Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye

Very often in life we are influenced by something we read as a child, something that we remember reading with the fondest of memories, something that feels like it looks right into our souls and finds a kindred spirit there. If Jane Eyre was one of those books for you than make room right next to it for Jane Steele because this book is exactly what is missing from the equation.

This is not another mashup of a classic to titter over however. This is an imaginative biographical confession of a young woman whose life is running along a path that is a twisted version of her favorite characters own. Not a parallel one mind you, for after all where Jane Eyre is the epitome of discretion and valor Jane Steele is the very epicenter of all the morbidly dark essences that make her so very human and prone to blindly jumping in where angels fear to tread. This is a romance of the heart and no matter what you expect in this book you cannot deny that what happens is exactly what your heart desires, even the murders.

Full of mystery and exotic, sometimes brutal historical backdrops this is simultaneously a romance, a gothic satire, and an openly loving tribute to a character that continues to reach out across the ages and influence us even today. Jane Eyre is Jane Steele's mirror image if you covered the cracks in the foundation. But just like the Japanese the reader will find that we very much like the imperfections Jane Steele's character has and can only relish following along on her adventures as she struggles to come to terms with the unfortunate truth that we are all sinners, some of us are just better at it.

Left in the Wind: A Novel of the Lost Colony: The Roanoke Journal of Emme Merrimoth by Ed Gray

I received this an an ARC from the publisher but the review is my own.

This was for me a very frustrating read. I liked the concept of one of the original settlers of Roanoke having written a journal of her journey from England there; it's founding and ultimately, its failure. History has left us with many questions as to what happened to this lost colony and what might have been the reason for it being left to fade into the annals of time. Even to this day with prestigious names such as Raleigh attached to its conception, we are still little better off in being able to truly come to grasp with the ultimate fate of these intrepid souls. So having Gray's own fictional grasp of possible events sounded very promising indeed, giving voice to those we can no longer hear. However, for me personally, this is not the book I wound up reading.

Almost off the bat I felt the frustration of dealing with a character who is so shallowly described as to have, in only a few chapters made

me both internally and verbally roll my eyes at the sheer ridiculousness of her. Now as a reader my natural inclination is to want to find something in the character that I can relate with, to create a bond. The only thing created here was open hostility. Gray's prime character reads like a roll call of the cheesiest, movie part/pigeon holed heroines ever devised. Every single pace of her story made me want to throw the book across the room; underneath the cheap facade one could see the bones of a really good idea and to glimmer the wasted possibilities was just maddening.

I'm not going to list the various instances because then I'd just be relating the story page by page. Needless to say that as this is my opinion and the other reviews I've read all praised Mr. Gray's efforts, if you're looking for something to help you fill out the story of the lost colony of Roanoke and are interested in a fictionalized account than this could be a good read for you. As for me I was left feeling disappointed and confused as to why this is the finished product. 

Death of an Alchemist (Bianca Goddard Mysteries #2) by Mary Lawrence

I received this as an ARC from the publisher but the review is my own.

This is the second title in the series and can be read as a stand alone.

Bianca Goddard, daughter of an alchemist, is no one's fool. The search for the philosopher's stone has proven nothing but futile as she knows only too well and many suffer as the hunt for the elusive elixir of life continues. But in order to improve her balms and medicines Bianca is willing to learn more about the processes used in alchemy in her continual attempt to improve her own concoctions.

When she is introduced to an alchemist who is reputed to have actually solved the mystery and shown proof she is elated to have found a teacher who can help her save so many. But on the very verge of glory and distinction he is found dead and his journal and work disappear. As Bianca tries to come to terms with what she feels maybe an undetected murder, the urgency of her investigation takes a much more personal tone when her husband comes down with the sweating sickness. If Bianca cannot find the alchemist's journal she could lose the man she loves but if she finds it will she be able to recreate the elixir and save him or kill him in the attempt. Bianca will find herself in a race both against time and other players who are as invested in acquiring the journal as she, one of them enough to commit murder.

Set against the 16th century London of Henry VIII, where the slums reek of poverty and disease and Southwark is a cursed refuge for the vilest of men, this series has plenty of potential to immerse one in the daily lives of its population whether criminal or citizen. These will keep you captivated and pull you in. Only twinge of annoyance with this series is that each ending leaves you feeling like you've reached the end of a chapter and are hanging on for the next. Small niggle, really.

