Books, Books, Books, and a Cat

  Dark and haunting yet filled with an undertone of hope and life.  "The Warm Hands of Ghosts," is unlike any historical fiction novel I have read before.  The novel is set during WWI and the story alternates between Laura, a nurse, who is living in Canada, and her brother, Freddie, who is a soldier in Belgium. Laura has recently lost her mom and when she receives news that her brother is missing and presumed dead she feels that she has to do something.  She has so many questions about what has happened to him. An opportunity presents itself to travel to Belgium to work at a hospital and she thinks she may be able to find answers about her brother.  Freddie is trapped in the ground but he is not dead yet and he also isn't alone.  His struggle is to stay alive yet even if he gets out what can possibly do after being left for dead with his enemy.  His story is one that will pull at your heart strings.  What makes this novel unique is the element of ...

  A powerful novel about a black family living in the 1990s.  I was also a child in the 90s so this novel captured my attention. The novel is primarily told from the point of view of Mika, who is the youngest grandchild, but other members of the family also share their stories.  The beginning was a little confusing for me because the point of view shifted and so did the timelines but once I got going I was hooked.  Mika's story was so different from the childhood that I experienced and it really opened my eyes to her struggles and her victories.  It also really brought home for me just how difficult life still is for black families.  This novel was not set during the Civil Rights era but during the same time I was growing up.  White privilege is a real thing and I think it is so important to read books like this because it really brings home how much harder life is for others. I recommend this novel for anyone who enjoys reading about strong characters...

Who wouldn't want a second chance to set things right and make different choices.  Sadie is an outspoken pastry chef who has had a very bad year and all she wants is a chance to go back and make things right.  However her second chance might not be quite what she was expecting. The Second Chance Year was not just a great and relatable story but it also had a strong message that I think is important for all readers.  Also the story discussed sexual harassment in the workplace and I thought the author did an excellent job addressing the issue.  This book is a fast read that will have the reader feeling a range of emotions as you fall in love with Sadie and many of the secondary characters.  A great read that I think anyone would enjoy!