Only the vanished truly leave their mark.

Paula McLain, Circling the Sun (Ballantine Books; July 28, 2015)

People belong to each other only as long as they both believe. He’s stopped believing.

The Paris Wife, Paula McLain

Lavender moodboard

“It was our favorite part of the day, this in-between time, and it always seemed to last longer than it should—a magic and lavender space unpinned from the hours around it, between worlds.”

– Paula McLain

Taglist: @ashlakh, @sincerely-indi, @darkpersoncreator, @le-petite-ivy

Reading update

Baker Thief by Claudie Arseneault - DNF

I have to admit I didn't give this one much of a chance. I got it in a Rainbow Crate so I felt compelled to at least try to read it, but it's just not my kind of thing, and I DNFed at page 4. Really didn't like the writing style.

Idol Minds by KT Salvo - 2.75/5 stars

Almost DNFed this when I was about 50 pages from the end because it very abruptly lost my attention. I never really liked either of the main characters so I didn't care about their breakup or HEA. Also the sex scenes were weirdly short but also repetitive, somehow?

Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse - 3.75/5 stars

I will be completely honest and admit that I could remember almost nothing of the first book when I started reading this the other day. I remembered that I really liked it, and that was about it. This one was...good?

Ok, so, let me see if I can put this into words. During the pandemic, authors kept writing, right? Especially if they were under contract to produce a series. And for some authors, that was fine. There is no discernible difference in their work. And then other authors, it's like...the anxiety brain fog got baked into their writing. There's nothing technically wrong with it. Things are happening. The characters are still engaging. And yet...sometimes it just feels like...things are happening. Like the author couldn't really process the emotions of the things happening, and thus couldn't really write feeling into the work? So it becomes just Things Happening. And I know how I should feel about it, but I'm not feeling it. Like when the dose of your antidepressant is too high, and you just have no feelings? It's sort of like that.

On the Rooftop by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton - DNF

There's nothing wrong with this book, tbh—it's well written with an interesting setting, characters with depth, and a theme that should, in theory, interest me. That said, I just wasn't feeling it. I won this book from my local bookstore and it's the sort of literary fiction that I read all the time in my teens and early twenties, even though I never really enjoyed it? I'm a genre fiction kid, as it turns out.

My Dear Henry: A Jekyll and Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron - 4/5 stars

I really really liked this, and I probably would have rated it higher, except it fell into the trap that a lot of queer retellings of classics do: in being forced to hew to a plot line from a century or more ago, a lot of story and character depth has to be jettisoned. This book did a much better job than The Henchman of Zenda by KJ Charles, but I still found myself wanting a more modern storytelling style. Overall it was really good, though.

Less is Lost by Andrew Sean Greer - 4.75/5 stars

I hated Less for most of the time I was reading it (but it didn't bore me, so that's something). When I got to the end and realized it was a romance, I ended up loving it, but I had to split the difference in my rating, haha. This is the direct sequel and I loved it. It's laugh out loud funny (which I did not find Less to be most of the time) and melancholy, but at its heart is also a love story.

When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain - 4/5 stars

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske - 5/5 stars (reread)

I loved it even more on the reread. I would die for Edwin and Robin. I'm crazy excited for A Power Unbound.

Hoarfrost by Jordan L Hawk - 4.25/5 stars

Such a Quiet Place by Megan Miranda - 3.5/5 stars

I never know how to rate thrillers because honestly, they aren't my genre. This was part of the batch of books I won at trivia from my local bookstore. It was good in that it held my attention and was entertaining (and a bit creepy), but like, I don't know that I'll tell people that they simply must read it. But yeah, I read it in a day, so it's a quick read.

Spell Bound by FT Lukens - DNF

Ugh. Reads like my fantasy epic I was writing when I was 14 (see also: TJ Klune's Verania series). When I'm mentally editing the book as I'm reading, you know that's a bad sign. The first chapter could have been like, 2 pages (instead it was 18). Here's how Chapter 3, which introduces the other main character begins: Summer was such a waste of time and effort. Spring was okay. Autumn was the best. Winter wasn't bad.

