Check out these book reviews from our librarians. The reviews will include the title, author, genre and if it is available on Bridges or in our library collection. See something you like? Stop by or contact the library to check it out!
The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Available to check out from Belmond Public Library and through Bridges (Libby)
World War I has ended. Men have returned from the front and women are working to find their way in society after working for the war effort. Constance has left her position in finance to assist Mrs. Fog, a resident of Hazelbourne-on-Sea. The affluent resort is full of drama and people who value the pre-war way of life. The surrender and battles are treated as a celebratory play for visitors to experience. After rescuing socialite Poppy, Constance is thrown into the constant drama and adventure of high society. Unlike many of the women at Hazelbourne-on-Sea, Poppy is a trouser wearing modern woman whose lack of care for societal norms is considered quirky and charming due to her status. Poppy quickly introduces Constance to her motorcycle club. The group of women meet to race, ride, and form a delivery service. With the help of Poppy's combat injured pilot brother, Harris, and the purchase of a rickety old plane in desperate need of repair, the club quickly adopts flying providing flying lessens and rides to women across the area. Along the way, the women of the club face the difficulties of being a woman in the post world war world, where the freedoms won are not often respected.
The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club is a charming read. It's smart, witty and full of drama. I will admit that I am not a huge fan of Historical Fiction; however, I really enjoyed this book. The first third of the book sets the scene and does a good job of introducing the characters. Soon after, readers are thrown into the plot, learning of the struggles of each character. Finally, the story explodes into a sorted drama filled ending that brings moments of sadness, joy, and celebration.
The story is told from three points of view. The first is Constance. After leaving her position in finance, she has taken on caring for Mrs. Fog, a woman of character and secrets. Her story is filled with a struggle for identity and establishing herself in a society that wishes to return women to being wives and mothers. The second is Harris, Poppy's combat wounded brother who struggles with depression and the loss of not only a limb, but his fellow brothers in arms. Third, is Klaus, a German born naturalized citizen of England. Readers will find sympathy for German born English citizen, Klaus, who faced internment during the war and returns to the resort only to face discrimination and disrespect from those who welcomed him previously. The book introduces several characters that are struggling with reestablishing themselves post war. Each of the characters grows through the story with Constance and Harris finding themselves and each other. Klaus' story is much sadder. It works as a device to show the rusted and damages edges of the society around him.
Overall, it's a good book. While not extremely engaging for this reader, I still enjoyed the story and valued the insight and history.
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The Best Little Motel in Texas by Lyla Lane
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Available to check out from Belmond Public Library
Cordelia has spent most of her life avoiding Sarsaparilla Falls. The town holds nothing but bad memories of her now sober mother's past and being treated like a pariah. She spends her life simply: looking after her mother and enjoying her library job. When she discovers an unknown great aunt has left her a questionable little motel in Sarsaparilla Falls with long term guests, her life is turned upside down and all around. The motel is a destination of 'ill repute' with senior women who see to the entertainment of their older clients. When the local pastor dies in the company of one of the residents, Cordelia, newly made madam, and her 'Chicks' are on the case.
Cozy reads have always been a bit hit or miss for me. As a result, I chose to enjoy this title as an audiobook. I'm so glad I did! The story on it's own is a wonderful little romp through small town Texas. The residents are quirkey and dynamic which adds a lot to the story. The mystery moves along at a really good pace and jumps between suspects. I wasn't able to really predict the murder, mainly because we are only given Cordelia's perceptions along the way. The book also has some great themes of finding confidence and destroying stereotypes all wrapped in a wonderful found family trope. If you are looking for something that's just fun to read, I suggest giveing The Best Little Motel in Texas a try!
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Seek the Traitor's Son by Veronica Roth
Genre: Dystopian Romance with a Scifi edge
Available to check out from Belmond Public Library and through Bridges (Libby)
Veronica Roth is known for her dystopian fiction. As a fan of her Divergent series, I can attest that Seek the Traitor's Son brings the same amount of drama and angst. Elegy is wrapped up in a prophetic telling that she will be the savior of her people, the Cedre. The only issue is that Rava has also been told she will be the savoir of her people, the Talusar. Elegy denies and fights her destiny. Rava is hungry for power and control. Which will rise as savior is to be determined, but the common factor is knight Theren who has his own secrets.
I really enjoyed reading Seek the Traitor's Son. The characters are dynamic and interesting. Roth has a great way of enveloping readers in their stories. There is plenty of plot twists and action as well. Very intuitive readers will find some portions of the story a bit predictable, but I don't think they make the book any less likeable. The book leans towards scifi in it's inclusion of technology and space. Of course the book ends at a pivotal moment. It makes the book feel like a part 1 rather than a book 1 in a series. I am really eager to see where this series goes and will definitely check out the next installment.
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The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Genre: Fantasy / Romance
Available to check out from Belmond Public Library and through Bridges (Libby)
Sybil Delling, has spent nine years being drowned repeatedly in a the spring of Aisling Cathederal, reading the omens and portents for the royalty and wealthy of Traum. Six, as she is known, and her five other sister diviners live a secluded life, all chosen by the abbess as foundlings, poor, sick and without family. When the boy king and his knights arrive to have his omens read. At the taunting of his knight, Rory, she seeks out a moment of disobedience and adventure taking the others to the local Faire. Shortly after, the diviners begin to disappear. What follows is a quest for answers that will have Six questioning everything she knows and everyone she trusts.
This books surprised me. From the beginning of the story I was engaged and excited to get back every time I picked up the book. The story is pretty straight foward. The world building is interesting and unique. I will admit that portions of the story are somewhat predictable. The big reveals and twists were a little subdued for my liking; however, that did not stop my enjoyment of the story. I think the book is great for readers who want to try fantasy, like romance, but aren't committed to something that is over the top spicy or Lord of the Rings level fantasy. Overall, it was a quick fun read. I am definitely looking forward to the sequel, The Knave and the Moon. Better yet, we a copy of The Knight and the Moth available at the library. Check it out!