June 2024
- Katie Peterson
- Jun 4, 2024
- 14 min read
Something old: One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus
Something new: Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
Something steamy: The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory
Something true-ish: The Ship of Brides by Jojo Moyes
Bonus read: Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
Bonus read: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Book club choice: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
The Ratings:
Like plain, black coffee. Strong dislike.
A little cream, a little sugar. Not bad. Not great.
Add some flavor or syrup, it's getting good.
I liked this a latte!
Love! Refill please!
The Steam:
No peppers: Love/romance not a major part of this story
One pepper: Mild! Some love scenes; nothing risque on the page; fade to black
Two peppers: Moderate! Slightly descriptive romantic scenes may occur on page; some implied innuendos
Three peppers: Hot! Blushing while reading may occur; lots of spice
One Thousand White Women
Jim Fergus
The 1870's were a trying time for all women, especially those who did not fit into the mold of societal "norms" and expectations...such as women who do not fit the standard physical appearance, who are sexually exploratory, who would rather smoke a cigar with the men instead of drink tea with the ladies, who are seen by their families as embarrassments or unmarriageable. These female "outcasts", some of them plucked directly from asylums or prisons, form the first group of white women promised as brides to Cheyenne warriors in a peace offering between the Cheyenne tribe and the U.S. government. The government provides 1000 white brides, and the Cheyenne will give 1000 of their best horses. On the Cheyenne side, the hopeful result of this trade is to mesh the two cultures and produce a generation of children who belong to both races, and are therefore accepted by all. The government hopes it will serve a dual purpose: furthering the Indian Peace Policy, making life safer for frontier settlers, as well as allowing American women to educate the natives into a more civilized form of life.
The women, answering the flyer seeking young women of childbearing age who are open to marriage, travel, and adventure, find themselves on a train headed west...each of them taking part in the marital experiment for vastly different reasons. Some are escaping the mundane life they're currently living. Some have no other prospects. Some had no choice in the matter whatsoever. All of them find themselves being matched with Cheyenne tribesmen and moving to the Indian encampment. Living in tipis, sleeping on buffalo robes, taking part in native rituals, and learning the Cheyenne tongue all help acclimate the women to their new nomadic lifestyle. The women, all considered "less than" in the white world, find themselves gaining confidence and clarity in themselves, each other, and in the simplicity of the Native American way of life. However, this lifestyle doesn't come without difficulties. Clashes between clans and savage acts among the tribes keep them aware of just how different their way of living is. And as more of America becomes settled, with gold and other resources being highly sought after in the westward expansion, the tribal Chief has to make a choice: move to a reservation, or go to war. And when the tribesmen ready themselves for battle, where does it leave their new brides?
The book is written as the journal of May Dodd, one of the women who chose to partake in the bride exchange program. The style of writing makes you feel as if it's a true retelling of May's life and experiences with the Cheyenne people. However, it is purely fiction. Although a Northern Cheyenne chief did request the gift of 1000 white women as brides for his fellow warriors at a peace conference with U.S. army authorities, the request was not well received and most definitely did not become a part of history. Read the note below. And after reading the note, read the book.
Note:
This book is quite the controversial read in a historical fiction group I follow on social media. On one side, it is highly recommended as a thoughtful read, shedding light on a time in our nation's history where the climate for Native Americans was rapidly deteriorating and the tragedies they experienced at the hands of settlers and the government. The other half believe it is far too far fetched and contains so many historical inaccuracies that it cannot possibly be considered historical fiction as it lends itself to many misconceptions and untruths. I fall firmly in the former category. I am not "fussy" when it comes to how historical fiction is categorized. If it involves some form of connection to history, whether through characters, events, or places that are based upon real-life events, that's good enough for me. Anytime you read something in any form of "fiction" category, you should remember that, of course, there are pieces that are fabricated solely by the author's imagination. I wouldn't use this book for research into the life of Native Americans...but I would definitely recommend it to further whet your appetite for learning more.
My rating:
Steam rating:
(More like 1/4 of a pepper. Just enough to include a note on it here, but is not a main focal part of the story at all. There are marital (and extra marital) relations alluded to throughout the journal entries. Even if you do not like risque content, this book would still be a safe choice for you.)
