Kate’s 2¢: “The Christmas Legacy” by Anne Perry

“The Christmas Legacy” by Anne Perry

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   I suspect most of the people who read this book, have never been “in service” and may find it hard to understand the strain the household servants experience.

   This story highlights the best and the worst of human behaviors. While not a surprise ending, it is a satisfying conclusion.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Anonymous

Mini Bio (1)

Anne Perry was born on October 28, 1938, in London. She was first known as Juliet Marion Hulme, famed co-murderess of friend Pauline Parker’s mother in 1954. After serving five years in Mount Eden Prison she moved overseas to be with her mother. In 1979 she published The Cater Street Hangman, the first in a series of successful mystery novels.

From NLS/BARD/LOC          :

A Christmas legacy: a novel DB105824

Perry, Anne. Reading time: 5 hours, 4 minutes.

Read by Jenny Sterlin.

Mystery and Detective Stories

Charlotte and Thomas Pitt’s former maid Gracie believed she was done with service when she left to get married. But when a good friend’s daughter arrives at Gracie’s home, seeking help in order not to be accused of theft, Gracie takes over the position to investigate. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021.

Download A Christmas legacy: a novel

Kate’s 2¢: “Fugitive telemetry: the murderbot diaries: by Martha Wells    

“Fugitive telemetry: the murderbot diaries: by Martha Wells    

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   This little bot has a great personality. It’d be very helpful to have him around.

From the WEB:

Martha Wells is 53 years old and was born on 12/30/1967. Previous to Martha’s current city of Austin, TX, Martha Wells lived in Buda TX, Victoria TX and Lakeway TX. In the past, Martha has also been known as Martha K Stockbauer and Martha K Wells.

Martha Wells was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and has a B.A. in Anthropology from Texas A&M University. She lives in College Station, Texas, with her husband. She was involved in SF/F fandom in college and was chairman of AggieCon 17.

Alma mater: Texas A&M University

Genre: Fantasy, science fiction

Nationality: American

Occupation: Writer

Martha Wells – Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_Wells

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Fugitive telemetry: the murderbot diaries DB103431

Wells, Martha Reading time: 4 hours, 27 minutes.

Kevin R. Free

Mystery and Detective Stories

Science Fiction

Bestsellers

When Murderbot discovers a dead body on Preservation Station, it must reluctantly join station security in investigating the victim’s identity and the details of the crime. Sequel to Network Effect (DB 100216). Unrated. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2021.

Download Fugitive telemetry: the murderbot diaries DB103431

Kate’s 2¢: “The Husband’s Secret” by Liane Moriarty

“The Husband’s Secret” by Liane Moriarty

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   I found the introduction of so many characters right in the beginning, a bit confusing. Of course, as the story unfolded, Who belonged with whom emerged. It is always interesting how the author weaves the individual connections with each other into a wonderful narrative.

   Martha Harmon-Pardee is one of my all-time favorite readers and she did a great job with “The Husband’s Secret”. A story I recommend.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

lianemoriarty.com.au

Liane Moriarty (born 15 November 1966) is an Australian author. She has written nine novels, including the New York Times best sellers Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers, which were adapted into television series for HBO and Hulu, respectively.

   After leaving school, Moriarty worked in advertising and marketing at a legal publishing company. She then ran her own company for a while before taking work as a freelance advertising copywriter. In 2004, after obtaining a master’s degree at Macquarie University in Sydney, her first novel Three Wishes, written as part of the degree, was published.[1] She has since published eight further novels.

   Her novel Big Little Lies was adapted into a television series by HBO,[2] and stars Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, Zoë Kravitz, and Alexander Skarsgård. The series premiered on 19 February 2017, with the first season concluding on 2 April 2017.[3] A second season was announced in December 2017.[4] Season two premiered in June 2019.

In September 2013, CBS Films acquired the rights to an earlier Moriarty novel, The Husband’s Secret.[5] In May 2017, it was announced that the film will star Blake Lively.[6]

Her novel Nine Perfect Strangers, published November 6, 2018, was adapted into a television series by Hulu, starring and produced by Nicole Kidman.[7][8]

   Moriarty lives in Sydney with her husband, Adam, a former farmer from Tasmania who worked in agricultural marketing. They have two children, George and Anna.[9][10] She is the older sister of author Jaclyn Moriarty.[11][1]

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

The husband’s secret DB77238

Moriarty, Liane. Reading time: 12 hours, 12 minutes.

Read by Martha Harmon Pardee. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

General

While searching in the attic, Cecilia Fitzpatrick discovers a letter from her husband John-Paul with instructions that she open it in the event of his death. John-Paul is still very much alive–and the secret inside the letter is devastating. Strong language. Bestseller. 2013.

