A visit to Chicago not long after the Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871--151 years ago today--touched the heart of the author, Edward Payson Roe, and inspired him to write this novel, published in 1872. Diorama of 1871 Chicago Fire - Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois He seems to have asked himself: How … Continue reading Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire
Tag: book review
Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history
Gesta Romanorum is Latin for "Deeds of the Romans", which makes it sound like this book is a narration of the early culture of Rome, its history and battles. However, it is actually a Latin compilation of morality stories believed to be written approximately at the end of the 13th century. There are 181 stories. … Continue reading Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history
Love in a Little Town by J.E. Buckrow
It's February, the month we celebrate love, and here is a most fitting book to celebrate. Celia Bassingdale was about to take a long journey—the longest on earth—from the unreal to the real.First line Celia’s romantic interest in a young man (whom her grandfather was convinced was only after the fortune she would inherit when … Continue reading Love in a Little Town by J.E. Buckrow
Review of To See the Moon Again
It's February, when I usually pick my favorite romance novel of the past year to review. But this time I'm deviating a bit from Valentine's Day. This book is not a romance, or a story about a man and a woman. But is a story with a lot of heart, about a friendship between an … Continue reading Review of To See the Moon Again
Hedgerow Tales, Mrs. Gatty’s Parables of Nature
Of all the revived, republished classic books available, the 4 Hedgerow Tales are my favorites. These were ahead of their time, "retold" back in the 1980s, forerunners of the latest trend. The illustrations by Sandra Fernandez are exquisite and appear on almost every page. (Note that these Hedgerow Tales are not related to Enid Blyton's … Continue reading Hedgerow Tales, Mrs. Gatty’s Parables of Nature
Valentine’s Day Toss-up: Something old, something new
With all the romance novels out there, it's hard to know where the good quality reads are. So here are some recommendations of clean, well-written romance novels I've read over the past couple years. Some are set in past history, others are set in present day, and one is both! Falling for June by Ryan … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Toss-up: Something old, something new
Fun and Frolic: Stories for the Young from the 1800s
Such a pleasant peek into the simple family life of the late 1800's Ah, the simple innocence of that era. It makes one want to time-travel there for a day, or a year! Obviously, not everyone in 1888 had the leisure shown in this book, there were certainly just as many who had hard and … Continue reading Fun and Frolic: Stories for the Young from the 1800s
A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson
What a joy to know that this 1885 book is still current, and still bringing the same wonder and delight to new generations of children--and adults! A Child's Garden of Verses is my VERY favorite children's book ...as evidenced by the fact that I have 3 versions of it. It is the author's imagination … Continue reading A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson
Review of All In by Lisa Simonds
I have just finished one of the most powerful books I've ever read, and am absolutely in awe of this new author's writing talent. Lisa Simonds has the ability to write in a way that lets us experience all the action, dialogue, thoughts and scenes--without noticing that we're reading a book. The pace of … Continue reading Review of All In by Lisa Simonds
Review of Back to Arcady by Frank Waller Allen
Thirty years ago it was said of me that I was as gallant a beau as ever bowed over a fair lady's hand... I am more years past fifty than I like to acknowledge, and now a girl of twenty is coming to upset the habits and routine of a lifetime. One of my treasures … Continue reading Review of Back to Arcady by Frank Waller Allen
