The Bookmarker

Minis #3 and 4 are a true delight. I laughed, I teared up, I found myself nostalgic for my 16th birthday and simpler times. There’s magic in both of these books and I hope you add them to your TBR immediately!

THE EXCITEMENTS by C.J. Wray
*Historical Fiction
*Themes: wit & humor, resilient women, lifelong secrets, reflection spanning many decades
*TW: war-time discussions, forced adoption

Josephine and Penny are my new favorite fictional duo. What a trip these two were! These World War II veterans encompass the word *badass* in every aspect. Their wit and humor sprinkled among tough material/time period makes this an entertaining and thrilling read. Penny has secrets from her days serving in WWII, ones very few know about let alone her nearest and dearest, Josephine. Josephine also has secrets of her own that haunt and follow her throughout the years. Coming together for what might be one last “excitement” with their beloved nephew, Archie, the sisters think they’re heading back to Paris to accept yet another medal to pin to their chests but what they’ll discover will be much more than they bargained for. A refreshing, delightful and resilient novel about the power of family and secrets.

THIS TIME TOMORROW by Emma Straub
*Contemporary fiction, magical realism, time travel
*TW: death of a parent

What would you do if you could relive just one day in your life, over and over again? What if that day happens to be your 16th birthday and transports you back to the 90s? Alice, a 40 year old New Yorker, is content with her life, but can’t help feeling like there’s more out there. Her elderly father’s health is rapidly declining and she’s stuck in the same mundane routine of work and visiting him in the hospital during his final days. After her drunken 40th birthday dinner, she wakes up the next day to discover she’s been transported back in time to her 16th birthday, a time where her dad was young and healthy and not on his deathbed. After discovering she can return to this day again and again, she must figure out how, if possible, she can change the future, preserve her father’s health, and perhaps make different choices along the way. THIS TIME TOMORROW is the ultimate love letter from a daughter to her father and set in my favorite place ever, NYC. It’s magical, heartwarming, and thought-provoking – and will make you want to call your dad immediately!