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A People at War: Civilians and Soldiers in America's Civil War
Author:
Genre: History
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genre: History
Book Type: Hardcover
When I finish reading a history book, I can often tell how much I learned by the number of page points I used to mark important passages. For this book, that number was 25. Considering I have been reading about the Civil War for over 64 years, that number is significant, showing how much I learned. For example, statistics show that 20% of Confederate soldiers were conscripted, while only 7% of Union soldiers were. For well over a hundred years "Lost Cause" mythologists would have had you believe otherwise.
If you are interested in how the American Civil War affected our country and changed it, but are not interested in the battles or tactics, this is a good book to read. The only time battles and troop movements are mentioned are when they affect civilian populations.
However, this is not a popular history, as it is lengthy and well researched. Even with my interest in the social and political aspects of the War, it took me a long time to read it. But then it also wasn't the only book I was reading at the same time. But if you are a Civil War buff, this book should be on your BIR list.
At the end, the authors get into a discussion of how the government treated the American Indians after the Civil War. I'm not sure why that was included.
If you are interested in how the American Civil War affected our country and changed it, but are not interested in the battles or tactics, this is a good book to read. The only time battles and troop movements are mentioned are when they affect civilian populations.
However, this is not a popular history, as it is lengthy and well researched. Even with my interest in the social and political aspects of the War, it took me a long time to read it. But then it also wasn't the only book I was reading at the same time. But if you are a Civil War buff, this book should be on your BIR list.
At the end, the authors get into a discussion of how the government treated the American Indians after the Civil War. I'm not sure why that was included.
Slow start, but picks up and turns into a great who-done-it.
Kati M. (kbmc) reviewed on + 39 more book reviews
This book started out really strong, I read it in just 2 days. Unfortunately the last few chapters were completely ridiculous and implausible and the âbig twistâ came out of nowhere and made absolutely no sense. Also the trope endings of âit's this⦠OR IS IT?!?â that is so common in this type of story is becoming tiresome.
The Strangler Vine (Blake and Avery, Bk 1)
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
This book covers a period during the early days of the British Raj in India, a period I love reading about. As a result, for me this was a page-turner. In fact, at the end of the book I had to read the enclosed chapter from the sequel to find out what happened to the two main characters. The extended cast of characters are quite complicated and some surprises about them await the reader.
This book is less of a mystery and and more of an adventure novel. I was particularly intrigued by the differing view of the Thugee menace the author portrayed. According to her, some historians are drastically revising the historical reality of this "religious murder cult."
This book is less of a mystery and and more of an adventure novel. I was particularly intrigued by the differing view of the Thugee menace the author portrayed. According to her, some historians are drastically revising the historical reality of this "religious murder cult."
The Kiss Quotient (Kiss Quotient, Bk 1)
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Romance
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Romance
Book Type: Paperback
I love that my book club celebrates Dirty Book Month every February, discussing a spicy romance. This year's pick was The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang. I first read it in January 2019 and listened to the audiobook, narrated by Carly Robins, again last month.
Given's this novel's popularity, most readers are likely familiar with the plot. Stella is very successful in her economics career but a failure in love due in part to having high functioning autism. Michael is a talented clothing designer working in the family business and is secretly a male escort to pay off big debts. Stella hires Michael to improve her intimacy skills and receives much more.
The spicy scenes begin very early in this story and they were hot (for this reader). I enjoyed how their connection grew, especially when Stella meets three generations of Michael's family. I appreciated the gender role reversals, feminist themes, and the author's personal connection to autism.
Unfortunately winter weather twice cancelled our group's plans to discuss this novel. Is Mother Nature a prude? LOL I know we would've had lively conversations.
Given's this novel's popularity, most readers are likely familiar with the plot. Stella is very successful in her economics career but a failure in love due in part to having high functioning autism. Michael is a talented clothing designer working in the family business and is secretly a male escort to pay off big debts. Stella hires Michael to improve her intimacy skills and receives much more.
The spicy scenes begin very early in this story and they were hot (for this reader). I enjoyed how their connection grew, especially when Stella meets three generations of Michael's family. I appreciated the gender role reversals, feminist themes, and the author's personal connection to autism.
Unfortunately winter weather twice cancelled our group's plans to discuss this novel. Is Mother Nature a prude? LOL I know we would've had lively conversations.