Seven Days in June
Tia Williams
Eva Mercy has worked extremely hard to make a name for herself in the literary community. She writes in the erotica fantasy niche, and has a small, but loyal, fan base who have followed her characters through each new release. Shane Hall is an award-winning novelist, writing touching novels about characters in the throes of poverty and despair. They both show up at a Black author panel, not knowing that the other will be there. Unknown to the other authors in attendance, this isn't the first time Shane and Eva have met...and it sends them hurtling back into a past that's both pleasure and pain filled.
Shane and Eva (then known as Genevieve) met their senior year of high school. Misunderstood by everyone else, they found solace in each other. Both had dark secrets and dangerous coping mechanisms. And over the course of seven days, they filled their time with passion, confessions, and hope. But when Genevieve needs Shane the most, he does the thing he promised he would never do...leaves. For years, she carries around the pain and heartbreak of losing him and never knowing why. When they're thrust back together, they pick up where they left off, but Eva can't help but want to close herself off. What if he leaves again? Shane will do whatever it takes to earn her trust...but telling her the truth about what happened so many years ago might end up causing her even more pain.
Tia Williams did such a phenomenal job pulling you in to these characters lives, so that every injustice they felt, you felt. I stayed up well past bedtime to finish this one, because I cared that much about both Shane and Eva (also, this was the last book I read this month and I was already 4 days past my self-set deadline...so it was getting finished no matter what). The tenderness mixed with the intense heat made for a steamier romance than my "something steamy" pick this month. Reading Seven Days in June is the perfect way to spend your days in June...go pick up a copy (or borrow mine if you're local--I bought this one)!
My rating:
Steam rating:
The Wedding Party
Jasmine Guillory
Okay. Whoops! When choosing this book, I failed to notice that this is actually book 3 in a series! So, I checked them all out and quickly read through books 1 and 2 so I could include number 3 in my review. Whew--added two books to the list, in a "kind of" busy month at my job as a teacher (ha!). But, I made it through. These really are quick reads, and you don't have to put a lot of thought/effort into following the story line, so it all worked out.
Maddie and Theo have almost nothing in common. Maddie worked her way through community college, then university, to learn how to open her own personal styling business. Theo attended law school and works a no-nonsense job for the mayor. However, as they both have a mutual best friend, Alexa, they find themselves at the same social gatherings from time to time. At the tail end of Theo's birthday, which Maddie attended as guest of Alexa's, they end up sharing a ride home. During the ride, they find themselves bickering (as usual). One of the topics: Why did Theo turn down continuing his birthday party at a dance club with some of his friends? Maddie is sure it's because he's a terrible dancer. Theo claims he just wasn't in the mood to dance. The only way to be sure which is true? A dance off. Which leads them to Theo's house in a sweaty, dance infused scene...immediately followed by a sweaty, bedroom infused scene.
While they both swear that it meant nothing and won't be anything more than one night, they also find themselves seeking out situations where the other might be. The problem is, they are both determined to ensure Alexa doesn't find out about them. Secret meet-ups, late night texts, and visiting each other at work makes it harder and harder for them to remember that neither one of them wants something serious. But when a life-threatening accident happens, a bedside confession is made at the hospital. Will they realize and act on their true feelings in time? Or will fear keep them from taking the plunge?
I thought these books were fine for light, filler reads. This author definitely has a style, and although it's not my favorite, if you like rom-com books, I think you might enjoy these. They are written by a Black author, and include Black main characters which is a refreshing representation in this genre. If you're looking for steamy, these books are not it. This author leads up to it, and then most of the spice happens off-page. So if that's your style-you'll appreciate the romance without "the details".
My rating:
Steam rating:
(Most "steam" happens off page)
Note before reading:
This is book 3 of a 6 book series. Although they can be read as standalones, the characters make appearances throughout the whole series. If you're interested, I would recommend starting with book 1, The Wedding Date, and working your way through. You'll enjoy getting glimpses of what's happening in their lives as the series progresses.
The Ship of Brides
Jojo Moyes
My something true-ish choice this month, big emphasis on ish. A novel set in the time period immediately following the end of World War II, covering the topic of war brides. While servicemen were stationed or serving overseas, they occasionally entered into marriages with women of different nationalities, causing logistical difficulties once the war ended and the men returned to their home country. Enter the Bride Ships, large vessels tasked with moving large quantities of women from one country to another, allowing them to reunite with their husbands. All of this is gleaned from history. Where the book slides into the ish category is how the author imagined one of these sea crossings, all fictionalized and written entirely for our pleasure. And, man, what a pleasure it was.
I'm a sucker for anything that includes servicemen from the World War II era. Known as the greatest generation for a reason...these men were so brave, young, and classy. Of course it's easy to romanticize something that's passed...but just look at a black and white photograph from a 1940's military unit and tell me that they're not the most handsome group of guys you've ever seen. The marine in our story, Henry Nicol, knows the drill. He's stoic, poised, and contemplative. He's tasked with keeping watch on the women's cabins during the crossing from Australia to England. While he's served on many ships during his tenure, this is the first where women are passengers. Although many of the men find themselves distracted by the addition, Henry is professional as always. And trouble on his home front has him keeping to himself. But he finds himself drawn to one woman in particular, Frances.
Frances is quiet, polite, non-intrusive. She gives only the information required. She doesn't seek out conversations. She avoids gossip and drama. In fact, she tries to avoid other people as much as possible. Although the ship only has so many places you can go, she finds solace in escaping to an upper deck where she can enjoy the vastness of the sky and sea. Here, Henry and Frances find themselves actually enjoying the company of each other...something that takes both of them by surprise. Henry knows Frances is on the ship as a bride, making her firmly off limits. But as the trip progresses, Frances' complicated past reveals itself, making the waters surrounding her murkier than ever. Will Henry let others' judgements affect his own? And when the ship finally docks, who will sink, who will swim, and who will simply walk away...forever?
Good to know before reading: Back and forth timelines, multiple narrators. I found the beginning of the book cumbersome, I didn't enjoy until it went to the 'back' timeline. It was a slow start, but then I really enjoyed once I got going.
My rating:
(My favorite Jojo Moyes book I've read thus far)
Yours Truly
Abby Jimenez
Rom com lovers--put this one on your list! This was the winner of the 2023 "Book of the Year" award from Book of the Month Club, so I had high hopes for it. While it follows an often-used storyline for romance novels, it had plenty of unique additions, making it a fun, fresh take that I really enjoyed!
Dr. Briana Ortiz and Dr. Jacob Maddox have an unfortunate run-in (literally--a phone ends up broken) in the ER hallway on Jacob's first day at the hospital, giving their new working relationship a rocky start. Briana is still reeling from the end of her marriage, as well as dealing with her brother's quickly failing health. Jacob is trying to start fresh, away from his previous place of employment where his ex-girlfriend still works...alongside her new-fiance, Jacob's brother. Both of them are emotionally fragile and a few misunderstandings between them cause some hurt feelings and misconceptions about each other to form. Suffering from severe social anxiety, Jacob is unsure about how to go about repairing the rift, so he decides to write a letter to Briana explaining his side of the story. As she reads the letter, she realizes that she jumped to many conclusions, and writes a reply. A friendship is formed through the pages of handwritten letters and notes, moving to phone calls and texts as they get more familiar and comfortable with one another.
As the trust builds, they find themselves able to share more with each other than they can with anyone else. As they learn about each other, Jacob discloses that in order to convince his family that he's okay with how things stand with his ex and his brother, he lied about having moved on with a new girlfriend. As Jacob has done something beyond generous to help her brother out, Briana jumps at the chance to repay the favor, and act as his significant other at upcoming family gatherings. As they spend more time together, they both find that they are "acting" less and less...and nothing has felt more real for either one. Will one of them take the chance to let the other know how they feel, or will they 'sign off' on their romance before it's even really begun?
This was my first Abby Jimenez, but another book of hers, Part of Your World, was sent to me by a blog reader, and I can't wait to dive into another one!
My rating:
(I really appreciated the inclusion of some very real feelings and experiences, such as severe anxiety, depression, progressive autoimmune disease & treatment side effects, infidelity, and pregnancy loss...and how even with the heavy topics, when the characters were together, everything felt 'lighter', as if you could actually imagine them falling for one another).
Steam rating:
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Taylor Jenkins Reid
Evelyn Hugo is the epitome of Old Hollywood glam. She's lived a life filled to the brim with all of the experiences that go along with being a starlet. Star studded parties, scandalous affairs, closets full of evening gowns, and being recognized wherever she goes. Although the gossip surrounding her is plentiful, the truth is closely guarded by Evelyn and the select few who really know her. One of the topics most often discussed in this gossip? The fact that Evelyn has been married seven times. Although the articles written usually include smidges of the truth, most are filled with speculation and guesses...often formed using the intentional clues left by Evelyn herself. But, as Evelyn ages, she finds that there are some secrets she needs to reveal, and decides to disclose all in a biography.
