Noticed there was a pattern emerging...Book Reviews



 Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
Publisher: Voice; First Edition edition (June 9, 2009)
Pages 384
My take: Connie, a PhD candidate at Harvard is sent to clean out her Granna's house. The house has been empty for years and has not been updated since the early 1900's. While dusting and sorting Connie finds a key and slip of paper with the words "Deliverance Dane" written in old script in the large family Bible. As a History major Connie is compelled to search the significance of this possible message.
Katherine Howe does an excellent job in her research of early America, Salem and the witch trials, as well as her development of the story line and characters. An enjoyable read with exciting twists and a look into history.


Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
Publisher Bantam Discovery (April 29, 2008)
Pages 320
My take: I love the combination of cooking and magic. SAA does a wonderful job of hinting to magic and weaving a beautiful story of family and triumph...the apple throwing tree is priceless!







The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston
Publisher Thomas Dunne Books  (January 18, 2011)
Pages 320
My take: I love the story, Ms. Brackston did a grand job of character development. The story flows through time with ease and congruency. There is just enough magic and villainy (is that a word?It is now) to keep the book interesting.  My only complaint is that the publisher smashed the tiniest font on the page making it very tiresome to read.






Chime by Fanny Billingsley
Publisher Dial (March 17, 2011)
Pages 368
My take: This Young Adult book is an interesting twist on witches and the paranormal. Set in the early 1900's near the Swampsea Briony Larkins, daughter of the local minister and twin sister to Rose, is sure she is a wicked. She is keeping this information a secret so the Chime Child does not expose her to the town folk. The real excitment starts when an enginer comes into town ready to drain the swamp and put in a railroad, Briony is convinced the Boggy Man will send the swamp cough and wipe out the town, including her sister. This story contains, mystery, murder, paranormal activity, and love. Billingsley does a wonderful job of weaving several story lines through out this book. Her writing is beautiful in construction and solid is story.

Okay...What's the theme?