Historical Fiction Book Review: The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

Book Description:
There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

My Review:
Constable Forge has a good heart that gets him into trouble. Kit has the wiles of a fox. The pair set out to solve a crime in the City of London. Griep sets the scene in this mystery, with quirky characters, dodgy streets, and historical description. Jackson and Kit don't know who to trust, so they have to depend on instinct and faith, as they search for the brain behind the crimes. If you enjoy stories set in the Victorian era, you'll want to read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. I admire the tenacity of Kit and the dogged determination of Constable Forge. Join them as they track the missing cabbie. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Historical Fiction Book Review: The Librarian of Boone's Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Book Description:
A traveling librarian ventures into the mining towns of Kentucky on horseback—and learns to trust the One who truly pens her story—in this powerful novel from the best-selling author of A Silken Thread.

During the Great Depression, city-dweller Addie Cowherd dreams of becoming a novelist and offering readers the escape that books had given her during her tragic childhood. When her father loses his job, she is forced to take the only employment she can find—delivering books on horseback to poor coal-mining families in the hills of Kentucky.

But turning a new page will be nearly impossible in Boone's Hollow, where residents are steeped in superstitions and deeply suspicious of outsiders. Even local Emmett Tharp feels the sting of rejection after returning to the tiny mountain hamlet as the first in his family to graduate college. And as the crippled economy leaves many men jobless, he fears his degree won’t be worth much in a place where most men either work the coal mine or run moonshine.

As Addie also struggles to find her place, she’ll unearth the truth about a decades-old rivalry. But when someone sets out to sabotage the town’s library program, will the culprit chase Addie away or straight into the arms of the only person who can help her put a broken community back together?

My Review:
As a former librarian, I enjoy the stories of these brave souls who ventured into the mountains to deliver literature. In The Librarian of Boone's Hollow, Addie's life is opened to a whole new world she never imagined. Set in the time following the Great Depression, Addie takes the only job she can find. I love the Kentucky mountain setting and variety of characters. Addie, Bettina, and Emmett venture into a time where they need to rely on God and one another, even when they think they can't. I love how the author brings out important issues and effortlessly weaves them into the story. Her writing offers hope. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

National Book Lover's Day!

I love books, and I cannot lie. 

Big books, small books, short books, tall books!

Here are some of my favorite children's books. 

I love sharing them with my grandkids. 

As a children's librarian for twelve years, I fell in love with the picture book.

Of course I love novels and nonfiction, too. But there is something about the illustrations and words that create an incredible experience for young readers and the young at heart.

Pick up a book and read!

Happy National Book Lover's Day! 

The Book Tree Tradition

As a lover of books, I cringe when one is damaged or worse yet, destroyed. Yet, part of my job is withdrawing books and sending them either on to a new home or to the recycle bin. But one December brought new hope for old books and created a wonderful holiday tradition.

The former director of the library where I work set the tradition into motion. She'd gathered a cart full of books that would be discarded for various reasons. With some ingenuity and a photo, one of the student assistants took the books and built a Christmas tree. The job is harder than it seems, and usually requires someone who thinks like a mathematician. Which leaves me out. 

Every year since, I've admired and appreciated the calculations and work that goes into bringing the adornment to life. This year though, I did get to decorate the tree. From one of the worn and torn dismantled literature books came some delicate, thin pages. I used skills I learned in grade school art class to fold and snip snowflakes. Now we have a recycled tree from top to bottom. My co-workers and I look forward to the tradition of the book tree and plan to continue it for years to come.

What's on Your Bookshelf?

We had an interesting discussion today, in the library where I work. One of our student assistants made the comment that he could tell a lot about a person by looking at their bookshelves. Interesting observation, I'd say.

From my shelves you could probably tell that I was a children's librarian for twelve years. I have several autographed picture books. On a lower shelf you'd find writing books, nature identification books and several Bibles. On some other shelves—yes I have more than one book case—you'd find poetry books, craft books, and some select fiction. And then there's the shelf with a few vintage beauties. I've collected books for years. I've passed some along to library sales, friends, and family. And I typically give books for gifts, because who doesn't love good books. Then there are the ones I receive in exchange for a fair review. I've found a way to feed my passion without paying big bucks! Thank goodness.

Now tell me, what would I find on your bookshelf? Mysteries? Sci-Fi? Inspirational books? How-to books? I'd love to know!

Rumor Has It

I was delighted to meet Author Marc Brown

Rumor has it— paperback and hardback books are old hat, passé, no longer read. I don’t think so. Over the weekend, my husband and I ventured out to Books by the Banks, an annual book and author event. People of all ages milled around tables filled with books, yes— real paper books. Authors and illustrators visited with their fans, autographed books, and smiled for photographs.

Just being in the same room as so many authors inspired me to continue working on my WIP. I love the written word, whether on paper or an e-reader. I use both and believe both formats will be around for a long, long time.