The Novel Women Book Series

The Novel Women Book Series book covers in front of a tropical beach scene.

When middle age hits – it hits hard.  Marriages fall apart, children leave for college, and jobs despair. The six women of NOVEL WOMEN stand at this crossroad in their lives when their beloved book club goes on hiatus for the summer.

Energized by changes in careers and romances, the ladies of Novel Women book club transition from a tumultuous summer into autumn. But they soon discover that this new stage of life doesn’t come with instructions.

Novel Women 3 completes the trilogy begun in Novel Women– with the ladies of the book club finding the strength they need to confront new challenges in business, love, and family by the support and care of life-long friendship.

MASH without the laughs

Kristin Hannah’s novel, “The Women,” is some book! It’s poignant and compelling story explores women’s lives during the Vietnam War era. Our book club has never read anything like it. Hannah brings to life the experiences of women who served as nurses who were all but forgotten for their efforts and sacrifices.

“The Women” follows the journey of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young woman from a privileged background who volunteers as a nurse in Vietnam. Frankie’s decision to serve is driven by a desire to break free from societal expectations and make a meaningful impact. The novel chronicles her experiences on the front lines, where she faces not only the horrors of war but also the camaraderie and resilience of her fellow nurses.

Upon returning home, Frankie grapples with the challenges of reintegration into a society that is largely indifferent to her sacrifices. Her struggles reflect the broader societal attitudes toward Vietnam veterans, particularly women, who are often forgotten in the annals of history.

Hannah’s multi-dimensional protagonist’s growth is portrayed with depth and sensitivity. Her courage, vulnerability, and determination make her a relatable and inspiring figure. The supporting characters, including fellow nurses and soldiers, add richness to the narrative, each representing different facets of the wartime experience.

We had so much to talk about at book club with this novel. We discussed female empowerment and what it looked like in the 1970s and what it looks like now. We talked about the war and its aftermath. But we talked mostly about Frankie and her struggles to find her own place in a world that didn’t really appreciate her. The trauma from the war was heightened by her isolation from society. The exception was the strong bonds of friendship she had with two other nurses who served with her. They dropped everything when she needed them. They were Frankie’s lifeline. What incredible friends they were.

This novel is a powerful tribute to the unsung heroines of the Vietnam War. Through Frankie’s story, Hannah sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in wartime, providing a narrative that is as informative as it is inspiring. The novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the profound impact of those who serve in times of conflict.

Have the tissues ready!

Rating: 9.5

Reel Talk: Swapping Book Club for Movie Night

“Cabrini” is a 2024 biographical drama directed by Alejandro Monteverde, chronicling the life of Francesca Cabrini, an Italian immigrant nun who became the first American citizen to be canonized as a saint. Set in late 19th-century New York City, the film portrays Cabrini’s unwavering dedication to aiding impoverished Italian immigrants, particularly orphaned children, amidst societal challenges.

Cristiana Dell’Anna delivers a compelling performance as Cabrini, capturing her resilience and compassion. The film’s cinematography effectively evokes the era’s atmosphere, immersing viewers in the historical context.

Although, critics have offered mixed reviews; RogerEbert.com praised it as a “dignified” portrayal that honors Cabrini’s efforts, while IndieWire criticized it as “stodgy” and “histrionic.” Our book club thoroughly enjoyed the movie. We felt that the movie offered an insightful look into the life of a remarkable woman whose legacy of charity and perseverance continues to inspire. All of us were inspired. It was amazing to us how much she accomplished with all those obstacles thrown at her. A truly remarkable women.

Rating: 9

Rebuilding in the Face of Destruction

Happy New Year – 2024! What a better way to start the year – rebirth and resilience with our first book club of the year.

“The Stars Are Fire,” by Anita Shreve is a captivating historical novel that takes readers on a journey through love, resilience, and survival. Set against the backdrop of the devastating 1947 Maine wildfires, the story follows Grace Holland, a young mother whose life is forever changed by the destructive forces of nature.

The novel explores the complexities of relationships and the strength of the human spirit. Grace’s character undergoes a profound transformation as she grapples with loss, adversity, and the need to rebuild her life from the ashes – literally.

The book successfully transports readers to 1947 and the fires that devastated a large section of Maine. The wildfires become a powerful metaphor for the challenges and opportunities that arise in the face of tragedy.

The narrative balances suspense and introspection. Shreve skillfully weaves together the personal and the universal, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the indomitable will to survive. The pacing keeps the reader engaged, and the story unfolds in a way that keeps you eagerly turning the pages.


As a book club we felt that the author’s character development of Grace was the real strength of the book as we watched her again and again rise from the ash. It’s about resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to find hope in the darkest of times.

None of us knew about the fires in Maine and that’s one of the reasons why we really enjoy historical fiction. We learn something.

Anita Shreve’s “The Stars Are Fire” is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that explores the impact of natural disasters on the human psyche.

