​Mishipeshu is an  Anishinaabe water goddess who protects the entrance to the underworld and the medicinal water lilies that grow there. While stationed at a wilderness outpost in 1781, Marguerite, a French and Indigenous woman, began working on a manuscript about medicinal plants in the area around Lake Michigan with British officer Schlosser.  She adds the seeds of the nabaguck vision flower or Fragrant Water Lily to the book as she doles out the medicine to soldiers to induce sleep, relieve pain, and, in higher doses, cause visions.  As time passes, Mishipeshu watches the area around her river change, her flowers become less abundant, but some still seek their medicinal properties.  Marguerite's book is passed down, lost and forgotten, but the lore of the water lily is sought after.  

The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu follows Mishipeshu's story through the years as well as the water lily's influence on the people around her and the manuscript documenting the lily's effects. At first, I had difficulty following the story and connecting the characters because each chapter was set at a different point in history.  After I began reading each chapter as an individual short story with a connecting theme, I followed along much better.  I enjoyed the chapters from Mishipeshu's point of view the most.  I enjoyed learning about her underwater world, her motivations and the entrance to the underworld; I wish there were more Mishipeshu chapters or simply longer chapters.  I enjoyed the other stories more and more as time progressed, culminating in the frantic search for the manuscript in the present day.  Once I reached the end I found more enjoyment when I realized that each chapter had historical notes connecting the stories to real events.  The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu is an interesting story about the influence of plants on our lives and what can happen when the people who protect the knowledge of those plants are lost. 

This book was received for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Lily Bollinger fearlessly led Bollinger Champagne after her husband died.  During a time when women could only own a business through widowhood, Lily took the reins and didn't back down.  As the Third Reich took over her house and her champagne stores, Lily kept the harvest going and hid her precious stock along with resistance fighters and Allied soldiers.  After the war, Lily must adapt to the changing times and consider the future of Bollinger and Champagne itself. With no heir, she looks to her niece and nephews to continue the line, despite their differences of opinion and unwillingness to work together.  She became a champion of the name Champagne, stopping others from releasing drinks with the same name.   Lily also finds new ways to keep her champagne current by releasing a vintage from ungrafted stock that resisted Phylloxera and a Recently Disgorged Champagne.  Cyril Ray later documented Lily's triumphs so that the Bollinger legacy would not be forgotten.

License to Thrill is a fictionalized story about Lily Bollinger and Bollinger Champagne.  Told through two distinct periods of Lily's life—the 1940s and the 1970s—we learn of the struggles, fearlessness and successes of the Dame of Champagne and her empire.  Lily's courage shines from the beginning of the story as she decides to debut her Recently Disgorged Champagne in the 1970's and keeps her vineyard running in the 1940's.  The writing captures Lily's personality, passion and persistence throughout the years as well as the beauty of the vineyards and the town of Aÿ. I was constantly amazed by Lily's poise as threatening situations loomed.  In comparing herself and her town to the strongest of vines, Lily's character states, "We are battered, but the roots are deep."  With all of Rosenberg's books, I loved learning about a real, iconic woman who impacted the world not only through her work with Champagne but also with her unwavering bravery in the face of danger.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

​Deep in the heart of Appalachia, the small town of Baines Creek is home to the last one-room schoolhouse.  Having taught there for the last 10 years, Kate Shaw is now out of a job and home because the schoolhouse is closing.   However, with the death of the local healer, Birdie Rocas, Kate inherits Birdie's books of truths.  To uncover Birdie's secrets, Kate must take a leap of faith into the folklore of the mountains and trust Lydia Brown, who studies rare books.  Lydia has secrets of her own, her psychic gift has failed her since her parents died.  Lydia traveled to Baine's Creek hoping to find Birdie and regain her gifts, but now must rely on Birdie's books and any other clues left behind. 

