Author Archives: EHL

If Cats Disappeared from the World – Genki Kawamura, trans by Eric Selland

If you were given only a few more days to live, just what would you do? Well, the young postman in this story is faced with that situation and sits down to write the 10 things he wants to do … Continue reading

Posted in adult, Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off on If Cats Disappeared from the World – Genki Kawamura, trans by Eric Selland

Devices and Desires: Bess of Hardwick and the Building of Elizabethan England – Kate Hubbard Harper

Hardwick Hall was built in the 1590s, when Bess was in her seventies. It is still remarkable with clean lines,  amazing windows –  more glass than wall. It was the grand finale of building projects for Bess of Hardwick. being … Continue reading

Posted in adult, biography, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Devices and Desires: Bess of Hardwick and the Building of Elizabethan England – Kate Hubbard Harper

Lovely War – Julie Berry

From the publisher, “It’s 1917, and World War I is at its zenith when Hazel and James first catch sight of each other at a London party. She’s a shy and talented pianist; he’s a newly minted soldier with dreams … Continue reading

Posted in gentle reader, highly recommend, historical fiction, Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off on Lovely War – Julie Berry

Pay Attention, Carter Jones – Gary D. Schmidt

Sixth grader Carter Jones, opens the door to find a portly butler during a frantic first day of school morning for the four children.  In the vein of Mary Poppins, sans magic, he arrives at the most needed time.  Carter’s … Continue reading

Posted in gentle reader, highly recommend, realistic fiction, Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off on Pay Attention, Carter Jones – Gary D. Schmidt

The Wartime Sisters – Lynda Loigman

You would never think that Ruth and Millie were sisters. Ruth, three years older, was the responsible one, rather plain looking, very smart, and you could count on her to always do the right thing. But expectations were high for … Continue reading

Posted in adult, historical fiction, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The Wartime Sisters – Lynda Loigman

The Wicked King – Holly Black

The sequel to The Cruel Prince opens with all of Jude’s plans coming to fruition.  Oak is safely growing up in the human world until he comes of age to rule, replacing Cardan.  Cardan now rules, temporarily, but is well … Continue reading

Posted in fantasy, fiction, folklore, highly recommend, suspense, Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off on The Wicked King – Holly Black

The Legend of Sally Jones – Jakob Wegelius

Last year, Delecorte Press published The Murderer’s Ape and I thought it was terrific. So very unique.  I recently ordered a hardback of The Legend of Sally Jones published by Pushkin Press and not readily available in the US.  The … Continue reading

Posted in adventure, fiction, highly recommend, Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Legend of Sally Jones – Jakob Wegelius

Code Name: Lise – The True Story of the Woman Who Became WWII’s Most Highly Decorated Spy – Larry Loftis

Odette was born and raised in France. Her father died a hero in the First World War, and every Sunday afternoon she and her brother placed flowers on his grave. Her Grandfather told the children that in twenty or twenty-five … Continue reading

Posted in adult, biography, highly recommend, history | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Code Name: Lise – The True Story of the Woman Who Became WWII’s Most Highly Decorated Spy – Larry Loftis

Once Upon a River – Diane Setterfield

There was a tradition at the Swan, an ancient inn on the banks of the Thames. It was a tradition of storytelling. Joe Bliss was very good at storytelling. His wife ran the inn. Joe told the stories. And it … Continue reading

Posted in adult, fiction, folklore, gentle reader, mystery, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Once Upon a River – Diane Setterfield

The Au Pair – Emma Rous

Seraphine is in her father’s study at the estate on the Norfolk coast. Still shocked by her father’s accidental death, she’s struggling to clear the mass of papers and photographs, unhappy with the fact that there are no early pictures … Continue reading

Posted in adult, mystery | Comments Off on The Au Pair – Emma Rous

Rewrite: Loops in the Timescape – Gregory Benford

Charlie’s life hasn’t been the greatest. He is a rather ordinary history professor, going through a divorce. But when he gets hit by a truck, he wakes up in his bed instead of a hospital. Things get weird when he … Continue reading

Posted in adult, mystery, science fiction, Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off on Rewrite: Loops in the Timescape – Gregory Benford

Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful – Arwen Elys Dayton

What happens when we manipulate our DNA?  Could the science be used to better humanity or be the root of new evils?  Fusing organs to save a life? Manipulating genes for vanity? Or to create a super human intended for … Continue reading

Posted in dystopian, highly recommend, science fiction, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments Off on Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful – Arwen Elys Dayton

Love à la Mode – Stephanie Kate Strohm

From the publisher, “Take two American teen chefs, add one heaping cup of Paris, toss in a pinch of romance, and stir. . . . Rosie Radeke firmly believes that happiness can be found at the bottom of a mixing bowl. … Continue reading

Posted in fiction, gentle reader, highly recommend, realistic fiction, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments Off on Love à la Mode – Stephanie Kate Strohm

Terran Tomorrow – Nancy Kress

The spaceship Return carried only nine people, although it could have carried many, many more. The mission from Earth to World had not been a success, and so some of the Earthlings were going home, accompanied by five Worlders. They … Continue reading

Posted in adult, dystopian, science fiction, Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off on Terran Tomorrow – Nancy Kress

How to Fracture a Fairy Tale – Jane Yolen

Oh, how I love Jane Yolen’s fairy tales! I promised myself that I would make them last. Read only one a day. Yeah, right. That didn’t last very long. I gobbled them down like a greedy little pig. There were … Continue reading

Posted in folklore, Uncategorized | Comments Off on How to Fracture a Fairy Tale – Jane Yolen