Pocket Full of Dreams David B. Burch Writer David Burch and his young family were God-sent neighbors for me when I was a struggling single mom twenty years ago. David tied my boys’ ties and played catch with them; Joan and I spent many summer hours heart-to-heart while the kids ate picnic lunches in the …
Glass of Blessing (NetGalley)Barbara Pymrelease date: January 22, 2013 (ebook) “Oh Wilmet, life is perfect now! [said Mary Beamish] I’ve got everything that I could possibly want. I keep thinking that it’s like a glass of blessings …”“That comes from a poem by George Herbert, doesn’t it? I said. ‘When God at first made man, …
Fever (NetGalley)Mary Beth Keanerelease date: March 2013 Mary Mallon, the main character in Mary Beth Keane’s soon-to-be-released novel, is known to most of us as Typhoid Mary, thought to be the first asymptomatic carrier of typhoid fever in the United States. Mary left a wake of illness and death as she moved from family to …
Mary Coin (NetGalley) Marissa Silver Release date: March 7, 2013 “We never really knew [Grandfather],” Isaac says. “Some people don’t want to be known,” Walker says. “That’s stupid,” Alice says. “Everyone wants to be known. Otherwise it’s just fucking depressing.” Of course, she is right. Everyone wants to be known. Perhaps the ones who conceal themselves most …
A Thousand Pardons (NetGalley) Jonathan Dee Release date: March 2013 Helen had a gift: she could induce even the most powerful to follow her directive–apologize for their misdeeds, real or imagined. Sincerely, with candor. Without thoughts of manipulation. And as part of a crisis management team at a large public relations firm, she excelled. But …
The Forgotten GardenKate Morton I loved Kate Morton’s The Distant Hours (link), but found her Forgotten Garden even more satisfying. Only a quarter way through the novel, I was happy to find a story about a lady writer, an orphan, English aristocrats, and mistaken forgotten identity. Set it all at the English seaside, throw in …
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore William Joyce I really have no need to browse children’s books anymore, but long ago in a life far away, I did work in a children’s bookstore–and sighed over more powerfully sweet stories and gorgeous illustrations than I can remember. So as my daughter and I were leaving …
Blind SightMeg Howry Luke Prescott’s life is pretty standard for an average middle class seventeen-year-old in small town Delaware–he’s a successful high school athlete, working on college admission essays; he has a small group of close friend and a part-time girl friend. His single mom and grandma have raised Luke and his two sisters; his …
Caleb’s Crossing Geraldine Brooks Caleb was a hero, there is no doubt of it. He ventured forth from one world to another with an explorer’s courage, armored by the hope that he could serve his people. He stood shoulder to shoulder with the most learned of his day, ready to take his place as a man of …
Elizabeth IMargaret George The imperial votaress passed on, in maiden meditation, fancy-free. ~ William Shakespreare I felt a close kinship with many of those who surrounded Elizabeth during her long reign. Like those whose lives were held in check by her capricious iron will, who waited long years for overdue titles and positions at court, …
This is my symphony 