"Surviving Savannah"

"Surviving Savannah" by Patti Callahan 

With all the splendor of royalty, the rich and 

elite of Savannah board the luxury steamship,

The Pulaski, on June 13th, 1838, for its maiden

voyage to Baltimore. Some of these aristocrats, 

with their priceless belongings, and humble 

servants trailing behind, will travel on to refreshing

Saratoga Springs, New York, to begin what promises 

to be a much-anticipated trip far away from the

sweltering, oppressive, summer heat of the deep South. 

Little do the unlucky travelers know, that within hours, a

boiler room explosion will rip the ship apart, throwing 

innocent adults and children overboard, where they will

frantically try to save themselves from the sheer terror 

of the dark, churning sea. Many will perish, some 

will astonishingly live, but all will become part of a

tragic disaster few historians dwell upon, until the 

mangled wreckage is discovered 180 years later. 

 In alternating chapters, this true, captivating tale about 

"The Titanic of the South", combines the present day

fascination of uncovering precious relics beneath the

ocean, with the past agonizing experiences of the brave 

souls who were part of an adventure gone terribly wrong.

Everly Winthrop is an enthusiastic, history professor

who decides to accept an invitation to guest curate a 

proposed museum exhibition of recent artifacts from 

The Pulaski. As Everly examines the many treasures

that have remained in the solitary cocoon of the ocean's

depths, painful memories surface about the best friend 

she lost to a tragic, unsolved accident, one that she 

believes falls on her shoulders. Exploring those who 

perished years ago, only intensifies her own profound

guilt and sadness.

Everly's extensive research reveals forsaken details

about those unfortunate enough to be on the doomed

1838 steamer, namely a wealthy, distinguished family

of eleven. Two extraordinary survivors from this 

well-heeled family, were Augusta Longstreet and her 

niece, Lilly Forsyth. Chapter by chapter, readers learn 

of their hidden secrets and desires. But nothing 

compares to being at the mercy of vast, threatening 

waters that challenged their endurance in unimaginable

ways. 

This emotional, historical fiction novel once again 

showcases author Patti Callahan's ability to take a

mesmerizing event in history, and combine it with her

own intriguing plot and rich, tortured characters. 

Especially engaging are the passages about Augusta,

Lilly, and an indentured nursemaid, all of whom possess 

inner strength, loyalty, and unparalleled determination. 

They each overcome fate's overwhelming obstacles 

with fierce fortitude and perseverance. 

March 9th marks the date for Callahan's newest release, 

perhaps one of her finest sagas to date. The author note 

at the end of the book further explains the facts behind 

this miraculous survival at sea at a time in history few

remember, or honor, until now. 

 

 

The Book of Lost Names

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

Eighty-six-year old, Eva Traube, is on a transatlantic flight to
Berlin, traveling alone, lost in thought, and trembling with
anticipation about what she might find once she arrives at her
destination. She's in search of  a precious book, presumed lost
forever, a testimony to a life few could ever imagine.

Eva vividly remembers fleeing occupied Paris with her
mother in 1942, during World War II. As the child of Polish
Jews, her father wants his family safely in the Free Zone,
while he stays behind, fully aware of the danger that lurks around
every corner. So they run to safety, as Eva prays that one day
they will meet again, while a bitter, angry mother blames her
daughter for leaving their loved one to confront the enemy.

Once settled, Eva finds contentment in a peaceful, little village
where the Resistance movement is busy at work. It's here, where a
compassionate priest recognizes Eva's unique talent for forgery. She
artistically creates fake documents for innocent Jewish children
who are in harm's way from the atrocities of the Nazis, giving them
optimism for  a new life in neutral Switzerland. Soon, the network
is helping anyone who dares to escape from the suffocating oppression in
the War zone.

Along with a charming man named Remy, who shares her passion,
and steals her heart, the team works diligently to devise a puzzling
code, hidden in an eighteenth century religious book. Perhaps someday,
the true identities of the most vulnerable affected by the War, will discover
who they really are, created so painstakingly by weary hands and loving
hearts.

