Review Leslie Gray Streeter presents a strong debut fiction novel with Family & Other Calamities. The story was well-paced with a great balance of humor and reflection on grief. Dawn is going through it after losing her husband earlier in the year. The last thing she needs is the family drama that comes with her… Continue reading Family & Other Calamities by Leslie Gray Streeter
Miyoung is an 11-year-old girl living in Japan-occupied Korea in 1928. She lives with her mother and older sister Bohbeh on a farm/boarding house, dreaming of becoming a teacher one day. But under Japan occupation, her family’s finances are not as lucrative as they once were. So they send Bohbeh to Japan to marry. Miyoung hopes she can still fulfill her dream somehow, until her father reveals that he has similar plans for Miyoung. Facing the harsh gender inequality and lack of jobs available, her mother agrees to send her to live with her sister in Japan. But she soon notices the anti-Korean sentiments in Japan and decides to do her best to blend in. Changing her name to Miyoko, she gradually becomes immersed in Japanese culture, even though she loses a part of herself as the years go by. But Japan is still a growing power and increasing their militarism across the Pacific. And the Japanese government closely watches Korean immigrants and any resistance or activism brewing in the country. And as she gets older and more involved in her small community, she faces more obstacles than she had ever imagined. White Mulberry by Rosa Kwon Easton is a historical fiction novel that explores the choices a young woman must make in order to save herself and those important to her.
Elise Rockwood is a 30-year-old property owner who rents cabins out in Sacramento Valley. Each day is an ongoing battle for her. She is still heartbroken over a breakup with her former lover, Christian, two years ago. As well as the tragic murder of her sister 25 years ago. For ten years, Robin’s murder was a cold case. Until a local boy confessed to the murder and ended his own life. Even though Elise, her brother Kyle, and their mother should have felt some sort of closure, the damage was already done and continues to linger. In present day, Elise learns that Christian’s body was found on a nearby trail – the same spot that Robin’s body was found. As authorities dig into Elise’s past and connection to the victim, she grapples with the trip down memory lane. But then Christian’s wife reaches out to her. And Kyle is convinced that there’s more to the story. And before Elise knows it, she’s battling trauma, backlash, and conspiracies all over again. Follow Her Down by bestselling author Victoria Helen Stone is a mystery/suspense novel that follows Elise as she battles remerging trauma, backlash, and conspiracies – and the truth is something she never could have prepared for. Read more
