We closed the April 20 issue during my daughter’s spring break, which we spent on a trip to Toronto, my hometown. She hadn’t seen her Canadian extended family in four years. I read a handful of articles on the quick flight north, and we landed at Toronto Island Airport amid light snow flurries. I worked […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/04/26/time-of-water-leanne-shapton/
The language on the website of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation dedicated to San Quentin State Prison parrots the cheery diction of a real estate ad. “Thirty Minutes from San Francisco and twenty from Oakland,” it reads, “San Quentin the community and state prison hug the San Francisco Bay with some of the […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/04/26/a-housing-crisis-in-paradise/
After listening to the Rebels & Redcoats Saga by T.J. London, I’ve been on the lookout for more books set during the American Revolutionary War. I was intrigued by the synopsis of A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon. I am so glad I listened to this delightful, well executed historical fiction featuring a fearless heroine and a swoon-worthy romance.
A Girl Called Samson
by Amy Harmon
Narrator: Tavia Gilbert
Length: 13 hours and 14 minutes
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
From New York Times bestselling author Amy Harmon comes the saga of a young woman who dares to chart her own destiny in life and love during the American Revolutionary War.
In 1760, Deborah Samson is born to Puritan parents in Plympton, Massachusetts. When her father abandons the family and her mother is unable to support them, Deborah is bound out as an indentured servant. From that moment on, she yearns for a life of liberation and adventure.
Twenty years later, as the American colonies begin to buckle in their battle for independence, Deborah, impassioned by the cause, disguises herself as a soldier and enlists in the Continental Army. Her impressive height and lanky build make her transformation a convincing one, and it isn’t long before she finds herself confronting the horrors of war head-on.
But as Deborah fights for her country’s freedom, she must contend with the secret of who she is—and, ultimately, a surprising love she can’t deny.
{
“@context”:”https://schema.org”,
“@type”:”Review”,
“datePublished”: “2023-04-26T05:00:00+00:00”,
“description”: “After listening to the Rebels & Redcoats Saga by T.J. London, Iu2019ve been on the lookout for more books set during the American Revolutionary War. I was intrigued by the synopsis of A Girl Called”,
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Caffeinated Reviewer” },
“url”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/04/a-girl-called-samson-by-amy-harmon.html”,
“itemReviewed”: {
“@type”: “Book”,
“name”: “A Girl Called Samson”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Amy Harmon”,
“sameAs”: “https://www.authoramyharmon.com/” },
“isbn”: “” },
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kimberly”,
“sameAs”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/” },
“reviewRating”: {
“@type”: “Rating”,
“ratingValue”: 5,
“bestRating”: “5”
}
}
Deborah Samson spends her youth as an indentured servant after her father abandons the family and her mother cannot support them in rural Massachusetts. Deborah was one of the lucky ones who found herself with a kind family where she helps a mother raise five sons and has her own room. She loves to read, corresponding, and like the boys she helped raise longs to join the war.
At twenty-one, wrapped in bindings and dressed as a young boy of sixteen, she enlists in the Continental Army. She is lanky, a good shot, and dedicated. Despite her fresh face, she impresses her superiors and finds herself in a position beside General John Patterson.
A Girl Called Samson was an enthralling tale that illuminated the perils of war, the predicaments of womanhood, and the difficulties of those of color. I adored Deborah and all that she stood for. John hero was fascinating, a genuine leader and a visionary. Scenes involving his men, rebellion and events with Deborah made him an authentic hero.
A vast number of quotes seemed pertinent, even by today’s standards. The story gave us more than her time during the war, but beyond. The story mirrored life and encompassed love, loss, family and the ugly truths of war, no matter how just the cause.
The story lends itself perfectly to the audiobook format. While I prefer a full cast, Tavia Gilbert did a stellar job of giving voice to Deborah and the rest of the characters. Be sure to listen to the author’s notes as I found them equally riveting.
While the story takes liberties, it is steeped in history and actual events. Notable figures and events are mentioned. I recommend the book to fans of historical fiction who enjoy a side of romance, and fans of the revolutionary war period.
Amazon* | Audible
*Kindle Unlimited -add audio for $1.99
“ I do not hate being a woman. I simply hate that a woman can’t go to Yale or be a statesman or help draft a constitution. I hate that I can’t travel to Paris without a husband or even walk down the street alone. I hate the limitations that nature has placed on me, the limitations that life has placed on me. But I do not hate being a woman, and I would not hate being your woman.”
