Oil and Marble

Florence is my favorite city in Italy and I have to admit it is because of the art. I have seen David several times and each time I am in awe. I remember just staring at it for an hour or longer, and not wanting to leave it. It is truly a magnificent work of art. I loved the story of how Michelangelo received the commission and created the sculpture. I was not aware of the intense rivalry between Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. With Michelangelo in his 20s and Leonardo in his 50s, which was old for that time, one can only assume that competition for artistic commissions was fierce. I also saw the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris. I remember being underwhelmed by how small it was. It was difficult to see as crowds surrounded it. In this book, the description of how Leonardo use such thin oil paint in blended colors so that there is no distinction between where one color ends and another begins is amazing.Once you know this you can go back and see exactly what the author is talking about.

I last visited Florence several years ago. We hired a private tour guide and toured the Medeci home, Medeci church and several other important buildings during that time. I was fascinated by the art the Medecis commissioned and collected. This book provided so many details as to the creation of significant pieces of art history. I thoroughly enjoyed learning all of this. It is truly fascinating. If you are a lover of Italian Renaissance art, don’t miss this book.

Raphael

I have visited Italy several times. Each time I have visited Rome and toured the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel . Right before you enter the Sistine Chapel, you enter several rooms which house the paintings of Raphael. I have always wondered why Raphael was so prominent in the Vatican Museum.  After reading this book, now I know.
I was not aware of the rivalry between Michelangelo and Raphael for painting the Sistine chapel. When the pope discovered the talents of Raphael, the commission for painting the Sistine chapel had already been given to Michelangelo. The rivalry between the two men was very intense. Raphael never gave up hope that he would be asked to take over the painting of the Sistine chapel from Michelangelo. The rivalry between the two was so intense that they did not support each other in a way that you hope professionals would.  For example, Raphael knew that painting in Rome would require a different recipe for plaster than painting in Florence. Michelangelo was not forthcoming in sharing his recipe. Throughout the book you begin to understand that Raphael may have been the superior painter. Michelangelo wanted to be sculpting not painting. The rivalry existed because the person deemed to be the best painter in the Vatican will be given the title of architect of the Vatican. The book also covers the time of the building of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
This book gives you a glimpse into what must have been like for an artist of this time. It consumed every part of life. While their art is priceless today, they were paid very little for it.  They had no life outside of art. The competition was fierce. Yet they felt the pressure to leave this earth with the body of their work. And we are all very grateful that they did.
Although it had been recommended to me, I had not read the authors first book, Oil and Marble, before reading this one. It is not necessary that you read them in order. I since have gone back and read Oil and Marble. From that book I did learn more about the life of Michelangelo. If you enjoy Italy or art or reading historical fiction, you don’t wanna miss this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Window on the Bay

I do enjoy stories about women in middle aged, divorced, single mothers who seem just like us. Jenna and Maureen have been friends forever.  In college, they planned a trip to Paris once they graduated. Do they ever make it there?  Both meet men once their children are grown. Both relationships are volatile throughout most of the book.

The Bromance Book Club

Read this one as an audiobook while driving. It’s a romance novel from a mans perspective. Gavin, a professional baseball player, is perplexed as to why his wife wants a divorce. He joins a book club put together by other players. They read romance novels. Why?  To help them learn how to better court women, be better husbands, boyfriends and lovers. Gavin puts all he learns to practice to save his marriage. This one is poignant, funny and touching.

The Dating Charade

I read this one as an audio book on my way to Austin.  It’s a different twist to a romance.  Includes information on fostering/adopting children. The story is pretty predictable. Pleasant, light-hearted read

Becoming

I am stunned by how good this book is. Usually memoirs read slow. Not this one!  Mrs. Obama covers her life from childhood to present. The glimpse into the personality of her husband is revealing. She came from little materially, but a whole lot of love.  She chose her jobs based on what fed her soul, as did her husband. She truly lives a life of meaning and purpose.