But when Remy disappears, clearly something has gone terribly wrong
in their meticulous plans, putting them all in grave danger with only a short
period of time to run away to freedom. The harrowing days that enfold will be
a test of strength and sheer determination.

Along with the main, memorable characters, there are a host of
many more personalities that shape this true story into a moving
depiction of the fear, and trepidation the blameless endured during some
of the darkest days in world history.

At the center of this lovely, emotional, historical fiction novel, is a brave heroine
who faced evil with resilience and fortitude, a woman worthy of our admiration.

Surviving Savannah

Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan

Here it is!

I am so excited to share the cover for SURVIVING SAVANNAH  by New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan, on sale March 9, 2021 (Berkley hardcover).

It's inspired by the true and forgotten story of the sinking of the "Titanic of the South", a luxury steamship that sank in 1838 with Savannah's elite on board.
Through time, no one thought of their fates-until the wreck was found. Now the story is finally being told.

#survivingsavannah #patticallahan #historicalfiction (tag @berkleypub and @pattichenry)

Pre-order it here: https://bit.ly/3i9VQ4Y

Visit Patti online https://www.patticallahanhenry.com/surviving-savannah

You can enter for a chance to win an advanced digital review copy of the book here:

https://sweeps.penguinrandomhouse.com/enter/surviving-savannah-cover-reveal-sweeps
(NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. US Residents, 18+. Ends August 17, 2020
See official rules at official website.)

Good Luck! And be sure to mark March 9, 2021 on your calendar for my review,
and your opportunity to read what promises to be another fascinating story by the
author who writes historical fiction so well.

The Pull of the Stars

The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue

The year is 1918. The place, a cramped and stifling
maternity/fever ward in Dublin, Ireland where Julia Power,
a weary nurse, cares almost single-handedly, for pregnant
women quarantined with the Great Flu and the effects
 of a debilitating war.

On Halloween night, Julia trudges to work as usual, leaving her
mute brother at home, only to find one patient has succumbed
overnight to the deadly virus, while three others are in the
throes of fever and the misery of difficult labors. Overwhelmed
with responsibility, Julia welcomes the presence of capable
Dr. Kathleen Lynn, a rebel wanted by the police, and Bridie Sweeney,
an inquisitive redhead, whose naivety brightens the gloomy days
and nights.

This is their story, three unlikely comrades doing all they can to
bring new life into a world of chaos and despair. The strong
and remarkable characters face adversity and preconceived
notions with dignity and grace, daring to dream of a brighter
future.

The author's historical research is flawless, her details extraordinary.
She writes of shunned children, like Bridie, born out-of-wedlock, and
sent to Catholic convents where they are subjected to hard labor, ridicule, and
pity. She speaks of the shame and rejection disgraced mothers endure
in society, the sins of the past never forgotten.

I suggest reading the author's notes at the end, which tell of the
real Dr. Lynn and her contributions to the cause. Emma Donoghue
couldn't know how eerily close this haunting, complex story, brimming
with emotion, would mirror the global pandemic of 2020.

Recipe for a Perfect Wife

Recipe for a Perfect Wife by Karma Brown

Alice Hale's wan smile and feigned enthusiasm
disguise her unhappiness as she walks through
the run-down house in the suburbs she and
husband, Nate, now call home.

Alice misses their tiny place in New York City, but
struggled to come up with a reason not to move when
she told Nate she quit her bustling PR job. Soon they'll be
able to start the family they've talked about, and Alice can
finally begin turning her dream of writing a best-selling novel
into reality, away from the stress and turmoil of urban life.

But there are a few things Nate doesn't know, like the real
reason his wife is unemployed, or how far she'll go to prevent
a pregnancy; secrets that can't stay hidden forever.

Alice finds a purpose in her new surroundings when unopened
letters surface, written in the 1950s, by Nellie Murdoch,
the spirited young woman who owned the Hale house many
years ago. The letters, along with a splattered, vintage cookbook,
reveal details of a new wife struggling to appease a demanding
husband, while fitting into a neighborhood filled with gossip,
back-stabbers, and Tupperware parties.

