Judy O.
The Far Side of the Sky by Daniel Kalla
During WWII, 20,000 Jews escaped to Shanghai in order to escape the Nazis. This is the story of Surgeon, Doctor Franz Adler, his daughter Hannah, and his sister-in-law Esther who make their way there for asylum. When they arrive, they find that the Japanese have taken over Shanghai, and there is much to fear from them too. This historical fiction novel is their story. I took my time reading it because I wanted to savor the setting and the events that happened.
Nell Landman
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
Extraordinarily powerful. Very difficult to find something else to read after I finished this book.
Rhonda Lomazow
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Brilliant book about marriage and mystery told from the husband's and wife's view points.
Marie Parke
Day After Night by Anita Diamant
Stunning fictional book based on the true story of the rescue of over 200 prisoners from the Atlit internment camp near Haifa in October 1945. The four main characters had all survived the Holocaust only be to held prisoner by the British. This is not usually the subject matter I read, but I adored it.
Lori
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach
I thought this was a good read. It had good character development and an interesting plot. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I could see how it could be made into a cute movie. The book was a little on the light side, but it fit my mood for a summer vacation read.
Lori
The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani
I thought this was a good summer read. It took me a little longer than usual to get into the story, but I ended up enjoying it very much. I found it to be an interesting period piece about immigrants in the U.S. I'm assuming that the author is likely to continue the story in future books as she has done with her other books, and I'm sure I'll read them when they are published.
Linda
The Litigators by John Grisham
Love his books...
Linda
Strange Michigan: More Wolverine Weirdness by Linda S. Godfrey and Lisa A. Shiel
The book is about strange things that happen in Michigan: ghosts, Big Foot,etc...
Linda
The Postcard Killers by James Patterson
Very good!
Susan Johnson
The Roots of the Olive Tree by Courtney Miller Santo
A wonderful story about five generations of women living on an olive ranch in California. The matriarch becomes the oldest living person in the world. A lovely story about mothers and daughters.
Mary Champagne
Defending Jacob by William Landay
This crime fiction/family drama is definitely a five star book. The transcripts of the grand jury, the sheer horror of the parents as they ask themselves if their very young teen could be a murderer, and the moral conflict are starkly drawn. The story touches many hot buttons, including the jungle that is junior high, bullying, nature vs. nurture and parents' rights, needs and responsibilities. This book was a great read and the style reminded me of my two favorite authors: Jodi Picoult and John Grisham.
Rene Parnell
Beach House Memories by Mary Alice Monroe
A great summer read and a great escape into a world of life-altering decisions
Phoenix V
Any Empire by Nate Powell
This moving & imaginative graphic novel explores childhood, our relationships with each other, and how individuals are affected by war.
Kate Weber
Lost In a Good Book: A Thursday Next Novel by Jasper Fforde
This is the second book in the Thursday Next series, and while familiarity with Jane Eyre was essential for enjoyment of the first one, I didn’t feel the same flailing desire for a list of prerequisites to understand this book. It deals a lot more with time travel and the perils of paradox, coincidence, and general literary shenanigans. Sure, an appreciation for Austen, Dickens, and the Brontes will certainly enhance your experience (mostly in the form of understanding more of the jokes), but I’m far from the world’s biggest Brit Lit fan and I still got a good chuckle from time to time. That said, I don’t see myself going out of my way to read the rest of the series. I suspect I don’t fall into the target audience quite neatly enough.
Allison Gardner
Flowers in the Rain & Other Stories by Rosamunde Pilcher
Great collection of short stories with a Scottish theme.
Mary Rodriguez
Agony of the Leaves: a Tea Shop Mystery by Laura Childs
A great cozy tea shop mystery.
Myrna Lippman
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Wonderfully crafted "he said, she said" format. Each chapter is filled with surprises, lies, and inventions that make you want to keep reading.
Jean L
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
Ralph Truitt, a successful businessman, stands alone on a train platform waiting for the woman who answered his newspaper advertisement for "a reliable wife." But when Catherine Land steps off the train from Chicago, she's not the "simple, honest woman" that Ralph is expecting. She is both complex and devious, haunted by a terrible past and motivated by greed. Her plan is simple: she will win this man's devotion, and then, ever so slowly, she will poison him and leave Wisconsin a wealthy widow. But there is even more to this story. It has twists and turns that keep the pages turning very quickly. There was no way that I could put it down!
Jean L
The Boy in the Suitcase by Lene Kaaberbol and Agnete Friis
This is a very intense, suspenseful story. When a book is this good, one cannot put it down.
The boy in the suitcase is just 3 years old, so he has a very limited vocabulary. There is also the problem of different languages to contend with. I loved this book.
Jean L
Hostage Zero by John Gilstrap
Hostage rescue expert Jonathan 'Digger' Grave is used to going where even the government will not. An innocent man has been shot and two young people are missing, but tracking them down is just the beginning.This is another in a good suspense-filled series. I must read them all.
Jean L
Triptych by Karin Slaughter
This is the book that introduces Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Will is a brilliant but very troubled cop with scars that run deep. Slaughter folds this series into her Dr. Sara Linton series which is the current one she is writing. This should guarantee the reader more good books.
Jerry Kapner
In One Person by John Irving
Once again, John Irving in a powerful yet matter-of-fact way, invites us into a world filled with quirky characters that we might not even know that we know in our own lives. We are not only hooked into caring about them but come away fully educated about the social and political challenges that others face on a daily basis.His flowing prose and iconic phrasing are on massive display. I found it hard to put down. Oh, of course there are "bear" sightings as well...you know you are reading John Irving.
An important work of American literature; an engrossing and alternatively enjoyable and disturbing read. Isn't that what a great novel is supposed to be?
Jean L
Big Cherry Holler by Adriana Trigiani
I love the characters in this wonderful series. This book takes up Ave Maria Mulligan's story. It is eight years since she married Jack Mac, and there have been many changes in her life. She is restless and when temptation comes, we wonder how she will handle it.
John M
Mr. Kill: Soho Crime Series by Martin Limon
This is the latest mystery in the Sergeants Sueno and Bascom series and is as entertaining as the previous 7 novels. Besides the plot, I particularly like the locations and time period of this series; Mr. Limon nails the American soldier in Korea in the mid-70's. Sergeants Sueno and Bascom are US Army Criminal Investigation Division soldiers (detectives) and they always seem to be able to solve the main crime in the book while getting constantly distracted by the Army in Korea headquarters, girlfriends, their boss, sub-plots, and their relationships with the Korean people in general. This is a quick and very enjoyable read.
Tracey Pascarella
The Great Book of Amber by Roger Zelazny
This massive read contains all novels that chronicle the sci-fi world of Amber. It was for me, deep with philosophy, a thoughtful reveal into the many intertwined lives of fictitious characters with interesting "powers". Although this is not a new series, it wasn't the first time for me and I would highly recommend it.
Dorothy Gordon
West 47th by Gerald A. Browne
Good thriller. Enjoyed all the inside info on the gem trade and the very accurate stuff about gemstones in general. I am an amateur gemologist so it was really well researched. Characters were vivid and the main ones, Mitch and Maddie Laughton, were very well drawn. Some reliance on stock bad guys was less well done.
Joan B.
Sea Change by Karen White
Karen White never disappoints and always delivers a great read. SEA CHANGE is about a young woman who married a man she never truly knew. After a few months of marriage, strange things start happening, and she begins to look into the death of his first wife. It takes place in Georgia on a small island off the coast. There is lots of history thrown in, along with her usual flashbacks to a different era, and ghosts with personality. Enjoyable!
Linda H
Stay Close by Harlan Coben
This suspenseful book brings together the stories of three individuals --- the down-at-the-heels photographer, the suburban mom who used to be a pole dancer, and the police detective who was been dogging an unsolved disappearance.
Linda H
11th Hour by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
This is the latest book about The Women’s Murder Club and there are two cases that Lindsay Boxer and her partner Rich Conklin have been assigned. Vigilante-type shootings have been carried out against drug dealers and the SFPD thinks it is one of their own. The other case involves skulls found on the property of an aging movie star.
Kathy Iwasaka
The Book of Lost Fragrances by M. J. Rose
I have just started this book and am enjoying the narrative, but I am a little afraid that this is going to be a Gothic mystery rather than the suspense novel I was hoping for. I am new to M. J. Rose, so I'm more than willing to read on and see what happens.
Linda H
What Doesn't Kill You by Iris Johansen
This book keeps your attention as you travel to Hong Kong with Catherine Ling and her mentor, Hu Chang. First she must save her son again and then she must find and outwit an evil assassin who plans to kill a candidate for the presidency of the US.