Download The husband’s secret

Kate’s 2¢: “The Night Bird” by Brian Freeman

“The Night Bird” by Brian Freeman

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   This was an awesome story right from the start and it kept getting more and more bizarre. Messing with a person’s memory can boomerang on both the patient and the psychiatrist.  I liked the ending, though. I recommend this book.

Brian Freeman (psychological suspense author) – Wikipedia

Alma mater: Carleton College

Genre: Crime fiction, Psychological suspense novel

Nationality: American

Spouse: Marcia Freeman

New York Times Bestselling Author. Brian Freeman writes psychological thrillers that have been sold in 46 countries and 22 languages. His novel SPILLED BLOOD won the award for Best Hardcover Novel in the annual Thriller Awards, and his novel THE BURYING PLACE was a finalist for the same award. His novel THE DEEP, DEEP SNOW was a finalist for the Edgar …

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

The night bird DBC16046

Freeman, Brian. Reading time: 10 hours, 26 minutes.

Read by Tom Speich. A production of Minnesota State Services for the Blind, Communication Center.

Suspense Fiction

Mystery and Detective Stories

Psychological Fiction

A detective investigates a series of bizarre deaths in San Francisco, and learns that all the victims saw the same psychiatrist. As the body count rises and the Night Bird circles ever closer, a dedicated cop and a brilliant doctor race to solve the puzzle before a cunning killer claims another victim. Unrated.

Download The night bird

Kate’s 2¢: “All the frequent troubles of our days: the true story of the American woman at the heart of the German resistance to Hitler” by Rebecca Donner

“All the frequent troubles of our days: the true story of the American woman at the heart of the German resistance to Hitler” by Rebecca Donner

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   Donner recounts the life, work, and death of her great-great-aunt based on a variety of primary sources   during her research. Mildred Harnack was an American, a daughter of the American Revolution, and embraced the country of the man she loved…and died for.

   Harnack was beheaded for not wanting to be ruled by the Nazi.

   This is a very interesting, yet, disturbing book. It is amazing how fast Hitler took over every aspect of German culture and the country…Sounds a lot like ‘cancer culture’ that we have today.

   How can anyone say the holocaust didn’t happen? I suppose they are also ignorant of the Wiggers in China, the Russian invasion of Ukrane, Justin Trudeau in Canada, persecution of Christians by Muslims, and, perhaps, the puppeteers behind Biden.

   We truly doomed to repeat history, unless we heed what Mildred told her student, Don: Don’t ever forget.

https://www.rebeccadonner.comActions for this site

“Combining meticulous scholarship and sparkling narrative brio, Rebecca Donner’s All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days brings to life for the first time the central role played by Mildred Harnack in Germany’s homegrown opposition to Nazi rule. Donner’s portrait of the cruelly oppressive system against which Harnack and her circle fought serves to remind us of what …

   “I was born in Canada and during childhood lived in a number of different places — Japan, Michigan, Virginia, and California. My love of books has remained the one constant in my life. All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days is my third book, a fusion of biography, WWII espionage thriller, and scholarly detective story.”

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

All the frequent troubles of our days: the true story of the American woman at the heart of the German resistance to Hitler DB105813

Donner, Rebecca. Reading time: 13 hours, 52 minutes.

Read by Rebecca Donner.

Biography

War and the Military

World History and Affairs

The author recounts the life, work, and death of her great-great-aunt, Mildred Harnack, the American leader of a large resistance group in World War II Germany. She discusses how Mildred held secret meetings, recruited members, aided Jews in escaping, plotted sabotage, and more before her eventual capture and execution. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021.

Download All the frequent troubles of our days: the true story of the American woman at the heart of the German resistance to Hitler

Kate’s 2¢: “The complete collected poems of Maya Angelou” by Maya Angelou

“The complete collected poems of Maya Angelou” by Maya Angelou

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

“…You may shoot me with your words/You may cut me with your eyes/You may kill me with your hatefulness, but, like air, I’ll rise.”

   Gail Nelson did a good job of narrating this compilation of Angelou’s poetry. She found a meaningful balance between when to turn on the cadence of Black patois and when the ethnic emphasis wasn’t needed. 

“…Does my sexiness upset you/Does it come as a surprise that I dance like I’ve got diamonds at the meeting of my thighs?/out of huts of history’s shame/ I rise.”

   While the poems in this compilation run the gamut from life and death, body parts and sec, stormy weather and calm sunsets, I found Angelou’s poems about civil rights and slavery to be the most passionate and powerful.

