Sherri Hines
Spider Web by Earlene Fowler
I was excited to find this at my local library and continue the story of Benni and Gabe and their quilt-mysteries. I have read the whole series and like the combo of good writing, character-driven plots, and quilting.
rhonda
Drop Dead Healthy by A.J. Jacobs
A.J. Jacobs's path to a healthier diet and lifestyle. Hysterical and educational. Another wonderful adventure with A.J.
Donna Shaw
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
I'm probably one of the last to read this book. I'm glad that I did because it is written in an unusual style that was quite interesting. The twists and turns keep you turning the pages and not wanting to do anything else until you had completed the book.
Debbie Procce
Private London by James Patterson
Excellent read. I always enjoy a James Patterson book!
pat lewis
City of Women by David Gillham
This book was an eye opener about the women of Berlin during WWII. Reading about their lives, their loves and how many were devoted to the Fatherland and others helping non-Germans kept me completely at the edge of my seat. The sacrifices made to help the soldiers and many times other people who were treated as non-people were so well-described that you felt you were with them.
mary sue skelton
Mortality by Christopher Hitchens
This is a slim autobiographical gem. After Mr Hitchens is diagnosed with stage lV esophageal cancer, he very honestly pens his thoughts throughout his treatment's ups and downs. This is an engrossing book and a quick but compelling read. It contains an afterword by his widow, and all in all is certainly a memorable book.
Maxine Urso
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
Actually, I have finished but am waiting for our book club to meet on 1/30. It's a real page-turner with great insight into what our soldiers and their families are experiencing. Comments from other club members have been excellent. I'm sure all reviews will be 5 stars!
Muriel Logan
Light Between the Oceans by M.L. Stedman
After suffering three miscarriages, the wife of a lighthouse keeper on a lonely outpost and her husband find a tiny baby in a boat with a dead man. What is the morally right course of action to take here, and what consequences will there be for the choice that is made? These are questions the reader ponders along with the main characters.
Lynn Jarrett
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
I am just starting out with this book (hence the three stars). I have read several reviews and look forward to reading this and other books by Morton.
Linda Johnson
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
An interesting concept --- that the end of the earth's days would not happen by a big bang, but by a slowing of the earth's rotations. I felt the plot was well thought out. Loved the interaction between the protagonist, Julia (an 11-year old girl), and Seth, the boy she is interested in. If someone had said "dystopian" to me in regards to this book, I'm not sure that I would have picked it up.
Jo Ann Vick
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
It was intriguing but too much "magic" in it for me. Lost interest about halfway through.
Liz Sirna
Life is a Gift:The Zen of Bennett by Tony Bennett
Lots of honest wisdom and encouragement from the legendary singer and artist! Plenty of color photos as well as copies of his drawings of scenery and other musical artists such as Lady Gaga.
Janice Baly
Beyond the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
This book is the heartbreaking account of the lives of people in a Mumbai slum. I admire the courage of the author to spend years doing the research that enabled her to write this book. The endemic corruption of seemingly everyone in authority (including doctors) who have influence over the lives of the people is hard to imagine.
Lois Lilling
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
Wonderful story about what is happening now. Full of raw emotion, heartbreaking reality.
Asad Ali
Sword of Allah: Khalid bin Al-Waleed by A.I. Akram
This book is an amazing source for those looking to learn about the military expeditions that took place during the early days of Islam. The book encompasses the battles that took place during the life of Muhammad, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and all subsequent battles that took place prior to his death up to the conquest of Syria. The book focuses mainly on the military prowess of Khalid bin Al-Waleed, closely examining the stratagem used by him and justifying his title as the Sword of Allah. The fact that the author himself was once a military general is demonstrated in his writing as he is well versed in many of the military tactics described in the book, adding a layer of authenticity.
Allison Gardner
The Moonflower by Phyllis A. Whitney
Great story about life in Japan right after WWII.
Nancy Ciaio
The Casual Vacancy by J. K. Rowling
I only have 100 pages remaining to read in this 500-page book. The Casual Vacancy was recommended by a friend saying she really liked the book. Reading the first part of the book, I had a time-keeping track of the multiple characters and couldn't figure why my friend liked the book...we usually like the same books. Now I can't wait to find out what happens. I like the way the author develops the characters, and I was able to keep track of each as I got into the story. I definitely will forward this book to another fellow reader.
lisa
Broken Harbor by Tana French
This book packs an emotional wallop! Much more than a mystery, it delves deep into the psyche of all the major characters, including the police detective and the suspects. Ms. French does a masterful job of not only providing a bang-up denouement, but of pulling the reader in to really care about the who, why and what behind it all. A haunting portrayal of what happens when things turn bad for good people --- will stay with you long after you finish the last page.
