4 Star books

It is a bittersweet–but more sweet than bitter– tale about (mostly) likable characters and the difficult times they find themselves in.

I really liked this mystery set in 18th century China. It was fresh and well written, and it tied up every loose end without feeling contrived.

This historical novel is set in Ohio and is about a Quaker girl from England who who becomes involved in the underground railroad. She wrestles with her conscience and her community

This book is written about the real and indomitable Beryl Markham, the first woman who flew across the Atlantic. She grew up in colonial Africa, running wild on her father’s horse farm, abandoned by her mother, and friends with the colorful Kipsigis tribe.

This historical fiction is about Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife. Split almost equally before and after the time of their marriage, it was a pleasure to read a love story that did not end at a wedding, but carried forth into all the complications of marriage and esteemed career.

Supposedly Henry James’ best novel, Portrait of a Lady is a project to read in its detailed 623 pages. It starts off rather slowly …