Diversity Playbook

A plethora of books about diversity have been published in the last two years, so you may wonder why another is needed. Diversity Playbook, written by Michelle R. Lloyd-Paige and Michelle D. Williams and published by ACU Press, brings unique insight into this field and is well-worth your time. Written for and by professionals in the field of Christian Higher Education (CHE), Diversity Playbook is grounded in scripture and first-hand examples illustrating the importance of this topic. While Lloyd-Paige and Williams are diversity professionals, their audience is not limited to those who include diversity in their official job description but includes anyone and everyone in CHE who is interested in this topic as well as other fields. The book is divided into three parts which are For the Diversity Professional, For the Outliers, Allies, and Co-Conspirators, and For the Organization. Everyone is highly encouraged to read all three sections regardless of where you fit in your organization. Each chapter opens with scripture and ends with a summary titled Takeaways. The authors take turns sharing their stories and experiences using Michelle L. or Michelle W. to indicate whose perspective is being shared. Most chapters also include several footnotes. Lloyd-Paige and Williams have a very conversational tone in their writing which provides inviting, "you can do this: encouragement to readers.

Diversity Playbook is highly recommended for any Christian organization not just higher education. While some examples may not be relevant, most information can be applied to any organization. I found the section For the Diversity Professional appropriate for anyone in, or aspiring to, a leadership position. Diversity Playbook is highly recommended for libraries in CHE institutions, has potential to be used as a leadership textbook, and should be required reading for CHE administrators and boards. Beyond CHE, any Christian organization will find this book immensely useful as will Christians in leadership roles who wish to bring a Christian understanding of diversity to their own organizations.

A complementary copy of Diversity Playbook was provided to me from ACU Press via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

On the Spectrum

Professor Daniel Bowman pulls back the curtains and throws open the doors inviting readers into his life as an autistic person. In his recently published collection of essays On the Spectrum, Bowman allows you to view the world from his vantage point. Some essays provide a look into how he as an autistic person handles daily life and offers a glimpse that may help you understand better those in your own life who are autistic. Other essays emphasize that there is not "one size fits all" description and encourages readers to get to know individual people rather than stereotypes. In fact, one of Bowman's stated goals is to demonstrate that autistic people can be creative and artistic and be professors.

On the Spectrum: Autism, Faith, and the Gifts of Neurodiversity is suggested reading for anyone who interacts with anyone who is on the Autism spectrum. If you are a teacher, minister, or anyone who works with the public, you should read this. While none of the essays are lengthy, be prepared to read slowly and thoughtfully.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Brazos Press via NetGalley.

Quest52

Quest52 is a brand new resource by pastor/teacher Dr. Mark E. Moore. Quest52: A 15-Minute-a-Day Yearlong Pursuit of Jesus is set up in a very similar format to his previous Core52. Each week begins with an essay where Moore approaches the scriptural theme for the week. His essays are person able and geared towards a non-academic audience. At the end of each essay, a page titled :This Week provides daily assignments. These assignments include a reflection question, reading additional related scriptures, mediating on specific scriptures, discussion questions, and an action step. The assignments are labeled day 1-5 to so that any day of the week could be used for the small group discussion. Additional resources are available at the companion website Quest52.com which includes a brief video lesson. As Dr. Moore was previously a professor at Ozark Christian College, he has also included audio Life of Christ lectures and downloadable background studies as well.

Quest52 is a great resource for anyone who is seeking a new study for the new year. It also has great potential for a small group study or a church wide study as well. The content is appropriate for ages high school and up althought Moore's target audience is adults. While useful as a follow-up to his previous Core52, this resource does stand on its own as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Quest52 via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Beyond These War-Torn Lands

Today, I finally was able to read Cynthia Roemer's newest release Beyond These War-Torn Lands. Having enjoyed her previous works, I was looking forward to this. Roemer's plot, descriptive writing, and eye for detail drew me into the story immediately. In particular, Roemer includes numerous historical details in such a way that lends authenticity to the story and furthers the plot line.