Francisca E B
Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson
Beautifully written gem of a novel about loneliness and transience. This slim little volume is Robinson’s debut novel. It is beautifully written, with lyrical prose, but very little actually happens in the book to move the story. And that is the whole point, I think. The ending is inevitable, sad, and uplifting all at once. The movie version has a much happier, “freer” feel to the ending than the book does, and perhaps the memory of that last movie scene colors my impression. I love the language of this book, the images are so different --- clear but murky --- in a sort of half-dream state. If you can, rent the movie, starring Christine Lahti. She's superb in it.
Audrey Anderson
All the Rage by F. Paul Wilson
This is part of the Repairman Jack series. In this book, he is hired by a woman who fears her boss and professional guru is being taken advantage of by a gangster boss type. Someone else hires him as well to balance the scales on the same guy who had his nephew murdered. Jack begins to investigate and opens up a can of worms that includes a new drug and a monster Jack thought he'd eliminated before --- one programmed to hunt him and his daughter.
These novels are part mystery/thriller/horror/paranormal.
Audrey Anderson
White Lies by Jayne Ann Krentz
This is part of the Arcane series. It takes place in the present. It's a mystery/romance/paranormal. A good series that even my friends who don't normally read paranormal books enjoy.
Kaye Gervasi
Blood on the Tongue by Stephen Booth
Excellent British mystery. Booth does a fabulous job fleshing out his characters and creating lots of suspense.
Audrey Anderson
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
This book is written through letters. It takes place on Guernsey Island, and the subject of the letters is the Nazi occupation there during WWII. For me a 3 means I enjoyed it. I liked the way it was done through the letters. The people were interesting and the information as well. It's not a page-turner, but it wasn't meant to be that kind of book.
Karen Gervasi
Marrying Daisy Bellamy by Susan Wiggs
I really enjoy this series set in the Catskills. Wiggs does a wonderful job with her family saga of the Bellamys. Her characters are so relatable and believable. MARRYING DAISY BELLAMY is a heartfelt story of a young single mom looking for her soul mate.
Karen Gervasi
Though Mountains Fall by Dale Cramer
THOUGH MOUNTAINS FALL is the third in the Daughters of Caleb Bender series. It is a little different from most Amish books due to the 1920s timeframe and Mexico setting. This final book in the series was beyond exciting and adventurous. There's kidnapping, murder, heartbreak, joy, questions of faith, and family loyalty, plus the resolution of forbidden love. Not only was this a great story of family, but I also learned a lot about Mexico's topography and history.
I read the first two in the series and loved them. Either of them can be read as a stand-alone, but I got so invested in the characters I just had to know what else was in store for them.
Karen Gervasi
Read and Buried by Erika Chase
I really like this series on many levels; the characters are diverse and very likable, the mystery is well plotted with enough suspects and credible motives to keep the reader guessing. Just the way I like cozies! Although this is the second book in the series, it can stand alone easily.
Karen Gervasi
Book, Line, and Sinker by Jenn McKinlay
I love this series! What's not to love about a cozy set in coastal New England with two likable and high-spirited librarians as the main characters?
Jenn McKinlay has become one of my favorite cozy writers in the last few years. Her books are always entertaining with the mystery parts being well plotted and paced. McKinlay, without fail, provides several suspects with credible motives and a most satisfying ending to the mystery. I always think I know who the culprit is but have been proved wrong on numerous occasions.
Karen Gervasi
Thread on Arrival by Amanda Lee
I like this series mainly for the characters. They all seem so relatable and likable along with being believable. That says a lot. Some cozies have characters that are so out there (read WEIRD) that it is hard to swallow.
Another good aspect of this series is that Marcy is capable of making a decision. There has been a romantic triangle going on for a few books, but that is resolved in this one. Not like some other series where no decision has been made for numerous, numerous books even when readers have expressed to the author that enough is enough. Yeah, Joanne F, I'm talking about you! Yay! I like Marcy's decision too. Want to know who Marcy picks? Ha, you'll have to read the book for that answer.
Karen Gervasi
Written in Stone by Ellery Adams
A cozy set in North Carolina with diverse members of a critique group as the characters.
As far as the mystery is concerned, it is well done. Adams had me stumped as to the perpetrator's identity. One other thing I like about this series is how Adams takes historical facts or events and builds an intelligent plot around it. In this case, it is the 1958 Battle of Hayes Pond and the Lumbee Indians of North Carolina. This series just keeps getting better and better. I'm really looking forward to POISONED PROSE, the next one in the series.