Linda H
Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato
A heartwarming story of a sea captain in search of his son. After years away at sea, he returns to find his son gone and his wife dead. When he finally gets a clue as to the whereabouts of the boy, he hatches a plan but his plans change when he meets the daughter of the shipbuilder who has been caring for the boy.
Lynn Hackenberg
Stolen Prey by John Sandford
As usual, I can't put a Sandford novel down. I haven't met a Lucas Davenport novel I didn't like. This one does not disappoint.
Linda H
Always Time to Die by Elizabeth Lowell
Elizabeth Lowell’s books are always well written and keep you in suspense. This one involves a young woman hired to research family records but someone doesn't want her at the family mansion.
Linda H
Then Again by Diane Keaton
This is a memoir written by Diane Keaton along with excerpts from her mother’s numerous journals kept throughout her lifetime. Like all of us, she wishes she had spent more time with her mother before it was too late. A loving tribute to her mother.
Linda H
Lucifer's Tears by James Thompson
This book is the follow-up to Snow Angels. The story revolves around Inspector Kari Varra and his cases in Helsinki. There is a lot of history given about the relationship among the Finns, the Russians, and the Germans.
Marie-Louise Molloy
My Berlin Kitchen by Luisa Weiss
DELISH! If you liked Julie & Julia you will LOVE this!
Margo
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
This is one of the best books I've ever read about WW2. It is the amazing story of Louis Zamperini an Olympian runner who survives being a POW of the Japanese. The torture that these prisoners went through, and the recovery is just unbelievable.
Joyce Sigman
Unnatural Acts by Stuart Woods
Always enjoy his books. Light reading with a mystery twist and comedy entwined.
Gail Spitzer
Heading Out to Wonderful by Robert Goolrick
A wonderful novel about love with great and authentic characters and some interesting suspense.
Elizabeth Vollbach
The Skeleton Box by Bryan Gruley
THE SKELETON BOX is a good mystery. In addition to the main story, a few others are going on. Several possibilities exist, and more and more clues throughout the book keep the reader guessing and reguessing. Eventually, all the stories come together. This book is the third in a series about the inhabitants of Starvation Lake, Michigan, a small town "up north," as we in the Detroit area say. Gruely gets great reviews and has won awards for the first two books in the series. As are all good mysteries, THE SKELETON BOX is suspenseful. But it is pretty easy going suspense, not an edge-of-your-seat thriller.
Elizabeth Vollbach
The Education Of Koko by Francine Patterson
THE EDUCATION OF KOKO by Francine Patterson and Eugene Linden is nonfiction about a gorilla named Koko who was raised to speak by sign language. The book is full of interesting facts and great pictures, but it was a disappointment. I expected that it would be Koko's and the authors' story. Instead, it is more a discussion of language abilities and a report of their "experiment" to teach language to a nonhuman species.
Amanda Mullins
Shadow of night by Deborah harkness
I absolutely love the All Souls Trilogy and can't wait for the final book!
Elizabeth Vollbach
The Art of Forgetting: A Novel by Camille Noe Pagán
THE ART OF FORGETTING is a young adult novel, and my four-star rating is for a YA book. I made the mistake of assuming it was a more advanced book, which I prefer, and would give it one star for that. But I don't think one star would be fair just because I accidentally picked the wrong book for me. I call this YA, but I'm over 50, and the term "chick lit" is new to me. I suppose that people more familiar with "chick lit" would call it that. But THE ART OF FORGETTING is one of the types of novels I read as a young adult. Therefore, I call it YA. I know that this style is popular with many. If you are one of these, you'll like this book.
Jeanette Mateer
Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland
My book group loved this and I am just catching up. I am in agreement with them.
Elizabeth Vollbach
True Believers by Kurt Andersen
This book bored me terribly. There was no real story, pretty much just a commentary on the 60s.
Elizabeth Vollbach
The Watch: A Novel by Joydeep Roy-Bhattacharya
THE WATCH as named one of the best books of June 2012 by amazon.com. Sometimes I think amazon.com’s choices are based on what they feel people SHOULD read rather than what would truly engross them. This is one of those times.This book is an expression of the futility of our presence in the Middle East. If you read it, you’re in for a lot of preaching. It gets tiresome. It's “eyerolling.” I did not find this story engrossing or a page turner as some reviewers describe it and as amazon.com sees it. But I can see why many reviewers, probably those who liked the preaching, feel everyone should read it. I just don’t think that should be the reason they give it high ratings.
Rosemary Sobczak
Unnatural Acts by Stuart Woods
Woods is getting way too formulaic, but it still qualifies as good beach reading.
Anne Joyce
Riding Fury Home by Chana Wilson
Wonderfully horrific but bittersweet memoir of a mother and daughter growing up together, finding out who they are, who they want to be in the turbulent and homophobic1960's
Cindy Hennes-Norton
A Deeper Darkness by JT Ellison
I really enjoyed this novel. Great character development. It is a great "who done it" mystery --- wasn't sure until the end!
Marie E. Casale
Light in August by William Faulkner
Having never read this classic before I decided to take camping with me last week. It was incredible. The talent it takes to write a story such as this is divine I believe. I encourage anyone who is planning to work through a list of classics to include this read!
Marguerite Beal
House at Riverton by Kate Morton
Lighthearted fun, for me that is. Great as a change of pace from my usual biographies.
Christine Harvey
The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht
An odd and fascinating tale of life and relationships in Eastern Europe during war times.
Gayle Lin
The Forever Marriage by Ann Bauer
This novel follows a new widow's reflections on her no-love marriage following her husband's death.
A perfectly written book with an inside look at a marriage, the reasons for choices made,
and the twists and turns to the discovery of an entirely different viewpoint.
Suzanne of Tucson
The Legacy of Eden by Nelle Davey
This was a book to keep my interest. It was well written and moved fairly well without getting too bogged down on any one subject at any one time. I felt that in getting sick so often over her departed family, Meredith suffered unreal upset stomach problems. Also, the childhood the three sisters had seemed beyond belief and the fact they were so out of touch with each other didn’t seem real. This story was characterized by a semi-Gothic setting.
Suzanne of Tucson
Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah
This book was far-fetched and full of unbelievable occurrences. I don’t recommend Winter Garden --- unless a reader is ready for a stupid fantasy.
Lynn W
Left Neglected by Lisa Genova
Sarah Nickerson has a husband and children, a high-powered job and is keeping it all together. Then --- an accident, a right-brain injury, and she loses all awareness of everything on her left side. While retraining her mind to make her world whole again, she must decide what's most important in her life. If you liked STILL ALICE, you'll love this book.
Betty Chrastka
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
Two very articulate teenagers with cancer and their romance are the central characters. Actually, I think the central character of the book IS cancer.
Jane McCown
The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian
I am constantly amazed at how different all of Bohjalian's books are. This one was reminiscent to me of Rosemary's Baby. It will keep you reading long past your bedtime!
Lynn Demsky
You Came Back by Christopher Coake
This is really a lllllllooooooooooong book covering a subject that I hope people would never have to go through, the loss of a child through an accident is just incomprehensible! I was impressed how it was kind of written using the father's feelings the strongest....extremely well written about a most distressing subject the death of a child and how the parents handle their grief!!
Andrea
Gone Missing by Linda Castillo
Always readable 4th entry in the Kate Burkholder series, this one deals with the death of an Amish girl in NE Ohio. Kate is a prickly, flawed real character and her background as former Amish serves her well in this series. Set in and around the area I live in, several landmarks and places are recognizable and the research and background of the Amish life is always spot on. I enjoyed this book but recommend reading them in order.
Marion Miller
The World Without You by Joshua Henkin
I really enjoyed this book. The family dynamics were so vividly portrayed that you felt you really knew these people. The parents and children and their relationships were especially interesting as well as the interplay between each couple and their relationships with each other. The parents' problems were realistic too. I truly recommend Joshua Henkin and I plan to read his other books.
Kirsten Beeler
Canada by Richard Ford
Beautifully written, hard to put down, the characters live on after the book is finished, heart-breaking in many ways, vivid...about twins whose parents commit a bank robbery and what happens to them as a result.
jackie hagman
Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead
It's about a family getting together for a wedding at the brides family house. Of course this bride is 7 months pregnant, and the maid of honor is recently jilted, and the father of the bride is waiting for country club approval from the father of the jilter, and so it goes. Nice book, you definitely see your family in these characters. Weddings bring out the best in everyone, dont they.
Martha C. Brown
Stolen Prey by John Sandford
The murders are horrific, but Sandford continues to enthrall me with his Lucas Davenport series. The dialogue among characters contains humor and realism. There are twists in the stories. Great escape reading and this newer Prey mystery does not disappoint. I must admit that living in the Twin Cities helps me relate to the setting of this series. I hope they continue to create movies based on Sandford's stories.