"The Creek, The Crone and the Crow" is a magical story about life in Appalachia and the strength and knowledge of women.  Lyrical and descriptive writing pulled me into the small town of Baine's Creek, creating a strong sense of community and respect for nature. Kate came to Baine's Creek to escape. She found community, but never really fit in, refusing to believe the local folklore.  Lydia came to Baine's Creek to find the power she thought she had lost for good. In trying to unravel Birdie's secrets, Kate and Lydia must first uncover the truths buried deep within themselves.  I enjoyed solving the mystery Birdie left behind for the women, showing them that they had the strength within them all along.  Along with Birdie Kate and Lydia, I loved Lydia's niece, Gus, whose sense of wonder and self-trust was refreshing.  I also adored the animal companions—Simon the Crow, Rachel the dog and Uncle the cat—for lending guidance and support where they could.  Overall, The Creek, The Crone and the Crow is a mystery entwined in folklore and magic in the Appalachian Mountains, featuring a journey of discovery. 


This book was received for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Alouette Voland is the daughter of a Gobelin Tapestry Works dyer in 1660's France.  Alouette dreams of creating her own blue dye, but it is forbidden.  After Alouette's father is imprisoned for attempting to keep his own red dye a secret, Alouette breaks into the Works to save him and is sent to Salpêtrière asylum.  At Salpêtrière, Alouette endures terrible conditions and cruel medical practices, but she also finds companionship in a group of women who help her look beyond Salpêtrière's walls.   

Kristof Larson begins his psychiatric residency in 1939 Paris as the Nazis begin to descend upon the city.  Kristoff notices the treatment conditions are diminishing and soon learns this is purposeful. He finds respite with his friend, Alesander who shows him around Paris's underground. Soon after, the Nazis removed Kristof's neighbors, the Brodskys. Their teenage daughter, Sasha comes to Kristof for help along with some other teens. Kristof knows that he must help and brings them underground.  

Skylark is an emotional story of survival and resilience.  The dual stories in 1664 and 1939 are equally intriguing and feature well-developed characters about whom I cared equally.  The stories connect only through Paris's underground and the characters' emotional burdens.  Even with two vastly different stories, I was captured by the characters' journeys. Alouette is extremely passionate about finding her own dye and the injustices that exist within the dye works.  This passion serves her well at Salpêtrière where she can transform that energy into survival and eventually escape.  I enjoyed Alouette and Etienne's relationship; they find strength in one another.  Etienne's point of view on excavating the underground tunnels was also interesting for showing their importance, history and uses through time. Kristoff's story focuses on realizing the injustices around him and wanting to be part of the solution.  Kristoff's and Sasha's stories show the real time impacts on people as the Nazis rounded up Jewish people and disposed of the disabled.  The parallel stories of courage, hope and determination echo throughout time.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

​Betty Floyd lives modestly in 1779 New York as the war rages close to home. Betty's uncle, WIlliam Floyd, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.  However, the city is filled with Loyalists, so Betty mostly stays under the radar with the exception of bringing food to prisoners with her mother at the British prison and attending soirees with her friend Celeste.  After one of the prisoners that Betty helped to care for is mercilessly killed, she takes up her cousin's offer to spy for the Culper Ring.  Betty's attendance at dances soon catches the attention of Major John Andre.  While Betty is courted by the Major, she is able to collect important information to pass on to the Ring, but she must not only protect her heart while she falls for the Major, but learn to protect herself while passing on messages to help win the war. 


The identity of Agent 355, Lady, of the Culper Ring is still unknown. The author has chosen Betty Floyd to take on this role in To Outwit Them All.  Betty's character fits the role perfectly.  She is caring, intelligent, and often dismissed due to a physical deformity.  I found it interesting that her relationship with Major Andre gave Betty the confidence that she needed in order to commit to being part of the Culper Ring.  Written with historical detail, I enjoyed seeing the Revolution unfold through Betty's eyes as well as the soldiers that she interacted with. Betty was focused on the impact of the war on the people in town, not having enough wood to get through winter as well as the prisoners and their wellbeing.  From Betty's relationship with Major Andre, she was able to glean important insights to pass onto the Culper Ring, Much of the suspense was in safely passing on messages to her cousin.  Through all of the perils of spying and navigating her confusing relationship with Major Andre, Betty stayed strong, calm and consistent, showing the agent 355 was essential in winning the war. 


This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Birdie Stauffer takes her chances and auditions for the All-Female Versatile Quartet of the Westdale Chautauqua Circuit in the 1920's.  Despite her sister, Lydia's, initial disapproval, Birdie is accepted and makes it a quintet on account of not only her trombone skills, but her amazing whistling. Birdie is joined by her friend Helen, a pianist, Flo, a brash harpist, Mary, a sweet violinist and Adelle, a tough banjo player. However, Lydia imposes a condition on Birdie's adventure, she must come back with a marriage proposal.  Birdie finds a new freedom travelling with the Chautauqua circuit, even though the Quintet gets off to a rough start, Birdie grows in her skills, her friendships and knowledge of the world.  Birdie has two romances on the tour, one that satisfies Lydia and one that satisfies herself.  Once the tour is over, Birdie must decide to live a life that her sister chooses or a life for herself. 

Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is a historical fiction novel centering around the Chautauqua Circuit in the 1920's.  Using her grandmother's Chautauqua CIrcuit Scrapbook, the author is able to detail aspects of the Chautauqua circuit and make it come to life.  I enjoyed learning about the Chautauqua assemblies; despite living near where they originated, I was unaware of their existence.  The characters were all complex and unique. Helen was an amazing friend and composer, who was clearly hiding a secret.  I loved Flo's brashness and her resilience in the face of trauma. Adelle was a hardened leader, with a soft heart, and  Mary was welcoming and understanding. I felt for Birdie as she went from a very sheltered environment under her sister's thumb to a worldly experience on the Circuit.  Birdie's journey was one of growth and self discovery as she learned who she was, what she needs, how to stand up for herself and be a friend.  Through several traumatic incidents and living life on the road, Birdie is able to experience more of the world and figure out her place in it.  Her romances were unexpected and tumultuous, moving the plot along. I wish Lydia would have grown along with Birdie, however, I was glad that she had a friend in Lydia's husband, Gerald. Overall, an amazing heartfelt story of personal growth. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

​Igraine's life has been mapped out for her from the start.  As a second child of nobility, she was destined to be trained in the Mysteries of Avalon, dedicating herself to the Goddess.  An arranged marriage to Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall makes her a Duchess. Igraine loves her people, serves her Goddess and finds love in her marriage. Gorlois has been a faithful fighter to King Uther Pendragon.  Now, finally in a time of peace, Uther attempts to take Igraine for himself.  To Gorlois, this is an act of war.  However, the strings are being pulled behind the scenes by Vivian, Lady of the Lake and Merlin to fulfill a prophecy about Igraine's son.  Igraine has two daughters, Morgause and Morgan; however, with Gorlois turning his back to the Mysteries and choosing to worship one God, Vivian and Merlin no longer see Gorlois fit to father the King of their prophecy. After the war in her name, Igraine learns of the layers of deceit and her role as a pawn for Vivian and Merlin and decides to take her future into her own hands. 


The Chosen Queen is a historical fantasy that explores the origins of King Arthur from his mother's perspective.  Dimensional characters and expert world building bring to life Igraine, Gorlois, Vivian, Uther, Merlin, Morgan and Morgause as well as their home in Tintagel. The writing is rich in detail and has a strong atmosphere. Igraine is strong and powerful, a born leader but is used by Vivian and Merlin simply as a vessel to bring forth Arthur. I wish that I could have seen Igraine as the leader she envisioned herself as.  I was entranced by Igraine and Gorlois' relationship as well, they seemed so in love with one another despite growing differences in their faith.  The Mysteries of Avalon were also intriguing to me as well as Igraine's complete faith in her teachers, Vivian and Merlin, to lead her personal life despite their directions to be in opposition to Igraine's needs. I enjoyed Igraine's time in charge of her own castle, leading women with purpose and teaching her children skills they would soon need.  I especially loved the rituals and her bonds with the women and men left at the castle. While Igraine may not have been able to choose every step of the way, she showed immense strength while being manipulated by those she trusted.  