Karen Gervasi
Merry Ex-Mas by Sheila Roberts
A fun romance with three friends dealing with their exes just before the holidays. I enjoyed the story, the three strong women and the rest of the characters, the setting and the realistic dialogue. Roberts did a good job with her themes of love, forgiveness and finding out that family is indeed the most important thing of all. This was my first experience with Sheila Roberts, and I'm sure it won't be the last.
Karen Gervasi
Nightshade on Elm Street by Kate Collins
Each book in the Flower Shop series is always fun! I like the way Ms. Collins mixes up her characters; some are quirky and a real hoot, some are downright pretentious and some are a lot more lovable and sensible than others. It's a nice balance.
This mystery started out well, and then there was a real twist not too far into the story. I like when a mystery author throws in something a little unexpected while still maintaining a well-paced plot.
Karen Gervasi
My Kind of Christmas by Robyn Carr
I love this series. Even after 20 books, it still feels fresh. Carr has created a community filled with interesting and caring characters who feel so real to me. The sense of place is well done and the love stories are truly romantic; nothing over the top. I can picture all their homes and family in my mind. Even though some of the plot is predictable, it doesn't matter. It's the quality time spent in this wonderful community with it's own traditions. I'd love to spend Christmas in Virgin River!
Karen Gervasi
Postcards from Cedar Key by Terri DuLong
In every one of Terri's books, she involves a women's issue in the plot; this time it was domestic violence. What I really enjoy about this series, aside from the engaging plot lines, is the feeling of belonging to a caring community, the power of family, love, friendships and strong women. I've read every one in the series and enjoyed them all. Each book can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading from the beginning. You'll be glad you did. The wonderful inhabitants of Cedar Key, Florida will become your friends.
Donna S.
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
Joleen is a wife, mother and a pilot in the Reserves. She is called to serve in Iraq. You experience not only the difficulty in leaving her family, but also the difficulties upon her returning back to her home. I have a much better understanding of the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after reading this book.
Lori Bednaz
Bones Are Forever by Kathy Reichs
Love her characters and writing style!
M. J. Arnold
Defending Jacob by William Landay
A page-turner that leaves the reader with the ultimate question "Would I defend Jacob?" Can't wait for our book group discussion --- looking forward to an animated, thought-provoking discussion.
Anne Marie Koschnick
Fireproof by Alex Kava
Somebody in our book club suggested it. I usually like to start with the first in the series to get a feeling for a character, but we decided to read this one, which I believe is the 10th in the series. It is fast-paced and interesting, grabbing your interest, but so much relies on the back story that, although Alex tries to bring people up to speed, I do feel the need to go back and read some of the back story. I am enjoying it and will go back.
Linda Harrison
Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
I love Mary Kay Andrews’ books, especially the characters she writes about. They are always down-to-earth characters that we can all relate to, and you find yourself laughing throughout the book.
Linda Harrison
Letter from a Stranger by Barbara Taylor Bradford
A great book from a great author. An award-winning documentary filmmaker learns that her beloved grandmother is alive and goes to search for her. She finds much more than her Gran.
Laurie W
March by Geraldine Brooks
I loved learning about Mr. March's life during the Civil War. He was the father in the book LITTLE WOMEN. An excellent companion to LITTLE WOMEN.
Linda Harrison
The Bone Bed by Patricia Cornwell
Although this book has a good storyline, it seems to jump around too much. Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta thinks about her case, then she thinks about her husband, Benton. It’s confusing to read and understand. I loved the earlier books by Patricia Cornwell, but the later ones are lacking.
Linda Harrison
Father Night by Eric Van Lustbader
A very suspenseful book involving Jack McClure and Alli Carson. In this one, they go up against a team of former Nazis and their experiments involving twins.
Linda Harrison
Private London by James Patterson and Mark Pearson
The investigative firm Private and its London office head Dan Carter has his hands full when one of their clients is kidnapped. The book kept you interested with its many twists and turns but had a little too many acronyms.
Linda Harrison
The Drop by Michael Connelly
A good book with outspoken detective Harry Bosch of the LAPD. The DROP refers to the Deferred Retirement Option Plan and can grant an additional five years of employment to the person before he has to retire. Harry is facing mandatory retirement and has been granted three more years with the LAPD, but now wonders whether it is worth staying on.
Linda Harrison
Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James
I wanted to read this book to see what all the "hoopla" was about. I enjoyed the story between Christian and Ana and plan to read the following two books.