Will You Be My Friend?: A Bunny and Bird Story by Nancy Tafuri

This is a lovely book about two creatures who live in the same tree. Bunny likes to listen to Bird sing but Bird is very shy. When Bunny asks to be friends she's overwhelmed and doesn't respond. But when a severe rain storm hits their tree and Bird's nest is flooded, Bunny steps in and invites her to share his home. Through Bunny's act of kindness and the help of other forest creatures to help repair her nest, Bird comes to realize that though making friends can be scary it is worth the effort. Great story line and the pictures are simply lovely.

Snug as a Bug. Tamsyn Murray & Judi Abbot

George and his mum are headed to the park but it's a grey and gloomy day. As mom bundles him up to keep warm she happily showers him with words of love and encouragement such as, "Would you prefer to be as snug as a bug rolled up in a rug? " and when George is having such a great time that he starts to remove his outer gear she steps in with such words of wisdom as, " Would you prefer to be like ten sneezy kittens without any mittens? " A fun look at how to teach kids about being outdoors during the colder seasons but overall just a really funny silly way to entertain a child with pictures that are colorful and vibrant. A definite recommend.

What’s the Opposite? (The Hueys) by Oliver Jeffers

This is a fun quirky look at opposites in what is the fourth title in the Hueys series. We begin with simple concepts such as The Beginning and venture forth from there. This is a great book for toddlers and can be a basis for a story time activity. Definitely see this becoming a child's favorite.

Patrick Wants a Dog! by Ekaterina Trukhan

Patrick has been asking his parents for a dog to love and be friends with both they have never actually said yes. So one day Patrick decides to set out on an adventure to find his perfect dog. He bundles up and heads out in search. Along the way he visits the park but all those dogs have owners. As Patrick continues the hunt he winds up getting lost and then a monster finds him! Will Patrick make it home or get eaten and will he ever get a dog? The adventure has the perfect ending and made a really lovely story about the burgeoning independence that young children can relate too.

A Darker Shade of Magic (A Darker Shade of Magic, #1) by V.E. Schwab

This excerpt was provided by the publisher as an ebook ARC.

I'm not actually going to review this as of now but I am going to HIGHLY recommend that if you have not read the first book in this series you go do so now. A Darker Shade of Magic begins this new thrilling fantasy series and will be followed by A Gathering of Shadows.

If you read the first installment then be prepared to be sucked further into the story line. Without giving to much away let us just say that there are new characters and locations that will be furthering us along but there are also some surprises that will be creeping up from what we thought was finished business.

All in all, once again Schwab has created a web into which you will willingly slide into with open arms. Go get yourselves these books! 

For those of you interested in the first book of the series, here's the link to my review of that one.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1191859181

How to Share with a Bear by Eric Pinder

Thomas has built himself a pillow fort and is ready to kick back with his favorite books when lo and behold he finds a bear in there. Now this is not just any bear, this one is very special but Thomas didn't make the fort for two so he decides to lure the bear out so he can read. He tries all kinds of treats but the bear seems determined to share this special spot with his older brother. Will Thomas share his fort, will it be big enough or can they make a fort for two. Very sweet and includes directions on how exactly to build a fort for two.

Pom Pom Panda Gets the Grumps by Sophy Henn

Pom Pom Panda gets out of bed on the wrong side and it's downhill from there. Everything just seems to make him grouchy. From his toothbrush being too scratchy to his mom singing happy songs, Pom Pom is just not in the mood. And this is all before he gets to school where his friends want to play with him. When Pom Pom can't take anymore and yells Leave Me ALONE!, they do and Pom Pom realizes that even though everyone can have a grouchy day it's not okay to take it out on others. Can Pom Pom make up for his mistake? Good book about how sometimes we just don't feel like being happy but remembering to be considerate is helpful to all.

Hedgehugs by Steve Wilson

Horace and Hattie are the best of friends and happen to be hedgehogs. They love to do things together and share with each other. When they're not together they pass the time doing the things they like until they can have fun with each other again. But there is one thing that they can not share and that is a hug. Because of their quills they haven't been able too. This charming little story takes a look at the various methods they try in order to show each other how much they care but nothing works until the day they come across a laundry basket full of socks. This story is whimsical and has a delightful ending. Perfect for story time.

Ella and Penguin Stick Together by Megan Maynor

Ella and Penguin are both afraid of the dark but today they have something super special, glow in the dark stickers! But the closet is so dark it's scary. Maybe they can find somewhere that's not so dark to see the stickers glow. When that doesn't work though will they be able to be brave enough to enter the closet and close the door all the way? They can if they do it together. Great story for kids who are afraid of the dark, introduces them to glow in the dark stickers which could help to overcome their fear.

