Last Twilight in Paris: A Novel
by Pam Jenoff
A Captivating WWII Story with Heart and Mystery (2/4/2025)
“Last Twilight in Paris” by Pam Jenoff pulls you in with its dual timelines and emotional depth. Living in postwar London in 1953, Louise finds a mysterious necklace that brings back haunting memories of her time with the Red Cross during the war. As she searches for the truth, we’re transported to 1940s Paris to meet Helaine, a Jewish woman caught up in the horrors of Nazi occupation and imprisoned in Lévitan, a department store turned prison.
The story is fast-paced and shines a light on a part of history I had no idea about—how Nazis used a Parisian store as a prison and storage space for stolen goods. Both Louise and Helaine’s stories are filled with love, loss, and determination, and the way their lives connect kept me reading.
If you’re into WWII fiction, especially stories about little-known parts of history, this one’s for you. It’s a mix of romance, mystery, and resilience that will stick with you after you’re done reading. 4 stars!
The Connellys of County Down: A Novel
by Tracey Lange
A Beautiful and Moving Story About Life in Revolutionary Iran (1/19/2025)
Tracey Lange has crafted an absolute gem with “The Connellys of County Down.” This novel dives deep into the complexities of family, loyalty, and second chances in a way that feels both poignant and incredibly relatable. The Connellys are messy, flawed, and imperfect—just like most families—but their fierce love and loyalty for one another shine through on every page.
Tara’s journey of rebuilding her life after prison and reconnecting with her siblings, Eddie and Geraldine, is beautifully written and full of heart. Each sibling struggles with their own burdens—be it Eddie’s brain injury or Geraldine’s secret-laden attempt at perfection—but Lange weaves their stories together seamlessly, showing how love and resilience can help heal even the deepest wounds.
The dynamics between the Connellys are rich and layered, pulling you into their lives so completely that you feel like you’re right there with them, rooting for their redemption and growth. Lange’s prose is compassionate and honest, exploring themes of forgiveness, love, and what it truly means to be family, even when life throws you curveballs.
With relatable characters, touching moments of vulnerability, and an engaging plot that keeps you hooked, this story is as much about the power of love and connection as it is about finding strength within ourselves. If you enjoy family dramas with heartfelt, character-driven storytelling, you won’t want to miss this one.
Half a Cup of Sand and Sky
by Nadine Bjursten
A Beautiful and Moving Story About Life in Revolutionary Iran (1/2/2025)
Nadine Bjursten’s “Half a Cup of Sand and Sky” is a heartfelt and deeply layered novel that combines a personal story with Iran’s turbulent history. Set during the late 1970s, when anti-Shah protests and the Islamic Revolution were changing the nation, the book follows Amineh, a young woman who loves Persian literature but finds herself swept into a life she didn’t choose.
The writing is gorgeous—poetic and full of vivid details that make you feel like you’re right there, whether it’s a rose harvest in the countryside or the tense streets of Tehran. Amineh’s journey feels so real, from her struggles with family expectations to her complicated relationships with her husband, Farzad, and his mysterious colleague, Patrik. Her story shows the human side of a country going through monumental changes, and it’s easy to connect with her as she tries to figure out her place in a chaotic world.
The book also does an amazing job of bringing Iranian culture to life. Food, clothing, and poetry descriptions are so rich you can practically taste and feel them. The story tackles big ideas about love, identity, and freedom, all while showing the impact of political events on everyday people.
There are moments when the pacing slows, and the ending comes on a bit suddenly, but the overall story is powerful and moving. The reading guide at the end is a nice touch—it helps unpack some of the book’s heavier parts and adds more context.
If you’re looking for a novel that’s not just about history but also about people—full of heart, beauty, and resilience—"Half a Cup of Sand and Sky” is absolutely worth your time. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.
Long Island: Eilis Lacey Series #2
by Colm Toibin
A Riveting Exploration of Secrecy, Misunderstanding, and Love (5/27/2024)
This is a gorgeous story of a woman alone in a marriage and the deepest bonds she rekindles on her return to the place and people she left behind, to ways of living and loving she thought she’d lost.
