"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 Sanatorium"

"The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse

Austere and intimidating, Le Sommet sits high in the 

majestic Swiss Alps, an imposing hotel surrounded

by thick forests and relentless, swirling snow. Years ago, when

it was a sanatorium, tuberculosis patients sought treatment 

there. Persistent rumors plagued the facility until it was

eventually abandoned, never revealing the truth about what 

atrocities occurred behind closed doors. 

Investors renovated the building into a five-star, luxury, getaway,

much to the chagrin and objections of the locals in the nearby town. 

With its clean, modern, and stark accommodations, the sleek hotel

attracts travelers craving to be pampered and secluded.

After a harrowing trip on ice-covered roads, British detective Elin

Warner and her boyfriend, Will Riley, arrive at this destination to

celebrate the engagement of Elin's brother, Isaac, to Laure Strehl,

Elin's estranged friend from childhood days. The strained 

communication between the siblings dates back to the accidental

death of their little brother, Sam, and  Isaac's failure to show up 

at their mother's funeral, only intensifies the chasm in their

relationship.

One day after arriving at the hotel, Laure disappears, and Elin finds

herself taking over the investigation. Treacherous, dangerous weather 

conditions prevent local police from making the dangerous trek to

the scene. But what Elin has failed to disclose, is that she is on leave

from her job due to an emotional breakdown after a terrifying ordeal 

on a previous case.

When Elin discovers Laure isn't the only woman missing, the eerie

vibe she feels from the sinister hotel takes hold of every waking 

moment. What horrors lie behind the maze of rooms and secret

passages of this ominous building? Stranded and vulnerable after

a deadly avalanche, the guests and staff that remain are at the

mercy of their menacing surroundings. 

The vivid imagery of this debut novel takes the reader into a world

of terror and uncertainty. With no possibility of escape from the frigid 

death trap, every character becomes a possible killer. It's a frightening,

macabre scenario with haunting memories from the past, that will

keep the pages turning until the perplexing ending that won't put

your fears to rest. 

"Shipped"

"Shipped" by Angie Hockman 

Henley Evans can almost taste the sweetness of the upcoming

promotion. The prize of digital director at Seaquest Adventures

could be hers, if she can create a stellar proposal to entice 

eager travelers to cruise the tantalizing Galapagos Islands. 

Increase revenue, and her career soars. But first, she must 

eliminate any obstacles in her way. 

As the marketing manager of this boutique cruise line, she's

undoubtedly made some necessary sacrifices. Quality time with

friends and family always takes a back seat to pursuing her lofty 

goals. But if that's what it takes, Henley is more than willing 

to pay the price for a prestigious title and a more comfortable

lifestyle. 

There's just one hiccup in her perfectly executed plan. She'll

have to visit the Islands personally to get a feel of all they have 

to offer enthusiastic tourists, and joining her will be arch

rival, Graeme Crawford-Collins, a man she's never met, but

intensely dislikes already. Granted, his dreamy, good looks are

quite appealing on their virtual calls, but now is not the time

to think about a personal relationship. She not only doesn't trust

him, he's also serious competition for the opportunity of a lifetime. 

But staying cool and rational is far from easy when Henley

meets Graeme in person. Her preconceived notions about him

being a conniving nemesis begins to dissolve as they explore

the Islands together, and soon the mutual attraction can no longer

be denied. This sexy competitor threatens to claim the recognition

she's worked so hard for, while her heart slowly melts whenever

he's around. 

This fun-filled, frolicking romance is the perfect getaway for

readers who want to leave their worries behind. Join Henley, 

Graeme, and an entertaining cast of characters, as they spend

spectacular days and moonlit nights at sea, experiencing all the

glorious beauty and history this breathtaking location has to offer. 

Approximately 1000km off the coast of Ecuador, the stunning

stretches of white beaches, and exotic wildlife of Galapagos, 

are the perfect setting for unexpected romance and new beginnings. 

And don't miss the author's notes on her thoughts about the 

connection between human beings and the ecosystems that 

surround us all. Not only is this debut entertaining, it also

provides enlightening information about what we can do to save

and preserve our precious planet. 

