July 2, 2010 - July 15, 2010
Last contest period's winners each received a copy of BROKEN by Karin Slaughter, ICE COLD: A Rizzoli & Isles Novel by Tess Gerritsen and SIZZLING SIXTEEN: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich.
| Kellie ([email protected]) |
| Summer Island by Kristen Hannah |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I liked this book. It was a story about a woman who left her family when her daughters were teenagers. She eventually reconnects with her older daughter, but remains estranged from her younger daughter until troublesome circumstances bring them together. This is a story about family, love, marriage, death, life and mother-daughter relationships. There are some interesting perspectives the author offers in this book and it made me want to give my kids and husband a hug. At times the book is choppy and there were some things I didn't think were resolved at the end. Overall, however, I'd recommend this as an enjoyable summer read. |
| Julie H. |
| Juliet by Anne Fortier |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Julie Jacobs and her twin sister Janice were raised by their Aunt Rose in America after the death of their parents in Italy. After Aunt Rose's death, Julie is left a letter, while Janice gets the house, par for the course in their tempestuous twin world. Julie's letter directs her to Siena, Italy where the mystery of their parents' life work intersects with what is the historical origin of the original Romeo and Juliet tale. I find family genealogy to be very interesting and in this, Julie learns she and her sister are descended from a set of twins from 1340, Giulietta and Giannozza Tolomei. In both the historical and modern day sections, I really liked Fortier's description of the various districts of Seina and the strong-willed families that populate each area. A couple of the twists seemed a little far reaching near the end, but overall, this was a well-paced, captivating read. |
| Bertha Martinez |
| The Moon at the Bottom of the Well by Justin Stares |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It's the true story of an Italian shoeshine boy who became a Pulitzer-prize-nominated Vietnam war photographer, and is based on the diaries and correspondence of both Ennio, the shoeshine boy, and Derek Wilson, a well known BBC foreign correspondent. It's tragic, funny and fascinating, like all the best life stories. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Shoot To Thrill by P J Tracy |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Many years ago, I read the first book of this series, MONKEEWRENCH, about a group of computer nerds who help the police with crimes. The action in the first novel was nonstop, but this novel dwells mostly in cyberspace. I am computer literate, but the use of so many computer terms and language does not enhance the storyline. The presentation of characters and setting is flimsy. The book is okay for a beach read, but for involved reading this is adolescent. |
| Sandra F. |
| The Sisters From Hardscrabble Bay by Beverly Jensen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
After reading The Sisters from Hardscrabble Bay by Beverly Jensen I felt privileged to have had the opportunity to meet Idella and Avis Hillock. Having been born and raised in New Brunswick, the characters quickly became like old friends known in the distant past. So many young people raised on subsistence farms in New Brunswick escaped to the "Boston States" in search of a better life. Some, like Idella, found one and others, like Dalton, did not. My enjoyment of this book was overshadowed by the realization that readers have been deprived of the great narrative voice of Beverly Jensen. |
| Louise |
| Key of Valor by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I guess I'll go with 4 stars. The writing, itself, was entertaining, and it was a good conclusion to the Key Trilogy. Is it just me, or do others get tired of the plots where a woman has been badly hurt by a man years before and fights off a chance for good love throughout the whole book, just so she won't be hurt again! You know how it's going to end :) |
| Marsha |
| Blood Memory by Greg Iles |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This relentless novel with keep you on the edge of your seat. It is a true thriller. Forensic expert Cat Ferry is suspended from the FBI task force when her panic attacks start to release repressed memories from her childhood and she sets out to find the answers. Wow! |
| Marsha |
| Walking Shadow by Robert B. Parker |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
PI Spenser becomes involved in a murder of an actor who is part of s small town's troupe and eventually learns that the port town is a place where Chinese smugglers are bringing in immigrants. Not a happy situation. |
| Lou |
| The Pink Lemonade Charade by Cynthia Blair |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
In case you're been following my reviews ot this series about the Pratt twins, I found another one. This time, the high school girls travel to Washington, DC, where they get involved with a Russian ballerina who is trying to defect to the US. The funny thing about these books is that they used to belong to my own daughters. I tried several times to sell them at yard sales for 5 cents ea and couldn't get rid of them :) Finally, when I started a library here in Saudi Arabia, I brought them over to donate. So I can't believe I'm actually reading them, myself, now and considering taking them BACK home to the US for my granddaughters to read. They have certainly gotten around :) |
| Shiela |
| Sweet Misfortune by Kevin Alan Milne |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I picked up this book based upon the title only, at the public library. I was pleasantly surprised and did not want to put the book down. I was totally captivated by the story line. |
| Louise |
| Henry: Virtuous Prince by David Starkey |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
While I'm still on this British history kick, my husband and I have been reading this one in bed. He finds it more interesting than I do for some reason :). What I am getting from it is the fact that one's childhood experiences can have an immense influence on, not only on that person, but a whole continent of people. This is Henry VIII, who is known as the most powerful monarch in British history. It seems to me that he has a split personality. At times, he was kind, romantic and fair, while there were so many occasions that he was uncaring, unfair and brutal. I've been dismayed at the corruption, dishonesty and immorality of US presidents. But they don't even hold a candle to past British rulers. |
| Darlene |
| 31 Hours by Masha Hamilton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The book was very good, it kept you hanging until the end. The end was a disappointment to me because it still left me hanging. |
| Autumn |
| Horns by Joe Hill |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Technically, I guess this would classify as horror, but I thought it was very good and it was quite funny in places. There was an theme running through about God vs. Satan that I found to be quite interesting. |
| Autumn |
| If I Stay by Gayle Forman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
My first impression was that it was a "Lovely Bones" wannabe, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It was a good book. It's classified as "Young Adult" and that's correct. It's a quick easy read, but it'll make an impression and make you think about what you'd do if you were in a similar situation. |
| Lorna |
| Firefly Beach by Luanne Rice |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
"Firefly Beach" is where three sisters and their mom live. It touches on each of their lives and how they all relate with each other. Things from the past still haunt them and the son of the man that killed himself in their home 30 years ago comes to Firefly to get some answers. Great story but I wish it could have grabbed me a little better. It's worth the read. |
| Mr Spontaneous ([email protected]) |
| Worldly Complaints by Anonymous |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Excellent! Available at www.unibook.com The title say's it all!! A quick, fast paced, fantastic read! Really rewarding!!! :) x |
| Bill Anderson |
| The Child Thief by Brom |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a great, very adult retelling of the story of Peter Pan and his journey. The characters are strong and well-developed. I highly recommended this for lovers of fantasy. |
| Kathleen |
| Caught by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a good thriller that keeps one guessing on the outcome but it seemed a bit long to me. |
| Harriet Stay ([email protected]) |
| City of Fear by David Hewson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It's strange why we select certain books to read, but six or seven years ago I was interested in finding a mystery set in Italy. Most of Hewson's procedurals are set in Rome with a jaunt to Venice and the U.S., all in the line of work, of course. In this, the eighth, Detective Nic Costa, along with other Questura members, has been assigned traffic duty (of all the humiliation) because a member of the G8 conference is kidnapped and murdered. Rome is immobilized. However, the President of Italy has other plans for Nic, his partner Peroni, and the other detective team members. My first inclination is simply to tell you how literate the writing, how steeped in history, and you owe it to yourself to read this series. But, in truth, so many of the stories of Italy stem from fantastical beliefs, many from devil worship. That is part of their history and David Hewson is a magician in using these facts. May I suggest you begin with the first of the series, "A Season for the Dead". A warning: the author has been known to take far-reaching liberties with his stable of characters. Trust me, start at the beginning. |
| Deborah |
| 61 Hours by Lee Child |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Wow, last week I was into this book but when I got the ending, I was annoyed. I don't want to spoil it except to say that readers should be warned --- this book will be continued in the next Jack Reacher release in October of this year, so you won't get a specific ending in this one. Jack Reacher spends 61 Hours in a small Dakota town during a blizzard trying to outwit an unknown hit man who's out to kill a protected witness. Everyone is a suspect, and Jack seems more reflective, and perhaps a bit sad. The bad guy seemed obvious by the third or fourth chapter, and other readers have complained this story is lacking in the usual Reacher action. Still, it's an interesting entry in the series except for the author's cheap shot of ending on a cliffhanger and making us wait until October to find out what happens next. There's even a teaser ad at the end of the story which tells readers they will have to wait --- an annoying trick to play on faithful readers following this series. |
| Marsha |
| 24 Hours by Greg Iles |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This heart-pounding thriller takes you through 24 hours of a family's nightmare as their child is kidnapped and the parents are in jeopardy. This is well-plotted and thrilling. |
| Kathleen |
| That Perfect Someone by Johanna Lindsey |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Somewhat predictable, but the ending did have a surprise twist. |
| Louise |
| Key of Knowledge by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the second in a trilogy. While I liked the first, this one just dragged. Instead of concentrating on finding the Key, the story concentrated on a past love between two of the characters and how he had broken her heart --- ad nauseum. Hopefully, Book Three will be more entertaining. |
| Martha |
| Storm Prey by John Sandford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The Minnesota investigator, Lucas Davenport, is like an old friend in the Preyseries, but Sandford is able to create new, bizarre situations that grab the reader and keep the reader coming back for more. Virgil Flowers and Weather Karkinnen are also included in this suspenseful story. |
| Harriet Stay ([email protected]) |
| A Darker Domain by Val McDermid |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I finally got to this on my TBR stack. McDermid's stories, her one-offs, are always intricate mind benders and this was no exception. It begins with a missing person report of a father, Michael Prentice, by his daughter. Mick went missing from the mining hamlet of Newton of Wemyss, Scotland. The twist is Mick disappeared 22 1/2 years ago. The author blends the past and present seamlessly so the reader lives what happened in 1985 along with the investigation of today. McDermid's books are never light and frivolous and rarely happy-ever-after endings. They are written with an expert hand and realistically constructed. I'm glad I finally reached it. |
| Patricia W. |
| How To Make Love Like A Porn Star by Jenna Jameson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An interesting insight into the life of one of the adult film's biggest stars. A recurring theme throughout is her bad choice of men in her life. I really enjoyed the way this was written. It's just like she's talking to you in person. |
| Louise |
| Catherine Parr by Elizabeth Norton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
My mother was really into British history, and I wish I'd have gained my interest while she was still alive. Well, she did leave me a lot of her books, though. I knew that Catherine Parr was one of King Henry VIII's wives but that's about all I knew of her (hanging head in shame). The more intimate details of her life are fascinating (although, I also found them quite depressing, as well). |
| Betty Burrier |
| 61 Hours by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This books keeps you intrigued from the first page and you cannot wait to continue to read this thriller. I am at work counting down to my lunch hour just so I can read some more. |
| Erin Cook ([email protected]) |
| Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a story of lost years and moments; of regaining trust and faith; of seeing beyond the surface; and of forgiveness. Two sisters have struggled to earn their cold mother's love. Faced with the death of their father, they are forced to come to terms with each other, the men in their lives and to learn the softness behind their mother's stoic and cold demeanor --- beautifully written. |
| D. Lohrding |
| The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Great climax as to who's done it! Inspector Gamache is back with clues that are overlooked as clues --- like I said, a great "who done it"! |
| Judy O. ([email protected]) |
| To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It is the 50th anniversary of this wonderful book, and I'm so glad that I read it again. Boo Radley's coming out was just as exciting this time as it was 50 years ago. The courtroom scenes were riveting and the verdict just as appalling. If you have never read it, you should. It won a Pulitzer Prize, and that was well-deserved. |
| Lou |
| The Banana Split Affair by Cynthia Blair |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I got attracted to another of Ms Blair's young adult books and read it a few days ago. We had a pest control company come and spray our house, and I had to leave for a few hours. So I walked to the library and read most of this book while there. Again, it's about identical twin high school girls Chris & Sooz. This time, neither likes her own life & wishes she had her sister's. So they get the bright idea to change identities for two weeks. It's kind of fun until a few complications arise. |
| Marsha |
| Now and Then by Robert B, Parker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Boston PI Spenser turns a simple investigation into a full-fledged challenge in order to bring down a suspect who has caused the deaths of several people and threatens him and his beloved Susan. He is surrounded by his pals and the FBI are also interested. |
| Jane Squires ([email protected]) |
