Author Fredrik Backman has the uncanny ability to write flawed irascible characters that you can't help falling in love with.  Britt-Marie appeared in his earlier work My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry, but this novel really develops her character in a much fuller perspective.  Britt-Marie has modeled her entire existence in the shadow of either her husband or her older sister but now she is tangling with the concept of just who Britt-Marie is.  In an attempt to start her new life, she accepts a job in the small dwindling town of Borg.  The relationships Britt-Marie makes there will transform her life forever and have her discovering things about herself that she never knew existed.  

I really feel that Fredrik Backman's works are unique and his characters, with all of their real life human inadequacies, spring forward from the pages of the book.  Each of his books offer a treasure trove of characters that could serve for novels of their own.  I loved all the little quirks Britt-Marie exhibited and the cover of this book is pure perfection.  I enjoyed Britt-Marie Was Here and really hope for another book with her further adventures.  It would also be wonderful to learn more about Sven or Vega's futures.  

I received this book courtesy of Atria Books through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  For more information about Fredrik and his tour dates:  www.FredrikBackmanBooks.com
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The One-in-a-Million Boy is that one-in-a-million story that will have you smiling through your tears.  It is a beautiful story that is both heartwarming and gut wrenching at the same time.  

Ona Vitkus is 104 years when she meets the 11 year old boy  she assumes will be like all the other Eagle Scouts that have volunteered at her house, but she soon discovers this boy is something else entirely.   

I loved this book for the genuine sweetness of the boy, the tough exterior protecting the vulnerable heart of Ona Vitkus, the grief filled spirit of the mother who is learning her own strength and the penitent soul of the father who finds meaning where he least expected it.  

The way the story is told is unique and adds to the quaintness of the novel.  I felt the transcripts of Ona's interviews added insight and another dimension to the story.  I truly did fall in love with each character.  I thought the ending was perfect and spot-on.  I can't wait to read another story by Monica Wood and will definitely be adding her to my favorite authors list.  

The One-in-a-Million Boy is a testament to the value of friendship, family and the friends that become family.  I fully relate to how young people interacting with older people can change both of their lives.  My son had a very special relationship with my mom that I know brought such joy and light into both of their lives.  I will be forever grateful for the time they had together.  

I received this book courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

What a richly woven tale of family secrets, romance and wine!  

Caterina Rosetta returns to her mother Ava's winery in the Napa Valley to share a secret that she has been keeping, but Caterina discovers her mother has been keeping a few secrets of her own.  Caterina embarks on a journey to unearth more about her mother's past and her own heritage.   

The Winemakers is a book that you won't want to put down.  I was quickly drawn into the lives of Caterina and her mother Ava.  I definitely wanted a happy ending for them both, but with all the twists and turns in the book, I wasn't sure if a happy ending was in store for them.  I find the 1950s an interesting time in history and thought the author captured the era well.  The author describes the scenery of the Napa Valley, Italy and Paris with such lush details that I was nearly inspired to plan a trip for myself.  I learned much about the process of making wine and gained a greater appreciation for the work involved.  The Winemakers was the first novel I have read by Ms. Moran and I look forward to reading more books in the future.  

I received this book courtesy of St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.  

​While dodging an assassin's bullet, FBI agent Kendra Donovan darts into a secret passageway and finds herself still in Aldrich Castle but in the year 1815.  As overwhelming as that is, Kendra is just trying to figure out how to get back home and evade questions about her past when the body of a young girl is found on the estate.  Kendra's FBI skills are quickly put to use as she tries to stop this serial killer.  Not only is she working for justice for the victim, she is pushing the boundaries of a woman's role at that time and not everyone is supportive of her actions.  

I enjoyed this unique story combining mystery, historical fiction and a little sci-fi.  While most of the story is told from Kendra's point of view, there were a few instances where the point of view changed and I did find those somewhat distracting, however those passages were minor.  The book kept my interest and I wanted to keep reading to find out who the murderer was as well as whether or not Kendra would find her way home.  

I received this book from W.W. Norton & Company through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.