. Tension and a sense of doom builds as it becomes known that the missing teen is, Barbara Van Laar, daughter of the wealthy family that owns the camp. This isn’t the first time the Van Laar’s had a missing child; Bear, Barbara’s older brother, who was eight, also went missing years prior. The mother, Alice Van Laar, has never recovered from when Bear went missing.

Moore’s story jumps around in time, from the 1950s into the '70s and features a host of characters. There are intricately interwoven plots among the crowded characters of this narrative. A literary suspense/crime read that will keep you reading and guessing.

“As it unfolds, “The God of the Woods” becomes more and more focused on how its female characters break free — or don’t — of the constraints of their time and social class. Whatever the case, breaking free of the spell Moore casts is close to impossible.” A quote from Maureen Corrigan, a book critic

Touching upon family dynamics, secrets, lies, guilt, betrayal, relationships, trust, abuses of various forms, submissiveness, grief, and justice.

ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK by Chris Whitaker

I read this and listened to the audiobook narrated by, Edoardo Ballerini, who always does an outstanding narration. He is a favorite narrator of mine and I highly recommend the audiobook.

In 1975 in the small town of Monta Clare, in the Ozark mountains of Missouri, young girls are gone missing. When a girl from a wealthy family is being attacked, Patch, a thirteen-year-old boy with one eye who pretends he is a pirate, happens to be in the area and saves her from being taken. What follows changes Patch’s life and others in this small town. This well crafted powerfully written novel is part thriller, suspense, crime fiction, coming-of-age, love story, and Bildungsroman (new word for me, and describes it perfectly).

Patch and Saint, a teenage girl, are the two main characters and have a very special bond of friendship. This novel unfolds over decades as Patch and Saint, navigate their teenage years into adulthood. Both Patch, Saint, and others in this small community live out their lives, forever changed by the tragic events of one year. This complicated story touches on serial killer violence, obsession, loyalty, kindness, memories, dreams, hope, and so much more.

I found myself getting lost in the pages of this beautifully written, character-driven story that I didn’t want to end. This book blew me away, and by far my most favorite read of 2024 thus far. Once again, Chris Whitaker has written another book of sheer brilliance.

THE ROSE ARBOR by Rhys Bowen

Thanks to BookBrowse and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC book of this to read.

Loved the beautiful cover art on the jacket of this book and also on the book itself. Really beautifully done.

Female empowerment is important to Rhys Bowen’s characters. I like that she writes of women who’ve been underestimated and bringing them into the spotlight; as she has done with this story of Liz Houghton. London: 1968. Liz has been doing her job perfunctorily as an obit writer at a London newspaper. When a young girl goes missing, Liz already has a scoop because her best friend, Marisa, is a police officer assigned to the case. Liz thinks this could possibly be her break in journalism.

Liz accompanies Marisa to Dorset, where another disturbing discovery is made from over two decades earlier. Three girls disappeared when the military requisitioned the village of Tydeham during the war and left it in ruins. Liz is drawn to this village and isn’t sure why. The place seems strangely familiar though she’s never seen this village. Why is this so? And why after all these years would there be a link to the missing girls here?

A mystery fused in history, with plot twists, romance, family issues, secrets, misogyny, the chaos of the government program that moved children away from unsafe villages/cities, and the sacrifices the citizens endured during wartime. The character descriptions and dialogue felt very authentic to me. This is my first read by Rhys Bowen and enjoyed the narrative and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.

SMOTHERMOSS by Alisa Alering

The narration by Susan Bennett was very well done.

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the ARC audiobook.

Sheila and Angie are step-sisters living in a rural area of 1980s Appalachia with their mother, Bonnie and Great Aunt Athena. Sheila, at the age of 17, carries a heavy burden of caring for the family rabbits, their aging great aunt, the gardens and the home along with going to school. However Angie, at the age of 12, is Shelia’s greatest worry. Angie fantasies about saving the world from evil—-obsessed with battling imaginary enemies, with nuclear war, the Russians, and the tarot-like cards she has created that speak to her in ways only she understands. Their mother works long hours at the asylum and the girls are left to defend for themselves a lot of the time.

I was drawn into this propulsive debut of dark rural gothic/fairytale magic/thriller, right from the beginning. The book is layered with nuance and subtle meanings. The writing is lyrical and beautifully executed. Tells the complex nature of sisterhood in rural Appalachia along with a bit of folklore living on the outskirts of this rural community and how the mountain plays a powerful role. Can’t wait to see what this author has for us next.

The narration by Susan Bennett was very well done.

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the ARC audiobook.

Sheila and Angie are step-sisters living in a rural area of 1980s Appalachia with their mother, Bonnie and Great Aunt Athena. Sheila, at the age of 17, carries a heavy burden of caring for the family rabbits, their aging great aunt, the gardens and the home along with going to school. However Angie, at the age of 12, is Shelia’s greatest worry. Angie fantasies about saving the world from evil—-obsessed with battling imaginary enemies, with nuclear war, the Russians, and the tarot-like cards she has created that speak to her in ways only she understands. Their mother works long hours at the asylum and the girls are left to defend for themselves a lot of the time.

I was drawn into this propulsive debut of dark rural gothic/fairytale magic/thriller, right from the beginning. The book is layered with nuance and subtle meanings. The writing is lyrical and beautifully executed. Tells the complex nature of sisterhood in rural Appalachia along with a bit of folklore living on the outskirts of this rural community and how the mountain plays a powerful role. Can’t wait to see what this author has for us next.

A wonderful historical fiction read of Martha Ballard, a midwife with a strong moral compass. Taking place in Maine, in the 18th century. In 1789 a dead man is found in the Kennebec River and Martha is called to examine the body. Martha finds herself investigating the death of, Joshua Burgess, who is believed to have raped the pastor’s wife with another of the town’s respected gentlemen. And so, begins this story of Martha Ballard.

This is a multilayered story and flips from past to present. I throughly enjoyed every minute reading this. There is a main theme thread throughout of gender oppression and familial loyalty. There is a Puritanical culture of shame that dehumanizes and humiliates the book’s female characters. The river and its power is associated with death, danger and of life in general in the town of Hallowell.

Martha’s qualities of — her resilience, courage and savviness are depicted in Lawhon’s storytelling. Martha holds herself and her family in high-esteem.

“I consider them my babies. I am not their mother, of course, but they are mine, and I can still feel the weight of grief hanging heavy in those birthing rooms.”

This is my first read from Ariel Lawhon, but I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.

Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC ebook of Shelterwood

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

I have read a few of Lisa Wingate’s books and this is also a good read, even though I enjoyed others more. At the heart of this story are two young sisters, Olive and Nessa, who escape abuse and find themselves in the wilderness of the Winding Stair Mountains in 1909. Olive refuses to be broken down by all the challenges they encounter on their own and she will protect her sister Nessa at all costs. They encounter other children, of whom many are orphans left to fend for themselves also.

The story weaves back and forth between Olive and Nessa in 1909 and Ranger Valerie Borden O’Dell in 1990. Ranger Valerie unearths long-buried secrets along a trail in a national park. She has to unravel the corruption and lies from decades ago.

We learn of the many injustices that were done to Native people of the land and the losses they faced. Lisa Wingate always does a fine job of ensuring that voices from the past are finally heard and their stories told.

THE PECAN CHILDREN by Quinn Connor

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC of The Pecan Children

3.5 stars
A Southern Gothic with magical realism. Set on a pecan plantation in rural Arkansas where twin sisters grew up. Lil Clearwater works tirelessly in the pecan orchard left to her by her mother. Her balance is thrown off when her high school sweetheart returns to their depressed hometown. Sasha, Lil’s twin sister, has reluctantly returned back home from New York. Autumn, Sasha’s childhood crush is back in town also.

Confronted with ghosts of their past and family secrets. A quirky and haunting read, drenched in folklore.

The first half seemed a bit slow and second half was just okay for me. I did like the small southern town and the creepiness of the story. Many others have really liked this book. This is my first read from these authors and would read other books. Quinn Connor is one pen in two hands: Robyn Barrow and Alexandra Cronin.

LONG AFTER WE ARE GONE

Narration by Diontae Black was very well done.

I enjoyed her previous book, One Summer in Savannah, and I enjoyed this one, as well. I am a huge fan of Terah Shelton Harris’ writing style and her artfully done story telling. A generational family drama set in North Carolina, where patriarch King’s last words are, “Don’t let the white man take the house.” Thus, binding his children to the preservation of his legacy, and his dreams.

