When I heard about the death of the Los Angeles–based artist Alexis Smith, who was done in after a nine-year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease on the second day of the new year at the age of seventy-four, a blunt phrase by her favorite writer, the noir novelist Raymond Chandler, echoed my sense of loss: “I […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/01/24/sublime-detritus-alexis-smith/
This sixteenth edition of the art newsletter comes to you from snowy Berlin, where I spent three nights this month. I landed to a fresh snowfall and traffic jams: German farmers, protesting cuts to agricultural subsidies, were honking their horns and driving tractors through the streets. With plenty of time to look out the car […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/01/24/everyone-together-leanne-shapton/
Sophia Rose is here with the second book in the Hangman’s Daughters series, Courting Miss Emms by Linda Broday. If you like a pulse-pounding plot and gentle romance against a well-drawn western setting, throw the saddle on this series and ride.
Courting Miss Emma
by Linda Broday
Series: The Hangman’s Daughters #2
Genres: Historical Romance
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
“One day I intend to court you, lady. That’s a promise. Hangman’s daughter or not.”Texas, 1868. Emma Taggart has finally found a place to belong – setting up Heaven’s Door orphanage with her sister Maura was a new beginning for her – and one she will do anything to protect.
When guarded ex-army man Stone Landry buys the neighbouring land and moves in – camels and all – Emma’s world changes forever. He is an infuriating man who instantly gets under her skin – in ways she never dreamed possible, and despite herself, Emma starts to wonder if, just maybe, he is man enough to take on a Hangman’s daughter . . . But their newfound connection is quickly tested by violent night raids, kidnappings, and underhand tricks by powerful rancher Zeke Parker, who is intent on running them out of town and taking the land he deems to be his. Can Emma find enough courage to trust in Stone and help him give her the life she’s always dreamed of?
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I do love when an author sets the bar high, but gently nudges it up a notch or two the next time around. Winning Maura’s Heart was a favorite historical romance for me last year and I touted it as one of my top reads. Emma’s story came along and here I am again, prepared to gush my heart out.
Courting Miss Emma is a standalone story with clear connections to the first in the Hangman’s Daughter series focusing on her sister, Maura and Calhoun who are secondary characters in this latest.
Emma’s personality is somewhat different from her sister’s. They’ve both experienced extreme prejudice and hardship as a result of growing up as the local hangman’s daughters and their mother dying when they were children. To say that Emma has a thick emotional barrier and a lack of trust in humanity is an understatement. She’s found peace and contentment at their new home, the old mission raising the orphans. But, then a memorable first encounter with the new neighbor knocks her off balance.
Stone’s just gotten out of the military and hasn’t shifted to civy life yet. He likes his military regimented lifestyle and that chaotic group next door are unsettling for the poor guy. He just wants to ranch and keep his camels (yep, you read that right, camels) in peace. But, stubborn Emma Taggart is not his only worry. A hard, greedy land-grabbing rancher in the area who won’t stop at violence to get what he wants and Emma’s Heaven’s Door Orphanage at the mission and Stone’s land are on his acquisition list.
The romance was there and slow burn in the background for much of the book. The action scenes of gunfights and cannon fire courtesy of Jubal were hard fought enough to please any straight up western fan with the added wonderful layers of strong character growth as Stone, who shares some things in common with Emma, and Emma work through their pasts and reach out to each other to partner and more. Personally, I enjoyed getting updates on Maura and Calhoun and her Uncle Max and the kids as much as meeting the new editions. I had thoughts that this would be the last since I only knew of two Hangman’s Daughters, but no, Emma and Maura learn they have a sister who has her own spitfire personality.
All in all, the emotional depth, the hot action sequences, and the sweet and sometimes funny pairing were sensational. If you like a pulse-pounding plot and gentle romance against a well-drawn western setting, throw the saddle on this series and ride.
Amazon
Linda Broday is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical western romance. She lives in the Texas Panhandle on land they call the Llano Estacado where the Native Americans and Comancheros once roamed. She can often hear their voices whispering in the wind. History is thick here with the ghosts of the people who settled this land. She loves writing western historical romance and can’t imagine doing anything else. She loves a man in a Stetson and tight pants. Oh man! Those cowboys sure make her heart beat faster.
