February Reading Wrap-Up

 We have had very little snow in February.  The temperatures have been up and down.  The sun is coming up earlier and setting later.  Most mornings, even those that have been below zero, there is a flock of robins in one of our crabapple trees.  I think spring is on the way!

As for reading, I read 9 books.  Here's the breakdown:

Historical fiction: 2

Mystery: 2

Fiction: 1

Cozy Mystery: 2

Nonfiction: 1

Children's Fiction: 1

Clicking on the link will take you to my review of the book.

Historical Fiction:

Streams of Mercy (Song of Blessing #3) by Lauraine Snelling 

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

Mystery: 

A Rogue's Company (Sparks & Bainbridge #3) by Allison Montclair

A Trail of Lies (Jazz Ramsey #3) by Kylie Logan (review coming soon)

Fiction:

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa

Cozy Mystery:

Dead Wrong (Agatha's Amish B&B #1) by Vannetta Chapman

In the Company of Cheerful Ladies (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #6) by Alexander McCall Smith

Nonfiction:

Own Your Life by Sally Clarkson

Children's Fiction:

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (The Chronicles of Narnia Book 3) by C.S. Lewis (review coming soon)

Movie:

We were able to see the new Death on the Nile.  The cinematography and costuming were beautiful.  Unfortunately, we were left feeling disappointed.  Poirot wasn't the Poirot that I know.  Too little time was spent on solving the mystery, which is really the very best part.  Along with a few changes to characters, we would rather watch the 1978 version.

I hope you all had a great reading month!

~ Gretchen

I am linking up with The Monthly Wrap-Up Round-Up hosted by Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction and Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight. 

I'm also linking up with The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb @ Readerbuzz.

Book Review: Own Your Life by Sally Clarkson

Own Your Life: Living with deep intention, bold faith and generous love. Sally Clarkson. Tyndale (2015). 224 pages. Genre:  Non-fiction.

First Lines:  "'What will be the legacy of your life? What story will the days of your life tell? Will you invest your life for eternity, or spend it, wasting the days on things that do not matter, on issues that will quickly fade away?'"

Summary:  In our fast-paced, overwrought world, it can be easy to lose sight of our purpose.  Sally Clarkson encourages the reader to examine her life in light of what really matters.  She begins by reminding us that our lives matter and we are leaving a legacy to those who come after us.  Living a life full of meaning takes intention.  In each chapter, Sally shares examples from her own life along with steps you can take to begin owning your part of the life you have been given.

My thoughts:  I have enjoyed Sally Clarkson's writing for many years.  She has a gift for encouraging women wherever they are in life.  I always appreciate the way Sally shares examples from her own life that help the reader understand that she has struggled and continues to struggle.  I find it encouraging when I read a book and am able to say, "I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way or has gone through this." I often find myself encouraged in this way through Sally's writing.

In this book she walks the reader through the steps she took when she began asking herself what the purpose of her life was.  She reminds us that we were created for a purpose.  Each of us has been given a unique life and the choices that we make matter.

"The grid through which I had lived my life was based on my understanding that in order to live a flourishing life of influence, I had to own my life - to take responsibility for my choices, attitude, will and actions, knowing they would all have consequences for eternity."

At the end of each chapter is a section titled "Own Your Part". This contains things to think about or actions to take to put the subject of that chapter to work in your life. 

As things in our world continue to feel out of our control and uncertain, this book is a good reminder that we can be in control of some things in our lives.  We can choose to live with intention.  This book encouraged my faith and my determination to live a meaningful life. 

Book Review: In the Company of Cheerful Ladies by Alexander McCall Smith

In the Company of Cheerful Ladies (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #6). Alexander McCall Smith. Pantheon (2004). 233 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery. 

First Line: "Mma Ramotswe was sitting alone in her favourite cafe, on the edge of the shopping centre at the Gaborone end of the Tlokweng Road."

