“Turns of Fate” by Anne Bishop 

Detective Beth Fahey is assigned to a division that investigates incidents related to the Isle of Wyrd.  The Isle of Wyrd belongs to the paranormal.  On the Isle of Wyrd, you can have your fortune read, escape, or make a bargain.  When Beth is sent to inquire about a ghost gun, she meets Frost, who slowly introduces her to the Arcana.  The biggest lesson, words have power, intentions matter.

I really enjoyed this novel.  It was well written, and very engaging.  The characters were well developed and showed growth throughout.  I can’t wait to read more novels set in this world.  Overall 5 out of 5 stars!

“Winning the Earthquake” by Lorissa Rinehart 

Jeannette Rankin, the daughter of a wealthy Montana mill owner, grew up in the rough and tumble life of frontier America.  A gifted orator, Jeannette fought for women’s rights, peace, labor organizations and child welfare.  In 1916, she became the first woman elected to the House of Representatives.  However, her vote against WWI ensured that she was not re-elected.  She spent the rest of her life fighting for causes, while history only remembered her war time vote.

Jeannette was a very interesting historical figure.  She fought for her beliefs in a time where women’s voices were not heard.  The first half of the book was riveting, I wanted to know more.  The second half of the book was a bit more slow moving and seemed to go on and on.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“Lincoln’s Ghost” by Brad Ricca 

In the 1920’s Houdini offered $10,000 for anyone to prove that spirits were real, not mere trickery.  He sent undercover agents into communities, drawing rooms, and seances.  Then, he testified to Congress regarding spiritualism, and how it was defrauding America.

I was pretty disappointed in this book.  It was all over the place.  While some of the stories were interesting, the book itself was incoherent and disjointed. Perhaps with some heavy editing, this book might be readable.

“The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz” by Anne Sebba

In the midst of death, dying and cremation, a woman’s orchestra was established in Auschwitz-Birkenau.  The orchestra was led, at different times, by three women, and had over 40 members at its peak.  The orchestra was made up of prisoners from all races and walks of life.  Orchestra members were considered privileged and lived and worked out of one barrack.

The book was a torrent of names and stories. There were so many people featured that I had trouble keeping up with anyone.  I wish the author had organized the book differently, so that each one could really stand out.  Otherwise, it just felt like - A was from x and played the y - over and over again.  I did like how the author addressed that music was both a blessing and a curse. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“When Stars Align by Gracie S. Reynolds

Kat has a prestigious internship at a biotech company.  Her mother is the director.  Kat’s curiosity leads her into the restricted area, where she meets Oliver George.  A terminal patient/human experiment, George is closely guarded and monitored.  Because of her trespassing, she is immediately fired.  However, George asks for her the next day, intrigued to learn more about her.

This is a book geared towards young adults.  As a middle-age adult, I found the science and human experimentation interesting.  The teenage romance wasn’t really for me, but I think young adults will like it.  I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I thought the ending was a bit too convenient.  Overall 4 out of 5 stars.