Recommended Reading

The world’s been both watching, and largely ignoring, the finding of indigenous children at a so-called school in Canada. Shocking as it sounds, it isn’t the first mass grave uncovered and then forgotten by all those it didn’t affect.

My husband is part Native American, as are my children. We’ve lucky that his small tribe still exists while so many have been decimated. I’m a historian by degree and have a minor in genocidal studies. I can tell you the locations of concentration camps across Europe and name the main players in the Rwandan genocide. But the murder and plights of the indigenous peoples across America is largely ignored. Anything I know about Native Americans, that isn’t the ridiculous “happy pilgrims” nonsense, I’ve learned myself.

As always, I think the best resources for understanding any genocide is reading the firsthand accounts of those that lived through it.

From Bear Rock Mountain by Antoine Mountain

Mountain spent twelve years in three different residential schools run by the Catholic Church in Canada. His youth was spent dealing with identity erasure while his adulthood was spent reclaiming what was stolen from him.

You Will Wear a White Shirt by Nick Sibbeston

Now serving in the Senate in Canada, Sibbeston started his life by being sent to a residential school where he was horribly abused. As an adult, he seems to be a success, but the ghosts of the past still haunt him and he works tirelessly to advocate for his people.

They Called me Number One by Bev Sellars

Sellars writes about her experiences at the Canadian, Catholic Saint Joseph’s Mission School, a place rife with abuse and scandal. She explores how this touched her, her mother, and grandmother, then what led her to become the Chief of her people.

Broken Circle by Theodore Fontaine

At the age of seven, Theodore was forced into a residential school. Torn from his family, he had difficulties adjusting, causing problems as he grew into adulthood. His horrible experiences took his youth, but now he’s ready to tell his tale of survival.

Call Me Indian by Fred Sasakamoose

People know Fred Sasakamoose as the first indigenous NHL player, the one who got his contract to play hockey before his people had the right to vote. He spent his childhood in a residential school, and after his NHL career took off, he decided to return to his roots, reclaiming what was stolen from him.

Residential Schools by Larry Loyie

Loyie, a survivor of residential schooling, has compiled the accounts and images of more than 70 former students. These accounts, while varied, each tell a similar story of childhoods full of trauma and forced assimilation.

50% Off Sale

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmas, aunties, god mothers, sisters, fur moms, and teachers out there who add a little extra into all our lives! To celebrate the holiday made for mamas, Tule Publishing is offering 50% off all the ebooks in their online bookstore, so you can spend the day doing what you love…reading some awesome books and finding a few new favorites.

Between May 7th and 10th, you can collect some cozy mysteries, steamy romances, sweet holiday tales, and cowboy stories that were made to be remembered. Really, between the murder novels and holiday fling books, there’s never been a better time to find something new to read.

Shop all of Tule Publishing’s books HERE and use the code WeLoveMoms for 50% off all books! And that includes all the Tule books we’ve written so far.

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Download your copy of this sweet romance HERE

Nat has been married to her job at Hazel Oaks Resort for too long, now she has her sights set on finding love. Hudson’s never been good at staying in one place for too long, always looking for the next adventure. When their boss puts the two opposites on an assignment that has a marriage on the line, will romance follow?

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Prince Greyson isn’t sure he’s ready to lead a country and sets off to spend time in America as a simple man to figure things out. Scarlett’s a southern belle who longs to break free from societal rules. When the pair begin to fall for each other and jet off to the castle for the holidays, will the pressures of the crown crush their budding romance?

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As the son of Santa, Nick knows he’s next in line for the job, and works too hard to find time for love. When Nick begins to fall for Heather, he thinks it might be true love. But is their romance real or just the result of some messing magic curtesy of Mrs. Claus?

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Rose is more than ready to let loose during her bff’s Scottish Highland’s wedding. But a messy encounter with the best man leaves her wondering if she’s ready to tackle living on the wild side. Luckily for her, the laird of the castle is more than willing to help.

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Whisky heiress Sorcha has always been an artist, until her inspiration dries up, leaving her frustrated. Her childhood friend Danny is all grown up and ready to help find her next muse, but a shared tragedy makes closeness hard to handle. Neither can erase the past, and that might just be their undoing.

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Midwife Savannah is in the midst of a breakup when she goes to Scotland for a wedding. When her ex shows up, a hottie in a kilt plays the part of her fake boyfriend. But when the line between reality and pretend begins to blur, will she be able to say goodbye?

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Disgraced reporter Aiden hates that he’s had to come back to work in his hometown until he can clear his name. His first assignment is to cover to local dog rescue, but he’s more than surprised when a pretty young woman named Emily opens the door. working together seems like a breeze, until feelings enter the mix.

