Books, Books, Books, and a Cat

  The Rumor Game is set in Boston during WWII and explores what was going on with Americans as many were divided about the U.S. becoming involved with the war.  This novel is told from two different points of view.  One is that of an FBI agent and the other of an idealistic young journalist who wants to stop the antisemitic and other hateful rumors targeting marginalized groups.  The story revolved around Anne and Devon trying to discover what was really going on in Boston  as pamphlets and then ultimately a murder begins to show some serious crime is happening and the local cops are doing nothing about it.   This book had some good moments but ultimately wasn't for me.  I did like Anne, who was a strong female character but Devon, the FBI agent was a little off putting to me.  I wanted more connection between these two characters.   This book was well written and did move along but it felt like more of a true crime novel than a thriller...

  Enjoy the ride! This was a wonderful contemporary, romance novel.  I loved every minute of it.  Sasha is overworked and losing it.  She gets pushed to the brink and has to take some time off to regain her sanity.  She ends up going to the coast where she used to vacation as a child.  While there she attempts to find wellness but ends up meeting someone who pushes her buttons, Finn.  Finn himself is also overworked and has retreated to the seaside to deal with his work issues.  What follows  is a laugh out loud novel with fantastic characters. I think this is a must read for anyone looking for a little romance, some laughs, and a great story that will touch your heartstrings.  

 As a history major I did not love learning about the Vietnam War.  This book however changed my opinion.  Frances "Frankie" wants to be a hero just like her brother who is headed off to Vietnam.  She wants more than what her parents expect of her; marriage and kids.  Frankie signs up with the army to become a nurse in the war.  She is thrown into a trial by fire situation. The novel follows her life as she saves lives, finds romance, and then needs to find out how to save herself.   I loved that this book focused on the role women had in the Vietnam War.  So often women are overlooked or forgotten about in history.  This was an excellent story as well as giving some great historic background.  I learned so much and really cared about what happened to Frankie.  I highly recommend this fantastic historical fiction novel! Another great book by Kristin Hannah!

  A murder mystery set in high fantasy.  There were many elements that I enjoyed in this novel.  The main character, Din was extremely resourceful considering that he had some limitations.  I also loved his investigator.  She was a unique person.  I did however get lost in parts.  I did find some of the names, places, and occupations a little confusing.  There were a lot of different people to follow.  I think this was more of my fault though and there were times that I was just not as focused. The murder in the novel was very unusual and I liked finding all the different connections made along the way.  Overall, not a bad mystery but there is a lot to keep track of in the novel.