Mrs. Kennedy and Me by Clint Hill


Mrs. Kennedy and Me by Clint Hill
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Historical, Memoir, Non-Fiction
Rating: Four Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In those four years, Hill was by Mrs. Kennedy’s side for some of the happiest moments as well as the darkest. He was there for the birth of John, Jr. on November 25, 1960, as well as for the birth and sudden death of Patrick Bouvier Kennedy on August 8, 1963. Three and a half months later, the unthinkable happened.

Forty-seven years after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the one vivid image that never leaves Clint Hill’s mind is that of President Kennedy’s head lying on Mrs. Kennedy’s lap in the back seat of the limousine, his eyes fixed, blood splattered all over the back of the car, Mrs. Kennedy, and Hill as well. Sprawled on the trunk of the car as it sped away from Dealey Plaza, Hill clung to the sides of the car, his feet wedged in so his body was as high as possible.

Clint Hill jumped on the car too late to save the president, but all he knew after that first shot was that if more shots were coming, the bullets had to hit him instead of the First Lady.

Mrs. Kennedy’s strength, class, and dignity over those tragic four days in November 1963 held the country together.

This is the story, told for the first time, of the man who perhaps held her together.

He’s the kind of bodyguard we all need.

Clint Hill had a tough job. He protected the First Lady, Jackie Kennedy. I can’t imagine how hard that was based solely on her popularity. People wanted to see her. How do you keep someone like that safe?

It requires full devotion, that’s for sure. I have to give Clint Hill credit, but also his wife deserves a lot of credit, too. He spent a lot of time away from his family while protecting the First Lady. He missed out on a lot. I get that he was devoted to them and did his job without question, but man…he went through a lot and it showed on each page. I felt his struggle to balance everything, his occasional frustration with being pulled in a lot of directions and the love he felt for this family. It was interesting to read his insights on how the daily lives were conducted and how he handled the stress. This story is from his perspective and should be read as such. He’s going to have a certain slant to the story that’s positive toward the family and that’s okay.

If you’re interested in reading about the Kennedy family from someone who was there and isn’t going to varnish his thoughts, then this might be the story for you.

Moonlight & Misadventure Anthology edited by Judy Penz Sheluk


Moonlight & Misadventure – 20 Stories of Mystery & Suspense by Edited by Judy Penz Sheluk
Publisher: Superior Shores Press
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Contemporary, Historical
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Whether it’s vintage Hollywood, the Florida everglades, the Atlantic City boardwalk, or a farmhouse in Western Canada, the twenty authors represented in this collection of mystery and suspense interpret the overarching theme of “moonlight and misadventure” in their own inimitable style where only one thing is assured: Waxing, waning, gibbous, or full, the moon is always there, illuminating things better left in the dark.

Featuring stories by K.L. Abrahamson, Sharon Hart Addy, C.W. Blackwell, Clark Boyd, M.H. Callway, Michael A. Clark, Susan Daly, Buzz Dixon, Jeanne DuBois, Elizabeth Elwood, Tracy Falenwolfe, Kate Fellowes, John M. Floyd, Billy Houston, Bethany Maines, Judy Penz Sheluk, KM Rockwood, Joseph S. Walker, Robert Weibezahl, and Susan Jane Wright.

Mischief comes in many forms.

“Tammy Loves Derek” showed what happened after Tammy discovered her boyfriend was cheating on her again. She was the sort of woman who used her physical appearance to attract attention from men. I wasn’t sure what I thought of her at first, but my opinion quickly warmed as I got to know her better and discovered parts of her personality that the shallow men she dated never would have thought to pursue. There were some clever plot twists in this one for sure. I enjoyed peeling back the metaphorical layers of the main character and trying to figure out what she really had up her sleeves.

