Women’s History Month Book Review

I am back on my Amazon Original Stories, and it’s Women’s History Month.  I want to hit my book goal in 2024, and Amazon Original Stories will help me hit this mark.  Also, I would like to read more books outside my comfort zone. I noticed last year that I read a lot of romantic comedies and fantasy books.  The March collection has checked two categories off my list. I am stepping out of my comfort zone of Romantic comedies and reading historical fiction books.  I will post these reviews in 2 books per post.  I think that is the best option since it has seven books. I did all six books in one post in the last collection. I read The Improbable Meet Cute, which is linked below. https://wordpress.com/post/chemichelletales.com/662

Book 1- Amelia’s Shadow by Marie Benedict

I was unsure what to expect from this book, called “Amelia’s Shadow,” We are introduced to Ruth Nichols, one of the founding members of the Ninety-Nine. Powder Puff Derby was a term coined by Humorist Will Rogers since the race was an all-women cross-country flight. As the book continues, Ruth is Amelia’s competition, friend, comrade, and just as fierce if not shoulder to shoulder with Amelia Earhart.  Reading this book, you realize pushing the envelope of World Records, competitions, and much more was exhilarating. Readers can see what competition and friendship look like when genuine admiration and platonic love are involved. The author explores a softer side of Amelia Earhart without stripping her of her bravery.  Though we know the history of Amelia Earhart, it was refreshing to see her life through her best friend’s eyes.  In the same breath, no to take away Ruth’s tenacity, zest, and grit to be the best pilot ever.  I read this book while commuting to work, and it took only an hour to listen.  I reread the book, which took about an hour and 20 minutes to read.  It’s a great opener to Women’s History Month and an excellent way to showcase Ruth Nichols’s involvement in the Women Pilot movement in the 20^th century.

Drink Choice: Butterfly Tea Gin

Beautiful and Majestic while still packing a punch.

Book -2 The June Paintings by Maggie Shipstead

The June Paintings by Maggie Shipstead is a good fit for those seeking a story of self-discovery and empowerment, following a young woman’s journey to find her artistic voice and challenge the constraints of her mentor’s expectations. This book takes us on an adventure in the arts with the mysterious June Tremblay. June’s life is unique and complicated by the restraints of being a woman in the 1960s.  They do not have quite the same freedoms that women have today, but they have more freedoms and liberties than women in the first half of the century. She is introduced to a man that will change her life. Her meeting with Fritz Fox is why she finds herself, her voice, and her path.  Now, Fritz is not a love interest, but he offers an opportunity, which seems meh until you realize how instrumental this opportunity shapes June’s Life.  As the book says, it is unclear if June is maturing or just going with the flow for a paycheck. As the book unfolds, the author reveals that June is more intriguing than how she presents herself. The most valuable lesson from this book is not to lose yourself while trying to find yourself. Don’t let others’ perceptions about your personality. Create who you are; be the person you desire.

Instead of wine for these two books, I suggest a Cranberry Whiskey Sour.  It’s the perfect amount of punch with a twist. I

Drink: Cranberry Whiskey Sour

 Ingredients
1 ½ fl oz whiskey
¾ fl oz lemon juice (I recommend freshly squeezed)
Three fl oz cranberry juice
One teaspoon sugar

Instructions
Put everything in a cocktail mixer, along with a few ice cubes. Cover and shake well. Either pour it into a glass as it is or serve it over ice (suggest it in an old-fashioned class). I’d recommend a slice of lemon and some frozen cranberries as garnish.

Image for the Cranberry Whiskey Sour is from

Until Next Time,

Che Michelle