It's certainly not the worst book I've ever read, but I don't know why everyone praises McCaffrey so much if this is her normal writing.

I don't give away spoilers in my reviews. I am a fan of Ms. Wiseman's writing - specifically, all the research she does to write her books. I did not know much about the coal industry at all. I feel like I have a pretty good grasp of it after reading Coal River. I love historical books because I like to learn while I read. Emma is a young woman who once lived in Coal River. She's vowed to never return for very good reason. After becoming an orphan years later, she finds herself back in Coal River at her Uncle Otis' home. He is the local coal mine owner and a brutal, harsh man. Her Aunt Ida only wants Emma in the home to provide free maid duties. Emma has a past history with her cousin Percy and is not happy to live in their home. Emma has maid duties as well as store clerk duties in the coal mine's general store. She begins to learn about the coal mine and how its employees are treated. Most upsetting to her is how young the breaker boys are and how dangerous their jobs are. I don't give away spoilers so I'll just say this was a spectacular, emotional read that is so well written. I was often sad while reading it, but also found a lot of hope in Emma. (from my Goodreads review)

I enjoy Sepetys books. She always does a nice job weaving history into her stories and this one is no different. It offers an interesting glimpse into life in New Orleans in 1950.

I don't give away spoilers in my reviews. This is the first book in the series An American in Paris. I read the third book the other day and am starting the second book tomorrow. I really loved the third book and loved this one as well. I especially liked learning more about Tabitha's arrival in Paris, her reactions to Paris, her first meeting with Julia, etc. The descriptions of Paris were wonderful - I can easily imagine the cream colored buildings with black railings. Tabitha learns a woman has been found dead in the cellar of Julia's building and proceeds to enter the cellar in hopes of helping to discover what happened. Since her father is a cop and she's always read mystery books, she thinks she may be helpful. The local inspector heartily disagrees with her. I loved their interactions and how clearly Ms. Cambridge describes his facial expressions while dealing with Tabitha. I also loved her Grand-pere and Oncle Rafe as well as the pets. Her lack of cooking skills made me laugh and reading a character that is supposed to be Julia Child was fun as well. I'm excited to read the second book. (from my Goodreads review)

This book is incredible! It’s about a girl named Morgan who just wants to get through high school and escape her whole life on the island where she lives. But Morgan has a lot of secrets, including the fact that she’s gay. One night, she is saved from drowning by a strange girl named Keltie, and they start to fall in love. But Keltie has secrets too… this book is really sweet and I’d recommend this book to anyone!

In When, Daniel H. Pink explores the hidden science behind timing—not just what we do, but when we do it. He argues that timing is not an art, but a science, and understanding it can dramatically improve our performance, decision-making, and well-being. Drawing on research from psychology, biology, and economics, Pink shows that our daily rhythms follow predictable patterns. Most people move through three phases during the day: 1. Peak – best for analytical work (usually in the morning), 2. Through - a mid-day slump, 3. Recovery – good for creative tasks (late afternoon/evening). He emphasizes that “when” matters just as much as “what” and “how.” For example, taking breaks at the right time can boost focus, and the timing of life events (like starting a new job, getting married, or switching careers) can influence their outcomes. He also explores “temporal landmarks”—special dates or events that give us a fresh start—and how they can be used to motivate change. Whether it's the beginning of a week, a birthday, or even a new year, these moments can reset our mindset and push us forward. In the end, when helps us rethink our schedules, habits, and life decisions through the lens of science-backed timing, so we can make smarter choices not just about what to do, but when to do it.

Powerful. There isn't really another word for this book. There were no women In Vietnam was repeated so many times in this book and each time it got me angrier and angrier. The things these nurses and Doctors saw were just as horrific as what I can only imagine the soldiers saw. The story was beautifully written and hauntingly sad. RYE.. u dirty dirty turd... No. unacceptable. The friendships between the three woman was beautiful. The family Dynamic was tough to read. How her dad just couldn't accept that she was a hero and she was a veteran. Who SERVED PROUDLY . Just was crazy. How women were and to this day are treated as less than. Boggles the mind.

Excellent

I don't give away spoilers in my reviews. I've read one of Ms. Cambridge's other books in her other series, The Phyllida Bright mystery series and very much enjoyed it. Although this is the 3rd book in her An American in Paris Mystery and I took all three out from my local library, I started with this one first. I love a ballgown and fashion and knew I'd love this book. I knew of the inclusion of Julia Child as a character and it was so much fun to imagine her cooking and being friends with Tabitha. I watched Julia Child when I was younger and loved to think of her cooking and trying to teach Tabitha how to make crepes, etc. Tabitha lives in Paris with her Grand-pere and his partner, her Oncle Rafe. The "attic" setting where she lives in their home sounds like the perfect little room in Paris. Especially with that private bath. Although I haven't read the other two books yet, it did come out in this book that Tabitha has discovered other bodies - numerous other bodies. She's helped the local inspector with solving the crimes before and helps him solve these. I really enjoyed his constant smirks and sighs at her insistence in helping him. All of the fashions, the mannequins, the Dior history of Chrisitan and his sister, were all written so well. I learned a lot of about Paris history and fashion. I'm eager to start the first book, Mastering the Art of French Murder, next. (from my Goodreads review)

I don't know what this book wanted to be: spy thriller or anthropology fiction? Either way, it was trying to be too many things at once.