Summer State of Mind

 For whatever reason, I really enjoy a novel that is set in a southern town every once in awhile – particularly if romance is involved. There's something easy, comforting, and maybe a little hokey about them. This is the main reason I chose Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey for my next review.

The story begins when Mason, a former baseball prospect, finds an abandon baby in a dumpster. He rushes the newborn girl to the hospital where he's greeted by a nurse named Daisy. This is Daisy’s first day at a new job in a new town.

Cape Carolina, North Carolina is a beautiful town where Daisy Stevens use to vacation when she was a child. Unfortunately, she has some unpleasant personal history there. Despite that, Daisy has always dreamed of living in this tiny coastal borough. She made the move because she wanted a fresh start after losing a patient at her previous job.

An injury ended Mason Thaysden’s promising baseball career. Now, he's living back in Cape Carolina coaching high school baseball, but feels he needs a change. Also, since this is his hometown, Mason is surrounded by a large, loving, but rather eccentric family that is full of surprises and secrets. Like Daisy, Mason is carrying some of life’s baggage. Both find themselves at crossroads in their lives when they meet.

There's an instant connection between Daisy and Mason. She quickly gets involved with his tight-knit, very stereotypical southern family. They are the family Daisy has always wanted. She also forms an attachment to Maisy, the abandoned baby. Little Maisy has a piece of Mason’s heart too. What will be the result of all these newly formed bonds?

It should be noted that this narrative touches on several sensitive topics like adoption, the foster care system, as well as mental health. Additionally, is it ever a good time to divulge information that would dramatically change or upset another person’s life is looked at here.

This book certainly has its mushy moments and much of it is predictable, but I was expecting it would be like that. So, I won't offer any further critique or commentary on this book.

 

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How to Read a Book

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood centers around the lives of 3 main characters: Violet, Harriet and Frank.

Violet Powell has just been suddenly released from prison after serving 22 months for manslaughter. She is transitioning to an apartment in Portland, Maine – a city where she doesn’t know anyone. She is feeling lost and lonely in her new home. Rejected by her family after being release, Violet carries with her a sense of shame over killing a woman in a drunk-driving crash. Under these circumstances, I have sympathy for Violet and her situation.

Retiree Harriet Larson runs a book club in the prison where Violet was incarcerated. Harriet considers this club her retirement project since it makes her feel useful and needed. She likes the women in the club and accepts them for who they are. Oddly enough, she gains a sense of belonging among them. Instead of seeing as inmates or criminals, Harriet sees them as readers like herself. Likewise, the ladies in the club affectionately called her “Booky”. Violet was a member of the club as well.

The kind-hearted Frank was married to Lorraine Daigle, Violet’s victim in the car accident. He is experiencing what appears to be severe grief over his wife’s death. For his own mental well-being and to give him a sense of purpose, he takes a job as a handyman at Wadsworth Books – the same store where Harriet selects books for the club.

One ordinary day, these 3 individuals lives intersect at Wadsworth Books. What will the fallout be from these coincidental encounters? How will Frank react to seeing Violet again? It may not be what you would expect as details of the Daigles’ marriage come to light.

An intriguing aspect of this book is that it offers 2 different perspectives on prison life and what comes after incarceration. One from Harriet who makes insightful observations about what she sees as a prison volunteer. The other from Violet who is actually living that reality. However, my favorite parts of this novel are when Violet is working in the university lab directly with the African gray parrots. These chapter are fascinating, fun and full of joy.

How to Read a Book was recommended to me by one of the Banterers. (A Banterer is someone on this blog’s e-mailing list.) I sincerely thank her for the suggestion. It is a really good book with a lovely, thoughtful ending.

No guarantees, but I think the next book I review will be Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey. This book was just published a few weeks ago at the time this particular blog is being posted. If you have happened to have read it in that short amount of time, please let me know what you thought of it.

 

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The Maid

The Maid by Nita Prose isn’t a book I would normally select for Maria's Book Banter since it’s the first in a series about a character named Molly. I usually pick standalone books. However, when I read its description, it sounded like something I would really enjoy. I just had a good feeling about this one. Let’s see if I'm right…

Molly works as a maid at the Regency Grand Hotel – a place that is as sophisticated as it sounds. She loves her job and takes pride in her work. Molly is self-described as being socially inept. While she definitely does have her awkward moments, she seems friendly enough with her co-workers and guests, particularly with Giselle Black who frequently stays at the hotel. At least, that is my first impression of her. This contradiction is a point of confusion for me, but I must set it aside to move forward with the story.   

On one ordinary day, Molly discovers Charles Black, Giselle's husband, dead in his suite. She is inevitably interviewed by police investigating the death.