Okay???? Great??????? Why do I care? I read for another page after that. Lukens is an author I really, really want to like, but the last two books I've read by them are just obnoxious. I could forgive The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths and Magic because it was one of their first books (it might have been their first?), but this...is not their first book, yet that's what it reads like. I suspect this is a manuscript they wrote a while ago, shelved, and brought it back out now that they're having success.

Heart of Dust by HL Moore - 5/5 stars

You know when you read a book that's so good, and you can't figure out why the hell you had to stumble across it by going down some algorithm recommendation rabbit hole? This is one of those books. Gritty and unique sci-fi setting, a backdrop of labor rights, aching gay mutual pining? Please read this.

Get to know me!

Thank you for tagging me @itbmojojoejo 💕

Nickname: just a shortened version of my name some people call me.

Sign: Aquarius

Height: 5'2

The last thing I googled: hypoallergenic earrings

Amount of sleep: generally a 7-10h sleep depending on whether i need to go to the office or not, or if its the wknd.

Dream job: not sure... i'd like to maybe work in a museum or art gallery or something. Even a library would be fine.

Favorite song: can't help falling in love by Elvis Presley

Movie/Book that Summarises Me: oh god, it's a bit of everything really. i've grown up on disney movies (still watch them, still love them), i've enjoyed dan brown movies and books, i'm big on comedy and adventure (think of adam sandler and kevin hart), and on superhero stuff (especially marvel/mcu) and anything related to fantasy i'm up for it - which all came down to when kid me read a YA fantasy series 'Amos Daragon' - still remember when i met the author at my high school, i was insanely happy.

Favorite instrument: violin/cello - something about the strings moves me

Aesthetic: pretty boring tbh - i'm trying to change and try on/buy clothes that i would never have dared to wear before which is tough but that's another story lol. I'm pretty much basic with leggings and a simple shirt (racerback sleeveless or v-neck shirt) if i need to go out on the weekends. For the office, just a pair of jeans (or leggings) and a shirt. I'll dress up a bit if the work day calls for it.

Favorite authors: a bit tricky this one because i rarely buy books made by the same authors but i've enjoyed reading dan brown, emily henry and some paula mclain.

Random fun fact: I've mentioned it before but I have a bachelor degree in anthropology I have yet to use as i have been working outside this field for 7 years now.

tagging: @arcielee, @st-eve-barnes, @spookyaemond @persephones-journey, @emilyhufflepufftlk & anyone else who wants to do it 💕

EXCLUSIVE: Great American Family is about to drop another installment of its Candace Cameron Bure Presents series. The movie is called Just in Time and stars Broadway’s Laura Osnes, Peter Bryant (Family Law), and Greyston Holt (The Night Agent).

Premiering March 26, Just in Time follows Hannah (Osnes) and her husband, Rowan (Holt), who have focused all their time, energy, and attention into trying to have a baby. The pressure to complete their family starts weighing heavily on their relationship. The couple is left questioning if having a child is the right thing to do and if they are still right for one another. When Hannah receives a call from a stranger, named Franklin (Bryant), who claims to have discovered an antique on the beach bearing an inscription unique to Hannah and Rowan, she reluctantly agrees to meet him to look. Franklin is certain the watch is a long-lost heirloom from Hannah’s family. In the end, Franklin’s patient approach helps Hannah see that the answers to all she seeks will be revealed in God’s time. 

The film is the fourth production under the Candace Cameron Bure Presents studio banner. The film marks Bure’s first-time working with Osnes, who earned Tony Award nominations for her role as Bonnie Parker in Bonnie & Clyde and for the title role in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

“Candace Cameron Bure has a knack for finding beautifully crafted, meaningful stories that she and her team nurture into great family films,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “We are so proud to include the wonderful Laura Osnes in our family of talent and Just In Time is that little gem of a movie viewers will want to watch over and over for years to come.”