Rating: 8.0

Forest Fire Photo by second sight on Unsplash

An Ordinary Life

Ann Patchett’s Tom Lake is a poignant exploration of memory, love, and the intersections of past and present. Set during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the novel unfolds as Lara, the narrator, recounts a transformative summer of her youth to her three grown daughters while they all work together on their Michigan family orchard.

The narrative shifts between Lara’s present-day family life and her youthful romance with a budding actor, Peter Duke, whose star later rises to Hollywood fame. The story draws parallels between Lara’s youthful idealism and her mature understanding of love and sacrifice. The daughters’ varying reactions to their mother’s stories underscore themes of how family lore shapes identity and relationships.

Our book club mostly enjoyed the novel. We loved the looking back at one’s younger self as Lara explains her life to her daughters. We especially liked how the daughters reacted (some different some identical). We discussed how our pasts effect us and how and why we make the choices we do. I specifically loved the beauty of ordinary lives that Patchett’s tells so well in this book. I listened to Meryl Streep on the audible and she is so outstanding bringing Lara to life. Some of the other book club ladies read the book and thought it dragged a bit. I told them they should have listen to the audible.

Rating: 8.5

A Life’s Journey

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

The title alone had us intrigued The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.  Immediately Elizabeth Taylor came to mind (but she actually married eight times – married Richard Burton twice).  Plus, we had read Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel Malibu Rising last spring and enjoyed it. When we like a book, we look at other novels that author has written. And just like the first book we were smitten.

When Evelyn Hugo, an aging star, who can still work a room, a movie set, and anything else she so desires, wants you to write her memoir – what’s a journalist to do?  Monique Grant is shocked when Evelyn asks her to not only write her memoir but to keep all proceeds from its sale. Monique is just starting her career and not a well-known entertainment journalist or author. Anyone would jump at this astounding offer, and she does with apprehension. Why me? (Of course, there is a reason – you’ll find out at the end).

Evelyn is all charm but with an edge. We follow her on her journey to stardom. As her darkest secrets are laid bare and the story concludes we are once again shown that no one has it all. We all suffer. We all grieve. We all do not get what we want. It’s about making the best of your live regardless.

We really liked this book.  We had fun visiting old Hollywood.  And appreciated how hard it must have been for so many to live their authentic lives. We talked about Elizabeth Taylor and about the tragedy of Marilyn Moore, among others.  We loved the fact that Evelyn wasn’t perfect. She did some stupid things. Some bad things. Who doesn’t have flaws?

And by the way:  Our book club has absolutely picked Harry as our hands down favorite husband.  Although….(don’t want to ruin the story).

Enjoyable.

Rating: 8.0

Photo by Vlad Bagacian on Unsplash

Love Heals

Shelby Van Pelt’s novel Remarkably Bright Creatures is a story about healing and finding love again. 

After her husband dies, Tova Sullivan works keeping her home in tip-top shape and takes a job at Puget Sound’s Sowell Bay Aquarium cleaning and talking with the creatures of the sea. Her favorite is an octopus named Marcellus.  Staying busy helps quiet the 70-year-old’s mind from wondering about her son, Erik, who died at eighteen from suicide. Tova never believed the coroner’s ruling.

Her friends don’t understand why she mops floors at the aquarium when she has plenty of money. Tova has a steely determination to live her life her way and on her own. She even refuses all offers of help when she decides to downsize from her childhood home.

The novel keys in on another character, Cameron. A thirty something, down-on-his-luck young man looking to find his father and get money for all the child support payments never made to his mother.  His mother suffered from mental illness and left Cameron with her sister to raise. Abandoned, Cameron can’t get his act together. Without a stable family, his ability to form secure attachments always falters and his relationships fall apart. Frustrated about his life, he leaves his hometown to find his father from a picture he found in his mother’s belongings. Cameron arrives in Tova’s town – coincidental?

Love – it’s what we all crave. It doesn’t always come in the Prince Charming package. And slowly, Tova Sullivan, let the pain of her incredible losses subside and allowed moments of affection, caring and love back into your life. 

And let’s not forget about Marcellus – the octopus.   If you happened to listen to the book, the narrator was amazing. Everyone at my book club loved this character.

We genuinely enjoyed this book. It’s a feel-good-happy book and it’s always nice to have a smile on your face when you finish a novel.  We discussed the general theme of the book – healing.  Everyone has people they loved who have passed away and the difficulty of grieving.  The deeper the love you have for someone – the longer the time you will mourn them according to a grief counselor I spoke with.  We also discussed love of family and friends and the great comfort they can bring.

It a lovely end-of-summer read. 

Enjoy!    

Rating: 8.0

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

The Innocence of Childhood

As part of the fabulous Pulpwood Queens our book club gets to discover lots of different books and their authors. During the last Girlfriend’s Weekend, I met quite a few. One author was Lesley Kagen who wrote Whistling in the Dark.  I’ll have a few more posts on other discoveries from that Weekend as my book club reads them.