The characters are flawed, unforgettable, human. While I struggled somewhat with the characters' deceitfulness, Tóibín's portrayal of Eilis's inner world makes her a compelling figure. Her journey back to Ireland to reconnect with her past and introduce her children to their heritage adds layers to her character, showcasing her strength and vulnerability. The novel beautifully captures the struggle between the comfort of the familiar and the hope for something better, a recurring theme in Tóibín's work.
Long After We Are Gone: A Novel
by Terah Shelton Harris
Emotional Sibling Drama (5/19/2024)
"Long After We Are Gone" by Terah Shelton Harris is a compelling and evocative exploration of family, secrets, and redemption. The novel centers around the Solomon siblings, who return to their North Carolina home, known as “The Kingdom,” following their father’s unexpected death to save their ancestral land from being sold. Their father's last words, “Don't let the white man take The Kingdom,” set the stage for a powerful family drama.
The characters in this novel are incredibly relatable and endearing, each with their own set of flaws and vulnerabilities. I couldn't help but like them all, despite their imperfections and the questionable choices they sometimes made. Junior, the eldest, is secretly in love with another man despite being married. Mance, the second son, struggles with his temper and legal troubles. CeCe, the eldest daughter, faces the consequences of embezzling money from her firm’s clients. Tokey, the youngest, grapples with her sense of belonging and harmful coping mechanisms. Each sibling's struggle is depicted with sensitivity and depth, making their journeys both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Ellis, who was treated like one of the siblings, was a voice of reason and an anchor for the siblings.
Daughters of Shandong
by Eve J. Chung
Beautiful story of women coping (11/21/2023)
Eve J. Chung's debut novel, Daughters of Shandong, offers a poignant and compelling narrative of a mother and her daughters' courageous escape to Taiwan during the turbulent times of the Communist revolution in China. Set against the backdrop of civil war and political upheavals in 1948, the Ang family, particularly the four daughters, becomes the focal point of the story.
The novel delves into the lives of the Ang family, focusing on Hai, the eldest daughter, and her three sisters. In a society where sons are highly valued, the lack of a male heir becomes a cause of concern for the wealthy Angs. The Communist army's advance forces the prosperous household to flee, leaving the daughters and their abused mother behind as they are deemed burdensome.
Chung weaves a gripping tale as Hai, selected for trial due to her position as the eldest, faces the brutality of the land-seizing cadres. The narrative unfolds as the women, driven by resilience and resourcefulness, embark on a harrowing journey from the countryside to the bustling city of Qingdao, British Hong Kong, and eventually Taiwan. Their odyssey is marked by the changing tide of a nation and the challenges faced by those caught in the wake of revolution.
The author's prose is assured and evocative, bringing to life impeccably drawn characters. The Ang daughters emerge as unforgettable and complex figures, each with a unique story to tell. The novel captures the enduring love between mothers, daughters, and sisters, portraying the sacrifices made to secure a better future for generations to come.
Chung's skillful storytelling navigates through the political upheavals of mid-century China, providing readers with a spellbinding and transportive experience. The Ang daughters' will to survive resonates on every page, offering a glimpse into a world of despair and hope. The novel not only entertains but also educates and inspires, making it a rare work of fiction that lingers in the minds of readers long after the last page.
Daughters of Shandong stands out as a powerful exploration of the resilience of women in times of war, offering a hopeful narrative that emphasizes the strength found in the bonds of family. Eve J. Chung's debut is a noteworthy addition to historical fiction, promising to illuminate various facets of humanity through its compelling storytelling.
Banyan Moon: A Novel
by Thao Thai
Beautiful story of women coping (5/29/2023)
I often find myself drawn to multi-generational family stories. "Banyan Moon" immediately drew me right into the lives of three generations of Vietnamese women – Minh, the grandmother; Huong, the daughter; and Ann, the granddaughter.
The story opens with the death of Minh. Ann, born in the US and living in California, returns to her crumbling childhood home in Florida, a home with an old banyan tree growing at its side. Ann now must reconnect with her estranged mother. Unknown to her mother, Ann's seemingly perfect life in California is in question after she discovers she is pregnant.
Minh's narratives are set in Vietnam and follow her life as a teenager during the Vietnam War and follow her as she flees to the US in search of a better life for her children. The love between Minh and Ann was beautiful, and my heart warmed at their interactions.
"Banyan Moon" is an emotional character-driven story. The story is told in alternating perspectives of the three strong-willed women. It runs the gamut of emotions with its tale of losses, regrets, secrets, heartbreak, and, ultimately, love.