The title, Beyond These War-Torn Lands truly refers to more than simply the Civl War but also the divides that occur in numerous relationships. Caroline and Drew, the two main characters, are both imperfect but grow and mature in numerous ways throughout the book. They learn through the choices they make the importance of demonstrating love and forgiveness to others even when it is not reciprocated. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a good historical novel. While there is a romantic element, the story centers on the male main character and the Civil War enough to be interesting to men as well as women.

In full disclosure, I do know the author personally. However, I did purchase this book on my own volition and am under no obligation to provide a positve review.

Bucky McGuire

The description of Bucky McGuire and its setting of post-civil war Illinois near Galena caught my attention right away. As an Illinois girl interested in history, I had high hopes for this book. While the story of Bucky was interesting and the interchange between the now adult Bucky and his great-grandchildren was interesting, I did not enjoy it as much as I hoped.

While geared for upper-elementary children, the author uses numerous words and phrases unfamiliar to many children. While well-written and filled with amazing vocabulary, Bucky McGuire would be best as a read-aloud where unfamiliar terms could be explained. I did find the story dragged a bit but reading it aloud so that children could "hear" it told in the same way Bucky's grandchildren did would be a wise choice. As parent or teacher may find it helpful to create research projects around some of the events included in the book which would provide learning opportunities in history and science topics.

Recommended for reading aloud or as a unit study. Children who are interested in history and are avid readers will enjoy.

I received a complementary copy via NetGalley. I was not required to provide a positive review.

The One You're With

I was unfamiliar with Lauren K. Denton, but the description of her newest book The One You're With caught my attention.

Childhood sweethearts have what appears to be a perfect life with well-established careers and two kids until a blast from their past rocks their world and threatens to end their marriage and perfect existence. Secrets emerge on both sides from the college summer they spent apart which cause them both to wonder if they made the right choice to marry each other. Alternating between the main characters and between the present and the past, The One You're With explores a variety of issues related to mid-life crises, friends, and marriage. An excellent heart-warming book!

I received a complementary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley.

The Clockmaker's Wife

The Clockmaker's Wife by Daisy Wood is a split time novel involving three generations of women in one family. WW II London during the blitz figures heavily into the story causing the main character and her baby daughter to be evacuated to her parent's home. Her husband, the clockmaker, stays behind caring for the clock in the Palace of Westminster often referred to as Big Ben. In contemporary times, the main character's granddaughter is trying to discover the truth about the grandmother she never knew. This story lends itself well to the split time genre as clues found in the contemporary story set the stage for the WW II story.

Combining the horrors of the blitz and the famed English stiff upper lip,The Clockmaker's Wife provides an excellent look at the interplay of loyalty to family versus loyalty to country. The strife that can exist between children and step-mothers and siblings plays into the story as well. All in all, an excellent addition to the burgeoning genre of WW II historical novels.

I received a complementary copy of The Clockmaker's Wife from NetGalley.

The Personal Librarian

Some of my readers need to know that this book is NOT about the Personal Librarian concept employed at some colleges. However, it is a fictional account of Belle da Costa Green, The Personal Librarian of millionaire J.P. Morgan. This new book, co-written by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, provides a behind the scenes look at her experiences serving as the first director of the Pierpont Morgan Library in New York City.

Serving as the library's first director, Belle da Costa Greene was in charge of developing and cataloging Morgan's collection of art and rare manuscripts. Doing so, provided her the opportunity to rub shoulders with the creme de la creme of New York as well as top art and rare book and manuscript scholars and collectors from aroud the world. During the early part of the 20th century, this was a plum position for a woman in a very patriarchal society. However, da Costa Greene also had some family secrets she was hiding. Her family background makes her accomplishments all the more significant.

The Personal Librarian is an enjoyable look at New York society in the early 20th century. The rich and powerful of the U.S.A and the numerous societal shifts that are beginning to take place in terms of women's suffrage, civil rights, and the sexual revolution are included. Being about a librarian who made significant contributions to the field and to history makes the story that much more interesting.

I received a complementary copy of The Personal Librarian from Berkley Publishing via NetGalley. I am not required to provide a positive review.