| The Promise of Morning by Ann Kirk Shorey |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I feel as if I've lived an adventure from the 1840s. Imagine my surprise when the characters go from Missouri to my home town of Decatur, IL (Sangamon County) where I grew up. I left when I married 31 years ago. It even started in March 1840. I was born 110 years later in 1950. But this book drew me in. Ellie experiences so much tragedy because she lost children. A lot of women could relate to her feelings. I can because I lost a child but before it was born, between my oldest and youngest, leaving six years between them. All of us experience tragedy, but some more than others and it takes time to grieve and walk through it. I grieved for two years for the child I lost and then I fought medical problems which made it impossible for me to get pregnant. I was reminded of my blessing of Sarah, finally. I laughed, I cried and sometimes I even held my breath hoping for the best. The story is vivid. You feel you are connecting to the characters and they become your friends. Ellie has so much tragedy that you want to draw her into your arms and cry with her. Matthew has his troubles to contend with also. He feels the gossip of the town is aimed at him and makes him decide to give up his church. I loved how everything worked together to bring him full circle back to his church and ready to defend it. I was able to relate to it because I walked away from my church for two years due to people and hurt feelings. But I came back because God wanted me there. My Grandpa was a circuit preacher so I felt like I could connect to the life he lived before I was born. Out of tragedy eventually springs hope renewed. A book that will help you in many many ways. |
| Jon |
| Nothing to Lose by Lee Child |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It's not the best Reacher book but no complaints. |
| Sharon |
| The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Two children from two homes are missing from their beds. Have they been kidnapped and if so, by whom? One child, Calli, has not spoken since her mother lost her baby years before. The other is her best friend. Did they go into the woods by their homes? And where is Calli's father, Griff, who is known to be a drunkard who beats his wife? The story is well written. A plot about missing children is so familiar these days but this book is not written as a thriller but rather to show the weight of silence and the damage it can do to a family. |
| Allie |
| The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a great story about a long and happy marriage. |
| Susan |
| The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I'm about halfway through this book and cannot put it down. Dan Brown never disappoints. I love reading his books. |
| Lou |
| Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married by Marian Keyes |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I wanted to read this because I heard it was so funny. I don't know what's wrong with my sense of humor, but it felt more stupid than funny to me. The story also dragged. Lucy lives with two other girls who talk her into seeing a fortune teller. There, she learns that she will be married within a year. She doesn't believe it, and, frankly, neither did I.... think that anyone would be interested in her. :) |
| Susan |
| Hailey's War by Jodi Compton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The story took me places that I would not normally venture. What makes a woman want to attend West Point? And when she fails --- she applies the principles of being a cadet to help a pregnant woman escape her captives. This involves getting help from a former friend who is now a girl gang leader in LA. I really enjoyed this page turner --- I was hoping for a good ending and it was better than I anticipated. Definitely five stars. |
| Kathy Vallee |
| The Suicide Collectors by David Oppegaard |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is David's first novel and it is great. It has a totally new outlook on death and what happens after --- hard to put down and I hope he keeps writing. |
| julie |
| The Lacuna by Barbara Kinglsolver |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I haven't finished this book yet, but I am thoroughly enjoying it. This is almost like "Forest Gump" in Mexico. The main character, Harrison Shepherd, befriends Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Trotsky during the time of the second world war. It's a coming of age in Mexico and I can't put it down. |
| Bonnie |
| Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A little bit "The Godfather" with a touch of "House" and a dab of "Scrubs", yet totally original and fun. Mafia hit man turned doctor in witness protection gets found out. Mayhem ensues. I read it in a day and a half. |
| Tanya ([email protected]) |
| Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Police Chief Kate Burkholder must solve a murder mystery involving an Amish family in Painters Mill. This is one of the best murder mysteries I have read lately. I will definitely look for her previous book SWORN TO SILENCE. |
| Carol G |
| Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Simply put: a beautiful love story. Henry finds the sweet in the bitter of his life. |
| Marsha |
| Cold Service by Robert B, Parker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Spenser's friend, Hawk, has been shot and left for dead. When he recuperates, they set out for revenge which is best served cold. As usual, Parker's dialogue moves the plot along with unmatched writing. |
| Pam Greer |
| One Day by David Nicholls |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am about halfway through and loving it. Seeing the changes in each character every year without having to read about the whole year is a great idea a la "When Harry Met Sally." |
| Jackie |
| The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very readable book narrated by Enzo the dog. This book is everything --- cute, yes as told by a dog, but also very thought provoking as he deals with some of life's most difficult situations. I was going through a difficult time in my life while reading this book and Enzo's words of wisdom were very helpful. Read it!!! |
| ck |
| The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wonderful conclusion to the series! The author pulled together all sorts of loose threads from the other two books. Warning! don't start reading if you have any tasks to do. It's absolutely impossible to get anything accomplished until you have finished the book. |
| Bonnie |
| The Last Child by John Hart |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This can't-put-down novel is perfect for mystery lovers or those who just like a great story with compelling characters. Definitely worth reading. |
| Sandy |
| Lit by Mary Karr |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
I cannot think of anything good to say about this book. Made it to page 76 before I said ENOUGH!! |
| Anne |
| Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! This story takes place in Paris and recounts the little known story of how some of the French people were complicit in the arrest of their Jewish neighbors. It is a haunting story and one that stays with you for many days after reading. |
| Marsha |
| The Nearest Exit by Olen Steinhauer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wish I had read THE TOURIST first but this is a first rate thriller. The CIA has a special hidden unit that does the dirty work of espionage. Mile Weaver is pulled back into the unit and when ordered to kill a 15-year old girl and make her body disappear, he ignores the demands of his handlers and suddenly he is in a dangerous position. |
| Jean |
| Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is an entertaining light mystery centering around books and the profession of book restoration. |
| Gale Kearley |
| The Last Family by John Ramsey Miller |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I've only started reading this book. It got my attention from the very beginning. It's a thriller and that's what I enjoy reading. |
| Jean M |
| Caught by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Coben just gets better and better. This one deals with how an accusation can ruin someone's life even though that person is innocent. Good and thought-provoking. |
| Pattie Berryhill ([email protected]) |
| Zeitoun by Dave Eggers |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a well-written true story of a family dealing with Hurricane Katrina. |
| Betty Jo ([email protected]) |
| One Mississippi by Mark Childress |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Moving to Mississippi from Indiana in the early 1970's was like moving to a foreign country for Daniel. While this book is laugh out loud funny, it provides some real truths behind the chaos of desegregation of the public schools in Jackson. This is a great read. |
| Sal |
| The 7th Victim by Alan Jacobson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book kept me interested from the beginning until the very end. It had some interesting twists. |
| Denée Savage |
| The Potato Factory by Bryce Courtenay |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love all his books. |
| Louise |
| London: The Novel by Edward Rutherford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a looong read (829 large pages in small font) but so worth persevering for. My husband and I read it to each other in bed every night for years! :) It encompasses the time period from Julius Caesar's reign to modern times. It features, of course, fictional characters, but amongst the author's take on how things could have happened, some "real, true" history is incorporated. A great education is to be had about the London area. |
| Louise |
| The Tower of London by Simon Thurley |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Since I just mentioned reading this, in conjunction with THE WHITE QUEEN, I may as well comment on it, as well. So much history in this historical landmark! Built in the 11th century, it has served as a palace, fortress, prison, place of executions, arsenal, mint, menagerie and jewel house. Indeed, it has housed the Crown Jewels since the beginning of the 14th century. I bought the book the first time I visited the site, not wanting to fight the crowds to go inside. After reading it, I went back a couple of years later, willing to fight the crowds :) The book tells about a great fire at the Tower in 1841, but another book I read (LONDON by Edward Rutherford) tells of a great fire there in the late 1000's. Maybe I should report on that book, too :) |
| Kendra ([email protected]) |
| The Birthing House by Christopher Ransome |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This book was rather confusing, and in the end, seemed a bit pointless. The ending and "twist" at the end were rather anticlimactic. I pretty much finished it and went "what was the point of that?" It did keep me reading, but more because I had to see how it ended versus me really enjoying it. |
| Reva Wamsley ([email protected]) |
| The First Patient by Michael Palmer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I had put off reading this book because it was so thick but once I started, I couldn't stop reading. Gabe and Andy were roommates in college. Now Andy is the president and Gabe is a country doctor in Wyoming. When the president's personal doctor disappears, he asks Gabe to come to Washington and take over. This is a very gripping book. |
| Kathy Vallee |
| Danger in a Small Town by Carolina Justice |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book was a mystery plus an inspirational romance. I normally do not read romance, but every once in a while it makes a great break. I also love it when they put God into the story. In this book Tess is back home to help her aging uncle, who broke his ankle, and help him recover. Shortly after returning back, she falls over a dead woman and everything changes. No, they think she has something they want and are after her. This is a pretty good book. |
| jjn |
| Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a great story about a young woman who has suffered abuse at the hands of her father and husband. A gypsy warns her that she needs to kill her husband before he kills her. So she grabs her gun and the story gets interesting. Rose is funny and brave and I loved this story. Rose Mae Lolly was a character in Jackson's first book GODS IN ALABAMA. You do not need to read the earlier book to enjoy BACKSEAT SAINTS but you will want to! |
| Julie H. |
| Await Your Reply by Dan Choan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Wow. This was a well-thought out and tightly written story. The characters of Miles, Lucy and Ryan are interesting, even though they are at different points in their lives. All three story lines are presented smoothly and eventual links appear. I felt rewarded for my diligent reading. I will think of this novel when I check my spam folder, at least in the near future. |
| Vivian |
| The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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This is as terrific, charming and magical as her prior books. I would highly recommend. |
| Jean M |
| Chasing Darkness by Robert Crais |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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I love all of Crais's books. This one was no exception. |
| Louise |
| The White Queen by Philippa Gregory |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It's taking me awhile to read, because I'm studying the real history of the characters as I go along. It's a story of the meeting and relationship between the queen and her husband King Edward IV. Edward has taken away the crown of King Henry VI, thus putting his family's lives in constant danger from those who want to overthrow him. A lot of their time is spent in the Tower of London (where they have Henry locked away), which is of even more interest to me because I just toured the Tower in January. |
| Julie Sorum ([email protected]) |
| The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed this one: a deep, involved, and not-easy-to-put-down mystery. |
| CC |
| Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I was not even aware of these happenings in history --- fascinating and horrifying. |
| jjn |
| A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A VISIT FROM THE GOON SQUAD is my favorite book of the 21st century. This is destined to be a classic. It is in a class of it's own. One genre cannot contain it: lots of characters and multiple stories which takes place from the 1970's through 2020 and written in experimental prose. It seems like it would be a mess but the characters are well defined and you care about each story. I loved it. |
| Coral Harrison |
| 29 by Adena Halpern |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a hilarious story about Elle Jerome who was 75 and was given a birthday party. She is trying to stay young so when she had to blow out the 75 candles she wished that she could be 29 for a day. The next day she was 29. Her granddaughter realized who she was and they had a good time, but her daughter could not understand it all. You laugh out loud at some of the things especially when she turns back into 75. |
| Coral Harrison |
| Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a story of Susan who got pregnant when she was 17 and did not want to marry the father. Her parents disowned her, but she was able to get an education and was a principal of a high school. She kept in touch with Lily's father all through the years. Lily and four of her friends made a pact to get pregnant at 17. It caused a lot of problems for Susan and the whole school and town. It was interesting how it all turned out. I liked the story. |
| Bea |
| The God Of War by Marisa Silver |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is told from the perspective of a 12 year old boy who is haunted by the memory of hurting his younger brother when he himself was only seven. A child dealing with guilt, a mother almost in denial that the younger child can be helped, lots to deal with in this poignant story. It is short and hard to put down once you start it. |
| Tanya |
| The Season of Second Chances by Diane Meier |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The author captures the renovation, not only of a house, but a life, as Joy Harkness learns that coming of age can happen at any age, and that second chances might be waiting to be discovered within us all. |
| Diane LaRue (bookchickdi) ([email protected]) |
| Between a Heart and a Rock Place by Pat Benatar |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Anyone who remembers the 80s, remembers the hard rocking Pat Benatar. She put female rockers on the map, and this memoir tells her interesting story. She about her interest in music at a young age, her first marriage that fell apart, her break into show business and meeting the love of her life, guitarist Neil Giraldo, who became her second husband. The book shows how difficult it was to be in the rock music business, especially if you were a woman. After reading this book, I headed straight over to ITunes to put more Pat Benatar on my Ipod. |
| Anna |
| A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Sumptuous writing, suspenseful plot and intriguing characters --- no wonder it's so popular! |
| T. Thomas |
