Eli Rill has written a very tight historical fiction, recounting the life of Norman Schecter from the Great Depression through 911 and beyond. Norman is a 2nd generation immigrant Jew, with very liberal and very union concepts. He is an activist with a peacemaker's heart. This tale travels back and forth through Norman's life and produces a very fine read for many types of readers.

A Polish family's odyssey

Step into the lives of Gracie Antes and the Woods family of Eagles Mere Pennsylvania. Gracie, who decided to take control and live her life, left her sheltered family in 1925 to pursue her dreams. Crestmont was a summer job, a way to start earning money in order to follow her dream and sing. Little did she know she would find herself, friends, and a family of her own by taking a job at the Crestmont Inn. The woods own the Crestmont and spend their time keeping the dream of Mrs. Woods’s father alive. The Crestmont is not just and Inn, but a place of happiness and solitude for many guest as well as the charming staff. As you read this wonderful novel, you will be taken back in time to the 1920’s. You will feel you are part of the Crestmont and its staff. As Gracie’s’ story unfolds you are vividly aware of the decade, its people, pastimes and its trials. The book is truly engulfing. You will not want to put it down. The characters are unique and charming, giving the book a truly small town feel with a get away to dream of. I really enjoyed this debut novel. I felt I was actually part of Eagles Mere and the Crestmont Inn. The characters are charming and loveable. It makes you want to visit the modern day Crestmont, though I’m sure you would arrive and be disappointed. The book is a work of historical fiction, combined with actual history, The Crestmont is a wildly entertaining read. Everything is well presented and thought out. The descriptive nature enables you to envision life during this time. The author does a wonderful job at drawing the reader in and making them welcome, wanting to be part of the story and happenings. She has a way of making the business of running an Inn feel charming and delightful. It is a pleasure to read.

The children of Israel have spent 40 years in the desert. They are on the brink of entering the promised land. A leader of Manasseh is dying and only has daughters. His name will disappear when he dies. What will happen to his daughters?

A review for the book The Last Train from Paris

A World War II mystery

2.5 Stars

An intriguing novel of the woman who new all the secrets and the scandals of the Tudor court. A must read.

An intriguing novel of the woman who new all the secrets and the scandals of the Tudor court. A must read.

An amazing novel that takes you into the life of Catherine Howard, the sixth wife of the English King Henry VIII.