Two Women Prove Their Mettle in Jess Montgomery’s ‘The Widows’ [REVIEW]

Coal mine
One of Ohio’s old coal mining facilities located in the Glouster area in northern Athens County. (Photo courtesy Southeast Ohio History Center)

One man. Two women. A lifetime of secrets. Step back in time nearly a century to a small town where nothing is what it seems and everyone is suspect. Meet Jess Montgomery’s The Widows.
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‘The Clergyman’s Wife’ Takes A Fresh Look at a Classic Story [REVIEW]

Roses
Life looks different after a rose garden is planted in Molly Greeley’s The Clergyman’s Wife. (Photo courtesy Canva)

In Jane Austen’s day, women had well-defined roles in society. Never one to live life by other people’s rules, she frequently challenged the status quo, in print and in life. Now author Molly Greeley takes us back to the beloved world of Pride and Prejudice, where we meet a lonely woman destined for a normal life. But will a new acquaintance give her a chance for something more? Find out in The Clergyman’s Wife.
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Women Actors Now and Then [GUEST POST]

Meryl Streep at the 89th Oscars
“Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.” —Meryl Streep (Photo by ABC/Adam Rose, Flickr)

We have always loved the theatre. In fact, for our very first date we went to go see the deliciously dark Jekyll & Hyde, and its score has entranced us ever since. We relish opportunities to watch amazing actors perform live in shows like The Beauty Queen of LeenaneCabaretChicago, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Gypsy. But what would any production be without the awesome talents of actresses who were bold enough to make a career on stage and screen? In today’s guest post, author Susana Aikin examines why it still takes a certain kind of woman to live life in the limelight. —J&H Continue reading “Women Actors Now and Then [GUEST POST]”

Some Friendships Are Stronger Than War, Just Ask ‘Bess and Frima’ [REVIEW]

Bess and Frima
Theirs is a friendship that would endure politics, marriage, and even war. (Photo courtesy Julie Metz)

Two girls on the cusp of womanhood. Two lives irrevocably intertwined. In the face of World War II, each must make decisions that will shape their destinies and alter the course of their lives forever. But which dreams will they pursue and will fate ultimately tear them apart? Find out in Alice Rosenthal’s new historical novel, Bess and Frima, a coming-of-age story about friendship, family, and daring to be different. Continue reading “Some Friendships Are Stronger Than War, Just Ask ‘Bess and Frima’ [REVIEW]”

Artist Defies Conventional Society in ‘A Different Kind of Fire’ [BOOK BLAST]

Suanne Schafer's A DIFFERENT KIND OF FIRE Book Blast

In a time when women seldom dared to be different, there was once a Texas girl who dreamed of something more. Her aspirations would challenge society’s ideals, lead her into love, and even give her a career. But will she be able to maintain the life she’s built, or will it all come crumbling down around her? Find out in Suanne Schafer’s dazzling new historical novel, A Different Kind of Fire.  Continue reading “Artist Defies Conventional Society in ‘A Different Kind of Fire’ [BOOK BLAST]”