Much of this book is telling the story of Molly’s life before finding a dead body as well as Giselle’s marriage. I wish it would get back to the question of what happened to Charles Black. On the other hand, answers to this mystery may lie in these details from Molly’s past. So, I pay close attention, but it certainly does take its time getting to the heart of the story.

Molly is a complicated protagonist. Summaries of this book label her as neurodivergent, although as the narrator, she doesn’t disclose that diagnosis to my knowledge. Yet, all the stereotypical traits are there. She is extremely detail oriented and shockingly blunt when interacting with people, but is she always completely forthcoming with them? She misinterprets others’ emotions and expressions. Molly is straight forward in her thinking, which is reflected in the narration of this book. Unfortunately, she is also very naive, especially when it comes to dealing with criminal minds. Because of this, Molly makes some unfortunate choices that will cost her.

It could be argued that the plot turns in this story are predictable, obvious, maybe even corny. To that I say, you have to see these events though Molly’s innocent eyes and unsuspecting mind to fully appreciate this novel.

Were my first instincts correct about this book? My answer is a qualified “yes”. As I stated earlier, this is the first in a series of books about Molly the Maid. Despite issues with pacing and explaining the legal system, I can see myself continuing with this series since Molly is such a unique heroine; I mean that in the best possible way. I’d like to see what the future has in store for her – hopefully good things.

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A Marriage at Sea

 A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession and Shipwreck by Sophie Elmhirst is quite a departure from what I usually read for Maria's Book Banter. It’s the true story of Maurice and Maralyn Bailey, a British couple who set off to sail from England to New Zealand.

For the first few chapters, we get to know who the Baileys are as individuals and as a couple. Readers learn that they weren’t satisfied with ordinary life in England. To escape it all, they decide to sail to New Zealand on a boat named Auralyn seeking a fresh start and freedom from the mundane world around them.

While at sea, an abnormally large whale punctured a hole in Auralyn causing it to take on water. Maurice and Maralyn had to abandon it before it sunk.

It then becomes a tale of survival that lasted for 4 months. It was days and nights of rowing for the couple without seeing anything except ocean and sky. Also, during that time, they had to battle weather elements as well as sea creatures. They attempted to flag down nearby ships only to see them turn away from them. The food they saved from Auralyn was rationed so it would last longer. Close to starving to death, all they could think about was food.

Additionally, this book details Maurice and Maralyn’s time on the boat before they encountered the whale and life after they are rescued, which included much unwanted notoriety, and surprisingly even more long voyages.

Reading nonfiction like this is definitely unchartered waters for me. Do you see what I did there? I have read a few memoirs and biographies for this blog, but nothing with an adventurous theme. Has this reading experience converted me into an enthusiast of this genre? Maybe not, but I'm glad I made this selection. It’s good to change it up sometimes and try something new.

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The Museum of Ordinary People

 I started 2026 by reading The Wedding People by Alison Espach. It had some impressive accolades associated with it as well as recommendations from family members. It all seemed very promising. However, once I began reading the book, I knew it wasn’t for me. Admittedly, I didn’t get terribly far into it. Its overall tone is rather cynical and bitter. Also, there are too many F-bombs and unnecessary indecent language for my taste. That just isn’t good writing in my opinion.

So, I had to turn my attention to another book…

Clearing out her mother’s house after her death was an emotional experience for Jess. That’s how The Museum of Ordinary by Mike Gayle starts.

From her belongings, Jess keeps an old set of encyclopedias that her mother gave her when she was 11-years-old. These books represented a hopeful future to Jess. So, she couldn’t dream of parting with them. Yet it is now time for her to let go of them if she’s going to move forward in life with her boyfriend Guy, but does she actually want the future that Guy is offering her? That’s when she hears about the Museum of Ordinary People from her best friend as a possible permanent home for them.

The Museum of Ordinary People is a storage room that houses a collection of items that no one wants, but shouldn’t be totally disregarded, like Jess’ encyclopedias. As an aspiring museum curator, Jess becomes fascinated with the museum and its history at her first visit to it. This is also when she meets Alex, a mysterious young man with facial scars who presently owns the museum.

Jess is so moved by the concept of the museum and saw great potential in it that she asks Alex if she could curate its unusual assortment of treasures to give it some legitimacy. Doing this project would give Jess a sense of purpose – something she has been missing for a while. They eventually agree that she would work on it for six months in her spare time. Jess is thrilled with this arrangement, and as a reader, I am swept up in her enthusiasm and want to see her and the museum succeed.

As a first-time curator, Jess experiences the growing pains of starting a new and innovative museum. Also, during this time, Jess faces personal challenges and comes to startling realizations about her own life. It is certainly a time of self-discovery.

This is the third book by Mike Gayle that I’ve reviewed for Maria's Book Banter. All three of these novels center around the themes of death, dying, the grieving process and their complexities. He writes with sensitivity and poignancy while telling meaningful stories without using offensive verbiage. Thank you Mike Gayle!