This was a solid anthology in general, but there were a few stories in it that I wish had been explained more thoroughly. “My Night with the Duke of Edinburgh” was one of them. It was about a few University of Toronto students who attempted to kidnap something from the Royal Ontario Museum in 1951. This was such an outlandish plan that I couldn’t imagine why anyone would want to do it or how they thought they’d get away with it. While the characters did eventually go into some detail on these matters, I could have used a little more exposition here.

The main character in “A Currency of Wishes” hatched a plan with his uncle to make some much-needed money over the summer. This was one of those tales that was filled with surprises. I enjoyed following all of the twists and turns in it, especially since I didn’t see the biggest one coming. It wasn’t until the last page that I realized what was happening, and even then it took a moment to confirm that my suspicions were correct. Based on how much I enjoyed Ms. Fellowes’ work, I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of it in the future.

Anyone who loves short mysteries should check out Moonlight & Misadventure – 20 Stories of Mystery & Suspense.

Nancy Love and the WASP Ferry Pilots of World War II by Sarah Bryn Rickman


Nancy Love and the WASP Ferry Pilots of World War II by Sarah Bryn Rickman
Publisher: University of North Texas Press
Genre: Historical, Biography, Non-Fiction
Rating: Four Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

She flew the swift P-51 and the capricious P-38, but the heavy, four-engine B-17 bomber and C-54 transport were her forte. This is the story of Nancy Harkness Love who, early in World War II, recruited and led the first group of twenty-eight women to fly military aircraft for the U.S. Army.

Love was hooked on flight at an early age. At sixteen, after just four hours of instruction, she flew solo “a rather broken down Fleet biplane that my barnstorming instructor imported from parts unknown.” The year was 1930: record-setting aviator Jacqueline Cochran (and Love’s future rival) had not yet learned to fly, and the most famous woman pilot of all time, Amelia Earhart, had yet to make her acclaimed solo Atlantic flight.

When the United States entered World War II, the Army needed pilots to transport or “ferry” its combat-bound aircraft across the United States for overseas deployment and its trainer airplanes to flight training bases. Most male pilots were assigned to combat preparation, leaving few available for ferrying jobs. Into this vacuum stepped Nancy Love and her civilian Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS).

Love had advocated using women as ferry pilots as early as 1940. Jackie Cochran envisioned a more ambitious plan, to train women to perform a variety of the military’s flight-related jobs stateside. The Army implemented both programs in the fall of 1942, but Jackie’s idea piqued General Hap Arnold’s interest and, by summer 1943, her concept had won. The women’s programs became one under the name Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), with Cochran as the Director of Women Pilots and Love as the Executive for WASP.

Nancy Love advised the Ferrying Division, which was part of the Air Transport Command, as to the best use of their WASP ferry pilots. She supervised their allocation and air-training program. She proved adept at organizing and inspiring those under her command, earning the love and admiration of her pilots. Her military superiors trusted and respected her, to the point that she became Ferrying Division commander Gen. William H. Tunner’s troubleshooter.

By example, Love won the right for women ferry pilots to transition into increasingly more complex airplanes. She checked out on twenty-three different military aircraft and became the first woman to fly several of them, including the B-17 Flying Fortress. Her World War II career ended on a high note: following a general’s orders, she piloted a giant C-54 Army transport over the fabled China-Burma-India “Hump,” the crucial airlift route over the Himalayas.

Nancy Love believed that the women attached to the military needed to be on equal footing with the men and given the same opportunities to prove their abilities and mettle. Young women serving today as combat pilots owe much to Love for creating the opportunity for women to serve. Her foresight and tenacity nearly seventy years ago helped ensure their future. Now author Sarah Byrn Rickman, aviation historian, presents the first full-length biography of Nancy Love and her role in the WAFS and WASP programs. Her book will appeal to all with a love of flight.

There is so much to love about women pilots.

I had no idea who Nancy Love was until I picked up this book and that’s a shame. She’s quite an accomplished pilot and should be well-known. I had no idea there were women ferry pilots who took planes to the soldiers in WWII. It’s just not touched on in school. That’s a shame. Really. It should be taught.