Alice looks forward to reading Nellie's fascinating letters that
give her the much-needed inspiration to write her novel based
on this mysterious lady. And as each letter reveals more, it's clear that
Nellie took dangerous secrets of her own to her grave.

Start the year with this riveting, page-turner about how one restless
woman in 2018, finds the courage to speak her mind, encouraged by
a woman she only knows from the pages of faded letters; one
Nellie Murdoch, a smart, calculating lady who endured unspeakable
travesties behind closed doors.

This is a story ideal for lively discussions at book clubs about how
far women have come, and how far they have to go. It's filled with
some interesting (and amusing) advice from the past, and a
treasure trove of delicious recipes, tested over time, when the
expectation of a delicious meal each and every night, was part of a wife's
duties.

Suspenseful, enlightening, humorous, and addictive, this novel
is one you don't want to miss.

Summer of '69

Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand

It was a summer few will ever forget.

Man dared to step foot on the moon.

Angry protesters rallied against The
Vietnam War, amid the increased escalation
of the United States in the conflict.

Peace, love, and psychedelic drugs drew
hundreds of thousands to a music festival
known as Woodstock, an extravaganza of epic
proportions. And Ted Kennedy survived a
scandal at Chappaquiddick that almost
cost him his political career.

No one feels the impact of the summer of '69
more than the Levin family, who fervently
embrace the changing times.

One daughter has a season of awakening with
her stern grandmother on Nantucket, another
awaits the agonizing birth of twins, without the
support of her troubled husband, and a third girl
finds refuge on Martha's Vineyard where it's
impossible to escape the sins of her past, and
the racial tension that simmers behind closed
doors.

A son marches off to the jungles of Southeast Asia,
and a mother drowns her sorrows with a steady stream
of cocktails, terrified that sordid secrets from the
past could tear her family apart.

Hilderbrand's first historical fiction novel is an insightful
narrative about a remarkable, tumultuous era,
fifty years ago. She captures the essence of 1969
with her candid, eloquent writing, making it an
emotional, nostalgic, page-turner, certain to resonate
with so many readers.

Finding Dorothy

Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts

The Wizard of Oz has delighted fans,
both young and old, since it was first
released in theaters on August 25, 1939.

This is the compelling story of
Maud Gage Baum, the feisty, Cornell-educated
wife of aspiring actor and writer,
L. Frank Baum, who penned the book
that later became the beloved movie.

It is told in two narratives; the early years
depicting Maud's life as a young girl living with
a strong-willed, suffragette mother who stoked
her daughter's fierce, independent nature, and the later years
as widow Maud, visiting the M-G-M studios, determined
to make sure that Frank's words were portrayed on the
big screen exactly as her late husband envisioned.

Frank and Maud were true partners in life. They
weathered financial woes, explored new territory
by moving to America's Western frontier, remained
loyal to family in need, and raised four rambunctious
sons with fervor and zest. Through it all, Frank never
gave up on his writing, and his devoted wife, often
frustrated but always forgiving, never gave up on him.

This fascinating, historical fiction novel will appeal
to all those who enjoy the screen adaption of this memorable
tale. It tells of Maud's unending desire to protect
a naive, extremely talented child actress, Judy Garland,
from becoming prey to the sordid side of Hollywood.
It illustrates how hard Maud fought to keep the beautiful
song about a rainbow in the final cut. And more
importantly, it tells the warm, loving story of two people,
filled with wanderlust, who understood each other's needs.

Sprinkled in many chapters are references to all the
famous characters we have come to know, like
Dorothy, The Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow. Each
one was based on someone in Frank's past, and only he
had the uncanny ability to make them come alive.

The painstaking research behind the writing of this
book results in an enchanting story of love, determination,
and hope. As Maud explained, "....Oz is hope, and
children can find themselves in dark places".

How lucky the public is, today, and for many
years to come, to be the recipient, of Frank's
imagination and Maud's relentless aspirations.

