Book Review: The Nearness of You

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Set in 1952, The Nearness of You is a post-war novel.Lily Denton longs to go to New York City, however, her father is protective of his girl and would like her nearby. She works in the library day-by-day. It seems her routine will never change. then The Fall Festival comes along with the tourists it brings and adventure.
Boone Tatum is a photographer who seems to attract trouble. He meets Lily and his life changes. He wants to stay here and not go wandering anymore.
Lily now has to make some decisions about a new life.
Dorothy Garlock writes romance novels that can place the reader right in the middle of the story. I like how she can make a love story grow naturally without a lot of silliness.
I truly enjoyed this book.

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Book Review: Mehendi Tides

Set on the shores of the Arabian Sea, Mehendi Tides, by Siobhan Malany, follows Kate McKenna who is discovering the beauty of India and Pakistan. She becomes so enthralled with the culture and the history of this area as she travels with Nasreen, a childhood friend, and Krishna, as she visit family.

Along with the rituals which surround an arranged marriage, Kate becomes aware of feelings inside of her. Many years later, she reflects on this time while she looks for her own meaning of life and struggles with secrets that her friends have.

I love how this book is written. I have never traveled in this part of the world so to see it through the eyes of this young one was splendid. The descriptions of the places placed me right there. I also loved the friendship between the three girls. It was so much fun.

I received an autographed copy, from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

This book may be found on Amazon HERE!
or on Barnes and Noble HERE!

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book Review: 67 Shots: Kent State and the End of American Innocence

In my house, we talked very little about Vietnam, or the violence with the IRA. I suppose that is why certain days live in my mind, this is one of them. I was only ten at the time but I remember this violence in my home state. Three days of protest, more students than I could count and then the National Guard. It was so hard to believe in 13 seconds, 67 shots could be issued and four lives killed.

The author, Howard Means, did a good job with the oral-history collection and interviewing to relay this story from those who were there. I feel he was able to describe the tension and the anger surrounding this time. Not only of those there but across the nation. From the President, the Governor, the Mayor and so on, each are examined to help us to reflect on that day and, hopefully, stop it from happening again.

Very good. I was given this book by NetGalley and Perseus Group Books, De Capo Press in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be purchased HERE! at Amazon

Book Review: A Hiss Before Dying

A Hiss Before Dying is a cozy mystery in the Mrs. Murphy series.

During the Autumn, while the world is going about its normal routines of cleaning and preparing for winter, the annual rabbit hunt takes place. During this event the beagles and the hunters come up with a different find of find....a dead body.

Previously a missing truck driver's corpse was found, although it could not be identified. Where these too connected? Harry Haristeen finds some clues which go back to the area right after the Revolutionary War.

Through the help of the cats, Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker, the mystery begins to unravel.

I enjoy reading about the likeable characters and the interesting parts about the history involved. I did not want to put this book down once I started.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Bantam in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be purchased HERE!

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Book Review: Jefferson's America

I love Jefferson's America by Julie M. Fenster. I feel like she has given a fresh, new look to the portion of history that involves the explorations of the west. It begins while he is in office as Secretary of State and continues through the expansions that America went through during his time. There was background given to the areas before we began exploring plus of those that would go on their explorations. Fenster used journals as a launching point for her book and I was impressed with the detail that she was able to hone from each of these.

I am a history buff and I appreciate the work that it takes to produce a complete work and keep it objective. Julie Fenster was able to do just that.

There is one issue that I had with my copy, but this did not have to do with the writing, but the printing. Beginning in the second chapter, there were ink blots found throughout the book. This did make it harder to stay with the reading, but I am so glad that I did.

I was given this book by blogging for books in exchange for my honest review, however, this is a book that I would have picked up at a bookstore and enjoyed.