Reading the Times

When I first picked up Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry into the News by Dr. Jeffrey Bilbro, I expected to learn how to better engage with the news which surrounds us via our social media feeds and constant access to the internet. What I found was that this recently published book from InterVarsity Press provided so much more.

After an introduction on "Reading the News in Order to Love Our Neighbors," which is worth the price of the price of the book, Dr. Bilbro, an English professor, focuses on the concepts of attention, time, and community and how they related to our new consumption. Each part contains three chapters which describe the concept, how it relates to our news consumption, and then addresses how to incorporate these new habits into our lives in chapters titled "Liturgies of" the concept. This pattern allows Bilbro, and his readers, the opportunity to dive deep into the concept and then determine how the concept can be implemented in their life. The thesis throughout the book is that Christians should interact with the news seeking to discover how should we love our neighbors and how should we live faithfully in light of eternity. Approaching news with this mindset, allows us to focus on what truly matters but also requires us to reconsider who is our neighbor and where or what is our community. While not anti-technology or social media, Bilbro reminds readers that too often community is formed based on what news media you consume and devolves into taking sides rather than being based on where you live, who are your neighbors, and how can you show Christ's love to them.

Bilbro draws from a variety of interdisciplinary subjects including philosophy and history as well as literature and theology to explore attention, time, and community. He pulls in examples from history and current events and his research is well-documented via extensive footnotes. As such, this book could be used as a textbook or supplementary reading in a variety of courses. Beyond the classroom, Reading the Times is highly recommended to any Christian who wishes to read the news, and the times, from a theological point of view.

I received a complementary copy of Reading the Times from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley. I am not required to provide a positive review.

The Girl Behind the Wall

For many years, the Berlin Wall separated East and West Berlin, dividing not only the city but in some cases entire families as well. That is exactly the situation in The Girl Behind the Wall by Mandy Robotham. Imagine waking up one morning to find that your twin sister is stuck on the other side of the wall. Using all available resources, they try to reunite but without success for most of the book.

Robotham, well know for her World War II novels, takes on a similar but different topic in this work. The focus is not on which side was right or wrong--although the portrayal of the East German Stasi was chilling, but instead how the wall impacted this particular family. The bonds unique to twins as well as families in general, and the tension between family and love are displayed. Robotham provides background information on how decisions made during World War II impacted the main characters in the Cold War era. Robotham portrays characters in the Communinst East Berlin who are kind, caring and compassionate as well as characters in the West who look out only for themselves and vice versa. While today, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 seems like it was some time ago and World War II way before then, this story was a great reminder that these events are still recent history and impacted real people.

The Girl Behind the Wall is an excellent look at a part of history that is often over-looked.

I received a complementary copy from NetGalley. I am not required to provide a positive review.

Dear White Peacemakers

Before seeing the description for the recently published book Dear White Peacemakers, I wasn't familiar with Osheta Moore. After finishing this book, I am definitely more familiar with her as she addresses her readers as friend. As her writing comes from her heart and her experiences, she definitely wries as one frend to another and frequently mentions the drinks or food she would serve if we were at her table. I have followed her on social media and encourage you do so too!

Dear White Peacemakers: Dismantling Racism with Grit and Grace has so many "WOW!" moments throughout the book. I was reading an e-copy, and my notes option was being used frequently. I would often stop to read a section out loud to my husband or other family members. Moore does a wonderful job of meshing her own experiences, current events, and some research. As she lives in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region, she had a front row seat to George Floyd's tragic and untimely death and draws upon that as well as other racially fueled deaths and instances over the last few years. This experience combined with her own experiences and leading an anti-racism study tour provides numerous resources for her to draw upon.

I don't want to give away all of Moore's best content, but I do want to provide a taste of what you will learn. A key concept Moore emphasizes, as you can tell by the title, is the importance of peacemaking rather than peacekeeping. Moore explains that peacekeeping is status quo while peacemaking is "partnering with God to create shalom." She also emphasizes throughout the book that an importance part of peacemaking is to refrain from dehumanizing other people. Moore indicates that White Supremacy has dehumanized others and that as peacemakers we much remember that everyone is a human created in the image of God and that we must reclaim humanity for all people. Throughout Dear White Peacemakers, Moore references the Sermon on the Mount frequently as well as other scripture passages.