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Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/01/courting-miss-emma-by-linda-broday.html
In The Auction, author David Alderman weaves a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of a murder-riddled Chicago. While grappling with personal loss, FBI agent Chris Blood finds himself entangled in a sinister web of crimes with undercurrents of the paranormal. The story, a supernatural thriller, intricately merges multiple storylines around the central figure of Agent Blood as he relentlessly pursues an elusive murderer.
Alderman’s characters are captivated, and their journeys enthrall, showcasing the novel’s ambitious scope. Its complex, multi-threaded plot, rich with detail, invites readers to engage deeply, piecing together the overarching narrative. This intricacy, a reflection of Alderman’s creative vision, offers a rewarding experience for those who immerse themselves in unraveling the intertwined stories. The novel’s strength lies in its character development, with figures like Kristiny, Chris, and Tiffany being portrayed with depth and relevance, making their personal stories resonate regardless of their roles. This character-centric approach adds a rich layer to the narrative, though a more straightforward structure could enhance the overall coherence of the plot. Alderman’s novel is a perfect match for mature readers with a passion for supernatural thrillers. The book, rich in complexity, rewards those who immerse themselves in its intricately crafted world. Alderman’s skill as a storyteller becomes more evident with each page, hinting at the potential for even more compelling narratives in his future works.
The Auction is an engaging and thought-provoking read, demonstrating Alderman’s growing prowess in the realm of supernatural thrillers. Readers looking for suspense and mystery will not be disappointed, and anyone who has experienced the loss of someone they love will be touched by the emotions Alderman brings out in his characters.
Pages: 325
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/24/the-auction/
And Ye Shall Be as Gods by Jan Notzon presents a compelling blend of narrative, philosophical exploration, and elements of mystery. The story centers around Jacob Kazmareck, who embarks on a multifaceted journey of self-discovery, healing his adoptive sister, and grappling with his relationship with God. Throughout the novel, readers are introduced to significant philosophical questions. Notzon addresses these questions in a personal and comprehensible manner, offering their own interpretations while leaving room for reader engagement.
The novel delves into the theme of anti-Semitism, making it particularly pertinent in today’s context. It encourages readers to reflect on profound human questions, similar to those that Jacob confronts: the essence of humanity, our inclination towards accepting hatred as a norm, and the nature of good and evil. Jacob’s intricate thought processes and his philosophical quest for truth are portrayed, culminating in the revelation that the pursuit of certainty is, ironically, one of the greatest evils. This theme resonates with the book’s title, which alludes to Satan’s promise to Adam and Eve, suggesting a parallel between humans and deities in their capacity for pettiness and hate.
While the book invites readers to engage more deeply, Notzon’s rich and advanced vocabulary, used creatively, adds a unique layer to the reading experience. This is evident in phrases like “insouciant nutmeg,” which offer a distinctive twist to conventional descriptions. Blending sophisticated language with diverse subjects enriches the narrative and encourages readers to explore the text more thoughtfully, even if it occasionally presents interpretative challenges.
And Ye Shall Be as Gods depth and thought-provoking nature reward the reader with a rich story that encourages introspection and personal interpretation of the philosophical queries it raises. The book offers a unique and reflective journey for those willing to navigate its complex language.
Pages: 454 | ASIN : B0C4VWHB8Q
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/24/and-ye-shall-be-as-gods/
Only the Dead, authored by Jan Notzon, presents a compelling narrative set amidst the tumult of a revolutionary movement, exploring the intricate ethical dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the throes of societal upheaval. The story orbits around José Necahuatl, a character whose allegiance to Father Hidalgo is juxtaposed against his apprehensions about the uprising’s violent nature. This central conflict serves as a lens to examine the broader implications of war on personal ethics and societal norms.
Through characters such as José Nicolás de Cos de la Portilla, the novel delves into the psychological impact of conflict, showcasing the internal strife and emotional complexity inherent in times of war. The narrative is further enriched by the experiences of Miss Luz and Mr. Macalister, who confront the stark realities of life during such turbulent times. Particularly moving is Miss Luz’s ordeal of captivity and torture at the hands of the Comanches, a storyline that poignantly captures the dehumanizing effects of prolonged warfare. Notzon skillfully weaves these personal stories into the broader tapestry of a community in reconstruction. The struggles faced by José Necahuatl in the Bajío region post-rebellion mirror the broader challenges encountered by a community in the throes of rebuilding. Alongside Señor Tomás and other characters, the narrative navigates a path marked by uncertainty, shared histories, and the collective effort to overcome the aftermath of conflict. Incorporating elements of threat, tragedy, and a perilous journey to escape persecution, the novel embeds these experiences within the fabric of the characters’ lives. As the plot unfolds, the characters face moral dilemmas, unexpected acts of kindness, and the harsh realities of life post-war, drawing the reader deeper into their personal journeys.
