THIS CURSED HOUSE – Del Sandeen In this Southern gothic horror debut, a young Black woman abandons her life in 1960s Chicago for a position with a mysterious family in New Orleans, only to discover the dark truth. They’re under a curse, and they think she can break it. In the fall of 1962, twenty-seven-year-old Jemma Barker is desperate to escape her life in Chicago—and the spirits she has always been able to see. When she receives an unexpected job offer from the Duchon family in New Orleans, she accepts, thinking it is her chance to start over. But Jemma discovers that the Duchon family isn’t what it seems. Light enough to pass as white, the Black family members look down on brown-skinned Jemma. Their tenuous hold on reality extends to all the members of their eccentric clan, from haughty grandmother Honorine to beautiful yet inscrutable cousin Fosette. And soon the shocking truth comes The Duchons are under a curse. And they think Jemma has the power to break it. As Jemma wrestles
MY REVIEW: The Warsaw Sisters" is a gripping historical fiction novel set during World War II. The story follows the lives of three sisters - Sophia, Elzbieta, and Zofia - as they navigate the horrors of war and fight for survival in war-torn Warsaw. Barratt does an excellent job of bringing the setting to life, portraying the city of Warsaw in vivid detail. The characters are well-developed, and their individual journeys are compelling and emotionally charged. Each sister faces her own challenges and must make difficult choices that test their courage and resilience. The pacing at times can be slow but has a mix of suspense, action, and moments of reflection. I found myself engaged until the very end, with unexpected twists and turns that added to the overall intrigue. One aspect that stands out is the strong bond between the sisters, their love for each other, and their determination to protect one another. This theme of family and loyalty adds depth to the story and pulls at t