Fran
The Ape House by Sara Gruen
This book had me engaged since the first paragraph. The story of the Bonobos Apes was fascinating as I did not know about these animals (nor their intelligence levels!) Amazing. The book was well researched and provided a lot of information regarding animal research and the effect on apes/ chimpanzees. The subplots for all the characters kept you invested in them and lended a credibility to the story. I probably could have lived without the reality tv theme of the "ape house" but in some ways it added to the story. Sara Gruen is and continues to be one of my favorite authors. I hope that she comes out with another book soon!
Jean V.
The Age of Doubt by Andrea Camillieri
I love these Sicilian mysteries featuring Inspector Salvo Monteblano. Quick reads that are fast paced with quirky characters and a touch of humor. You'll enjoy spending time in Sicily, vicariously enjoying the food, and getting a glimpse into the life of an Italian police inspector.
Debbie M
Aunt Dimity and the Family Tree by Nancy Atherton
This is one of those gentle mystery series set in England. The main characters are Lori Shepherd and the ghostly Aunt Dimity. In this adventure, Lori and Bill are married and the parents of twin boys. Bill's father has retired and moved to England and purchased a manor in need of TLC. Of course the senior William Willis will need a staff to aid in running this house, thus enters an unlikely husband and wife team. No bloody corpses in this story, just a deception to fool the townspeople.
Debbie M
The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen
Gerritsen writes a detailed and thorough murder mystery that has the reader on the edge of the couch hoping to reach the end. This escapade involves nuns, lepers, babies, and ex husbands as Tess and Maura must make choices about love and work. For some reason, I never associated lepers with India, and never fully understood the disease. Gerritsen explains the progression of the disease and the places where it sill exists. Gerritsen also delves into the community of an aging convent to show what happens to these women that have dedicated a life to God. Gerritsen explores many topics that seem taboo, such as a mother's devotion to a specific child. I am enjoying Gerritsen's novel and am reminded of the writing of Patricia Cornwell.
Tanya B.
Gone Missing by Linda Castillo
I love this series. This is book four in an Amish crime series that I highly recommend.
Arthur Harriman
The Lion by Nelson DeMille
A tumultuous tale of danger, pusuit and counter-pursuit in the United States of immediate and believable present day.
Chris Lantz
SHINE SHINE SHINE by Linda Netzer
The story sounds really interesting!
Fran
This Time Together by Carol Burnett
Carol Burnett shares stories from her life, her work and her family in this easy to read memoir. It was fun to spend an afternoon with Carol and learn about her thoughts, hopes and life. A nice way to get to get to know a television icon.
Linda Johnson
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
Marvelous tale of a historic haggadah (a book of prayer and illumination of the Jews). A conservator is brought in to restore the book and discovers clues to the book's heritage. Fascinating. There is nothing more enticing to me than a book about a book.
Jud Hanson
Cursor's Fury (Codex Alera Book 3) by Jim Butcher
Another great entry in this series. Kalarus conspires with an old enemy of Alera to seize power and it's up to Tavi to stop him in decisive battle.
Sara Myers
The House of Thunder by Dean Koontz
This book totally captivated my attention. I read it in one sitting. The author did a great job keeping you guessing about what was real and what was not. I am getting ready to read some additional older Koontz books.
Julie
Evergreen by Belva Plain
A wonderful novel about the courageous immigrants who came to America to start a new life. The heroine is Anna Friedman who left Russia and it's pogroms to make a better life for herself then just marrying a peddler at the age of 16 in her native Russia.
Donna
When Ghosts Speak by Mary Ann Winkowski
This is a great book and tells you everything you need to know if you believe you are having trouble with an earthbound spirit. How to tell & how to handle it. To me, it was not just interesting from her experiences point of view, but for me it was just like a textbook. Just what I needed to read next. Thanks.
Ann B.
Passing Through Paradise by Susan Wiggs
Sandra Winslow"s life if suddenly changed when her husband is killed in an accident. She starts to rebuild her life by fixing up the old beach house she inherited so she can sell it and move out of the area. When she hires Mike Malloy to redo the house her secrets are revealed and the details come out about her husband's accident.
Lesley Fry
The Selected Works of T.S. Spivit by Reif Larsen
I am currently reading, very slowly, "The Selected Works of T.S. Spivit" because I want it to last as long as possible! This is a strange and wonderful book written and illustrated by a (fictional) 12 year old, very precocious boy. Five stars for originality, five stars for the illustrations, and five stars for keeping me interested in a tale told by a 12 year old!
Ann B.
On Tall Pine Lake by Dorothy Garlock
Nona Conrad takes a job to manage a fishing camp after her parents' sudden death. She is also trying to get her inheritance from her untrustworthy half-brother. Things really start to fall apart as men are looking for her half-brother and think she knows where he is. The camp owner shows up and wants to protect her. Easy read.
Fran Chennells
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Although I found the characters mostly unappealing, the writing was such that I didn't want to put it down. The ending was not very satistying to me.
Dee Hatcher
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
A good read. Not quite post-apocalyptic, but eerie and thought-provoking. I loved that it was told from such a young person's point of view.
patricia zashkoff
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larrsen
This is the 3rd book in the series. I liked the first book the best --- it was The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. This book is a bit slow and the main character spends 1/2 the book in the hospital. I did enjoy the fact that they all take place in Sweden but I have to admit I had some trouble with keeping the names straight. I would recommend the first book.
Robin McKay
The Stolen Chalice by Kitty Pilgrim
I read Ms Pilgrim's first book, The Explorers Code. Several of the characters that were introduced in her first book are featured in her new book, however, both books can be read as stand alone stories.
The story takes the readers across the globe, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, to London, Scotland and aboard a yacht on the Mediterranean Sea. and many points in between. The book is a blend if science, romance and intrigue. I am enjoying it very much.
Dawn L Cronk
Detours by Bette Nordberg
It's a cold and snowy night and Callie is cleaning the counter at her coffee shop when the local policeman comes in and gives her the news that her friend/tenant was in an accident in her car. Did she know she had a son, and could she take care of him while Shayla was in the hospital?
Callie undertakes to care for Keeshan but is sure she doesn't have a nurturing bone in her body. Eventually a relative shows up to claim the boy, and then...
Julie Siemek
Secrets to the Grave by Tami Hoag
A 911 call from a small child that said "Daddy hurt Mommy" sends the small California town of Oak Knoll into a tailspin --- again. EXCELLENT!
Ruth Schroeder
unPLANNED by Abby Johnson with Cindy Lambert
As I read this book, I had to keep reminding myself it was a true story. It read just like a good suspense novel as I kept turning the page to see what happened next. The author worked her way up to director of a Planned Parenthood clinic, but had a change of heart when she had to assist with an abortion.
Michael McAdam
Micro by Michael Crichton
I am going to go with 4 stars because I just started it and I am enjoying it so far but, frankly, the jury is still out. I am a huge fan of his work, so I am hopeful for greatness :).
Bonnie Gluhanich
11/22/63 by Stephen King
Loved it! Fascinating premise, great characters, well-written...it's got it all.
Dara Montgomery
The Cranes Dance by Meg Howery
I won this book in the summer reading contest. It would have not be a book I would normally read. The book is about two sisters who both are ballet dancers. They both have emotional problems. The thing I like is it made me want to go to a ballet after reading this,.The book really goes into the life of a professional ballet dancer.
Linda Bass
Dark Passages by Kathryn Leigh Scott
Midwestern farm girl and former beauty queen, Margaret Blatch sets her sites on New York to become an actress, but ends up a Bunny girl. What her new friends don't know is that she's not human but a vampire instead! Margaret changed her name to Meg Harrison then bounces between her bunny job and a role on a daytime show, unaware of a dark force that wanted revenge on her, a revenge that started with her grandmother...
Ms. Scott pens a spell boundingstory that kept me riveted to my chair and I do hope there is a sequel as I fell in love with Meg and can't get enough! Meg had to learn the hard way of how to use her powers when her mother never told her, but she wanted to appear human.
Ellen Hudock
Still Life by Louise Penny
First Book by this Canadian Author. Excellent mystery, chilling in some parts, characterization is so good. Truly a page turner . I am looking forward to reading other books by this author!!!
Lea Ann Morris
Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian
This book, which deals with abusive husbands, is told in sections by a variety of persons; a pastor, an author who writes of angels, a prosecuting attorney, the daughter of the involved husband and wife. It basically held my attention, but the ending was expected and very low key in the telling. I probably could have stopped reading at any time and would not have regretted doing so, but I did finish the book. I do not feel this book is as good as earlier ones I have read by this author.