Nancy Love knew she wanted to fly and her love of flying shows on every page. She wanted to make it possible for other women to fly as well. I liked how she believed there was no reason a woman couldn’t handle a plane, couldn’t make a difference and have a military career. She flew some of the biggest planes of the time and it was like any other day at the office for her.

The book flows well and engrossed me from the start. I learned a lot and I’m glad I did. This was a great book and should be read by everyone.

A Whisker of a Doubt by Cate Conte


A Whisker of a Doubt by Cate Conte
Cat Cafe Mystery Series, 4
Publisher: St Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Contemporary, Holiday
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The holiday season on Daybreak Island is a mixed bag for Maddie James. On the one hand, her Christmas spirit is in the doghouse after a break-up. On the other, she’s busy enough that she doesn’t have to pretend to be merry. Business at her cat café is booming, and Maddie’s care-taking of a feral cat colony in one of the area’s wealthiest communities only helps her bottom line.

But tensions between the homeowners and animal activists are escalating to catastrophic levels. . .and before long a body is found dead in a snowbank. To prove that her accused friend is innocent of the crime, Maddie will have to prowl the island for clues to the real killer before everyone on the island goes completely hiss-terical―and more than nine lives are lost.

Good intentions can get you into trouble and how!

This is the first book by Cate Conte I’ve read, so I walked into the story fresh. The writing is good and I was transported to the cat cafe in the story. I liked the idea of the story – helping feral cats and controlling the population humanely. I even liked the idea of the cat cafe. Why not? It’s a cute story and worth the read.

I have to admit the protagonist, Maddie, did drive me crazy a few times. I guess it’s a thing with cozy mysteries, but the amateur sleuths always seem to get right into the investigation and circumvent laws to get there. Seems like that’s not safe, but this is fiction, so it’s still a good read. Maddie does tend to waffle concerning her boyfriend and that got a tad old. I get she wanted a clean break, but I’m the type who wants closure for my characters and I wanted to see her get it. Plus, there aren’t many mentions of cats in this book. I expected more, but there weren’t. Oh well.

It’s still an interesting mystery and I had no idea whodunit until the end. I liked how this story had a small town feel and am interested in reading more in this series.

If you’re looking for a cute holiday mystery, then this might be the one for you.

The Veggie Patch Bandits by Riya Aarini


The Veggie Patch Bandits by Riya Aarini
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

When a group of pesky animals raid Mr. Bagban’s garden, the gardener grows frustrated. Mr. Bagban tries everything to protect his veggie patch, but the animals just keep stealing! Will Mr. Bagban come up with a way to keep the thieving critters out? Find out in this hilarious garden tale!

Sharing is one thing, but how fair is it for a gardener to do all of the work and get none of the reward of eating the vegetables he worked so hard to grow?

The dialogue made me giggle. Much of it happened just after the main character discovered that the animals who lived nearby him had yet again eaten something from his garden that he was planning to harvest himself that same day. He was understandably quite upset about that, and it often showed in the short exclamations of annoyance he made each time it occurred. It was cool to see how much emotion the author packed into those moments. I had exactly what I needed as a reader to empathize with his disappointment.

There was a minor plot hole involving how Mr. Bagban communicated with the hungry animals in his garden that I would have liked to see explained more clearly. The illustrations gave a partial answer. If the story itself had acknowledged it and gone into some detail, I would have happily given a five-star rating to this tale. Everything else about it was well written.

I adored the messages about handling conflict and channeling negative emotions that were included in this story. It was refreshing to see a character openly discuss his problems, admit that they made him angry, and try to find a solution that worked equally well for everyone involved. These are things that even adults struggle with at times. They’re even more difficult for young children who are still learning how to see the world from other points of view and think before they act. Luckily, all of these characters were excellent role models in these areas.

The Veggie Patch Bandits was a delightful read for gardeners of all ages.

