Happy New Year

Happy New Year! It's been a while since I've posted anything, but a new baby and a toddler who is potty training cut into reading time.

I read 5 books in November and December, bringing the total up to 88. These three were worth mentioning.

The Dream Lover by Elizabeth Berg is a fictionalized account of French author George Sand's scandalous and unconventional life, her lovers, her children, and her career as an author.

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris. Jack and Grace Angel appear to have the perfect life. Jack is a  high profile attorney. Grace used to be a purchaser for Harrod's and travel all over the world, but gave up her job when she got married. The Angel's live in a spectacular house, and give lavish dinner parties, with food perfectly cooked by Grace. Grace is a also a doting sister to her younger sibling Millie. Friends and neighbors can't help but be charmed by Jack and Grace.

But Jack and Grace keep others at arm's length. Although she doesn't work, Grace never answers the telephone and often cancels any plans she has made. Grace's purse is empty: no keys, wallet, or phone. Their perfect house is surrounded by a high-security fence.

What really happens behind closed doors?

I don't usually read thrillers, but this was a good read. If you liked The Girl on the Train or Gone Girl, you would probably like this as well.

When Christmas Trees Lit the Sky: Growing up in World War II Germany is a memoir by Anneliese Heider Tisdale. Anneliese  was born in Munich in 1928 and remained in Germany until 1947. In her memoir, she describes her family home, daily life with her parents and older brother Ludwig, early school days, and Christmas traditions. She also describes how World War II affected her family and her daily life. Her brother Ludwig was forced to join the German army and later became a prisoner of war in Russia. Anneliese worked as a interpreter for the American army at the end of the war. In the chapter "Dancing with the Enemy" Anneliese describes the dances that the GIs held for German Girls as part of their peace-keeping activities. At one of these dances, Anneliese met her future husband, Bill from Cedar Rapids Iowa. In 1947 Anneliese and her cousin Mariele left for the United States as war brides. She later became a U.S citizen and attended the University of Iowa and taught in the Cedar Rapids schools. Anneliese's memoir also includes family recipes. 

Happy New Year. May 2018 be a year of literary discovery and exploration, of new authors and beloved favorites.