We Hope for Better Things

We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels

Thanks to Erin Bartels, debut author, of this wonderful read I had a very Merry Christmas enjoying this great story.  A story that spans 1860's to present day following three leading ladies all somehow related: Mary from the Civil War era, Nora from the 1960s and Elizabeth from present day. he story takes place in either Detroit, MI or Lapeer County, MI.  Elizabeth is a journalist who has been asked to transport some photos to Nora who lives in Lapeer County- her family home.  Elizabeth has also been asked to "get a story" on Nora's past, but in order to learn of Nora's past you have to first start with Mary.  

This historical fiction highlights what occurred in the North during the Civil War.  It shed light on the fact that all Northerners didn't support emancipation or welcome African Americans being treated equal.  Nora's story takes place during "riots of Detroit" era.  Nora falls in love with an African American and this love isn't fully accepted by either family.  

Elizabeth is trying to make a name for herself in journalism, but she gets caught in a story that doesn't end well for her integrity as a journalist.  She leaves Detroit to go and visit her great-aunt Nora who is living by herself ad starting to show possible signs of dementia.  

This story was really engaging and I felt like I was reading a historical fiction mystery.  The mystery was figuring out how all three of these women from different eras were connected.  I love when stories flash back and forth between time periods.  I appreciated that Erin titled each chapter the specific year and place the story was taking place.  However, at times I struggled with keeping straight who was who.  That was the only negative with the story- keeping straight where I was and whose story I was reading.  Hence, I gave Erin's debut novel 4 stars and look forward to reading other books by this author.  

So grateful to be sent this book to review by Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group.  

November Reads

One more month of reading in 2018.  I hit 108 books in November and am looking forward to some new goals for 2019.  Before I get ahead of myself here are November reads. 

Still Me by Jojo Moyes

Me Before You #3- I listed to this book and really enjoyed it- 5 stars.  The audio actress had the nicest English accent.  I found this book , third in the series, to fulfill my reading needs.  Louis finds herself in NYC as an assistant to a wealthy married woman.  The story is multi layered and went along smoothly.  Highly recommend this book for someone looking for a love story/starting over story/finding oneself story.  

The Endless Beach by Jenny Colgan

Another audiobook for the month- 4 stars.  Part 2 of the Seaside Bakery story.  Flora and Joel's relationship is unfolding.  Other relationships are growing too. I like how her books are romance with an edge.  I'm so glad I found Jenny Colgan's books. 

The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker

Previously  posted.  Go to:  http://imchattynatty.blogspot.com/2018/11/the-minimalist-home.html

to see the post in depth.  I gave it 3 stars.  Thanks to @WaterBrookMultnomah #Partner for sending me this book to read and review.  

The Pearl that Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi

4 star read- book club read for the month.  I like the way the author went back and forth between two women's stories.  Rahima, more present day and Shekiba, Rahima's great aunt, living in the past.  Both women oppressed and struggling, although living generations apart.  They are oppressed by their religion, men, culture and their families.  I thought the ending was abrupt, but otherwise thought it was a well written story- sad at times.  Sometimes I just can't do "sad" over and over. 

 

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn

Really fun story which spans the week around Christmas.  I gave it 4 stars.    Lily and Dash, the main characters,  meet through a red notebook left in a bookstore.  As the title states the book is made up of dares.  The story is a mix of mystery and romance on a YA level.  Fun read and listen.  This is the first in the series and  I will be looking forward to the next book.  

Yoga Mind: Journey beyond the physical, 30 days to enhance your practice and revolutionize your life from the inside out by Suzan Colon

This book is proof that some good things come from social media.  I first learned about Suzan Colon from her Instagram feed @suzancolon.  She had an offer to read the first chapter of the book.  If you liked it she encouraged you to order the book.  Well the first chapter hooked me.  The way in which she introduced different yoga philosophy topics/words and her writing being personal made this a 5 star read for me.  I thought I'd be reading about daily yoga poses to practice, instead I read a book about how to incorporate breathing, meditation, and general thoughts, processes, or changes in my thinking to improve my daily living.  The daily prompts are perfect because they are doable in our fast paced lives.  This is a needed read for anyone feeling a little overwhelmed with life these days.  It would make a great Christmas gift.  

All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

I can't say much or I'll give away the story.  t is a story about love, friendship, marriage, struggle in real life and the importance of communication.  I enjoyed the author's writing and the way she structured the story.  One chapter named "Now" the next chapter "Then" and so it went back and forth throughout the book.  Part of the books made me tear up.  Other parts were humorous and reminded me of the power of "newness" in a relationship.  If you like a good story pick this one up.