“…Up from a past that’s rooted in pain/I rise/I’m a black ocean leaping and wise/Welling and swelling/I bear in the tide/Leaving behind nights of terror and fear/ I rise into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear/I rise. Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave/I am the dream and the hope of the slave/I rise.”

   Many of the poems reflect the desultory  past of the Negro people, yet, Angelou also gives a message of hope.

“…History, despite its wrenching pain, /cannot be unlived/but, if faced with courage/it need not be lived again.

Marguerite Annie Johnson, Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA as Marguerite Annie Johnson. She was an actress and writer, known for Poetic Justice (1993), Madea’s Family Reunion (2006) and How to Make an American Quilt (1995). She was married to Paul Du Feu, Vusumzi Linda Make and Enistasious (Tosh) Angelos.

   The second child of Bailey Johnson, a doorman and navy dietitian, and Vivian (Baxter) Johnson, a nurse and card dealer.  Her parents divorced when she was three and she was sent with her 4-year old brother Bailey to live with their grandmother in the small town of Stamps, Arkansas.

   Maya Angelou became one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. With over 50 honorary doctorate degrees Dr. Maya Angelou became a celebrated poet, memoirist, educator, dramatist.

   Feb 28, 2018 · Maya Angelou was a civil rights activist, poet and award-winning author known for her acclaimed 1969 memoir, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,’ and her numerous poetry and essay collections.

From   NLS/BARD/LOC:

The complete collected poems of Maya Angelou DB42918

Angelou, Maya Reading time: 3 hours, 0 minutes.

Gail Nelson A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Poetry

In this collection of more than 150 poems, Angelou celebrates the lives of black people, though many of her poems are universal in their appeal. She uses speech patterns of southern blacks and of the street-wise hip, the currents of blues and jazz, and the rhythm of rap. The collection includes “Still I Rise” and “On the Pulse of Morning.”

Download The complete collected poems of Maya Angelou DB42918

Kate’s 2¢: “Mom & me & mom” by Maya Angelou

“Mom & me & mom” by Maya Angelou

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   There are at least six books in Angelou’s memoirs. One of the interesting things about writing memoirs, is how the memory has such flexibility. I’ve read Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and “We Gather Together”. There are a few discrepancies.

   I’m not sure is Maya and her brother were 3-years old and 4-years old or 3-years old and 5-years old when they were put on the train in CA to travel alone to Arkansas.  The vignette of Maya and her father’s trip to Mexico, when she was 14-years old, differs in this story from the version in the other memoirs. 

   None-the-less, the two women who raised Angelou, imparted great wisdom, common sense, and deep love.

   This book glances at her grandmother’s time to focus mostly on Angelou’s various adult successes, (such as a Swedish production she wrote), degradation of Bailey’s life, the support Vivan gave her in foreign lands, and the care she gave her Mother as she lay dying.

Marguerite Annie Johnson, Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA as Marguerite Annie Johnson. She was an actress and writer, known for Poetic Justice (1993), Madea’s Family Reunion (2006) and How to Make an American Quilt (1995). She was married to Paul Du Feu, Vusumzi Linda Make and Enistasious (Tosh) Angelos.

   The second child of Bailey Johnson, a doorman and navy dietitian, and Vivian (Baxter) Johnson, a nurse and card dealer.  Her parents divorced when she was three and she was sent with her 4-year old brother Bailey to live with their grandmother in the small town of Stamps, Arkansas.

   Maya Angelou became one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. With over 50 honorary doctorate degrees Dr. Maya Angelou became a celebrated poet, memoirist, educator, dramatist.

   Feb 28, 2018 · Maya Angelou was a civil rights activist, poet and award-winning author known for her acclaimed 1969 memoir, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,’ and her numerous poetry and essay collections.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Mom & me & mom DB76616

Angelou, Maya Reading time: 4 hours, 9 minutes.

Mitzi Friedlander A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Biography of Writers

Literature

Bestsellers

Author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (DB 57200) chronicles her relationship with her mother. Discusses being raised by her grandmother from ages three to thirteen and recounts her growing adoration of her mother during Angelou’s teen years. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2013.

Download Mom & me & mom DB76616

Kate’s 2¢: “Gather Together” by Maya Angelou

“Gather Together” by Maya Angelou

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   It is a good thing that Maya Angelou kept reminding the reader that this was the true story of a Black, single Mother, because, Mitzi Friedlander’s voice lacked the ethnicity of the Black patois. 

   The listener to this NLS narrated book will enjoy the novel-like arc of Angelou’s auto-biography. I enjoyed this book.