Doctor on Call by Alla Shapiro, MD


Doctor on Call: Chernobyl Responder, Jewish Refugee, Radiation Expert by Alla Shapiro, MD
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Non-Fiction, Historical, Contemporary
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Dr. Alla Shapiro was a first physician-responder to the worst nuclear disaster in history: the explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station in Ukraine on April 26, 1986. Information about the explosion was withheld from first responders, who were not given basic supplies, detailed instructions, or protective clothing. Amid an eerie and pervasive silence, Dr. Shapiro treated traumatized children as she tried to protect her family. No protocols were in place because no one had anticipated the consequences of a nuclear accident. From the outset of the disaster, the Soviet government worsened matters by spreading misinformation; and first responders, including Alla, were ordered to partake in the deception of the public.

After years of persistent professional hostility and personal discrimination that she and her family experienced as Jewish citizens of the USSR, four generations of the Shapiro family fled the Soviet Union in the late 1980s. As émigrés, they were each allowed to take no more than 40 pounds of possessions and $90 in cash. Their escape route took them first to Vienna and then to Italy, where they were stranded as stateless persons for six months. Eventually the family received permission to enter the United States.

Motivated by her Chernobyl experiences, Alla Shapiro ultimately became one of the world’s leading experts in the development of medical countermeasures against radiation exposure. From 2003 to 2019, she worked for the FDA on disaster readiness and preparation. Dr. Shapiro issues stern warnings regarding the preparedness―or lack thereof―of America for the current Covid-19 pandemic. Doctor on Call exposes the horrifying truths of Chernobyl and alerts us to the deceptions that undermine our ability to respond to global disasters.

Dr. Alla Shapiro has written a poignant story about being a first responder during the Chernobyl crisis. She has also described her experiences as a Jewish refugee and immigrant to the United States. Readers are treated to an inside look at what really happened, and the writing draws one into the account.

One may be shocked at times to discover the bare facts. It is quite enlightening; though, Dr. Shapiro’s personal comments add depth to this story. Her struggles and the struggles of those she witnessed will tug at hearts.

When the doctor and her family move to the United States, they must get used to a new culture and language. Readers will get a good sense of what this is like. Dr. Shapiro does not let the tragedy at the Chernobyl plant and its aftermath keep her from continuing forth bravely. Her continued work in her field and cooperation with other experts is explained and is sure to bring hope to others. She brings such a personal touch to technical ideas that readers will be made to truly understand. She also makes a connection to the Covid-19 Coronavirus, linking it to modern events.

One will not only learn much from this book but will also probably enjoy doing so.

Sticks And Stones by John Carson


Sticks And Stones by John Carson
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

A horrific murder. A stunning abduction. Can he open an old case to prevent another grisly death?
Edinburgh DCI Harry McNeil isn’t easily intimidated. But after years investigating crooked cops, a promotion heading up a Major Investigation Team will put his reputation on the line. And he’s starting to sweat when the daughter of a rich and powerful family vanishes from the honeymoon suite in a Scottish Highlands castle…

Searching alongside officers from two other divisions, pushes McNeil to his breaking point when the investigation uncovers a charred corpse dressed in a wedding gown. Fearing the missing bride will suffer the same gruesome fate, the detective follows a fifteen-year long trail of clues littered with vengeance, false identities, and a tragic murder-suicide.

Can McNeil bring the butcher to justice before the celebration turns into a mass funeral?

I was pleasantly surprised by this Scottish mystery novel. Not as dark and gritty as some UK crime/mystery novels can be I nevertheless found the tone of the book to be similar to many other British crime novels. With a small number of main characters that I could easily keep a handle on this helped me feel pretty quickly like I knew the characters and the energy between DCI Harry McNeil and his work partner DC Alex Marshall. I was really pleased that – for me at least – the banter and friendliness between Harry and Alex didn’t seem to have an undertow of romance or chemistry. I feel for now at least their professional, working relationship was a good blend of boss and co-worker and the two of them being genuine friends. I’m not sure I’d want Harry or Alex to muddy that with sex or complications between them.

