Arrowood by Laura McHugh

 Arrowood by Laura McHugh

Pages: 320

Rating 5 out of 5

This second novel, from Missouri author Laura McHugh is a gothic tale of family secrets in small town Iowa. A haunting novel from the author of The Weight of Blood about a young woman's return to her childhood home--and her encounter with the memories and family secrets it holds

After the death of her father, Arden Arrowood inherits the grand historical house, Arrowood, in her home town along the Mississippi River in southern Iowa. Searching to find her purpose and trying to finish her master's thesis she believes the quiet house and town are just what she needs. 

The Code of the Hills (Ozarks Mysteries # 1)

 The Code of the Hills (Ozarks Mysteries #1) by Nancy Allen

Pages: 480

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

In the Ozarks hills some things just aren't talked about... such as abuse and incest. Prosecutor Elsie Arnold is determined to take a stand for women and children in her hometown in Missouri. Her boss drops a high-profile case, in which a father is accused of abusing his three young daughters, in her lap right before the preliminary hearing. 

Elsie has to overcome the lack of preparation in the case, the oldest daughter's history of behavior, possible ulterior motives of the mother and the star witness disappearing. Adding to her stress she begins to get threats from local people and some extremists groups defending the father. Elsie swears she will not let a sex offender walk, but she soon realizes the odds are against her and it might cost her more than just her job. But she still remembers why she became a prosecuting attorney and the three young girls whose life hangs on the balance of this trial. 

A debut novel and a fast read. 

The Paris Hours by Alex George

 The Paris Hours by Alex George

Pages: 272

Rating: 4 out of 5

Set in 1927 Paris with events all happening over one day, this story shows four common people being touched by living in Paris and having contact with literary and artistic geniuses of the time. All four are searching for something they have lost, sometimes something physical but always some part of themselves. 

Camille, as the maid of Marcel Proust, knows his secrets and keeps them, but did he keep all of hers? Souren, a refuge, and puppeteer with his own version of fairy tales shared with the children in the park. Starving artist Guillaume, hopes meeting Gertrude Stein will change his luck. Jean-Paul a journalist always telling other people's stories, but is inspired to share his painful story, when he meets Josephine Baker. The foursome's paths cross in the end, and each learns what they are really looking for. 

Beautifully describes Paris in between World War I and World War II as a city recovering from war and a center of thought and art. Everyone in the story has been touched by the war in someway, so a bittersweet story. 

The Revolution of Ivy by Amy Engel

I love Engel's writing style. The characterization. I'm crying. Someone send help. Sacrificial love and mercy. People having inherent dignity due to the fact that they are human

All of the outdoors survival things.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I love Bishop.

I love all of my sweet babies. My baby boy.

It's about the found family, y'all.

Yes to non-toxic relationships *Opossum lady-Let's snap for Apple*

Yes to honesty and communication and working through issues; yes to fights where people say what they're feeling without attacking the other person. RELATIONSHIP GOALS. Someone call my best friend.

Where do I find myself a Bishop (I know where to find a Catholic bishop). I want a man of marriagable age, who is single and has the wonderfulness of Bishop Lattimer... I like a guy who knows how to hunt and can fix stuff and you know, treats me like a person....Is that too much to ask..
....That scene from the end of the Fox and the Hound.Yeah...that hurt.

...The epilogue. dsfkjlsfdjklsfdajklsfd;jklsfdjklsfd;jklsfdajklsfdjklsfd
400 Pages