Before and After tells the compelling real life stories of adoptees from the Tennessee Children's Home Society.  After reading Before We Were Yours and feeling so drawn into that storyline, I really appreciated learning more about the history behind Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children's Home Society.  Before and After brings attention to the heartbreaking stories of those children that found themselves victims of Georgia Tann's schemes. It seemed that many of those affected were able to find some sense of closure by attending the reunion and sharing their stories with the authors.  

I would recommend this book as a companion read to Before We Were Yours.  I received this book courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Becky Brandon nee Bloomwood has to be one of my favorite literary characters.  The Shopaholic series has given me more laugh out loud moments than any other book series I have read.  So of course it seems like a no-brainer that the latest installment should tackle the Christmas season with all its associated shopping and stressful holiday family story lines.  

Becky is looking forward to a stress-free Christmas at her mum and dad's house, when they casually inform her that they are renting the house out to Jess, Becky's half sister, and her husband Martin.  Becky's mum and dad are moving to an up and coming neighborhood to try out all the new things the younger generation is enjoying.  Not only will Becky be hosting Christmas for the first time at her home, but she's trying to balance the demands of her parents, her vegan non-consumerist sister Jess and husband Martin along with Martin's parents, and Becky's best friend Suz and her family.  Becky is determined to make it the best Christmas ever and that no one goes without his/her favorite requests, including a vegan turkey.  Becky's also determined to find just the right gift for her husband Luke and simply won't settle for the same tired aftershave.  This quest for the perfect gift has its own twists and turns that add to the plot.  

Becky's exploits never get old for me and I could laugh along every day of the year.  I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Finding Chika is a beautiful tribute to the young girl that came to Mitch and Janine Albom's home, leaving an indelible impact on their lives and all of the lives she touched during her life. It is a poignantly written novel that captures the joy young Chika brought to all that she did and how resilient her spirit was.   

Mitch Albom, as always, has a special way of writing that conveys so much emotion through his words.  I appreciate his work in writing this book so that Chika can be remembered by those who did not have the opportunity to meet her.  

I received this book courtesy of the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  

The Giver of Stars hits all the right notes as a great piece of historical fiction!  

Set in Kentucky during the depression, we get to meet five women who became known as the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky.  The story mostly focuses on Alice Van Cleve who came to America with her new husband Bennett Van Cleve, and finds life isn't exactly what she envisioned.  Desperate for some escape from her restrictive home environment, Alice is one of the first volunteers for Eleanor Roosevelt's new traveling library and finds a life she never knew she needed.  

​Margery O'Hare has a deep love of books and her hometown, but struggles with the family reputation that has been saddled to her.  She is deeply committed to the traveling library initiative and quickly becomes a leader for the other women with her unconventional ways.  

I felt that this novel had all the elements for an enjoyable and memorable book.  The characters were unique and well developed.  The historical fiction aspect was compelling and timely.  The plot had adventure, mystery, and intrigue with the right amount of romance.  A strong four star read for me.  I very much enjoyed learning more about the Packhorse Librarians and definitely would recommend this book.

I received this book courtesy of the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.