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Publishing heiress Olivia is in the small town of Marietta, remodeling her grandmother’s ranch house in order to prove her worth to her father’s company, when she bumps into handsome neighbor Kit. He needs her land to graze his cattle and she needs his help to make her deadline. They promise to stay out of each other’s way, but when someone you want is right next door, it’s easier said than done.

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Wes’s bull riding career might be over after a bad fall, and he’s back home to mull over his options. He’s not pleased to be saddled with a pretty blonde heiress named Molly as a ranch hand, but at least she’s not afraid of getting her hands dirty. She’s looking for a good time and he’s looking for the next big win, neither were looking for romance.

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Claire’s always loved the road most traveled, until her fiancé rocks her world, leaving her to flee to Marietta with a bucket list to help her live on the wild side. On the first day, she’s rescued by a tall, dark, handsome stranger with a French accent who vows to help her with his list in exchange for her event planning skills. She wants to live the perfect life, and that means getting back to her old world, but will she be able to let go of everything she’s discovered?

French Finds

French historical pieces are so decadent and theatrical. They always make me want to go back to the palace of Versailles in a billowing gown so I can run down the Hall of Mirrors or through the lavish gardens. The drama and costumes are just beyond, when done right. I also think we could all use some grand parties and grander wigs in our lives as we continue to cozy up and stay safe. So, here’s a list of movies and shows that’ll make you long for France.

This movie, starring Kirsten Dunst, is a personal favorite, flashy and sharp, it’s a delightfully dramatized look into the life of an often misunderstood queen. Casted wonderfully with an end that made you feel the doom, it will remain firmly on my rewatch list.

This is a fictional retelling of the life of famed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s sister Maria Anna as she befriends the sister of the future King of France. Her musical talent draws his eye, but romance at the French court can be deadly, and there are little life choices for a woman in the shadows of Versailles.

Part drama, part documentary, this ones great for those looking for more fact than fiction when it comes to the infamous Sun King Louis XIV and his dreams of grandeur. But the show doesn’t end with the death of King Louis, as the palace and gardens live on in their splendor.

I touched on this dramatic series in my post Winter Watches, but it deserves a place on this list as well. It has all the glitz and glamour of Versailles King Louis XVI could dream of with the added bonus of sex, lies, and treachery.

On the eve of the French Revolution, the royal family is holding on to the last bits of power and normalcy their position has. The final days of Marie Antoinette are told through her servant, monarchist Sidonie, who doesn’t believe the time of the royals will ever end.

As the Palace of Versailles comes to fruition, the gardens also need to be created. King Louis XIV tasks royal gardener Andres with hiring a team and creating something magical. Andres employs an unlikely gardener, Sabine, a woman with creative ideas and little interest in court life. Drama, betrayal, and love are all themes in this movie starring Kate Winslet.

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Winter Watches

It’s freezing in New Jersey, so I’m staying cozy while editing my upcoming book and binge watching some old favorites. In the wake of Bridgerton on Netflix and the pause between seasons of Outlander, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of my favorite shows that you might not have heard of.

Dickenson

Who knew Emily Dickinson’s life could be made into the kind of dark comedy where Wiz Khalifa plays Death, Billie Eilish hits play against the backdrop of Massachusetts, and the norms of the times are playfully picked apart. I went in expecting a biographical drama and a lot more than I bargained for. The show is still coming out with more seasons, which means more to watch in the long run.

Versailles

I love glitz and glamour with my historical dramas, and nothing screams opulence like the place of Versailles. Give me wigs, give me gold, give me outlandish balls and the sort of skirts that any modern fireman would classify as a serious safety hazard. This show follows King Louis XIV and his flock of friends, mistresses, courtiers, and enemies as the palace is being built. The show has ended, making it perfect to binge, although you may need more than just one chilly weekend.

The Great

This is a show for basically everyone, regardless of their historical prowess. My husband doesn’t give much thought to who Catherine the Great was, or her role in shaping Russia, but he enjoyed the show as much as I. With a delightfully dumb King Peter and a sharp witted Queen Catherine, their hysterical moments were liberally spread between actual events. Was it a stretch on facts? Sure, but it’s all in good fun. watch, enjoy, and spend some time googling if peeing on wheat is an accurate way to tell if one is pregnant. Here’s to hoping season two comes soon!

Barkskins

This Canadian gem is one I didn’t expect to enjoy, as I haven’t studied Canadian history outside portions of the Algonquin speaking indigenous tribes. It follows French colonists as they try to build a world in New France where they’ve been promised milk and honey but end up with much less. It’s less funny, more dramatic, as they war with the indigenous population whose land they’re stealing and fight over the few French women who have been sent to help build a new nation. Season two comes out this summer, so watch now to familiarize yourself with the whole cast.

The Paradise

This charming drama is set at the fictional shopping mall The Paradise, which is based on the very real Le Bon Marché, the first modern department store in Paris. In this show, a small town girl arrives to work at the prestigious store where rules are strict and the boss is trapped in a loveless bond to keep The Paradise afloat. With two seasons of backstabbing, romance, and drama, it’s a cozy watch.

Harlots

There is a distinct ranking system of ladies of the evening in 18th century London. There are the ones who beg in gutters, those with the security of being in a good brothel, kept women who become the mistresses of important men, and many layers in between. But murder, sabotage, and a thirsty need to rise above their station drives one family of self proclaimed harlots to bring their brothel from a middling business to the house of choice for the rich and famous.

So there’s you have it, my short list of what to watch if you have a snow storm coming your way this weekend. Of course, there are other shows I adore, like Vikings, Black Sails, The White Queen, and The Borgias, but maybe I’ll save those shows for their own, special posts. Happy watching!

Hanukkah Romances

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah! This global celebration holds special meaning for the Jewish faith and brings families together. But what about romance? We’ve compiled a mini list of some Hanukkah romances we love or are excited for this year.

Miracles and Menorahs by Stacey Agdern

Sarah needs a centerpiece for the town’s Hanukkah festival fast. Her dreams of having a giant menorah to showcase the holiday are on thin ice, and the only man who can save it has little interest in lending his metal work talents. Will Issac come around to a new way of celebrating, or will Sarah’s big plans fall apart?

Eight Cozy Nights by Julia Wolf

Larissa is beyond busy studying for her PHD, and is nearly ready to skip Hanukkah completely when a near death experience, courtesy of her hot new neighbor, makes her think she might want to find her menorah. Yo is taking time off for his favorite holiday to relax, but when a new, curvy neighbor falls into his life, relaxation is the last thing on his mind.

An Open Heart by Caroline Warfield

In 1813, Esther is hoping for a holiday romance as she prepares to attend a prestigious party. But whatever man she chooses must be able to both live up to their Jewish traditions and branch out of their small community to learn new things. Adam enters the season looking for a docile future wife, but the outspoken Esther is the one he can’t stop thinking about. Can the ball bring them together?

Lights, Latkes, and Love by Peggy Bird

David adores the holidays, especially when it comes to making the season brighter for the children in need at his nonprofit. Hannah, on the other hand, sees it as a waste of time. But she needs to put on a smile as her boss puts her in charge of a charity event to benefit David’s nonprofit. Can David make this holiday one to remember or will both spend New Years alone?

Lighting the Flames by Sarah Wendell

Genevieve and Jeremy have attended the same Jewish summer came for years, first as campers, then as staff. Now they’re all grown up and helping to host a special family winter camp for Hanukkah. are they destined to spend one last stay together as friends, or will they leave as something more?

A Whole Latke Love by Jodi Payne

To Matthew, there’s nothing worse than an office holiday party where the only holiday present is Christmas. Luckily, a plate of latkes saves the evening. The holidays are a busy time for caterer Ethan, but when he sees a blast from the past enjoying his latkes, he can’t stay away. Will the Hanukkah staple help to bring them together, or are they destined to be nothing more than a fling?

Revving up the Holidays by A.S Fenichel

There are only two pluses for Isaac coming home for Hanukkah; his motorcycle and his sister’s best friend Giada. But Giada isn’t the carefree girl he remembers. Giving up her career to care for her dying parents has been hard. While neither can open up their hearts, their bodies are fair game this holiday.

Eight Kisses (an Anthology)

This anthology features eight Hanukkah romances featuring hometown visits, regency Scotland, online dating, and tales that are super sweet or super spicy. There’s a story for each night of light!

Happy Hanukkah and happy reading!

The Return of the Disappearing Duke

New historical romance alert! The talented Lara Temple has just released another book, The Return of the Disappearing Duke!

• Genre: Historical Romance
• Heat Level: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
• Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

Cleo is an adventurous young woman in 1822, having spent the past year traveling, and finally ending up in Egypt, with her father and brother. But when she’s separated from them due to tragedy and circumstance, she must don a disguise and head for home. But with a band of men at her heels and nothing but a necklace to sell, she must search for help in the most unlikely of places.