Linda Harrison
Fifty Shades Darker by E. L. James
This is the second book in the Fifty Shades trilogy and we learn more about Christian's background. The book ends with Christian and Ana becoming engaged.
Linda Harrison
Fifty Shades Freed by E. L. James
I hate to see this story line ended as I have thoroughly enjoyed the story of Ana and Christian, and I hope to read more from this author.
Carol Weigel
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Finally have gotten to read the bestseller from 2008. If you want your complexion softened by tears, this is the read for you. While the adversities didn't stop (a bit unbelievable even if this is fiction), it was a fun read.
Carol Weigel
Heart in the Right Place by Carolyn Jourdan
Autobiography about a daughter coming home to help her parents. Author's mother suffers a heart attack. Author comes home to be the receptionist in her father's rural doctor's practice. She re-meets friends and realizes she needs to stay to help her parents. She has a knack for describing her community as funny, tender characters.
Paul Dimino
Hard Rain by Barry Eisler
This is the second book in the John Rain series. John Rain is a professional assassin who specializes in making his hits look like death by natural causes. There is plenty of action and a good plot, and you find yourself rooting for Rain.
WALTER KRETZMANN
Where'd You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple
This novel is well written, suspenseful, and entertaining! The characters are well developed, and the story line is fresh. It's a good read!
Kathy Iwasaka
Stay Close by Harlan Coben
I've just started this book and am already drawn into the story and wanting the time to read more. I know this will be an up-all-night read.
Louise Keene
The Round House by Louise Erdrich
THE ROUND HOUSE explores the issue of rape on a Native American reservation and the effects the rape has on the family of the victim.
Judy O.
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis
I finally got through this book, but I really didn't care for it. Hattie was an interesting character, but I found the whole book to be rather disjointed. There were some good stories included in the book, but they weren't developed to my satisfaction.
SALLY GASS
Buried on Avenue B by Peter De Jonge
I truly enjoyed this mystery ride, looking for answers and killers. The heroine is a policewoman who is deeply flawed and true to life...irresistible. I certainly look forward to the next book. THANK YOU.
Jud Hanson
The Rendition by Albert Ashforth
Great book, comparable to a Larry Bond or Stephen Coonts thriller.
Fran O
The Between by Tananarive Due
This was a pretty good psychological suspense thriller. It is one where the reader is left questioning, "What really happened here?" long after the book is done. I liked the characters, and the writing style was great.
Linda Reck
City of Women by David R.Gillham
This book brings war-torn Berlin to life and the extraordinary women tested to their limits. These are unforgettable characters.
Crystal Blackburn
Death of a Witch: A Hamish Macbeth Mystery by MC Beaton
An amusing, cozy mystery.
Betty Chrastka
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
A beautiful book that makes me wish I lived in Waukegan when Bradbury did. It must have been a magical place to inspire such a magical book.
Bill Hamilton
The Jefferson Key by Steve Berry
Another in the Cotton Malone series, this one based mostly in the U.S. and Canada instead of the more familiar Europe. Following an assassination attempt on the President of the U.S., the President calls on Cotton and his highly capable partner, Cassiopeia Vitt, to find and rescue Cotton's old boss, Stephanie Nelle. Cotton and Cassiopeia use all of their skills to uncover a secret society, the Commonwealth, that is holding Stephanie hostage in hopes of getting the President to give the society immunity from criminal acts that they have committed. I found the plot a bit far-fetched and the pacing scattered, but the writing skilled. A good yarn to fall asleep to for a few nights.
Marsha
Mission to Paris by Alan Furst
As Europe prepares to explode into WWII, an actor is sent to Paris to star in a film. He is Austrian by birth. As Germans start to wage a political war against France to weaken morale, he is a perfect agent of influence. The force him into a position of helping them, but what they don't realize is that he is horrified by the Nazi party and becomes an informal agent for the American embassy. Who can one trust in this dark time in history? It makes for a darn good thriller.
Jeanette Crossett
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The book is about Bilbo Baggins and his adventures with the dwarf people and the wizard Gandalf the Grey. Great book to read before you get into LORD OF THE RINGS.
Janet Wiebe
Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson
This is a great new young adult book from James Patterson about a murder in the Angel family. It is a thrilling teen detective series that is great for adults too. Love the fast-paced, short chapter books James writes and would LOVE to win this prize pack, including PRIVATE BERLIN, as I have read all the other Private books in the series.
