One Italian Summer

 

Katy has lost her mother who is also her best friend and confidant. Italy was a magical place for Katy's mother, Carol. The two of them had a trip planned to Positano, a place that Carol said changed her life. Carol died two weeks before their planned trip. To say that Katy was lost after her mother's death is an understatement. And her marriage that she is not sure is viable is looming large.

Katy takes the trip to Positano alone. She befriends a woman named Carol who looks and acts like her mother. Who is this woman? Will Katy find herself again? Will her marriage survive?

If you love the Amalfi coast and love reading about mother-daughter relationships, don't miss this book. It is truly heart-warming.

* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an hones review. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book. 

High Stakes

 

This book is set in the Me Too era.  The setting is an agency in New York City which represents literary and entertainment clients. Jane begins her career there and befriends several other females working there..  The agency is owned by two older men, one of which thinks nothing of sexual abuse and harassments. Jane is very disturbed about his advances and warns him to no avail. His attack is the last straw. He has done this and worse to other females at the firm, but Jane is the only one with the guts to stand up to him. How will this play out for Jane and the others he abused or harassed? 

This story gives the perspective of what the women went through not only physically, but also emotionally. Some experienced worse abuse than others. The best part of this book was the effect it had on their lives and unknowingly, others including children. For that reason, I am grateful I read this book. After reading this book, I have much empathy for women experiencing this and admire the courage to speak up.

*I was given a complimentary copy of the book by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post

 

How much do you know about the life of Marjorie Meriwether Post?  I admit I didn't know much beyond the fact that she was the Post cereal heir and built Mar-A-Lago.  She had a full life, loved and lost, and a life of service.

Marjorie had an unusual childhood. Her family left their Texas home to seek medical care from Dr. Kellogg in Battle Creek, Michigan. Dr. Kellogg had a sanitarium where he treated patients with homeopathic treatments including clean, unprocessed food. Mr. Post regained his health after some time and thought it would be wonderful if there was a healthy, quick to prepare food mothers could serve their family.  Grape Nuts cereal was born and soon became a staple in most homes.

Marjorie was definitely before her time. She had wonderful ideas to grow the Post business, but because she was a woman, could not serve on the board of directors. So, her husband at the time usually served on her behalf. Through him and the CEO she was able to guide the company to tremendous growth and success.

Her personal life was in many ways tragic. Healthy, steady relationships were a struggle. Much of the book speaks to her philanthropy and it was massive! I was not aware of the extent of it and was pleasantly surprised.

What a delight this book was to read. Marjorie's desire to serve others in life and give back was remarkable. She at times was uncomfortable with tremendous wealth when others had so little. She supported so many workers and their families. If there was a community need, she was there. After reading this book, I feel that I know Marjorie and wish I had the opportunity to befriend her.

If you love historical fiction, don't miss this one!

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to review this remarkable book.