Blogger’s Note: The interpretation of The Wedding People by its audiobook narrator may have contributed to my negative opinion of the book.

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The Homemade God

 Artist Vic Kemp announces to his four adult children that he's getting married to a much younger woman named Bella-Mae who he met online six weeks earlier. That’s how The Homemade God by Rachel Joyce begins.

This news shocks the Kemp siblings since Vic has always been opposed to the institution of marriage. They have a lot of questions like what changed his mind about getting married and is Bella-Mae pushing him to do this. In the meantime, Vic is supposedly working on a major work of art that would be his masterpiece at his advanced age. However, the children wondered whether this was actually happening since Bella-Mae came into his life.

Bella-Mae raised their suspicions from the beginning. She made excuses not to meet the rest of the kemp family. Bella-Mae is an internet influencer. How much influence does she have on their father, they asked themselves. It seemed that Bella-Mae was taking over Vic’s entire life, and yet she remained quite a mystery to all of them.

After Vic marries Bella-Mae – a wedding his children aren’t invited to - he disappears from their lives. That’s when they received word that their father is dead from a drowning accident. What comes next for the Kemp siblings is a lot of chaos and confusion regarding the last weeks and days of Vic’s life, the actual drowning itself and what was to follow. There's also the matter of the painting he was working on at the time of his death. What happened to that? The stress of it all is causing the close-knit Kemps to turn on each other at a critical time when they should be banding together.

Going deeper into the story and as more jaw-dropping, family secrets are revealed, I form theories and guesses about what is really going on here. It’s that kind of a book.

The Homemade God is a wonderfully written novel with well thought-out characters who make this story come alive. Each Kemp child has their own unique backstory and distinct personality that blend well together to create an engrossing narrative that shouldn’t be missed by anyone who loves mysteries wrapped up in family drama.

This may or may not be the last Maria's Book Banter post of 2025. It’s hard to say at this point. If it is, I wish you a Joy-filled holiday season and all the best for 2026.

Become a Banterer! If you would like to be placed on Maria's Book Banter’s e-mailing list, please e-mail me at mariabookbanter@gmail.com. You will receive links to blog posts shortly after they are published. Your contact information will not be sold. If you would like to be removed from the list, let me know. Any questions, comments or book recommendations can be sent to this e-mail address too.

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The Story of Grenville King

 The Story of Grenville King by Jean Grainger is not a book I would normally choose for Maria's Book Banter since it’s the third book in a series. I usually blog about standalone books. However, after reading its summary, it didn’t seem like a continuation of a story.

About a year ago, I read the first book in this series, The Tour. I absolutely loved it for its wit and overall cheeriness. So, I'm happy to give The Story of Grenville King a try.

Here, we meet Conor O’Shea again. He is now married to Anastasia and they have twin boys. Conor is still leading bus tours of Ireland when one of his former tourists, Corlene Holbrooke, convinces him to buy and renovate Castle Dysert turning it into a hotel. Conor would be running the place once it’s opened for guests. With his charm and experience working in the tourism industry, he would be perfect for the job.

This story takes us through the tragic history of Castle Dysert and its ghost haunting mysteries, its restoration process, the hotel’s publicity campaign, as well as the general business of launching an upscale resort.

For me, The Story of Grenville King doesn’t have the same delightful spirit that The Tour had. There isn’t an assortment of fun characters with life stories and situations that keep the reader engaged and wanting to read more. Much of it deals with Conor’s marital and family concerns, which wasn’t what I had in mind when I picked this book. That said, there is a story arc involving Corlene and her son that is compelling, worthwhile reading.

It’s hard to find books to read with enthusiasm. At least, it is for me. That is part of the reason for the long delay since my last post. If you have any book recommendations for Maria's Book Banter, please send them to the e-mail listed below.

Become a Banterer! If you would like to be placed on Maria's Book Banter’s e-mailing list, please e-mail me at mariabookbanter@gmail.com. You will receive links to blog posts shortly after they are published. Your contact information will not be sold. If you would like to be removed from the list, let me know. Any questions, comments or book recommendations can be sent to this e-mail address too.

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The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris

In The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris by Daisy Wood, Juliette is in Paris looking for a particular square where her grandmother used to spend time. She has only a picture to help her find it. However, while there, she discovers that her marriage is in serious trouble. Not wanting to go home, Juliette decides to stay in France.

Now alone in Paris, Juliette is looking for a sense of purpose. She believes there's a reason for her to be there. Could it have something to do with the closed-up shop that is on the ground floor of her apartment building? She learns that it was a bookstore at one time. 

The story also takes us back to German-occupied France where we meet a young, Parisian couple, Jacques and Mathilde. They are staying there during the occupation to protect the bookshop that Jacques owns. His store, La Page Cachee, sells books that are forbidden by the Nazis. To hide them, Jacques builds a secret room in his store. This storage area will eventually be used to hide individuals away from the invaders.

