This Impossible Brightness by Jessica Bryant Klagmann

Title: This Impossible Brightness; A Novel

Author: Jessica Bryant Klagmann

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: February 1, 2024

Length: 308 Pages

Amazon Prime First Reads - January 2024

About the Author
Jessica Bryant Klagmann grew up in New England, studied writing in Fairbanks, Alaska, and now lives with her family in northern New Mexico. Her work has been published in environmental journals like Whitefish Review and Terrain.org.

An Amazing Adventure and Love Story
Alma Hughes moves to a remote island in the North Atlantic in hopes of dealing with the loss of her fiance. She also wants to tend to the needs of her ailing dog. Alma learns to communicate with "Echoes" and finds a purpose for her secluded life. 

My Thoughts
I have never read a book quite like this one. There were times when I was a bit confused by the different characters. I had to get used to the idea that Alma could see and communicate with people who were no longer living. Alma's dog was especially poignant and memorable. 

Alma was constantly dealing with the fact that the North Atlantic island was slowly being swallowed up by the sea. The harsh elements were a constant challenge. The issue of climate change was a strong part of this story.

This book was a combination of science fiction, adventure, and love story. I found the last couple of chapters especially engaging and all the questions that I had earlier were answered. The story ended with the strong message that love never ends. 

Alma was a courageous and resilient woman and I enjoyed getting to know her. This book took me out of my comfort zone and introduced me to a faraway place where hope and love endure.

MY RATING: 4 Stars OUt Of 5

Penelope in Retrograde; a Novel - Book Review

 

Title: Penelope In Retrograde; A Novel

Author: Brooke Abrams

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: October 3, 2023

Length: 247 Pages

An Amazon Prime First Reads Selection

About the Author
Brooke Abrams lives in the Sonoran Desert with her husband, three children, three dogs, and a cat. This is the author's first novel.

A Family Thanksgiving
Romance writer Penelope Barnes travels home for Thanksgiving to make amends with her estranged family. She is shocked to discover her ex-husband on the same ride-share van traveling to his childhood home right across the street from her parent's house. She experiences hilarious (and a few serious) situations with her perfect twin sister, her match-making mother, her workaholic father, her weed-growing grandmother, and her fake boyfriend.

My Thoughts
I have always been a nonfiction book reader. I read memoirs, art, history, self-help, and Christian books. I also like to read children's picture books. I have decided to start adding some adult fiction to my reading list. I chose this book from the group of Amazon Prime First Reads in September. 

This was a delightful book to read. I think almost everyone can relate to the family drama that happens around holidays. The humor in the story was outstanding. I loved Penelope and the way she handled problems and conflicts with laughter and a positive attitude. 

Family relationships were emphasized and that made the story really come to life. Penelope eventually took responsibility for her part in the family conflicts and vowed to make things right. 

The nicest thing about this story is that the ending is just the way I was hoping it would be. Everything came together for a Thanksgiving that would be cherished and remembered for many years to come.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5