“In this stunningly aspirational Easter presentation, Laura Osnes and Peter Bryant will bring you to tears,” added Bure, who is the movie’s executive producer and is also CEO of Candy Rock Entertainment. “With the Candace Cameron Bure presents banner, we strive to deliver to our audience deep, meaningful, faith-filled entertainment of the highest quality.”

Just In Time is a Syrup Studios production in association with Candy Rock. Donald Munro serves as Producer and Paula Elle directs a screenplay by Masey Mclain & Taylor Kalupa. Executive producers also include Jeffery Brooks, Ford Englerth, Eric Jarboe, Holly A. Hines, Gerald Webb, Paula Elle, and Trevor McWhinney.

Supervising producers are Michael Shepard, Johnathan Shore, and Jason Fischer, with Doran S. Chandler and Trudi Thorwalden as associate producers.

Book Recommendations: More National Reading Group Month Picks 

In honor of National Reading Group Month, here are some titles featured in our book club kits that you can check out to share with your own reading group!

Summer Hours at the Robbers Library by Sue Halpern

People are drawn to libraries for all kinds of reasons. Most come for the books themselves, of course; some come to borrow companionship. For head librarian Kit, the public library in Riverton, New Hampshire, offers what she craves most: peace. Here, no one expects Kit to talk about the calamitous events that catapulted her out of what she thought was a settled, suburban life. She can simply submerge herself in her beloved books and try to forget her problems.

But that changes when fifteen-year-old, home-schooled Sunny gets arrested for shoplifting a dictionary. The judge throws the book at Sunny - literally - assigning her to do community service at the library for the summer. Bright, curious, and eager to connect with someone other than her off-the-grid hippie parents, Sunny coaxes Kit out of her self-imposed isolation. They’re joined by Rusty, a Wall Street high-flyer suddenly crashed to earth.  

In this little library that has become the heart of this small town, Kit, Sunny, and Rusty are drawn to each other, and to a cast of other offbeat regulars. As they come to terms with how their lives have unraveled, they also discover how they might knit them together again and finally reclaim their stories.

Circling the Sun by Paula McLain

Brought to Kenya from England as a child and then abandoned by her mother, Beryl is raised by both her father and the native Kipsigis tribe who share his estate. Her unconventional upbringing transforms Beryl into a bold young woman with a fierce love of all things wild and an inherent understanding of nature's delicate balance. But even the wild child must grow up, and when everything Beryl knows and trusts dissolves, she is catapulted into a string of disastrous relationships.

Beryl forges her own path as a horse trainer, and her uncommon style attracts the eye of the Happy Valley set, a decadent, bohemian community of European expats who also live and love by their own set of rules. But it's the ruggedly charismatic Denys Finch Hatton who ultimately helps Beryl navigate the uncharted territory of her own heart. The intensity of their love reveals Beryl's truest self and her fate: to fly.

The Alienist by Caleb Carr

The year is 1896, the place, New York City. On a cold March night New York Times reporter John Schuyler Moore is summoned to the East River by his friend and former Harvard classmate Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a psychologist, or "alienist." On the unfinished Williamsburg Bridge, they view the horribly mutilated body of an adolescent boy, a prostitute from one of Manhattan's infamous brothels.

The newly appointed police commissioner, Theodore Roosevelt, in a highly unorthodox move, enlists the two men in the murder investigation, counting on the reserved Kreizler's intellect and Moore's knowledge of New York's vast criminal underworld. They are joined by Sara Howard, a brave and determined woman who works as a secretary in the police department. Laboring in secret (for alienists, and the emerging discipline of psychology, are viewed by the public with skepticism at best), the unlikely team embarks on what is a revolutionary effort in criminology - amassing a psychological profile of the man they're looking for based on the details of his crimes. Their dangerous quest takes them into the tortured past and twisted mind of a murderer who has killed before - and will kill again before the hunt is over.