Unrestricted Access: New and Classic Short Fiction
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
A delightful anthology of short stories, many relating to other works by the author. Having read many of his other books enhanced my enjoyment of these stories. Highly recommended!
Gunbarrel Highway by Sean Bridges
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Exciting and intense thriller that will keep readers turning pages!
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Exciting and intense thriller that will keep readers turning pages!
Gunbarrel Highway is a new thriller by Texas author Sean Bridges that features a wild manhunt for a lawyer falsely accused of killing the wife of a congressional hopeful in a traffic accident. Non-stop action, shocking betrayals, and unimaginable plot twists kept me riveted to this story from start to finish.
Attorney Daniel Morrison is a man on the run. After Claudia Grant drives her bright red convertible head-on into his SUV, he runs from the scene, afraid the police will think he's at fault because of the blue pills he shouldn't have, which now littered the floor of his vehicle. While Claudia was the cause of the crash, her husband announces a million-dollar bounty for his capture, dead or alive, at a press conference at the hospital. Now, everyone in the region is on the lookout to bring Daniel in by whatever means necessary.Daniel was already having a rough day, what with his hangover and the early morning verbal sparring with Judy, the wife he was in the middle of divorcing. Late to work and on his boss's bad side for some legitimate shortcomings, it was hard feeling much sympathy for him initially. However, as this tragedy of errors, misunderstandings, and misinterpretations unfolded, he started to grow on me, and I needed for him to be vindicated.
The story is populated by a plethora of great characters, many of whom are incredibly unlikable, such as the smarmy television reporter and the new widower, to name a few. The plot moves swiftly, even as the author is setting up the scene and the individuals involved in the upcoming accident. From that point, the action is non-stop, with Daniel just trying to get home to surrender and plot twist after plot twist, making that goal seem less and less likely ever to happen. I know I gasped out loud a couple of times and absolutely couldn't put this book down until I finished it!I recommend GUNBARREL HIGHWAY to readers of thrillers and suspense, especially those who enjoy a Hill Country/South Texas setting.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.
It's obvious that I'd never make a good detective. Everything required to solve Galbraith's (Rowling's) latest whodunit is in plain sight and yet I didn't see the solution. In any case, this latest mystery romp was great fun. I enjoyed the whole experience. Recommended!
* * * * 1/2* Black literature. A black woman gets pulled back in time by a young white boy to the Antebellum South. There she must figure out how to survive the time of racism and slavery and a racist era and how to return to current times.
The concept was unique and the characters believable, and the ending ... the ending!
The only slight(!) dislike was the author's style of writing at the beginning. However, as the story progressed, the writing flowed easily.
As I was reading, I was already easily rating this book 4 stars. However, once I finished, it was elevated to 4.5.
Given the subject matter, some scenes may be too painful to read. Check your trigger warnings.
The concept was unique and the characters believable, and the ending ... the ending!
The only slight(!) dislike was the author's style of writing at the beginning. However, as the story progressed, the writing flowed easily.
As I was reading, I was already easily rating this book 4 stars. However, once I finished, it was elevated to 4.5.
Given the subject matter, some scenes may be too painful to read. Check your trigger warnings.
The Likeness (Rob Ryan & Cassie Maddox, Bk 2)
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Marcia C. reviewed on + 679 more book reviews
An improbable premise - an Irish detective appears to have a double, who is killed, and she goes undercover to suss out the killer - but all the same, the book is suspenseful if a little long.
Luck or Something Like It: A Memoir
Author:
Genres: Arts & Photography, Biographies & Memoirs, Humor & Entertainment
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Arts & Photography, Biographies & Memoirs, Humor & Entertainment
Book Type: Paperback
Patti Z. (jonathansmom) reviewed on + 52 more book reviews
Honest and open book about the life of a great man. He held nothing back. Easy to read and engaging.
Broken Bonds (Cold Creek, Bk 3)
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Kelly O. (KellyWilloughby) reviewed on + 216 more book reviews
It brings the sister story's to an end. It slows a little in places but overall it is a good read. Reading the first 2 books first is a great benefit for the history!
The book you wish you had as a teenager.