Add "Shipped" to your list of "Books To Read", on sale

January 19th, 2021, and escape to paradise.

 

"The Wife Upstairs"

"The Wife Upstairs" by Rachel Hawkins

Stroll by the opulence of the gated homes in 

Thornfield Estates, and you'll see how the wealthy

live. Perfectly manicured lawns bursting with

vivid flowers surround magnificent homes with pricey

SUVs in the driveways, waiting for restless housewives

to depart for another gossipy luncheon fueled by 

over-priced cocktails.  

Jane is new to Birmingham, Alabama, and even though

her latest gig as a dog-walker for these over-indulged 

residents isn't her dream job, it does offer the opportunity

to imagine what it must be like to wake up every day

not worrying about how next month's rent will

miraculously appear. For just a moment, she can forget

the abusive foster homes where she spent her childhood.  

When resilient Jane happens to meet the charming, handsome

widower, Eddie Rochester, on one of these daily walks, she

immediately seizes the opportunity to ingratiate herself into

his life. With his tousled, good looks and captivating demeanor, 

Jane falls hard for Eddie, and he finds her to be a refreshing 

change from the boring, predictable ladies nearby. 

In just a matter of time, there's a stunning diamond and 

emerald sparkler on her finger, as the country club neighbors

slowly welcome her into their tight-knit circle, fascinated as to 

how this young woman won the heart of alluring Eddie. 

Soon, Jane learns the disturbing details of the tragic

events that took the life of Eddie's beloved, late wife, Bea.

The beautiful, elegant, sinfully rich, entrepreneur and her best friend,

Blanche, drowned in a boating accident, their bodies forever lost to

the churning waters of a deep, dark lake. 

Living with the legend of Bea is incredibly hard for Jane, but when

Blanche's husband, Tripp, is arrested for murder, she finds herself more unsettled

than ever. What really happened on that ominous night? With Tripp vehemently

denying the charges, Jane's uneasiness grows. How well does she really know

the man who's provided the life of luxury she's always craved, and how well

does Eddie know Jane, who has some pretty damning secrets of her own? 

Rachel Hawkins (who writes for young adults under the pen name, Erin

Sterling) ventures into the genre of psychological thrillers/romance, with

a debut that is raw, addictive, and satisfyingly brilliant. 

Filled with twists and turns that make the pages turn quickly, this compelling 

modern-day "Jane Eyre" has its very own updated Mr. Rochester, and is a 

decidedly fabulous choice of novels for the kick-off of 2021.

 

"The Chicken Sisters"

"The Chicken Sisters" by KJ Dell' Antonia

How do you like your chicken?  

Whether it's pan or deep-fried, there are two places

in Merinac, Kansas, that are sure to satisfy your appetite

for succulent poultry. 

Chicken Mimi's and Chicken Frannie's are fierce rivals, dating

all the way back to the 1800s when two innovative sisters with

an intense dislike for one another, started serving delicious

meals to hungry travelers near the railroad and coal mines.

The quarrel continues today with the Moore and Pogociello

clan still offering mouth-watering chicken dinners in this 

little town, where loyal customers frequent both establishments 

every day. They are banned from stepping inside the competitor's

restaurant, insisting on perpetuating a nasty feud that spans over

three generations. 

Sisters Amanda and Mae Moore grew up in Merinac, but followed 

different paths after  graduation. Amanda stayed in town, marrying

Frank Pogociello, which banished her from Mimi's, where her

mother, Barbara, reigns as proprietor. Mae, on the other hand, decided

to leave her hometown, and the agonizing, childhood memories

that still haunt her today.

Soon Mae became a celebrity by writing a best-seller about decluttering

your life, while her photogenic face graced a few episodes of  Sparkling,

a wildly successful reality series. And although they live miles

apart, bitter resentments and hostility between the estranged sisters 

still remain. 

On a whim, Amanda decides to answer an advertisement from

Food Wars, a hit television series that promises to pay a whopping

$100,000 grand prize to one lucky restaurant owner willing to pit

their expertise and dining experience against a formidable challenger.