Indeed, for the most part I found this a refreshing, enjoyable Scottish mystery with a good – albeit slowly moving – plot. Readers looking for an action based, fast-paced mystery might find this one moves a bit slower than they’d prefer. Personally I was pleased to find since this was the first book in a series a decent amount of time was spent showing me Harry, Alex and the other main characters and setting the scene of the crime. A good portion of the start of the book was spent with the missing bride, the wedding guests and searching the massive grounds for clues and trying to piece together what had occurred. I was left a little bewildered, since I couldn’t seem to slot the prologue into what was occurring in the main part of the book, but I was really pleased with how everything wrapped up neatly, and a little over half way through the story there were a few plot-twists that I found particularly satisfying and felt really helped both move the plot along and give the book a taste of individualism which made me pleased I’d kept on with it.

Readers looking for an enjoyable, not too gritty mystery with good characters and a solid – though at times slow-ish – plot should really enjoy this book. I found it easy to stick with the book since the characters and writing style really appealed to me and especially around the half way mark when things started to really come together I was pretty chuffed that I’d stuck with it. I enjoyed this book enough I’ve ordered the second in the series and I might even look into the author’s other works since I really did enjoy his writing style and tone.

A good, enjoyable and interesting mystery book and a new-to-me author I’ll happily read again.

The Hot Summer of 1968 by Viliam Klimáček (Author), Peter Petro (Translator)


The Hot Summer of 1968 by Viliam Klimáček (Author), Peter Petro (Translator)
Publisher: Mandel Vilar Press
Genre: Historical, Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

In 1968, the Czechoslovakian Communist Party introduced “socialism with a human face” — known as the Prague Spring, citizens of Czechoslovakia suddenly enjoyed new freedoms, among them, an uncensored press, an end to arbitrary wiretaps, and the right to travel without prior authorizations. However, the Soviet Union rejected these reforms and sent half a million Warsaw Pact troops and tanks to occupy the country. Every citizen was faced with the choice to leave or stay. In celebrating the identity of a people, its folklore, its beauty, and its vitality, Viliam Klimáček — Slovakia’s foremost novelist and playwright —tells the story of ten people enmeshed in this difficult moment in history and reveals the dramatic impact of these events on his characters and the lives of their families.

This voyage back to 1968 during an exceptional event is eye-opening and sure to inspire a variety of emotions. Communists in Czechoslovakia decide to try something new and liberating. Refreshing freedoms are granted to the people. For example, now there is freedom of the press and freedom of travel.

The Hot Summer of 1968 is a brilliant novel featuring a handful of Czechoslovakian citizens who experience the Soviet invasion. Tanks and troops roll in, and freedoms vanish. Now, people must make the heart-breaking decision of whether to stay under the repressive regime or leave their homeland forever.

Here we meet interesting characters such as Petra, the young doctor, Tereza, a young Jewish woman, or Józef, a pastor, and their families. All of them have their own troubles and face these difficult times with strength, endearing them to readers. Readers will likely follow their stories, wondering about their fates. The danger is palpable.

The descriptions of the cities make it clear how these people lived. The experiences of these characters as immigrants and refugees paint a vivid picture and is enlightening. Eastern Europe comes to life in this touching novel. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical and vintage true stories.

Dream Spinner by Kristen Ashley


Dream Spinner by Kristen Ashley
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

Hattie Yates has finally met the man of her dreams. Yet years of abuse from her demanding father have left her petrified of disappointment. She’s already failed to reach her goal of becoming a professional ballerina—she can’t handle the terrible consequences of another dream becoming a nightmare. But when a stalker sets their sights on Hattie, there’s only one man she dares to hope can help . . .

