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Birds of a Feather: Bluebird the Best World War II Novel I've Read Since The Nightingale
Psychological Thriller Oddly Compelling and Weirdly Memorable
Juno was wrong about Winnie Crouch.
Before moving in with the Crouch family, Juno thought Winnie and her husband, Nigel, had the perfect marriage, the perfect son—the perfect life. Only now that she’s living in their beautiful house, she sees the cracks in the crumbling facade are too deep to ignore.
Still, she isn’t one to judge. After her grim diagnosis, the retired therapist simply wants a place to live out the rest of her days in peace. But that peace is shattered the day Juno overhears a chilling conversation between Winnie and Nigel…
She shouldn’t get involved.
She really shouldn’t.
But this could be her chance to make a few things right.
Because if you thought Juno didn’t have a secret of her own, then you were wrong about her, too.
I picked this book up because the premise is just so unique and chilling. The setup is definitely the best part of The Wrong Family because the characters are all messed-up and unlikable, the mystery isn't much of one, and the plot gets a bit...wild. Still, the story kept me turning pages, even though I repeatedly asked myself, "WHY am I still reading this?" On the whole, the book is depressing and somewhat dissatisfying, although, honestly, the characters all get what they deserve. Even though I really did not love this one, I still find myself thinking about The Wrong Family, although it's been months since I read it. In fact, when my hairdresser asked me the other day if I'd read anything interesting lately, this is the book that immediately popped into my head. It's not just oddly compelling, it's also weirdly memorable. Is it crazy that a book I didn't even like all that much is so stuck in my head? I give it points for that at least. (Readalikes: Hm, I can't really think of anything. You?) Grade: If this were a movie, it would be rated: |
Top Ten Tuesday: My Fall TBR List, Part Two
Gritty, Atmospheric Thriller a Gripping Read
Gothic-y Mystery a Compelling Read
But within days a body will lie dead in the grounds. And their dreams of a perfect family will shatter like glass.
Years later, the truth will need to be put back together again, piece by piece . . .
Top Ten Tuesday: My Fall TBR List, Part One
Wholesome Historical Romance a Warm, Uplifting Read
That being said, Along a Storied Trail really is a warm, uplifting story. The characters aren't overly original or memorable, but they're good, kind-hearted people. It's impossible not to like them. The Appalachian setting is vivid and colorful, a backdrop that feels authentic. As I mentioned, the novel doesn't have a lot of plot, so it does get a little dull here and there. There was enough going on in the tale to keep me reading, but it did take me a few days to get through this one (whereas I can speed through an engrossing thriller in a matter of hours). I don't always love Christian novels because they can get preachy and heavy-handed, but Gabhart handles the religious elements in Along a Storied Trail well. She makes faith feel natural, as if it's just a normal, daily thing for the story's hill people. I love that! All these things considered, then, I ended up enjoying this novel. It's the first I've read by Gabhart, but it won't be the last. When I'm looking for another clean, uplifting historical novel, I'll definitely look for other titles by her.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson)
Grade:
Novel Shows Beauty of Found Family in All Its Complicated Glory
After suffering her own trauma, Dahlia Moscatelli has become a prisoner in her own home. That doesn't mean she can't offer it as a refuge to others, though. She and her husband, Louie, are already sheltering three long-term foster children. When a social worker begs Dahlia to take in one more—a six-year-old who's been horribly abused and needs emergency placement—she hesitates. Not only is Agnes Juniper a traumatized little girl with developmental delays, but she's also half Native American. It's 1959 in small-town Massachusetts and the Moscatellis already have enough trouble with the neighbors over taking in so many kids. When Dahlia meets Agnes, however, she caves. The damaged youngster is in such obvious need that none of the Moscatellis can bear to turn her away.
It's clear from the get-go that Agnes' presence is about to change the lives of everyone in the Moscatelli household. Over the next decade and a half, as they embrace the little girl and work together to love away her pain, the Moscatellis experience all the sorrows, challenges, and triumphs that define family life. With one special girl at their center, all of them will find healing like they've never known before.
Describing All the Children Are Home by Patry Francis is difficult because the novel really doesn't have a plot. The story meanders here and there as it details everything that happens when Agnes disrupts the Moscatellis' lives for the better. Because the tale is so unfocused, it definitely sags in places. Still, all in all, I found All the Children Are Home to be quite compelling. The characters are sympathetic and likable, even if some of them (Dahlia and Louie in particular) are not exactly warm, fuzzy types. Their story feels authentic. It's sad, with a realistically untidy end, and yet, it's also a hopeful tale about the beauty of found family in all its complicated glory. I liked the novel overall.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley)
Grade:
TTT: The Top Ten Best Non-Fiction Books I've Read So Far This Year
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