The Light Over London

The Light Over London by Julia Kelly

An English antiques dealer discovers a box
filled with a handful of hidden mementos,
never guessing that someone else's treasures
will solve a mystery surrounding her
beloved grandmother.

Cara Hargraves is back home, trying
to pick up the pieces of her broken life.
The first step is working once again for
the fastidious owner of a shop where
people go for help in clearing out
their estates and starting anew.

When Cara finds a faded photograph
of a pensive, young woman, along with
a locket and worn diary from the 1940's,
she sets out on a journey that will lead
her to some astonishing revelations
about the owner of these priceless
memories.

Who wrote such wrenching words of
dreams and disappointments in the
forgotten diary? Cara feels an
inexplicable need to know, and when
an unlikely suitor offers his assistance,
her own life takes an unexpected
turn.

This is a fascinating, historical fiction story
about the brave WWII "gunner girls",
that select group of gritty, smart women who
were so vital to the War effort in Britain
during those relentless years of devastation.
The author effortlessly molds the past with the
present, as she details the unbreakable
bond of friendship these strong ladies shared
in the toughest of times.

An entertaining, amazing tribute
to the unsung heroes that paved the
way for today's women.

The Home for Unwanted Girls

The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman

Quebec, 1950. Sixteen-year-old Maggie is pregnant by Gabriel, a poor, French farm boy. Her
English-speaking father and judgmental, uncouth mother, send her away to toil on the farm of a jovial aunt and lecherous uncle until the baby is born. Adoption plans go awry, and the sickly, little girl, called Elodie, is sent to an orphanage. She knows little of the outside world beyond these walls, always surrounded by nuns who watch her every move. Little does she know that these are the good days, unaware of the torture that awaits her.

Heartbroken and naive, Maggie goes on with life, diligently working in her father's successful seed  store and eventually finding contentment with a successful businessman. She dreams of a reunion with the child she was forced to abandon years ago. Elodie's life takes a dramatic turn for the worse when the Canadian government turns Catholic orphanages into homes for the mentally ill, all in the name of making money. Overnight, children are put into psychiatric facilities, with no one caring  about their rights. Socially awkward, with visible scars of inhumane treatment, resilient Elodie learns to fend for herself. She has dreams of her own; reuniting with the mother she's never known.

This novel, based on the author's own mother's recollections of dark times, tells a story of  the sharp divide between the English and French cultures in 1950s Quebec and Montreal. Children born out of sin were cast aside and subjected to abhorrent conditions in the very institutions that were meant to protect them. It's a captivating tale full of disturbing images, but one that will ultimately make you believe that anything's possible, as long as you have hope.

Before We Were Yours

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate


It's the 1920s, and for many couples, the Tennessee Children's Home Society orphanage is the answer to their fervent prayers of having a child. Georgia Tann, the operator and touted savior, promises happiness in exchange for a great deal of money. She's mastered the art of manipulation when it comes to matters of the heart.

Tann was an all-powerful, conniving, ruthless individual who ran this institution with cold, calculating cruelness. Poor, innocent children were snatched off the streets, and taken from hospital wards and mental institutions. Under the guise of helping parents in time of need, Georgia and her associates preyed upon the vulnerable and naive, who never fully understood that their signature virtually made loved ones disappear. To make matters worse, a corrupt judge and a Memphis mayor perpetuated this shameful period in history until as late as 1950.

This compelling, historical fictional story introduces readers to Avery Stafford, a feisty Southern lawyer who returns home to her privileged roots. Her beloved grandmother has strong memories hidden in the crevices of her mind about a spirited, poverty-stricken family that once lived on the Mississippi River. Avery is determined to dig deep into the past, even if it ruins the family's pristine reputation.

As a result of this true scandal, Tennessee adopted new, reformed adoption laws in 1951.

"For the hundreds who vanished and for the thousands who didn't. May your stories not be forgotten". 