Amy Harmon is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Her books are now being published in two dozen languages, truly a dream come true for a little country girl.
Tavia Gilbert, a six-time Audie Award nominee and multiple Earphones and Parents’ Choice Award–winning producer, narrator, and writer, has appeared on stage and in film. Library Journal said of the highly acclaimed actress, “as close as you can get to a full cast narration with a solo voice.” Tavia has narrated more than 250 multicast and single-voice audiobooks
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Source
Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/04/a-girl-called-samson-by-amy-harmon.html
The Fifth Wife by Soua Lee is a compelling and inspirational tale that follows the journey of Mai Cee, a Hmong woman who faces numerous challenges in her pursuit of independence and self-improvement. Upon arriving in America as a child, Mai Cee grapples with language barriers and cultural differences while attending school. Despite these difficulties, she excels as a student, and her family recognizes her potential.
Throughout the narrative, Mai Cee’s steadfast determination to better herself and support her family is commendable. Despite growing up in a troubled household, she sought to understand the meaning of love and to feel worthy of it. However, when she meets James, her life takes a dramatic turn, as her relationship with him is met with prejudice from her family. Despite her desire to be with James, she is constantly tormented by unfounded opinions and the lies of the past, leading her to question her emotions. Mai Cee shares numerous life lessons learned through pain and struggle, providing readers with insight into the complexities of the human experience. The detailed narration is a testament to the fact that no one is entirely good or bad, and everyone does the best they can from their perspective. Despite the arguments and challenges Mai Cee faces, her parents always had her best interests at heart. Moreover, The Fifth Wife explores how social influences can impact one’s dreams and aspirations. However, it also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the ability to overcome obstacles to move forward.
The Fifth Wife is a remarkable story, and while some of the explanations may appear repetitive, they are essential to understanding the intricacies of Hmong culture. The book will resonate with readers who value the significance of family and love, regardless of their customs. Mai Cee’s journey serves as an inspiration for anyone struggling to find their true self in challenging times, demonstrating the importance of not letting the past dictate one’s future. This engaging and thought-provoking memoir encourages readers to strive for a better future.
Pages: 353 | ASIN : B0BNCJZBLY
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/26/the-fifth-wife/
Engelstatt by Samuel Church follows a group of university students on a trip to Austria, which turns into a harrowing struggle for survival in a neo-Nazi camp. The story’s protagonist, Jacob Liro, is an aspiring artist from New York who feels suffocated by the city’s busy atmosphere. Despite his mother’s disapproval, Jacob joins his friends on the trip to Austria to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes and monuments.
Engelstatt offers readers an immersive and imaginative experience with its stunning descriptions of Austria’s aesthetic regions and accurate representation of New York’s frenzied environment. The characters in the novel are depicted authentically and face issues that are relatable to young Americans today. For instance, Jacob seeks therapy to cope with the traumatic memories of a school shooting. The book also includes reflective moments that delve into its major themes. The novel exposes the depravity of humanity when people blindly follow the crowd and ignore their self-awareness.
I felt that the interactions between characters appear to overshadow their internal monologues. It can be overwhelming to see the characters express their thoughts in groups rather than individually, making it challenging to connect with them. Nevertheless, Engelstatt delivers an exhilarating, heart-pounding historical thriller filled with explosive action, shootings, deadly games, and risky escape schemes. I was on the edge of my seat, never knowing what to expect but trusting in Samuel’s ability to keep adding captivating twists to keep me engrossed in the story.
I highly recommend the gripping novel, Engelstatt to readers of horror and historical fiction. Readers will be inspired by its protagonists’ unwavering energy and determination to fight for their lives even when the odds are against them.
Pages: 248 | ASIN : B0BZXYNSJ9
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/26/engelstatt/
Tranquility, the latest novel by Maggie Durst, delves into the lives of two architects, Taylor and Greg, who find themselves unexpectedly working together on a new project. As the story unfolds, the reader is introduced to Taylor, a fashion-savvy individual with a passion for all things green, and her boyfriend, James, who is pressuring her to start a family. On the other hand, Greg is a charming architect with love for his work and his girlfriend Sloane, though he struggles with her partying lifestyle. As Taylor and Greg embark on their joint project, they find themselves facing new challenges, complicated feelings, and even paranormal encounters.
