Have you discovered the Adrianna Trigiani universe of books? If you have, you know her wonderful stories and are probably like me waiting for her next book. If you do not know this author, you are about to make a new friend with Adrianna. I envy you a bit to have the opportunity to discover this masterful storyteller’s tales.
Adrianna Trigiani is an author who writes about her Italian heritage from Big Stone Gap in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia to Greenwich Village in New York City to New Jersey and Italy. The heroine of her books are often women finding themselves and are on the verge of blooming into the strong women they were meant to be. Their journeys unfold in small towns to big cities, and Trigiani will frequently tell the stories in trilogies, so you really get to know the characters well. You kind of grow with them too. If you know Italian families, you will appreciate the dialog and biting humor of the families. Trigiani captures it all in her novels.
Since 2000, she has written 19 books – mostly fiction but she does do some nonfiction. Her most recent book from 2025 is The View from Lake Como, the Jersey version, not the Italian lake; however, Italy becomes a main character in this story. Giuseppina (Jess) Capodimonte Baratta, the heroine, is a woman who is finding herself. Jess has endured several hardships with a death of a beloved uncle, a divorce, a controlling family, an unfulfilled career, and the other ups and downs of life. She wants more from her small life in Lake Como, so she goes to Italy to find herself and what a new life could bring. Jess is spreading her wings, and you get to join her on the flight! We all see ourselves in Jess’s transformation, and you may learn a little about yourself as you accompany Jess on her adventure.
I know that once you read one of Adrianna Trigiani’s stories, you will seek out her other books to be part of her one big Italian family throughout the world. More importantly, you will be part of her big literary family as well enjoying her tales that are full of heart and soul!
“JUNIE,” by Erin Crosby Eckstine, is a compelling literary work of historical fiction that delves into the complexities of family ties, personal identity, and the enduring spirit of its protagonist. With a narrative that is both heartfelt and evocative, Eckstine creates a world that is at once intimate and universally relatable, drawing readers into the emotional journey of Junie herself.
The story centers around Junie, a young woman navigating the turbulent waters of slavery, adolescence, and early adulthood. Set primarily on a struggling plantation, the novel explores themes of belonging and alienation as Junie grapples with family secrets, shifting relationships, and the challenges of self-discovery. Eckstine masterfully weaves together past and present, allowing readers to uncover layers of Junie’s history and the factors that have shaped her worldview.
Eckstine excels in this novel with her character development. Junie is portrayed with remarkable depth, her vulnerabilities and strengths both realistic and endearing. Supporting characters—family members, friends, and romantic relationships —are equally well-drawn, each contributing to Junie’s growth in meaningful ways. Eckstine’s empathetic approach ensures that even secondary characters feel authentic, their interactions with Junie serving as catalysts for pivotal moments in the narrative.
Eckstine’s prose is lyrical yet accessible, balancing poetic descriptions with straightforward dialogue. Some reviews felt the first of the novel moved too slowly, however, the novel’s pacing allows for reflection, giving readers space to consider the emotional weight of Junie’s experiences. The pacing allows for deeper characterization. Central themes include the search for identity, the importance of forgiveness, and the resilience required to overcome adversity. Eckstine also touches on issues such as generational trauma and the power dynamics within families, offering thoughtful commentary without becoming didactic.
The book excels in its emotional resonance and authenticity. I found myself rooting for Junie, invested in her struggles and triumphs. Eckstine’s ability to evoke empathy is notable, making the narrative both moving and memorable.
Overall, “JUNIE” by Erin Crosby Eckstine stands out as a beautifully rendered exploration of family, identity, and resilience. The novel’s introspective tone, strong character work, and nuanced handling of difficult themes make it a rewarding read for those who appreciate literary historical fiction with heart and substance. Eckstine’s debut marks her as a promising voice, and “JUNIE” is certain to resonate with readers long after the final page is turned.
It is that time of year when we hear Oscar Buzz, and this year is no exception. Hollywood saves the best for last with films debuting at the end of the year and the beginning of the next. The holiday audiences boost sales, and the films get lots of exposure. Whispers of excellence, however, began to stir in November about a movie with a rather odd name, Hamnet. Did they misspell Hamlet? Kind of….