The author is quite the entrepreneur. She’s also an actress, voice-over talent and a restaurateur.  Where she finds the time…. Her book Whistling in the Dark takes me back to my own childhood. We were pushed out the door by 9 am on Saturday and expected back for dinner around 6.  Somewhere in the neighborhood we would grab a p&j at someone’s home around 1. We were unsupervised and left to our own devices.  We made up games and entertained ourselves with made up stories and adventures. No one worried about child predators.

The novel introduces us to the O’Malley family in the summer of 1959 in Milwaukee. Sally O’Malley had promised her father on his deathbed that she would look after her sister Troo and keep her safe. But life had other plans. Sally’s mother had remarried an alcoholic and was in the hospital battling cancer. The stepfather abandoned Sally, Troo and their older sister Nell. Food was scarce and so was big-sister, Nell, who was more interested in her boyfriend then her sisters. 

Sally’s ten-year-old imagination goes into overdrive as two young girls go missing. She is convinced that her sister Troo will be next. Sally is spooked by all the attention a local cop is giving her and thinks maybe he’s the murderer. The tale spins as we follow the story through the eyes of this bright, inquisitive young girl.  

My book club loved this book. We talked about the freedom of our childhoods. No supervision, going from one neighbor’s home to the next with no thought of danger. No scheduled play dates.  We discussed the difference between our childhoods and our children’s. We all loved the detail and richness of this story. We felt like we were there running in the neighborhood or bicycling down by the lake. But the story really highlights the vulnerability of the children of this (our) era.

Pick up the book for your book club. It’s fun to reminisce.

Rating: 8   

Photo by Piron Guillaume on Unsplash

Sometimes Love Hurts

As you know, I love nothing more than wandering up and down the aisles of a bookstore.  The scent of vanilla flowers and almonds tickles my nose as I open the cover of the first book. Savoring the aroma, I read the book summary and flip through the pages. I continue this several times until I can’t carry any more books and bring them to a bench or table for another round of reviews trying to decide what to buy.  It was on a day like this as I strolled through the bookstore that I realized I also needed a book for book club.   I read a lot of mysteries and thrillers and those aren’t necessarily good conversation starters. I try to have suggestions ready for our next book at our meetings. Sometimes a member requests a certain book, but mostly I choose the books. It’s hard picking just the right book you think everyone will like.  However, I think one of the best things about book club is that you read books that you would have never read on your own.   

With my books selected, I took another spin around the bookstore and picked up Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us. I liked the cover. After reading the summary, I knew this would be perfect.  Two very interesting people are introduced, Lily Bloom, independent, intelligent, running her own business and Ryle Kincaid, a handsome neurosurgeon. What could possibly go wrong?

The first time Lily and Ryle have a traumatic scene I thought okay – maybe – don’t like it, but I can overlook it. We are all flawed and make mistakes sometimes. Right? Again, I think the author did a good job with pacing in this book.  Can we all see ourselves forgiving a one-off mistake? So, life continued as it did before. Then….

Hoover’s skillful writing is key to this novel. Traumatic situations are not easy to write about and keep your reader entertained and not disgusted.

I don’t want to give away the story line, so I’ll tell you what the ladies at my book club thought. First, they all liked the book.  Second, we all agreed that we would have given him another chance, even maybe two.  Again, her pacing was excellent. Third, we talked about times in our lives when we gave another chance to someone and those outcomes. The only thing some of the women wanted to see was Lily doing what the author’s mother did.

At the end of the book, the author writes about her own familial abuse and how that helped her create such a remarkably tender but also painful look at a difficult subject most of us try to ignore. Make sure you read about the author’s mother. Standing alone without the benefit of someone in the wings makes Ms. Hoover’s mother a hero to me.

Well done!

Rating: 8.5

Photo by Almos Bechtold on Unsplash

The Turncoat’s Widow: A Revolutionary War Mystery

Our book club was honored this month to host author, Mally Becker, and her new book – The Turncoat’s Widow: A Revolutionary War Mystery.

We so enjoyed reading her book that we were thrilled to be able to ask her questions about where she came up with the idea for a strong female lead in America’s revolutionary war. The seed of the story came about when Mally was looking through Morristown National Historical Park archival letters and she found a copy of an indictment for the crime of traveling from NJ to NY without permission or passport. 

So began her writing journey. And we were so glad she did.

The story begins with the death of the Philip Parcell. He had been held prisoner and was tortured by the British who were looking for a list of informants.  Before his death, he told a fellow prisoner (Daniel) to contact his wife, Rebecca and have her sell the list to General Washington.

Daniel escapes and goes in search of Rebecca. All is not well for her at home. She struggles to maintain their farm and must deal with hostile townspeople who think she’s a turncoat and threaten to take her farm away. She has wanted nothing to do with this war but finds herself square in the middle of it by the time Daniel finds Rebecca. Washington tasks both with finding the list. In turn, he will safeguard her farm and grant it to her if she prevails.

There’s a lot going on in this novel but it’s an exciting read with believable and interesting characters throughout. Plus, we all learned a bunch of things about women in that time period and about the war itself. Well researched. Your book club will love it.

Rating: 8.5