As a librarian who teaches information literacy and evaluation of information, several sections of Dear White Peacemakers stood out specifically. In one section, Moore notes that white supremacy emphasizes researched information that has been written and published over lived experiences. This was a great reminder of how publishing and information in general privileges certain populations and disadvantages others and the importance of seeking out diverse opinions and viewpoints. Moore also cautions individuals who may wish to express solidarity with individuals of other ethnic backgrounds by appropriating holidays, celebrations, and symbols. Moore emphasizes a difference between appreciating other cultures and appropriating it into your own. She encourages individuals to "cite their sources" by naming the specific person or place from where it comes.

Each chapter begins with a scripture passage and a letter from Moore to Dear White Peacemakers where she shares personally an introduction to the chapter's content. Likewise, each chapter ends with a scripture and a breath prayer based on the scripture passage. My one regret while reading the book is that I didn't stop to write each of the breath prayers down for later use. Dear White Peacemakers is not a book you read quickly but is a book you need to sit with for a while. I feel it is a book I will return to frequently.

The Librarian of Saint-Malo

World War II--Check!

A librarian?--Check!

I was sold on The Librarian of Saint-Malo before I even opened the book as it combines one of my favorite time periods for historical fiction and it's about a librarian! Beyond those characteristics, it was written by Mario Escobar whose other books I have enjoyed. However, the story of Jocelyn Ferrec is unique among the glutted World War II genre. While involved to some extent in the French resistance movement and definitely doing her part against the Nazi invaders, Jocelyn's efforts focus on saving the literature and the history of the world through her town's library. We often forget the censorship that occurred during this time period and the numerous works that have been lost or were for a time period unavailable. Jocelyn's efforts to save the books causes her to interact with numerous individuals and those encounters may surprise you. In addition to a moving World War II novel, The Librarian of Saint-Malo reminds readers of the illnesses and other life difficulties that people of this time period faced. These issues are difficult by themselves, but when combined with an invading army and life being turned totally upside down become completely overwhelming. This book will cause you to wonder if you would have the strength and will to survive these trials.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I was not required to provide a positive review.

Lead Like It Matters

Recently I had the opportunity to read the new book Lead Like It Matters to God: Values-Driven Leadership in a Success-Driven World. In this slim book, Richard Stearns who is best known for his role as president of World Vision, presents "17 values to transform your leadership." While published by InterVarsity Press and definitely from a Christian point of view, the primary audience is anyone who is a leader in secular or Christian organizations. Stearns emphasizes that no matter your place of service, anyone who is a Christ-follower is called to be Christ's ambassador in all that they do.

Although there are 17 values presented, Lead Like It Matters to God has 20 chapters which include an introduction, conclusion, and a chapter providing biographical background information about Stearns. As Stearns combines leadership principles with stories from his own experiences, these chapters are helpful in establishing his credibility. For example, while most recently serving in a Christian non-profit organization, Stearns spent the majority of his career working in huge companies such as Parker Brothers and Lenox. His first hand experiences in these companies provids numerous examples which demonstrate the principles he shares are useful in any leadership setting. Each chapter begins with a scripture, a leadership principle, and a quote which introduces the value presented. These resources alone are worthwhile.

While an excellent book for anyone who is or aspires to be a leader in any setting, Lead like It Matters to God is unabashedly Christian. As such, it would make an excellent choice as a textbook or supplementary reading in a leadership course. A small group would benefit from reading and discussing the book together. With 20 brief chapters, an individual could work through the book devotionally as well. If you are still looking for a graduation present for your favorite high school or college graduate or someone who is embarking on a new career, this book is just what you are looking for.

I received a complementary copy of Lead Like It Matters to God from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley. All views are my own and I am not obligated to leave a positive review.

Right Cross: Shepherd Suspense Series

Previously, I read and reviewed the book A Cross to Kill which I described as "CIA operative turns minister." Author Andrew Huff has continued the story of John Cross and Christine Lewis in two additional books Cross Shadow and Right Cross.