As I began to read more about it, I discovered that the movie is adapted from a novel by Maggie O’Farrell, so I hurried to read it before the movie premiered. Hamnet the book is about the early life of William Shakespeare and his love story with Agnes Hathaway. The story doesn’t tell you that it is Shakespeare, but you know, and Agnes is not a new character because you know her as Anne. The tale is based on facts, but as with all historical fiction, the imagination weaves the possible dialogue and circumstances. The book is a fast read, and you intimately experiences all the emotions (lots of ups and downs) the characters experience as they live life. I think Shakespeare would approve how the story unfolds.
The hardest part of writing reviews is that you don’t want to tell too much of the story to ruin it for the reader and not telling enough to dull interest to read or to see the movie or whatever. So, I was ready when the advertisements began for Hamnet. The trailers tease and then you want, you must see the movie!
Hamnet the movie, is just, in a word, beautiful. The sets, the scenery, the engaging and attractive actors, the charming children, and on and on. It all sets the stage for a story of love and loss and eventually healing. The movie is true to the book. Hamnet didn’t last very long in the theaters. Most films don’t run long anymore unless it is a blockbuster with dinosaurs or a slice of the Marvel Universe. Eventually, Hamnet will come to one of the streaming services, or it may have a relaunch should it get an Academy Awards nomination. Regardless, both the book and the movie are worth your time. It is literature and film at its best. Enjoy!
Is it Octopi or Octopuses? I think it both. However, you currently see many movies, documentaries, and books about the Octopus. They are everywhere. Octopuses are very interesting animals and have been documented by many ancient cultures. They have fascinated humans for the ages.
The recent bestselling book, Remarkable Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt captures the magic of this mesmerizes animal. This debut fiction by Van Pelt tells the story of Tova Sullivan, a 70-year-old widow who works as a cleaning lady at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She is keeping herself busy after the recent loss of her husband. She has always kept herself busy ever since the mysterious death of her son, Erik.
While she cleaned, she was watched by Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. Marcellus is a wily mollusk, and every few chapters, he charms the reader with his perspective on the ever-unfolding story. Late at night, Marcellus escapes his tank and gathers treasures left by tourists. He then hides them in his grotto in his tank. Eventually, Marcellus and Tova become friends. She saves him one night!
The story progresses when a young man, Cameron, comes to live in the community. There are lots of subplots to the story, but they all come together in the end when the dots are connected. You will have fun putting it all together, so I don’t want to give too many details.
Remarkable Bright Creatures is a delightful book, and everyone I know who love a good story have thoroughly enjoyed this tale. I highly recommend this book. It will lift your spirits! I hope Shelby Van Pelt will share her talents again with future books. Can’t wait!
Note: A movie based on the book is being produced with Sally Fields as Tova – a role made for her. Her range of emotions will help us interpret the story so we can all feel Tova and Marcellus’s lives.
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is a captivating novel that weaves together elements of historical fiction, mystery, and a touch of magical realism. The narrative unfolds across multiple timelines and perspectives, inviting readers into a world where books hold secrets, and the past continually shapes the present.
At the heart of The Lost Bookshop lies the story of Martha, a woman escaping her troubled past, who stumbles upon a mysterious bookshop in the heart of London. The shop, filled with rare and forgotten tomes, becomes a sanctuary and a puzzle. As Martha delves into the shop’s history, she discovers the intertwined stories of Henry, a bookseller from the 1920s, and Opaline, a woman from the 19th century with a passion for forbidden literature. The narrative unfolds in alternating chapters, gradually revealing how these characters’ lives are linked by the legacy of the bookshop and the enduring power of stories.
Each character in the novel is vividly drawn and richly complex. Martha’s journey from vulnerability to empowerment is particularly compelling, as she confronts personal demons and uncovers her own strength. Henry’s arc is one of quiet resilience, as he navigates societal expectations and personal loss. Opaline’s story adds depth and historical perspective, highlighting the challenges faced by women who dared to defy convention. The supporting cast—fellow bibliophiles, adversaries, and enigmatic figures—add color and intrigue to the narrative.
The author excels at evoking a sense of place. The bookshop itself almost becomes a character, with its labyrinthine rooms, creaking floorboards, and shelves bursting with forgotten wonders. The shifting settings—from Victorian England to post-war London to modern times—are rendered with careful detail and atmospheric prose. Readers are transported into dusty archives, candle-lit parlors, and rain-soaked city streets, fully immersing them in the story’s world.
A central theme of The Lost Bookshop is the transformative power of literature. Books are portrayed not just as objects, but as vessels of memory, rebellion, and hope. The novel also explores themes of identity, belonging, and the ways in which the past haunts the present. The author’s writing style is lyrical yet accessible, blending suspenseful plotting with moments of quiet reflection. The use of multiple timelines and perspectives is handled deftly, ensuring that each narrative thread enhances the overall tapestry.