Fatal Accusation (Fatal, Bk 15)
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Sam and Nick are at a dinner party at a friend's house when breaking news interrupts their night out. President David Nelson had an affair with his campaign staffer Tara Weber. Even worse, Tara is now claiming that her newborn child was fathered by the President. Both Nick and Sam are hoping it isn't true. Nick is the current Vice President, and he really doesn't want to move up if the President resigns or is forced out of office. To make matters worse, a few days later Sam is given a homicide case that has ties to President Nelson.
I thought this was a lackluster addition to the series. There wasn't a lot of story to this one. Most of it was repetitive phrases and storylines. We kept going over everyone's reaction to the President's affair and the fact that the First Lady is "so nice". We also had Sam's grief over losing her father, her threats of using a rusty steak knife on several people, and Nick and Sam putting the kids to bed and how lucky they are to have them in their lives. I hope the next book in the series has a little more originality. My rating: 3 Stars.
I thought this was a lackluster addition to the series. There wasn't a lot of story to this one. Most of it was repetitive phrases and storylines. We kept going over everyone's reaction to the President's affair and the fact that the First Lady is "so nice". We also had Sam's grief over losing her father, her threats of using a rusty steak knife on several people, and Nick and Sam putting the kids to bed and how lucky they are to have them in their lives. I hope the next book in the series has a little more originality. My rating: 3 Stars.
3.5 stars. I almost gave up on this about a third of the way through, but once the chapters shifted to mostly Chicky's story I enjoyed it. Cute and light read but needs more of that dog on the cover.
Hawaiian Medic to Rescue His Heart (Harlequin Medical, No 1199) (Larger Print)
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Zach and his six-year-old son, Harry, moved to Hawaii after his divorce. As a now-single dad of a special needs son, he needs day-to-day help if he's going to give Harry the best life possible. Zach's parents had moved to Hawaii earlier, so Zach went where he had support. Leaving his busy job as a firefighter and paramedic in Manhattan wasn't easy, but he looks forward to a more relaxed way of life. He did not expect the dynamo of coworker Lulu.
Lulu is the youngest of six, with five overprotective older brothers. Their grandmother raised them after their parents drowned when she was a child. Accustomed to dealing with her brothers, Lulu doesn't back down for anyone, even her hot new boss.
Lulu and Zach got off to a rough start. Lulu doesn't hesitate to bend the rules when she thinks it's necessary, and Zach is by the book. Adding to the antagonism, Lulu had applied for the job Zach has now, and he bought the house Lulu has been saving up to buy. Neither expected the intense attraction they felt for each other.
I enjoyed the development of Zach and Lulu's relationship. They got over their antagonism quickly once their tempers cooled. I liked how Lulu took the whole Murphy family under her wing and introduced them to island life. The more time they spent together, the stronger their attraction grew, and the harder it was to resist the feelings that came along. When they finally give in, the deepening of their relationship accelerates.
However, it may be too much, too fast, as the depth of their feelings stirs up old insecurities. Then, a distressing rescue call drives a wedge between them, each one lashing out in hurt and anger. I ached for both as each had to face their past before they could look to a future together. I loved the ending, and the epilogue was sweet.
Family is a huge part of this book. Lulu's large Hawaiian family is terrific. Her brothers' overprotectiveness comes from their deep love for their little sister, though it often frustrates her. They are always there to support each other when needed. I liked their grandmother and the wisdom she dispenses. However, my favorite secondary character is Zach's son, Harry. Though he has his challenges (cerebral palsy), he is such a happy and energetic kiddo that I looked forward to scenes with him. I loved his immediate bond with Lulu and his awe of Mak.
Lulu is the youngest of six, with five overprotective older brothers. Their grandmother raised them after their parents drowned when she was a child. Accustomed to dealing with her brothers, Lulu doesn't back down for anyone, even her hot new boss.
Lulu and Zach got off to a rough start. Lulu doesn't hesitate to bend the rules when she thinks it's necessary, and Zach is by the book. Adding to the antagonism, Lulu had applied for the job Zach has now, and he bought the house Lulu has been saving up to buy. Neither expected the intense attraction they felt for each other.
I enjoyed the development of Zach and Lulu's relationship. They got over their antagonism quickly once their tempers cooled. I liked how Lulu took the whole Murphy family under her wing and introduced them to island life. The more time they spent together, the stronger their attraction grew, and the harder it was to resist the feelings that came along. When they finally give in, the deepening of their relationship accelerates.