The best part of the story for me was how Ann and Huong had to re-examine their past together and realize how much they do love each other.
Thai uses beautiful imagery throughout the book, especially involving the banyan tree.
If you are a fan of Nguyen Phan Que Mai, I recommend you give this book a try.
Mrs. Plansky's Revenge
by Spencer Quinn
Feisty Grandmother (4/16/2023)
This is a take on the grandparent scam we have all read about. An elderly grandparent receives a call from their supposed grandchild saying he is in trouble and needs money. Next day all the funds from the grandparent's account are gone.
I enjoyed the first half of the book as it laid out Mrs. Plansky's well-to-do life in Florida and how she falls prey to the scam. But the last half of the book where she goes to Romania to find her money was too far-fetched for me. There are some likeable characters, but they are not well-developed.
Seventy-one-year-old Loretta Plansky is feisty and courageous, not one to be messed with. The story takes a surprising turn when she encounters the perpetrators. I would like to have known more about Dinu and Romeo, the young boys who are part of the scam.
It is a fast read and provides some moments to chuckle over.
Wade in the Water: A Novel
by Nyani Nkrumah
A Phenomenal Debut (11/26/2022)
I was immediately drawn into this story of a relationship that develops between Ms. St. James, a white woman from Princeton, and Ella, a precocious 11-year-old Black girl.
It is hard to believe that this is Nkrumah's debut novel. The writing flows smoothly and paints a picture of the rural segregated community of Ricksville, Mississippi. The characters are authentic, and their emotions relatable.
Set in 1982, Ms. St. James rents a house on the same street where Ella lives. This piques people's curiosity since she is the only white person on the street. She has come to Ricksville to do research for her thesis on the civil rights movement. Soon, Ms. St. James befriends Ella who has always felt she was not accepted by others because she has a different daddy than that of her siblings, and she has notably darker skin.
Alternating with the 1982 timeline are flashbacks to Ms. St. James' childhood in the 60s in Philadelphia, Mississippi. It was a childhood where racism was acceptable, where it was beaten into her. No matter how much she tries to distance herself from it, it is always lurking in the shadows.
The relationship between Ella and Ms. St. James is extremely complex. There are times that my heart swelled with love that Ella, so starved for attention and love, thought she was getting from Ms. St. James. But at other times, Ella was unknowingly pushing St. James closer and closer to losing control of the façade she lived behind, closer to revealing a secret that she must keep hidden.
The story is uncomfortably raw at times as the atrocities of the Jim Crow South are revisited. A question asked by the author is not only how the civil rights movement changed Black society but also how it changed white society.
There are several well-developed characters throughout the book. Mr. Macabe, who is blind, says he cannot see the color of one's skin. He says that he classifies as good, evil, or somewhere in between. There are characters here that fall into all those categories.
There is a shocking reveal near the end that I should have caught but I was just too absorbed in the story to figure it out.
Thank you to HarperCollins and BookBrowse for the advance copy of the book. These opinions are entirely my own.
In the Time of Our History
by Susanne Pari
Well-written Family Saga (10/1/2022)
Beautifully written and thought-provoking.
I always find myself drawn to stories from the Middle East. Having had friends displaced during the Iranian Revolution, I found this story especially interesting. This story centers on the Iranian-born Jahani family and their extended family who fled Iran for America after the fall of the Shah in 1979. The setting for the Jahani family is San Francisco and New Jersey in the late 1990s.
It took a while for me to really get into this story, but once I reached that point, I became totally immersed in this family saga with its generational culture clashes and their conflict that centered on long-held secrets.
Through her masterful writing, Pari brought these characters to life. The father was stiff and domineering; Shireen, the mother, caught between her love for her children and the demands of her husband; sweet Ana who did what was expected by her father; and the rebellious Mitra ("a girl who wanted to be as free as a boy in choosing her future"). The emotions flowed from the pages into my heart, especially the shame, the pain, the frustrations, and the anger.
I liked how the family worked to find a blend between their new American home and their rich Persian culture, something all immigrant families encounter. This entire story is, in fact, based on the Iranian custom of "The One Year" which is the observance of the one-year anniversary of a death.
All the Lonely People
by Mike Gayle
I absolutely loved it! (8/30/2022)
I absolutely loved this book! Loaded with wonderful characters that made me laugh, made me cry, and made me feel lots of emotions.
Hubert Bird, a native Jamaican, moved to England when he was a young man in search of employment. He faced discrimination especially when he married Joyce whose family disapproved of him and disowned her. They had a loving marriage and raised a couple of children until she met an early death. After her death, Hubert withdrew from friends and mostly became a hermit. My heart broke for Hubert over all the losses he experienced. Then one day the elderly widower receives news that reluctantly forces him out into the world again.
I do not want to say much here about the plot as I do not want to give anything away. There are several special moments that I do not wish to ruin for the reader.
This book addresses the societal problem of loneliness. When Hubert is forced out into the world, he surprisingly makes friends. Through these friends, he finds himself spearheading a movement to conquer loneliness in their community.
I loved this quote: “It used to be the family all looking out for one another but it’s not like that anymore…It used to be neighbours kept an eye on you but people like to keep themselves to themselves now”.
If you enjoyed “A Man Called Ove,” you are sure to enjoy this book.
Aurora: A Novel
by David Koepp
Captivating Story (6/15/2022)
Have you ever wondered what would happen if we lost power for months? Think of all we are dependent on for electricity – our cellphones, televisions, cash registers, lights, electric cars, and so much more.
When I heard about this book, I knew I just had to read it. I was the Program Manager for the Department of Defense’s network of solar observatories. That made this book a quick read for me. I really enjoyed it, especially the scientific portions dealing with the Coronal Mass Eruptions (CME).
A series of three CMEs destroy the power grids all over Earth, sparing only the remotest of areas. The story focuses on one family and their neighborhood in Aurora, Illinois. People are terrified: they don’t know what is happening and how long it will last; they are cut off from their loved ones. They find themselves fighting for their lives.
I thought the main characters were well-developed and realistic. I loved their evolution throughout the book – some from helplessness to the strength to survive, others from petty crimes to felony crimes, from isolation to working together. I was eager to learn which would survive.
I recommend this scientific thriller which focuses on the very human experiences.
The Favor: A Novel
by Nora Murphy
Amazing debut! (5/19/2022)
This book grabbed me from the very beginning and kept me on edge. I wanted to just escape someplace where I would have no interruptions while reading it. I could feel for myself the fear and hopelessness the main characters experienced. It is hard to believe that this is Murphy’s debut novel.
In a liquor store, Leah crosses paths with McKenna and thinks “It was like looking at myself, nine months ago.” Thus, their lives will both be changed.
This is a story of two women who supposedly have it all - husbands who are both handsome and wealthy, beautiful houses, all the trappings of a successful life. But no one knows what goes on behind their closed doors. No one knows about the controlling husbands and the abuse the husbands inflict upon Leah and McKenna.
Leah is compelled to find where McKenna lives and begins observing her from afar. Then one night she sees a violent act in McKenna’s home, and she snaps. She takes matters into her own hands.
Written with compassion and an understanding of the emotional impact of spousal abuse, this story may make you wonder if someone you know is experiencing the same nightmare that Leah and McKenna experience.
I will be watching for future books by this author. Her writing is incredible.
I received an advance egalley from the publisher. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I Must Betray You
by Ruta Sepetys
Very Powerful (5/7/2022)
Powerful story of the oppression of Romanian citizens under the rule of Nicolae Ceausescu.
Set in 1989, the story follows the day-to-day life of 17-year-old Cristian Florescu. I never realized the extent to which paranoia and fear ruled their lives. You never knew who was an informant. Your best friend? Your sister? Your girlfriend? Ceausescu first isolated Romania from the rest of the world. Then, by recruiting (often blackmailing) informants, he isolated citizens from each other. They knew their homes were bugged so were not even free in their own homes. I just could not imagine how confining it was to live as they did.
And while Ceausescu and his family lived with wealth surrounding them, the Romanian citizens lacked food, electricity, all the things we take for granted.
Cristian plots to undermine the most notoriously evil dictator in Eastern Europe. Can he do it? Cristian and his friends were true heroes. They risked their lives to let the world know what was going on in Romania. Cristian dreams of being a writer someday, but Romanians had little chance of fulfilling their dreams. I could easily feel the mental anguish the characters endured day after day. When the Revolution began, I was on edge, afraid to turn the page. Afraid to know what happened next.