Right Cross begins with main character John Cross in jail, denying his faith, and Christine in shock over the events! The tension and excitement throughout the book continues as we follow John and Christine's adventures. International cybercrime, military bases, and the potential end of the world are all featured in this riveting story. You will be on the edge of your seat wondering if the two main characters will survive! Each one, and particularly John, struggle with how they can faithfully serve God and use the gifts and talents they have been given.

Right Cross is the final installment in this trilogy. While you could read it without having read the others, your understanding and enjoyment of Right Cross will increase if you have read the earlier books particularly as the final book builds on the second. Published by Kregel, this series is free of sex and foul language but not violence due to the CIA connection. Christian themes are included, but they do not overpower the story. This series appeals to both genders as it has enough violence to interest the fellows and just enough romance to keep ladies interested as well. This is definitely not your typical Christian fiction and will appeal to readers high school age and up.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Kregel Publishing. I was not obligated to provide a positive review.

Race in America

Race in America: Christians Respond to the Crisis is an eye-opening book. While I have read several books on this topic,my eyes were opened in new ways to the systemic racism which is at the core of American history and life. Using straightforward language and examples pulled from every day life, Race in America provides a thorough and documented discussion of these issues that is laid out for anyone to understand if they take the time to read and engage with the book.

Many common statements such as "I'm not racist, I'm color-blind" and "I didn't own slaves or benefit from slavery" are thoroughly debunked. I found the discussion on the difference between white supremacy and white nationalism particularly helpful. While only a brief discussion, information regarding how colonialism and racist attitudes were behind many decisions throughout history and how contemporary issues such as the migrant and refugee crisis are direct results of these events sparked my interest for further reading and study of these topics. While not surprising, the reminder that European/white standards are still used to measure contributions in art, music, and literature and thus control western education was disheartening.

Race in America, edited by David Maxwell and Laura M. Cheifetz with contributions by approximately 15 other writers is a revision and expansion of the previously published Race in a Post-Obama America edited by David Maxwell and published in 2016. These edits are apparent as information is included for events that happened during recent months including the January 6 capitol riots and Black Lives Matter. A comparison of the table of contents of the 2016 and 2021 versions indicate several new chapters as well as chapters that were combined. The chapters in social media, Trumpism, and police brutality as well as other updates make the revision worth purchasing and reading even by those who are familiar with the original work.

While a heavy topic at any time, Race in America: Christians Respond to the Crisis was an especially heart-wrenching read given the simultaneous current events. At the same time, these current events emphasized that this book needs to be read by everyone who considers themselves a Christian and particularly by white Christians. While you may not agree with every point made, this is a great resource to become informed on the topic. But after reading, ask yourself what you actions you can take to confront racism in your community and church. There is so much more that I could share about this book, but I'd rather you read it for yourself or better yet with a group.

The Women of Chateau Lafayette

Stephanie Dray provides a three-way split-time novel incorporating World War I, World War II, and the time of the American and French revolutions all connected through Lafayette's childhood home in her new work The Women of Chateau Lafayette.

While the name Lafayette is not unfamiliar, I had not read or studied much about his life beyond his service in the American Revolution. While his wife, Adrienne, has a more prominent role in this book, reading about their family and their contributions to French history have increased my desire to learn more about him. The characters featured in the World War I and World War II sections, who are fascinating characters many of whom also are based on historical figures, look to Adrienne Lafayette as a role model and for inspiration. There is almost a sense of "What would Adrienne do?" among the women in the later sections. In addition to the typical tension that occurs in a war novel, particularly one which involves World War II and the danger involved in hiding Jewish children, there is also a bit of mystery involving one of the main characters, Marthe, and her origins.

Dray does a marvelous job of intertwining the characters and the story particularly from World War I and World War II. As the reader jumps between time periods, Dray provides connecting points to help see where the characters and events intersect. These connections made the relatively brief time period between the two wars seem become even more apparent. The Women of Chateau Lafayette is very well-researched as evidenced by the remarkable details Dray includes as well as the extremely detailed Author's Note. Overall an excellent novel

I received a complementary copy of The Women of Chateau Lafayette from Berkley Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.