A family so at odds but also so filled with love. Four siblings that are each battling personal problems, must come together to try and save the Kingdom from a development company.

Touching on buried secrets, forgiveness, love, homophobia, heir property (which I had never heard about), addiction, and violence.

I look forward to more from this accomplished author.

Narration by: Jessica Regan, Stephen Hogan and Sara Lyman was exceptionally well done and highly recommend.

“When I die, put me out with the bins. I'll be dead, so I won't know any different..."
When the time came...I followed his instructions."

—— and you are immediately drawn inside the life of Sally Diamond.

Another chilling and haunting psychological thriller that Liz Nugent has written; with complex characters that I throughly enjoyed. I could not stop listening to this. Following the story of Sally Diamond haunted by a traumatic yet forgotten past. The repressed memories and events of her childhood influence her personality, actions, and psychological well-being.

The novel shifts between various timelines and multiple narrators to unveil the mysteries of her past. Sally receives a gift in the mail that will bring in another theme running through this dark and twisted story.

Examining the dilemma of nature versus nurture and good vs. evil, making for one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a long-time. Will a series or movie come from this…. I can only hope for. This is Liz Nugent at her best yet.

JAMES by Percival Everett

Narration by Dominic Hoffman was perfectly done. Percival Everett has written a brilliant story of reimagining at its best. I absolutely loved everything he took liberty with in this story about James. James is a father and husband, and an enslaved man living in Missouri before the civil war. I suppose you can say this is a reboot of Mark Twain’s 1884 novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, narrated by the enslaved Jim. James is a father and husband, and an enslaved man living in Missouri before the civil war. James has found out he is to be sold and separated from his family. He flees to a deserted island and encounters Huckleberry Finn, also on the run.

The two begin their adventure in this entertaining read on multiple levels that is painful, funny, gripping and horrifying. This is definitely a top read for me in 2024 and Percival Everett certainly knocked it out of the park with this ingenious book. Kudos to him!??“To fight in a war,” he said. “Can you imagine?”?“Would that mean facing death every day and doing what other people tell you to do?” I asked.?“I reckon.”?“Yes, Huck, I can imagine.”

THE STOLEN CHILD by Ann Hood

4.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the audiobook of this gorgeously written work of secrets long buried in the trenches of World War I, by Ann Hood. This is a historical fiction, mystery and romance read.

Narration by Jefferson Mays was well done.

How a one time chance encounter and a decision made can haunt you for a lifetime; exactly what happens to soldier, Nick Burns in 1917 at the young age of nineteen during World War I. A French artist, Camille Chastain, thrusts her paintings in one bundle and a baby in another bundle into Nick’s hands —- and flees.

The story moves to 1974 and curmudgeonly Nick, who has a terminal illness, and his hopeless romantic assistant, Jessica, travel to France and Italy to try and unravel the mystery of this child.

I enjoyed the writing of Ann Hood in this novel. This is my first read from her.

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media/recorded books for the audiobook of, The Flower Sisters

Narrated by a cast of readers: Jim Frangione, Andrea Gallo, L.J. Ganser, Laura Knight Keating, Christina Moore, Graham Winton

A compelling debut of a coming-of-age/historical fiction read; told in twin storylines fifty years apart.

The cover of this book is so beautifully done and that is what caught my eye for this book. Also, when I read it is a Fannie Flagg of the Ozarks. I absolutely loved listening to this coming-of-age/historical fiction story. Rose, the grandmother is hysterically funny at times and there are laugh out loud moments in the story. You’ll find yourself rooting for Daisy, who is a fifteen-year-old inquisitive and endearing young lady. This has a well rounded cast of characters that you will enjoy. I’m excited to see what this author does next. Kudos to, Michelle Collin’s Anderson, on her debut novel that brings this story to life with her descriptive writing. A great book for book clubs.

To me this novel is in the same vein as Fannie Flagg’s books, as well as, Jan Karon’s, The Mitford Series.

Touching on, family, forgiveness, secrets, lies, sadness and grief, love, and friendship.

