Saturday, December 30, 2017

Winter Reading 2018 Last Stop in Brooklyn (Mary Handley #3)

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Mary Handley has been building her private detective business for a few years now. She agrees to take on a case for a man who fears his wife is cheating on him. It is not something she normally would pursue, but the man's mother is a friend of Mary's mother. Along with the marital fidelity case, she is also asked to look into a murder case from 3 years before. The accused man's brother is sure of his innocence and wants Mary to find proof. It seems that his brother was charged with a Jack-the-Ripper style murder, mostly on circumstantial evidence and the fact that he was Algerian. As usual, her investigation causes conflict with political powers in New York and Brooklyn. Police don't look kindly on those who say they arrested the wrong man, and the crooked cops don't want anyone looking too closely at their affairs.

For those who have read Mary's other adventures, the return of Brooklyn's first female detective will be a welcome reunion of reader and character. Those who are encountering Mary for the first time, will be amazed at the painstaking recreation of 1894 New York. Many notable figures of the day have a place in the story, including - Andrew Carnegie, Jacob Riis, Russell Sage, and Theodore Roosevelt. It is incredible how many real events and people are worked into the plot. Even the booths of Coney Island, the prevailing prejudice against immigrants, and the attitudes toward women are present. Mary is a complex character with intelligence, courage, stubbornness, loyalty, and a determination to succeed despite society's restrictions and the disapproval of her own mother. Readers will be eagerly awaiting her next appearance when they reach the last page.

Please visit the publisher's website for more information about the book or the author.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Winter Reading 2018 You Are the Beloved: Daily Meditations for Spiritual Living

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Pulled from many of Nouwen's writings, including his books and letters, this collection provides a thought for each day of the year. These thoughts cover topics such as gratitude, love, talents and gifts, and compassion. Nouwen draws on his own life experiences, readings, study with Christian leaders, and time living among the mentally handicapped. He explores how embracing our own brokenness and shortcomings allows us to feel closer to others, growing in understanding and our ability to serve. 

This is a good choice for someone looking for daily readings that prompt deep thinking and soul-searching. Nouwen's own honesty about his failings pushes readers to be more honest with themselves about their own shortcomings and what is needed to lead more deeply spiritual lives. The passages range from a paragraph to nearly a page in length, making them easily included in daily meditation and study. 

Visit the publishers' website for more information about the book, and about the author.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Book Giveaway - Creation: The Chronicles of Ara

I have made tremendous progress on clearing off my desk, and the arm chair, and...you get the idea. Here is another book that would love to find a good home.

When J.R.R. Tolkien is summoned to authenticate a recently-discovered "lost" book of Beowulf, events are set in motion that years later will unveil an imminent tragedy: The entirety of the world's art and invention has been inspired by a corrupted muse, who has implanted a series of codes within the works of history's most influential authors, warning of humanity's end and a new dawn of time. (plot synopsis from back cover)


Good luck - and happy holidays!