The Girl in the Painting

Sometimes when you pick up a book the cover and the description bring to mind a particular vision of how you think the book will end. When I picked up The Girl in the Painting, I anticipated a particular ending but discovered the book wasn't at all what I expected--it was better!

Tea Cooper is a new to me Australian author who specializes in historical fiction and whose books are just now being released in the U.S.A. The Girl in the Painting shares the heartbreaking story of Irish immigrants who after making a new life in Australia use their good fortune to help orphans, like Jane, in their country. Using flashbacks, Cooper shares the story of when Michael and Elizabeth Quinn first came to Australia, their origins in Ireland, and how they became very successful, upstanding citizens. Cooper uses the flashbacks to provide gradually ever more detailed information regarding the Quinn family story. About half way through the book, new characters and a huge plot twist are introduced and that also injects a huge mystery into the book. Although numerous obstacles are thrown in their way, Jane and Elizabeth unravel the mystery. The reader will soon find that everything is not what you expected or even that the characters themselves believed to be true.

For non-Australians, Cooper provides an interesting look at the history and landscape of this beautiful continent. For all readers, Cooper raises some interesting ethical and moral questions to consider. Thoroughly enjoyable!

I received a complementary copy of The Girl in the Painting from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I am not required to provide a positive opinion.

The Rose Code

Author Kate Quinn's newest book The Rose Code immerses readers into Bletchley Park and the many individuals who worked on decoding messages during World War II. Their tireless work helped to secure the victory for the Allied forces. While their work was immensely important to the war effort, these individuals were also fighting many battles of their own. Quinn masterfully depicts these battles.

The Rose Code focuses on three women from vastly different backgrounds who work at Bletchley Park in various roles and room together. Their stories intertwine along with the stories of the gentleman with whom they are involved and their families. Quinn tells part of the story in 1947 in the two week leading up to the Royal Wedding of then Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. She then returns to Bletchley Park where the bulk of the story takes place during the war. However, the story does lead up to an event that takes place in 1947. Not to spoil the story but Prince Phillip does have a substantial role throughout the book which makes this book of particular interest to viewers of The Crown. As the story progresses, there is a mystery involved and several plot twists that keep the reader engaged until the very end.

Quinn does a spectacular job of developing the the three main characters and the separate story lines of each character that become inseparably intertwined due to their work at Bletchley Park. In addition the historical research and attention to detail is impeccable. Quinn also includes information demonstrating how the addition of women to the work force and the changing social mores impact the characters and England as a whole. While focusing primarily on the three women, this is a war novel and as such there is some mild language and references to sexuality. All in all an enjoyable look at an often overlooked aspect of World War II.

I received a complementary copy of this book from William Morrow Paperbacks via NetGalley. I am not required to provide a positive review.

A Dance in Donegal

In her debut novel, A Dance in Donegal, Jennifer Deibel whisks readers to Ireland where they and main character, Moira Doherty, are thoroughly immersed in the culture of Ballymann. Hailing from Boston, Ballymann is Moira's ancestral village and where her recently, deceased mother grew up. Filling the position of teacher in the village school, Moira looks forward to learning more about her heritage and seeing places her mother had described. Soon after arriving, she beings to experience unsettling things beyond the difference in cultures and how she feels around a certain village man. Committed to following what she feels is God's call, Moira is dismayed to find the village turning their back on her. A combination of her naivete and vicious rumors lands her in a devastating situation.

The use of many Gaelic words and inclusion of numerous Irish customs and folklore, makes A Dance in Donegal a treat to read. While you may not have access to an authentic peat fire, you will wish to brew a cuppa or two to enjoy alongside this lovely novel while you find out what happens to Moira.

I received a complementary copy of A Dance in Donegal from Revel via NetGalley.

The Nature of Fragile Things

Susan Meissner is an author I have come to enjoy as they typically have a historical setting and strong female characters which creates a winning combination. Her newest novel, The Nature of Fragile Things, is set in San Francisco and includes the famous 1906 earthquake which decimated the city. Beyond the physical destruction of the city, the earthquake figures prominently in the story as it impacts how the main characters choose to deal with other situations they face.