THE FAMILIAR By Leigh Bardugo

Thank you to BookBrowse for the ARC of The Familiar

read

An entertaining read of speculative fiction, historical fiction and doses of magical fantasy, set in late 16th century Madrid at the height of the Spanish Inquisition. The prose is lyrical and lovely.

Luzia Cotado is a scullion and orphan who sleeps on a filthy floor and dreams of having a better life with money to give her the freedom she yearns for and the love she doesn’t have. To help her get through the menial tasks of her days, she uses a bit of magic, which she keeps secret from everyone.

Luzia’s mistress finds out she can perform “milagritos,” and seizes on the opportunity to benefit herself. To raise her social status she has Luzia perform for her dinner guests. Soon the entertainment catapults her into fame and danger. Luzia fears her secret of Jewish blood will be discovered and she tries to steer clear of the Inquisition. Luzia is thrown into a magical contest to find the king a new holy champion. She is forced to train with, Guillen Santangel, a supernatural servant who is the “familiar” of the book’s title.

Touching on trust, betrayal, belief, survival and love.

This my first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Narration by Robert Petkoff was very well done.

Taking place on a small
island off the coast of Maine lives Israel Pike who is, a lobsterman, ‘an honest man’ and also a killer. A twelve year old boy named Lyman Rankin, who seeks shelter from his alcoholic father also is living on Salvation Point Island; an island that is far from salvation. Both Israel and Lyman are fighters trying to do the right thing in a world where that seems impossible. After several politicians are found dead at sea things heat up on Salvation Point Island. Israel and Lyman who have been—“riding along on different storms but bound to collide”…. finally do.

Heavy topics of human trafficking and sex slavery, abuse, along with corruption of police and others are touched upon. Heavy topics, but how Koryta chose to write it was done in a way that I was able to read/listen to it. A few parts were a bit more difficult but they are short descriptions.

Great character development and plot twists. I really enjoyed listening to this and enjoyed Michael Koryta’s style of writing. I liked his book The Chill, written under the pen name of Scott Carson. I’m looking forward to his new book, Lost Man’s Lane, written under pen name Scott Carson.

Narrated by the author, Safiya Sinclair who is an accomplished poet. Her skills are shown in the lyricism and language of this beautifully told memoir.

We follow Safiya’s journey of self-discovery and rebellion of her father’s expectations. She tells the story of her and her siblings upbringing of isolation , fear and poverty in a Rastafarian household. Always walking on eggshells when her father is around. Never knowing what would set him off in a rage and start the beatings she and her siblings endured.

From a scared and sheltered girl not allowed opinions, to a strong and self assertive woman who finds writing and poetry a salvation.

As dark and cruel as this can be at times, it is also about hope and resilience. I’ve heard of Rastafarian believers but this is the first time I’ve read of what this movement encompasses.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Books for the ARC ebook.

A coming-of-age, historical fiction/family drama with timelines of 1980’s and 2011. Inspired by real events told through two perspectives and timelines.

I had a difficult time trying to read this. I felt things were disjointed at times and found I had to keep going back and rereading. I would try looking up many of the Korean words and couldn’t find definitions. Many baffling metaphors in her writing style. This wasn’t a good fit for me, but many others did enjoy this book.

A dark time in South Korea’s history. Government wanted all vagrants, beggars, and other people sent to detention centers to rehabilitate them to be returned to society. They were physically abused as well as psychologically abused. Many died or disappeared.

I never felt connected to any character even with all the abuse that was happening.

I would consider reading another book by the author.

Narrated by Brittany Presley

Narration was well done.

A magical realism novel, The Unmaking of June Farrow focuses on a family curse that has caused the Farrow women to exist in two times at once—time travel. A small-time setting in Jasper, NC, in 1951 and 2023. Young builds suspense about the Farrow family curse by slowly divulging information. June struggles with internal conflict.

Exploring misogyny and mob behavior in the small town of Jasper, and also connections between memory and identity.

I wanted to read this because I enjoy time-traveling. This was very good, however a bit confusing with the different characters and going back and forth. As story unfolds it does start to come together and easier to keep track. Overall an enjoyable read.

“There, in the middle of the cemetery, a single red door stood among the tilted headstones. It was set into a frame, like it had been pried loose from a wall, and yet, it didn’t look at all out of place. Like one brushstroke in a painting.”