The Lost Bookshop is a love letter to bibliophiles and an ode to the resilience of the human spirit. It invites readers to question what they value, and to consider the stories that shape their own lives. The novel’s conclusion is both satisfying and bittersweet, tying together the fates of its central characters while leaving space for wonder and interpretation.
Overall, The Lost Bookshop is a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant novel that may linger with readers long after the final page. I found the characters “stuck with me” long after I finished the tome. I recommend this novel for those who cherish stories about books, history, and the magic that dwells within the written word.
James by Percival Everett is a bold and inventive novel that reimagines Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man at the heart of Twain’s tale. Everett’s work offers a fresh lens on a classic American narrative, exploring themes of race, freedom, language, and humanity with characteristic wit, depth, and empathy.
The novel closely follows the events of Twain’s original book but with a definitive shift: Jim – who prefers to go by James — is the narrator. Everett delves into James’s inner life, granting him a voice and complexity that Twain’s version left unexplored. The story traces James’s escape from slavery down the Mississippi River alongside Huck, but with new dimensions of awareness, agency, and survival.
Everett’s portrayal of James is deeply nuanced. No longer a mere sidekick or comic relief, James is depicted as intelligent, resourceful, and emotionally rich. The narrative voice is both insightful and sardonic, often highlighting the ironies and dangers of life as an enslaved man in the antebellum South. Everett skillfully uses code-switching to show James’s mastery of language—speaking in dialect when necessary for his safety, while revealing his true intellect and feelings in private thoughts and narration.
James explores the absurdities and cruelties of American racism with biting satire and humor. Everett does not shy away from the violence and indignities of slavery. Still, he celebrates the resilience, cunning, and humanity of his protagonist. The novel highlights the power of narrative — who gets to tell the story, and how stories shape our understanding of people and history.
Percival Everett’s James reframes an American classic. For readers interested in the intersections of literature, history, and social justice, this novel is well worth reading. While it reclaims an historical narrative it challenges us to think anew about the stories we tell and who gets to tell them.
I have several good friends that send book recommendations to me. I share recommendations with them as well. By far these are the very best books. In recent weeks I have had those people contact me about Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. A new friend recommended it saying it was one of her favorite books and had reread it a few times already – that is quite a book!
Since I have been exploring Winter, Theo of Golden came at the right time. It is a story of Winter and a great example of how to live it. When the story begins, an elderly gentleman, Theo, comes to fictional Golden, Georgia to live for a year or so. He had business to do in the town. While he was getting coffee, he found a wall of pencil sketches of the town’s people. He becomes enchanted by the renderings and befriends the artist. Theo decides to purchase them and gift them to the featured individual. The story unfolds from there.
Each of the people had a story, and for most, they were willing to share them with Theo. The wisdom he earned from living many years helped to forge many new friendships. This quiet, gentle man was becoming a part of the community and making a difference in the lives of the people of Golden.
The story weaves many loose threads into a tapestry of the town ‘s and Theo’s life. The threads may seem unconnected but eventually it all comes together in the end. As the reader, you can explore Winter as Theo lives it. You witness his kindness and generosity that change people’s lives.
Theo of Golden is Allen Levi’s first book. He self-published. The author is a gift writer, and I hope he will continue writing and sharing his gifts with the world. He has such insight into the human condition showing all of us how small acts of kindness can make a difference in the world. What an example!
I always hope for a movie or an episodic TV series to follow a great book so I can see the words come to life on the big or small screen. At this moment, there are no plans for this to happen. Come on Hollywood – Reese, Apple, Netflix – this is too good of a story not to tell. The word is quickly spreading about this little gem. The story needs a visual platform to share its message – a message that the world needs now more than ever.
You probably know Amy Tan from her international best seller, The Joy Luck Club, and other novels such as The Bonesetter’s Daughter. She is a talented and engaging storyteller introducing the country and world to her Chinese heritage through vivid tales with universal themes that can be identified by everyone.
So, it has been interesting to see her writing a book about birds, just birds! The Backyard Bird Chronicles is her personal journey into nature journaling documenting avian activity in her own backyard, and you discovered this gifted writer is an extraordinary artist as well. The chronicles begins on September 16, 2017, until December 15, 2022, during much of the Covid Pandemic. Many people during the Covid shutdown became birders – the birds were freer to move around than we were.
