Book Review - The Song of the Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning

 

 

The Song of the Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning is about a young woman, Alexandra, who is trying to find out the truth about her family’s past. In 1939, a young Jewish European refugee named Romy escaped to Shanghai with her family to escape from the growing Nazi influence. While Romy and her family try to acclimate to their new surroundings, Romy befriends her neighbor’s daughter, Li. The pair and their families become close friends and inseparable. However, Shanghai isn’t invisible to the terrors of World War II and its destruction comes to their little corner of the world.  After a devastating act of violence, Li and Romy find their friendship violently torn apart.

In 2016, Alexandra decided to leave her home in London to Australia after experiencing a bad breakup. She decides that spending time with her grandparents, Romy and Wilhelm, would be good for her soul and to help mend her broken heart. Alexandra wants to spend time with her grandparents as her grandfather wasn’t doing too well over the past week. Her grandmother fears that his death might be imminent.

While going in and out of consciousness, Wilhelm lets a secret drop from his past. Alexandra is desperate to learn how it fits into her own past and history. She knows that her mother had struggled in life because she didn’t know her own history of her adoption. Alexandra is determined to find out the truth about her family’s past, so she decides to fly to Shanghai and try to trace her grandparents' past.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the novel. The book was a long read but I enjoyed most parts of the book. I did wish at times that the story would pick up pacing wise. The book did go into a lot of details that I thought could have been cut down a bit.  It was told from alternating timelines and narrators. I loved reading about Romy and her time in Shanghai. I felt that those were the best part of the book. I was disappointed that it took Romy so long before she told Alex the truth. I felt that this could have been done earlier instead of drawing it out. I would be open to reading more books by this author.

 

Book Review - Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig

 

Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig is about an autistic teenager in foster care named Ginny Moon, who has special needs, and her journey to find a place to belong. Ginny was adopted by her new parents after her birth mother, Gloria, was neglectful and abusive. Ginny’s new adoptive parents,  Maura and Brian, love her and care about her but they don’t quite understand Ginny. They try to make her feel that she belongs with them and that Ginny has somewhere that she can call home.

Ginny, however, is determined to get into contact with Gloria. Ginny knows that Gloria isn’t suitable to be a parent. Ginny isn’t allowed to use a computer without the help of an adult but she found a way to sneak online and reconnect with her birth mother. Ginny wants to see if her “Baby Doll” is safe and she is willing to risk her safety to make sure her “Baby Doll” is safe.

Ginny’s adoptive parents and her therapist, Patrice, believe that Ginny is talking about a doll when she mentions “Baby Doll.” They do not believe her claims that her “Baby Doll” is a real child since they didn’t see any proof of any other children in Gloria’s house other than Ginny. They are confused why Ginny is so insistent on reuniting with Gloria when that would put Ginny at risk for more abuse.

The book took a bit for me to get into. I had a hard time connecting with Ginny and her adoptive parents. She is neurodivergent and I am not familiar with people who are autistic. It was hard for me to tell if she was being a difficult character or if she was acting like that because she was neurodivergent.

I was a bit confused on how Ginny saw things. When the novel opened up, Ginny was given an electronic baby doll to care for. The doll wouldn’t stop crying so Ginny punches the doll and stuffs it in a suitcase under her bed. It is hard to reconcile this violent side of her with the other side that wants to protect her “Baby Doll.” It was worrying when Ginny wouldn’t refer to any baby by their gender but would only refer to them as “it.” I found it weird that she was worried about her “Baby Doll” but seemed to care very little about other children and the electronic baby doll. I understand why her adoptive parents were hesitant to believe her at first but then years passed by and it was only when Ginny made one flippant comment did someone finally take her seriously.

I hated how rude and mean her adoptive parents were. As soon as they realized that Ginny was too much to handle, they were ready to give her back. I do sympathize that they needed to protect their newborn baby but I felt that they didn’t even take the time to understand Ginny or try to figure out why she wanted to see her birth mom.  The book’s pace did take a bit to pick up and get to the point. It was repetitive  when talking about Ginny’s different idiosyncrasies, but the author glosses over Ginny’s traumatic past. The author hints at her past trauma but never goes into much detail. I feel like if we were given a bit more detail maybe I would have been able to connect a bit better with Ginny. I would, however, be open to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough

 

Emma Averell is proud of her life. She is on track to become a partner at her law firm, she has two children and a doting husband. Life wasn't always so perfect for Emma. When she was five years old, Emma and her older sister went into foster care after an incident involving their mother. Her sister remembers a time when their mother was "normal", but Emma can only remember her mother as the monster. Her mother started changing around her fortieth birthday, and Emma's fortieth birthday is right around the corner.

Emma is desperate to forget her past and move on. However, she finds herself obsessing over her mother and her past. Emma is unable to sleep and keeps checking the doors and her children at night. Emma starts to doubt herself and she is unsure if she can be trusted because of her lack of sleep.

I thought the book was an interesting read. The story did get a bit repetitive and I am not sure how believable the "mystery" behind Emma's mother was. I felt like it came out of nowhere or maybe I missed something along the way. I did enjoy the way the author depicted Emma's gradual mental decline and made us guess if she's an unreliable narrator or if someone is out to get her.