Sharon
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
This book will not disappoint you, it is a great psychological thriller. I hadn't read any of Flynn's books so I started with Sharp Objects, then Dark Places and finished with Gone Girl. The third one is by far the best.
Jan Hummel
The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly
Another great book from Michael Connelly. This one is from the perspective of Mickey Haller. An exciting who done it with clever Mickey, the defense lawyer, and his associates investigating. His finesse in the courtroom is so fun to read.
Marie Ledin
Blow Fly by Patricia Cornwell
Another great book by Patricia Cornwall. Emotional, twisting, and suspenseful with an old case finally resolved with a sweet ending.
Judy Bates
A Hundred Flowers by Gail Sukiyama
A beautiful story! I lover her books --- this one reminds me of "The Samari's Garden."
Judy Bates
The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino
Excellent mystery!!! You know who did what and where from the beginning, but I never thought it would end the way it did!!!
Shiela
The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner
A delightful read with a creative ending!!!
Emily
The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
Since the completion of the Harry Potter series I have been looking for another fantasy that would give me the same magical feeling. For me, it is the magic in a fantasy novel that I enjoy the most, along the adventure of visiting a fictional world. I found it in Patrick Rothfuss' Kingkiller Chronicle series, the first being The Name of the Wind. The Wise Man's Fear is the sequel. Rothfuss created a magical world, and fantastic characters that any Harry Potter fan would love to know.
Richard Godsell-Jures
Hologram for the King by Dave Eggers
If you want to learn where all the manufacturing in America is, this the book to read. I learned if we don't start making our own stuff we will never have enough jobs to put Americans back to work. That's why the Dems. and Repubs. are lying about Jobs, Jobs and more Jobs!
Richard Godsell-Jures
Hard Country by Michael McGarrity
What a Story! This book is a saga that you'll want to take your time to enjoy learning about land, cattle, horses, and Rodeo. The problem is you won't be able to put it down. The things that Kerney goes through is tough, but neccessary for him to become the man he is. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll wish the book would never end, This is a keeper!
Richard Godsell-Jures
Calico Joe by John Grisham
Like baseball? Like a great story? Then this book is for you. It proves that John writes great stories and great courtroom dramas to boot. An easy read for the airport or at the cottage or beach.
Lynn Demsky
Meow is for Murder by Linda O. Johnston
I have enjoyed all of Linda O. Johnston's books that I've read so far and this was no exception. I really enjoy how she takes pleasure in her pets, defends them and takes care of them well and sticks her nose into other people's business when they're not taking care of their own pet. A person that cares makes a lovely story! Plus in reading her books I find out about other pets besides just dogs and cats! I always look for more books by her!
Kerry Chrisman
Tolstoy and the Purple Chair by Nina Stanovich
Nina Stanovich vowed to read a book a day for one year, hoping it would help her come to terms with her sister's death. This fascinating memoir recounts what she learned from the books she read. There are wonderful quotes throughout and a list of the 365 books she read during that year. A must read for book lovers!
Kerry Chrisman
My Name Is Mary Sutter by Robin Olveira
Excellent story set during the Civil War, about a woman who is intent upon becoming a doctor, regardless of the strain it places on her relationships.
Linda Johnson
The Lost Quilter by Nennifer Chiaverini
The story of a slave woman who lived under three different masters/mistresses. She gained family at each situation. Her son was the result of being raped by the first plantation owner. She found her husband at the second home. They had a daughter. Joanna, the woman, learned dressmaking skills which were indispensable to the daughter of the second owner who gave her to his daughter as a wedding present.
The story was bookended by a modern story of finding letters and a quilt and wondering what became of the maker.
The book evoked anger that man could be so cruel to any man. I also felt the ending was hurried and didn't answer all the questions presented in the first chapter.
A good story that needed a better written ending.
Michele Martin
The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
This is Ms. Goodwin's debut novel and I can't wait for her next. Her writing style keeps inviting you in to view the lives of her characters. She intertwines the story line of the American Heiress and chronicles her transition years from dutiful daughter to wife and mother with the story of her maid of 10 years, Bertha. It was a very enjoyable read and I hope my next book on my reading list is just as good but it will be hard to match this one.
Pam Adamovich
Dragon House by John Shors
I love his books. His character development is fabulous and he adds just the right amount of breathstopping excitement to his plot. This book gave me a new look into post-war Vietnam and its citizens.
Judy O.
One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf
A school in Iowa goes into lockdown because a man with a gun is spotted inside the building. Nobody knows who he is, and hours go by before they decide to act because they have not heard anything from him. This story is told from 5 different points of view --- some of them from inside the school. This is a suspenseful, exciting story.
Lynn W
The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass
Percy Darling is happily settling into retirement, but the outside world comes knocking on his door; well actually, his barn door. Excellent story --- very well written.
felice mikelberg
The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht
Wonderful blend of history/folk tales and legends. Hard to put down.
Patricia Hunter
The Outside Boy by Jeanine Cummins
A wonderful coming of age story in the 50's about the travellers in Ireland.
Janice Baly
The Boys on the Bus by Timothy Crouse
This is a contemporaneous account of the Presidential primaries and general election of 1972. For those of us who lived through that period it is particularly interesting to learn about what went on behind the scenes of the various campaigns and the role the press played and should have played to really inform the public.
Jane Lienau
Song of Toledo by Jeffrey Rowe
This novel gives a wonderful intoduction to a fascinating period in history about which I’ve never read before. For some reason, the Moorish occupation of Spain (6th to 10th century?) was glossed over in my high school and college Euro classes. What I like best about this story is how delicately the religious issues are handled. In the hands of a weaker storyteller, the conflict between Christian and Muslim (and Jewish) could have devolved into modern vitriol. The development of the two main characters, one a novice monk and the other a young Muslim in 10th century Toledo (with alternating chapters from the perspective of each), is crucial to understanding the religious conflicts of the time.
Elizabeth - Silver's Reviews
The Island House by Posie Grame-Evans
Don’t miss this exceptional read that brought past and present together in an unforgettable tale of love, loss, hidden treasures, and discovery. Ms. Graeme-Evans did a remarkable job in this compelling read that will be in my list of favorites because of the history, the mystery, and the added flare of Scotland's magic and its legends and myths. 5/5
Margarita Jarecki
One Day by David Nicholls
Interesting characters; unique format in that we see the characters only one day a year for the next 20 or so years, but we get to watch them change in all that time. The ending surprised me and makes me not want to see the movie. Good writing makes it easy to read.
Kathy Vallee
An Uninvited Ghost by E.J. Coopperman
Alison is back at it again but this time she finnally has people staying there there ends up being a murder at her house and she is talked into finding out who did it or at least helping the police
Kellie
A Time To Kill by John Grisham
I have to say, I was a bit disappointed in this book. The story takes place in Clanton, Mississippi, in the 80’s. A young black girl is raped by 2 white men. She survives but is hurt really bad. Her father seeks revenge and kills the 2 men. Jake, a young lawyer who lives in Clanton, is hired to defend the father.
Grisham sets the tone for the novel by creating a scene from the 60’s or earlier. The setting, the theme and even the characters seemed out of place.The other thing that bothered me about this novel was, the reaction of the characters when dramatic events occurred. I felt like Grisham was really pushing race relations in the south as a theme but he forgot about validating the details.
Nancy Snodgrass
Ali in Wonderland by Ali Wentworth
Hysterical! Wonderful! Entertaining! An autobiography of a fabulous woman who is a former member of the L.A. Groundlings comedy improv group. Whose mother's solution to everything was lunch at The Four Seasons in NYC and who eventually, after kissing a lot of frogs, married her Greek prince, George Stephanopolous. Definitetly wonderland.
Terri Jones
Into the Storm by Suzanne Brockman
This is my first read by this author and she was very quickly added to my 'must read' list of authors. She blends the right amount of suspense, romance, sexuality, grit and terror. Characters develop well as the story progresses. I'm about three quarters of the way through the book and still have no clue how it will end!
Donna Boulmay
I Totally Meant to Do That by Jane Borden
Very entertaining book about a southern girl living in Manhattan.
Lorna
Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
Katie starts a new life in a small North Carolina town. As the story continues you find out what she is hiding from. She meets Alex and his two children and is hesitant to get close to them because of her past. Quite a surprise at the end that I wasn't expecting. I could not put this book down. Every chapter ending left me wanting to read more.
Tessa B C
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Young adult novel. Seventeen-year-old Mia has lost her family in a terrible auto accident. As she clings to life, she looks back over her last two years. Poignant and thought provoking
Lynn Demsky
Angel's Flight by Alice Duncan
What a delightful series! The story was entertaining, suspenseful (I didn't figure out who the killer was until author let us know) had a lot of humor in it! The characters were very engaging and I enjoyed Buttercup, her French poodle! This is the first in this series that I've read and now I know why I'm always so far behind in my reading, I try to read a book a day and my "too read" pile of books just never gets smaller! I get a book, read it and then have to go grab the rest of the series because it's just "too good" to miss! A charming, engaging story! This is based on the hardback version of "Angel's Flight". Thank you Alice Duncan!