Summary: Mma Ramotswe's life is busy. She works hard at the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency as well as caring for her husband and two children.  So, when the opportunity for some relaxation presents itself, she is quick to take it. However, this particular time of relaxation turns into a time of panic when Mma Romotswe discovers an intruder in her home.  While she is trying to figure out how to handle this, other problems come up.  There is the situation with the mysterious pumpkin, the case of the missing trousers, the incident with the bicyclist and the appearance of someone from her past.

Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni always has more than enough work at the garage. He spends a lot of energy keeping his apprentices in line, which takes more time than it should.  So, when one of them runs off with a rich woman, work at the garage begins to pile up.  Fortunately, Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi followed the rich woman's car.  Unfortunately, this only leads to another mystery.  

My thoughts:  I think this was my favorite book in the series so far.  Maybe that is because I am familiar with the characters and setting.  Or maybe this story just flows really well.  Also, there are a couple of new characters added that I am looking forward to seeing in future books.

Mma Romotswe and Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni are both preoccupied with problems in their lives.  However, they have not talked to one another about the problems.  I appreciate the way they give one another space to deal with problems.  They aren't pushy, but support and encourage one another. 

Mma Makutsi is taking a dance class where she seems to have been paired up with a man who is a terrible dancer.  Each time she returns to the class, she hopes to be paired with someone else, but each time she is paired with the same man.  As she gets to know him, she realizes there is more to him than his inability to dance.   

As is always the case with this series, I appreciate the realness of the characters.  They believe in the goodness of the world and have high ideals, but they each have their own flaws.  McCall Smith has a gift for letting the reader see this without having to spell it out.  This is what makes the characters so likeable. 

With each book we get to know the characters a little better.  We also get to know Botswana a little better.  I love the descriptions of the countryside as well as the trees and other plants that grow in the yard on Zebra Drive.  

It is always good to catch up with the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.  As we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of this installment, I am sure it won't be long until I am ready for another visit. 

Quotes:

"There were many selfish people about these days, people who seemed not to care if they scraped the cars of others or bumped into people while walking on the street. Mma Ramotswe knew that this was what happened when towns became bigger and people became strangers to one another; she knew too that this was a consequence of increasing prosperity, which, curiously enough, just seemed to bring out greed and selfishness."

"They now had to put up with children who had not been taught the basics of good behaviour, and it was difficult in such circumstances for the teachers to maintain discipline."

"It was good to be able to share such things with somebody else; the little jokes of life, the little absurdities."

Book Review: Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

Until Leaves Fall in Paris. Sarah Sundin. Fleming H. Revell (2022). 400 pages. Genre:  Historical Fiction.

First Lines: "Paris, France. Wednesday, May 29, 1940. As long as she kept dancing, Lucille Girard could pretend the world wasn't falling apart."

Summary:  As Nazi takeover of Paris is imminent, American citizens are warned to return to America.  Ballerina Lucille Girard is determined to stay.  Especially when her Jewish friends must leave their bookstore and return to America.  Lucie decides to give up her spot in the Paris Opera Ballet School to buy the English-language bookstore.  By continuing to ban books, especially English books, the Germans make it difficult to stay in business.  As Lucie witnesses what she thinks is resistance activity in her store, she is eager to get involved.

After the death of his wife, American Automaker Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the United States with his daughter.  However, the US Army convinces him to stay and make trucks for civilian use that would benefit the Germans.  This way he could pick up bits of information he hears and pass it on to the US Military.  It appears that Paul is a collaborator with the Germans.  Paul and Lucie meet as Paul's daughter browses the books at Lucie's bookstore.  But when Lucie discovers what his factory does, she refuses to talk to him.  As war rages on, it becomes more dangerous for both Paul and Lucie to aid the resistance.  In order to survive, they need to set aside their differences and work together. 

My thoughts: I love when an author includes a letter to the reader at the end of the book.  In her letter, Sarah Sundin tells the reader about the inspiration for her main characters.  They were both inspired by real people which made the story come to life for me.