Main character Sophie, an Irish immigrant, travels west as a "mail order" bride for a widowed man and mother to a five year old, selectively mute girl, Kat. Sophie and Kat hit it off but Sophie is a bit baffled by her new husband who travels extensively for work. Sophie soon discovers everything is not as it seems as Mr. Hocking is not forthright with Sophie or others. However, readers later find that Sophie has some secrets of her own. Throughout the book, Meissner uses flash forwards which depict main character, Sophie, being interviewed by a federal investigator. These scenes culminate later in the book when the truth comes out about both individuals. In addition to Sophie and Kat, there are two other strong female characters with prominent roles in the book as well. All three adult women demonstrate the strength that someone can muster in a devastating situation when needed.

The Nature of Fragile Things is not a warm, fuzzy story but does have a satisfying conclusion. Readers will want to add this to their reading list.

I received a complementary copy of The Nature of Fragile Things from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley. I am not required to provide a positive review.

Environmentally Friendly

The (Almost) Zero-Waste Guide, as the sub-title declares, shares "100+ Tips for Reducing Your Waste Without Changing Your Life." While some of the tips shared are familiar, others were new to me. Author Melanie Mannarino does a great job of explaining how and why each tip will help reduce waste and positively impact the environment. While encouraging readers to reduce their waste, Mannarino emphasizes implementing a few tips at a time rather than trying to implement all 100 tips simultaneously. Tips are grouped by topic which allows readers to focus on what area of their life at a time. Readers will find it useful to read the book from beginning to end and then select the section of life where they want to reduce their waste. Following the great advice given, readers will find they are able to reduce their waste substantially. This would be a great book to read and apply with a group of like-minded individuals.

I received a complementary copy of this book via NetGalley. I am not required to provide a positive review.

The Children's Blizzard

Many people who are amateur historians have heard of the horrendous blizzard of January 12, 1888 which killed over two hundered people across the Northern plains states. This blizzard is often called the schoolhouse blizzard or children's blizzard as many of those killed were children who had just been released from school. In the new book The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin, this blizzard takes on a personal tone as the story of several individuals unfolds with some becoming heroes/heroines and others becoming villains. Benjamin does a masterful job of providing a backstory of her five main characters which sets up what happens during and after the blizzard. In particular, she does not end the story when the blizzard is over but follow these characters for several years into the future showing how their experiences impacted their lives and communities. At first the stories seem quite disparate but soon the lives of several characters become quite intwined. It does not become apparent how the fifth character becomes involved until after the blizzard is over, but he has a large impact on the other characters.

The Children's Blizzard is a wonderful book but not for the squeamish as descriptions of individuals freezing to death and subsequent amputations are included. While the main character is female, the story will appeal to both men and women who enjoy historically accurate fiction based on true stories.

I received a complementary copy of The Children's Blizzard from Random House Publishing Group--Ballantine via Netgalley. I am not obligated to provide a positive review.

Melanie Dickerson is back with a brand new series entitled "The Dericott Tales" which is set in medieval England. The Court of Swans is the first book to feature the Dericott family which includes 7 boys and 1 girl along with the required wicked stepmother and dashing soldier. Knowing that Dickerson specializes in reimaginging fairy tales, I read trying to discern what fairy tale was the basis of this book without success. I later learned the underyling story is Hans Christian Anderson's "The Wild Swans," an unfamiliar story to me. Being unfamiliar with this story was helpful in that I could not foresee what was going to happen and was just able to enjoy the story.

Dickerson's characters continue to rely on God, pray, and recall scripture teaching as appropriate for individuals of their station and time period, but there is not an explicit "how to become a Christian" section. I find this clean but not overly religious approach opens up the series to a much larger audience. I did find The Court of Swans a bit edgier than some of the previous books I have read by Dickerson. Specifically, the main character Delia, has an unseemly encounter with a gentleman which could be upsetting to younger readers although it turns out fine. For this reason, I recommend this book for early high school readers or for a read-together. Of couse, Dickerson's books while aimed for a YA audience are equally enjoyable for adults.

I received a complementary copy of The Court of Swans from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley.