The Heavens May Fall
I had missed knowing that Allen Eskens’ third book, The Heavens May Fall, was released in October. When I found out about it, I immediately got on the wait list for it at the public library. Mr. Eskens writes legal thrillers. This one did not disappoint, as it kept me guessing who the killer was.
Last week I learned that Mr. Eskens’ fourth book, The Deep Dark Descending, will be released on October 3, 2017. It continues the story of homicide detective Max Rupert. I look forward to it!
Where I Lost Her
T. Greenwood was a new author for me. I read her 2016 novel, Where I Lost Her. It is about a woman, Tess, and her husband from New York who go to rural Vermont to visit friends. One night, while driving alone, Tess sees a little girl standing in the road. She stops to help, but the girl runs away into the woods.
When a search turned up nothing and there are no reports of a missing child, local officials begin to doubt Tess. Added to the lack of evidence is the fact that Tess and her husband have gone through unsuccessful fertility treatments and Tess is desperate to have a child. Locals label her a trouble maker from outside.
Tess knows what she saw, though, and she continues to search for the little girl even though that search puts her in incredible physical danger. I’ll probably read other books written by Ms. Greenwood.
The Mother’s Promise
Sally Hepworth was another new author for me in April. I read her 2017-released novel, The Mother’s Promise. The book follows a single mother, Alice, and her teenage daughter, Zoe, who has no social graces or self-confidence. Alice has promised to always be there for Zoe, but a diagnosis of ovarian cancer tears their world apart.
As Alice’s illness progresses, Zoe gradually gains confidence and begins to take a more active part in her classes. A cast of minor characters move this story through some surprising twists and turns. I found myself really caring about Alice and Zoe.
In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom
In spite of my memory problems, a book that will stay with me for a long time is In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom, by Yeonmi Park. Written in 2015, this nonfiction book is a memoir of a young woman who was born in and grew up in North Korea. Reading the harrowing story of Ms. Park’s childhood of hunger, governmental brainwashing, escape to China, and eventual escape to South Korea will have you turning the pages to find out what happens next.
This is a story of personal strength, the love of a family, and the will to live. Ms. Park’s story is one that is so far removed from my own experience, I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn’t fiction. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially during this time of high tension between the United States and North Korea.
Until my next blog post
I hope you have a good book to read. If you’re a writer, I hope you have quality writing time.
Janet
Janet's Writing Blog 
In Order to Live is a book that I would like to read. Thank you for sharing
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Audrey, I think you will find the book fascinating and unsettling. I think everyone should read it. Thanks for your comment!
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I love mysteries….I will have to look at each of these books you recommend…although I have to wait on the Korean true story…I am sure the story ends on a high note and how the human spirit overcomes; but, a true story like that deserves my undivided attention. I am in the middle of oppressing stories right now of the fictional kind….it still stirs me up LOL Thanks Janet for the recommends😊
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Katrina, my first reply to you disappeared, so I’m trying again. Thank you for your comments. I hope you do get time to read In Order to Live. It’s not the kind of book one “enjoys” reading, but I think everyone should read a book like that once in a while.
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Yes, I thought so….it deserves my undivided attention…Thanks again Janet; and, I look forward to reading it for its own merit of being a true story of a real life heroine….
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Just wanted you to know I nominated you for a Liebster Award. Enjoy! https://andrealundgren.com/2017/05/04/my-first-award/
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Thank you very much, Andrea; however, I am really trying to concentrate on my novel rewrite and my reading. I promised myself that would take priority as soon as the A to Z Blog Challenge was completed. I hope you understand, if I find that I can’t fulfill the requirements.
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No problem. Have fun working on your novel!
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Thanks, Andrea. I think I made some progress (at least in my head) this weekend. If not for waking up with a raging headache today, I had hoped to finally turn my thoughts and notes into an outline. As Scarlett O’Hara said, “Tomorrow is another day.” I’m playing with the idea of moving the story back several years and 100 miles and removing all the real people. That way, it will still be historical fiction (and my research won’t all be for naught) but I won’t have to worry about staying true to real individuals and an actual event. I’ll be in touch with you for feedback soon (I hope!) when I actually have something on paper. Once again — thank you for your patience and support.
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Ooh, I like it. And you can always have an afterward giving the historical details that inspired the story so readers can know the true facts. I look forward to hearing more! 🙂
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Yes, “Where I Lost Her” sounds interesting. Thanks!
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Yes, Davida, as I recall it was a real page-turner. I hope you’ll enjoy it, too. Thanks for finding my blog!
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