Lucie's dream has always been to gain a position in one of the highest classes at the Paris Opera Ballet School.  She has danced with them for ten years.  When her parents returned to the United States, Lucie stayed.  She has been in the care of the Greenblatts, owners of Green Leaf Books and dear friends of her parents.  Lucie loves the bookstore and spends her time outside of the dance studio there. When the Greenblatts decide to return to America, they urge Lucie to come with them.  She feels like Paris is her home and can't bear to leave the bookstore.  Lucie is caring and forthright.  She is, at the same time, both disciplined and carefree.  She doesn't believe there will be much danger to her if she stays.  

Paul opened a branch of Aubrey Automobiles in Paris as a way to expand the family company and also as a way to separate himself from his father.  Now, he is grieving the loss of his wife and the Germans are taking over.  He wants to sell the business and return to his family in America.  However, when he is approached by the US Army and asked to sell trucks to the Germans for civilian use as a way to aid the United States in the war effort, Paul feels it is his duty to stay.  However, because he appears to be a collaborator, he has lost most of his friends. Paul is a hardworking, intelligent man.  He is well-liked by most and is thought to be fair.  He struggles to understand his young daughter and be the father she needs.  

This was a fascinating look at the daily lives of a few people in Paris during the time of German invasion.  It was interesting to hear about all the rules the Germans placed on the people.  You could sell books, but only certain books.  You could sell vehicles, but only certain vehicles.  Everyone was under blackout laws and severe rations. But yet, there were many Americans who stayed in Paris.  

I enjoyed the descriptions of Paris.  Especially the difference between the Left Bank and the Right Bank.  During the course of the story Lucie and Paul see many of the sites in Paris.  They also attend a ballet at the Paris Opera House.  

Speaking of ballet, the descriptions of Lucie's dancing were really fun for me.  They brought back memories of when I took ballet.  I didn't study for as many years as Lucie, but I studied long enough to begin pointe.  

This is a complicated story with many layers.  Paul and Lucie are attracted to one another, but Lucie refuses to be kind to a collaborator.  Their paths keep crossing as Paul's daughter loves Lucie's bookstore and asks to visit it.  Lucie is civil to Paul, but cold.  However, she sees that he seems to be a good guy.  He is kind, even when she isn't.  She is having trouble reconciling the way he acts with what he does. They are both involved in resistance activities, but can't say anything.  As more violence breaks out, it becomes more and more dangerous to assist the resistance.  

This was a fascinating story with great characters, wonderful historical details, a little romance and some suspense to keep the story moving along. 

Book Review: Dead Wrong by Vannetta Chapman

Dead Wrong (Agatha's Amish B&B #1). Vannetta Chapman. Center Point Large Print (2020). 294 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line of Prologue: "August, 20--. Hunt, Texas. Agatha Lapp changed buses three times travelling from Shipshewana, Indiana to central Texas."

Summary:  Agatha Lapp recently relocated to Texas to take over a Bed and Breakfast her brother and his wife left behind when they were killed in an accident.  It is mid-summer and every one of her rooms and cabins are booked.  Agatha tends to most of the cooking and cleaning herself.  One afternoon as she is making the rounds of the cabins to freshen them up, she discovers the body of Russell Dixon near his cabin.  In her panic, she runs to the home of retired Detective Tony Varga, her closest neighbor.  

As the police begin to investigate the death, it is ruled a homicide and Agatha is at the top of the suspect list. She found the victim and had access to his cabin, but what about motive.  Tony is not convinced that Agatha committed the murder.  In fact, he is sure she didn't commit the murder.  But Lieutenant Bannister is ready to make an arrest.  Tony and Agatha set out to discover the real murderer before Agatha ends up in jail.

My thoughts:  Whenever Vannetta Chapman comes out with a new book, I tend to read it.  Somehow, this series slipped under my radar.  She has thoroughly researched the Amish lifestyle and written about it in many books.  She also writes a great mystery.  This series combines the two with the main character being an Amish widow.  

Agatha Lapp's younger brother and his wife moved to Texas and purchased some land near the Guadalupe River to realize their dream of owning a Bed and Breakfast.  Several Amish had settled in the area, so it seemed like a good place to put down roots.  Unfortunately, the couple was riding in a buggy that was hit by a car and they were killed instantly.  The didn't have children, so Agatha is their closest relative.  She feels it is her duty to honor her brother by continuing his dream of running a Bed and Breakfast. 

