Book Review: The Sunflower House
A page-turning fictional exploration of the Nazi's program to encourage the birth of more Aryan babies.
Read MoreBook Review: The Sunflower House
Tema Frank
Historical Fiction & Business Author, World Traveler & Speaker
Tema Frank
Historical Fiction & Business Author, World Traveler & Speaker
Cycling on Mallorca, Spain
Guest post by John Shaw on a 9-day cycling trip on Mallorca, Spain
Read MoreCycling on Mallorca, SpainBook Review: The Postcard, by Anne Berest
The Postcard by Anne Berest My rating: 5 of 5 stars A postcard shows up at the home of a Frenchwoman in 2003. Mailed from the biggest postal outlet in France, the Louvre post office, it lists four names: Ephraïm,…
Book Reviews & Comparison: ‘Shashenka’ by Simon Sebag Montefiore & ‘The Revolution of Marina M.’ by Janet Fitch
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.
Read MoreBook Reviews & Comparison: ‘Shashenka’ by Simon Sebag Montefiore & ‘The Revolution of Marina M.’ by Janet FitchBook Review: The Last Train to London
A moving reminder of the good people in the world, as well as the dangers of demonizing others.
Read MoreBook Review: The Last Train to LondonBook Review: A Waltz with Traitors
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…
Book Review: Your Presence Is Mandatory
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.
Read MoreBook Review: Your Presence Is MandatoryWhen 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…
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.
Read MoreBook Review: Hotel CubaBook 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.
Read MoreBook Review: That Was ThenBook Review: The Good Sister
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.
Read MoreBook Review: The Good SisterBook Review: The Miniaturist
A richly textured look at 17th century Amsterdam, "The Miniaturist" by Jessie Burton is a beautiful read, although it had some plot weaknesses.
Read MoreBook Review: The Miniaturist