Kellie
Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah
I got hooked immediately when I started reading this book last night and woke up early this morning and finished it. The story is about a woman who is just recently divorced. She caught her sister and husband together. Her life is coming apart at the seams and one day she makes a spontaneous decision that changes her life. I forgot about this author’s style so the end of the book really took me by surprise. It didn’t ruin it for me, but it was a bit disappointing. I have mixed feelings about this author. Her stories are riveting and swallow me up from the start. However, there is always something quirky that takes away from the legitimacy of the story and that bothers me. But not enough to stop reading her books.
Lois Belliveau
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
A very good story! As a native New Englander, I was shocked by the prejudice and racism that was conveyed in the dialogue,
Roe Postilio
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
I am an avid reader and I read all genres...I can honestly say that this book
is by far my favorite book of the past 6 months...so many twists and turns.
Always keeps you on your toes and thinking...Great book, don't miss it!
Shirley Jones
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
I have just started the book and so far I am hooked, Staying up at night to finish.
Patricia Pickett
WIFE 22 by Melanie Gideon
Great beach or pool read!! You can pick it up or put it down and go right back to it. It was an enjoyable and easy read. I could identify with Alice Buckle in so many ways!! When she connects with Researcher 101 the fun begins!! The ending was no surprise but I did enjoy!!
Pat S
Calico Joe by John Grisham
I love baseball (esp. St. Louis Cardinals) and loved this book --- talked about the "old-timers" of baseball. Very, very quick read (1 day). Be sure to get a copy and read this one!!
Pat S
The Road to Grace by Richard Paul Evans
I hate finishing it because I want the next one in the series to be ready to read...hurry R P Evans and get it out for us to read!!! What a wonderful journey --- heartbreaking but so interesting at the same time.
Lynn W
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
This is historical fiction at its very best. Thomas Cromwell was only a name; now he's fully human --- ambitious, funny, intuitive, shrewd, honest. Convincing, clean, dialogue drives this novel, period detail satisfies our mind's eye, and we have a sweeping and glorious look at Tudor England.
Lynn Demsky
50% Off Murder by Josie Belle
What a lovely summer read, took me maybe 8 hours to finish it! It was fast moving, and I didn't want to put it down once I started. Has a comical air about it with good, believable characters with a tad of romance in it. Very entertaining and I hadn't figured out who the killer was until they made their move to kill off one of the Good Buy Girls! Was a pure pleasure to read and I look forward to reading the next in the series!
Debbie M
Cast On, Kill Off by Maggie Sefton
I love to knit and I love a good mystery. This series is set in a place named Fort Connor, Colorado, which must be close to Denver. The town gathers around a cafe and yarn shop. The series is simplistic with too much dialogue and very little description. The author does spend a lot of time in describing the local flowers. The age range of the central characters goes from 20's to 70's, with love blossoming at each age level. The town is too nice, and tempers very seldom flare. I enjoyed the knitting pattern and the food recipes, but would have liked a picture of each item. This is not a series that I will continue.
Lynn Hough
The Strangler by William Landay
Definitely not as good as Defending Jacob but still a good who-done-it read.
Kay Keller
The Joy of Less, a Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life by Francine Jay
This is one helpful book if you want to declutter your life and reclaim your space!! It works!
Sandy McCullough
The Harbormaster's Daughter by Heidi Jon Schmidt
On a freezing Jan. night LaRee Farnham answers a knock at her door to find a policewoman holding 3 yr. old Vita Gray, whose mother has just been murdered a few miles away. When the shocking details of her past surface suddenly, Vita feels utterly betrayed by those closest to her, and the tension between Oyster Creek's two cultures comes to a head. LaRee must ask hard questions about herself as a mother while Vita turns to unexpected avenues to find meaning and discovers that the truth is almost never found in black and white. I got this book as an Advanced Reader's Edition and enjoyed it very much.
Kathryn B
Heading Out To Wonderful by Robert Goolrick
I read A Reliable Wife 2 years ago: wonderful writing style and very different from anything I had read before. When I heard that his second novel was coming out, I got it as soon as it came into the library. Writing style remains the same, great story. I wasn't sure where it was going for a while, and cover summaries aren't always as reliable as they might be. But after a while, | saw that, again, RG is writing about people on the outskirts of society. Both are what I might describe as drama, rather than straight fiction or thriller. In HOTW, reference is made to a 1949 movie "On the Town" and a costume/dress worn by actress Ann Miller. See her (and dress) in the Prehistoric Man number http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urXu1Z1g61M. Wow!
Lea Ann Morris
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
I read and very much enjoyed Mr. Goolrick's second book, Heading Out to Wonderful, so I decided to read his first book, A Reliable Wife. I must say the author certainly improved his writing from book one to book two, IMO. A Reliable Wife was not as well written and did not capture my attention. In fact, I must admit that a skimmed the last 100 pages, which is not my normal way of reading a book. The characters were unpleasant people without holding my interest and the plot was a bit far-fetched, to say the least. But, do forgive Goolrick for this book and read Heading Out to Wonderful. The author has grown as a writer and given us a book to savor here.
Phyllis Gronewold
Wake by Amanda Hocking
Wake is the first book in Amanda Hocking's Watersong Series. The reader meets Gemma, a young girl whose passion is swimming and the sea, and her family and friends. Then, there are Penn, Thea and Lexi who are beautiful and dangerous strangers in town. Wake does a very good job of introducing the characters and easing into the world of Sirens. I received an ARC of the book from the publishers.
Wendy Catalano
The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
A beautifully crafted story about a part of history I knew very little about, Armenian genocide during the first World War.
Extensive research into his Armenian heritage led to this fascinating novel. The human brutalities described in graphic detail, although frightening and deeply disturbing, are necessary to the story.
It is easy to see why Chris Bohjalian is a favorite author of mine. His storytelling is incredibly compelling and, with each and every novel of his that I have read so far, I am totally captivated by his brilliant writing.
Diane Prokop
A Hologram for the King by Dave Eggers
The angst and ennui of a fifty-four year old man who is in debt, divorced, and in danger of losing his job is captured perfectly. The current economic times and the crumbling dreams of the boomers provide a poignant backdrop.
Lynn Jarrett
Gone Girl by Gillinn Flynn
I was so excited when this book finally came out and was so disappointed as I read further into it. I just could not see where all of the hype was coming from the reviewers. I was confused by the "diary" entries, one person's being in present day and the other bouncing back and forth in time. I read about halfway through the book and then read the ending. I was very glad I had borrowed the book from the public library instead of purchasing it on my Kindle. I will just mark this one up to a BIG disappointment.
Jennifer Lehman
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
I couldn't put this book down once I started reading. It's about a woman experiencing early onset alzheimer's and offers what seems to be a very real and honest look at the illness. I highly recommend this book to others.
Elaine Beierbach
Odd Apocalypse by Dean Koontz
Ahhh, relax and enjoy.
Mary Ann Harmon
Under the Dome by Stephen King
King at his best. First chapter sucked me in!!
Priscilla Escajeda
The Expected One by kathleen McGoan
This is the story of Mary Magdalene and the life of Jesus as told by her. A good read.
Peggy Hendrick
Orbit by John J Nance
The year is 2009. For Kip Dawson, winning a passenger seat on one of American Space Adventure's commercial spaceflights is a dream come true. The day of the launch, Kip tries to reconcile his wife's and daughters' fears and even tries calling his estranged son, to no avail. He sets off, vowing to make amends upon his return. But a successful launch quickly morphs into chaos when a micrometeor punches through the wall of the spacecraft, leaving the radios as dead as the pilot. In the blink of an eye, Kip Dawson is truly alone, With nothing to do but wait for death, Kip writes his epitaph on the ship's laptop computer, unaware that an audience of millions has discovered it and is tracking his every word on the internet.
Kathy Vallee
The Body Box by Lynn Abercrombie
What a great book. After getting into so much trouble on the police force, Detective Mechelle Deakes finds herself back on the lowest rung after being on the very top. Even after saving the Captain's life and finding one of the top pedophile at the time and finding a child in a crawl hole chained to to the wall.
Jane McCown
The Novelist by Angela Hunt
I did not realize this was Christian fiction when I checked out this ebook from our library. I must say it is well written and not heavy handed or preachy. I am a believer and found parts of this book very touching and relevant.