Marguerite Annie Johnson, Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA as Marguerite Annie Johnson. She was an actress and writer, known for Poetic Justice (1993), Madea’s Family Reunion (2006) and How to Make an American Quilt (1995). She was married to Paul Du Feu, Vusumzi Linda Make and Enistasious (Tosh) Angelos.

   The second child of Bailey Johnson, a doorman and navy dietitian, and Vivian (Baxter) Johnson, a nurse and card dealer.  Her parents divorced when she was three and she was sent with her 4-year old brother Bailey to live with their grandmother in the small town of Stamps, Arkansas.

   Maya Angelou became one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. With over 50 honorary doctorate degrees Dr. Maya Angelou became a celebrated poet, memoirist, educator, dramatist.

   Feb 28, 2018 · Maya Angelou was a civil rights activist, poet and award-winning author known for her acclaimed 1969 memoir, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,’ and her numerous poetry and essay collections.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Gather together in my name DB56481

Angelou, Maya Reading time: 6 hours, 16 minutes.

Mitzi Friedlander A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Biography

A continuation of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (RC 24959), this memoir begins at the end of World War II. Angelou recalls being an unwed mother at seventeen and becoming a prostitute for an older man who deceived her. Some descriptions of sex and some strong language. 1974.

Download Gather together in my name DB56481

Kate’s 2¢: “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   This could have been any young girl’s story, who grew up in poverty with strife and prejudices, however, the ethnicity of Maya Angelou’s deep, melodious voice reading her auto-biography, leaves no doubt that this is the story of a young, Black girl over-coming each obstacle placed in her path or ones of her own doing.

   Although this is an auto-biography, it reads liken amazing novel. I enjoyed reading about her trials and triumphs.

Marguerite Annie Johnson, Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA as Marguerite Annie Johnson. She was an actress and writer, known for Poetic Justice (1993), Madea’s Family Reunion (2006) and How to Make an American Quilt (1995). She was married to Paul Du Feu, Vusumzi Linda Make and Enistasious (Tosh) Angelos.

   The second child of Bailey Johnson, a doorman and navy dietitian, and Vivian (Baxter) Johnson, a nurse and card dealer.  Her parents divorced when she was three and she was sent with her 4-year old brother Bailey to live with their grandmother in the small town of Stamps, Arkansas.

   Maya Angelou became one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. With over 50 honorary doctorate degrees Dr. Maya Angelou became a celebrated poet, memoirist, educator, dramatist.

   Feb 28, 2018 · Maya Angelou was a civil rights activist, poet and award-winning author known for her acclaimed 1969 memoir, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,’ and her numerous poetry and essay collections.

From NLSBARDLOC          :

I know why the caged bird sings DB24959

Angelou, Maya Reading time: 9 hours, 5 minutes.

Terry Hayes Sales A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Biography of Writers

An autobiography of the childhood and adolescence of a black girl in rural Arkansas, St. Louis, and San Francisco. She is a strong and sensitive young woman who endures and overcomes many horrors in her life.

Download I know why the caged bird sings DB24959

Kate’s 2¢: “The Amish Nanny” by Mindy Starns -Clark and Leslie Gould

“The Amish Nanny” by Mindy Starns -Clark and Leslie Gould

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   The reader will learn a lot about Amish and Mennonite history, as well as why they honor their martyred forebearers. There are many wonderful descriptions of the Swiss landscapes, small towns, churches, and customs.

   I enjoyed traveling with Ada and felt my heart soar when her heart soared.

www.mindystarnsclark.com

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of numerous books, both fiction and nonfiction, including Whispers of the Bayou, The House That Cleans Itself, and the #1-ranked The Amish Midwife. She has received numerous honors, including two Christy Awards and an RT Book Reviews’ Career Achievement Award. Mindy and her husband, John, live near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and have two grown daughters.

www.goodreads.com/author/show/151399.Leslie_Gould

Leslie Gould is the #1 bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of thirty novels. She received her MFA from Portland State University and teaches writing at Warner Pacific University. Leslie enjoys traveling, hiking, and history.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

The Amish nanny DBG09007

Clark, Mindy Starns; Gould, Leslie Reading time: 13 hours, 1 minute.

Nancy Mathewson. A production of CNIB.

Religious Fiction

Human Relations

Romance

Amish-raised Ada Rupp knows it’s time to join the church, especially if she wants a future with handsome widower Will Gundy. But when she has the chance to travel to Switzerland as the caregiver of a young child, she leaps at the opportunity. Anxious to learn more about her forebears, Ada enlists the help of a young Mennonite scholar named Daniel, but even as she develops feelings for him, she cannot get Will from her mind – or her heart. 2011. (Women of Lancaster County ; 2) Unrated. Marrakesh title.

Download The Amish nanny DBG09007