Jacques and Mathilde are taking dangerous risks working against Hitler’s regime since the penalty for hiding a person is death. These chapters capture the fear, trepidation and despair felt by many French people during these times.

Despite Jacques and Mathilde’s cloak-and-dagger activities, I didn’t get a sense of exciting intrigue that I would expect from historical literature like this until the end. It is only when Jacques hides a small group of children that I became more emotionally involved. Much of these parts are written in a very matter-of-fact style. The main reason I enjoy this type of book is for its suspenseful, unexpected twists and turns. I don’t feel I got enough of that here.

As for Juliette and the forgotten bookshop, I didn’t find that storyline to be too realistic. Not that a novel and its characters have to be staunchly true-to-life. It’s just that its conclusion is a bit too idealistic. Also, like the most of Nazi narrative, this plot is lackluster as well.

I chose this book because I liked its title – The Forgotten Bookshop of Paris – but in the end, it left me rather disappointed.

If you would like to be placed on Maria's Book Banter’s e-mailing list, please e-mail me at mariabookbanter@gmail.com. You will receive links to blog posts shortly after they are published. Your contact information will not be sold. If you would like to be removed from the list, let me know. Any questions, comments or book recommendations can be sent to this e-mail address too.

Good Material

I first heard about Good Material by Dolly Alderton on a local morning news show. The anchor raved about it. What she described sounded like the perfect book for Maria's Book Banter.

Andy’s longtime girlfriend, Jen, recently broke up with him and he's not taking it well. In fact, he's obsessing over her and why she ended the relationship.

This book chronicles the days, weeks and months following the break-up. It takes us through the changes in Andy’s life – the good decisions he makes and the bad ones too. We are privy to Andy’s neurotic thoughts, moods and activities, and how he is handling the split and facing life without Jen.

As a profession, Andy performs as a stand-up on London’s comedy circuit. A fellow comedian and other friends suggest that Andy use his experiences with Jen in his act, hence, Good Material.

For much of the story, there isn’t too many dramatic plot shifts. Also, Andy’s inability to let go of the past gets tiresome. Yet, I can't overlook the amusement of the quirkiness of his life. There are several humorous characters that make this a fun book. Take, for example, Andy’s conspiracy theorist housemate, Morris, who sort of predicts the pandemic months ahead of time. The bottom line is Good Material gave me many chuckles and even belly laughs. So, for that reason, I think it’s a book worth reading.

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If We Were Villains

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rios centers around 7 fourth-year theater students who are in a rigorous, competitive academic program that focuses on the work of William Shakespeare. The main character is Oliver, a self-described average looking young man who has mediocre acting abilities.

This story takes the reader into these scholars’ acting classes, rehearsals and other school activities making for enlightening reading. It is here where we learn about the true nature of these characters – their strengths, their weaknesses, their friendly interactions, and most importantly, their conflicts with each other. We also witness how their own emotions and experiences spill over into their onstage performances. They are an interesting cast of characters for sure. Pardon the pun.

Fairly early in the story, one of their instructors says “Fourth year - year of the tragedy”. This must be foreshadowing, I think to myself. Foreshadowing is a writing technique commonly used by William Shakespeare where hints are given about events that will occur later in the play.

As I continue to read, I sense a major plot twist coming. With these volatile personalities, who knows what it could be. Then, a catastrophe happens that changes everything for all of them, especially Oliver. I can't wait to see what comes next. I have a feeling there are more surprises in store.

Like a Shakespearian play, this book is divided into acts and scenes, not chapters. Much of the dialogue is written like a script of a play. To better understand the narrative, it is helpful to know at least a little bit about Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and King Lear.

The person who recommended this novel said the story gets crazy and she wouldn’t be offended if I didn't stick with it. Well, I'm glad I stuck with it because it’s an amazing psychological thriller that’s extremely well written. The author, M.L. Rios, has another book coming out later this year. You may see it featured in a future Maria's Book Banter blog.

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The Woman Beyond the Attic: The V.C. Andrews Story

 

I first heard about this book from a clue on Jeopardy!. Immediately, I knew it had to be my next book and I couldn’t wait to get started. It’s The Woman Beyond the Attic: The V.C. Andrews Story by Andrew Neiderman.

If you don’t know who V.C. Andrews is, she is the author of many standalone books and novel series. While it’s difficult to categorize her work into a single genre, it could be described as a combination of gothic horror, romance and family sagas. I read many of her books in my younger years. My lasting impression of them is that the storylines are unique, but they are extremely well written. If you read them, you’ll know what I mean. As I compose this blog post, I realize that these books probably influenced the type of literature I like reading today.

Before reading the biography, I didn’t know much about Andrews. I have heard that her life was like one of her novels, and indeed, there are some striking similarities between her life and the plots of her books. For instance, having a controlling mother, restrictions and confinement, struggle for independence, and unfavorable views of organized religion are all themes that are in her books as well as parts of her own personal journey. However, her stories largely came from her imagination.

Additionally, V.C. Andrews was a woman who lived with multiple disabilities and chronic medical issues in the mid-1900s. Because of this, she experienced a stoppage in education, and social isolation as an adolescent and young adult. It was a much different time for someone with a disability than it is today. Although the world has become more accessible and overall accepting for those of us with disabilities than when Andrews was living, we still have a long way to go.

In closing, this is a fascinating biography about a noteworthy individual. Its reader gains knowledge and great insight into Andrews' personal and professional lives as well as her writing techniques and inspirations.

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The Stories We Tell

For my first book of 2025, I chose to write about The Stories We Tell by Patti Callahan Henry. Judging by its description and some of its reviews, it sounds like a book that has a soap opera feel to it. However, I'm hoping it will have more substance than a typical daytime drama. Also, coming from this author, I have high expectation for its writing style and story content.

When Eve learns about the car accident that her husband and sister are in, she thinks something is terribly wrong. Neither one is where they said they would be. Why is that? Cooper, Eve’s husband, offers an explanation for this, but I wonder if it’s entirely true.

Before the accident, Cooper and Eve Morrison are one of Savannah's power couples. Yet, is their marriage as happy as it appears? Eve’s sister, Willa, has been living in a cottage on their property at the time of the crash while she gets her life in order.

Questions about the circumstances of the accident persist for Eve. Cooper's account of what happened that night isn't ringing true, and Willa has lost any memories of the event due to injuries sustained from it. An intriguing mystery emerges about what actually occurred. Eve needs to know the truth – about the accident and other things. In the process of discovery, she has to confront some difficult realities about her life.

This is a story about an old, wealthy Southern family that has its share of conflict, problems and secrets that are exposed as a result of the accident.

I’m not at all disappointed in the words that are used or the way they are used to tell this narrative. It’s hard to find books that are this well written. Yes, some of it is like a stereotypical Hallmark movie, but the suspiciousness surrounding the true cause of the crash kept me absorbed until the very end.

Become a Banterer! If you would like to be placed on Maria's Book Banter’s e-mailing list, please e-mail me at mariabookbanter@gmail.com. You will receive links to blog posts shortly after they are published. Your contact information will not be sold. If you would like to be removed from the list, let me know. Any questions, comments or book recommendations can be sent to this e-mail address too.

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This Motherless Land

 At the end of my last blog post, I mentioned that my next book would be Here One Moment. Well, that’s not going to happen. Instead, we’re going with This Motherless Land, a brand-new release, by Nikki May. I first heard about this book from Jenna Bush Hager, who raved about it on the Today Show. When I heard her description of it, I thought it sounded like the quintessential book for Maria's Book Banter.

This Motherless Land is the saga of Funke, a young Nigerian girl who goes to live in England after losing her mother in a car accident, and her cousin, Liv. Feeling desperately homesick and experiencing culture shock, Funke is living with her mother’s estranged family, who are full of racist preconceptions about Funke. However, Liv is excited about Funke living with them and sincerely wants to look out for her.

This book takes us through Funke and Liv’s personal journeys as young women. They face many startling twists and turns over the years, including identity transformations, family toxicity, deceptions, romance, and above all forgiveness and redemption.

My instincts were correct. This Motherless Land is the type of book I like to read with its complicated characters in unusual and unforeseen circumstances. It’s a love story, but not in the traditional romantic sense. If you read the book, I think you’ll understand what I mean. Did I like Funke and Liv as people? No, not always. That’s ok. As long as there's a compelling narrative that will keep me involved and that’s what This Motherless Land did for me.

This will be the last blog post for 2024. Despite a few stops and starts, it has been a productive year for Maria's Book Banter. I'm looking forward to another one in 2025. (2025, can you believe it?!?!) Until then, keep sending me your book recommendations for the new year.

 

Happy Holidays from Maria's Book Banter!

 

Become a Banterer! If you would like to be placed on Maria's Book Banter’s e-mailing list, please e-mail me at mariabookbanter@gmail.com. You will receive links to blog posts shortly after they are published. Your contact information will not be sold. If you would like to be removed from the list, let me know. Any questions, comments or book recommendations can be sent to this e-mail address too.

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The Kids Are Gonna Ask

 

I chose The Kids Are Gonna Ask by Gretchen Anthony for my next selection because it supposedly combines mystery with humor - an interesting combination and something different for this blog.

After tragically losing their mother, twins, Thomas and Savannah are being raised by their grandmother. They are seventeen and secretly want to know who their father is.

At the start of the story, the twins have their own podcast that are recorded conversations with dinner guests. It is during one of these sessions when Thomas first expresses a desire to meet his father – something he nor Savannah have ever done before now. Since the guest for that dinner was rather unusual who told an odd story about her father eating his twin in utero, that particular episode goes viral. As a result of this popularity, they do another podcast about looking for their father called The Kids are Gonna Ask.

Doing the search in a public format, they hope to learn more about themselves and their origin story as well as their mother, Bess, and the parts of her life she kept hidden. Themes of belonging and connection begin to emerge as the story progresses.

Inevitably, the twins meet with vocal opposition. Saying it is an invasion of Bess and their father’s privacy - a legitimate point, I thought. However, having outspoken critics only increases the podcast’s listenership. This is where it gets crazy.

Soon, Savannah and Thomas find themselves at the center of a national controversy with ramifications for themselves and others that they would have never imagined. Some of which weren’t entirely plausible I thought or maybe I'm just naïve.

Did I like this book? There's no easy answer to that question. I basically did and wanted to keep reading to see what happened next. So, there's that. I had a few issues with character likeability and the logic of the plot.

This is not my first Gretchen Anthony novel. Before I started Maria's Book Banter, I read her debut novel, Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners, and really enjoy it. This author has a unique way of telling a story, which incorporates subtle, but offbeat humor – something I very much appreciate.

My next book will probably be Here One Moment by my favorite novelist, Liane Moriarty. It’s a long one. So, the blog post for it will most likely be published in November. Looking forward to it!

Become a Banterer! If you would like to be placed on Maria's Book Banter’s e-mailing list, please e-mail me at mariabookbanter@gmail.com. You will receive links to blog posts shortly after they are published. Your contact information will not be sold. If you would like to be removed from the list, let me know. Any questions, comments or book recommendations can be sent to this e-mail address too.

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The Tour

For my next book, I wanted to read something that was easy and light-hearted, allowing for a blog post that would be a breeze to write. I may have struck gold at the end of the rainbow when I came acrossed The Tour by Jean Grainger.

This is where we meet the kind, yet practical-minded Conor O’Shea. He's the type of person you would want as a friend, which makes him the perfect guide for a tour of Ireland. Early in the book, Conor receives a letter from an old girlfriend, Sinead, that says she is coming home to Ireland after being away for over 20 years. Sinead is the only woman Conor has truly loved, but he's not sure how he feels about her now. In the meantime, I couldn’t help wondering if there could be something between him and his friend, Anastasia.

As Conor is grappling with the prospect of seeing Sinead again, he is leading a 7-day tour with a group of Americans. On this life-changing trip is an array of travelers who are in Ireland for different reasons and looking for different things from their journey.

These amusingly engaging characters will have unique and wonderful experiences, meet unexpected people, discover new strengths, confront their past, and face harsh realities about their lives. It could be said these individuals’ stories have overly optimistic conclusions, but I say sometimes it’s good to read a book that is positive and uplifting.

While there's a bit of Irish history and culture mixed in here and there, The Tour is mainly character-driven. There are some surprising turns in this book that are somewhat dark. However, those disturbing instances didn’t stop me from enjoying it. if you're in the mood for something that will put a smile on your face, I suggest you take The Tour.

Become a Banterer! If you would like to be placed on Maria's Book Banter’s e-mailing list, please e-mail me at mariabookbanter@gmail.com. You will receive links to blog posts shortly after they are published. Your contact information will not be sold. If you would like to be removed from the list, let me know. Any questions, comments or book recommendations can be sent to this e-mail address too.

Using any content from this blog for AI training purposes is strictly prohibited.

The Night She Disappeared

The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell asks the question what happened to Tallulah and Zach. They went for a night out and haven’t returned. Usually, they are very responsible young adults who take good care of their son. Now, Tallulah’s mother, Kim, is frantically worried. The last she heard is that they were going to a party at Dark Place, Scarlett’s family home. Scarlett is someone Tallulah knows from college whose house is right next to a wooded area.

Fast forward a year, Sean takes a new job at Maypole House, a boarding school, as the head teacher. Apparently, the position has had scandal linked to it before Sean came. Maypole House is also located near the same wooded area as Dark Place.

Sean’s significant other, Sophie, moves with him to the school. On the first day in their new home, Sophie finds an unusual sign that says, “dig here”. Sophie thinks that there's something familiar about this sign.

As a detective novelist, Sophie becomes fascinated by what happened to Tallulah and Zach and launches an amateur investigation on her own. She meets Liam who is a classroom assistant and former student at Maypole House. He was also at Dark Place the night of the party. What can he tell Sophie about the disappearance?

My initial impression after reading the first few chapters is that it’s shaping up to be a solid mystery with interesting characters, an intriguing setting, and a curious wooded area.

As the story progresses, we see glimpses into the lives of Tallulah, Zach, Scarlett and Liam. We learn about their relationships and how they interacted with each other. More importantly, we know their thoughts and feelings – even their secrets. What can these moments tell us about what happened that night? I believe there are clues to be found in these parts of the book.

Moving forward, I formulate my own ideas about what took place at Dark Place. However, as I continue to read, I abandon these theories somewhat. Considering all these unique individuals involved in this story and certain events leading up to that night and after it, I realize there's much more that still has to be revealed.

Approaching the end, I have a general sense of what occurred that night. So, I'm ready to wrap this thing up and put a bow on it, but there's probably even more that has to come to light. Indeed, there are a lot of moving parts to this mystery.

This is my first Lisa Jewell novel. I’ve heard good things about her work. I wasn’t disappointed in The Night She Disappeared. Although it didn’t have an entirely believable ending, I do recommend it because of the overall story it told.

 If you would like to be placed on Maria's Book Banter’s e-mailing list, please e-mail me at mariabookbanter@gmail.com. You will receive links to blog posts shortly after they are published. Rest assure, your contact information will not be sold. If you would like to be removed from the list, let me know. Any questions or comments can be sent to this e-mail address too.

The Marriage Portrait

Set in Renaissance Italy, The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell is the fictionalized story of Lucrezia de Medici, who became a Duchess at the young age of 15-years-old by marrying Alfonzo II, Duke of Ferrara.

Early in the story, it is revealed that Alfonzo plans on murdering Lucrezia soon after their wedding. Why does he want to kill her is my first question. After all, he's the one who suggested the union. The marriage was arranged by Lucrezia’s father, which was customary in those days. Lucrezia always had a bad feeling about the marriage and begged her father to get her out of it.

The Marriage Portrait received fairly good reviews, but I'm going to have to disagree with them. The story is told so disjointedly and unfocused that it was difficult for me to connect with it and its characters. The painfully slow, fragmented narration only causes confusion as well as a lack of advancement. The writing style rambles, which doesn’t help matters. I wanted to yell “Get to the point already”!

Nearing the end of the book, Alfonzo becomes very dark and controlling towards Lucrezia. Clearly, he's a dangerous man with many secrets. It is only now when an interesting plot begins to develop. While there is some suspense at the end of The Marriage Portrait, it’s really not enough for me to give this book an endorsement.

If you would like to be placed on Maria's Book Banter’s e-mailing list, please e-mail me at mariabookbanter@gmail.com. You will receive links to blog posts shortly after they are published. Rest assure, your contact information will not be sold. If you would like to be removed from the list, let me know. Any questions or comments can be sent to this e-mail address too.

Half A World Away

 

It’s been awhile since my last blog post. There are a couple of reason for that. First, I had difficulty choosing the next book. Second, I eventually selected Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, a book that received mixed reviews. I got not quite halfway through and decided to put it down because much of it is mundane. I also found some of the characters to be a bit irritating as well. Fortunately for me, some of my readers (a.k.a. The Banterers) sent me some promising titles for future blog posts. Even more fortunate for me is that someone suggested Half a World Away by Mike Gayle.

Kerry is a hard-working, resourceful, single mother who cleans houses for a living. Admirably, she's instilling good values in her son. As the story begins, there are hints that Kerry has had some recent problems in her life – perhaps involving her health.

Then we meet Noah, a defense barrister (lawyer) with Caribbean heritage. He is currently experiencing marital problems that lead to a separation. He is distraught over the break-up.

So, we have 2 outwardly very different main characters. Telling their own stories, they are both at crossroads in their lives. What will their eventual connection be? Let’s see where this will go.

And, oh yes, there is a connection. Looking back in retrospect, I should have realized exactly what it is from the beginning. All the clues are there.

Despite her history with heartache, Kerry is a delightful character with interesting insights regarding her clients and life in general. Noah, on the other hand, is more polish and serious, but fair-minded. There are some truths about his early childhood he needs to know about, even though he's the type of person who doesn’t like to reflect on the past. His relationship with Kerry and marital difficulties will force him to do so in manners he hasn’t done until now. Likewise, Kerry needs Noah in a way he could never imagine.

Half a World Away draws you into the lives of these individuals. They are so very different, and yet, so accepting of each other. It’s very inspiring. This book takes you on Kerry and Noah’s personal and shared journeys of discovery and rediscovery, and I for one, was happy to be part of it. This is the second novel Maria's Book Banter has featured by Mike Gayle. He's quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

If you would like to be placed on Maria's Book Banter’s e-mailing list, please e-mail me at mariabookbanter@gmail.com. You will receive links to blog posts shortly after they are published. Rest assure, your contact information will not be sold. If you would like to be removed from the list, let me know. Any questions or comments can be sent to this e-mail address too.