Olive, Again

This book is the continuation of the first book, Olive Kitteridge. It begins where the other book left off. Olive is married to Jack now. She still has an uneasy relationship with her son. The story continues until Olive is in a retirement home. I assume the story ends here. As life wanes, Olive has great insight and reflection on her life.

Nothing to See Here

I’m not quite sure what to say about this book. Are there really children who self-ignite?  Children who can set themselves on fire from within?  Just plain strange. But the relationship between Lillian and Madison is very enjoyable. Everyone needs that one friend they can turn to. I don’t think either one realizes how much they need the other. 

Twice in a Blue Moon

Tate is the daughter of Hollywood’s leading man. She and her mother have been in hiding in a small town for years after her mother left her philandering dad. For her 18th birthday, her grandmother takes her to London. There she meets Sam, wannabe writer, but destined to run a rural farm. Sam breaks her heart when he reveals her identity to the press. 

Tate becomes an actress, Sam a screenwriter. What will happen when their paths cross again?

The Giver of Stars

This is the story of the WPA Packhorse Librarians of Eastern Kentucky. They operated from 1935 to 1943 and brought books to over 100,000 residents of Eastern Kentucky. 

Alice moves to Kentucky from England to marry Bennett whose father owns a coal mine. Her marriage is rather strange as it remains unconsummated. Alice becomes a librarian riding a horse to deliver books to families on her route. Many children learn to read because of their efforts. Margery is not well liked because of her deceased father. She and Alice become friends. Along with several other girls they become the packhorse librarians. 

This is a great story about the history of that area of the country.

Olive Kitteridge

I want to read Olive, Again, but I thought I should read the first book before. Olive Kitteridge is a true gem. She is a retired school teacher, married to Henry, a pharmacist, for many years. They have a son, Christopher, a podiatrist. Christopher marries a gastroenterologist who quickly relocates him to California, then divorces him. Olive is known as a mean teacher, she’s hard on people, but very introspective.

What Happens in Paradise

This is the second book in Elin Hilderbrand’s Paradise series. In the sequel, you learn more about the beginning of Russ and Rosie’s relationship. Irene and her sons return to the island, this time, to live. Will Russ’s illegal activity be discovered?

All This Could Be Yours

I was initially attracted to this book because it is set in New Orleans. It is about a dysfunctional family. Victor, the father, has a life that is mysterious to his family. As the story unfolds, you learn more about Victor and his life. Barbara, the dutiful wife, is a character you want to love and admire. Alex and Gary, the children have their own issues with their father. Can you imagine a father dying and no one claims the body?

Red at the Bone

A coming of age story. Iris has a baby at 15. She has difficulty feeling very motherly. Her parents raise the child while she finishes high school, and then college. She explores her sexuality in college. Reads quickly.

Resistance Women

A story about 4 women experiencing the rise of Hitler in Germany. How in the world can anyone support Hitler and his actions toward a pure Aryan society?  Why can’t people see how I inhumane his actions are?  Why aren’t they outraged?  Sound familiar?

Mildred, Greta and Sara are part of the resistance. They befriend Martha Dodd, daughter of the U S ambassador to Berlin. These 4 women were successful in getting many people, particularly Jews, out of Germany prior to the war.  Years ago I read In The Garden of Beasts and was familiar with Martha, quite a colorful character. Greta and Mildred are real, Sara is fictional. 

The author does a great job developing the characters and their relationships with family members. If you’re ever in this situation, you’d want one of them on your side. I enjoy historical fiction, especially WW2, and this one does not disappoint.

Child’s Play

Kate thought she had three perfect kids. Her life was pretty near perfect. Her congressman husband was killed in a helicopter crash. She then went to law school while raising 3 kids. She is now an attorney in a big NYC law firm. Her perfect kids are not so perfect. Her oldest daughter reveals she is gay. Her son breaks his engagement to the perfect girl. And her youngest daughter is pregnant and decides she does not believe in marriage. When will Kate discover she cannot make choices for them?  Will she find happiness of her own? 

Royal Holiday

Vivian follows her daughter Maddie to England for Christmas. Maddie is a stylist and is dressing the duchess for the holiday. Vivian enjoys the company of the Queen’s private male secretary. Can they make it work living on 2 different continents?  A sweet Christmas read.