However, it may be too much, too fast, as the depth of their feelings stirs up old insecurities. Then, a distressing rescue call drives a wedge between them, each one lashing out in hurt and anger. I ached for both as each had to face their past before they could look to a future together. I loved the ending, and the epilogue was sweet.
Family is a huge part of this book. Lulu's large Hawaiian family is terrific. Her brothers' overprotectiveness comes from their deep love for their little sister, though it often frustrates her. They are always there to support each other when needed. I liked their grandmother and the wisdom she dispenses. However, my favorite secondary character is Zach's son, Harry. Though he has his challenges (cerebral palsy), he is such a happy and energetic kiddo that I looked forward to scenes with him. I loved his immediate bond with Lulu and his awe of Mak.
Fascinating Music Facts of the 1960s: Music Trivia Exploring Music Genres and Artists of the 1960s
Author:
Genres: Arts & Photography, Reference, Humor & Entertainment
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Arts & Photography, Reference, Humor & Entertainment
Book Type: Paperback
Thank goodness the author reminded readers of the individual songs the trivia was about; otherwise, I would have been clueless. The author segmented the stories into several parts, such as
FOLK MUSIC
TEEN IDOLS
SURF ROCK
THE BRITISH INVASION
COUNTRY MUSIC
MOTOWN
RHYTHM & BLUES
JAZZ
STUDIO BRANDS
HARD ROCK
PSYCHEDELIC MUSIC
CHANGING THE SOUND
WOODSTOCK
My personal favorite section was the studio bands: The Wrecking Crew (Los Angeles), The Funk Brothers (Detroit), The Swampers (Muscle Shoals, Alabama), Booker T & The M. G.'s (Memphis), and The Nashville Cats of Nashville. Years ago, I purchased a DVD about the Funk Brothers of Detroit. They were bitter because they were not recognized for their profound effects on music. However, their music was incredible. I enjoyed hearing about the other music centers that were the backgrounds for most of the music of the 1960s.
There was some repetition, but it was a pleasant walk down memory lane.
FOLK MUSIC
TEEN IDOLS
SURF ROCK
THE BRITISH INVASION
COUNTRY MUSIC
MOTOWN
RHYTHM & BLUES
JAZZ
STUDIO BRANDS
HARD ROCK
PSYCHEDELIC MUSIC
CHANGING THE SOUND
WOODSTOCK
My personal favorite section was the studio bands: The Wrecking Crew (Los Angeles), The Funk Brothers (Detroit), The Swampers (Muscle Shoals, Alabama), Booker T & The M. G.'s (Memphis), and The Nashville Cats of Nashville. Years ago, I purchased a DVD about the Funk Brothers of Detroit. They were bitter because they were not recognized for their profound effects on music. However, their music was incredible. I enjoyed hearing about the other music centers that were the backgrounds for most of the music of the 1960s.
There was some repetition, but it was a pleasant walk down memory lane.
The Harbinger: The Ancient Mystery That Holds the Secret of America's Future
Author:
Genres: Nonfiction, Christian Books & Bibles
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Nonfiction, Christian Books & Bibles
Book Type: Paperback
Audrey A. (Arosea) reviewed on + 473 more book reviews
There are not enough words to explain how this book has put my understanding of American history, Christian theology, and Jewish prophecy on a level that challenges everything I've ever thought I knew about anything! There is not enough space for those words to be given here. All I can tell you is that with as many as I've given reviews for, this book has shocked, inspired, taught, challenged.
This is an engrossing story with lots of moving parts. The main character, Zach Waller, is the police dispatcher for a small town. I would describe him as a beta male who does not want attention or conflict. This dynamic is different and makes it interesting.
I had difficulty differentiating two males in the story who became fathers at about the same time. That is why I dropped a star. It took some time to recognize their differences, which meant the author did not spend enough time creating unique characters.
Bitter Root Mystery
** 1. Bitter Roots (2017)
2. Bitter Truth (2018)
3. Bitter End (2018)
4. Bitter Sweet (2019)
5. Bitter Past (2025)
I had difficulty differentiating two males in the story who became fathers at about the same time. That is why I dropped a star. It took some time to recognize their differences, which meant the author did not spend enough time creating unique characters.
