These Shallow Graves

What I love about a Jennifer Donnelly book is the historical research she does. This story is set in the late 1800's and tells the tale of a rich socialite who is on the brink of giving in to social norms. Her perfect marriage to a perfectly fine, rich boy is set. Her job will be to be the perfect hostess and wife. But Jo Montfort wants adventure. She wants to be a writer. She wants FREEDOM. When her father is found dead, she meets a cub reporter named Eddie Gallagher and her life takes a turn. She finds her self trying to figure out who killed her father. This takes her to the dark underbelly of NYC. She meets a coroner, a pickpocket and possibly the love of her life. Jo has to decide if she trusts the love she finds with Eddie or is she should pick the easy life with Bram. One huge misunderstanding sets her on a path to realize she has to follow her dreams before she can do anything else. Everything in her world is turned upside down when she finally realizes who is behind all the deaths- including her fathers. The answer shatters her and puts her life in mortal danger. Who comes to her rescue? You'll have to read and see. I am always struck reading this time period with how few rights women have had in the past. I can't imagine not being able to go out on my own, speak my mind or choose my own direction. Jo wants what everyone wants but the lengths she has to go to to have that is more than most could deal with. So to all the Jo's who have paved the way- thanks and happy reading my friends.

The Appearance of Annie Van Sinderen

Have you ever read a ghost story that never actually says the word ghost? Well, I just did. Wes is making a film for a summer school project at NYU. While taping a seance, he sees the most enchanting girl he's ever seen. She's in a 'vintage' dress, and is lurking around the edges of the room. When he and his friend Tyler realize they didn't get her release to be on film, Wes is sent on a mission to find her. He finds her, but she keeps disappearing on him. Little does he realize, she is literally disappearing. She is floating between two times, her own in 1840 and his in present day NYC. She is searching for her missing cameo from her boyfriend Hershel. Wes agrees to help her before he realizes who and what she is. This leads them on a mission to find out what happened to her and how they can set things right. It is a great story, filled with history of the Erie Canal and the problems with it being built. It is also a love story that really can't have a happy ending- or can it?? Wes, Annie and Maddie, along with Tyler and Eastin, are on a collision course with both history and time. Can they help Annie find her way before her time runs out? Much like the word ghost, the ending leaves you with more questions than answers. I will admit, I woke up in the middle of the night wondering if my theory is correct. And who doesn't love a book that makes you think? This will be for a more mature reader interested in history and intrigue. One who loves an ending that makes you wonder just a little. I thoroughly enjoyed this "Rip Van Winkle" tale and will pass it happily on to others who feel the same. Happy reading my friends! RIP Annie!