Girl in Disguise

Girl in Disguise by Greer Macallister

Kate Warne knows the streets of 1856 Chicago are no place for a lady, but she's run out of options. Without a husband and a dwindling bank account, this may be her last chance for survival. So, on that hot, sultry day, she walks into the famed Pinkerton National Detective Agency, determined to persuade the intimidating Allan Pinkerton himself to hire her as the first female private investigator in the country. And she succeeds.

Follow this fascinating story of a remarkable woman in history who hid behind a shroud of mystery. As a woman operative, Kate battled male colleagues for recognition while facing danger around every corner. With her keen mind and flair for the dramatic, she managed to outsmart swindlers and hardened criminals alike. Her key part in thwarting an early assassination attempt of Abraham Lincoln is just one of many tales readers will relish. The author adds her own imaginative take on this real life lady who became the master of disguise.

Author Greer Macallister's name is now synonymous with captivating historical fiction novels. I knew when I reviewed The Magician's Lie in January, 2015, that her next release would be on my list of must reads. Loyal fans will not be disappointed as they decide, who really was the elusive Kate Warne?

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney

There was a time in the 1930s when her name was synonymous with success. She penned catchy, witty ads for R. H. Macy's, soared to new heights as the country's highest-paid female copywriter in advertising, and became a published poet.

But that was then; Lillian is now an eighty-four-year-old elderly woman (or maybe eighty-five, a woman has the prerogative to lie about her age, after all.) She prepares to celebrate New Year's Eve, 1984, with a friend, but first it's time to take a walk down memory lane, stopping by the old haunts that defined her life, now forgotten, in New York City. Probably not a wise decision with the recent violent crime, but then Lillian has never backed away from a challenge, and she's not about to begin now. So she dons a fedora, paints her lips with her trademark Orange Fire, and steps back in time to venture out on perhaps what will be her most memorable journey of all.

 The author found inspiration to write about the real Margaret Fishback (who we know as Lillian Boxfish) after impeccable research of her personal papers. Truly a pioneer in the advertising world during the years of the Great Depression, Fishback's extraordinary fictional life began to take shape over time, and the result is quite captivating.

Told with compassion, humor, and a deep understanding of growing old, I highly recommend taking a walk with Lillian...so glad I did.

Love, Alice

Love, Alice by Barbara Davis

"Young mothers shut up, never to be heard of again. Dead babies tossed into pits. Girls throwing themselves from cliffs".

Simple words of fiction? Sadly, no. These atrocities actually occurred starting in the mid-1920's at asylums known as the Magdalene laundries. Here, young pregnant women spent their days in hard labor because of their "sins," sent away by family members who looked upon their predicament as nothing less than shameful and worthy of the most severe punishment.

A heartbreaking historical fiction novel that details how a determined, strong-willed girl weathers deplorable conditions with one purpose in mind; to find the child she was forced to surrender at the hands of those who profited from her condition.

This tale of a mother relentlessly searching for justice, combines astonishing, little-known facts about a dark time in history, making this selection powerfully provocative.

The Wonder

The Wonder by Emma Donoghue


Historical fiction blends beautifully with a puzzling mystery in the newest release from the Irish author of Room.

Florence Nightingale protege, nurse Lib Wright, is sent to an impoverished village in Ireland to observe and substantiate claims that despite going without food for four months, 11-year-old Anna O'Donnell continues to live. Lib has survived The Crimean War in her homeland of England and the humiliation of a failed marriage, but this assignment may be the hardest of all. Her training under the esteemed Nightingale doesn't prepare her for watching a young girl waste away, while listening to the rants of religious zealots who claim the child is on her way to sainthood. Along with the keen eyes of  devoted Sister Michael, the two women document the girl's every move. Lib's skepticism grows about this medical miracle, yet the facts seem to prove otherwise. Is Anna truly a religious phenomenon or will Lib uncover truths that expose a shameful hoax that will make her question the profession she so dearly loves?

Donoghue's insight and research into the religious mores and beliefs of Ireland in the 1800's is impeccable. Her story examines how evil can lurk in the shadow of love, how holiness becomes more important than saving the living, and how the horror of hidden family secrets seep into the very being of a young child, bent on entering the heavenly kingdom.

