Tag: books

Sweet Tea and Southern Secrets: A Look at the Darling Dahlias Series

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If you’re looking for a book series that combines the charm of the South with a healthy dose of mystery and a sprinkle of romance, then look no further than the Darling Dahlias by Susan Wittig Albert. Set in the fictional, yet utterly believable, town of Darling, Alabama, this 10 book series follows the delightful members of the Darling Dahlias Garden Club as they navigate life, love, and the occasional perplexing crime.
From the very first book, The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree, you’re drawn into the close-knit community of Darling. It’s a charming blend of historical fiction and cozy mystery, elevated by its engaging characters, vivid setting, and gentle wit.

But the series is so much more than just mysteries. Albert beautifully portrays the warmth and complexities of Southern life in the 1930s. The Depression is in full swing, but the Dahlias cope admirably and share their expertise in making do as well as recipes and household tips that were important to life in that era. The descriptions of the lush gardens, the traditions of the community, and the importance of friendship create a vivid and inviting atmosphere. You can almost smell the honeysuckle and taste the iced tea as you immerse yourself in Darling.
The characters are incredibly well-developed. You’ll find yourself invested in their lives, celebrating their triumphs and sympathizing with their struggles. The relationships between the women are a highlight of the series, showcasing the power of female friendship and support. As the series progresses, you witness their personal growth, their evolving relationships, and the deepening bonds they share.
In short, the “Darling Dahlias” series offers:
• Engaging Cozy Mysteries: Each book presents a unique and intriguing puzzle.
• Charming Southern Setting: Darling, Alabama, feels like a real and welcoming place.
• Well-Developed Characters: You’ll quickly become invested in the lives of the Darling Garden Club members.
• Stories of Friendship and Community: The bonds between the women are a central and uplifting aspect of the series.
• Beautiful Descriptions of Nature and Gardening: Albert’s passion for plants shines through in her writing.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a strong sense of place and characters that feel like old friends, then the “Darling Dahlias” series is a delightful escape. Grab a sweet tea, settle into your favorite reading spot, and prepare to be charmed by the secrets and sunshine of Darling, Alabama. You might just find yourself wanting to join the Darling Dahlias Garden Club yourself!
While the Dickson County Public Library only has one of the books in this series, several others are available as eBooks through the Libby app. And while you’re at it, have a look at some of this author’s other series.
See all the books here: https://susanalbert.com/darling-dahlias-mysteries/

Turbulent Seas and Moral Compass: The Through the Mind’s Eye Book Club Tackles “The Wager”

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Thursday, March 06, the book club convened at the Dickson Public Library to discuss David Grann’s “The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder,” a gripping narrative of shipwreck, survival, and the dark side of human nature.

cover photo of book The Wager

The conversation swirled around the themes of leadership, mutiny, and the thin line between civilization and savagery. The group debated the actions of Captain Cheap, whose authority crumbled under the weight of starvation and desperation. They explored the psychological toll of prolonged isolation and the desperate measures taken to survive.

The way Grann wove together the historical records, and the individual accounts was masterful, it wasn’t just a tale of adventure; it was a deep dive into the human psyche. The topic of truth and perception arose, particularly concerning the competing narratives presented by the survivors upon their return. The club pondered the reliability of eyewitness accounts, especially when colored by self-preservation and fear. Were the survivors guilty of mutiny or were they exempt from charges due to their shipwrecked status?

The discussion, fueled by Grann’s meticulous research and compelling storytelling left members profoundly affected by the suffering and resilience of the seamen as well as their commitment to each other. “The Wager” left a lasting impression, prompting a deeper understanding of the dark currents that can surface when survival is at stake. Members discussed naval culture in the 1700s, perseverance in spite of physical and spiritual challenges especially those of malnourishment and starvation, the historical waging of war for gain, the age and condition of the seamen, the interaction of survivors with native people, and the actions of the British Admiralty in hearing testimony from those few who returned to England.

Next month, The Through the Mind’s Eye Book Club will be discussing “Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon

cover image Frozen River book

A novel of historical fiction that tells the story of Martha Ballard (1735-1812), a midwife-healer who lived on the Kennebec River in Maine with her husband and children. Martha Ballard left little more than a daily diary in which she recorded terse notations. Very few references in court documents are available, but in spite of the dearth of reference material, the Martha Ballard author Lawhon creates is fully fleshed out as an intelligent, thoughtful, and somewhat flawed pillar of her community. 

If you are interested in attending a Through the Mind’s Eye book club meeting, email foldickson@gmail.com for more information.