Axl Pantera knows Hattie is the only woman for him. Yet despite the attraction burning between them, Hattie refuses to let him in. The former soldier is determined to woo her into letting down her walls. And when danger comes calling, he’s up against more than her wary and bruised heart. Axl will do anything to prove to Hattie that they’re meant to be, but first, he’ll need to keep her safe.

Kristen Ashley is one of my favorite authors, so I was really excited to read her newest book, Dream Spinner. This is the third book in The Dream Team series and this one is about Axl and Hattie. It is an enchanting, fast paced story with some suspense added to the mix. As always, KA includes a cast of colorful secondary characters, which is what makes this story and everything she writes so much fun and interesting.

This is an upbeat and intoxicating story about Axl and Hattie and it is wonderful to have a ringside seat as they fall in love. Axl and Hattie are perfect for each other; they have explosive chemistry and a passionate relationship as they help each other deal with their troublesome fathers, Hattie’s stalker and some dirty cops.

Hattie is a dancer at Smithies. She is shy and caring, but has very little confidence because her father is always putting her down. When Axl asks Hattie for a date, she turns him down, even though she likes him, because she is afraid to say yes.

Axl is a commando who works for Hawke. Anyone who works for Hawke is tough and willing to do all the things the police can’t or won’t do. The commandos aren’t afraid to cross any boundaries, they get the job done, whatever it takes, legally or illegally. Axl is protective by nature and when he finds out Hattie is receiving threats, he wants to be the one keeping her safe. He cares about Hattie, but she is vulnerable and stubborn and afraid to open her heart.

I enjoyed all the encounters between Axl and Hattie and I also enjoyed all of Hattie’s amusing girlfriends. When they get together they are a hoot. They are a tight knit group and just what Hattie needs in her life.

This is a delightful story filled with romance, intrigue and a whole cast of entertaining characters. Although, I have to admit, I was a little disappointed there wasn’t an epilogue because KA’s epilogues are epic and my favorite part of the book. That said, I still loved this exhilarating, rollicking story and I’m sure you will too.

Rattling Chains by T. Strange


Rattling Chains by T. Strange
Bound to the Spirits Book 1
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQ, Paranormal, Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Book one in the Bound to the Spirits series

Ghosts are popping up where they shouldn’t. Harlan, a ghost janitor for the police, suspects there’s a serial killer on the loose—but no one believes him.

Harlan Brand is a medium who was abandoned by his parents at a school for the psychically gifted. He grew up lonely but safe from the ghosts that terrorized his childhood.

But now, at twenty-one, he’s out in the real world. He works as a ghost janitor for the Toronto Police Service, cleaning up after crimes and hauntings in the Greater Toronto Area. Adding to the anxiety of leaving the ghost-warded safety of his school, the cop assigned as his partner seems to hate him, he’s having confusing feelings for a BDSM club owner who brings out his deepest fantasies and ghosts are popping up where they shouldn’t.

Using the ghosts as clues, Harlan begins to suspect there’s a serial killer loose, but no one believes him. Harlan will stop at nothing to discover who—or what—is preying on his city.

Life can be hard when you’re not ‘normal’ and Harlan learns this the hard way when he is left at a special school. His parents slowly but surely disappear from his life. And then he’s grown up, and has a job, but is woefully unprepared for it. So hold onto your hats because this story is only just beginning.

This was a great story, with a perfect mix of mystery and paranormal activity. The ghosts can be chilling (pardon the pun) but extremely well-written. I loved the descriptions given, they really made you part of the book, rather than just reading it. The BDSM side of things happens naturally and doesn’t go into too much detail if it’s not your thing. The romance between Harlan and Charles is tender and romantic, the sort that leaves you with a sappy smile on your face.

This is the first book in the series so I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next. There is a small group of psychics that Harlan works with that I would also like to see more of. Hamilton is a special kind of something and has his own surprise in the book, which I loved!

All in all, this was a brilliant book that kept my attention from the first to the very last word. A new-to-me author that I will definitely be reading more from. Absolutely recommended by me.