Much to her surprise, the show chooses the chicken establishments

in tiny Merinac to be spotlighted for all the nation to see.

Surely, Mae won't return, but much to Amanda's surprise, she does, 

and the supposedly carefree contest turns into a soul-wrenching expose

of humiliating secrets and misunderstandings that rip open old, hidden 

wounds best left in the past. The perky Food Wars TV host is relentless 

in her quest to  probe deeply into the family squabble, rather than 

simply staging a taste-testing between two adversaries. What she uncovers 

is disturbing, and the many players in the story all converge to face the

fall-out. A painful intervention may be what it takes for Amanda and Mae to 

finally realize that blood is thicker than any chicken recipe could ever be. 

This endearing, light-hearted, but thought-provoking paperback, is

a delightful read to lift your spirits during this 2020 holiday season.

It's the perfect gift for Mom, your best friend, or that sister you find

so often irritating, but can't live without. 

 

 

"The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop"

"The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop" by Fannie Flagg 

In the 1930s, Whistle Stop, Alabama, was a bustling

railroad town, where plain, good folks lived. In the best

of times. they laughed together, in the worst of times,

they cried and comforted each other. No pretense, no

flair, just a common place where everyone was welcome. 

Now, many years later, Whistle Stop is a pile of

junk and rubble, a sad, ghost town where a weary

traveler could once stretch his legs on the way to the big city. 

If you are nostalgic, and feel like dropping by to see what

remains, be sure to listen very carefully, because the faint

whispers of what used to be, may echo in your ears. 

Like the lively conversation coming out of the Whistle Stop

Cafe, home of the famous, fried, green tomatoes. Or the

gossip from the beauty parlor owned by Opal Butts where

stylish ladies get their hair done-up every Saturday.

You might even hear Reverend Scroggins preaching

encouraging sermons to his flock of worshippers who 

seldom listen to sound advice.

Bud Threadgoode grew up in this town, and now he's an

old man, determined to return one last time to that place

where fond memories fill his heart and soul. This is his

story, spanning the glorious past, while taking a peek as 

to what's in store for an uncertain future. Join Bud on his

journey as he mourns the loss of so many loved ones,

celebrates newfound friendships, and embraces endless

possibilities in his twilight years. 

Actress Fannie Flagg writes another delightful story in

her Whistle Stop series, with all the warmth and humor of her

two previous books. Step back in time where mellow anecdotes

and lovable characters fill every page. Perhaps the next

chapter about this beguiling town is waiting to be written. 

"In a Holidaze"

When twenty-six year-old Maelyn Jones looks to the

stars, and secretly asks the Universe to show her the road

to happiness, she receives an astounding response 

from up above. 

It all starts on the way home from what looks to be the

final, holiday getaway at the picturesque Utah cabin

where she and her extended family celebrate every year. 

The eclectic group includes her divorced parents, and an

entourage of former college buddies with their families, 

who gather annually to drink, and be merry. Commemorating

tried-and-true traditions, and generally getting on each other's

nerves is fondly anticipated. They wouldn't have it any other way. 

But there's a different vibe to the party atmosphere this year.

The beloved cabin is in disrepair, and the owners are looking 

to sell the property. Just another monumental disappointment 

in Maelyn's unfilled life. Along with no place of her own to live,

and a dead-end job, she finds it impossible to deny romantic

feelings for a man who has been a childhood friend forever. 

When a fiery crash occurs on the return trip home, Maelyn wakes

up on a plane, heading to Utah, and only she remembers the past,

fretful, few days. Her family is concerned and puzzled, since they

are clueless as to the nonsense she is recalling. For Maelyn, it's

the beginning of  a series of disasters about to happen

over and over, until she finds the peace and contentment that's

been hers all along for the taking. 

This playful, feel-good romance, ushers in the upcoming season

with a story reminiscent of the movie "Groundhog Day". Family

and friends learn that the challenge of growing up, evolving, and

changing priorities, doesn't necessarily have to be painful, as long

as honesty and love are part of the equation. Despite the odds,

this charming novel may have  you believing that happily-ever-after

is just a wish away.