Svetlana's Reads and Views

Name of Book: The Barefoot Queen Author:  Ildefonso Falcones ISBN: 978-0-8041-3948-9 Publisher: Crown Type of book: Gypsies, revenge, slavery, freedom, 1748-1755, roundup, Spain, Barcelona, singing, opera, daily struggles, jail, loyalty, friendships, interracial relationship, May/December romance, fighting, smuggling Year it was published: 2014 Summary: A historical epic full of bravery and romance that follows two women as they make a life for themselves in 18th-century Spain. It's January of 1748. Caridad is a recently freed Cuban slave wondering the streets of Seville. Her master is dead and she has nowhere to go. When her path crosses with Milagros Carmona's-a young, rebellious gypsy-the two women are instantly inseparable. Milagros introduces Caridad to the gypsy community, an exotic fringe society that will soon change her life forever. Over time they each fall in love with men who are fiercely loyal and ready to fight to the death for their rights a...

Title of the book: The real doctor will see you shortly a physician's first year Author:  Matt McCarthy Publisher: Broadway Books Publishing Date: 2016 ISBN: 978-0-8041-3867-3 Summary: In medical school, Matt McCarthy dreamed of being a different kind of doctor—the sort of mythical, unflappable physician who could reach unreachable patients. But when a new admission to the critical care unit almost died his first night on call, he found himself scrambling. Visions of mastery quickly gave way to hopes of simply surviving hospital life, where confidence was hard to come by and no amount of med school training could dispel the terror of facing actual patients. This funny, candid memoir of McCarthy’s intern year at a New York hospital provides a scorchingly frank look at how doctors are made, taking readers into patients’ rooms and doctors’ conferences to witness a physician's journey from ineptitude to competence. McCarthy's one stroke of luck paired him with...

Name of Book: What Might have been Author: Lynn Steward ISBN: 978-0-9915007-1-0 Publisher: self-published Type of book: fashion, 1975, boutique, New York, upscale life, romance, recent divorce, forbidden love, travel, dreams, struggles, starting anew Year it was published: 2014 Summary: It may be the dawn of the women’s movement, but, in the 1970s world of women’s fashion, there’s no sisterly-love. Newly single, Dana McGarry, determined to make her mark at New York’s most glamorous department store, is stymied by an unyielding boss and few opportunities. Tired of putting her life on hold, she moves out of her comfort zone and into the arms of a dynamic businessman, betting it all. Not unlike Coco Chanel, Dana’s wealthy suitor opens doors and opportunities, suggesting a bold fashion move to further her career, and, like Chanel, Dana “never wants to weigh more heavily on a man than a bird.” Their personal and professional relationship is put to the test, when a life...

Strong women of fashion industry, past and present. Pick five women that made very significant contributions to fashion world. Thanks Coco Chanel Diana Vreeland Diane von Furstenberg Grace Mirabella Anna Wintour ABOUT THE BOOK As a fashion buyer at one of New York’s most glamorous department stores, Dana McGarry is a tastemaker, her keen instinct for fashion trends and innovative ideas coupled with a razor sharp business sense. But like the elegant and conservative store that employs her, Dana is caught between two eras—between being liked and standing her ground, between playing by the rules and being a maverick. Dana is sensitive and beautiful, but what you see is not what you get. Behind the cool and attractive facade, Dana is both driven by her need to control yet impeded by her expectation of perfectionism. As she competes to replace women at the top of their game, she is challenged by jealous colleagues. And when a wealthy love interest wants to open doors...

Name of Book: The Ninja's Daughter Author: Susan Spann ISBN: 978-1-63388-181-5 Publisher: Seventh Street Books Part of a Series: Shinobi Mysteries Type of book: Japan, 1565, Kyoto, samurai, mystery, murder, detective, priest, secrets, rivalry, siblings, clues, women's lives Year it was published: 2016 Summary: Autumn, 1565: When an actor's daughter is murdered on the banks of Kyoto's Kamo River, master ninja Hiro Hattori and Portuguese Jesuit Father Mateo are the victim's only hope for justice. As political tensions rise in the wake of the shogun's recent death, and rival warlords threaten war, the Kyoto police forbid an investigation of the killing, to keep the peace--but Hiro has a personal connection to the girl, and must avenge her. The secret investigation leads Hiro and Father Mateo deep into the exclusive world of Kyoto's theater guilds, where they quickly learn that nothing, and no one, is as it seems. With only a mysterious go...

Name of Book: The Lady of the Tower Author: Elizabeth St. John ISBN: 9781523417889 Publisher: self published Type of book: history, England, Frances Howard, George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, war, El Dorado, 1603-1630, slaves, Walter Raleigh, destruction, greed, corruption, tranquility, family, relationships, rivalry Year it was published: 2015 Summary: Orphaned Lucy St.John, described as "the most beautiful of all," defies English society by carving her own path through the decadent Stuart court. In 1609, the early days of the rule of James I are a time of glittering pageantry and cutthroat ambition, when the most dangerous thing one can do is fall in love . . . or make an enemy of Frances Howard, the reigning court beauty. Lucy catches the eye of the Earl of Suffolk, but her envious sister Barbara is determined to ruin her happiness. Exiling herself from the court, Lucy has to find her own path through life, becoming mistress of the Tower of London. Rid...

Title of the book:  Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn The Complete Guide Author: Penny Simkin Publisher: Meadowbrook Press Publishing Date: 2016 ISBN: 978-1-501-11270-6 Summary: If you only buy one pregnancy book, this should be the one! It’s the most complete. It covers all aspects of childbearing, from conception through early infancy, and tells you what to expect. It offers detailed information, suggestions on decisions to make, and advice on steps to take to have a safe and satisfying experience. The Award-Winning Resource Recommended by Experts & Loved by Parents Parents love this book because it puts them in control by explaining a wide range of options, information, and questions to ask, so parents can find what works best for their health situation, personal goals, and priorities. Experts love this book because it’s based on the latest medical research and recommendations from leading health organizations. It’s practical—rooted in the real-lif...

Name of Book: Loreena's Gift Author: Colleen M Story ISBN: 978-1-938103-47-6 Publisher:  Dzanc Books Type of book: Idaho, 1967, angel of mercy, kill, secrets, blindness, church, family, siblings, gangs, selling out, kidnapped Year it was published: 2016 Summary: A BLIND GIRL'S TERRIFYING "GIFT" ALLOWS HER TO REGAIN HER EYESIGHT--BUT ONLY AS SHE FERRIES THE RECENTLY DECEASED INTO THE AFTERLIFE. Loreena Picket thinks she knows herself. A blind young woman who lives with her uncle, a reverend at a small-town church, she's a dutiful niece and talented pianist for the congregation. But they're both hiding a terrible secret. Loreena can kill people with the touch of her hand. While her uncle sees her as an angel of mercy, helping usher the terminally ill members of his flock into the afterlife, Loreena has her doubts. Torn between doing her uncle's bidding and the allure of the fleeting moments when her eyesight returns on the journey...