Tony Vargas retired from the police force when his wife was ill.  He has removed himself from the world since his wife passed away.  He just can't seem to move on.  However, when Agatha comes to him for help after discovering the body of Russell Dixon, he picks up his role of detective like he never left it.  He feels like he has finally come alive again.

The guests at the B&B are an interesting mix of Amish and English, several who seem to be there under coincidental circumstances.  Agatha always assumes there must be a logical explanation for strange behavior, while Tony is more skeptical.  Really it is Tony who does most of the investigation.  Because of that, this book feel more like a police procedural than a cozy mystery and I mean that in a good way.  Tony always knows his place and reminds others that he is no longer employed by the police department.  But, as another character points out to him, 

"Yet a job is so much more than what you're paid to do at any given time."

"And you, Mr. Vargas.  Your job is to find the truth and bring those who have strayed to justice."

I liked that perspective. 

The mystery is a good one with plenty of suspects and connections between suspects to keep the reader on her toes. Agatha steps out of her comfort zone a couple of times, doing things she would never have considered doing and wondering if they were okay.  This lent some levity and suspense to the story.

I really enjoyed this mystery and the cast of characters.  I am excited to see there is a second book in the series.  

Book Review: The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa

The Cat Who Saved Books. Sosuke Natsukawa, Louise Heal Kawai (translator). HarperVia (2021). 198 pages. Genre: Fiction, Fantasy.

First Lines: "First things first, Grandpa's gone. The tale that follows is pretty outrageous, but he knows that one fact is absolutely real."

Summary:  Rintaro Natsuki's world has been turned upside down.  His grandpa has recently passed away leaving him with a book store.  However, an aunt he has never met is willing to take custody of him which means he will have to close the book store. But Rintaro is hesitant to leave the store, it is his safe haven.  

A few days after his grandfather's death, a talking cat shows up at the book store claiming that he needs Rintaro's help to save books.  It is an odd request, but Rintaro loves books and if books need help, he won't say no.  Over the next several days the cat leads him on three quests to save books from abusive and neglectful owners.  The final quest is the most challenging of all - if Rintaro fails, he will be stuck in the labyrinth forever.

My thoughts:  While I don't often read fantasy, I do like books about books.  When I first heard the premise of this one, I was intrigued.  I tend to like Japanese writers, so I decided to give it a try.  I am so glad I did.

I liked Rintaro immediately.  He is a high school student who has just lost his grandfather.  What I liked most about him is that he loves books.  As well as loving to read, he is also an introvert who finds solace in books.  I could relate to him.  He doesn't think anybody cares about him now that his grandfather is dead.  He is wrong.  There are classmates from school that stop by the book store to bring him homework and check on him.  There are other classmates who ask about him.  But, he tends to keep to himself and doesn't realize that he matters to others.

I also really liked Rintaro's grandfather.  Throughout the story, Rintaro thinks back on things his grandfather did and said.  He was a man who worked hard, lived a meaningful life, loved books and loved connecting others with books. 

There are lots of books mentioned, especially Western literature.  This was a little surprising to me.  But as Rintaro's grandfather said, 

"'There are timeless stories, powerful enough to have survived through the ages.  Read lots of books like these - they'll be like friends to you.  They'll inspire and support you.'"

The scenarios that Rintaro and the cat had to save books from were interesting and pointed out problems with books and reading that we face as modern people.  However, the fourth challenge fell a bit flat for me.  It seemed to drag on more than necessary.

There are two notes at the end of the book - one from the translator and one from the illustrator.  They were both interesting to read.  I always enjoy when authors include notes, it gives further depth to the story. 

This was a quick, entertaining read.  If you enjoy fantasy, like books about books or enjoy Japanese literature, give this one a try.

Quotes:

"'It's not true that the more you read, the more you see of the world.  No matter how much knowledge you cram into your head, unless you think with your own mind, walk with your own feet, the knowledge you acquire will never be anything more than empty or borrowed.'"

