reviews

The Woman Who Became a Pillar of Salt Author: T.K. Thorne Adira, disguised as a boy, has long followed in her father’s footsteps; she is an adamant negotiator and a valuable resource to her father’s caravan. But as she grows older, it becomes evident that soon she must relinquish her freedom and declare her womanhood, returning to the tents of Sarai and Abraham. Allowed one farewell trip with the caravan, she encounters Elohim’s (El) messengers, two Northern Men thought by Abraham to be angels and a messenger of the gods. Disobeying her father’s wishes, Adira once again strives for independence, [...]

How Green Was My Valley: An Enduring Classic   Author: Richard Llewellyn   The classic, bestselling novel from 1940, Richard Llewellyn’s novel, How Green Was My Valley, chronicles the lives of a respectable coal mining family in Wales during the reign of Queen Victoria. Starting with an idyllic life, industrialism and the greed of companies and their owners gives rise to the obstinacy of unions and the violence of betrayed peoples. As Huw, the youngest son of the family, is growing up, he watches the transition. A coming of age novel, a loss of innocence story, and a transition of [...]

Supernatural Sleuthing and Cute Kitties: Agatha Raisin's 9th Mystery Author: M.C. Beaton Seeking healing from her thwarted romance and for her patchy balding skull (due to a vengeful hairdresser), Agatha is on vacation yet again. Selecting a lonesome beach retreat by closing her eyes and pointing at a map, Agatha is disappointed by the dismal Wyckhadden where the weather is wicked and all the denizens elderly. Making depressing friends at the hotel, Agatha is an honorary member of the venerable grey-hairs club, playing Scrabble every night and wailing over her lost youth and her constant obsession, James Lacey. Ever hopeful, [...]