A  moving tale with rich characters and surprising turns, this tale about "The Fasting Girl of Ireland" will make you wonder, indeed, about the compelling power of persuasion.

Hanging Mary

Hanging Mary by Susan Higginbotham

On April 9, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to the leader of the Union Army, Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant.

One of the bloodiest wars in history was over.

The joyous celebration was tragically marred six days later when a dashing, charismatic actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth assassinated  President Abraham Lincoln.

What most people don't know is the pivotal part a woman by the name of Mary Surratt played in allowing John Wilkes Booth to carry out his hideous plot. That's where this fascinating story begins. It's a true tale of a Confederate sympathizer who unwittingly paid the ultimate price for aiding and abetting a man who used her to carry out a devious plan.

 Mary opens a boarding house after her abusive, alcoholic husband dies. She carefully chooses those individuals with upstanding character to be part of the household, so she is naturally concerned when son Johnny brings home a parade of characters, some being quite unsavory. Mary's well aware of the fact that her son is a courier for the Confederacy, making clandestine "runs" and shielding spies, all for the good of "the cause". She often chooses to look the other way. But when affable Johnny introduces the famous, incredibly charming John Wilkes Booth to the delighted tenants, Mary approves, welcoming him into their home.. He and other Southern loyalists begin to make frequent visits, gradually embroiling Mary in covert plans that eventually result in the horrifying event at Ford's Theater on April 15, 1865.

 The questions remain. Was Mary really a conspirator with Booth and his cronies?  Could Mary have prevented the assassination of the President?

 Mary's portrayal as a loving mother may explain her unyielding allegiance to her sons over her own survival.  Oldest son, Isaac, is fighting for the Confederacy. Johnny is putting himself in increasing danger. Mary conveniently hides facts from the authorities, believing the smooth, assuring words of a talented actor. Even when Johnny flees in her darkest hour, Mary steadfastly stands by her son, sacrificing all in the name of love.

With extraordinary research to back all claims, the author adds her own fictional bits and pieces to a compelling story that's hard to put down. She vividly captures the fervor of a divided country beginning to heal after the Civil War.

 Mary Surratt was the first female to be executed by the United States Federal Government.

Look at the facts, read the riveting story, and decide if her death was justified.

Flight of Dreams

Flight of  Dreams by Ariel Lawhon

In the twilight hours on May 3, 1937, the German dirigible know as the Hindenburg exploded and burned in a mere thirty-four seconds while attempting to land at The Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, New Jersey.  Of the ninety-seven people aboard, thirty-seven perished, thus ending travel in a rigid, floating airship called a zeppelin, forever.

Many notions remain as to what exactly occurred on the three day "uneventful" luxurious voyage from Germany to America, but the fact is, no one really knows. Author Ariel Lawhon fervently believes that this grand journey was far from "uneventful", even though the survivors eighty years ago steadfastly stood by their recollections of it being a predictable but splendid trip. In a riveting and compelling story, Lawhon combines her extensive research with a fictional take on what could have happened. The people are real, the tale is conjecture, and the result is thoroughly fascinating.

Each chapter introduces the reader to characters bearing names that become familiar as the plot unravels. Emilie Imhoff is the "Stewardess", a widow in mourning, hiding a deadly secret, and falling for Max Zabel, the "Navigator" who holds her heart in his hands. Endearing fourteen-year-old Werner Franz is the "Cabin Boy" who grows up quickly amidst the scheming and collusion on board. Sassy Gertrud Adelt is the "Journalist", stripped of her press pass by the Nazis, traveling with her charming, older husband, and missing the young son they left behind. She is determined to uncover the motives of the mysterious "American" while rumors swirl about a bomb on board. The hours and minutes tick by while passengers partake of savory foods and tempting cocktails in the smoky lounge. They unwittingly assume the voyage will end smoothly, never imagining impending doom.

