Violet and Daisy: The Story of Vaudeville's Famous Conjoined Twins

 

      Sarah Miller does an amazing job of showing an as complete picture as possible of the lives of Violet and Daisy Hilton. I had never heard of these sisters prior to reading this novel, and I was unprepared for the hardships and heartbreak that these two women endured throughout their lives. From being abandoned by their mother at birth, to being abused by the person who was supposed to be their mother but instead exploited them, to having no privacy and always being on display for their guardians to profit off of. They never got to learn motherly love, never got to learn to manage the money they were making from being in the show business (once they finally were able to  take home the money they earned!) and as a result led very sheltered, isolated lives up until their death. Once they were no longer performing, they became broke and it was only because of the help of others that they were able to secure a job and home. Thankfully, they were able to peacefully live out the rest of their lives in North Carolina, but Violet and Daisy were robbed of so much in their lives and my heart breaks for everything they had to go through. 

Grab your copy of Violet and Daisy April 27th! 

Where the Road Leads Us

 

      Where the Road Leads Us, by Robin Reul, was such a delightful treat of a novel. I expected the content to be a lot heavier based on the synopsis, but the actual thick of the plot was lighthearted and fun! While the themes of grief, death, strained family relationships, and uncertainty about one's future certainly did come up in the novel, it didn't play center stage. Instead, the tale of three strangers taking a once in a lifetime roadtrip to right some wrongs, figure out where they're at in their own life and find out some more about themselves played out in a light hearted and upbeat adventure. How else can a road trip happen in a bright yellow buddha cab? The friendship forged between Jack and Hallie via this chance roadtrip is one that is not to soon be forgotten. 

Pick up your own copy April 6th!