| Mission of Honor by David Weber |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The latest in the Honorverse series of books. This one starts slow and the end is a surprise. |
| T. Thomas |
| Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I've now read all five of Lancaster's books. I've laughed at each, but I think this one is more 3.5 stars than the four I have given the others. I hope she continues to find things to write about because I do enjoy her. |
| Alexis |
| Blood Harvest by S.J. Bolton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is edge of your seat, thought provoking, sad and and extremely well-written book. It is about a family with children who seem to imagine a child no-one else sees. Suspenseful!! Will murders be solved? Best I've read in months, and I read a lot!!! |
| Alexis |
| Blood Harvest by S.J. Bolton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is edge of your seat, thought provoking, sad and extremely well-written. The story revolves around a family with children who seem to imagine a child no-one else sees. Suspenseful!! Will murders be solved? Best I've read in months and I read a lot!!! |
| Louise |
| The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I picked this book up, looking for material to help me with a talk I was writing on attitude. He does give tips on changing your attitude and convinces the reader that attitude contributes greatly to his success. One also needs to get into the habit of thinking and acting successful without letting himself have negative thoughts. |
| Kay |
| Fever Dream by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I highly recommend all of the Aloysius Pendergast novels written by these authors! FEVER DREAM mainly takes place in the swamps of Louisiana as well as St. Francisville and New Orleans, and the tales of John James Audubon are woven into the plot. The main character, Pendergast, is so unique and unforgettable, and I always look forward to his next escapade. |
| Rita P. |
| The Walk by Richard Paul Evans |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book takes you from th beginning of a relationship throughout their life and it also takes you on a journey from a man's home to the furthermost point he could travel in the U.S. The events that happen along the way are interesting enough to keep you turning pages into the night. |
| Linda B |
| Hunter's Revenge by Bonnie Rose Leigh |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
HUNTER'S REVENGE is the second book in the series and all I can say is WOW!!! |
| jjn |
| Promises to Keep by Jane Green |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I have been a Jane Green fan forever but her last three books have disappointed me and I will not bother to read her next book. That said, I think some people might really like this book. It's a tear-jerker about a beautiful wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend who died. Each chapter managed to mention something about food and the recipe was included at the end of the chapter. It was a crap gimmick to make up for the fact there was not enough story here to fill a book. Also, it was an American book, not British, and yet there were some British spellings and words that seemed really unnatural. This should not have bothered me but it did. It was just awkward. I loved Jane Green's British books (like JEMIMA J) but she has lost me as a reader. It was a sweet book but not for me. |
| Dara |
| The Swimming Pool by Holly LeCraw |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
If I had not won this book and a chated with the author I would not have finished the book. It was about Marcella, who has an affair with a father and son during two chapters of her life. Her daughter also works for the the family that the mom had the affair with. I would have given a one star rating, but it is the author's first book. I hope she gets better with the her next book. |
| renee |
| Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A hilarious, serious and painfully honest memoir of an intellectual coming to terms with her own spiritual roots in a conservative community. |
| Rita |
| The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a fascinating tale about an author whose life was somewhat of a mystery to the public. She gave many different accounts of her early life to different interviews. Finally, she said she was going to tell the interviewer the "truth." As the story unfolds, the mystery deepens and you are involved in a complex story of twins in an English household. Our book club loved this book and no one saw the end coming! |
| Linda B |
| Saved By The Monarch by Dana Marton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
SAVED BY THE MONARCH's title sounded like a boring book, but I assure readers that it's not! From the time Judi embarks from her plane from what she thought was a vacation in the country she left as a child is anything but! She meets a prince and then is told that they had been pledged since her birth, and then kidnapped by rebels who wanted to overthrow the ruling government has Judi fighting for her life --- and her growing attraction to the prince! |
| GrammaLou |
| The Double Dip Disquise by Cynthia Blair |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I started reading this to see if I thought my granddaughter would enjoy it and I couldn't put it down. Twin sisters have graduated from high school and found summer jobs which involve a mystery that they have to work together to solve. I see there are other books that feature these twins, I guess I'll have to look for them too. |
| Denise Scott |
| Crazy For The Storm by Norman Ollestad |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A well written chronicle of survival that keeps your interest from beginning to end. A must read for the adventure and the love of a father and son. Incredible! |
| Diane LaRue (bookchickdi) ([email protected]) |
| Confessions of A Prairie Bitch by Alison Arngrim |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm not a fan of TV's "Little House on the Prairie", but this memoir, written by the actress who played the obnoxious Nellie Oleson, is a winner. You get the inside scoop on life on the set of the show: who was nice and naughty, what Michael Landon was really like and Arngrim's family story is just as fascinating which balances the good with the awful. She's a wonderful writer and I highly recommend this funny, moving book. |
| Rita |
| A Lion Among Men by Gregory Maguire |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the third book in the Wicked trilogy and what I love about all these books are the great life lessons. One can sit and ponder these comments and see the simple beauty and truth about them. |
| Linda B |
| Rogue Soldier by Dana Marton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wow, Ms. Marton has done it again, and this time, Tessa Neilson and Mike McNair must work together after three years apart, when she failed to make the team. Leaving with outrage and hurt feelings, Tessa took a boring research position in the cold barren tundra --- only she gets kidnapped. Mike goes rogue to save her. Together, they face wolves, bears, the Arctic weather and thieves attempting to retrieve stolen nuclear war heads! |
| Gloria P |
| Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you want to remember the cold of Dr Zhivago's Russia, with a twist on LITTLE WOMEN plus a surprise ending, you might/might not see coming, then I recommend WINTER GARDEN by Kristin Hannah. I was blue for the first 100 pages, then I was cold, then I cried with another triumphant woman. If you ever took an Alaskan cruise you'll experience deja vous. |
| Linda B |
| Stranded With The Prince by Dana Marton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Milda Milas was hired by the Queen of Valteria to find a bride for Prince Laslo, and after five months, he proved to be difficult to tie down. He left every time she entered into the same room as him. As the last of the "Matchmaking Line", she needed to find him a bride soon in order to keep her New York business afloat. With the aide of the married princes', their plan to keep him stranded for two weeks with three females (chosen for him) was bound to succeed. |
| Linda B |
| Royal Captive by Dana Marton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The next in The Harlequin Intrigue series of Valteria tells the wonderful story of Prince Isteven, an archeologist, and Lauryn Steler, a reformed art thief. Lauryn was sent by the Getty Center in LA to select Valterian art treasures that would tour the states. |
| jbg |
| Killing Floor by Lee Child |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The first in the Jack Reacher series. I liked this thriller. Jack is drifter that used to be in the military police. He seems to stumble into trouble quite easily. I will read the other books in this series (14 in all). |
| Linda B |
| Tempering Zoe by Bonnie Rose Leigh |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The first book in the The Serenity series is about Zoe Daniels. Zoe could not believe she saw her lover and her best friend share an intimate kiss --- just when she found out that she was pregnant with his twins! She needed to escape New York and start over but now she can't trust any man, especially if he was rich like Michael Donaldson! A small town in upper state New York, called Serenity, made her think that it was a safe haven, so she quit her job and escaped there. |
| Shirley Joy |
| Where Are You Now? by Mary Higgins Clark |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I do not want to put this book down! |
| Kathie |
| The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsen |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
About 100 pages in and the book is finally starting to grab me! |
| Allison |
| Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A great book and a good summer read. |
| Beverly J. Rowe ([email protected]) |
| Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers: Tweakin by Carolyn Howard-Johnson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Carolyn has some great ideas for tweeting your business. While this book is written for retailers, even if you don't have a store, you can profit from twittering about your service or online business. You know the internet abounds with opportunities, and Carolyn shows you just how to take advantage of social media. |
| Tanya F |
| The Late, Lamented Molly Marx by Sally Koslow |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A friend gave this to me because she and I always love Target's Club Picks and this is their latest. Molly is a very likable character and easy to root for despite her indiscretions. I hadn't figured out her killer, but was not shocked by the ending. I especially liked the interview at the end between Molly and Sally. I've already passed my copy on to see what my friends think! |
| Linda B |
| Waiting For Willow by Bonnie Rose Leigh |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a great book! |
| Beverly Rowe ([email protected]) |
| The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book was a spellbinder from the start, and then looked like it was going to fizzle out, but then the surprise ending saved this book for me. |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a very different take on WWII and Germany. Liesel Meminger is a foster child who is raised by the very kind Hans Huberman and his verbally abrasive wife, Rosa. Liesel deals with her loss by stealing books, with the first one before she can read. The allegorical story is narrated by Death. |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A delightful memoir of a young woman's "best summer, ever" --- on the eve of the end of WW II, two young co-eds from Iowa get summer jobs at Tiffany. This is written with enthusiasm, innocence and adventure. |
| Richard N Bartels |
| Titan by Ron Chernow |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A biography of John D Rockefeller Sr --- history's first billionaire. He may have used unscrupulous tactics to build his fortune, but he also gave with unprecedented generosity. A fascinating man though the book is a bit dry in places. |
| Bonnie |
| Bury Me In My Jersey by Tom McAllister |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Moderately interesting memoir of the author's attachment (obsession?) with the Philadelphia Eagles. This might have been more entertaining if I were either from Philadelphia, an Eagles fan or cared about pro football at all. Get it for a fan. |
| Margi |
| The Lion by Nelson DeMille |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
THE LION is a sequel to THE LION'S GAME and ex-cop Corey has to deal with the same antagonist who got away from him before. Corey is still a member of the Anti-Terrorist Task Force along with his wife Kate. He is still irreverent and does things his own way. This is a fast and exciting read. In my opinion, DeMille is at his best when writing about John Corey. |
| Julie H. |
| Death of a Trophy Wife by Laura Levine |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Another great adventure for Jaine Austen! This time, her duplex neighbor Lance is under suspicion for an LA crime. Jaine also gets a chance to try and land a new writing gig with the Mattress King. |
| Julie H. |
| Death Echo by Elizabeth Lowell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I enjoyed this book, my first by Lowell. The two main characters, Emma Cross, a member of St. Kilda's (an org. made up of a lot of ex CIA types) and Mac Durand, a boat captain (and also a former military man) were good matches for the exciting scenes aboard a yacht in the Pacific Northwest. I particularly liked how well-written some of the action scenes were, from the waves and powering the yacht against them, to the actual villains of the story! The short, quick chapters were a perfect way to propel the action and keep the seven day deadline date exciting. |
| Linda B |
| Sheltering Abby by Bonnie Rose Leigh |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The second book In The Serenity Series is so fantastic! |
| Beverly Rowe ([email protected]) |
| Look Homeward Angel by Thomas Wolfe |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just like to read some of the older great books sometimes, and I have not been disappointed in this one. Wolfe was one of a kind, and his books are not always easy to find, and some are very expensive when you do find them. |
| Kristie |
| The Inn at Angel Island by Thomas Kinkade & Katherine Spencer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is first in a new series. Some of the same characters in the Cape Light series but primarily focused on a new family. The characters seem realistic and complex and are so real that you always hope for the best for them. It's considered inspirational fiction and there isn't any bad language or violence. |
| Kellie ([email protected]) |
| The Lost Continent by Bill Bryson |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This was an account of Bryson's trip around the US in a car. His focus was on small towns. He traveled from Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, to Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, the Mid Atlantic states, New England, Ohio, Michigan and then back to Iowa for a rest. Then he heads out west. He hits Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming, Utah, Dakotas, Montana and then back home to Iowa. He missed only 10 of the 52 states. There were some things I like about this book. The humor..the humor.uh, the humor. That's about it. I grew tired of his complaints about everything from how expensive everything was, how bad the food was, how terrible the service was, how dirty the motel rooms were and how bad of a job the government does managing our National Parks. This isn't the first time he has mentioned this. He also complains about our national parks in A WALK IN THE WOODS. I ask you Bill, what does the government manage well? I felt like I was reading a diatribe of a cranky old man who didn't want to do his job. He was searching for Amalgam and he found it a few times but for the most part, he was miserable. So the question is, why did he do it? He left his wife and kids in England and spent weeks on the road driving from small town to small town with rarely a kind word to say about anything. I'm surprised he was the same person who wrote A WALK IN THE WOODS. These books are so different. |
| Autumn |
| Deeper Than the Dead by Tami Hoag |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The setting is 1985 so that makes it fun to think about in terms of the challenges that detectives then would have faced compared to what they have now. I really enjoyed the story line and particularly liked the characters. I'd love to see a present day follow up. Check out the audiobook too! It was great! |
| Marsha |