"'What was my grandpa trying to accomplish?' Rintaro asked.  The old man smiled. 'Nothing exceptional.  He just tried to remind people of the obvious.  Not to tell lies.  Never bully someone weaker than themselves.  To help out those in need...' Rintaro looked confused.  The old man grimaced slightly. 'Because the obvious is no longer obvious in today's world.'"

The Japanese Literature Challenge can be found at Dolce Bellezza. 

Book Review: A Rogue's Company by Allison Montclair

A Rogue's Company (Sparks & Bainbridge #3). Allison Montclair. Minotaur Books (2021). 352 pages. Genre: Mystery.

First Line of Prologue: "August 1, 1946. It is said that the first naval conflict of what was then called the Great War took place far removed from the main European theatres."

Summary:  The Right Sort Marriage Bureau is becoming well established.  Gwen and Iris have been able to hire their first employee and have expanded their offices.  They have also been presented with their first "international" client - someone who is not of European descent.  This presents a slight difficulty because they have no other "international" clients.  As they are contemplating how to handle this situation, Gwen's father-in-law returns home earlier than expected.  

Harold Bainbridge has caused a major disruption at the house.  He is preparing to send his grandson away to boarding school, against Gwen's wishes, threatening to fire employees and leaving home every night to go to the club.  Soon there is a murder at the club followed by two kidnappings.  Gwen and Iris must use their sleuthing skills to discover how it is all connected. 

My thoughts:  The thing that always strikes me as I begin a Sparks & Bainbridge novel is how well-written they are.  The tone is upbeat and I fly through the pages.  This one is no different.  In fact, this may be my favorite of this series so far.

Less time is spent on marriage bureau work this time.  But, more time is spent getting to know Gwen's family.  Up until now, we have only heard about Harold Bainbridge.  Now we meet him firsthand and he lives up to what we have been told.  He is a manipulative man, who only has his interests in mind.  However, it was enjoyable to see the way that Gwen relates to him.  We do see a slightly softer side of him at one point.  And we get to know Lady Bainbridge, Harold's wife, better as well.  I really enjoyed the interactions between Gwen and Lady Bainbridge.  Once again we see the excellence of Gwen's character shine through as she relates to her.  It was also a joy to get to know Gwen's son, Ronnie, a little better.

There  doesn't seem to be a mystery that requires Gwen and Iris' involvement until suddenly they are involved.  And a good mystery it is with lots of secrets to uncover as well as crossing paths with some gangsters.  There are a couple of tense moments that had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the way this one wrapped up with setting things in motion for the future.  

The next Sparks & Bainbridge novel is due out later this year.  I will be eagerly anticipating it's arrival.  If you enjoy historical fiction, love a good mystery and enjoy witty dialogue I suggest you pick up the first in the Sparks & Bainbridge series - The Right Sort of Man and get started on this series. 

Book Review: Streams of Mercy by Lauraine Snelling

Streams of Mercy (Song of Blessing #3). Lauraine Snelling. Bethany House (2015). 352 pages. Genre:  Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction.

First Lines: "April 1907. Tears again.  Ingeborg awoke. A dream. It had been a dream."

Summary:  Drs. Astrid and Elizabeth have things running smoothly at the hospital in Blessing, North Dakota.  They have a full staff of nurses and are gaining a reputation as a well-run facility.  When a circus train arrives in town with several sick people on board, they should be well prepared.  However, they weren't prepared for the sick to have diphtheria, a highly contagious disease that if not caught early can lead to death.  

Astrid and Elizabeth have to come up with a plan to help the sick, but also keep their town safe.  Added to their difficulties are the circus animals that need to be cared for.  Will the people of Blessing be willing to risk their own safety to help others?

My thoughts:  This is the third book in the Song of Blessing series, which is actually part of a longer series following these families.  I started with the first book in the Song of Blessing series not realizing there were series with the same family that had come before.  If I were to do it over again, I would start way back at the beginning.  However, I have had no problem keeping track of the characters by starting with this series.  The books always begin with a Bjorklund family tree.  The Bjorklunds came from Norway and have settled in North Dakota. One of the things that makes this series dear to me is that there are members of the Bjorklund family who had last names of Knutson and Moyer.  These names are in my family history and my relatives also came from Norway and lived in North Dakota.  

