Excellent memoir of adversity and letting go of an attachment to home, moving beyond guilt, and shedding shame. Tara could have easily fell into the life that her parents lived, but instead chose her own path despite how difficult it was to separate herself from her family, and ultimately losing them at the end.

It was hard to put down! A lot of information revealed and tons of action!

A perfect desert book and a really heartfelt story!!! ;)

First time reading this author's work and although it was a pleasurable story, it was more like a light summer read to me. The premise is that Veronica found out that she was adopted through a DNA test kit given to her by her sister for Christmas. She suspected as such since her high school years but never spoke of it until now. Her adopted family thought it would be good to visit the countries that she was related to and her father paid for a trip arranged by her sister to Ireland, France Italy and Denmark. There are elements of fantasy throughout which you had to go with, but it was a very predictable story . I will rate it 3 stars, but I think the author could have made the book more interesting by giving more background on the characters and on Veronica's relationship with Jonathan previous to her trip.

Not the best Guido adventure, but a surprising one. The ending I did not expect. Donna sets the scene - I feel as if I have lived in Venice!

funny anecdotes by a karate instructor

A Year of Wonders offers a vivid look at a plague-ridden village through the eyes of a compelling narrator. The historical detail is rich, and the themes of resilience stand out. However, the pacing stumbles in the final chapters, and some plot turns feel overly dramatic. Still, an engaging read for historical

Thank you to Kathleen Kaufman, Between the Chapters Book Club and Kensington Publishers for an ARC of The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey. I don't give away spoilers in my reviews. I knew I had to read this book based on the title alone. And, yes, Nora Grey is fantastic as a character and so much more. I do want to note how much I enjoyed the author's dedication and author notes - both gave me so much info as well as made me laugh. Nora (originally Nairna) and her father Tavish (always goes by Tavish) are fraudsters. Tavish is charming and could sell anyone anything. Nora is not as much as a fraudster but doesn't understand her psychic gifts. She's so used to living on the streets with her father, eating trashed food and feeling starved most of the time. She also feels guilty about tricking people while reading her grandmother's seer cards for them. Nora is discovered by a woman who sees Nora's psychic gifts and the strength of those gifts. She brings Nora -and Tavish, partly - into her home to help Nora hone her skills. Unfortunately, women with psychic gifts were often considered witches and were frowned upon in society during the time of Nora's lifetime. Nora and her father often clash and I found their relationship one of the most intriguing thoroughout the story. She loves her father but is tired of providing for him then feels guilty for not appreciating the little he does for her. There are many characters that were easy to like/dislike that added to Nora's story. I don't give away spoilers. I will say I loved Nora becoming stronger in her gifts and I really loved how serious she was about being honest. The second half of the book finds Nora and Tavish in a new setting which I loved reading about. I was - I hate to use the word mesmerised - by her readings, the settings, the things doctors would do and the people who helped her. There is a dual POV with Nora and Lottie, Tavish's mother thoroughout the book. I also loved Lottie but felt sad for her with most of her story. Wonderful read for anyone who believes - and doesn't believe - in mesmerists, psychics, etc. I loved the ending as well. from my Goodreads account

First book I read with Dez Limerick as the protagonist. Will be reading the others

This is the first in the series that I read. Usually, I like to read from the beginning, but I was able to enjoy this immensely. I love period books with characters who are feminist and this author described these two sisters well - strong, supporting each other, and not married! Wow! They go around helping others. We need more books like this.