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

Alice Wright marries handsome American Bennett Van Cleve, hoping to escape her stifling life in England.  But small-town Kentucky quickly proves equally claustrophobic, especially living alongside her overbearing father-in-law. So when a call goes out for a team of women to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s new traveling library, Alice signs on enthusiastically. The leader, and soon Alice's greatest ally, is Margery, a smart-talking, self-sufficient woman who's never asked a man's permission for anything. They will be joined by three other singular women who become known as the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky. What happens to them - and to the men they love - becomes an unforgettable drama of loyalty, justice, humanity, and passion. These heroic women refuse to be cowed by men or by convention. And though they face all kinds of dangers in a landscape that is at times breathtakingly beautiful, at others brutal, they’re committed to their job: bringing books to people who have never had any, arming them with facts that will change their lives.

Read More 2024 Elements of Circumstance

A book with "who", "what", "when", "where", "why", or "how" in the title.

Classics What Maisie Knew by Henry James The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With the Sea by Yukio Mishima

Fiction What You are Looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama What it Means When a Man Falls From the Sky by Lesley Nneka Arimah Where We Come From by Oscar Cásares How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamin Labatut What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka

Mystery Where Are You Now? by Mary Higgins Clark This is How It Ends by Eva Dolan

Thriller When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain

Romance When We Found Home by Susan Mallery How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

Science Fiction and Fantasy Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse by K. Eason How to Be Remembered by Michael Thompson

Horror The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher

Graphic Novels No Matter How I look at It, It's You Guys' Fault I'm Not Popular by Niko Tanigawa

Biography What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami

Non-Fiction When : the Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold S. Kushner How Not to be Wrong by Jordan Ellenberg How to Read Literature like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster

Unveiling the Secrets of Literary Legends: Novels about Famous Authors

Outline of the Article - Introduction - The Allure of Novels about Famous Authors - "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain - Background of Paula McLain - Exploring the Relationship Between Ernest Hemingway and Hadley Richardson - Overview of Hemingway's Literary Legacy - A Glimpse into the Novel's Plot - Paula McLain's Unique Writing Style - Similar Novels That Illuminate Literary Icons - Examples and Brief Descriptions - Capturing the Essence of Historical Periods - Why Readers Are Drawn to Novels About Famous Authors - The Impact of Real-Life Stories in Fiction - Immersive Reading Experience - Connecting with the Personal Side of Literary Legends - Critics' Reviews and Public Reception - Exploring Paula McLain's Literary Gems: A Reading Odyssey - Conclusion - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Unveiling the Secrets of Literary Legends: Novels about Famous Authors Renowned authors have always held a certain mystique, with readers yearning to peek behind the curtain and discover the stories within the story. In the realm of literature, novels about famous authors offer a captivating journey into the lives of literary legends, providing insights into their personal struggles, triumphs, and the creative processes that birthed iconic works. One such compelling novel that shines a light on a legendary writer's life is "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain. The Allure of Novels about Famous Authors There's an undeniable allure in exploring the lives of famous authors through the lens of fiction. It's a chance to unravel the complexities of their minds, witness the events that shaped their masterpieces, and delve into the emotions that fueled their creativity. Novels about famous authors bridge the gap between reality and imagination, offering readers a unique perspective on the individuals who have shaped the literary landscape. "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain At the heart of this exploration is Paula McLain's "The Paris Wife," a novel that takes readers back to the vibrant literary scene of 1920s Paris. Before delving into the intricacies of the novel, it's essential to understand the background of the author, Paula McLain. A skilled wordsmith, McLain has carved her niche in historical fiction, bringing to life the untold stories of remarkable women. Exploring the Relationship Between Ernest Hemingway and Hadley Richardson "The Paris Wife" revolves around the tumultuous relationship between Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson. To appreciate the depth of this narrative, it's crucial to grasp Hemingway's enduring legacy in the literary world. Hemingway, known for his concise and impactful writing style, left an indelible mark on 20th-century literature. A Glimpse into the Novel's Plot "The Paris Wife" skillfully weaves a tapestry of love, ambition, and betrayal. McLain's portrayal of Hemingway and Richardson's relationship captures the heady atmosphere of Jazz Age Paris, offering a poignant glimpse into the challenges faced by the couple. Paula McLain's Unique Writing Style What sets Paula McLain apart as an author is her ability to breathe life into historical figures. Her meticulous research and evocative prose transport readers to a bygone era, making the characters and their struggles palpable. McLain's unique writing style infuses authenticity into the narrative, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and emotions of 1920s Paris. Similar Novels That Illuminate Literary Icons While "The Paris Wife" stands out, there are other literary gems that illuminate the lives of famous authors. From "Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald" by Therese Anne Fowler to "Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan, these novels offer readers a diverse array of narratives that go beyond the public personas of literary icons. Capturing the Essence of Historical Periods One of the charms of novels about famous authors is their ability to capture the essence of historical periods. Whether it's the roaring 1920s or the bohemian atmosphere of the Beat Generation, these novels serve as time machines, transporting readers to pivotal moments in literary history. Why Readers Are Drawn to Novels About Famous Authors The allure of peeking behind the curtain of fame is irresistible. Readers are drawn to the vulnerability of literary legends, discovering the human side behind the towering intellect. Novels about famous authors satisfy the curiosity about the lives behind the words, offering a nuanced portrayal of the creative process. The Impact of Real-Life Stories in Fiction Real-life stories serve as a rich tapestry for fiction, providing a foundation of truth upon which authors can build imaginative narratives. Novels about famous authors benefit from this blend, creating a compelling fusion of fact and fiction that resonates with readers on a deeper level. Immersive Reading Experience The immersive reading experience provided by novels about famous authors transcends traditional storytelling. Readers find themselves not only engrossed in a captivating plot but also forming emotional connections with characters who are, in essence, real people. Connecting with the Personal Side of Literary Legends Beyond the literary accomplishments, these novels allow readers to connect with the personal side of literary legends. The insecurities, love affairs, and moments of self-discovery humanize these iconic figures, fostering empathy and understanding. Critics' Reviews and Public Reception "The Paris Wife" and similar novels have garnered both critical acclaim and public admiration. Critics praise the meticulous research, evocative storytelling, and the seamless blend of fact and fiction. Public reception reflects a hunger for narratives that peel back the layers of fame and reveal the humanity within literary legends. Exploring Paula McLain's Literary Gems: A Reading Odyssey Paula McLain, a maestro of historical fiction, has gifted readers with a treasure trove of literary gems that span across eras and personalities. One