Hollow Bones by Jodi Picoult

 

I found this to be an incredible novel tracing the decisions of mothers and daughters and how broken links can often be repaired. At the center of the story  is postpartum psychosis, a mental illness that rarely but does affect women. It is what drove Eloise Ambrose to abandon her two month old daughter and disappear, seemingly lost in the rubble of the twin towers disaster. The story traces her life, the life of her daughter, and the events of her daughter’s husband as the story unfolds.

True to the topics Ms Picoult often chooses, postpartum psychosis is not widely known, even though it is devastating to its victims. Please do not skip the author’s note as it contains valuable information as well as how she developed the story.

God's Country by William Kent Krueger

 

On the onset, I admit that I am a fan of this author. His Cork O’Connor mysteries are fabulous. They include such interesting information on Native American lore and language. In this novel, the O’Connor men with one young son along with their friend and his son embark on a  canoe trip through lakes in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of northern Minnesota. His son and grandson have had similar visions about Cork that unsettle him and might point to a heart problem. As the trip begins, criminal activity begins to be apparent. Cork sends the rest of his party home as he searches for a friend canoe guide in the wilderness. A sinister pair of brothers are causing mayhem involving murder, beatings, and danger. Cork begins a journey of a man grappling with his inner demons as the danger increases.

The Magic We Made by Meg Cabot

 

I really enjoyed this witchy novel of goddesses, a teen witch cult/coven, and a sweet romance. The back and forth between Francesca (Frankie) and Ashrad (Ash) is priceless and so entertaining. It buffers the strange and ugly happenings of the teen cult/coven on an island near to Frankie’s and Ash’s homes.  Such a great story to engage you.

The Pools by E. Lockhart

 

A fairy tale in current time. After swimming in the local natural pools, five people turn into birds. The lore of the pools is strange and true. One of the new birds was the boyfriend of a girl whose home life is simply sad. Her sister is also transformed along with her best friend and a couple of women. The girl refuses to give up on her boyfriend and searches for a way to turn him back. A quirky story.

Lasso My Heart by Mary Karlik

 

Cowboy romance filled with the ups and downs of a young woman’s heart. Lauren has had thirteen failed romances chronicled as the story unfolds. Rhen is the cowboy she meets in a comical way which leads to a volunteer job, an apartment, and lots of heart/soul searching. Young love described at its best-the thrills, the heart flutterings, and the agony of breakups.

Starry Nights Over Firefly Lake by Alison Sherlock

 

Such a delightful cozy romance. Love is slowly building for two people with terrible childhoods. She was abandoned at birth and lived in foster homes. No one adopted her because of a pre-existing heart condition. Her love of astronomy carried her along through life. He lived hand to foot with a vagrant father, never having a real home or any security. Trust was absent for him until they met and love grew.

Love You More by Emily Giffin

 

A lovely and touching story of love, of change, and of a second chance. The characters of Billie, Mick, Phoebe, and Dean are carefully crafted to relay their emotions and personalities, struggles and acceptance. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel.