Here are the books I read in July that were 4- or 5-star reads!
The Gilded Thespian Show (Shallow Draw Series Book 2)
by Mae Clair
I read and loved “Diamond Jack” and was thrilled to see the series continue with Shey’s best friend, Asher. Wisteria was the star of a traveling show, and her troop was coming to the town of a man she had almost married a year ago. Asher was a local rancher who was making the family ranch a success, and the man she almost married. Mixed into this failed romance were an out-of-control bully of a cowboy, a protective brother looking for work, and a secret the show’s owner kept to himself. The town was excited for this high-quality show, but a brutal attack followed. There were great characters, some with surprises I wasn’t expecting. I couldn’t help but root for Asher and Wisteria, but I also loved seeing Shey again and getting an update on his family. There were many layers to this western, making it hard to put down. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and to return to Shallow Draw. I can easily recommend this!
By Beem Weeks
“The Secret Collector” is a historical fiction set in 1910 Alabama. It is a coming-of-age story centered on the free-spirited, fifteen-year-old Violet. She is a strong character who questions not only her place in the world but also racial injustice and women’s rights. As the youngest sister, Violet just wants to have fun. To keep her out of trouble, she’s sent to help her sister at the end of her pregnancy. Here Violet finds a new freedom and knows how to manipulate adults, especially men. I loved her interactions with family and friends; she was loyal and caring. Violet also doesn’t hold back exploring her sexual awakening, and that could challenge some readers. Skillful writing defines this tale, with settings that leap off the page. It was easy to imagine her era and grasp a woman’s role then. I can definitely recommend this captivating story, with the warning about sexual content.
Also read, rated, and recommended:
(Thank you to Sandra Cox for the Little Library Book donations. I’m reading them before putting them in the library! The following are some of those books.)
The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown
The Friend of the Family by Dean Koontz
Embrace your inner child; read a book this summer by the pool or lake. Denise