| All the Queen's Players by Jane Feather |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book details the plans Queen Elizabeth put into play to rid the realm of her rival Mary Queen of Scots. Kit Marlowe plays a part in all of these deceptions but the star is Sir Francis Walsingham who heads a secret service group of many. No one quite knows who to trust. |
| EC |
| Buckingham Palace Gardens by Anne Perry |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This well thought out mystery from Anne Perry featuring detective Thomas Pitt is enjoyable, but some of the thought processes of the characters are too drawn out --- less thinking and more solving was needed. |
| Robin B |
| The Lost Girls by Jennifer Baggett and friends |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
An "Eat Pray Love" kind of book where three 20-something friends travel the world for a year trying to "find themselves." I'm not overly impressed with their personal reasons for their quest but love reading about exotic places I will probably never visit. |
| Louise |
| Wanderlust by Danielle Steel |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Audrey Driscoll led rather a sheltered life, belonging to a wealthy family during the depression. Still, her younger sister seemed to have everything she didn't. Audrey was bold and adventurous and did some traveling that young women just didn't do alone in those days (maybe even these days). Thus the book title: WANDERLUST. |
| marion Miller ([email protected]) |
| The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I am hooked on this trilogy. I will now have to get the third one. It's a shame this author died so young. This story really has you entranced as you follow Lisbeth and Mikhail through their latest adventures with the most intriguing killers. |
| Judy O. ([email protected]) |
| My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is historical fiction at its finest. Mary Sutter is a midwife in Albany, NY. Her dream is to become a surgeon. When she tries to get into medical schools, the school administrators will not even talk to her because she is a woman. Mary finally goes to Washington City during the very beginning of the Civil War to try to be a nurse for the wounded soldiers but they tell her that she is not old enough. Eventually she does get involved with the war wounded; and she quickly becomes a part of a nightmare. This book really brings to light how life was like during that terrible time in US. We "meet" many historic figures: General George McClellan, Dorothea Dix, Clara Barton, John Hay and Abraham Lincoln. It is an engrossing story. |
| Sharlene Rieke |
| The Road to Forgiveness by Bill & Cindy Griffiths |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I couldn't put this one down --- a true story of forgiveness and God's Love. |
| Susan J. |
| Rescue Ink by Rescue Ink and Denise Flaim |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
3.5 stars. Rescue Ink breaks some of the stereotypes about those involved in animal rescue and about tough, tattooed bikers. I think that this contradiction of expected behavior is the best thing about the book. The perception is that women are the tenderhearted ones who rescue animals --- everyone knows that. And for the most part, that is true. Apparently, someone forgot to mention it to this group of mostly big, heavily inked bikers. And they are not above using the intimidation factor to get what they want when it comes to rescuing an abused or neglected animal. I applaud the mission and dedication of these guys. The stories are interesting, sad and sometimes with joyful endings. It hurts to even read some of them. Still, they are not stories much different than other rescuers and people who read about them have seen or read too many times. The strength in this book, and in this group of unlikely rescuers, is the message it sends. Big, strong guys can be compassionate. Abusing and neglecting animals makes a person weaker, takes away from his humanity rather than adding to it and owning a big, tough dog does not make anyone a tough person. Rescue Ink, both the book and the group, is getting that message out to anyone who will listen. As all of us readers have learned, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, whether literally or when seeing a biker holding a newborn kitten. Animal rescue, in any form, is a hard job, and these guys are as good as the proverbial little old lady in sneakers, sometimes better. One quote about rescuers that hit it home for me: "More than the anger and frustration at seeing animals discarded like fast-food wrappers, more than the sadness at seeing dogs that are starved or ripped up in dog fighting 'practice,' the most dangerous side effect is weariness." The book is not great literature and doesn't pretend to be, but is a worthwhile and touching read for anyone who loves animals. The pictures make it all the more real. There is apparently a series about the group on National Geographic Channel, but I haven't seen it. |
| A. Brim |
| Look Again by Lisa Scottoline |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a page turner. Ellen Gleeson, a reporter, gets a junk mail card, "Have You Seen This Child". The child looks just like her son whom she adopted. She starts investigating and things start happening. A great book with a fast pace. |
| Connie Browne ([email protected]) |
| Little Bee by Chris Cleave |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This is a good story, but I can't seem to connect with the characters. I have put it down a couple of times and picked it up again, so something must keep drawing me back. |
| Connie Browne ([email protected]) |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of the best books I've read. This deals with so many issues including women's friendships, social classes, racial tension and marital relationships. I devoured this book, enjoying every word. |
| Connie Browne ([email protected]) |
| The Dead Don't Dance by Charles Martin |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Charles Martin is obviously a Christian author. He is attempting to deal with the death of new stillborn son and his wife's resulting coma. This is a beautiful look at how one man deals with this devastation while balancing the responsibilities of working his farm. |
| judy |
| The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Oh, my gosh --- I sat up way past my bedtime to finish this book. Usually in a mystery you have some idea about the ending before you get there but this book was such a surprise that I was spellbound. It was a little slow getting started, with all the Swedish names and places, but if you stick with it you will be richly rewarded. I am now reading the second book in this trilogy and have already downloaded the third! What a horrible tragedy for those who love books that this author died before he could present the world with more than just the three books. |
| Anna Falbo |
| The Girl at the Lion d'Or by Sebastian Faulks |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Having been mesmerized by the author's BIRDSONG, I was disappointed by this novel. The main characters were not engaging and the plot moved along at turtle pace. |
| Nikki ([email protected]) |
| House Rules by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Even though this was a typical Jodi book, I didn't care as much for the characters as I have for previous books. I didn't feel that the romance between the Mother and Attorney was necessary. I liked the way the younger son's secret came out via his older brother's present but then the book just ended. I needed more closure than that. I'm glad I read it, but it certainly was not one of my favorite books. |
| Inga K. Willner |
| Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Absolutely the best! Possibly out-doing TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE. A must read!!!!! |
| Fern Herman ([email protected]) |
| The Girl from Foreign by Sadia Shepard |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a very interesting autobiography from Sadia Shepard who is part Jewish, Muslim and Christian. |
| Phyllis G |
| Lost In America by Sherwin B. Nuland |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A well written memoir that will make you laugh and cry. This is a small book but concise and searingly honest. This features great characters --- warts and all. |
| L. Hann |
| Misery by Stephen King |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I like to revisit books that I have already read. This one still keeps me hooked and I find myself finding more detail each time I read it. I always thought I would like to be an author. After re-reading MISERY, I think not. |
| L. Hann |
| Tell Me Your Dreams by Sidney Sheldon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I haven't read him in a while and then picked up on one of the last books he wrote. What a great author. He'll keep you on the edge of your seat! |
| Jean |
| Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a great story that captures you from the first page. |
| Julie H. |
| Trouble in Spades by Heather Webber |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Nina Quinn runs a Garden by Surprise business (sounds like something right off of HGTV) and naturally, all those tools and dirt lead to murder. This was a light read, perfect for summer and Webber's characters were fun and quirky. |
| Sandy |
| Scent of the Missing by Susannah Charleson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the true story of the training of a search and rescue dog. Puzzle is a Golden Retriever and we follow her training from puppy hood to real search and rescue. I loved it! |
| Jane |
| House Rules by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I didn't enjoy this book as much as other Ms. Picoult's books. I thought she did a great job writing about Asperger's syndrome, and how it can affect a family. The story is interesting and worthy of reading. |
| kenneth C. |
| War by Sebastian.Junger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The author brings the reader to the front lines of the battle in Afghanistan. For over fifteen months the author followed a single platoon based at a remote outpost in eastern Afghanistan.His objective was both simple and ambitious --- to convey what soldiers experience --- and what war actually feels like. WAR delivers a truthful experience to the reader. |
| Judie Santoianni |
| Look Again by Lisa Scottoline |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is an amazing book about a woman who receives a card in the mail regarding a missing child who looks just like the one she adopted. I literally could not put it down. I had to stop myself from reading the last few pages to see how it ends. The reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because I felt a little cheated by the ending. |
| Genie |
| Hothouse Orchid by Stuart Woods |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Holly Barker's superiors decide she needs time away from the job so she is back in Florida where she once was chief of police to spend a month on vacation. Having failed to stop the elusive, ex- CIA technical expert, Teddy, resulted in bad publicity for the agency. Teddy has killed a number of right wing extremists he believes to be dangerous to the United States and remains on the run. At the same time Teddy has decided to move to Florida and just happens to rent a house in a town near to Holly's home. Her first day back in Florida Holly learns the new police chief is James Bruno, the commanding officer who tried to rape her when she served in the military. He had succeeded in raping Lauren Cade who is now with the Florida State Police. When a series of young Florida women are raped and killed, Holly and Lauren believe Bruno is the culprit. Lauren confides details of the rape cases to her new boyfriend (who just happens to be Teddy in a new disguise). He decides to keep watch over her as he sets a trap to catch the serial rapist / killer. This is not one of Woods best novels. The plot is predictable and police procedure is questionable. It is a quick, easy summer read. |
| Genie |
| Hothouse Orchid by Stuart Woods |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Holly Barker's superiors decide she needs time away from the job so she is back in Florida where she once was chief of police chief to spend a month on vacation. Having failed to stop the elusive, ex- CIA technical expert, Teddy, resulted in bad publicity for the agency. Teddy has killed a number of right wing extremists he believes to be dangerous to the United States and remains on the run. At the same time Teddy has decided to move to Florida and just happens to rent a house in a town near to Holly's home. Her first day back in Florida Holly learns the new police chief is James Bruno, the commanding officer who tried to rape her when she served in the military. He had succeeded in raping Lauren Cade who is now with the Florida State Police. When a series of young Florida women are raped and killed, Holly and Lauren believe Bruno is the culprit. Lauren confides details of the rape cases to her new boyfriend (who just happens to be Teddy in a new disguise). He decides to keep watch over her as he sets a trap to catch the serial rapist / killer. This is not one of Woods best novels. The plot is predictable and police procedure is questionable. It is a quick, easy summer read. |
| Danette |
| Every Last One by Anna Quindlen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Quindlen writes believable characters that you feel you know personally. This is one of her better novels. |
| Judy |
| So Cold the River by Michael Koryta |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This mystery novel will keep you up at night. |
| Susan J. |
| Waiting for Snow in Havana by Carlos Eire |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Subtitled "Confessions of a Cuban Boy," this memoir first caught my eye because of the great title, then because it was written by one of the boys separated from his family during the early reign of Fidel Castro, during the Operation Pedro Pan exodus, an attempt to save children of those deemed against the Revolution, those most in danger. The book almost lost me when the author along with other little boys, cruel as children often can be, started torturing lizards, symbolic of much to come. I expected a typical memoir but that is certainly not what I got. The writing is not linear, the author speaks to us readers directly, and frequently gives hints of what is to come, promises to tell us more later. The style is quirky and was a bit disconcerting to me until I gave myself over to the author's story. The child, Carlos, most often refers to his father as Louis XVI, as his father claimed to be in a former life, and his mother as Marie Antoinette, although she did not claim to be a reincarnation. His father was a judge and an attorney, one of the privileged ones under Batista. Childhood in Havana is painted in pictures vibrant and astounding, family and friends all coming to life. Very little of the book deals with Carlos or his family after Carlos was separated from his brother, the only person he knew in the United States, as soon as they landed. Some examples of the author's style of prose: "Crotons of all kinds. Giant philodendrons. Caladiums. Flowers. Palms in all shapes and sizes. Especially royal palms, so tall, so regal. So Cuban. Palms that pierce my heart and entrails to this very day." "I was one of the lucky ones. Fidel couldn't obliterate me as he did all the other children, slicing off their heads over so slowly, and replacing them with fearful, slavish copies of his own. New heads held in place by two bolts, like Boris Karloff's in Frankenstein, one bolt forged from fear, the other from illusion." "If Adam and Eve hadn't screwed up so badly, and their children had been able to play in the Garden of Eden, they would have laughed just like we did that day, when we threw rocks at one another on the edge of the turquoise sea." "To understand Fidel you have to be out of your mind. To live with the memories, too, it helps to have lucid moments that others mistake for delusions." This lyrical memoir is written with a strange mix of philosophy, religion, symbolism, and an adult's remembrance of his childhood: family, Havana, and the politics of the day. It is serious, touching, beautiful, funny, and entertaining. I loved it. |
| A. Brim |
| Forever After by Catherine Anderson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a great book about a single mom trying to keep custody of her child by moving from place to place. I enjoyed it very much. |
| A. Brim |
| Yesterday by Fern Michaels |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was a good book but I'm not crazy about a book that goes back into the lives of the characters. Has a good story based in South Carolina. |
| A. Brim |
