Review: The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

Publisher: Mira

Publication Date: March 3, 2020

Narrated by: Sneha Mathan

Library: For sure!

Synopsis

Vivid and compelling in its portrait of one woman’s struggle for fulfillment in a society pivoting between the traditional and the modern, The Henna Artist opens a door into a world that is at once lush and fascinating, stark and cruel.

Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist—and confidante—to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own…

Review: The American Queen by Vanessa Miller

The American Queen by Vanessa Miller
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: January 30, 2024
Library: Yes! And then I'd tell everyone about it!

Synopsis

In 1869 a kingdom rose in the South. And Louella was its queen.

Over the twenty-four years she’s been enslaved on the Montgomery Plantation, Louella learned to feel one hate. Hate for the man who sold her mother. Hate for the overseer who left her daddy to hang from a noose. Hate so powerful there’s no room in her heart for love, not even for the honorable Reverend William, whom she likes and respects enough to marry.

But when William finally listens to Louella’s pleas and leads the formerly enslaved people out of their plantation, Louella begins to replace her hate with hope. Hope that they will find a place where they can live free from fear. Hope that despite her many unanswered prayers, she can learn to trust for new miracles.

ARC Review: The Secret Library by Kuchenga Shenjé

The Library Thief by Kuchenga Shenjé

Publisher: Harlequin 

Publication Date: May 7, 2024

Library Purchase: Maybe not yet based on the ARC but I really like the concept

Synopsis

1896. After he brought her home from Jamaica as a baby, Florence's father had her hair hot-combed to make her look like the other girls. But as a young woman, Florence is not so easy to tame—and when she brings scandal to his door, the bookbinder throws her onto the streets of Manchester.

Intercepting her father's latest commission, Florence talks her way into the remote, forbidding Rose Hall to restore its collection of rare books. Lord Francis Belfield's library is old and full of secrets—but none so intriguing as the whispers about his late wife.

Can't Wait Wednesday: American Wings by Sherri L. Smith; Elizabeth Wein

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

I've always said that I don't like historical fiction, but I think it was just the historical fiction that was pushed on my to read in school. It was also really hard to find historical fiction books for black people doing anything other than being slaves. I'm really excited to learn about the black people in history who fought for their piece of the aviation pie.

Review: Lone Women

Lone Women by Victor LaValle

Publisher One World Penguin Random House
Publication Date March 28, 2023
Library Purchase We purchased this in our digital catalog

Synopsis

Adelaide Henry carries an enormous steamer trunk with her wherever she goes. It’s locked at all times. Because when the trunk opens, people around Adelaide start to disappear.

The year is 1915, and Adelaide is in trouble. Her secret sin killed her parents, forcing her to flee California in a hellfire rush and make her way to Montana as a homesteader. Dragging the trunk with her at every stop, she will become one of the “lone women” taking advantage of the government’s offer of free land for those who can tame it—except that Adelaide isn’t alone. And the secret she’s tried so