I also got a better understanding of Radio Free Europe and the Voice of America. It was only through their broadcasts that the citizens of Romania learned that the Communist nations around them were crumbling.
The book is well written, and it is obvious that the author did a lot of research.
Good Husbands: A Novel
by Cate Ray
Meh,,, (4/13/2022)
While the premise of the book promised a compelling read, the story itself did not meet up to my expectation.
The interaction among the three wives who received the letter was well written, but I just did not care for any of the women. I think the characters themselves needed more depth. The reaction from the husbands when they learned about the letter was also not very realistic.
It is a slow build and provides just enough suspense to keep the reader interested. It does provide various views on the women being forced to see their husbands in a different light. Can they believe that the men they love would commit such a heinous crime? Who can they believe? But the ending just did not work for me.
Cloud Cuckoo Land: A Novel
by Anthony Doerr
Challenging read, but worth it (2/16/2022)
This is a tough book to get into, a very challenging read. But I persevered, and I am glad I did. At first, I had no idea where the story was going, nor what the past, present, and future stories had to do with each other. But about three-fourths of the way through the book, I started seeing the interconnectedness of the characters and how the love for one book brought them together.
In 15th century Constantinople, we have Anna, an embroiderer, who is determined to learn to read. In a library, she finds a book about Aethon. Aethon longs to be a bird so he can fly to a utopian paradise in the sky, to Cloud Cuckoo Land. I loved the character of Omeir, a young village boy who is conscripted into the invading army, along with his beloved oxen. He led a tragic life, so I was happy when his and Anna’s paths crossed.
Present day 2020, in a library in Idaho, 86-year-old Zeno is in a library with five children. He had introduced these children to Aethon’s story. They are preparing to put on a play about Aethon. He is about to encounter the other main character in this section, Seymour. Seymour is a bright young man who becomes an environmental terrorist. I am not sure why, but I thought the “past” story made a good balance with the “present” story.
In the future, Konstance is on a spaceship that has left Earth and is headed to another planet. She frequents the library on board the ship. (I would love to have an atlas like the one she used!) This part of the book really stretched the imagination, but I decided to suspend reality and just go with it.
It took brilliant writing (and quite an imagination) to fit all the pieces together into a beautiful tapestry of past, present, and future. At the core of the entire book are libraries and the importance of preserving books from being lost to history. And there are little jewels scattered throughout – “sybil,” one through whom the gods speak; a character named Omicron and the outbreak of a virus, to name just two.
I thought it was worth the struggle to get to the point where it all started making sense.
The Magnolia Palace: A Novel
by Fiona Davis
Interesting piece of history (1/24/2022)
I always enjoy books by Fiona Davis as I learn about NYC’s historic landmarks while reading a well written historical fiction. Her books are also perfect for book clubs.
“The Magnolia Palace” features the Frick Museum, one of New York City’s most striking Gilded Age mansions. As is typical of Davis’ books, this one is written as a dual timeline alternating between 1919 with a murder mystery within the Frick family and “present day” 1966 when a model and an archivist become locked in the museum overnight.
I enjoyed the story of “Angelica” (Lillian Carter aka “Miss Lilly”) who was one of the most sought-after artists’ models in New York City. Statues of her are at various landmarks in the city. I never really thought about the women who posed for statues, which is one of the main points of this book. Miss Lilly is hired as personal secretary to the demanding and eccentric Helen Clay Frick. Thus, Lilly is thrust into the middle of the Frick family’s daily lives.
While the Frick family seemed to have it all, the unveiling of secrets and schemes within their house was interesting. Mr. Henry Clay Frick was nasty to his daughter Helen. Mrs. Frick locks herself away day after day. Martha, the oldest child, died at a young age. And siblings Helen and Childs do not get along.
Overall, I found the story fascinating and am eager for another story by Fiona Davis. I think anyone with an interest in the architectural landmarks of NYC will enjoy this book.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Honor
by Thrity Umrigar
Very Powerful (1/13/2022)
This book grabbed me from the very beginning. The writing is superb, the story heartbreaking and haunting. If you loved Khalid Hosseini’s “A Thousand Splendid Suns”, then you must read this book.