of her standout works, "The Paris Wife," delves into the complex relationship between Ernest Hemingway and Hadley Richardson, capturing the ambiance of 1920s Paris. Another compelling addition to McLain's repertoire is "Circling the Sun," a riveting exploration of the life of aviator and author Beryl Markham, unveiling the untold facets of this remarkable woman. In "Love and Ruin," McLain shifts her narrative lens to Martha Gellhorn, an intrepid war correspondent and Hemingway's third wife. This novel unfolds against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and World War II, providing a poignant glimpse into Gellhorn's indomitable spirit. McLain's storytelling prowess extends to "The Aviator's Wife," a vivid portrayal of Anne Morrow Lindbergh's life as the wife of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh. This novel navigates the challenges faced by Lindbergh and her role as a pioneering aviator in her own right. From the African plains in "Circling the Sun" to the battlefields of war-torn Europe in "Love and Ruin," Paula McLain's novels offer a rich tapestry of historical exploration, intricate character studies, and immersive storytelling. Each book stands as a testament to McLain's ability to resurrect the past and infuse it with palpable emotions, creating an unforgettable reading experience for those who embark on this literary odyssey. Conclusion In conclusion, novels about famous authors open a portal to the intimate worlds of literary icons. "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, offering readers a front-row seat to the complex relationship between Ernest Hemingway and Hadley Richardson. As readers immerse themselves in these narratives, they not only gain insights into the lives of famous authors but also embark on a literary journey that transcends time. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What inspired Paula McLain to write "The Paris Wife"? Paula McLain drew inspiration from the captivating but often overlooked story of Hadley Richardson, the first wife of Ernest Hemingway. Intrigued by Richardson's perspective, McLain embarked on a journey to illuminate the untold aspects of her life. Q2: Are novels about famous authors historically accurate? While novels about famous authors incorporate historical facts, authors often take creative liberties to enhance the storytelling. The goal is to offer a captivating narrative that resonates with readers while staying true to the essence of the characters' lives. Q3: Are there other novels by Paula McLain worth exploring? Absolutely! Paula McLain has crafted other compelling novels, such as "Circling the Sun," which explores the life of aviator and author Beryl Markham. Readers interested in McLain's distinct storytelling style will find her other works equally engaging. Q4: What makes "The Paris Wife" a standout novel in this genre? "The Paris Wife" stands out for its meticulous research, vivid portrayal of characters, and the immersive depiction of 1920s Paris. Paula McLain's ability to humanize literary giants like Hemingway adds depth to the novel. Q5: Why are readers fascinated by the lives of famous authors? The fascination with the lives of famous authors stems from a desire to understand the individuals behind the literary masterpieces. Readers seek to connect with the human experiences, struggles, and triumphs that shaped the creative minds behind the words. Q6: What is the book "The Paris Wife" about? "The Paris Wife," penned by Paula McLain, is a riveting historical novel that unravels the tumultuous relationship between renowned American author Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson. Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1920s Paris, the novel explores the highs and lows of their marriage, delving into the challenges faced by the couple as they navigate the literary and artistic circles of the time. McLain artfully captures the ambiance of the Jazz Age, providing readers with a poignant and immersive portrayal of the complex dynamics between Hemingway and Richardson. Q7: How long is "The Paris Wife"? "The Paris Wife" spans approximately 336 pages, offering readers a substantial yet engaging exploration of the lives of its central characters, Ernest Hemingway and Hadley Richardson. Within these pages, Paula McLain weaves a rich narrative that not only delves into the intricacies of the couple's relationship but also paints a vivid picture of the cultural milieu of 1920s Paris. Q8: What is the book about Hemingway's third wife? The novel "Love and Ruin" by Paula McLain centers around the life of Martha Gellhorn, who becomes the third wife of the iconic American writer Ernest Hemingway. Set against the backdrop of significant historical events, including the Spanish Civil War and World War II, the book provides a gripping account of Gellhorn's experiences as a war correspondent and her tumultuous relationship with Hemingway. McLain skillfully intertwines historical facts with fiction, offering readers an intimate and emotionally charged portrayal of Gellhorn's journey. Q9: Where does author Paula McLain live? As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Paula McLain resides in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. However, it's essential to verify this information as authors' living situations may change. Q10: Does Paula McLain have children? Yes, Paula McLain has children. She has two daughters named Honora and Theresa, and their experiences as McLain's children are detailed in her memoir, "Like Family: Growing Up in Other People's Houses." Q11: Is "Circling the Sun" fiction? Yes, "Circling the Sun" is a work of historical fiction authored by Paula McLain. The novel explores the life of Beryl Markham, a pioneering aviator, and McLain combines historical facts with imaginative storytelling to bring Markham's story to life. Q12: Who wrote "The Paris Wife"? "The Paris Wife" was written by Paula McLain. The novel, published in 2011, garnered widespread acclaim for its compelling portrayal of the relationship between Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson, during their time in 1920s Paris. Read the full article