Book Review - Deception by Patricia Bradley

 

Madison Thorn had to kill an FBI agent who went rogue. He was threatening her mission and she had no choice but, to kill him. She decided she no longer wants to work in violent crimes and made a move to the fraud and cyber division instead. She likes working with numbers as they do not lie. However, when a white collar crime turns violent, Madison is forced to work with a childhood nemesis, park ranger Clayton Bradshaw.

A woman who looks like Madison is attacked the same night Madison's grandfather is shot. Madison fears that something bigger is going on and that she might be in danger.  Will Madison and Clayton be able to work together to figure out the truth?

I thought this was an okay read. I didn't really like any of the characters and had a hard time bonding with them. They felt flat and two-dimensional.  I felt like the book also had too many characters and side plots. I felt that this detracted from the original story and made it hard to lose focus and trying to remember what was going on. Perhaps, this would have been better if it was a movie as it would be easier to keep track of things in that format but, in a book format it was just too confusing and eventually, boring.

Book Review - Death of an American Beauty by Mariah Fredericks

 

 

 

In 1913, Jane Prescott is a lady's maid but, she is taking a break to visit the opening of an art exhibition. The cubist exhibition is shocking and scandalous in New York City. This is also the fiftieth anniversary of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation speech. The wealthy society women are determined to celebrate the occasion in style. 

Dolly Rutherford, the heiress to the glamorous Rutherford's department store, has gathered her friends to put on a play. Louise Tyler, Jane's employer, is scheduled to play the role of Lincoln. Jane is torn between helping Louise and enjoying her vacation. However, the decision is made for her when a murdered outside Jane's childhood home. The house is used as a refuge for working women who want to leave the profession. 

Her uncle runs the shelter and he falls under suspicion. Jane fears for him because he is keeping his whereabouts a secret. Jane decides to enlist help from her friends to help solve the murder. Will Jane be able to solve the murder before she is next?

This was my first book by the author. It seems that each book could be read as a standalone.  I thought the book was an interesting read but, sparse with twists and turns. I was able to guess the murderer halfway into the book. I did like that the author including tidbits of history in the novel. I look forward to reading more books by the author.

  **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Forgotten Daughter by Joanna Goodman

 

In 1992, some of the French-Canadian people are fighting for Quebec's independence. Véronique Fortin is the daughter of a famous radical separatist who was convicted of kidnapping and murdering a politician in 1970.  She believes in her father's cause of Quebec being separate from Canada. It is surprising when she falls for James Phénix, a journalist of French-Canadian descent who opposes Quebec separatism. Their relationship is turbulent and passionate as they try to navigate their relationship.

Elodie Phénix is James's older sister and one of the Duplessis Orphans. She becomes involved in a lawsuit against the church, government, and the medical officials who branded her mentally incapable as an orphan. During the 1950s, Quebec's orphanages were converted to mental hospitals to get more money for the government. This led to children being misdiagnosed.

Elodie relies on Véronique as Elodie struggles to get recognition for the childhood trauma she faced. During the lawsuit ordeal, Elodie is forced to come to terms with her feelings. Will Elodie and Véronique be able to move on from their past?

I thought the book was an interesting read. I felt like it was a bit slow for some parts of the novel. The story showed characters learning to forgive and love each other. This wasn't a book I would normally pick to read but, I am glad that I did read it. I am looking forward to reading other books by the author.

  **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Plans We Made by Kathryn Cushman + Giveaway

 

Caroline Chapman thought she was going to marry the man of her dreams. However, when her engagement is called off, she is determined to start again. She moves across the country to start her dream job planning events in historical mansions. Carolina feels that she has finally got her life back on track.

 Linda Riley has the perfect life on the outside. She has an adoring husband, two kids, and is actively involved in church and the community.  However, she receives a diagnosis that shatters her life. In order to save her son, she must reveal her deepest darkest secret.

Linda and Caroline are connected to past events. As their secret comes to light, will the pair be able to come to terms with their past?

I thought the novel was an enjoyable read. I was unsure of what Caroline saw in Dillion. He seemed like the type of person that only thought of her when it was convenient for him. I didn't even feel any romantic vibes during their interactions. I enjoyed reading the conversations with Linda's kids and their interaction. It was nice seeing the community rally behind him. Overall, I thought the novel was a good read.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

When past secrets hold the only key to hope for the future…

Caroline Chapman is reeling from a broken engagement. Determined to start again, she moves cross-country for her dream job of planning events in the historical mansions of Newport, Rhode Island. Just as her life is getting back on track, she gets an email that shakes her very foundations.

Linda Riley’s life looks picture perfect - a wonderful husband, two great kids, involved in church and the community. Then comes the diagnosis that shatters the facade. In order to save her son’s life, she must reveal secrets that can rip everything apart.

Connected by more than painful circumstances, these two women discover a sacred bond. In this beautiful story of love, loss, and the fight for life, Caroline and Linda experience the reality that life doesn’t always go according to The Plans We Made.

 

 

Kathryn Cushman graduated with a degree in pharmacy from Samford University. After hanging up her lab coat, she shifted her focus toward writing. Her previous works have received multiple nominations for both the Carol Award and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. The Plans We Made is her tenth published novel.
 
Learn more at kathryncushman.com. Follow Kathryn on Facebook (@authorkathryncushman) and Instagram (katiecushman1). 


Lauren Beccue graduated from Holy Cross with a BA in English and now lives with her family in Santa Barbara. She writes about faith and family, with an emphasis on agricultural passages of the Bible. This is her first novel. 

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