Durst masterfully crafts the characters of Taylor and Greg, making them both likable, engaging, and hardworking. The chemistry that develops between them is unexpected and leads to many complications, keeping the reader turning the pages. One of the most unique aspects of the story is its exploration of all things green, which is both interesting and immersive. The paranormal angle is also creatively done and adds another layer of excitement to the narrative. Durst’s vivid descriptions of the settings, which Taylor and Greg traverse as they work on their project, are fantastic and make the reader feel like they are right there with the characters. The characters are well-thought-out, and their relationships are engaging and keep the reader invested. While the story’s pacing may be slow initially, it eventually picks up and keeps the reader hooked until the end. Although the secondary characters could use more development, the unique aspects of the story, particularly the paranormal element, make it a great read that is worth recommending.
Tranquility is a well-written and creative novel that offers a fresh take on the romance genre. With engaging characters and exciting paranormal encounters, it is a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating and unique story.
Pages: 196 | ISBN : 1639887857
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/26/tranquility/
Katherine Turner’s Madly Deeply Wildly is a poignant and emotionally charged story of a woman’s journey toward healing, self-discovery, and love. The novel follows Renata, a writer who has lost her words, as she finds the courage to leave her abusive boyfriend after several years of physical and emotional abuse. Renata moves back to her hometown and takes a job as a cashier at a local cafe, where she forms strong bonds with the people around her, who become her chosen family. Along the way, she begins dating Chad, a goofy yet observant baker, and slowly begins to disentangle her painful past from her present.
Madly Deeply Wildly is an engaging and well-written novel that adeptly captures the complex emotions of a victim of gaslighting, domestic abuse, and rape post-trauma. Renata’s journey is raw and authentic, with the readers rooting for her to overcome the scars of her past and live her best life. Turner’s portrayal of the conflicting thoughts and feelings that plague Renata on a daily basis is heart-wrenching and realistic, making it easy to empathize with her struggles. While the novel’s pacing is swift, with the story delving straight into grief and abuse at the beginning, the plot’s development is engaging and well-structured. The romantic subplot between Renata and Chad is undeniably adorable, although some readers might find the romance to be too fast-paced, given Renata’s past and ongoing PTSD. Furthermore, while Chad is written as the ideal book boyfriend, some readers may find his character to be too perfect, but he is precisely what Renata needs at the time.
Turner has written an uplifting and inspiring novel that illustrates the power of resilience, love, and self-discovery in overcoming past traumas. The supporting characters are endearing, and readers will find themselves invested in their lives outside of Renata’s story. Ultimately, Madly Deeply Wildly is a must-read for anyone who has experienced trauma and is looking for hope and inspiration to overcome their struggles.
Pages: 378 | ASIN : B0BZMQSZGV
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/26/madly-deeply-wildly/
Eric Westergard’s Soul Scepter: Time Marauders transports readers on a thrilling adventure that seamlessly blends history and fantasy. The story follows Will Donovan and his friend, who find themselves in the midst of a battle for a powerful scepter while playing paintball in Idaho. After being chased by a militant organization, they suddenly find themselves transported to medieval England. In this new world, they must navigate through history without altering the course of events.
The book is a captivating page-turner, with action-packed scenes around every corner. The author’s ability to set the scene and develop the characters will leave readers in awe from the opening chapters. From the first page, readers will be drawn into the non-stop action, adventure, and plot twists that keep going throughout the entire novel.
Westergard’s writing style and attention to historical accuracy are admirable, making it feel as though the reader is transported back in time. I could vividly imagine the battle scenes, smell the stench of England, and picture the grandeur of The Tower of London. The more I read, the more invested I became in the characters’ emotions and experiences. The author’s inclusion of themes surrounding depression and mental health is commendable and adds another layer of depth to the story. This is a story of self-discovery as much as a quest to stop evil from altering history. Will’s journey is one that teens will be able to relate to while rooting for him.
Overall, Soul Scepter: Time Marauders is a gripping action and adventure novel through time and medieval England. This excellent book is a must-read for teens and young adults with a passion for fantasy and history. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series and continuing the adventure with Will and his friends.
Pages: 390 | ASIN : B0C2GBTLRH
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/26/soul-scepter/
Our picks for the best nonfiction of April
Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/editorspicks.html?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light
Our picks for the best romance books of April
Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/editorspicks.html?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light