Read With Me: February Bookshelf

In a million years, I would have never picked this up on my own, and I was prepared to skate through a ho-hum story. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the narrative, following Flora and Lexie Gordon, two incredible women, set in different timelines, each navigating a different, if related, set of challenges. There was a great sense of balance as we switched from one chapter in mother Flora’s voice, to the next from Lexie’s perspective. And while The Skylark’s Secret shares so much about Lexie’s search for answers about her past as she moves through her own, uncertain present and future, I don’t feel like author Fiona Valpy made Lexie’s personality entirely about that quest. Well written, expertly paced, and with enough humanity to keep the tale human and compelling. There were two little twists in the end, one slightly more predictable, that tied things up beautifully without being too convenient, that I really appreciated. I would absolutely dive back in for more of Valpy’s works. 4/5 stars.

I love a sweeping story that traverses time and distance, and the tale of Sushi and Haiwen fills this beautifully. Karissa Chen weaves a tale of two children, who kindle a friendship in Shanghai, against a backdrop of war, poverty, famine, and loss. We follow the story from past to present and back again, as our characters sacrifice to survive and keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Haunting and emotional, I really adored this. 4/5 stars.

I received this book as a Christmas gift and went into it blind. At first, I wasn’t sure, but Mary Kubica wove a suspenseful tale of lies, betrayal, secrets, and murder and I struggled to put it down. The Other Mrs. falls into the category (for me) of an easier read, but it is twisty and turny and just different enough to be addictive. While I would have liked more character development, and I did guess some of the surprises, I was all in to the very end. Fun, smart, and definitely kept the reader guessing! 4/5 stars.

My heart! From the first word to the last, Marcie R. Rendon crafts the most stunning narrative of Quill, the Native American woman who will no longer stand for the disappearance, abuse, and murder of the women on her reservation. It was a beautiful and powerful tribute to what happens when one person takes a stand against injustice, and how it can make all the difference. While the story was difficult to read, the writing was gripping and the characters came to life for me. This one gets five stars from me, and I’d like to read more of Rendon’s works. 5/5 stars.