| T is for Trespass by Sue Grafton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I enjoyed this book as I have all of her alphabet books. This took a little bit of getting into but once all the characters came together it was a fast read. |
| Sarah E |
| Victim Six by Gregg Olsen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Every once in a while you come across an exceptionally good murder mystery. VICTIM SIX is one of those rare, well-written thrillers. The search for the killer(s) of a series of women in and around the small towns of the Puget Sound, Washington area introduced me to a unique setting not usually used as a backdrop to murders. As a reader, I couldn't figure out who was responsible, but the clues piled up and the tension mounted chapter by chapter. VICTIM SIX is the perfect carry-on for a long airplane flight, for you won't want to put it down. |
| Marsha |
| The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
When a girl child is orphaned on board a ship from Ireland to America, she is taken to the Captain's tobacco plantation where she as a white girl lives as an indentured servant among the slaves. She finds herself perilously straddling two different worlds and is forced to make a choice that will haunt her future. |
| Connie B. |
| The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I was chosen to receive an advanced reading copy of this book. Dr. Ben Payne and Ashley Knox were on a plane when the pilot Grover had a heart attack and the plane crashed. Ashly, Ben and Grover's dog Tank were the only survivors. Ben received some broken ribs and Ashley has a leg fracture that Ben has to figure out how to fix so they can get down this isolated mountain. If they don't find a way down they will die. The plot would go back and forth from the present day situation of the plane wreck to Ben's wife Rachel and how their relationship was from the time they met in high school until now. This is an excellent read that moves along swiftly with great suspense. |
| Genie |
| Who Let the Dogs In: The Incredable Political Anim by Molly Ivans |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Those who say no one is irreplaceable, obviously has never read the political writings of Molly Ivans. During the forty plus years of reporting on politics for both the Ft.Worth Star Telegram and the Texas Observer, Ivans gave political analysis with both insight and a sharp wit. This book is a compilation of her best articles written during the Nixon years and continuing through the G.W. Bush administration. One of the best political satirist in journalism, Ivans never relied on the use of humor alone. She always backed up her comments with research and facts. She was known to unleash her fury on Democrats as well as Republicans and was just as even handed when occasionally giving praise. Ivans is gone but not forgotten. This book reads like a political science study with a dose of much needed humor thrown in. |
| Crystal |
| Genealogy of Murder : a Deb Ralton Mystery by Lee Martin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The twelfth story in the Deb Ralston series is as good as the previous books. It's a good mystery featuring a middle-aged, married mother who happens to be Mormon and is a police detective in Ft. Worth, TX. |
| Genie |
| Dead Heat by Dick Francis & Felix Francis |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
As the story opens, Max Morton is sick with what he believes to be food poisoning. He's worried, because last night he was the chef at an exclusive dinner. As the youngest chef to receive the "Michelin Star" award, he owns a popular restaurant and catering business in New Market. He is soon alarmed to discover that several others attendees are also suffering from food poisoning. When a health inspector shows up to investigate the poisoning, she shuts down his restaurant, despite his argument that the food had not been prepared at his restaurant and that there are no leftovers to take as samples for testing. Max still has his catering business and is determined to follow through with a catering job to be held in the viewing box at the 2000 Guineas horse race. All seems to be going well, the food is being prepared on location and the guests are being served when a bomb goes off. Several people are killed, including the woman who organized the event as well as a member of his staff. Max is one of the lucky ones, he suffers only minor injuries. Max is determined to save his restaurant and begins his own investigation into the two events. With the information from the health department, he finds out that undercooked kidney beans caused the food poisoning. The question is since there were no kidney beans on the menu and none were used in anything served that night, how did they get into the food? Max knows he's been set up but doesn't know why or how and if the bombing was somehow connected. Was the food poisoning an attempt to keep someone away from the bombing? Who was the bomb intended for? So many questions and so few answers keep the story moving. |
| Louise |
| Key of Light by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I wish they had a 4.5 star rating, because I like to save the five's for the cream of the crop. KEY OF LIGHT is the first in trilogy. The plot is quite bizarre but interesting, nonetheless. Three young women who have never met before have been given the challenge of finding three keys. KEY OF LIGHT is the first one. Now I'm ready to move on to THE KEY OF KNOWLEDGE. |
| Marty O'Connor ([email protected]) |
| The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story by Diane Ackerman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an excellent work of non-fiction describing Poland during Hitler's ethnic cleansing campaign. The details about the zoo animals and underground activities are fascinating. |
| Marty O'Connor ([email protected]) |
| Forever by Pete Hamill |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book was recommended to me by my daughter and son-in-law, proving the wide appeal it has. The story is fast paced and a good read. |
| Christina A ([email protected]) |
| Oxygen by Carol Cassella |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An anesthesiologist is forced to question herself, personally and professionally. A great read, especially for those in the medical field or interested in medicine. |
| Dara Berryhill ([email protected]) |
| Zeitoun by Eggers |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a story of a family coping during and after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The writing is very good. |
| Angie L |
| How I Made it to Eighteen by Tracy White |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Though this graphic novel is interesting and a quick, fast-paced read about the road out of addiction and through rehab at a young age (based on a true story) --- it also seemed too short for me --- especially for the asking price of $16.99 for the new hardcover. |
| Angie L |
| Insatiable by Meg Cabot |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Meg Cabot's first paranormal adult novel is a fast and fun read --- and though her main character, Meena, is a bit teary and weepy for my tastes --- she does get redemption and is totally likable again. There's a sequel in the works --- which I will definitely check out after the cool, unexpected ending! |
| Carolann |
| 61 Hours by Lee Child |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
My son and husband did not like the ending, but read it twice slowly and you will "see" it. These books go so fast and this one is set in South Dakota in the winter which really brings the chill to your bones. |
| Leslie ([email protected]) |
| Never Look Away by Linwood Barclay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the first book I have read by Linwood Barclay but will read others. It had me from the first page! Read it in a day as did my daughters. Great pace, great plot, great book! |
| Genie |
| Murder Plays House by Ayelet Waldman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Juliet Applebaum, ex-public defender / PI, is house hunting in between sleuthing assignments. While touring "the perfect house", Juliet and her real estate agent friend, Kat, walk in to the guest house and find a murdered woman in the bathtub. It turns out that the home owner is the well known L.A. fashion designer Murray Felix. The victim is his sister, Alicia, an unemployed actress. Initially, Juliet promises Felix to investigate this crime in the hope of gaining his favor so he will sell her the house. The more Juliet found out about Alicia's life, the more absorbed she became with the investigation. It turns out that Alicia had a severe case of anorexia and was web master of a site to encourage anorexic teens to continue this lifestyle. Soon Juliet starts to wonder if the eating disorder may be the key to Alicia's murder instead of a direct connection to the movie industry. |
| Joanne ([email protected]) |
| The Walk by Richard Paul Evans |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of the best books I ever read. The text was so well written that it made you feel like you were on the journey with him. |
| Kim S. |
| Bloodroot by Amy Greene |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Initially, I heard of this book because the author grew up near my hometown. I do not write book reviews often, but this one compelled me to do so. I could not put it down. It takes the reader a bit to identify the characters, once this is accomplished, the reader is deeply drawn into their lives. It is well worth a person's time to read!! |
| Rita P. |
| Lucid Intervals by Stuart Woods |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
While not as good as his other novels, this one is entertaining enough to keep you turning pages --- also there is the mystery factor. I would read some of his other novels before reading this one. |
| Tanya |
| Hand of Fate by Lis Wiehl |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is an excellent murder mystery. A radio talk show host is murdered and the Triple Threat Club is on the case. I love the three women in the club. |
| Kristie |
| Anathema by Colleen Coble |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A interesting novel about the Amish and English. A murder mystery story where I couldn't guess the ending. Amish appeared to behave realistically in this portrayal. Excellent choice! |
| Shyeyes |
| Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This story is about an uneducated homeless man who winds up in Texas on his travels and meets a rich art broker. They learn much about faith, love, forgiveness and grace as they endeavor to save Deborah through faith. Very well written. |
| Jon |
| Tinkers by Paul Harding |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the years' well deserved Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction. Wonderful, memorable book. Highly recommended. |
| Linda Z. |
| This Body of Death by Elizabeth George |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The latest installment of the Inspector Lynley series did not disappoint me at all. I learned a lot about The New Forest and was glad to have Deborah and Simon back in the series. The new boss lady will take some getting used to but overall, the book and series are great! |
| julie |
| St. Andrews Sojourn by George pepper |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you are a golfer you will love this book. It is a memoir written by a former editor in chief of Golf Magazine. It is a very well written, humorous story of the author and his wife's two years living in a home on St. Andrews, the hallowed ground of golf. Their interaction with the locals is what makes this book such a good and funny read. |
| Leslie ([email protected]) |
| Supreme Justice by Phillip Margolin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another great summer read --- very quick pace. Great characters, great plot. I have read most of Margolin's books and enjoy them all. This one was great as well! |
| Jane Ann Railey Clear |
| Since Youe Leaving Anyway Take Out the Trash by Dixie Cash |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Completely enjoyable if you need some light reading for couple days, pick up any Dixie Cash and you will laugh out loud and there is a gasp or two along with the mystery thrown in. I stumbled into one then went looking for all she has wrote --- and waiting for the next one. |
| Rachel D. |
| The Host by Stephanie Meyers |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In my opinion this should be rated a 10 it's that good. I reread it and now remember how great it is! Whoever hasn't read this yet, do it! Again, in my opinion, I think its better than the Twilight Saga! READ IT!! |
| Marya Zanders |
| Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Leonie Swann has outdone most authors of cozy mysteries with her delightful THREE BAGS FULL: A SHEEP DETECTIVE MYSTERY, Broadway Books/Flying Dolphin Press. Originally published in German, Anthea Bell is the English translator. The novel has been translated into twenty languages. Swann begins with a list of characters, a helpful little ovine who's who, in order of appearance. The flock finds their shepherd, George, dead in the meadow. Not only is George dead but he's nailed to the ground with his own spade. George was an unusual shepherd, he read aloud to the flock daily, reading from a range of books including trashy romance novels (a flock favorite), a book of sheep diseases, and a detective story that he never finished. The flock decides to find out who killed George, in the process wishing George hadn't tossed the detective story as it might have been helpful in the current situation. Very soon Gabriel tries to take over the flock, bringing his own scary meat sheep with him. The flock takes an instant dislike to Gabriel and doesn't care for the visits of Ham, the butcher either. They're also not too fond of Beth, the local door-to-door evangelist. The sheep provide interesting takes on many human foibles, religion, cemeteries, gardens, and a variety of other issues. I particularly enjoyed reading the part in which the flock discuss trashy romance novels, books with red haired heroines usually named Pamela. In some ways THREE BAGS FULL is a faerie tale, in other ways it's very philosophical. In any case this story is set in the only place possible for a sheep detective mystery: Ireland. THREE BAGS FULL is enchanting, refreshing, and quite out of the ordinary. I'd recommend it for both adult readers and children with the reading skills to appreciate this clever romp through the meadow and four-legged night time forays to the village of Glenkill. I plan on keeping my copy but will get other copies to send as Christmas gifts as I breathlessly await Leonie Swann's next novel. THREE BAGS FULL is definitely a hard act to follow. |
| Marya Zanders |
| The White Queen by Philippa Gregory |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
THE WHITE QUEEN by Philippa Gregory, A Touchstone Book, is a historical novel relating the story of Elizabeth Woodville and the War of the Roses, the long conflict between the Yorks and the Lancastrians. The "White" of the title refers to the white rose which symbolizes the House of York; the House of Lancaster is represented by a red rose. Not long in the future both will be overtaken by the Tudor rose, but for now THE WHITE QUEEN begins in the spring of 1464. Elizabeth is living with her parents. He father is the Baron Rivers and her mother has descended from the Dukes of Burgundy, The Woodvilles support the Lancastrians. Elizabeth is widowed, her married name is Grey, and has two young sons, Richard and Thomas. Her husband died in battle against the Yorks. Everything changes when she, with her mother's help enchants the York king, Edward IV. She does become his queen and bears a number of other children including the two princes who disappeared from the tower of London, a mystery that remains unsolved to this day. During Edward's reign England rarely is at peace. Both Elizabeth and Edward have enemies, inside and outside the Royal Court, inside and outside the York family. Sometimes it's as difficult for the reader to decide who is friend and who is foe as it is for the Yorks. Gregory has based her novel upon fact, but, of course, so many centuries later it's impossible to relate the dialogue of the time, it's imagined dialogue. The fable of Melusina, the mythical mermaid, is threaded throughout the novel. As Melusina wove her magic, so too does Elizabeth as does her mother and her eldest daughter. And charges of witchcraft arise from time to time. Edward's brother Richard is able to divest Elizabeth of her crown after Edward's death and in the process, by claiming Elizabeth's secret marriage to Edward was not a true marriage, declare her sons by Edward bastards and take away their inheritance and their standing in the line of succession. I enjoyed this book although I will read Alison Weir's account of the War of the Roses for comparison. My main criticism is that the novel does not relate the end of the story of the War of the Roses or the end of Elizabeth Woodville's life. She died in 1492 but Gregory chose to end THE WHITE QUEEN in 1485 and left Elizabeth in uncertain circumstances. Apparently this is the first in a series on the Plantagenets and the War of the Roses. Unfortunately it leaves one with questions, it's not a stand alone novel. |