A powerful quote from it:
"Everywhere she went, it seemed, it was open season on women. Rape, female genital mutilation, bride burnings, domestic abuse - everywhere, in every country, women were abused, isolated, silenced, imprisoned, controlled, punished, and killed. Sometimes, it seemed to Smita that the history of the world was written in female blood."
Smita, a young American Indian journalist, returns to India to cover a story about the murder and attempted murder of a couple in a village in a rural part of India. Abdul, a Muslim, and Meena, a Hindu, dared to fall in love and marry. Meena’s family has been dishonored and must pay. Her brothers kill Abdul and try to kill Meena. But Meena and their daughter survive.
Smita is plagued with the memories of the night her family fled India with no intention to ever return. While she has very negative views of India, her driver Mohan gracefully listens to her and expresses his love for and pride in his home country. Together, they confront the brutality against Abdul and Meena and the corrupt leadership that allows it to happen. Smita and Mohan both will have their views of India challenged.
This is a story of love, hope, cultural and religious clashes, sacrifice, and promises kept. The bravery of Meena, the callousness of Ammi (Meena’s mother-in-law) and the kind heart of Mohan will linger with me for some time.
I highly recommend this phenomenal book.
The Forest of Vanishing Stars: A Novel
by Kristin Harmel
Captivating Story (7/8/2021)
I love Ms. Harmel’s books and think this may be her best so far. Her newest book is a story of hope, courage, bravery, survival, and love. It is also a story of determining who we are inside and how to become that person.
Yona was born to a German family and named Inge. But when she was two years old, she was stolen from her parents by a woman named Jerusza and renamed Yona. Living in the forest, Jerusza taught Yona valuable survival skills. These skills would be the key to Yona’s survival and her ability to save other lives.
As the Nazis gained ground in Poland, thousands of Jews fled to the deep forests of Eastern Europe to escape their clutches. When Yona encounters some of these Jews, she feels she must help them survive. But because she has been isolated deep in the forest throughout her life, she has no social skills. All this leads to a fascinating story of underground bunkers, danger, hardships, trust, conflict, and betrayal. But through it all, Yona learns how to open her heart to others. And when Yona comes face-to-face with her past, her world is turned upside down.
Ms. Harmel did intense research so she could tell the story of the real-life Jews who lived this story. The writing was so vivid that I felt an emotional connection with the characters. I could feel their fear, their hunger, their shivering in the harsh winters, and the solace that came from looking up at the stars from deep within the forest.
I highly recommend this stunning book to all historical fiction fans.
The Ride of Her Life: The True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across America
by Elizabeth Letts
Stole My Heart (6/22/2021)
This book is officially one of my all-time favorites. While it is nonfiction, it reads like a novel. Letts did extensive research, and it shows. I cannot say enough good things about this book.
In 1954, Annie Wilkins, 63-years old, was about to lose her home in Minot, Maine since she could not pay the back taxes. No money, no family, and her medical condition was such that she had been told she only had two years to live. So, she bought an older horse, loaded her belongings onto it and set out for California with her dog. She wanted to see the Pacific Ocean before she died. At that time there were no printed maps so she could plot her entire trip, so she took it state by state, not always taking the shortest route. She pushed through blizzards, flash floods, desert heat. As the modern interstate highways were just beginning to be built, the three travelers often had to share the road with speeding cars and trucks. There were times I was not sure she would make it to her destination.
The best part of the book for me was the relationship between her four-legged traveling companions: her little dog Depeche Toi, her horse Tarzan, and later the addition of Rex, a Tennessee walker. Their personalities were as well developed as the human characters in most books. I loved them!
I learned quite a bit of history along her journey: the origin of our interstate highway system, the early days of medical insurance (used as an incentive to get workers), the birth of the TV Western, the two great migrations to the West, how local jails were receptive to allowing travelers to spend the night in a cell, and Art Linkletter’s connection to Annie. Some may find that boring, but it is written in such a way that it flowed easily with the story.
Annie could not have made the journey without the kindness of strangers along the way. People allowed her to stay in their homes, bedded her animals, gave her food and medical help. I have to admit to feeling a bit nostalgic for an innocent America that no longer exists. She became a celebrity and was interviewed by the media all along her route. She took on the distinction of being the “last saddle tramp.” Annie truly had the wanderlust. Annie kept diaries along the way and the letters she received. These documents were used in the author’s research.
Overall, this book stole my heart. If you love adventure or love sweet animals, you should read this book.
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