Sherrie English
The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern
The moment you start reading the first page you are swept away in a unique time. The circus mysteriously shows up on the outside of towns, and is open from midnight until dawn. The story is captivating, so hard to put down. The writing style of Ms. Morgenstern is wonderful and she writes with an enchanting style. I have recommended to all my friends. Our book club read this book, and agreed, you just can't put it down.
shelly itkin
Friends Forever by Danielle Steel
Five friends meet in kindergarten and are in the same school until 12th grade when they graduate together. They all go in different directions to pursue their dreams but still keep in touch. During the years, the five will have some wonderful things happen to them and their families and some tragic things happen. A very good read.
Sandra Voytko
Little Bee by Chris Cleave
I started reading only last night, and already I am captivated by the story.
Paul Dimino
Rain Fall by Barry Eisler
This book is the first in a series with the main character, John Rain, who is a paid assassin. John gets involved with the daughter of his latest target and works to save her from several adversaries. There is plenty of action and the book moves along at a fast pace. I look forward to reading the next book, Hard Rain, in the near future.
Karen Barash
The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
This is a beautifully written historical love story. The historical aspect of this novel was new to me and probably to most readers. I did not know anything about the Armenian genocide. Nor did I know that Armenian names end in 'ian" such as the author's name as well as the Kardashians. Even if you are not into the history, the story itself is enough to keep you reading.
Holly Biggs
The Taker by Alma Katsu
The Taker is a devastatingly beautiful story of paranormal love, obsession, and abuse. With characters so rich and full of life, you'll never want to put this down.
Nicolette Bonzani
A Walk Across The Sun by Corban Addison
An incredible journey through highs and lows you couldn't imagine, this book will find you looking at your own life from a different perspective. Jumping right into the lives of two sisters from page one, your heart strings are tugged on from the start. The character driven story will keep you side by side with the girls through their unreliable endeavor. By the end, it may even have you wanting to do something to help real children who may be facing the same horrors today.
Lynn W
The Roots of the Olive Tree by Courtney Miller Santo
A friend shared this Advanced Reader's Copy with me and I'm so glad she did. Anna Keller is the 112-year-old matriarch of an unbroken, 5-generations, first-born, line of women. A scientist studying super-aging starts running tests and the secrets unfold. The olive orchards of California's Central Valley is the vivid setting for this remarkable novel. Already thinking about olives, olive oil, bread, and wine for book club meeting!
Patricia
In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O'Brien
Great writer. Riveting story. What a pair!!
Dorothy
Letter from a Stranger by Barbara Taylor Bradford
A letter arrives from a stranger letting them know that their grandmother, whom they thought died, is still alive and living in Istanbul. After much searching, she finds her grandmother only to learn that her grandmother has secrets. It is a good read.
Phyllis Gronewold
Sacre Bleu: A Comedy d'Art by Christopher Moore
Christopher Moore can take any subject and turn it into off-the-wall humor; he’s taken the color blue and linked art and fantasy into a very entertaining trip through history filled with the details of the lives of famous painters of the 1890s and lots of funny fictional events.
Lori
Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
Although this book kept my interest, I thought the magical events in the book detracted from the historical story of Masada.
Lori
Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer
I listened to the audiobook and found it very entertaining. It's a good political thriller.
Cherry Werner
The Shoemaker's Wife by Adrianne Triagini
While I've read most of AT's books, they have not been spellbinding. This book caught me from the first words. I've laughed, cried, held my breath and sat in my car not wanting to stop listening...yes,it's the audio version. It's finished and I'm sad I can't know what happens from this point. It was breathtakingly haunting yet delightful. The author read part of the book, explained its background and talked with her longtime editor...all pluses.
Pamela Moore
Prague Winter by Madeleine Albright
This is a must read for WWII enthusiasts because it fills in the blanks about events and leaders in Czechoslavokia during the era and leading up to the Cold War. It is not an easy read because the book is intense and fact filled. Written from a diplomat's perspective, the book goes behind the diplomacy scenes and includes a little bit of the author's life during that time. While the first of the book seems slow and hard to get into, the tension builds as WWII begins, and then it becomes hard to put down.Albright deals frankly with the anti-German temperament that developed after the war as well as the pros and cons of the underground actions during the war.
Lynn Demsky
A Wedding to Die For by Leann Sweeney
I am thoroughly enjoying this series; this is the second of the series and was as good as the first! I figured out who the bride's mother was pretty close in the beginning of the series but who the murderer was not until Abby goes too far and is almost murdered herself! Abby's sister Kate wasn't in this one very much and I missed her but Abby is such an outspoken piece of work that the book is really good! GREAT READ!!!
Brenda Klaassen
Fallen Angels by Connie Dial
I read this book because I wanted to try a new author. I enjoyed this author's writing style. I enjoyed all the twists and turns in the story. I found this story to be a very intersting read.
Brenda Klaassen
Second Time Around by Beth Kendrick
This "woman's fiction" was just what I needed for my "family free" weekend. The book had a good plot and wonderful characters. I enjoyed the time I spent with this book.
Judy O.
Beneath the Shadows by Sara Foster
This is supposed to be a suspense novel, but I found it lacking in suspense for a good share of it. A young woman in a remote cottage in England is trying to find out what happened to her husband a year ago. He just disappeared and has never been see again. It was just okay.
Bobbie Davis
Gold by Chris Cleave
Compelling read about two women striving for Olympic gold riding bikes. Also deals with a man that both have feelings for and a very sick little girl! May be a bit too much information about the biking!
Allison Gardner
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar nafisi
Very Interesting
Bobbie Davis
Trapeze by Simon Mawer
New book from the author of The Glass House. This book is about a British woman soldier who gets picked for dangerous assignments and is parachuted into France during the 2nd world war. Keeps you wanting to see her through and back home safely!
Dorothy Newmark
The City of Veils by Zoe Ferraris
Set in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the story is both a satisfying mystery and a disturbing look at the plight of women in this country. This is the second book in the series featuring Katya, a forward thinking woman in the police forensics department and Nayir, a deeply religious, conservative desert tour-guide. Together they work to solve the murder of a young woman whose tortured body washes up on a beach. Our book group found much to discuss!
Melanie S.
Heading Out to Wonderful by Robert Goolrick
I am in the minority in saying that I did not like A Reliable Wife. I was hoping for something different from the author with this book, which I noticed had received good reviews. Although I found the book slow to start, the writing was beautiful and I was very drawn in by the characters, who I found to be very intriguing. The story felt a bit like Bridges of Madison County for me at the beginning, but it quickly spun into a psychological thriller of sorts. The mood of rural America 1940s-50s was aptly captured. This was a very satisfying read that I will definitely be recommending.
Anne-Marie Chandler
The Bungalow by Sarah Jio
This is a great love story starting during WWII on the island of Bora Bora and enduring for years after, it includes heartache and friendship plot lines that twist until the end.
Anne-Marie Chandler
Spring Fever by Mary Kay Andrews
A great love story amid a family business in a small town.
sue spencer
A Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
Very real and well researched.
Jean C.
Wicked Business by Janet Evanovich
While I adore the books by Janet Evanovich, this Lizzy and Diesel book, Wicked Business, did not hold my attention. There were some funny lines, but there wasn't much of a story. I'll continue with the Stephanie Plum series, but I'm done with Lizzy and Diesel.
Debbie M
Immaculate Reception by Jerrilyn Farmer
Jerrilyn Farmer writes a gentle mystery set in California. The amateur detectives are the owners of a catering service. Madeline Bean and her partner Wesley blunder along until the mystery is solved, and still have time to socialize and to work. In this episode, the Pope will briefly visit Los Angeles, and Madeline and Wesley are the caterers for a breakfast for the Pope. An ex-boyfriend, who is now a Jesuit, throws an unwanted complication for Madeline. Farmer gives a glimpse of the life style of the rich and famous. A whimsical way to spend an afternoon.
Debbie M
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
I have seen the movie version many times, but still I adored the book. I love the processes of Poirot. I adore the power of observation by both Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes. Both men miss nothing and both men think highly of themselves. Each writer, Doyle and Christie, focuses on England, but at different times. I have not read all that each writer has completed, but I thoroughly enjoy Christie's style of writing. I feel that with Christie I am following the detective as he researches the crime. The reader sees all the clues and listens to all the stories, but only Poirot understands the outcome.
Joy Dickinson
Can't Wait to Get to Heaven by Fannie Flagg
Not many books make me laugh out loud, but this one sure did. Funny stories about quirky characters that are quite entertaining.
Rachel Williamson
Floors by Patrick Carman
It is a short read, but it is a really fun, easy read! I would recommend to the fans of the 12th 'Series of Unfortunate Events' book!
Gil Harris
The Troubled Man by Henning Mankel
A story about two missing people, a retired navy officer and his wife, who disappear separately. The case somehow is connected to Cold War espionage and the search for Russian spy submarines in Swedish waters . The main character is Kurt Wallender, a detective who tries to sort it out including the identification of a spy. Many surprises.
Ilene Harris
The Twelfth Enchantment by David Liss
Good book. Takes place in 1812, with a Jane Austin character, historical fiction and a bit of magic, if you like all three, this is for you.
Gail Spitzer
Head Games by Eileen Dreyer
Great characters and plot with lots of drama and mystery involving and emergency room nurse who also is a worker in a medical examiner's office.
Sharon Balta
Back Fire by Catherine Coulter
I found this to be a fast-paced read. Plenty of twists & turns to keep you wondering what would happen in the next chapter!
Susan
A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny
A Trick of the Light is a murder mystery surrounding a solo art showing of an up and coming author. The day after the show and subsequent party in her honor a woman is found murdered in her garden. It turns out that the artist and the dead woman were best friends until they had a huge falling out. While the book is not fast paced, the author is great at developing her characters and leading the reader along until the murderer is revealed.
Bonnie Gluhanich
The 500 by Matthew Quirk
If you liked "The Firm" or some of John Grisham's earlier work, you'll like this intriguing novel about the inner workings of Washington, DC.
Lynn W
The World We Found by Thrity Umrigar
A powerful novel of friendship and loyalty set in modern-day India.
Suzy Marcus
City of Women by David R. Gillham
A well-researched novel based on the lives of women in Berlin during WWII is not a typical summer read but this first novel is very well-written and hard to stop reading. Our "heroine" is not your typical WWII heroine either and is quite different from any other novel character of which I can remember. She is a German woman, trying to survive while her husband is away at war and I found myself thinking that this is unusual; almost every book I've read and of which I've heard has been from the point-of-view of a Jewish person trying to survive the war, never a person who is German, non-Jewish, and to whom we can relate.
I recommend this book which I received as an ARC since I am a recent graduate from library school.
Marsha
Beastly Things by Donna Leon
Commissario Guido Brunetti of Venice investigates the killing of animals in a slaughter house. The love of animals is innate in most people and the death of a Veteranian leads the police in a problem involving important people.
Crystal Blackburn
Night Watch by Linda Fairstein
The latest book to feature Alexandra Cooper is gripping and suspense-filled.
Trezeline L. Brooks
The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon
I am now on the 4th book and the series simply gets better. Very informative, lots of mystery. several beautiful love stories, and just a wonderful adventure; one after another. You have got to read this series if you love to read. There's something for everyone.
Julie
Barefoot Season (Blackberry Island) by Susan Mallery
Great summer read. The story of a veteran of Afghanistan returning home to run her inn on Blackberry Island in Puget Sound, who suffers from post traumatic stress syndrome and must also reconcile her feelings with her former best friend who is now running the inn in her absence.
Sandy McCullough
Criminal by Karin Slaughter
This book will grab you on the first page! It is a tale of love, loyalty, and murder that lasts over forty years, two chillingly similar murder cases, and a good cop's deepest secrets. In the summer, Will was born, Amanda is just starting her career in the Atlanta Police Department. One of her first cases is to investigate a brutal crime in one of the city's worst neighborhoods. Now the case has come back to life and it is intertwined with the long-held mystery of Will's birth and parentage. And they will need to face down demons from the past if they are to prevent an even greater terror from being unleashed o Atlanta today. Kind of reminds me of some of Jeffrey Deaver's writing.
Lynn W
Not Becoming My Mother by Ruth Reichl
Sweet, thoughtful, gem of a memoir about growing up with a manic-depressive mother.
Becky C.
More Than It Hurts You by Darin Strauss
Hospital E. R. --- baby in distress --- mother claiming hospital did not perform correct tests --- doctor suspicious of the cause of the baby's condition --- father trusting wife for baby's welfare...what has really happened, and who should the court appoint as caregiver? The biggest question is an ending with the baby's welfare at stake. This book was a very good read.
Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D.
The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
Although this is a debut novel, the author has a wonderful way of connecting her characters to the plot! It is well written and thoughtfully crafted.The development of Cora from an immature rich girl to a woman who has developed values and characters is a wondrous journey!
Linda Johnson
Creole Belle by James Lee Burke
All of the books by this author are great. He has a different way of telling a story to make it stimulating; a book that you don't put down until you are finished reading it. My husband also had struggles with morphine so I can relate to that. But the story is not just about morphine.
Michael McAdam
The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark
Maybe the book will pick up at some point but so far, I don't love it. I am a huge fan of (the older work of) Mary Higgins Clark but her recent work has been disappointing and this one continues to be disappointing. If you removed all of MHC's descriptions of clothes, hair and food, her books would be pamphlets. I am on the verge of giving up on her future books. Too many books. Too little time.
Fran
Finding Nouf by Zoe Ferraris
Zoe Ferraris weaves a story that grabs the reader on page one and keeps them turning the pages until the very last one. I love that this mystery is set in Saudi Arabia, which offered the reader a glimpse into the culture and traditions of the people in this area. Very well done... would recommend this book to all!
Kellie
The Keepsake by Tess Gerritsen
The Anthropologist aspect was a bit boring to me.The story starts off with the CT scan of a supposed mummy from primitive time. But the truth is, the mummy was from this century. So Rizzoli and Isles partner up again to figure out how this victim became a mummy. In this one, you learn a bit more about Detective Frost and his personal life. That was an interesting mini plot for me. The rest of it became cumbersome and slow. It might have been because of the scientific side that seemed to go a little deeper than what would interest the average reader. In addition, the mystery and the solution was a bit too dramatic to even be somewhat believable.
Patty Hribko
Killer Move by Michael Marshall Smith
I just discovered Michael M. Smith and if you like Coben or Barkely, you will really like this author. After reading Killer Move, I went back and discovered his earlier novels. This has been a special treat for beach reading. You will get lost in the characters, and feel your heart beating with suspense.Try Killer Move and I bet you will look up his earlier noves.
Janet P Bedell
Tsar by Ted Bell
A good summer read when you just want to be mindless. Some of the subplots seem a little far fetched, nonetheless, an entertaining thriller.
Debbie M
Body Double by Tess Gerritsen
I thoroughly enjoy the momentum of Gerritsen's writing. Dr Maura Isles returns from Paris to find a dead woman in a car outside her house. The event is not surreal, but the woman seems to be a mirror image of Dr Isles. What follows this amazing coincidence is Maura's discovery of a twin sister, and a path to their biological mother. Gerritsen presents two stories running in tandem, with little connecting the narratives. A heavily pregnant Jane Rizzoli attempts to protect Maura from the villains and the awful truth. Maura 's mind wanders to thought of love, but with unattainable men. The story ends with that infamous discussion of nature versus nurture.
Stephanie Ward
On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves
The novel is beautifully written with breath-taking descriptions not only of the setting on the island, but of the thoughts, hopes, fears, and emotions of the two main characters. The story is told from alternating points of view - from the vantage points of Anna and T.J. From these alternating viewpoints, the reader is able to see the truest parts of these characters and see them gradually adapt to survival on the island and develop as characters and people over time. It's a wonderful look inside the hearts and minds of these two people and the story that we see there is honest and heartbreaking at times.
Genie Mims
Julie and Julia by Julie Powell
As I often do, I saw the movie first and then picked up the book. It was a light movie so, as I expected, the book was a light read. Written in diary form, Julie Powell incorporated cooking experiences along with events in her own life. Some of the events were funny, some weren't. Hats off to her for completing her goal. Cooking her way through Julia Child's recipe book from beginning to end is quite an accomplishment. There are a number of recipes she tackled, although whiny at times, that I would never have attempted.
Genie Mims
Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich
Since this is the eighteenth Stephanie Plume book I have read, I'm familiar with the format. As I expected, this is a light read. Stephanie still can't make a decision; Ranger or Morelli and she and Lula are still up to their zany bounty hunter ways. As the title suggests, there is an explosion although it wasn't Stephanie's car this time around. I read this book for entertainment and a laugh.
Genie Mims
Life by Keith Richards
The best book I've read this year. Its thick and chocked full of interesting stories. Keith begins with his childhood in Dartford. His school years and the beginning of his love of the blues. Granted some of the story dragged a bit as he relates his drug use bit overall this is an excellent read. I especially enjoyed the discussions about music and song writing.
Lori
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
I found this a very suspenseful book that was hard to put down. It was just right for a summer beach read, but I was unsatisfied by the ending after all the twists and turns of the story.
Lew
The Murder Room by Michael Capuzzo
Interesting concept concerning specialists in criminology solving cold cases. However, it jumps around too much and lacks continuity.
