Reviews written by Katy Huth Jones

This is a beautiful piece of historical fiction, set in 18th century Milan. The main character is a musician, and it was fascinating to watch her talents and opportunities unfold, especially during a time when the education of young women was considered unnecessary. Like her lovely compositions, I was moved...

Having read 8 Notes to a Nobody, I was eager to continue Wendy's story, and this book does not disappoint. The author has managed to reconnect with her 14 year old emotions. They all ring true! As with the first book, this story goes beyond the problems of being a...

The main character, Wendy, is realistic and sympathetically portrayed, so much so that the book drew me in and transported me back in time to the end of eighth grade with all those up-and-down emotions, from joy to angst. The author holds nothing back in dealing with the serious problems...

This stellar novel spotlights the trials of Italian immigrants during the era of Prohibition. I'd heard of Al Capone and nefarious activities going on during the 1920's but never thought about the effects of that criminal activity upon the average family. The details are so richly drawn, I felt as...

I love historical fiction, especially about little-known periods of history, such as Germany in the early 12th century. I bought this book not knowing what to expect, and I was sucked into the story from the first scene and could hardly put it down. The characters are so well-drawn they...

I expected to cry but not so much! Even though I knew someone would die, since this is a Lurlene McDaniel book, I didn't expect to care so much about these wonderful characters and to feel such sadness. This is a great read, but don't forget the tissues!!...

I first read this book years ago and really liked it, so when the movie John Carter was advertised and I realized it was the same story, I read it again. Wow! Even though it was written almost 100 years ago and the science is not really plausible, it is...

Rodzina is a wonderful story of a little known event in America's not-too-distant history. She is so sympathetic I just HAD to know what was going to happen to her. Rodzina meets all kinds of colorful characters on her journey west aboard the "orphan train" and discovers many truths about...

Catherine, Called Birdy transports the reader to the 13th century, and even though the reality of life in that time was harsh by our standards, this book makes you see that thirteen year old girls have many of the same feelings no matter what century they live in. It's amazing...

Greek mythology is fascinating but Rick Riordan made it fun and up-to-date in this story. I had to read it several times to catch all the inside jokes about the mythological characters. But that kind of richly layered detailing makes for a fantastic book that works on multiple levels for...

The brilliant setting, characters, and situation all make up for any flaws in the plotting. And meeting Mug the snarky houseplant makes this a delightful read. I can't wait for the sequel!

This is a compelling and suspenseful fantasy that grabs you at the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. The two brothers on the run from a creepy bad guy who has kidnapped their parents are so sympathetic you can't help but give your heart to them. The...

This is a stellar story (no pun intended) that tells the story of three levels of civilization colliding on a distant world. It is written like a fairy tale from the "primitive" point of view, while the other two viewpoints are hardware science fiction and more esoteric SF. There's...

This book has been one of my favs for years, mainly because I can so relate to Menolly's problems with her parents, and I am a musician. I only wish I could Impress fire lizards like Menolly did!