The cleverly written plot offers great insight into what it must have been like to float effortlessly above the stormy, turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The author combines interesting facts with intrigue to write a story about a mystifying disaster that to this day, defies explanation. She has taken liberties with a sizable amount of research to write a plausible theory. I would encourage the reader to scan the author's notes at the end of the book. It explains how and why she decided to write about this perplexing catastrophic event in history. The heartache and anguish that followed are all too real. Immense sorrow only adds to this rich and well-told story, as do the moments of joy for some of the survivors.

At the end, speculation and questions still remain as to what really happened to the pride of Germany.

Twain's End

Twain's End by Lynn Cullen

"The man who does not read is no better than the man who cannot read"

Just one of the insightful quotes attributed to author and humorist Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. Beloved and admired by so many, his life story was immortalized on stage with esteemed actor Hal Holbrook portraying the icon.


Now historical author Lynn Cullen (Mrs. Poe, 2013)  reveals a distressing, little-known side of the famous writer.  According to her extensive research, (diaries, writings, and letters) he was a man riddled with flaws. Often cruel and demoralizing to anyone who crossed his path, his spoken words were vastly different than his illustrious words on paper.

The book concentrates primarily on the relationship between Clemens and his long-suffering assistant, Isabel Lyon (affectionately referred to as The Lioness). Beginning at age 25, she devoted seven years of her life to "The King".  She repeatedly endured his ridicule, bullying, taunts,and tantrums while secretly, longing for a more intimate and permanent relationship with him. Samuel led her to believe he had honorable intentions. But then he seemed to have a penchant for impressionable young women in general. Surrounded by young girls who worshiped him, they were flattered by his flowery words and subtle advances. In her heart, Isabel knew she was different somehow; that her undying devotion to him would result in marriage. How wrong her assumptions proved to be....

The years Isabel spent with Clemens included his ever-present wife, Livy. A sickly, tormented invalid, she exuded a certain "hold" over her husband.  Daughter Clara was unlucky in love and often sought Isabel's advice during troubled times. In an instant she could turn on her father's confidante, however, and treat her shamefully. Jean, the mentally ill daughter, was a constant source of concern, and it was Isabel who often soothed and comforted her, not her own father. In the end, Isabel's loyalty proved to be a fruitless endeavor.

Eventually, Isabel recognized the fact that life was passing her by. She married Ralph Ashcroft, the business manager that Clemens relied upon. The fury and wrath bestowed upon Isabel by Clemens and Clara after her marriage was unfathomable. In a 429 page tirade, the pair proceeded to denounce Isabel as" a traitor....and salacious slut".

Many might question why Isabel would tolerate such abuse over the course of their relationship.
It's certainly a valid response and one only she could answer. Isabel died at the age of ninety-four, still unwilling to speak candidly of the man she adored.

Mrs.Sinclair's Suitcase

Mrs. Sinclair's Suitcase by Louise Walters

The suitcase is small, brown in color, with a muted tartan lining. Mrs. Dorothy Sinclair proudly writes her name with a flourish on the label inside, bursting with joy, knowing this little satchel will be filled with all the things her precious baby will ever need. World War II may be raging in England, but her thoughts are only happy ones as she awaits the birth of her son.

Roberta works diligently at her favorite place, the Old and New Bookshop.  Lost in her literary world, she loves to collect the little hidden treasures that seem to appear when she opens a used book; postcards and notes written on paper-thin stationery, yellowed with age, revealing secrets, musings, and tidbits never meant for her eyes. She is lonely and unable to admit her true feelings for her boss, Philip, knowing he is in love with another. This quaint shop where the"books are alive" is her refuge.

One fateful day, Roberta's father brings to her an an old suitcase that belongs to her 109-year-old grandmother, Dorothea Pietrykowski. In it, she finds an intriguing letter dated from 1941 written by Jan Pietrykowski, the grandfather she never knew. The letter chastises her grandmother for making a horrible decision that will haunt her the rest of her life, bringing pain and sorrow to a nameless young woman and her child. "Your soul shall not return from this that you do."  If only she could ask Dorothea or her father about this mysterious correspondence in a suitcase that bears the name of a Mrs. D. Sinclair. But her father is in failing health, and Roberta doesn't want to upset her grandmother who drifts in and out of the past and the present. Perhaps it's best to accept the fact that some memories are not meant to be revisited.