Only the Dead paints a vivid portrait of a community undergoing significant change. By balancing the personal struggles of its characters against the historical backdrop, the novel offers an intimate glimpse into the impact of war and revolution on individual lives and moral decisions. This interplay between historical events and personal narratives renders the story engaging and thought-provoking, providing a unique perspective on a pivotal historical period.
Page 298 | ASIN : B09SLZV429
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/24/only-the-dead-know-the-end-of-war/
Here It Comes…and It’s Gone by Richard Sipe presents itself as an eclectic anthology of poetry, deftly intertwining a diverse array of themes and characters. Sipe’s compilation is remarkable for its inclusion of a wide range of subjects, from historical figures such as Leonard Bernstein and Franco Harris to imaginative entities like a mysterious glass dog. These varied elements collectively explore the fleeting aspects of existence and the rich tapestry of human experiences.
As the reader navigates from the opening to the final poem, there is a consistent engagement with Sipe’s distinctive blend of sharp wit and subtle philosophical insights. His adeptness in transforming everyday observations into poetic reflections is noteworthy. The poems cover a broad spectrum of topics, from the mundanity of bowling and breakfast routines to more whimsical pieces like “Sinko de Mayo” and “Jesus Peeps,” which inject humor into the collection. An additional layer of enjoyment is provided by the inclusion of accompanying images. These visuals complement Sipe’s poetry, enhancing the reader’s experience and providing a visual treat that aligns well with the written word. This collection stands out for its unique approach to poetry, combining humor, reflection, and a keen eye for the nuances of daily life.
Richard Sipe’s Here It Comes…and It’s Gone stands as a testament to the versatility and depth that can be achieved in poetry. The collection, marked by its eclectic mix of themes and characters, invites readers into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary through Sipe’s observant and humorous lens. The inclusion of visuals further enriches the experience, making this anthology not just a reading journey but a visual exploration as well. For those seeking a poetic exploration that is both thought-provoking and entertaining, this collection promises a unique and rewarding experience.
Pages: 124 | ASIN : B0CPQ4CXZT
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/24/here-it-comes-and-its-gone/
Maria Schmeig’s Don’t Poke the Bear: A Memoir About Recovering From Abuse By a Narcissist is a poignant and unflinchingly honest account of her 28-year struggle within an emotionally abusive marriage. At 29, Maria believed she had found her soulmate, only to discover that her partner was not the person she thought he was. Her narrative vividly details the challenges of navigating a dangerous relationship while raising three children, offering a close look at her coping mechanisms and the journey to recognizing the abusive patterns of her narcissistic husband.
From the opening line, “This nightmare ends today,” Schmeig sets a tone of empowerment and resilience. She not only shares her story but also imparts a critical lesson on the importance of community support in overcoming such trials. Her writing invites readers into her world, allowing them to connect deeply with her experiences. I found myself empathizing with Maria’s pain and admiring her courage. Her unapologetic honesty creates a bond with the audience, making her journey feel both personal and universal. The memoir stands out for its heartfelt sincerity and vivid descriptions of life with a narcissist. Schmeig’s storytelling is engaging and rich in detail, capturing the complex dynamics of her experience. The book’s artistic style contributes to its immersive quality, though some readers might prefer a more straightforward approach.
Don’t Poke the BearDon’t Poke the Bear: A Memoir About Recovering From Abuse By a Narcissist is more than a memoir; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. It’s a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding the realities of living in an abusive relationship and the power of personal transformation. This book not only tells one woman’s story but also speaks to the broader themes of survival, support, and self-discovery.
Pages: 263 | ASIN : B0CNTWR44T
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/24/dont-poke-the-bear-a-memoir-about-recovering-from-abuse-by-a-narcissist/