Book Rewind and Review

The other day, I went through my stacks of books and started sorting into the “Read it. Need to review it” pile and the “Need to read it” pile. It was then that I realized how many books I’ve read this year that I haven’t done reviews on yet. I won’t lie – it overwhelmed me.

So, I decided that I needed to do a quick little rewind and review on some of the books that I’ve read that don’t necessarily need their own entire post. Enjoy and go find a new book to read!

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (Books 1 & 2) – Ransom Riggs    

                   

This series had been on my to read list for a while but when I saw that my niece was reading it, I knew I needed to catch up! Riggs sets forth an interesting concept in which there are peculiar children (with interesting characteristics such as invisibility, weightlessness, creating fire, etc.) live in a type of time portal from the outside world. This world is threatened by Hallowgasts and Jacob joins the crew of peculiars to save their way of life. Paired with real-life photographs the author found on his journies, this is a magical, fantastical tale that will transport you right into Miss Peregrine’s peculiar world. Technically a YA novel but will keep you entertained start to finish! I still have yet to read the third novel so stay tuned.

Rating: 

Wine Pairing: Gnarly Head Authentic Red

Stella Bain – Anita Shreve

I’ve mentioned before how much I love the bargain table at B&N and I found this book there. It must have really intrigued me because I actually ended up buying it twice by accident! Oops. This novel is historical fiction that takes place in London during WWI. An American Nurse (Stella) suffers from shell shock and is taken in by a surgeon and his wife. The surgeon’s interest in Stella develops and he becomes determined to cure her from her suffering. Stella also has amnesia and can’t remember anything prior to her being wounded in an attack in France. The story bounces back and forth between America and London on Stella’s journey to regain her sense of identity. I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. It was a quick read but full of emotion that left you attached to the characters involved.

Rating: 

Wine Pairing: Contadino Pinot Grigio

The Beautiful American – Jeanne Mackin

Lately, I seem to be on this historical fiction kick and most of the ones I’ve found have not disappointed me. This novel takes place in London and France during the aftermath of WWII. American Nora Tours travels to London in search of her sixteen year old daughter who went missing. She runs into an old acquaintance there, Lee Miller, a famous model and photographer. Most of the novel is a flashback to their days in 1920’s Paris where everyone enjoyed the freewheeling days and nights of that time. The two women in this novel are completely unconventional as is their relationship and it’s a wonderful story about time, healing and desire.

Rating: 

Wine Pairing: Barefoot Pink Moscato Sparkling

The Rebel Pirate – Donna Thorland

Keeping with my historical fiction theme and let’s face it, my love of pirates, made this one practically jump into my hands. This novel takes you all the way back to the American Revolution and follows James Sparhawk who is a Commander in the British Navy. He is taken hostage by a young, female Rebel privateer, Sarah Ward. After a series of events that tarnished her reputation and threatened her family’s future, she finds herself in the middle of a war. She will do whatever it takes to protect her family even if it means giving up Sparhawk who is the one man who was ever able to tame her. Another surprising good read filled with action and plot twists that I never saw coming. This one will keep you on the edge of your seat and romanticizing the life of a pirate in no time.

Rating: 

Wine Pairing: Middle Sister Rebel Red

The Other Story – Tatiana de Rosnay

This was another bargain table find which caught my attention because of the cover. I’m a sucker for anything that’s about books or authors or books writing about authors. This novel follows the tale of Nicolas Duhamel, an author who gained tremendous success with his debut novel, somewhat unexpectedly. Now constantly in the spotlight, Nicolas thinks he has his whole life figured out but quickly realizes that the past has a way of catching up with you. This is an interesting journey in self reflection and how decisions made many years ago can shape your future.

Rating: 

Wine Pairing: Alamos Red Blend