| Marya Zanders |
| The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill by Mark Bittner |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL: A LOVE STORY ... WITH WINGS stole my heart away. The author, Mark Bittner, spent 14 years living on San Francisco's streets before he got a job as a caretaker. Bittner doesn't gloss over the hardships of those years on the street nor does he glorify the step up to living in a hovel on Telegraph Hill. The studio he was given came complete with mold and damp, but for him it was paradise after all those years of homelessness. Bittner quickly became fascinated with the wild parrots of the titles and over time became an expert on red-headed conures in the process. He was not and is not a scientist but did teach himself all he could about the parrots, their needs, where they came from, he even nursed sick birds as best he could. He named each chapter after one of the birds he fed, tended, and befriended. But the birds never became pets, he allowed them to be what they were, wild parrots. I was struck, no shocked, by the attitudes of some of the people around Bittner. It seemed as if San Francisco was, or should be, home to the open-minded and caring, at least that's the city's reputation. But the local bird watchers hated the parrots because they weren't native birds, mostly escaped pets brought up from South America, many "imported" illegally. Then, too, there's the so-called Buddhist woman who had no compassion for the sick birds Bittner was tending. The Buddhist's attitude I found especially shocking. Bittner had no background as a writer when he began the journals which would evolve into this memoir, but the resulting book is not only highly readable but filled with photos of the birds, some of Bittner with the birds. The author's lifting himself out of homelessness is very encouraging, a sign that nothing is impossible. The heart-felt care that Bittner showed the parrots inspires (or should inspire) readers to be better stewards of the earth. There is a documentary film of the same title based upon THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL, but I have not had a chance to view it. Readers will be glad to know that Bittner remains on Telegraph Hill, albeit in a different location, and still tends the parrots. I would recommend this book to readers of all ages and tastes. If it were possible I would give the book at least seven stars. |
| Kathy Vallee |
| Deadtown by Nancy Holzner |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a great new and funny take on zombies and shape shifters. Vicky is a shape shifter who hires herself out to humans to kill the demons in their dreams. But she gets caught up in getting back at the on thing that killed her dad. The biggest demon straight from hell can she put it back? A very hard book to put down not only is it funny in places but saving a town is one thing maybe a single being might not be able to do. I highly recommend this book and hope the author keeps on with the series. |
| Marsha |
| 29 by Adena Halpern |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A young-at-heart 75 year old wishes to be 29 again and enjoy her granddaughter to the fullest. Fairy tale that it is, it actually happens, she falls in love or lust, disrupts the lives of those who love her and changes everyone for the better. Just like real life, huh! |
| Marjorie Clark ([email protected]) |
| The Postmistress by Sarah Blake |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I'm still reading this book. It has very good writing in addition to the story itself. Will probably rate it four stars by the time I am finished. |
| Genie |
| God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything by Christopher Hitchens |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Very interesting read. History of, as well as a critique, of varies religions around the world. With an examination of the major religious texts, Hitchens documents the ways in which religion is a man-made entity which is often a cause of repression in the lives of individuals and frequently used as an excuse to declare war . |
| Genie |
| Dog On It by Spencer Quinn |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
An investigation into a kidnapping case places Chet (trained as a police dog) and his human PI sidekick, Bernie, at odds with Russian mobsters. The team of Chet and Bernie make a force to be reckoned with. This story is told from the dog's point of view. Sometimes Chet becomes frustrated with his human friends lack of insight. In spite of this, he does his best to enlighten and lead them in the right direction. Clever and fast paced, this is an entertaining read. |
| Genie |
| Chronicles: Vol. 1 by Bob Dylan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In this memoir, Dylan gives his take on his artistic growth as he began composing music. He gives us more insight into the times when he was struggling to come up with material for songs than to his more successful recording sessions. Dylan recalls the times when he wanted nothing to do with his public persona. He explains what lead him to decide to make a comeback in the 1980's. He gives credit to the influences of folk and blues in his work. There are frequent references to Jack Kerouac's "On the Road". This book gives more of an insight into his life: details of his friendship with Woody Guthrie, references to the Blues and folk musicians who influenced his compositions and the importance of his family in his life. |
| Brady ([email protected]) |
| Nebraska Doppelganger by Thomas J. Morrow |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A Nebraska raised son is sent to Germany, by his father, to attend college to become a doctor. This is in the late 1930's and he then is drafted into the military to fight during WW II. This is his story about his experiences in the German military. The story keeps you interested from beginning to end, however, but there are so many typesetting errors and grammar mistakes that it is somewhat distracting --- but the story is good. |
| Bonnie |
| Eternal on the Water by Joseph Monninger |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This would be a great book for fans of Nicholas Sparks. Unfortunately I'm not one of them. It's a very bittersweet love story, but a little too precious for my taste. |
| Glenn |
| Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Johnson is a gifted writer, but this book seemed somewhat fragmented in it's delivery. Also, it's a very long, 700 pages that probably could have achieved the same story and effect within 400 or so pages. |
| Lexi ([email protected]) |
| American Subversive by David Goodwillie |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The best book I've read this year. After a terrorist bombing at Barneys, Aidan Cole, a NYC based blogger, who works for a thinly-veiled Nick Denton of Gawker media fame, receives an anonymous email with a photo of a beatiful girl, claiming that the girl, Paige Roderick, is responsible for the attack. A page-turning, thoughtful, careful study on what patriotism means in post-9/11 America, this is the book I've been waiting for for a long time. |
| Deb Griffin |
| Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I laughed out loud at Justin's father's direct crass sayings which were always underlined in the love he has for his son. Heart touching and belly laughs! |
| Leslie ([email protected]) |
| 61 Hours by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Excellent book, as are all of Lee Childs' Reacher books. Who does't love Reacher? |
| Elizabeth ([email protected]) |
| Valley of Decision by Marcia Davenport |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Pittsburgh, steel mills/iron works, unions, wealthy families, servants, 1800's --- a great story about Pittsburgh. The book has something for history buffs and also those readers who are interested in the lives of the people during that time period which stretches from the 1800's to December 1941...the day Pearl Harbor was bombed. The book talks about the steel mills, specifically the Scott Iron Works, and how they grew and how the lives of its owners and workers were totally immersed and devoted. It also discusses unions and how difficult it was to get them started, and how the classes were more apt to snub each other which gave an indication of how life was in the 1800's. I was not really expecting the book to be what it was, so don't get discouraged from the title and the subject matter. You will enjoy it. It doesn't get too technical, it is more about the Scott family and their lives through the generations. My rating is a 5/5 The Scott family and their history will keep your interest. The love and loyalty between Mary Rafferty and the Scott family was the main theme carried through up to the last pages of the book. Mary, the main character, was about the same age as William Scott's daughters when she arrived for service at the Scott residence. Mary was a strong girl who held her poor, working class family together even though she only saw them once a week since she had to remain as a live-in servant at the Scott residence. She along with her brother, who worked at the Scott Iron Works, were the breadwinners since their father had been paralyzed by a mill accident a few years before. As Mary's brother James continued to work long hours each day in the mill he also was desperately trying to get a union started in hopes of better working conditions. Mary's brother and Paul Scott, the son of William Scott, worked together on an invention to help steel production even though Paul was the owner and James was a steelworker. Meanwhile Paul begins to fall in love with Mary and she with him. This is not an acceptable match of course, and Mary tries to discourage it; but they both know that is difficult. One of Mary's MANY duties was her responsibility for Constance, the daughter of William and Clarissa Scott. This was a very trying situation because Constance was a handful. Mary's "side job" was to TRY to keep her in line. Constance then does something unthinkable, and the family, especially her father, would like to disown her. She moves away, and Clarissa Scott insists that she take Mary with her as her personal servant. Mary and Paul are heartbroken. Mary remains with Constance for four years and then is summoned home....both she and Paul are thrilled. As the months pass, a strike occurs at the mill, and it wasn't a pleasant affair. Paul and Mary continue to struggle with their relationship. Many good and bad things continue to happen to the Scott family both personal and business. Life went on for the Scott family, and when the parents were gone, the children were left to live their lives as a distant family, they didn't get along too well. Constance returned from London for a visit, Elizabeth and her husband were still uppity, and William Scott, Jr. and his wife also felt they were too good for the rest of the family. Jealousy and greed were a large part of this family's structure. During all of this, the mill was flourishing, and Paul and Edgar were responsible for its success, but accidents and deaths in the mill were occurring and Edgar had other plans. Relationships were starting to get edgy, especially Paul and Louise's marriage. Mary held all the characters together and was the "glue" and stronghold that got the family through everything that happened in the lives of the Scott family --- all the happiness, heartache, tragedies, decisions, births, and deaths. Every Scott loved Mary as if she had been a family member --- she was the matriarch. The story was wonderful. I admired Mary for her strength and loved how Marci Davenport allowed this female character to hold such a strong position throughout the book. It makes you want to be a part of that family and have the care and love that Mary brought to all of them. And pairing up Mary and Claire made a power-house ending. |
| Anita Nowak |
| Stone Creek by Victoria Lustbader |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I usually prefer mystery books, however I had read the reviews on this one, and decided to take a chance. It was a perfect idea! This is a great read --- the characters become very real and their story also is realistic. It is about a woman who is happily married, though there are problems --- and how she finds a very different love, while still loving her husband. For those who are doubtful about this possibility --- read the book and find out you can actually love more than one person in different ways. The ending is unpredictable! It was a real find, and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Lustbader's work. |
| Mindy ([email protected]) |
| The Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed going back in time to the late 1800's. |
| Mindy ([email protected]) |
| Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This has stories for all types of readers. |
| Sally B., San Antonio TX |
| One Good Dog by Susan Wilson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A down on his luck businessman befriends a down on his luck pit bull dog. They both learn the value of companionship and love. |
| Nina |
| The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Loved THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO.The Characters were quirky and the story kept me riveted. It was a completely unpredictable psychological mystery/thriller which definitely left me wanting more. THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE is not disappointing. I am 50% percent into the book and wish I had time to do nothing but read. This would be a great vacation book. I am so happy to know that there is still another book to look forward to in this series. |
| T. Thomas |
| Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
She really is funny. I'm reading her entire series of books. |
| T. Thomas |
| The Tale of Halcyon Crane by Wendy Webb |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a very good ghost story. |
| Susan |
| Mama Does Time by Deborah Sharp |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Mama finds a murdered body in her car and her three daughters decide to help get her out of jail. Their relationships were clearly defined and their interactions were definitely humorous. Set in Florida, there is an alligator and lots of potential bad guys. |
| T. Thomas |
| Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jen Lancaster |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is another funny book by Jen. |
| Janice |
| Life in Defiance by Mary DeMuth |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The concluding book in DeMuth's Defiance, Texas trilogy is one of showing redemption in the midst of pain and darkness. The characters deal with real life situations that often Christians want to ignore such as abuse. DeMuth doesn't give Pat answers but does speak the truth. |
| Terri |
| The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It was very different than I expected --- kept me guessing until the very end. The arrow kept pointing to the neighbor who was an ex-con. But then the arrow would shift to another person --- so readers are kept feeling pretty clueless. Somehow, all the puzzle pieces don't come together till the very end. I like Gardner's books and this one was one of her best.She does a remarkable job with her characters and you find yourself liking the ex-con and the "victim". |
| Kim S. |
| The Friends of Eddie Coyle by George V. Higgins |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This taut, gritty tale is not to be missed by fans of the hard boiled. George V. Higgins is the master of dialogue and this 1970's tale of small time hood Eddie Coyle, aka Eddie Fingers, is a classic. It's a simple story, Eddie doesn't want to go to jail. The evidence against him is solid. Someone is going down and that someone is connected to Eddie. This leaves a number of possibilities in Eddie's wide circle of criminal associates, gunrunners, student radicals, cops, feds, stoolies and snakes. With a friend like Eddie who needs enemies? Set in Boston this chilling glimpse at the criminal underground will steal your attention until the very last page is turned. |
| Jen P. |
| Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great read for teens/adults. It's about the decisions and actions we make daily that if they were different they could change your life. The main character dies, but lives the last day over again eight times --- making different decisions/actions that change her life and the life of others. A must read --- especially if you like 13 REASONS WHY by Jay Asher. |
| Carol G |
| A MIghty Fortress by David Weber |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The fourth of a series that started with OFF ARMAGEDDON REEF, this is a dense multi-faceted space epic that involves a 'lost' human society in the middle of dynastic and religious turmoil (and battles on land and sea rather than in space!). Much better if you read the first books in order. |
| Leslie |
| New York Days by Willie Morris |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The former editor of Harper's Magazine is from the Deep South and arrives in New York City during the turbulent and fascinating 1960's. A very good read. |
| Marsha |
| How to Be An American Housewife by Margaret Dilloway |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a novel about mothers and daughters. It tells the story of a Japanese woman who married an American GI following WWII and aspires to be an American Housewife. When she becomes ill and cannot return to her home country she asks her adult daughter to travel to Japan in her place and seek to mend a relationship with her long lost brother. Her reflections on reasons for leaving Japan are engaging. |
| Ellen Hall |
| Murder On A Midsummer Night by Kerry Greenwood |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Who doesn't like a bigger than life heroine? A little going back in time, a little femme power and just fun! |
| Amanda |
| The Girl She Used To Be by David Cristofano |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was a very enjoyable read, with a surprising ending. The main character was interesting and Cristofano's literary voice is beautiful. |
| Terri |
| Line of Fire by Jo Davis |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I have enjoyed Davis's series of firemen. This one was still an enjoyable read but not as intricately written as the previous ones. It was still a great read, but best of all, it helped set up the next story in the series. |
| Louise |
| Irresistible Forces by Danielle Steel |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
If there's such a thing as a perfect marriage, Meredith and Steve had it. Married 14 yrs, their first thought was always for each other. Nothing would ever change that. But what about a forced separation where both live on different coasts? Could enough time apart affect the ideal relationship? Ms. Steel has done such a good job, the reader will be able to relate to all of the characters. |
| Jean M |
| Blue-Eyed Devil by Robert B. Parker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another good Parker story. It seems to me that he can say so much in so few words. It is a quick read, as his books usually are. It is amazing the way he can move a story along with so few words. |
| Louise |
| The Story of Son by J. R. Ward |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
One of the most unique stories I recall reading. Attorney Clare Strougton visits a client and soon finds herself locked in her cellar with a strange man --- a very strange man! |
| Louise |
| Bobby and Jackie by C. David Heymann |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I was already aware of many of the shocking facts brought to light in this book, having read so many other Kennedy books. His information is well-documented, and I found it quite depressing to be reminded of how much evil, sin, selfishness goes on behind our backs and then we memorialize these people! With the tragic ending of Bobby's life, maybe he'd have been better off to leave Ethel, offending his religion and family, ruining his political career --- to be with the woman he really loved! |
| Janice Hoaglin ([email protected]) |
| No Greater Sacrifice by John Stipa |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book has it all: adventure, romance, archaeology, history, puzzles to be solved, some mysticism, lightening-speed travel jaunts across Europe, faith lost and found and good versus evil. It is a fun, mostly light read that was exciting and absorbing. I got a little lost in all the symbolism, and how the pieces of the puzzle all fit together, but I see this as my own short-coming, not that of the book. Renee D'Arcadia is a great heroine, honest, direct, super strong both physically and emotionally. It is great to see a male author create such a wonderful female character. Her hero, and ours, David Arturo, is strong, gentle, an almost ideal man (with a few of the flaws most men seem to struggle with). The other characters contribute just the right tension and fullness to the story. This is a great accomplishment for a debut novel. |
| Jean M |
| 61 Hours by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I'm torn about this book. It is a real thriller but the ending really tears me up. Now I'm trying to decide if I want to read the next one in the series (but I probably will)! |
| Wendy Catalano |
| The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I didn't think this stand alone novel would be as good as her Lady Julia series but it was. A wonderful read! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. |
| Wendy Catalano |
| The Wife's Tale by Lori Lansens |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An amazing story of food addiction, loss and then finding oneself. The author made me feel as if I was right there watching the story unfold. A great read! |
| Wendy Catalano |
| Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The first book of a series that I will be sure to read the rest. A real page turner that leaves you wanting more. |
| Christine ([email protected]) |
| The Twilight Saga (series) by Stephenie Meyer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I was not going to read this series because it was written for young adults, but my 19 year daughter was so in to them that I had to find out what all the excitement was about. I am surprise to say that I am enjoying them. They are a little corny but they are a good escape for the stress of everyday living. |
| Louise |
| The Bay at Midnight by Diane Chamberlain |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Julie is 12 yrs old when her older sister is murdered. For reasons that are gradually brought out in the story, she has blamed herself for years. The son of a black family, whom Julie sneaks out to spend time, with was found guilty and has been imprisoned all this time. Julie has always believed that her sister's boyfriend, Ned, was responsible. With the unexpected death of adult Ned, Julie manages to open the case again and enlists the help of Ned's formerly nerdy little brother. |
| Louise |
| A Crack in Forever by Jeannie Brewer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In Jeannie Brewer's first book, she creates a warm, tender love story that will tug at your heart strings. Even though there are sorrow and tears, I believe the reader will finish it with a good feeling. |
| Melodie S |
| State Fair by Earlene Fowler |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It's been a while since I last visited with Benni Harper Ortiz, and this one was worth the wait. Benni gets involved in investigating a murder at the fair that seems to have racial overtones. A great summer read! |
| Coral Harrison ([email protected]) |
| The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The review said this was a very good mystery about a Game Warden in Maine. It is all of that. But the main reason I chose this book was because Doiron was my grandfather's last name. He was from Prince Edward Island and came to Washington state. However, I am very glad I read this book. It is very well written. I look forward to reading his next book, which will be a series. |
| Felipe Guimaraes |
| Bedlam: Further Secret Adventures of Charlotte Bro by Laura Joh Rowland |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have read all of Laura's books featuring the samurai detective Sano Ichiro in 17th century Japan. They are all wonderful. She has now ventured out to write books in Victorian England in which Charlotte Bronte is the main character. Her storytelling is amazing and I love her colorful characters and descriptions that keep the reader engaged without getting bogged down into detail. |
| Coral Harrison |
| The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Pausch has been a college professor for several years. He has been diagnosed with unchangeable cancer. He decides to keep on going as long as he can and keep in a good humor. He writes this book so students, his children and everyone can know the good things that can happen in your life. I recommend this to everyone. |
| Sharon |
| Robin Philcher by The Long Way Home |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Claire grows up as a lonely child in her stepfather's home in Scotland. She has only one friend --- the son of her step-father's tenant but when she is old enough for romance, he brutally rejects her and she escapes by traveling throughout the world. She lands in NYC and falls in love and marries a man with a fashionable restaurant. They make the restaurant a major success until she learns that her stop-father has taken ill and she must return to Scotland to face her demons. It was a difficult book to put down. |
| Louise |
| The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher or The Murder at Roa by Kate Summerscale |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A true story which was slow reading but interesting. In1860 a three-yr-old boy was discovered missing with his little body found hours later at the bottom of an outhouse at his English home. When local authorities were puzzled and needed help, they called in Scotland Yard's best detective, Mr. Whicher. To me, it was more of an education on the Victorian law enforcement system. I commend Ms Summerscale for the intense research that had to have gone into this project. |
| Louise |
| Tongue in Chic by Christina Dodd |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Might have given it five stars if she'd left out a lot of the very graphic sex. If you like erotic, sensual novels, this is the one for you. To me, the plot was good enough without it. When caught breaking into a mansion, Meadow fakes amnesia. The owner takes advantage of it and claims that she is his wife. They both go along with the ruse for as long as possible, as neither quite trusts the other. Married or not, their lives are soon in danger over the very painting that Meadow broke in to steal. |
| Louise |
| Don't Tell Mummy by Toni Maguire |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A heartbreaking true story of a little girl who was abused for many years by her father, only to get pregnant in her teens, and have everyone turn against her and persecute her. She deserves a lot of credit for being able to pull herself out of the abyss she was in and get on with her life. |
| Louise |
| One Good Turn by Kat Atkinson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I learned later that this is the second in a continuing story. So maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I had read CASE HISTORIES first. Instead, it got to be rather confusing. There were so many different characters, and different chapters would be about each one, leaving the reader to wonder how they were all going to fit together. Amazingly, they did, and the plot (albeit convoluted) was good --- much better than the movie! I tried watching it and had to turn it off. |
| Louise |
| The Thomas Berryman Number by James Patterson |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I never thought I'd see a James Patterson book I didn't love, but there's a first time for everything. The story was so confusing to me that I don't even know how to summarize it. Ochs Jones, a newspaper reporter is looking for a big story and sticks with it till he gets to the bottom of some mysterious murders in which he learns that Thomas Berryman has played a part. |
| Rita Sheppard ([email protected]) |
| Two Brides Too Many by Mona Hodgson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the story of two mail-order brides who arrive in Cripple Creek, Colorado and their grooms are nowhere to be found. These two courageous young ladies from Portland, Maine, learn to survive in the Wild West of 1895. |
| Louise |
| The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A book that leaves you pondering for days after finishing it. A young married couple move into a twin home that has the other half occupied by a senator's wife (living separately from her cheating husband). There are some shocking circumstances that ruin lives and leaves the reader wishing they had never happened. |
| Jean M |
| An Innocent Client by Scott Pratt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I really liked this book. The first in a series, the main characters are very easy to like. The plot is wonderful. I intend to read the rest of the series which currently totals three books. |
| Jean M |
| In Good Faith by Scott Pratt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the second in a series of six to date. The main character is Joe Dillard, a very likable lawyer. This is a very readable legal thriller. |
| Louise |
| The Chatham School Affair by Thomas H. Cook |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I don't know what's wrong with me but I wasn't as enthralled with this book as so many others were. The writing was good; generally, the plot was, also, but it just dragged. Felt like it took too long to read the story, and I didn't have the patience to stick with it. I started reading something else in between :) It tells of Elizabeth Channing who, in 1926, goes to a Mass town to teach in a small private school. The story is told by the young son of the headmaster. |
| Louise |
| Beyond the Night by Susan Squires |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
After spending many years in prison on false charges, Drew returns to his former home to get vengeance upon the man who was responsible. He buys a home, not believing the rumors that it is haunted --- not until he runs into the beautiful ghost, himself, that is. |
| Linda B |
| Designed Seduction by Bonnie Rose Leigh |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The first book of The Mystic Ridge Series tells of a runaway fae royal princess. Alexsia Kolinkar did the only thing she could do upon learning of Her arranged marriage to Ekekiel Dona, a dark fae, who wanted her powers to control earth and every realm. So she fled to earth only to be found by his henchmen over and over, constantly looking over her shoulder and always staying a step ahead. And she was grateful for the invitation to go to the Mystic Ridge, a town for supernaturals and a safe haven, but little did she know that she would meet, not only one mate, but two! |
| JoJo |
| The Host by Stephanie Meyer |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I could not get into this book. |
| Jen |
| Lovers and Dreamers 3-in-1 by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A good story for some mindless entertainment. Certainly not one of her best but worth reading when you do not want to have to think. |
| Betty Jo ([email protected]) |
| Three Junes by Julia Glass |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I am about halfway through with this novel and it is a pleasant read. It is set in Scotland and NYC and deals with the loss of parents for three sons. I will update my thoughts when I finish. |
| Louise |
| Twelve Across by Barbara Delinsky |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The book derives its title from the fact that the heroine creates crossword puzzles for a living. A friend offers her a vacation in her cabin, but she arrives to find it has burned to the ground. |
| Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. ([email protected]) |
| An Anthropology of An American Girl by Hilary Thayer Hamann |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the story of a girl coming of age in the late 70's. The details of the story lets one recapture that day and time. It has a tone that reads well and one that is packed with all the emotion of the characters. |
| Reva Wamsley ([email protected]) |
| When the Wind Blows by James Patterson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I had a hard time putting this book down. Unfortunately, one has to do chores, sleep, etc. But I loved this book. Frannie is a vet whose husband has died a couple of years earlier. A handsome stranger has rented her cabin but she thinks he's a hunter so she's not happy about it. But he's actually a FBI agent investigating a doctor who he thinks is doing illegal experiences. Then Frannie spots a little girl with wings in the woods. She can't get near her but when the girl is sleeping, she and the FBI agent capture her. The rest of the story is amazing. My next book is THE LAKE HOUSE which takes up the story after this one. |