This is a mellow, satisfying, and beautiful story of two exceptional women at two different times, eighty years apart. The stories run alongside one another, and mesh in a truly extraordinary way.  In her debut novel, Louise Walters paints a vivid picture of life in the 1940s. Warplanes flew over peaceful farmland while people below, like Dorothea, struggled to maintain a normal life. Years later, a young, restless woman also struggles to find a purpose in her life, never realizing that the answers may lie in a battered suitcase from long ago.

A rich story of lost and reclaimed love, irreversible decisions, and what might have been.....
 

At the Water's Edge

At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen

Let's talk about the end rather than the beginning of this novel set during World War II. The author of Water for Elephants shows her penchant for simply telling a good story, leaving the reader feeling happy and content as the tale comes to a conclusion. Simplistic and predictable? Perhaps, but Gruen fans will welcome her ability to take them on yet another journey with memorable characters and a compelling plot.

Madeline Hyde lives the life of leisure in Philadelphia, blissfully unaware (or so she pretends) of the raging war across the ocean. When her rogue, hard-drinking husband, Ellis, fails to meet the requirements to join the service, he proposes they travel to Scotland to verify the existence of the Loch Ness Monster. Maddie finds the whole idea absurd. Her attempts to change his mind are unsuccessful. The married couple embark on a whirlwind adventure to the Scottish Highlands accompanied by friend, Hank, who shares the same fervent desire to prove the Monster exists.

Once they reach the dilapidated lodge in the Scottish Highlands, the story begins, centering on Angus, a sullen, mysterious man who owns the inn. All three are actually frightened by him. With Ellis and Hank gone much of the time in search of answers to their quest, Maddie finds herself alone with Angus and the hard-working everyday people who toil daily at the inn. Her perception of life begins to change. She is forced to look at her disturbing childhood and the reality of her disintegrating marriage. When Ellis becomes cruel and offensive with his addiction to alcohol, Maddie vows to start over without him.  He has become the real Monster.

With historical accuracy, the author describes the horror of a devastating World War. As warplanes fly overhead and Hitler's atrocities come to light, a young, privileged woman experiences her own awakening. It's as much a story of romance, hope, and renewal as it is a period piece; one you'll enjoy reading until the happy ending.

   

The Magician's Lie

The Magician's Lie by Greer Macallister

The art of illusion. Magicians continue to fascinate and intrigue us with their effortless ability to do the impossible. Even the most skeptical audience can't explain the trickery right before their eyes.

This debut novel by a most talented author will hook you from the very first page. The main character isn't real, but the historical research behind the story is; I highly recommend you put this one on your list for the New Year and enter the mesmerizing world of magic.

It's the turn of the 20th century and patrons are filling venues far and wide to witness the magical talents of  The Amazing Arden. As one of the few female illusionists in the country, her fans watch this particular night as she plunges an ax into a coffin-like box, splitting a man's body in two.  Blood gushes onto the stage. Minutes later, the victim is whole again much to the delight of the audience. But later, after Arden makes her exit from the theater, the mutilated body of another man is discovered under the stage. There's only one conclusion. Arden is indeed a cunning murderess.

Virgil Holt is the local sheriff in Janesville, Iowa. By now, news has spread that the famous Arden escaped after murdering her husband during a thrilling show in Waterloo. Virgil is nursing wounds of his own; his life is on a downhill spiral. By a stroke of luck, he encounters the disheveled Arden and takes her into custody. Maybe this is his lucky break.  He can make a name for himself with her arrest.

Confined to a chair with three sets of handcuffs, Arden begs Virgil to listen to the sordid details of her life before he brings her to justice. As her story enfolds, he struggles to draw a line between fact and fiction. Should he believe her claim of innocence or is this the tale of an accomplished woman born to deceive?

Suspenseful, fast-paced, and enlightening, this novel may leave you with many unanswered questions.

Is it real or all a magician's lie?