Tan did her nature journal training with John Muir Laws who is kind of the guru of this art form. Natural journaling is at a crossroads where the sciences and the arts come together. You sketch what you observe and document the behaviors you see among the animals or whatever. The chronicles follow her five years of observations and her comments about what she saw. She was leaning about the birds she encountered – what they ate, their nests, their bird songs, their eggs, and myriads of other details. Her sketching is charming, and her writing clearly capture the nature of the birds. However, the cherry on top of this book are the bird portraits that she does. Tan draws feather as if they could flutter off the pages. The artwork is a gift to the eye.
I love nature journaling and teach classes in it for children and adults. I have been doing it for over 20 years. If you love animals and nature, this is a wonderful hobby to adopt. It is peaceful and nurturing to your soul. I have seen very active children calm down and become engrossed in nature and sketching while getting lost in time. Just reading The Backyard Bird Chronicles may spur you on to try it and will incent you to enjoy some quiet time with nature, and you can do it right in your own backyard. All you need is a blank tablet or book, a pencil, and colored pencils. No one is going to judge your artwork. You could draw stick figures – it is more the process than the product.
There are online free tutorials presented by John Muir Laws (JohnMuirLaws.com) that instruct nature journaling fundamentals. At the end of The Backyard Bird Chronicles, Tan list bird resource books that can introduce you to our feathered friends.
I love hummingbirds, and Tan taught me a few things about them that I did not know. One of these days I will try a hand feeder. The hummers need to trust me more, yet when you hear the thrum of their wings near your ear, you can have your own trust issues. They do have little swords for beaks!
The Backyard Bird Chronicles is a joyful read and Tan’s artwork is just lovely adding so much to the text. It is almost as if you were right there with Tan and seeing the birds as she does. As I look back on the book, I am still astonished that she spent thousands of dollars on meal worms. The birds were her babies, and they ate well. I hope she will follow up with another chronicle again sharing her gift of words and her artistic talents! One unknown author has said, “The greatest gift of birds is their ability to bring a sense of wonder and joy into our lives.” Amy Tan discovered this. I hope you will as well.
My brother-in-law, Ron, has Parkinson’s. He fights a valiant battle each day with dignity and grace. Everything is hard, and each day the disease steals a little more from him. As a family, we are always looking for ways to make things easier for him.
Parkinson is a neurological disease that has many symptoms, and it seems that each person has a different set of them. So, when I came across SteadyScrib, I thought we had found an answer to a common challenge for Ron and many other Parkinson’s patients – micrographia. The handwriting is often so small that you can hardly read it.
SteadyScrib was developed by two college students, Izzy Mokotoff and Alexis Chan, from Northwestern University. Izzy had a grandfather with Parkinson and handwriting was difficult for him. Alexis was a biomedical engineering student and had the skills to develop a new product. They set out to solve the problem. They eventually developed the prototype, applied for a patient, and proceeded to manufacturing. SteadyScrib was an idea that became a reality thanks to two young, innovative, passionate women.
It is a writing system that uses a magnetic clip board and a pen that is weighted, magnetic, and has a special grip that is like the ones that young children use to gain pencil control. I went on the waiting list to get one once the pens were available for purchase. Patience was needed because all the steps to production take time. Eventually, the little company informed me the pens were available. I ordered one. It arrived shortly thereafter.
I took the pen to Ron and sat with him as he gave it a test drive. He was able to print with larger, readable letters. You wouldn’t know he had a writing challenge. Then he wrote his signature, and it was almost perfect. It was miraculous. The pen worked. I do however believe a little practice is needed to perfect one’s handwriting. It is that old round, round, ready, write that we all did in elementary school when it was just reading, writing, and arithmetic.
This blog is a PSA today. If you know anyone with Parkinson’s or are dealing with it with a family member, this pen seems to work well for indecipherable handwriting. This brings back some control and independence to the Parkinson’s patient. Everyone should have a good strong signature – Hey, Gen Z or whoever, hear this! This is coming from an elementary teacher who taught penmanship!!
SteadyScrib Pros – This is a relatively easy system. The materials are well-made. It works, and it did for Ron!
SteadyScrib Cons – It is a bit pricey at $75.00. It could get cheaper if more are produced. This is a small operation. Some of the fee is given to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or another Parkinson’s group of your choosing. They now have gel ink cartridge replacements – 3 for $15.00. if it works, it is worth the price regardless. They do offer a payment system.