Bitter Root Mystery
** 1. Bitter Roots (2017)
2. Bitter Truth (2018)
3. Bitter End (2018)
4. Bitter Sweet (2019)
5. Bitter Past (2025)
An extraordinary look at the universe by the world's foremost astronomers, science fiction authors, space artists and photographers, this 1987 collaboration will dazzle the mind and excite the eye.
Lavishly illustrated glossy prints of then state-of-the-art astronomical photographs, speculative artwork, and views through the microscope at the subatomic structures that compose our world, these images still manage to astonish and delight, as does the text.
Contributors including Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Frederik Pohl, Robert Silverberg, and more, offer essays, speculation, and fictional journeys through the viggest canvas of them all ... The Universe.
Lavishly illustrated glossy prints of then state-of-the-art astronomical photographs, speculative artwork, and views through the microscope at the subatomic structures that compose our world, these images still manage to astonish and delight, as does the text.
Contributors including Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Frederik Pohl, Robert Silverberg, and more, offer essays, speculation, and fictional journeys through the viggest canvas of them all ... The Universe.
The Girls in Navy Blue (Audio MP3 CD) (Unabridged)
Author:
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Audio CD
Author:
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Audio CD
Steven R. (oblio) reviewed on + 13 more book reviews
This is a novel of redemption for a woman who has lost everything, a novel of several mysteries and a celebration of the women who served in the US Navy during World War I. Half the novel is about a woman who had inherited a beach cottage in Ocean View, Virginia in 1968, and the other half is a memoir of a "Yeomanette" in 1918. The two stories ultimately come together in the end. I defy you not to get teary eyed in the last few pages of the story. A great novel.
Now or Never: Thirty-One on the Run (Stephanie Plum, Bk 31)
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
The Stephanie Plum series is finally wearing me down. For years the back and forth between Ranger and Morelli was amusing, now I'm glad a decision has been made.
Book 31 seems cruder to me, including more of Lula's girls' falling out of her clothes and the views of her thong. Plus I don't remember the F bombs being such a thing in prior books.
I am so over the employees of the bail bonds office living off of donut's, and now we have cupcakes too!
Still glad to see grandma's antics at the funeral viewings. And there's always Bob and Rex the Hamster to provide some animal love.
We lived not too far from Trenton for a few years and I have a sister who lives in the Hamptons so enjoy reading about familiar locations in stories.
Book 31 seems cruder to me, including more of Lula's girls' falling out of her clothes and the views of her thong. Plus I don't remember the F bombs being such a thing in prior books.
I am so over the employees of the bail bonds office living off of donut's, and now we have cupcakes too!
Still glad to see grandma's antics at the funeral viewings. And there's always Bob and Rex the Hamster to provide some animal love.
We lived not too far from Trenton for a few years and I have a sister who lives in the Hamptons so enjoy reading about familiar locations in stories.
Devious Web by Shelley Grandy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Intriguing, clever, and unputdownable!
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Intriguing, clever, and unputdownable!
Devious Web by Shelley Grandy is a riveting tale of betrayal and suspense. With its mesmerizing plot, clever execution, and a host of surprisingly unlikely suspects, I was glued to the book because I had to find out who could possibly be behind it all!
Tom Oliver is the owner of the multimillion-dollar Toronto tech firm Pellucid, and he's torn about the latest offer to buy his company, which he started from scratch. He's honestly concerned about the impact such a sale would have on everyone involved in helping the business grow but feels like it's probably the right thing to do and the right time to do it. He's a genuinely nice guy who has put everything into building his company and knows his choices have hurt his marriage with Miriam, his wife of many years.Supporting characters are well developed and readers get the opportunity to know them well as their points of view also tell the story. I think I alternated having almost everyone at the top of my suspect list and knocking them off at some point during the book, and I still felt like it could have been any one of them up until the actual reveal.
The plot is well-paced and oh-so-clever. I'm smiling as I write this because devious describes how well I was led all over the place. The suspense throughout was palpable. I was loathe to put the book down once I got into it and the great plot twists only made that more difficult!I recommend DEVIOUS WEB to readers of thrillers, suspense, and mystery, especially those who enjoy a story with a business or tech setting, set during COVID, or a Toronto location.
Content warning: The storyline features negative portrayals of Fox News, Republicans, and then former President Donald Trump.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
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