Rafe hadn’t expected to begin his morning with a woman dressed like a boy looking for his help. Cleo’s being hunted and needs to get back to England and safety. Although he must return there as well to claim his inherited title, he’s loath today go home. But Cleo’s sudden appearance seems to be the push he needs to face his demons.

Now they must work together to find a way out of the city and away from the men who chase Cleo. She’s in need of a protector, and he can’t say no to her. Traveling in tight quarters makes for close company, and soon more than friendly companionship blooms. But will it survive by the end of their journey?

Wow, another delicious romance by Lara Temple! it’s not often I read romances based in Egypt, but I’m so glad I did this time. The way she brought the ancient world alive through the scope of early archeology and experiences was lovely. The setting was truly immaculate.

Rafe and Cleo had a wonderful relationship from their first meeting. Their banter added a super fun layer to their budding romance that was only heightened by the clear chemistry they had. The sparks were vibrant and you really rooted for them through every leg of their journey.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to any and all fans of historical romance, especially if they like a little comedy and heat between the pages.

The Winter Sea

Time hopping historicals are always my go to when it comes to having a good time. And any historical romance reader knows Susanna Kearsley is a big name for all things historical. I picked up a paperback of The Winter Sea to read by the pool and loved it. The twist at the end made the story, but when it comes to that, my lips are sealed.

• Genre: Historical/Contemporary Fiction/Romance
• Heat Level: ❤️❤️❤️
• Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

Bestselling author Carrie MacClellan travels the world, following the stories she writes. Not every tale comes from her imagination, though. Carrie’s always heard whispers, seen hints of things that have happened, and knows how to research into her visions to dig up the true facts behind old ruins and aged letters. She moves to a cottage in Cruden Bay in the shadows of Slains Castle to work on another book, one that will hit closer to home than any before.

In 1708, Sophia Paterson has not lived an easy life. Orphaned and alone, she goes to live with a distant relative, the Countess of Errol, at Slains Castle. Sophia will be on the coast of Scotland, overlooking the North Sea and the strange ships that carry hints of Jacobite rebellion and encoded notes. One in particular carries a cargo too precious for words, and soon Sophia is entangled in a world of secrets and the handsome John Moray who has a price on his head.

As Carrie works to separate fact from fiction, her book begins to unravel family secrets. The young woman Sophia is no longer just a name on paper and John isn’t some blur of a man with eyes like a storm sea. Their pasts become her reality, and it’s up to her to write their ending.

You guys, I loved this book. I’ve gotten pretty lucky lately in the reading department, but Kearsley really pulled me in with her tale of forbidden love and modern day detective work. I rooted for Sophia and John from their first meeting and nervously waited for each historical document Carrie unearthed. There were breadcrumbs and a twist that had had me reeling.

Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely and recommend it for all historical and contemporary romance fans.

Kids, Race, and Reading

This year has been one of upheaval. There have been jobs lost, businesses closed, and kids confused about what’s happening. But there’s also been change. It’s been messy and painful, and it’s still ongoing, but the topic of racism is being discussed within the United States, and the world.

Kids understand more than we give them credit for sometimes. They often won’t recognize the names of murdered Black men and women that flash across the screens, but they feel the tension. They might not get why people walk down city streets with signs, but they understand that they haven’t seen something like that before. For Black families, race and racial injustices are a part of their daily conversations because they feel first hand the pain of racism and the fear of losing another friend, another family member, another community leader. But for white families, like mine, the conversation is just as vital.

My husband and daughter are part of the indigenous community, but I’m white and the color of their skin is considered “safe.” I never fear something happening to my daughter, but I don’t want her growing up blind to the world around her. Books are a helpful way to introduce topics to kids and start conversations they can more easily understand.

I have a short list of some books you may wish to add to your bookshelf to help begin or further the dialogue of what’s wrong, who is hurting, and how we can come together to make things right.

Something Happened in Our Town

Good for preschoolers up, this book was written by a team of psychologists who include helpful conversation starters for parents to help explore the topics of race and racism. It follows a Black and white family as they each discuss a Black man’s death at the hands of the police.

Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights

This one explains ways to protest peacefully and raise awareness like donating money or time and making signs for protests. It’s a simple way to explain how small acts can help to make a big difference.

We’re Different, We’re the same

Using characters kids already know can be helpful in beginning a gentle dialogue at a young age. This book shows how we’re all born different, but that doesn’t mean we should be treated differently.

A is for Activist

This rhyming book is a different spin on the usual ABCs. Important topics replace the fluffy animals and the message is gentle enough for basically all ages.

Momma, Did You Hear the News?