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

Silver Dollar Tabor, daughter of Baby Doe and Horace Tabor grew up with privilege and wealth until the collapse of silver prices.  Now, Silver Dollar wants nothing more than to help raise her family back up.  A born entertainer, Silver takes to the stage in an attempt to make a name for herself in 1920's Hollywood.  However, Silver is setback after a disastrous performance and a jealous co-star upturned her life.  To help her cope, Silver's alter-ego, Echo comes back with a vengeance, Echo brings Silver to Chicago, where she almost makes it to the silver screen.  Silver's beau, Carl, is along with her for the journey, but as Echo takes control, Carl is pushed away.  Echo gets Silver involved with the seedier side of life in Chicago, dragging Silver and her mother's remaining silver mine, the Matchless, into business with the mob. In 1932, Carl makes his way to the Matchless mine to talk with Baby Doe about a screenplay detailing the Tabor's story.  Baby Doe is intrigued, but really wants to find out about the last days of Silver's life from the only man who can tell her the truth.  

"Silver Echoes" continues the story of the Tabor family. Focusing this time on Baby Doe's daughter, Silver.  Silver is an enigmatic character that pulls you in and pushes you away at the same time.  After reading the real Silver's letters to her mother, the author chose to delve into Silver's identity with a diagnosis of what we would now call dissociative identity disorder.  Reading about Silver's struggles with this disorder in the 1920's was engaging, with no treatment and no understanding, Silver was left to fend for herself and deal with Echo's decisions after the fact.  Silver's character struggled, but always moved forward, showing fierce determination, strength and fortitude that the Tabor's were known for.  The writing brought to life the dazzling glitz of 1920's entertainment, the underbelly world of prohibition, the racial tension of the time as well as the beauty and danger of the silver mine.  I enjoyed catching up with Baby Doe as well, her spirit continues to be strong as she keeps the Matchless running despite dropping silver prices and her husband's death.  In the end, I'm glad that Baby Doe and Silver received the closure they deserved through Carl's movie.Overall, "Silver Echoes" is a captivating exploration of the Tabor family's enduring spirit, marked by both hardship and remarkable strength.
​
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Gitel, born in the early 1900's Belarus is the only daughter to her Jewish parents.  Immigrating to the US to follow her father in 1911, Gitel is kept constrained by her parents and religion. She is not allowed to study the same things, go to college, play sports or go out with friends.  Gitel is kept by her parents in order to learn to be a good Jewish wife.  Seeing marriage as her only option, Gitel finds a like mind in Shmuel, a liberal thinker politically, following Orthodox Jewish practices and working as a pharmacist.  Together, they open a pharmacy near Chicago, Gitel is fulfilled in her work life, but is struggling with intimacy with Shmuel. Nevertheless, they welcome a daughter.  When the Great Depression hits, Gitel and Shmuel are forced to sell the pharmacy and it seems that Shmuel enters a streak of bad luck.  Trying to survive, Gitel moves around with family, taking jobs where she can to save up money.  As soon as they are back on their feet, Gitel is pregnant again and Shmuel is injured at work.  Gitel now tries to balance being a parent, a caretaker to Shmuel and the family breadwinner. As Gitel's two girls grow up, she knows that she has done the best she can for them even though it has not been an easy life.  When Shmuel falls ill again, Gitel looks forward to the day when she can do something for herself. 

Gitel's Freedom is historical fiction based on the trials of the author's family.  Deeply steeped in the process of immigration, Judaism and women's rights, Gitel's story reverberates for many women.  The author relies heavily on exposition rather than allowing the events to unfold organically. The dialogue felt unnatural and abrupt, which hindered the development of the characters. Additionally, the narrative progresses rapidly through significant historical periods, offering a broad overview without delving into the characters' immediate experiences or emotional responses to these events.  Despite this, Gitel's story still felt important and I wanted to know about her life.  I felt for her as she was denied experiences and growth as a child, as she was pushed into a marriage where she didn't enjoy intimacy and was forced to be a caretaker for others while she neglected herself.  This expression of womanhood is one that is often repeated and throughout history and still pervades into women's lives today. Despite these stylistic choices, Gitel's story remains compelling. I empathize with her struggles, particularly the limitations imposed on her youth, her experience in a marriage lacking intimacy, and the constant demands of caring for others at the expense of her own well-being. This portrayal of womanhood, marked by self-sacrifice and deferred personal aspirations, unfortunately reflects the experiences of many women throughout history and continues to be relevant today.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.