The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz by Erik Larson

Erik Larson delivers another gem. If you aren’t a big reader of history (or non-fiction), start with Larson. He weaves historical facts together so that it’s never confusing. And the research that went into this book is astounding.

The book revolves around Churchill. It shows his idiosyncrasies alongside his public persona, making for an entertaining portrayal of someone so well known. Larson also presents accounts from Churchill’s family and his “inner circle.” Two examples would be his daughter’s (Mary) diary about attending parties contrasted with one of his private secretaries (John Colville) journals. Also, during WWII, people volunteered to be “Mass-Observation diarists,” and Larson sprinkles their diary entries throughout. This book is both fascinating and terrifying. It’s one thing to know England was bombed, it’s quite another to experience it through other people’s eyes. I couldn’t stop reading.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

My biggest recommendation is to examine your mood before you choose a book. It could be the best novel ever written but if you aren’t in the right mood you may hate it. I started Untamed a week ago and I was not feeling it. I waited, tried again, loved it.

This book packs a punch. It was as if Glennon reached into my brain and picked out words I never knew I had. Or better yet – I knew I had them, but had no idea how to express that thought, that emotion, that idea. I kept thinking “Yes! That’s exactly it!” Glennon is the master of metaphors.

What’s it about? Being a woman, a mother, a wife. To stop pleasing and start living. To run free of your cage. To be brave and listen to your inner voice. My words can’t do this book justice, so read it… when you’re in the right mood to listen.

The Truth-Teller's Tale by Sharon Shinn

A feel-good book suitable for teens and adults. I wanted a nice, easy read. What with the pandemic and quarantine, I didn’t want a huge mystery or messy problems. This book was perfect. The writing is simply beautiful, I highlighted multiple passages. When my daughter is old enough, I hope she will read this with me.

Two innkeepers daughters, Eleda and Adele, are mirror twins. They each are very special: Eleda is a truth-teller and Adele is a secret keeper. Townspeople occasionally mix them up to sometimes humorous or disastrous results. The girls were a joy to read about and you watch them grow into young women, learning valuable lessons along the way. They have a best friend, Roelynn, who is the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Roelynn falls in love quickly and often, resisting any attempts her father makes to marry her to the Prince. When a dancing master and his apprentice stay at the inn, romance buds and lies and truths are revealed.

Side note: This is a stand alone novel, but I plan to read book one next. Yes, I went out of order.