This one follows a young, Black boy as his parents explain police brutality to him. It’s educational and lays out how some communities have a rightful mistrust of the police. It’s a good basis for explaining how something like a simple traffic stop isn’t simple to everyone.

A Kids Book About Racism

A simple title for simple facts. This book isn’t a colorful story using animals instead of people to get a message across, but clearly lays out what racism is and how to confront it.

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Brief list, I know, but falling through the book rabbit hope to discover books that are right for your families and your kids is part of the conversation. Have you incorporated books like these into your personal library? Let me know, and please comment is you have any you found particularly helpful.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and best wishes to you and yours.

The House on the Hill

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Irina Shapiro. From the first page, I know there will be heartbreak, betrayal, and a story that will twist through time. So today, I’d like to introduce you to The House on the Hill.

• Genre: Historical Fiction and Contemporary and Historical Romance
• Heat Level: ❤️❤️
• Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

In the modern day, Laura has recently been widowed, having lost her husband in Iraq. She leaves their apartment in the heart of Boston for a summer of healing in an old house on the shores of Cape Cod. She’s hoping to leave her ghosts behind and perhaps find new inspiration for a book. But a ghostly visitor shows her there’s something different about the Holland House.

In the 1700s, Sophie is on the cusp of adulthood, counting the days until she can marry Teddy, a boy she’s loved for years. Her book maker father has his sights set on a man with a title or some money, and forbids his only daughter from following her heart. When her hand is forced and she must make a decision to save herself, her life begins to unravel.

While Laura works to learn more about her ghostly visitor and sort out her feelings about the handsome vet she met in town, Sophie’s charmed world shatters. Both women are trapped in webs of lies and grief woven hundreds of years apart, but inexplicably tied.

Every time I read something by Shapiro, I’m instantly on edge. I know terrible things will happen, but I savor the slight feeling of apprehension. Wondering who will be the one to stab the man character in the back is something I’ve come to expect and thoroughly enjoy.

My historical specialty is European-based, so having American history tidbits was very welcome. I live on the East Coast and admittedly don’t know a lot about colonial life other than what’s taught in basic classes. I always like how Shapiro brings in facts to give her books a level of realism that inspires me to explore the themes more on my own.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all lovers of historical fiction and romantic suspense.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Since beginning social distancing, I’ve been diving into my massive TBR list containing books that I’ve had waiting for months upon months. First up, The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. It’s the memoir of Ludwig “Lali” Sokolov nee Eisenberg, called Lale in the book, and he was once the tattooer of Auschwitz.

• Genre: Memoir
• Overall Rating 5/6 Glass Slippers

In April of 1942, Lale arrived in Auschwitz-Berkinau. Due to his wit and talent for languages, he was soon made the tattooist’s apprentice, then the tattooist himself. He was put in the dangerous and prestigious position of tattooing the numbers on the arm of everyone who entered the camp. He had to be a cog in the Nazi machine, but was also able to help save a few lives.

His tattooing bag is a free pass through the camp, a sign of his status as an essential worker. He’s able to speak with guards, meet the workers from the nearby village who are building the crematoriums, and barter for food with goods slipped from the warehouse used to store and sort the stolen possessions of the prisoners. But Lale uses the most of his influence to keep someone special alive.

He first notices Gita’s dark eyes, and soon he’s smitten with the young woman in a way he can’t explain. He begs and steals, cutting deals to get her a job in the administration office where at least she’ll be warm in the long winter months. He trades hidden gems for chocolate with the village workers for her, and does everything in his power to make sure that when they’re free, they’ll have a future together. But first, they have to survive.

In college, I studied the Holocaust in depth, reading memoirs, taking classes, and taking advantage of my school’s Holocaust Resource Center where survivors would often come to speak. Overall, I found the memoir to be both heart wrenching, and a good lesson in humanizing what happened and how it changed the world. It’s easy to look at numbers in a text book and skim over the labels of Jew and Gypsy without really internalizing what those numbers truly mean. Lali wasn’t a number, nor were any of the other victims.

I wrote many papers on that part of history in my genocidal studies program, Auschwitz-Birkenau and Dr. Mengele in particular. I found some inconsistencies in how Morris portrayed Mengele and his experiments, fabricating some parts perhaps for shock value, although what he did was so terrible without the additional attractions, I didn’t see the reason for them. There were other inconsistencies highlighted by the Auschwitz Memorial Research Center, but I won’t go into because after all is said and done, this isn’t a history book, it’s a memoir based on the extraordinary life of one man.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and the story it told, even with the inaccuracies and simple phrasings. Memories, like memoirs, are tricky things, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget the story of Lali Sokolov.