| Judy O. ([email protected]) |
| Neighborhood Watch by Cammie McGovern |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Betsy Treading is released from 12 years in prison for a murder that DNA proved she did not commit. She was convicted of killing a sexy neighbor woman named Linda Sue. Betsy's defense had been that she was sleep walking at the time and couldn't remember any of the details. I didn't like this book at all and couldn't really get involved with it. None of it rang true and I thought the whole plot was ridiculous. Other reviews that I have read of it have been positive, however. |
| Stephanie in IL |
| Get Capone by Jonathan Eig |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an interesting account of Capone and the history of old Chicago. Not so much a glorification of a gangster but an insight into the "real" Al Capone. It draws info from recently released (or found) government documents. Fascinating read! |
| Deborah |
| Dead Connection by Alafair Burke |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
After reading the third Ellie Hatcher novel, released this year, I'm going back and reading the first two. This series features a NYPD detective with a difficult past. Her cop father may or may not have committed suicide and Ellie is desperate to discover the answers that will lead to exonerating his name. She brings dedication and tenacious intensity to her cases, and this one was no exception as she tracks a serial killer. Her relationship with her brother, her coworkers, and men provide interesting sidelines to the main story. |
| Deborah |
| 61 Hours by Lee Child |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
As suspenseful and page-turning as this current Lee Child novel is, the best part is the description of the icy winter weather in South Dakota. If you're wilting in the summer heat, this book takes the edge off by letting you imagine the welcome relief of ice and snow. As always, loner Jack Reacher gets involved in the strange events in an isolated, snowbound town without putting down any lasting roots. I particularly enjoyed his relationship in this book with a 70+ schoolteacher-witness who needs his protection. An enjoyable read. |
| Pat Stuckey |
| Lowcountry Summer by Dorothea Benton Frank |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love all her books but liked SULLIVAN'S ISLAND and RETURN TO SULLIVAN'S ISLAND a teeny bit better than this one. However, LOVE all her books and definitely am enjoying this one --- the Islands take me away to peaceful settings! |
| Linda |
| Bodily Harm by Robert Dugoni |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This takes in all the clique words I can think of --- spellbinding, suspenseful, page turner, etc. etc. |
| Geraldine Galentree |
| Scent of the Missing by Susannah Charleson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed her adventures raising, training and loving a golden lab puppy. Iearned a lot about rescue dogs and what they do. The most important lesson for the dog AND the human is training. The "Sit" command has to be obeyed automatically so the dog can function safely in the wilds as well as at home. The author is doing a lot of signings and bookstore visits with her dog along and I am hoping to meet her. She's a Texas author from Arlington and I live in Dallas so I am hopeful. Loved the book! Now I want Puzzle's pawtograph on it. |
| Bill |
| Shoot to Thrill by P. J. Tracy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The mother-daughter author team are in stellar form with this Monkeewrenchseries novel. All of the usual characters are back with the wisecracking detectives, paranoid Grace and the rest of the computer gurus. The story moves at breakneck speed as the FBI, MPD and the Monkeewrench gang try to stop killers using the Internet to set up random murders they videotape and post online. A great read! |
| EC |
| Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
If you are a fan of the Bones books, you will enjoy this offering from Kathy Reichs. The story is fast paced and comes to a satisfying conclusion. Temperance has a heart, and that is why this series is popular. |
| Cindy |
| The 250 Questions You Should Ask to Avoid Foreclos by Lita Epstein |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
If you are looking at purchasing a foreclosure, this is a must read. It explains all the little things you should look for and why buying foreclosures is not always the best road to take. |
| Marsha |
| Storm Prey by John Sandford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Lucas Davenport and his cohorts are on the trail of a hospital pharmacy theft that left a man dead and his wife in peril. There's a storm brewing and the chase begins. |
| Pam |
| Staircase of a Thousand Steps by Masha Hamilton |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a good look at village life in the Middle East in the late 1900's, but its message of conformity and consequences could be set in any small town anywhere. The book is mystical and reads like a legend. |
| dave |
| Under the Dome by stephen king |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is my first Stephen King. It's a huge task with 1074 pages but I'm half way through and can't wait to finish. It's amazing how he keeps your interest. If you haven't tried King, step into the pool, you don't know what your missing, It's not all blood and gore. |
| JoRN |
| Boys on the Tracks by Mara Leveritt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a true story of murder of two teenage boys and political corruption to the highest levels. |
| Patricia Schrot |
| Once A Spy by Keith Thomson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I enjoyed this first novel about a Dad with early Alzheimers and his son who thought his Dad was a washing machine salesmen, but was actually a top CIA Agent with knowledge that the CIA is afraid the Dad might reveal. This had moments of humor and I thought well written overall. I hope Thomson is able to come up with another as good! |
| Patricia Schrot |
| The Midnight House by Alex Berenson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This continuation of the story of CIA Agent John Wells was disappointing to me. All the previous books had been so good so I expected more. |
| JoRN |
| Worst Nightmares by Shane Briant |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is very suspenseful and disturbing. It was a good book and delivered in the suspense department. |
| Patricia Schrot |
| The Lion by Nelson DeMille |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a great sequel to THE LION'S GAME and well worth the wait and written with DeMille's usual wit. |
| Becky Jones |
| 61 Hours: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Everyone should have Jack Reacher nearby when things get rough. The man without roots is in bitterly cold South Dakota in the newest book of the Reacherseries. A slippery road, a wrecked bus, a frightened small town, bikers and drug lords all combine to make the 61 hours in this suspenseful tale an edge of your seat thriller with an amazing ending. |
| Betty Jo ([email protected]) |
| Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I am listening to the audio of this novel set in WWII France. The author was later gassed at Auschwitz. This is a wonderful story of survival and what is going on with the French people when Germany attacks and then occupies their country. Great historic fiction and it was written soon after it happened. |
| Kellie ([email protected]) |
| South of Broad by Pat Conroy |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I've read one other book by Conroy and enjoyed it. It was his non-fiction, WATER IS WIDE. It was very different from this most recent publication of the author of PRINCE OF TIDES. I was drawn into this novel as soon as the first page was turned. Conroy's dialog is some of the best I've ever read. The humorous banter that goes back and forth amongst the characters is extremely entertaining. I loved his characters, especially Toad. Conroy really pulls in the most vivid characteristics of the south in this book. We get a taste of the southern elite and the infamous southern racism that seems to distinguish the south during the most tumultuous times. Conroy also gives us a feel for what it was like in San Francisco during the beginning of the aids epidemic. It was horrific. And finally, he puts us in the middle of Hurricane Hugo at the eye of the storm which destroyed a good bit of Charleston in 1989. This was one of those books I could not put down and looked forward to visiting with Toad and the gang every evening. When I finished this book, I had to go back and reread the ending. I was a bit disappointed in how quietly it ended. I kept looking for the sentence or paragraph that leaves you with a thought to ponder, that ties up the theme of the book and satisfies the reader even though you may be sad the story has ended. I couldn't find that closure. So now I sit here deciding whether or not this qualifies as one of the best books I have read or should it be amongst the ones that were up until the end. |
| Tanya |
| Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
On a spring afternoon in 1920, a small town in Colorado is changed forever. Meet the residents whose lives this tragedy touches --- a good story and a quick read. |
| Linda M. Johnson ([email protected]) |
| The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The Beaudelaire children wind up in a carnival as freaks hoping to find out for sure if one of their parents survived the fire. I still love this series and love listening to Tim Curry narrate it. |
| Linda M. Johnson ([email protected]) |
| The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Flavia part two, took a bit to grab me, but once it did, I flew threw the remainder of the book. As with THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY this title will be hard to remember until you understand its meaning in the book. |
| Linda M. Johnson ([email protected]) |
| River of Doubt by Candice Millard |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Excellent history of a seven month journey taken by Teddy Roosevelt to investigate the Amazon River. This may be Ms. Millard's first book, but her writing drew me in and was so illustrative that I was watching out for piranhas and Natives with poisonous darts and observing the flora and fauna in the rain forest. |
| Tanya F in CO |
| The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
My sister recommended this one. It was lovely, but every time I read a book with knitting it makes me want to knit --- and I was a terrible knitter! I can't wait to read the sequel and pick up where it left off! |
| Julie H. |
| Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Macomber doesn't disappoint in this year's Blossom Street tie in novel. Michael's wife Hannah passed away a year earlier, leaving a letter with her brother for Michael, detailing her wish for him to go on with his life. What a very touching and moving story. |
| margaret |
| Confessions of A Rebel Debutante by Anna Fields |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Memoir of a Southern girl who tells a disjointed story about wanting to be a Southern girl then wanting not to be a Southern girl then becoming a New Yorker who misses being a Southern girl, along with some boarding school, Brown, Diana Ross and a soap opera thrown in for good measure. It was kind of amusing but kind of disjointed too. |
| Kim S. |
| The Anniversary Man by R. J. Ellory |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Ellory is the master of subtle suspense. It's hard to believe that subtle is an appropriate word to describe a book with a copycat serial killer running amok in NYC, but an eerie foreboding slowly builds until you just can't put the book down. Did he do it or not? Oddly, a newspaper reporter has connected this crime to other seemingly random murders and her crime researcher, John Costello, appears to have an unhealthy fascination with death. Costello's unique experience provides insight into a world Irving needs to quickly understand, but is the damaged Costello an asset, a victim, or a killer? I could not put this one down. |
| Aimee Hegedus |
| The Triathletes: A Season in the Lives of Four Wom by Jeff Cook |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What drew me to this book was personally knowing one of the athletes profiled in this book. What made me want to continue reading this book long after I should have been asleep is the amazing fortitude, physical strength and character of these women. Their stories are gripping, inspiring and unbelievably true. |
| Julie H. |
| Runaway by Meg Cabot |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The final part of the story of Nikki Howard and Emerson Watts is full of action and emotion. Really, from brain transplants to Arthurian based graphic novels, you can't go wrong with a Cabot novel. |
| Cyndi |
| The Passage by Justin Cronin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I bought it, couldn't put it down and finished the 700+ pages in three days. It manages to make a vampire plague seem completely believable and engrossing! |
| Cyndi ([email protected]) |
| The Lonely Polygamist by Bradley Udall |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Laugh out loud funny and pitch perfect whether in the voice of a disgruntled eleven year old, a sister, wife or a vaguely confused patriarch, this is an excellent beach read. I didn't think he could surpass Edgar Mint. I was wrong. |
| Asha Smith |
| Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dalas |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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This is Ms Dallas' best work yet! |
| Margaret Jordan |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
As everyone is saying, this is a good book that kindly looks at the problems of the American South's "caste system". |
| Kalle LaJaune ([email protected]) |
| The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very unusual book that I would recommend because it makes for great conversation. |
| Marsha |
| The Lion by Nelson DeMille |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
To doubly enjoy this book read THE LION'S GATE first. John Corey and his wife Kate are part of the Anti-Terrorist Task Force to fight international terrorism and again come face to face with Asad Kahil, the Lion, who has vowed to kill them both. Bodies pile up and the chase becomes very exciting. |
| Ruthie Bloszinsky ([email protected]) |
| A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you would like to read a story about the bonds of friendship between two women despite tremendous hardships that strain to break those ties, then this is the book for you. So moving and tender it made me cry. |
| Peggy Kincaid ([email protected]) |
| Bodily Harm by Robert Dugoni |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I've been waiting for this latest David Sloane book and I read it in one sitting. Everything is coming together for David professionally and personally but a new case puts him in grave danger and may cost him everything. Dugoni just keeps ratcheting up the suspense and you just can't put the book down. Great summer read. |
| Martha |
| Half-Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Walls relates the story of her maternal grandmother in the form of a novel. Using her grandmother as the narrator of this biographical fiction, Walls effectively creates an unforgettable character who was born before her time. An independent, no-nonsense kind of woman who had to have been among the first group of women who actually took flying lessons. Lillian achieves an equal partnership with her husband and leaves an interesting trail, or tale, for readers to enjoy. Walls creates this character that easily grabs attention and makes you wonder if this offbeat woman was aware of the bizarre life her daughter would lead. |
| Kalle LaJaune ([email protected]) |
| Lowcountry Summer by Dorothea Benton Frank |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is summer and this is Dorthea Benton Frank...enough said. A wonderful light and breezy read. |
| Melissa C. |
| Tell No One by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
| Beck became a widower eight years ago and is now receiving mysterious emails that contain information only he and his deceased wife would know. Is this some type of cruel prank or is she really out there somewhere? This is a definite page turner with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing throughout the whole book. Not until the very last page will you know the whole story. |