I have loved watching the hospital get established in Blessing. Drs. Astrid and Elizabeth have worked hard and have had to overcome hurdles due to the fact that they are women.  Dealing with diphtheria presents a particular difficulty.  The doctors were aware of the illness, but the antitoxin was not widely available.  The medical school in Chicago had only just begun to give the inoculation to it's students before sending them into the field. I love all the medical details the author provides.  Medicine was much more of a combination of folk remedies and the latest technology.  

This series is full of wonderful characters.  As is typical of any small town, there are those who are a blessing to others and there are those who are difficult to get along with.   The trials and joys of life in the early 1900's are at the forefront of the story.  The community had to depend on one another to survive.  The seasons impacted the lives and welfare of the people.  When winters were terribly brutal, lives could be at stake.  When there was drought or pestilence, food could be scarce.  However, with the railroads the availability of supplies is increasing.  The addition of the circus train added another interesting layer to the story.  The author makes this time period come to life. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series and highly recommend it.  If you don't want to go all the way back to the beginning, I recommend you start with To Everything a Season, the first book in the Song of Blessing series.  I am looking forward to reading the final book in the series. 

Book Review: Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico

 Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris. Paul Gallico. International Polygonics (1989) (First published 1958). 157 pages. Genre: Fiction.

First Line: "The small, slender woman with apple-red cheeks, graying hair, and shrewd, almost naughty little eyes sat with her face pressed against the cabin window of the BEA Viscount morning flight from London to Paris."

Summary:  Mrs. Harris, a widowed London charwoman, is on her way to Paris.  It was over two years ago that she first planned this trip.  One day while tidying up the bedroom of one of her clients, she was struck by the beauty of a dress hanging in the wardrobe.  Never had she seen such a dress and never had she imagined having such a dress for herself.  But she was overcome with desire for that kind of dress.  So, for two years she has scrimped and saved so that she can go to Paris, to Christian Dior and buy a dress for herself.  

The path to the dress is fraught with difficulties and in the end she finds much more than a beautiful dress.  

My thoughts:  On my list of favorite reads from 2021 is a book called My Mrs. Brown by William Norwich.  In the course of that novel, Mrs. Brown reads Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris.  Since that time I had been on the lookout for this book.  I was delighted to finally come across it at a library book sale.  

Mrs. Harris is a hardworking woman who finds satisfaction in her work.  

"She came to these rooms to find them pigsties, she left them neat, clean, sparkling and sweet-smelling.  The fact that when she returned the next day they would be pigsties all over again did not bother her."

She works hard during the day and sometimes sees a film or has a cup of tea in the evening with her neighbor and fellow charwoman, Mrs. Butterfield.  So, when she is overcome with desire for a dress that will cost her more money than she could ever save, it is completely out of character.  

"She was well aware that her wanting it made no sense whatsoever, but that did not prevent her one whit from doing so."

She sets out to scrimp and save and somehow come up with the money to buy a Dior dress. Mrs. Butterfield thinks she is crazy, but that doesn't deter Mrs. Harris. It is her determination against all odds, that causes others to admire her. 

I enjoyed tagging along with Mrs. Harris on her journey to the coveted dress.  She meets some wonderful people along the way and has some interesting experiences.  It is a delightful story that I won't soon forget. 

Quotes:

"Drab and colorless as her existence would seem to have been, Mrs. Harris had always felt a craving for beauty and color and which up to this moment had manifested itself in a love for flowers."

"As long as she had flowers Mrs. Harris had no serious complaints concerning the life she led.  They were her escape from the somber stone desert in which she lived."

"Mrs. Harris' Deity had been acquired at Sunday school at an early age, and had never changed in her mind from a Being who combined the characteristics of a nannie, a policeman, a magistrate, and Santa Claus, an Omnipotence of many moods, who was at all times concerned with Mrs. Harris' business."