The Queen’s Fortune

Désirée Clary is the daughter of a wealthy silk merchant in Marseille, France. Her sister, Julie, is older, but Désirée is the beauty. They meet Joseph and Napoleon Bonaparte, and their lives are never the same. Julie marries Joseph Bonaparte. Désirée is courted by Napoleon and then is secretly engaged to him.  Napoleon is very ambitious and is frequently away conquering other countries. He makes excuses for not seeing Désirée until she learns of the presence of Josephine in his life. Because of the connection between her sister and brother-in-law, Désirée is connected to Napoleon for the remainder of his life. He tries to marry her off to an older man while in Italy. That fails when the man is killed. She meets Jean-Batiste Bernadotte at a ball thrown by Joséphine and Napoleon. They marry,  Bernadotte is a high ranking official in Napoleon’s army. Désirée is part of Josephine’s court. 

There is much detail given to the lives of Napoleon and Joséphine. One truly wonders why the French people tolerated this having just overthrown the last royals. Joséphine seems to be just as flagrant in her waste of money as Marie Antoinette. Josephine’s big mistake was that she never gave Napoleon an heir. It’s obvious that she was the great love of his life. But who was the great love of Desiree’s life?  Was it Napoleon or Bernadotte?  

Although I love reading historical fiction, I was not aware of Désirée Clary. I loved her story. The author does a terrific job conveying it.  You feel as though you know Désirée, what’s important to her, what makes her tick. There is even a connection to Siri, the Empress of Austria, in the book.  There was not a slow part in this book where I felt I could put it down. I was angry I had to stop reading to go to work, cook and act productive!  It is very well written. If you love historical fiction, don’t miss this one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

The Dutch House

The Dutch House refers to a house in a Philadelphia suburb once owned by a Dutch family. It is large, unique and the holder of many family memories. Maeve and Danny grew up in the house. When they were children, their mother left and moved to India. She wanted to help the poor. She was never comfortable living in the Dutch House. Their father remarried a woman, Andrea, with 2 children. 

Their father died when he was 53 years old.  Maeve was finished college, living in town, but Danny was still in high school. Their dad had a construction company and owned many buildings in town. Maeve and Danny volunteered to help, but Andrea informed them that their father left everything to her and it was time for them to pack and go. 

They are continually drawn to the Dutch House and several times a year park across the street and reminisce. This happens throughout Danny’s time in college and medical school. Will their mother ever return?  Will they be reunited with the Dutch House?  

I have read all of Ann Patchett’s books and this is one of her best.

The Water Dancer

Hiram Walker was born a slave. He was the son of a slave and her master. Since he was recognized by his father, he had it easier than most of his fellow slaves. He lives in the house and looks after the heir, his half-brother. He understands his role. Until his brother dies. Still, he longs to be free. He learns of the underground and makes his escape. He returns to try to get his love, Sophia, out and is caught. He returns to his fathers home and dreams once again of being free with those he loves. His mother is sold when he was young. Hiram has special powers. He’s able to dream of The Water Dancer. This book was hard to read in places, as are most books on slavery. It’s hard to imagine family members sold off. A very poignant read. 

Let it Snow

If you’re looking for a sweet Christmas read this winter, this is it!  Set in Nantucket. Who wouldn’t want to grow up there and live on island as an adult?  This book offers that perfect escape. 

Christina is a native Nantucketer. At 30 years old, she has a toy store on the island. She loves children but has not yet met Mr. Right. One day a 9 year old girl comes into the store with her mother. Christina sees the girl, Wink, slip a sticker book into her pocket. The mother is rather harsh. Wink ends up helping Christina out a few days a week.  Wink is the granddaughter of a wealthy islander who has just moved there year round. A grumpy, old (65), very wealthy man!  

Christina meets Wink’s uncle, Andy, a handsome, single man. Ummm, you can imagine what happens there!

This is a delightful story of love and friendship in a storybook setting. The author illustrates what is really important in life- love, friendship and kindness.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. 

Leopard at the Door

I admit that I know little about Africa and it’s history. This is a wonderful story and white European immigrants who settled land in Kenya. Rachel returns home after attending school in England. Her mother is dead. Her father lives with Sara and her son Harold. She tries to adjust to living in remote Kenya again, but the past haunts her. Will she survive the unrest as Kenya natives fight for their native land back?  Will she survive the stress of relationships?  An amazing story of a strong woman.

The Golden Hour

I have read several of Beatriz Williams books and enjoyed them. This one is no exception. Historical fiction- my favorite genre. Most of the book is set in the Bahamas. The story is told about 2 different women: Lulu and Effriede. You don’t find out until the end of the book how their lives are intertwined. Lulu is a journalist who moves to the Bahamas to write about the life of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, exiled in the Bahamas. There is intrigue, espionage and murder. Effriede is married to German royalty. After the birth of her first child, she enters a sanitarium for the blackness that occurs after the birth of her son. She meets a man there that becomes the love of her life. The story occurs before and during WW2. How are the lives of these 2 very different women intertwined?

After the End

I wasn’t sure I wanted to read this book. Anytime a child dies, it’s just sad. Pip and Max have a son almost 3 years old who has a brain tumor. After surgery and months in PICU, a choice has to be made. Should he be treated aggressively or allowed to die with dignity?  Max wants aggressive treatment, Pip does not want him to suffer any longer. On opposite sides, they end up in court. He dies at 6 1/2 years old. That is also the end of their marriage. 

Max moves from the UK back to Chicago. Pip begins working again as a flight attendant. She dates Lars, Max dates Blair. Pip has a daughter. Max is the father. Who did they end up with?

I enjoyed the story. The author did a great job developing the characters. I did have a little trouble trying to figure out which scenes were reality and which were “what if’s”.

The Dearly Beloved

There are people who are sent to us for a reason. Are they sent by God?  James and Charles become ministers. Charles had a strong calling, James doesn’t. James marries Nan, a ministers daughter, who makes him a better person and minister. Charles marries Lily, an atheist. How can she possibly believe in a God who took both of her parents away at a young age?  A God who sends her an autistic child?

Charles and James are appointed to co-minister at a Presbyterian church in NYC. Life will present trials and tribulations that will cause both of them to question their faith. Can we remain true to ourselves and live a purposeful life?

The Secrets We Kept

A story about how Boris Pasternak’s book Doctor Zhivago was smuggled out of Russia and published around the world. It involves characters at a secret agency of spies in Washington, DC. The love story of Boris and Olga, his muse who inspired the character Lara in his book, is central to the story. This debut novel for this author is based on a true story. An intriguing story.

Drops of Cerulean

A debut novel by an author from Houston. The setting is Houston from the 1930s to present day. Ilona is the daughter in a a Greek family. She is expected to marry a Greek and work in the family’s diner business. She longs to be a teacher. She marries into a prominent Irish Houston family causing estrangement from her family. She’s never really accepted by her husbands socially prominent family. Tradgedy befalls her. She has a disagreement with her son right before her death causing him to blame himself for her death. The son is not accepted by the extended family because he is gay. And then there’s this girl Dephina who feels she has a connection to Ilona. Hmmm.

Mrs. Everything

Jo and Bethie are sisters. They couldn’t be more different. Growing up, Jo was rebellious and Bethie was the good child. As adults, just the opposite.  As the book begins in the 1960s, life was very conventional, conservative. Jo is attracted to women. She dreams of being a writer. She finishes college, becomes a teacher, marries and has three girls. When is it time for her to live her authentic life?  Bethie begins college involved with the drug culture, drops out and flounders for 10 years. She meets someone who changes her life. The story of Jo and Bethie and those in their lives is so heartwarming. Families are messy. They’re not the neat packages others think they are.

Three Women

Three women in different cities/towns who don’t know each other. The author interviewed each one over several years. They are very different with very different life problems. Interesting, but their stories end abruptly, without closure.

The Wedding Party

Maddie and Theo do not like each other, but they share a common best friend. They go through wedding planning duties with her while secretly having a relationship.  There are rules and they break each one of them. Will they find their happily ever after?

The Last House Guest

Sadie and Avery- best friends. Inseparable until Sadie ends up dead. The story is set in an ideal small town on the coast of Maine. Avery’s parents are killed in a car accident and she grows up with her grandmother. After her grandmother dies, she struggles financially to maintain her grandmothers home on the coast. She sells it to Sadie’s parents who build a huge home. In exchange, she is allowed to live in the guest house. After a party, Sadie is found dead. Who killed her?  In a small town, everybody knows everyone else.

Patsy

The story of a Jamaican young woman who immigrates to America to follow her best friend. She leaves behind a 5 year old daughter. She tells her she will return for her, but doesn’t intend to, and never does. She finds out that America is not the land of riches and an easy life. Her desire to live an authentic life is a big part of this story. It is over 10 years before she contacts her daughter again. How has her daughter fared?

The Whisper Network

Women working at a law firm learn their boss is selected to become CEO. The problem is he sexually harassed all of them. They file a lawsuit against him and the company. Then he dies. The company files a wrongful death lawsuit against them.  Great twist at the end!

Summer of '69

A historical novel set in Nantucket. 13 year old Jessie is set to spend her summer in Nantucket at her grandmothers home. She has an older sister who is married to an astronaut and pregnant with twins. Her brother serving in Vietnam. A bohemian sister chooses to work on Martha's Vineyard for the summer. Her mother is with her and her father visits on weekends. This is a coming of age story for Jessie. Lots happens urge summer of '69. A man walks on the moon, Vietnam war continues and Ted Kennedy drives his car off a bridge. A delightful tale of a blended family.

Surfside Sisters

Keely and Isabelle were life-long friends. They were competitive and both wanted to be writers. Isabelles parents wealthy; Keelys are not. They go to different colleges. Keely has always loved Isabelle's brother. Keely has to drop out of college when her father dies. They are apart for many years. Who will become the successful novelist?  Will they find their own happiness?  I love all of Nancy Thayers' books set in Nantucket.

Lost and Found

Maddie is a divorcee in NYC. She is a famous photographer and has 3 grown children. One weekend she's cleaning out a closet and falls off a ladder breaking her ankle. Even though she is in her 50s her daughter suggests she move to assisted living. She loves living in her converted firehouse in the West Village. She embarks on a 3 week road trip to see 3 former loves in Boston, Chicago and Wyoming. She then visits her children in California with whom she has had a strained relationship. She is injured in a bombing. Will she find love again? Heal her relationship with her children?

The Summer Guests

This book is for the horse lover. A hurricane is bearing down on South Florida. Imagine having to evacuate and having to trailer your horses with you. Several friends had to do just that. They all ended up with Grace and Charles at their home in the Blue Ridge mountains. Relationships change in just a few short days. Horses change hands and life changing decisions are made. As a Hurricane Katrina survivor, the amount of anxiety an impending hurricane creates is far more than what was depicted here.

The Kennedy Debutante

Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy was a rebel before her time. When her dad, Joe Kennedy, Sr was ambassador of Great Britain, the family lived in London. Kick made her entry into society and hung out with a crowd that included a Duke. He became the love of her life. Kick was a devote Catholic; he was Protestant. Neither wanted to convert. Can they find a compromise and live happily ever after?
This book gives a glimpse into the life and personality of the oldest son, Joe, Jr. A must read for fans of the Kennedys.

Queen Bee

Holly is 30 years old and lives at home with her demanding mother on Sullivan’s Island. She keeps bees, tends a garden and desires to teach school. In the meantime, she decorates cakes at Publix. She thinks she loves her recently widowed neighbor with 2 adorable boys. But, the neighbor marries a mean woman who doesn’t like kids. She advocates for the kids and he ignores her. A tragedy happens. A strange side story involving a sister and her cross dressing husband. Will Holly find true love?  As always, Dorothea Benton Frank entertains.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Lale was a Slovakian Jew who becomes the tattooist of Auschwitz. His job was to tattoo number on prisoners as they arrived. He falls in love with a fellow prisoner, Gitta. They spent 3 years there and are released to different areas. Will they make their way back to each other and fulfill their life dreams?  I love historical fiction based on fact. 