Contact Information – SteadyScrib.com is the website. You can order the pen and replacements cartridges from the site. There is lots of additional information available, testimonials, and the story behind the invention.
Thank you, Izzy and Alexis for changing the world and making it better for Parkinson’s patients.
Ladies from my generation, do you remember when you were little girls and being enchanted with John F. Kennedy, his wife Jackie, and their children, Caroline and John-John? They were American royalty – remember it was the time of Camelot. I think when they were in the White House, I fell in love with fashion and just adored seeing the latest pictures with Jackie’s outfits with her iconic pillbox hats and her adorable children riding their pony Macaroni or playing in the Oval Office. Then the time was gone in a puff with the presidential assignation, yet I continued to watch for pictures of Jackie and her children.
Then during my daughter’s youth, Princess Diana reigned more than the British Isle. She was a fashion icon with her cute little boys, Prince Wills and Prince Harry. Her clothes were just beautiful, and she epitomized a true English rose. It was fun again to see what she was wearing and what she was doing. Princess Diana was a breath of fresh air from the stodgy monarchy. (I can’t remember Princess Anne as a fashion forward icon.) Her time ended too quickly with her untimely death. However, she still dominates a good bit of the news.
Then the next generation, in our present time, came on the scene with Wills and Harry growing up and marrying. Prince William marries Kate Middleton, and the new princess is just lovely as well. They have three adorable children, George, Charlotte, and Louie.
Later, Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle. The new Duchess of Sussex has an exotic beauty about her and has a flair for fashion. They have two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet – again adorable.
The larger world and our own personal lives have been full of challenging times, and there doesn’t seem to be much making us smile. Yet, when I look at the news and the British Royals are featured, I know I will be uplifted with beautiful clothes and cute pictures of their children. It may seem shallow, but I am thankful for the respite from the woes of our world.
I realize that the Royals themselves have their own set of problems – stay calm and carry on is something they live by. I was a big fan of Meghan Markle when she was on Suits. Her blog, The Tig, was an early lifestyle site. She has always loved food, wine, entertaining, crafting, and travel. She had a healthy following. Then you fall in love with a prince and your whole life changes where you must put away the things you love.
The honeymoon with the British press lasted for a few years then they turned on Meghan. I am sure that all the accusations have some truth about her, but who would like to live under the pressure of constant judgment. Whatever you do, it is not right. You might decide to leave that life behind. Fast forward to present times, Harry and Meghan did just that, and they had to make a living to afford the lifestyle they have been accustomed to and most importantly pay for protection for their family. – all big bucks!
Which brings me to a review of Meghan’s new lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, on Netflix. I was trying to watch with an open mind because I like her, and I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the series. I learned something new every episode either about cooking or decorating or gardening or entertaining. I appreciated all her creativity. She moves throughout her world in confident and caring ways. She has come back to the roots of the things she loves. Again, she is being judged on everything she presents, but she perseveres. She is a little worker bee even if she is a queen bee!
I loved the little edible flowers in the first episode and cannot wait to get some. I will be sprinkling everything. I loved the idea of using a Ziplock bag as a pastry bag with a scissor snip. I love hosting so she gave me a few ideas to spruce up the guest room. I haven’t tried the recipes yet, but I will. I am going to rewatch the series again and catch the things I may have missed. And it is exciting there is going to be a second season. I can hardly wait. So, despite how other may feel about her, she has given me a place to escape our challenging times and enjoy a pretty life! I can’t wait for her to reissue her products – they sold out within an hour. She may be more popular than presented.
When I was a young woman, we had Alexandria Stoddard. She wrote books about living a pretty life. I always loved reading her suggestions. I think this is what Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is trying to do – giving us ideas for making the ordinary extraordinary in simple ways! Then came Martha Stewart. I lived by everything she said. She went off to prison, and we all seemed to still like her.
If you haven’t watched With Love, Meghan, I think you might enjoy it. No need to judge her, just use her ideas in your life to make things more interesting and enjoyable. Get some dried edible flowers sprinkles and spread a little joy!
Note: The Second Season dropped earlier than I anticipated. I just finished watching Season 2. Again, lot of ideas to make your life prettier. I also purchased some of the products that As Ever offered. The packaging was very well done with little details such as personal notes and the like. The products seemed to be of fine quality – I got my flower sprinkles. The apricot jam I ordered was out of stock. They reimbursed me for it and are sending a free jar once they restocked. I think that is excellent customer service and encourages future purchases.
Silver Sage Sisters 