Mystery/Thriller Monday

Ten years ago Trumanell Branson and her father disappeared. Her brother Wyatt was cleared by the authorities, but, the public still puts him through so much hell and thinks that he’s the one who did it.

In the present, there’s Wyatt who finds a one eyed, non-talking, young teen girl nearly dead on the side of the road and brings her ‘home to Trumanell’ (oh, yes, Wyatt still sees and talks to his sister). Then there’s Odette Tucker, a Sheriff’s Deputy who is called to Wyatt’s farm when there is the rumor that a teenage girl is on his property. That teen girl is Angel. She and Wyatt and Trumanell are all connected, and so, it’s so very complicated as she investigates this new girl as well as the disappearance of Tru too.

It was a tense, tense read. Most definitely a thriller, a seriously suspenseful thriller that kept me very much guessing as I quickly turned pages. Heh…

You may like this book If you Liked: House of a Thousand Lies by Cody Luke Davis, All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers, or When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain

We Are All the Same in the Dark by Julia Heaberlin

Love and Ruin: The Author Didn't Live Martha's Life Herself

📚 New blog post alert! Delving into 'Love and Ruin' and Paula McLain's portrayal of Martha Gellhorn. Did she hit the mark? Let's discuss. Read here and let's chat! #BookReview #LoveAndRuin #MarthaGellhorn

First of all, the author isn’t the main character. However she portrays the story, you can tell that the woman living the stories is so different from the author, who’s trying hard to understand her after extensive research. The storyteller isn’t as strong or powerful as she would like to convey to her readers about Martha Gellhorn, the leading lady of this book, Love and Ruin A Novel. I had…

View On WordPress

Inkubator 2022, Overview

Overall, my experience with LIT CLE’s Inkubator was absolutely 10/10. I attended panels on New Media, on finding an agent, on writing suspense, and on giving better feedback. I was really fascinated by the variety of perspectives offered by the different talks, and the peek into a different, published world. I bought the book “When the Stars Go Dark” by Paula McLain after seeing her speak about…

View On WordPress

Time was unreliable and everything dissolved and died—even or especially when it looked like life. Like spring. All around us, the grass grew. Birds made a living racket in the trees. The sun beat down with promise.

The Paris Wife, Paula McLain

What is all the suffering for if not so we can see how alike we are, and not alone? Where will the mercy come from, if not from us? ~Paula McLain #EverydayPeople #MyFoolishFotography #DebraFerragamoHayesPhotography

9/29 Book Deals

Good morning and a happy Wednesday to all! And... it’s been a hot minute since I’ve popped up to make a book deals post! :O Sorry I’ve been so nonexistent lately, between some freelancing work I’ve been doing, moving (we just moved in Sunday!), and some family stuff, things have been crazy and I haven’t had the time I want for doing these or even getting on Tumblr as much. :( I hope things will slowly (slooowly) start to calm down now that we are settled and whatnot and I can share more with you and just be online in general more often. How have you all been??? I hope you’ve all been hanging in there--I feel like things are just so different and crazy every day, so I really just hope you’ll all been able to stay safe, healthy, and finding ways to get some calm and happiness in your everyday lives. :)

All that being said... there were a ton of books on sale today, so that seems like a win for everyone! There’s some SFF, nonfiction, contemporary, a slew of some educational-type books that seem pretty neat... hopefully a little something for everyone to check out. :) The Alchemyst is a huge blast from the past because I remember reading it as a kid, and I definitely still have that book. 

Anyway, I hope you all have a truly wonderful day, apologies again for my disappearance, and happy reading! :D

Today’s Deals:

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson - https://amzn.to/3zS9zG8

The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray - https://amzn.to/3iizKzU

When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain - https://amzn.to/2Wm1wDO

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer - https://amzn.to/2Y1GCdP

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood - https://amzn.to/3zSp4Og

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London - https://amzn.to/3kRCqq3

Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow - https://amzn.to/3ihsG6F

Lady Smoke by Laura Sebastian - https://amzn.to/3kOWTeS

The Alchemyst (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel) by Michael Scott - https://amzn.to/2XXYBBV

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson - https://amzn.to/3AOzzUa

