Not long enough

2.5 stars. I listened to this audiobook in one sitting as it’s quite a quick read, clocking in at 4 hours. I picked this up because I was looking for books that would satisfy a “two books with the same titles” bingo square, and there’s at least three other Forget Me Nots that I have/will read. As an Oregonian, I was intrigued by the historical romance set in Baker City. I don’t often read Christian fiction, but it’s also nice to mix it up. In this second chance romance, Julia and preacher Seth rekindle their former flame after seven years apart. This book’s first turn-off was how Julia went from not recognizing this apparent love of her life to instantly feeling infatuated as if no time or intervening events had passed. I really struggled with the Chinese immigrant representation. It felt so stereotypical with too much emphasis on the white savior. Maybe the stilted broken English speech on the audiobook exaggerated the effect, but I felt there was a missed opportunity to humanized these underrepresented characters. I appreciate what the author is trying to do (as evidenced in the author’s notes), but I think she misses the mark in execution. Maybe this book would be better as a full-length novel in which their story gets fleshed out a bit more. I almost rounded this book up on the rating because I think the intentions are good, but as it currently stands, I would recommend skipping this.

I loooooove that book! everyone should get a chance to read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For readers who have met New York author (and eventual resident of Maine) Lucy Barton in Strout’s other books, this is an interesting deep dive into her life. It focuses on a period in. Barton’s life where her children were young and she is in the hospital for nine weeks with a severe infection following routine surgery. Not sure if I would have enjoyed this story if I hadn’t read about Barton in Strout’s other books.

good reader, great characters both primary and secondary

First in the series about a scientist/amateur crime solver. This is cat, cat & mouse between police detectives, three people who covered up an instance of manslaughter/murder, and the scientist who both helps the police and -in this case - has a sympathetic connection to one of the suspects. Page turner!

Amazing series

4.5 stars. Jack and Annie travel to the prairie and visit a dugout schoolhouse, write with chalk on slate and befriend pioneers. They encounter a twister and have to hide in a storm cellar. This is one of their more exciting and endearing adventures.

Real streak of winning books lately, absolutely incredible work on display, the large size and gorgeous illustrations really help you get lost in the paranoid, anxious, and nothing-ness of an unproductive Sunday. Firmly planted some James Brown in my ear despite being a book--also proof that you can have a protagonist that is being incredible unlikeable from start to finish and you can still see yourself in them, or maybe just seeing yourself see yourself in them. Good stuff. Been reading lots of graphic novels that are acclaimed lately that I actually don't like so it's nice to read one that WAS actually enjoyable.

Loved it!!!! Highly recommend