The Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab

A postmistress not only holds the key to the mail delivery, she also holds the “keys to the city.” She knows the comings and goings of the citizens, whether each one reveals clues or not. My grandmother was a “postmistress” during this same time; early 1940’s, in a small rural community in south Louisiana. I really cannot imagine her dismay at the thought of holding a letter and not delivering it to the recipient. Even though we’d all like to think we’d do the right thing, what is the right thing? In Sarah Blake’s novel, Frankie Bard, “radio gal,” is with Edward Murrow, CBS radio in London and Europe, during the early years of World War ll. She introduces the reader to the conundrum of how to handle the delivery of news. Frankie was impressed by Murrow’s ability to narrate over the incoming drone of the Luftwaffe, and wanted to add her voice so that Americans would sit up and pay attention and certainly not look away.

Returning to her London flat after a night of bombing, Frankie finds the back of the flat has vanished along with Harriet, her roommate. Harriet’s quest had been to collect the stories of Jews in Europe and to make people aware of what was happening. Frankie takes on this challenge and begins a journey across France by train, to interview and record the voices and stories of those she meets. In her head Frankie’s not sure how the “voices” will come together in a broadcast, but in her heart she knows she must gather the depth of feelings she glimpses in the eyes of the Jewish mothers and fathers, and in the tears of the children.

Meanwhile, stateside, two young women cross paths in the small town of Franklin, Massachusetts. One is Iris, the Postmistress, and the other, Emma, who marries the town doctor. At this point the United States has not entered the war, and most of the town folks are not too concerned-except for Harry-who keeps up a nightly vigil for U-Boats and wants the town flag pole lowered so it doesn’t attract attention from off- shore.

The reader will feel the jolting of the train creeping through the darkness, as Frankie begins her journey to record the stories of the Jews; feeling the stress of those traveling toward Strasbourg, Lyon, and Lisbon, hoping for an escape to America. Sarah Blake’s descriptions and storytelling keep the reader anxious, yet eventually fulfilled, as she takes you on a ride on the radio waves with Frankie all the way from London back to lands’ end in Massachusetts. Pack lunch and a suitcase for a satisfying ride with Sarah Blake’s The Postmistress.

“As I share the story of Fred Allen, I write not to tell you who he is but to examine why he is and to learn all we can from this musical prodigy, who overcame absolute brokenness to become one of the most influential music mentors ever known.” Prologue; Crescendo

The Grateful Reader Review: by Dorothy Schwab

In LaGrange, Georgia, 1935, Fred Allen is born; immediately deemed a caulbearer, due to a chalkey shroud over his head. Some called it “born behind the veil; others said the baby was cursed. Mayhayley Lancaster, teacher and oracle, but most importantly, midwife-life-giver and a godsend, was on hand to say, “Nonsense!” “You’re a special one, aren’t you?”

Lots of folks in this poor cotton mill town were suffering the devastating effects of the Depression. The evil behavior of many had a lifelong emotional impact on young Fred’s life. Born with the gift of playing music “by ear, a voice known as “heldentenor,” and handsome good looks, all carried Fred Allen to unbelievable places:  the Juilliard School in New York City, Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University, and eventually the professional music scene.  God certainly placed many people in Fred’s life as he climbed out of the drudgery of that small Georgia town: There was Noah, his grandfather and educator, Eleanor, recently out of prison who became his protector, and eventually the love of his life, Winnie Langley.

“We are the company we keep,” is proven over and over again as Allen Cheney and Julie Cantrell, share the true story of his grandparents. The belief of just one person can restore hope when one feels all is lost. Fred Allen who survived abuse, hunger & poverty; was saved by God’s mercy and grace, to have a lasting impact on thousands. He was surely a “Music Man” to many.

The author shares many letters of thanks and appreciation that were written to Fred Allen, his grandfather, and to Winnie, his grandmother. When the reader reflects on this body of “life work” surely a teacher or mentor will come to mind. Someone that should be thanked and appreciated for their love and belief in you, that was maybe that one spark of hope when needed most.

Crescendo is the true story of a musical genius. Authors Allen Cheney and Julie Cantrell have composed a beautiful score to accompany the life of Fred Allen. The Grateful Reader is soothed by the gentle gift of mercy and hope revealed in Crescendo. Miracles DO happen.

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Research & Rabbit trails! As I was searching for images I found a wonderful site that I’d like to share. It has much of the historical background you’ll need for The Golden Hour! Historian & author: Caroline Harris http://www.royalhistorian.com/author/carolynharris/ http://www.royalhistorian.com/miami-and-a-murder-mystery-the-duke-of-windsor-as-governor-of-the-bahamas-1940-1945/

The Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab

The former King of England and his American bride,Wallis Simpson, the Bahamas, World War II and an unsolved murder in 1943: the “golden” setting for The Golden Hour.

The plucky young American, Leonora Thorpe, is in the Bahamas to give the American readers of the Metropolitan Magazine an inside view of Nassau society-meaning the Duke & Duchess of Windsor. The world famous, Edward and Wallis, are serving as governor and live at Government House. (Americans have always had an appetite for the “royals,” which continues to this day.) Leonora, Lulu, also known as the “Lady of Nassau” for her column in the Metropolitan, entrenches herself in high society and becomes a confidant of the Duchess. As Lulu gets involved with the rich and famous of the islands, she also begins to unravel the story of her husband’s family dating back to Germany and Switzerland in the 1900’s. The saga of Elfriede & Gerhard, and her quest for love and a united family takes the reader on a journey of pain and suffering, but also “wonderment” – questioning loyalties and how far love and devotion should extend. This novel is laced with joy and heartache, but is worth the emotional “royal rollercoaster,” to the very last page. It’s a 5 star golden read!

The Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab

“Kya remembered Ma always encouraging her to explore the marsh: “Go as far as you can-way out yonder where the crawdads sing.” The North Carolina coastal marshes and swamp, a murder, and a young girl abandoned since she was 7, are mushed into the most glorious novel of a young girl finding her power and voice among the seashells, fireflies, and mushrooms; all the while surviving on her own gumption and sass. The descriptions are so delicately painted by Delia’s prose that it seems The Sea Shells of the Eastern Seaboard, by Catherine Danielle Clark, should be available on Amazon!

The novel has a dual timeline; alternating between Kya, the Marsh Girl’s childhood, and the accidental death, or was it murder- of Chase Andrews, a former standout quarterback at the local high school. The exquisite details of the sunsets, fog, marshes, and close up views of insects and plants are woven among the tense, prejudice-filled opinions of the locals and how they feel about the uneducated, “marsh trash”, so aptly named, the Marsh Girl.

Where the Crawdads Sing has been on the New York Times Bestseller list for 27 weeks, currently. This is for extremely good reason! Readers will feel the music of the gulls’ wings as they flock to be fed, followed by the haunting verses of poetry recited by Catherine as she explores the marshes. Catherine confronts her own feelings of loneliness & abandonment, trusting people again, forgiveness and the empowerment of sheer survival. If she can survive, anyone can.

If only the rare sea shells, bird feathers and marsh grasses, so beautifully described, were actually in watercolor and print; but you do have Where the Crawdads Sing, to read over and over, until the glorious images are imprinted in your mind. Sheer Joy!