Mayflies by Andrew O'Hagan - https://amzn.to/39NTAOR

My Life in France by Julia Child & Alex Prud'homme - https://amzn.to/3ohwj08

Crossed by Ally Condie - https://amzn.to/3me1kzD

Dear Martin by Nic Stone - https://amzn.to/39QFdJw

Flying Lessons & Other Stories by Ellen Oh - https://amzn.to/3D1aTZt

Every Day by David Levithan - https://amzn.to/2YdYYZj

I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre - https://amzn.to/2YdYZMR

The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman - https://amzn.to/3ok3xvJ

We Are Not from Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez - https://amzn.to/3ojORNs

The Salmon of Doubt by Douglas Adams - https://amzn.to/3A3wBu1

Notes from a Young Black Chef: A Memoir by Kwame Onwuachi - https://amzn.to/3zWpCmm

Women and Other Monsters: Building a New Mythology by Jess Zimmerman - https://amzn.to/3F2uLNn

Blood Heir by Amelie Wen Zhao - https://amzn.to/3m42rSe

Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl - https://amzn.to/3F2TVM0

The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzimons - https://amzn.to/3ijZUCh

Fatal Throne: The Wives of Henry VIII Tell All by Candace Fleming, et al. - https://amzn.to/3igsswu

Golem Girl: A Memoir by Riva Lehrer - https://amzn.to/3mdMysz

The Mandalorian Armor: Star Wars Legends by K.W. Jeter - https://amzn.to/3ik010F

Nyxia by Scott Reintgen - https://amzn.to/3iib4HX

Catwoman by Sarah J. Maas - https://amzn.to/3CV2ma9

Solo: A Star Wars Story by Mur Lafferty - https://amzn.to/3F4Boig

Skellig by David Almond - https://amzn.to/3CYBq9w

The Babysitters Coven by Kate M. Williams - https://amzn.to/3iiMINX

Home is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo - https://amzn.to/3kRDVVd

Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett - https://amzn.to/3zQBYMP

A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood - https://amzn.to/3zRYd57

The Economics Book (DK) by Niall Kishtainy - https://amzn.to/3EVeQAu

The Psychology Book (DK) by Joannah Ginsburg, Voula Grand, et al. - https://amzn.to/39QiQ6Y

The Math Book (DK) - https://amzn.to/3uro7eL

The Mythology Book (DK) - https://amzn.to/2Y8DqNP

The Astronomy Book (DK) - https://amzn.to/2ZJi1ez

The Science Book (DK) - https://amzn.to/3mcYD0S

The Sociology Book (DK) - https://amzn.to/3F0wnY1

NOTE:  I am categorizing these book deals posts under the tag #bookdeals, so if you don’t want to see them then just block that tag and you should be good. I am an Amazon affiliate and will receive a small (but very much needed!)  commission on any purchase made through these links.

When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain

“The people we love never leave us, Anna. You know that already. That’s what I mean by spirit. I mean love.”

This one took me a little while to get into. It starts off with a bit too much introspective exploration, and doesn’t quite get to the central missing persons case for what feels like a good long while. But once it gets down to the investigation, the introspection makes sense – and works wonders by the end of the book. In the pages preceding, though, it does all feel slightly too imbalanced.

Paula McLain’s When the Stars Go Dark is at its very best when it’s in procedural mode, letting our protagonist utilize her tragic past to hunt down a missing girl and the monster who abducted her. Despite some of the procedural work being repetitive throughout the second act, it is thorough enough and interesting enough to keep the reader interested. And despite the suspect being almost painfully obvious from almost the very line they’re introduced (maybe not quite that soon, but I did call it very early on), the way the reveal and following scenes play out are phenomenal, and make for some truly riveting suspense. Plus, Anna Hart is a beautifully, delicately realized character full of pain, conviction and strength. Cricket’s pretty awesome, too.

This isn’t a perfect mystery. But, in the moments where it works, it works wonderfully, and the moments it doesn’t quite work almost always pay off in its extraordinary final act.

7.5/10

-Timothy Patrick Boyer.