Red Hood's Revenge by Jim C. Hines

This is book 3 in the Princess series by Hines but it definitely can be read as a standalone. This book revolves around the true story behind Sleeping Beauty and a past she has felt watching her from the shadows. After facing Rumpelstiltskin and bringing countless children back to their families, Snow, Danielle and Talia are ready to relax. What they wind up facing is one of the most feared assassins they've ever known. Little Red Riding Hood is on the hunt for Danielle but why would Roudette have been hired to kill her? As they investigate further they come to realize that what is happening is all a distraction to lure Talia into the open.

Once upon a time a Princess was put under a sleeping spell and many Princes attempted to save her but only one succeeded. But he did not save her as told in the fairy tales. He slew her family, took over her lands, and used the deep sleep she was in against her. Only the birth of her children awoke her and she slew him for his crimes.  But one woman's justice was the beginning of a vendetta for another and now there are others who see this conflict as the perfect staging ground for a new world order. In a time of religious strive where the protectors of her people are misleading and being mislead Princess Talia Malak-el-Dahshat must decide whether to return to everything she lost and reclaim it or stay with the ones who helped her to rebuild her life all those years ago. Either way, this is not the Sleeping Beauty you grew up with and you'll be thankful for it.

Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English by Natasha Solomons

Jack and Sadie are German Jews who have traveled to England to escape the persecution growing in Berlin of World War II. They set off to London with their daughter Elizabeth to start a new life far from home and family and arrive at the docks to be greeted by an official who hands them a pamphlet on how to assimilate into the English lifestyle and amidst the uncertainties that face them Jack sees this as the anchor in creating himself into the perfect English gentleman. He drives a Jaquar, wears Saville Row suits, and even refuses to speak German, reminding Sadie that they have to blend into their new home. Immigrants at this time are still considered possible spies or worse and can be taken into custody under suspicion at anytime.

But while Jack has created his own company and the family lives in comfort with other Jewish immigrants in London, Sadie is still dealing with having left her family back home. As the war continues, her family become victims of the Nazi regime and Sadie is left with the unbearable grief of their loss. As Jack seems to drift away further and further from their roots, Sadie finds herself drowning in the sorrow of her loss and the believe that Jack has forgotten their loved ones and therefore her.

When he sells their London home to move them to Dorset so he can build a golf course and finally feel he has truly become an Englishman, the rift between him and Sadie gapes even wider and their lives begin to diverge in ways they never could have anticipated. Sadie begins a perilous decline to which she can neither speak nor can Jack witness and only a tragedy may save them.

Although this is a story of loss and survival it is also a humorous and touching glimpse at the ways people deal with grief and hope; at the vagaries of the human condition which are what make each of us so unique in the way we deal with life's daily obstacles and the depths to which we can reach when faced with the loss of the most important things to us.

In the end it is a homage to the things we love, the people, the places, and ourselves. A definite recommend.

Exploring the Unknown

First off, hats off to my Lotus who set up this new technology as I am still dealing with ink and paper and had to spend about two hours self touring my newest toy and repeatedly whining " but I don't know how to " , over and over. And although I am still new at this and may wind up creating a monster that will need to be hunted and killed, I decided might as well make use of it and see what we get.

So yeah. There you have it, another outlet for the brain slosh that I normally keep locked up in the dark caverns of my brain. Nothing in particular today that needs to be voided just the normal things that zoom in and out of focus faster than I can actually process them. Like what you ask? Well, here's one. Why do I need to emerge into this century when I'm quite happy to sit in a car park for almost an hour watching rushes swaying in the breeze while my sister runs into the post office. After all someone has to observe all the movers and shakers, otherwise what are they moving and shaking for? By the by, it took me almost that full hour to realize she hadn't come back yet. Yep. I'm definitely sitting on the sidelines here.

Another thing that dive bombed me while driving; I do not feel my age. My bones and such certainly feel older, my brain has definitely hit triple digits, but my inner child has only matured about to a five year old. I am fairly certain that I still require an adult to attend me in case I bite others at the peak of frustration.  I actually may be trending to a three year old at those times so I may still require a time out every now and again. Yeah. Naps too. With cookies and a blanket.

.......... where were we? Ah yes! With age comes wisdom. I heard a song in the car that said there's only two kinds of people in the world, you and everybody else. I like that. Now you may think that sounds selfish, I say so what. Cause if you can make yourself happy with who you are then you can worry about trying to meet the others in the middle.  So pull up your favorite chair, grab a drink of your choice, and let's see what damage I can inflict on your psyche with my own interpretation of life's little ups and downs. And just to give y'all a breather I'll throw in some book reviews too cause that's what I do.