Sticky Keys

 July 21 2025

Ugh... July 2025 in Southern Ontario. Day after day of temps (celsius) in the 30's with humidex readings of 40 or more. In fahrenheit that's 86 - 104 degrees.

We finally caught a break last week and the weather has been more like the July of my summer childhood -  less humid and sunny during the day, cooling down at night. Pretty much perfect, in my own opinion of course. Spoiler alert - the mugginess is forecast to return later this week.

Today as I sit in my office this is the temperature. A few days ago the temperature wouldn't even register. We have portable AC units for the living room and bedroom, but the office suffers. Hence - Sticky Keys.

Ferris Tremain's latest work is another seasonal novella entitled Tequila Harp. Currently, the tale is with our amazing Beta readers, and once back with their observations, we will begin editing. Getting us closer to a publication date - stay tuned!

But, truthfully, I'm almost glad to be free of any kind of writing pressure at the moment. We have the beginning ideas for the third full length Mechanic Falls book, but the opening sentence remains to be written. 

So what to do with some down time. Well, gosh darn, it's been way too hot to think about more than basic housekeeping chores. And kitchen time - cold plates and sandwiches are meal time staples most days.

My husband and I did take a short break to visit his brother and wife who live north of Fenelon Falls, Ontario. But even their wonderful river view wasn't possible outside for much longer than an hour due to the sweltering sun.

As well, Pam, Gloria, and I got together to toss around some Ferris Tremain ideas. A sunshine-filled day, but once again, too uncomfortable to leave the comfort of Gloria's cooler place and be outside.

What's left? Reading of course! And I've been taking advantage of borrowed books, Kobo sales, and library downloads. I've spent more time than usual in my comfy chair, enjoying the cool air and breeze generated by air conditioning and a fan. (Yes, it was so uncomfortably humid, sitting outside was not an option.)

In a previous post I offered my thoughts on new found author (to me), Kristin Hannah. I've now read Magic Hour (another wonderful story), and have been loaned a copy of The Nightingale. To be honest, I opened The Nightingale with trepidation after reading the book description. After the first chapter, I had to ask myself if I was ready to continue. For me, reading stories centered around Europe during WWII make me anxious, especially if it deals with Nazi occupation. But after reading 3 of Hannah's books, I've come to trust her. I know her storytelling will take me back in time to France during the War. I will see, smell, and feel, what her characters do. Without a doubt, I know this will be an emotional journey. I'll return with a review in my next post.

In a somewhat 'lighter' vein, I read Joy Fielding's The Housekeeper. Super story and knowing Toronto fairly well, I love that Fielding sets her story there, mentioning neighbourhoods and landmarks I'm familiar with. I think I need to check my "books read" list to see how many of her books (at least two dozen) I've read! She is a favourite.

Another Canadian favourite author of domestic suspense is Shari Lapena. "What Have You Done" was another page turner.

I've also had two recommendations from one of our fans, "Behind the Pickle Jar", and "Remarkably Bright Creatures" - which I have on hold with the library.

So there you have it. That's what I've been doing this month.

What about you? Summer reading? Vacation plans?  We'd love to hear from you!

Cheers and Happy Reading!

Liz

Book Review - Kristin Hannah

 June 4 2025

For Mother's Day this year, my husband gave me a book. He thought it sounded like a good story and took a chance that I would like it.

I don't think I'd heard of Kristin Hannah, but enjoy the book I certainly did! The Great Alone captivated me from the first page. With a back story centering on the Vietnam War and the horrendous emotional and physical toll it wrecked on families of returning vets, I had an idea where the story might head.

It's 1974 and Ernt Allbright has returned from Nam, forever changed and with a hair trigger temper. Clinging to a desperate hope for a better life, he packs up his wife and 13-year old daughter, Leni, and runs to Alaska. 

The story revolves around Leni and how she adapts to living in a new land. And trying to wade through the waters of her parents' complicated, and at times violent, relationship.

Alaska provides a stunning backdrop to this story. Kristin Hannah writes so well that I could feel the cold, smell the stale odours of a small cabin mostly closed up during dark winter months, and envision the silence.

A memorable story and I became hooked on a new 'favourite' author.

As soon as I finished The Great Alone, I went to the library. Today I finished The Women and have another Kristin Hannah book on hold.

The Women was even more emotionally involving. Again, the Vietnam war takes front and centre. The protagonist Frances McGrath - Frankie - a newbie nurse, enlists in the Army, in hopes of making her father proud. Especially since her adored older brother has just received his orders and sees the pride her father has for his son.

As with The Great Alone, Hannah's writing manages to evoke sights, sounds and smells that are vital to the telling of this story. As well as all-too human failings.

I was finishing High School as the Vietnam War ended and so much of the story Kristin Hannah weaves is based on fact and news events I remember. But being Canadian and a teenager, it didn't occupy much of my time. 

This book vividly portrayed the day to day fight to survive for medical staff as they worked to save lives in a never ending parade of horribly wounded, both military and Vietnamese. The account of Frankie and the best friends she makes, Barb and Ethel, made this time in history come alive for me. A reminder of how the war tore America apart and the shameful way its warriors were treated. As for the nurses?  "There were no women in Nam, ma'am... we can't help you here at this VA facility." (I'm paraphrasing.)  I could feel my ire rise at the outdated view of women and their contributions.

It will be a long time before I forget Frankie McGrath, and if you like a well researched historical story woven with fictional characters, I'd highly recommend The Women. Powerful and unforgettable.

Can't wait for my next Kristin Hannah book when it's available.

Happy Reading!

And p.s. - thanks to my husband for opening the door on this brilliant storytelling author!