Tema Frank - Historical Fiction & Business Author, Speaker, Customer Experience Expert, Global Traveler

Books & Writing, History & Politics

Book Reviews & Comparison: ‘Shashenka’ by Simon Sebag Montefiore & ‘The Revolution of Marina M.’ by Janet Fitch

book covers of The Revolution of Marina M and Sashenka

Both Simon Sebag Montefiore's 'Sashenka' and Janet Fitch's 'The Revolution of Marina M.' are gripping historical novels that will help you understand Russia. Similar in many ways, there are also stark differences.

Tema
October 22, 2024

Books & Writing, History & Politics

Book Review: The Last Train to London

A moving reminder of the good people in the world, as well as the dangers of demonizing others.

Tema
October 22, 2024
2 Comments

Books & Writing, History & Politics

Book Review: A Waltz with Traitors

Book cover: A Waltz with Traitors by A.L. Sowards

A Waltz with Traitors by A.L. Sowards My rating: 4 of 5 stars Most people think of the Russian Civil War in terms of battles between Reds (Bolsheviks) and Whites (the deposed upper classes). In fact, though, there were many…

Tema
October 1, 2024

Books & Writing, History & Politics

Book Review: Your Presence Is Mandatory

Book Cover: Your Presence is Mandatory, by Sasha Vasilyuk

It is more important than ever that we try to understand war and its consequences. This captivating book sheds light on a surprising aspect: POWs who are victimized by their own country for having been captured.

Tema
August 28, 2024
2 Comments

Books & Writing

When Words Collide 2024 – Writing Conference Notes

Since I have both a daughter and a writer-friend in Calgary, this year I decided to attend When Words Collide. This annual conference grew out of a gathering of sci-fi and fantasy writers many years ago. Now there are over…

Tema
August 27, 2024
2 Comments

Books & Writing, History & Politics

Book Review: Hotel Cuba

An immigrant story with a twist: they left Russia aiming to get to America but landed in Cuba. I highly recommend this eminently readable story of struggle and hopes for a better life in a new land.

Tema
June 16, 2024

Books & Writing, History & Politics

Book Review: That Was Then

"That Was Then" is a fast-paced thriller tackling abuses of power, corruption, and the rise of right-wing extremism in contemporary United States by author M.K. Tod.

Tema
June 10, 2024
1 Comment

Books & Writing

Book Review: The Good Sister

Book Cover; The Good Sister, by Sally Hepworth

The Good Sister is a twisty story of twin sisters: one, a reasonably highly functioning autistic woman; the other, her close companion and advisor. All is not as it seems.

Tema
June 10, 2024

Books & Writing

Book Review: The Miniaturist

Book cover of The Miniaturist, by Jessie Burton

A richly textured look at 17th century Amsterdam, "The Miniaturist" by Jessie Burton is a beautiful read, although it had some plot weaknesses.

Tema
June 10, 2024

Travel

3 Months in Mexico: Mazatlan, San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca & Puerto Morelos

Adorable toddler in traditional Chiapas costume in Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico

Our years-long hunt for the perfect snowbird destination continues

Tema
April 27, 2024

Books & Writing, History & Politics

Book Review: Babel, by R.F. Kuang

Cover of the novel, Babel, by R.F. Kuang

Babel, by R. F. Kuang, is an outstanding historical fantasy novel exploring racism, sexism, colonialism, power politics, social justice, and ... linguistics!

Tema
April 17, 2024

Travel

Cobbles, Culture & Countryside: Cycling & More in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (2024)

tree in the middle of a cobblestone road in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

While Tema attended the San Miguel Writers Conference, DH (aka John) tried to figure out how to cycle on irregular cobblestones in and around the beautiful mountain town of San Miguel de Allende, in the Mexican state of Guanajuato.