Monique Grant is a relatively unknown journalist, who is as surprised as her boss when she is chosen by The Evelyn Hugo to help her with a writing project. As they begin their work together, Monique poses the often asked question, "Who was the true love of your life?" Expecting the answer to be one of her seven ex-husbands, Monique is shocked to learn that there is much more to Evelyn than meets the eye. For a woman who has lived her entire adult life in the limelight, she has managed to keep many aspects of her life completely mysterious and hidden. As Evelyn propelled herself out of a home life she longed to escape and into an occupation starring in movies, she was calculating, intelligent, and purposeful with every decision she made. While her frequent nuptials seemed fickle and rash from the outside, as the previously unrevealed details emerge, a whole new picture is painted. One where Evelyn does everything within her power to ensure she gets where, and who, she wants.
For a woman who acts with premeditation and deliberation with every choice, Monique is left wondering, what purpose does completing this biography have for Evelyn? Why now, after all these years? And why was she chosen by Evelyn to complete it? As they journey through the pieces of the past together, both women find themselves learning to trust...their own decisions, and each other's. And when Evelyn requires Monique's trust at a pivotal time, Monique finally understands exactly why she was the perfect person to complete this story.
Good to know before reading: LGBTQ+ relationships, some references to domestic violence
My rating:
Steam rating:
Steamy relations definitely alluded to; physical descriptions of body parts; nothing too descriptive.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Shelby Van Pelt
This book is nothing short of quirky, unique, and witty with character development and dialogue that has you rooting for a happy ending. The most charming character dialogue of all? Well, that would be Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus who was "rescued" from a life in the ocean and now spends his days in safety (captivity?) within the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Marcellus, we learn, is extremely intelligent, with the ability to "free himself" from his tank and roam the halls of the aquarium at night, knowing exactly how far he can go before his body needs to be re-submerged. Marcellus also has an uncanny knack for remembering even the smallest details: the exact shape of a key he once encountered in the ocean, the cadence of human footsteps and whether he's heard those particular ones before, the shape and design of individual fingerprints and who they belong to. And most impressive of all, Marcellus has discovered a way to forge a relationship with the night shift custodian at the aquarium, Tova.
Tova is reeling from the recent loss of her husband, and the not so recent loss of her son. Her pragmatic and practical demeanor, in addition to her ever-growing loneliness, makes her the perfect companion for a grumpy and mischievous octopus. When she finds him roaming the break room stealing leftovers from the counter, she firmly scolds him and demands he return to his tank. When she discovers him caught in a tangle of cords, she nonchalantly helps him, and then reminds him he shouldn't have been there in the first place. While everyone else sees Marcellus as a "showcase", she sees him as a living being. One with feelings, thoughts, and experiences. She finds herself confiding in him, trusting him with her most desperate desire: to know what actually happened the summer that her son died in a boating accident. And in turn, Marcellus can sense something special in Tova, too. Something trustworthy...calming...familiar.
As Tova nears her retirement, she begins training her replacement, a young man named Cameron who moved to Sowell Bay with his own frantic search to find his father...a man who Cameron has never known the name of but recently found a photograph indicating he may have been from this area. As Cameron spends more time at the aquarium, Tova introduces him to Marcellus, helping him see that he's more than just a sea creature. With his uncanny ability to notice and remember details, Marcellus realizes he may have the answers that both Tova and Cameron seek. Can Marcellus figure out a way to help Tova and Cameron come to the same conclusions he has...or will his quickly approaching life-span expectancy come too soon?
This one was unexpected. I found one of the characters so utterly frustrating and unrelatable...but I'll keep that info anonymous so you can draw your own conclusions after you read. ;)
Good to know before reading:
-Multiple narrators
My rating:
This was my book club's choice this month, and it received ratings ranging from 2-5 from the members! An interesting topic of discussion was that those who listened to the audiobook tended to enjoy it more than those who read a paper copy. If you're into audiobooks--you might want to try this one!
Read along with me in July
Something old | The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters |
Something new | The Spare Room by Andrea Barts |
Something steamy | Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston |
Something true-ish | A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon |
The Wives | |
Book Club choice | Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver |
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