The Great Alone

 

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah has been on my book radar for many years. I guess I’ve always been hesitant to read it because the subject matter seemed too depressing, but it landed on my recommendation list last year. So, I think it’s time I gave it a shot. Let’s see how it goes…

Ernt Allbright hasn’t been the same since returning from the Vietnam War where he was held as a POW. He is sad, angry and physically scarred by his captors, and his family is suffering because of it. Despite their difficulties, the Allbright still have a lot of love for each other. When a military buddy leaves Ernt a house and land in Alaska, he sees it as the perfect opportunity to make a much-needed change for his family.

Cora and Leni – Ernt’s wife and 13-year-old daughter – make the move to Alaska because want to see him happy again. Would the move to the Last Frontier work? Will Ernt revert to the man he was living off the grid in Alaska? Ernt sure thought so, but what about Cora and Leni? Would they be happy there too? Their new lifestyle – living in the wilderness without electricity, running water or telephone service – is quite a departure from what they have known. I know I could never live like that. It seems their lives become more about surviving and not actually living after the move.

Although Alaska is a lot of work for the Allbrights, they find a tight-knit community there too. When Leni meets Matthew on her first day of school, she feels she has met a true friend and a kindred spirit. These 2 characters will face unimaginable heartache that no young person should have to endure.

On the other hand, the friends Ernt makes are doomsday survivalists who are against any kind of modernization coming to their area. These radical individuals are obviously not good for Ernt’s mental stability, which spells trouble for Cora and Leni, and the rest of the town as well. 

This novel asks the question how far would you go for someone you loved – geographically or otherwise. What is love anyway? Does love mean tolerating abusive behavior? What would it be like to live with an abuser in Alaska, also called The Great Alone? The complex relationship portrayed here between abuser and the one being victimized is classic textbook, which is startling yet compelling reading.

Additionally, the author describes in great detail the loveliness and brutal harshness of Alaska’s seasons, and overall sense of what life is like for the Allbrights. Much of it is pretty bleak and savage-like. Admittedly, these are not my favorite parts of the book. However, Cora and Leni’s predicament and how they would survive it kept me engaged and wanting to read more. There are some jaw-dropping, gut-wrenching moments that lead to a highly emotional ending making The Great Alone a worthwhile book.

If you would like to be placed on Maria's Book Banter’s e-mailing list, please e-mail me at mariabookbanter@gmail.com. You will receive links to blog posts shortly after they are published. If you would like to be removed from the list, let me know. Any questions or comments can be sent to this e-mail address too.

Lucky Girl

 

Maria's Book Banter is back for more in 2024. Sorry if that rhyme has gotten to be a bit cliché lately. To start the new year off, I wanted to blog about a book that is positive and uplifting. Lucky Girl: Lessons on Overcoming Odds and Building a Limitless Future by Paralympian Scout Bassett seemed to be the perfect choice.

Scout Bassett was born in China, where as an infant, she lost her right leg in a fire. For 7 years after that, she lived in an orphanage where life was hard, particularly for a child with a disability.

Adopted by an American family, Scout writes about the difficulties she had being accepted in her new environment as a Chinese girl who has a limb difference. Things changed for the better when she got a running prosthetic in eighth grade. With her new leg, she started competing in races. This is where she discovered her true self and eventually became a world-class track and field athlete.

Scout calls herself “Lucky Girl” because she has beaten the odds that seemed stacked mightily against her. She has learned life lessons that she wants to share with those of us who have disabilities or other differences that may set us apart from the rest of society. These lessons are the essence of this book.

With her realistic view on life, Scout has valuable insight on the human condition. Reading the book, I found myself agreeing with her often, especially with her thinking on facing adversity, a disability not defining you, low expectations for people with disabilities, the dangers of loneliness, and people with disabilities having a “seat at the table”. I was also moved by the story about a little girl named Hope, Scout’s friend from the orphanage.

It could be said that Scout’s thoughts are obvious or unoriginal. I would argue that it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of these simple, yet important principles. Moreover, for some, it could be the first time being exposed to such ideas making this a worthwhile book to read. I do recommend it for any young adult with a disability or a professional who works with people with disabilities.

On a completely separate note, over the holidays, I finished a series of books on the 6 wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir. If you're a fan of historical literature like I am or are interested in the British Royal Family, I highly recommend this series. Additionally, Rosalyn Landor, the audiobook narrator, does a phenomenal job with these books. Her velvety voice really makes these stories and their characters come to life for anyone listening to them.

If you would like to be placed on Maria's Book Banter’s e-mailing list, please e-mail me at mariabookbanter@gmail.com. You will receive links to blog posts shortly after they are published. If you would like to be removed from the list, let me know. Any questions or comments can be sent to this e-mail address too.