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Looking for Jane – by Heather Marshall – independent book review – Historical Fiction (Canada, United States) – Toby A. Smith
Author Heather Marshall says this book is about motherhood, rather than abortion. But it's really about both. And adoption too. It's also about women, autonomy, justice, and perseverance.
The American Queen: A Novel Based on the True Story of Appalachia’s Kingdom of the Happy Land – by Vanessa Miller – independent book review – Historical Fiction (United States) – Toby A. Smith
The story of a group of formerly enslaved people, who successfully established an independent settlement, straddling the border between North and South Carolina.
The Lost Daughters of Ukraine – by Erin Litteken – independent book review – Historical Fiction (World War II) – Toby A. Smith
Compelling from page one, this historical novel is author Erin Litteken’s fictionized version of the history of her Ukrainian ancestors, based on family stories told to her through the decades. THE LOST DAUGHTERS OF UKRAINE is one of the most powerful World War II novels I’ve read. But it’s certainly not for the faint hearted.…
A Triple Knot – by Emma Campion – independent book review – Historical Fiction (England) – Toby A. Smith
A TRIPLE KNOT by Emma Campion tells the story of Joan of Kent (1327-1385) sometimes called the Fair Maid of Kent. She is a historical figure I knew little about before this book, though I did know that she was the wife of the Black Prince (1330-1376) and the mother of England’s King Richard II…
Landscape of a Marriage – by Gail Ward Olmsted – independent book review – Historical Fiction (United States) – Toby A. Smith
If you are like me, LANDSCAPE OF A MARRIAGE: CENTRAL PARK WAS ONLY THE BEGINNING will no doubt provide you with interesting information about the lives of brilliant landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) and his wife of 40+ years, Mary Cleveland Perkins (1830-1921). Just don’t expect a page-turner. Awarded three stars on Goodreads. On…
The Sweet Blue Distance – by Sara Donati – independent book review – Historical Fiction (United States) – Toby A. Smith
I can think of no better way to describe THE SWEET BLUE DISTANCE than as a compelling saga of the pre-Civil War American frontier. Author Sara Donati, once again, does NOT disappoint. Awarded four stars on Goodreads. If you're unfamiliar with this author, Donati has created a family of characters (listed at the beginning of…
Falling Wisteria – by Laila Ibrahim – independent book review – Historical Fiction (United States, World War II) – Toby A. Smith
Note: I was given early access to this novel and am writing this review voluntarily. Thank you netgalley and Lake Union Publishing. Scheduled Publication: August 20, 2024. FALLING WISTERIA is the fifth book in Laila Ibrahim's Yellow Crocus series. But while this one does pick up with a descendant of the earlier characters, it tells…
Symphony of Secrets – by Brendan Slocumb – independent book review – Fiction – Toby A. Smith
SYMPHONY OF SECRETS starts out with what I felt was a slowish pace but midway through becomes an intense page-turner with mounting suspense. Awarded four stars on Goodreads. Using a dual-timeline construction, author Brendan Slocumb moves back and forth in time, slowly unveiling two stories about fictitious American music composer, the late Frederick Delaney: •…
I Wanted You To Know – by Laura Pearson – independent book review – Fiction – Toby A. Smith
I WANTED YOU TO KNOW is probably the single saddest and most upsetting book I have ever read. In part because it tapped into some of my own most personal experiences and fears. Awarded four stars on Goodreads. It's also likely that this will be a hard book for many to read. I WANTED YOU…
River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile – by Candice Millard – independent book review – Nonfiction – Toby A. Smith
RIVER OF THE GODS: GENIUS, COURAGE, AND BETRAYAL IN THE SEARCH FOR THE SOURCE OF THE NILE is a perfectly crafted example of the dark side of British Colonialism, and by extension, of ALL the efforts by Western powers (including the United States) to extend their control to parts of the world beyond their borders.…
SubPar Parks – by Amber Share – independent book review – non-fiction – Toby A. Smith
SUBPAR PARKS (Secondary title: America's Most Extraordinary National Parks and Their Least Impressed Visitors) is a short illustrated introduction to the United States National Parks system -- based on actual one-star reviews left by visitors on Yelp and other places. Honest! Awarded three stars on Goodreads. Author Amber Share is a professional illustrator and graphic…
The Last List of Mabel Beaumont – by Laura Pearson – independent book review – Fiction – Toby A. Smith
THE LAST LIST OF MABEL BEAUMONT is a lovely, feel-good story -- though it doesn't appear that way at the start. Awarded four stars on Goodreads. At the beginning of the novel, author Laura Pearson introduces us to Mabel and Arthur, a British couple who have been married for 62 years. Mabel has always thought…
The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey – by Candice Millard – independent book review – non-fiction – Toby A. Smith
THE RIVER OF DOUBT: THEODORE ROOSEVELT'S DARKEST JOURNEY is a fascinating testament to the profound arrogance of white Western explorers and their efforts to colonize the world. Awarded four stars on Goodreads. In the 19th and 20th centuries, many European countries and the United States were expanding their influence and power by annexing or otherwise…