Shirley Roseland
Left Neglected by Lisa Genova
A wonderful book to read. It truly makes you stop and think about all the little things in every day life that you just simply take for granted. To be someone who is constantly on the go, with family, work and everything in between, to have it all suddenly come to a halt. Then to learn that what you see in life is not all there is, that there is another whole side of your life that you don't even know is there. The distance that was between her and her mother and how her accident, truly brought the two together, and to mend all ways before her mother left her. Truly a great book, making you stop and enjoy each and every day and to realize that you have to have time in your life to enjoy it, before it is to late.
Mary Yamaguchi
The Lost: A Search for Six of Six Million by Daniel Mendelsohn
A true story about a search for relatives lost during the Holecaust. The story centers around the search for them, their lives, who they were, how they lived. To bring life to the individuals and not how they died.
Darby Lohrding
Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell
This book is my choice for this month's read for our book club.... and everyone has loved it! It is a fast read with a great story and it's easy to come up with group discussion questions. At our next meeting we are planning on discussing the book and then watching the movie. Totally looking forward to the gathering!
DiBona
Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand
Every Summer I look forward to her new book.
Kellie
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This is the 2nd time I read this book. It reminded me how much I loved it the first time I read it. It is such a unique, dramatic, fast paced, thrilling book. I haven’t read anything like it before. Katniss is a great heroine. The author does not make her perfect. As a matter of fact, she has quite a few flaws. But her strength and self confidence is what makes her interesting. The plot is extremely creative and thought provoking. I can’t say enough great things about this.
Betty Myers
Serena by Ron Rash
I often like books with strong women characters and Serena is definitely strong. She makes it extremely difficult to like her (as does her husband). The writing is absolutely wonderful and a joy to read.
Emily
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
The writing is just beautiful and luminous. This is an ordinary coming-of-age tale with extraordinary twists. It has a melancholy tone similar to The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. I was a little disappointed with the ending, I expected more. Overall, it is a beautifully written debut novel, and will be enjoyed by many readers.
Tanya B.
What Happened to My Sister by Elizabeth Flock
I won this book through Librarything.This is the story of a young girl named Carrie and her abusive mother. Carrie has visions of having a sister but her mother insists that she made her up. This is a story of survival and the resilience of children. It is also a story about how you don't have to be blood to be family.
Linda Johnson
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
I could not read this fast enough. I never knew what was going to happen. I would think of things that could have happened, but I was never right.
Pat Pascale
Sly Fox by Jeanine Pirro
Her debut crime novel and my favorite genre. Fast moving prosecutor Dani Fox is bright, funny and you instantly root for her. Set in White Plains New York, Westchester County, which is where I was born, it is riveting from the first to the last page. Judge Pirro brings along a great deal of personal experience in writing this book and I look forward to more.
Gabriel Sheehan
God Bless The Dead by Evan Geller
Exciting and with great characters, exceptional dialogue. The heroine would ovrepower Liz Salander of Dragon Tattoo! Great read.
Mary Champagne
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum
I am always torn between reading new books and going to my "to read" shelf and finding something I am overlooking, but put on the shelf for a reason. I guess that is one of the many benefits of having a "to read" shelf. This is one of those books, like Sarah's Key that tells a story of the secrets that were part of the Holocaust and the sacrifices that were made. The fact that an adult is reaching back into long forgotten childhood memories make this even more powerful.
barb
Creole Belle by James Lee Burke
I just learned of your website, and am surprised James Lee Burke isn't prominently displayed.
His new one just came out. Haven't read it yet, but he is such a great author and the character Dave Rubicheaux is so rich I'm again shocked he isn't on your website that I could find..at least not in the Newsletter this month.]
Emily Divine
Holy Ghost Girl by Donna M. Johnson
Well written memoir about growing up in the "tent revival circuit" with the journey of faith vs. religion.
Sherri Hines
Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick
A fictionalized account of the life of Hulda Klager and her lifetime dedicated to hybridizing a cream 12 petal lilac in her garden. A great read for historical fiction from the Northwest.
Bonnie Lilly
Red Mist by Patricia Cornwell
A good book that will keep you guessing to the end.
Maureen H
Defending Jacob by William Landay
Very entertaining book!
Sally
Play Dead by Harlan Coben
I gave this book one star simply because I have read the author's later..and better...books, and I will give him credit for that. This is his first book, and in the introduction he even advises the reader to choose another book of his if you had not read him before. I listened to the audio book, and if I hadn't, I doubt I would ever have had the patience to finish the book. It is overwritten and desperately in need of editing. I knew early on what the "twist" was, and the killer was quite obvious. Even if you like his other books, don't pick up this one. There are better books in which to invest your time.
Ladette Kerr
Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall
I am in the middle of it, so I don't know how it ends, but I'm loving it so far. Of course, I have read almost every other book by her and have loved every other one. :) Pick it up, read it and enjoy!
Bonnie Gluhanich
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
It takes a little while to get into it, with all the characters, but stick with it. This is an amazing historical fiction novel based in the time of Henry VIII. The story is better than any soap opera out there. Well-written with complex characters that come alive on the page.
Lynn W
The Letters by Luanne Rice & Joseph Monninger
Interesting study of a marriage on the brink of divorce because of the death of an only child. The novel is written in letters between Sam, on a quest to see the Alaskan place where his son died, and Hadley, who has retreated to an island off the Maine coast.
Marie Ledin
Trace by Patricia Cornwell
Forensic science, murder, mystery, thriller with some relationship issues. Good reading.
Judy O.
A Mountain of Crumbs by Elena Gorokhova
This is a memoir of the author's growing-up years living in Russia. I learned a lot about the deprivations that Russians endured --- things that we take for granted in the US. In order to come to the US as a young woman, the author had to find a man from here who would marry her. Interesting story, but I did find myself skimming in parts --- too much detail.
Sandy McCullough
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
Mudbound is the story of the McAllan family, who struffle to survive on a remote ramshackle farm, and the Jacksons, their black sharecroppers. When two sons return from WWII to work the land, the unlikely friendship between these two brothers, one black and one white, arouses the passions of their neighbors. As the men and women of the two families tell their version of the events we are drawn into their lives. I loved this book!!!
Lynn Demsky
An Angel with Fur On by Russell Blake
AN ANGEL WITH FUR or Lobo just broke my heart! I laughed; I cried and then sort of felt sorry for the other dogs Mr. Blake brought into his home because they didn't get as much love as Lobo got! Mr. Blake told a love story that is just incredible and even if you don't love dogs, you can't not get attached to Lobo! Brought back all the heartaches of all the dogs I've owned and cared for and all the love and pure devotion they gave me and all the lessons they taught me! In today's world every dog deserves and needs his/her own family to love and care for! A heartbreaking read! Thanks Lobo! (and, Mr. Blake also.)
Lynn Demsky
Shoot from the Lip by Leann Sweeney
This book made my day! Abby has her sister back with her and Aunt Carolyn was just a hoot! The characters in the story were all a bit different and sort of all had things to hide and even though Abby is an Adoption Detective she managed to get herself, Kate and Auntie in double trouble --- along with almost everyone she got in contact with! Ending was so good, I even found myself crying! GREAT SERIES!!!
Cheryl Mulholland
Grace by T. Greenwood
Beautifully written with a great story line. The characters and their relationships were true to life. Mother/child, father/son and sisters threaded through this book. The plot and it's conclusion was not the 'same-old, same-old'. This is the second book I've read by this author; Two Rivers was the first. This book is a must read for all book clubs.
Myrna
Those We Love Most by Lee Woodruff
I recently finished reading an advance reader's copy of this novel, due to come out soon. It was a touching, sensitive look at family dynamics at a time of loss. Mrs. Woodruff portrays the hurt experienced by both parents and grandparents at the death of a child. It's an emotional, poignant read that will have you examining your own feelings and relationships. Don't miss it!
Laura Adams
Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith
Quirky, entertaining book that meshed the historical facts of Abe Lincoln's life with the fictional plot of Abe Lincoln hunting down vampires that were threatening the existance of Americans.
Laura Adams
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender
Very unique story of a girl who discovers at the age of 9 that when she eats, she tastes the emotions of the person who cooked the food she was eating. She hated this unusual gift and was forced to try and learn to adapt her world around it without letting it destroy her life. She finds no understanding or comfort in her family who are each very strange and selfish in their own ways.
Laura Adams
50 Shades of Grey Trilogy by E. L. James
Definitely a book soley for entertainment and no substance/writing quality value but entertaining it is. Erotica with a wonderful, feel good story to keep you turning the pages well into the night. There is nothing wrong with reading purely for the sake of pleasure.
Elaine Murray
Soul View by Jeff Inio
It's mysterious but also makes one reflect on inner self.