The Flatshare

Tiffy breaks up with her boyfriend Justin. She responds to an add to rent a flat share from Leon. He has the flat during the day, she has it in the evening, night and weekends. They go about 5 months without meeting. Then his girlfriend breaks up with him. His brother is in jail for a crime he did not commit. Tiffy has a friend who helps free him. She and Leon meet. And you can guess what happens. A little far fetched to me. 

Evie Drake Starts Over

Evie Drake is married to her high school sweetheart. He is a doctor and they live in their hometown in coastal Maine. He is mean, emotionally abusive. Evie has fallen out of love with him. She packs her suitcase to leave that night. The phone rings, her husband was killed in an auto accident. She has to put her life together, grieves little, but has much guilt. She rents a room to a dethroned star baseball pitcher. How will life change, how will she heal?

Ask Again, Yes

In a small town on Long Island, NY, two cops live next door to each other wanting their families to experience small town America, not city living. One has a drinking problem, a wife who is mentally ill, and a son.  The other has a wife and 3 daughters.  A tragedy occurs which changes life as they know it.  2 of the children marry and life is hard as they struggle with the husband’s alcoholism. How much can a family forgive?

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

If you’ve ever been to a therapist, you’ll love this book. She describes how she chose this career. Her boyfriend breaks up with her because he doesn’t want to raise her child. She seeks out a therapist for herself, someone that doesn’t know her. In the book she chronicles the lives of several of her patients. Very interesting, not all end happily. Gives great insight to how therapists think, feel and act with their patients. I appreciate her honesty. I’m sure this book will give hope to many going through a difficult time. Entertaining, thoroughly enjoyed it. 

City of Girls

Wow. Not what I expected. A departure from Elizabeth Gilbert’s usual writing. Vivian has just flunked out of Vassar and is sent to live with her aunt in NYC. Her aunt owns and runs an off Broadway theatre. Vivi becomes friends with the showgirls and really enjoys the night life. She becomes quite promiscuous and is caught in an unfortunate dalliance which almost destroys her life. How can she recover from this?

Searching for Sylvie Lee

Sylvie Lee is missing. She traveled to The Netherlands while her Ma, Pa, sister and estranged husband remain in New York. She lived with family in The Netherlands until age 9. She never felt like she belonged either place. She’s an overachiever, but lost in life. Will she find love?  Figure out her life?  Will her family find her?

The Paris Secret

Flora is an art consultant, buys art at auction for her clients and specializes in lost art. She is assigned a collection found in an apartment in Paris sealed since WW2. That sounds familiar to me. She uncovers the mystery of the source of the art and the family that owns it. In the meantime, will she find love?

The Storied Life of A J Fikry

A J and his wife Nickie moved to Alice Island to open a bookstore after college. Nickie was killed in an accident earlier in their marriage. Her sister and her husband also live on Alice Island. A J lives with loss by losing himself in the bottle. A treasured, valuable book is stolen from him. One day he discovers a 25 month old left in the store by the mother with a note to take care of her. This is a story about finding love, friendships and family. 

Blessing in Disguise

I believe I have read almost all of Danielle Steel’s books. This one is probably my least favorite. It is so far fetched. Isabelle has 4 children, but has never been married for more than a few months. Her children have 4 different fathers all before she is 29 years old. And she still manages to develop a lucrative career without parental support. Just not very believable. 

Sunset Beach

Drue is 36 years old and her life is adrift. Her mother has just died. Her estranged father attends the funeral and offers her a job at his law firm.  Her mother has left her her family’s cottage on Sunset Beach. Drue is supposed to be working on the phones signing up clients. Instead, she gets involved investigating unsolved crimes. This book is more of a mystery than anything else.