Linda Reck
City of Women by David R. Gillham
David's Gillham's new novel, CITY OF WOMEN, is built on one of the most extraordinary and faithful re-creations of a time in history --- Berlin in World War II. It is the complicated story of various women in 1942 and how each one sees Germany. What do they do with knowledge they receive?
Dianne
The Round House by Louise Erdrich
Excellent read.
Judith Cara
Zoo by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
Like all James Patterson's books, this one is really holding my attention. Since my commute to work is up to 2 hours each way, I always listen to audiobooks and Patterson's books are the ones that make my journey fly by!
Debbie M
All This Talk of Love by Christopher Castellani
This is an interesting book that delves into the psyche of a few of the main characters. I especially like the musings of Antonio Grasso and his feeling for his wife of 50 years. His constant acts of love for her, when all she thinks about is an old love from Italy, are amazing. Antonio fell in love with Maddalena the first time he saw her, and that love never falters. I did not like the younger son, Frankie. He is a weak and dependent individual. The only daughter, Prima, must face her own demons when she is no longer in charge of everyone's lives and must depend on her family. The cloud over the death of the older son, Tony, leaves an untold story.
Tessa BC
Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy
This is a story of family, friends, patients and staff whose lives intersect at a heart clinic in Dublin. This was the right book for me at the right time --- a gentle, engaging story that focuses on relationships. It is a sort of snapshot of a year in these people’s lives. We learn of past heartaches, their insecurities, strengths, and emotions. Sile Bermingham does a fine job of reading the audiobook. Her pacing and inflections are right on target.
rochelle stempler
The Fifth Assassin by Brad Meltzer
Still reading. Cannot rate fairly yet.
Melanie S.
The Spark by Kristine Barnett
A wonderful memoir written by the mother of an autistic boy, who after receiving his diagnosis decides to nurture his interests rather than trying to make him conform to the typical special ed curriculum. Jacob exhibited extreme talent toward mathematics and physics at the age of 3. He went on to college at 11 and developed unique theories in physics. As a person who works in special ed, I found a lot to take away from this amazing story --- to let children nurture their interests, which are often seen early on in their lives. All special-needs kids have unlimited potential, though of course we never know how far they will go, and this book will give parents hope and positivity. I received this as an ARC; the book will go on sale 4-9-13.
Aaron Polish
Shadowkiller by Wendy Corsi Staub
I think the killer speaks for itself. Great action and a lot of gore.
Elizabeth Gregoria
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
After reading HOME FRONT, I gained an insight of the trials of our returning soldiers. The story was so emotional with a troubled family and how they tried to cope with the mom away at war. The characters tugged at my heart, as I changed my feelings toward them as they grew in the story.
Arthur Harriman
The Camel Club by David Baldacci
Mix assassins, derelicts, secret service operatives and high-ranking governmental officials, stir
at high heat, and the resulting blend is an absorbing and complex tale of danger and suspense .
gretchen kempff
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis
Intriguing read...can't wait to finish.
Evelyn Fenley
The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
The characters in this fictional town are very interesting and woven together well, but there are too many of them to make much sense of it at first. There are many sub-plots running in and out of the main plot.
Robin Hanson
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Wow! The author did a great job keeping me guessing through the entire book, twist after twist.
Linda Johnson
The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews
A family man lives paycheck to paycheck, so when he loses his job, he despairs, runs his car into a tree, then dreams of visiting famous historical characters who give him the seven keys to a successful life.
If you don't mind being hit over the head with the entire barn (not just a 2x4) and can overlook historical errors, you may give this book a higher rating than I.
Someone at the book discussion called this a book for the "Amway crowd." It certainly shouldn't have been for our literary book discussion.
Marie Ledin
A Song for the Asking: A Kane Novel by Steve Gannon
An okay book with suspense, murder and romance. A great police officer rules his family almost like the military but needs to be able to interact with his family with more caring and understanding.
Wendy Catalano
Little Wolves by Thomas Maltman
Set in the late 1890s during a drought season in Minnesota, LITTLE WOLVES tells the entwined stories of a pastor's wife who has returned to town for mysterious reasons and a father's search for answers after his son commits a shocking murder. This literary thriller includes elements of folklore, Norse mythology and mystery, and gripped me from the very beginning until the very last page.
Ruthie Pople
Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer
Excellent book. Self-help with great thoughts on having a healthy mind.
Melanie Johnson
The Racketeer by John Grisham
Loved his new book. Less courtroom drama and more twisty thriller. Couldn't put it down on a Sunday afternoon!
Louise
Don't Tell by Karen Rose
This is Karen Rose's first book. Unfortunately, I didn't get to read them in order, but since the same characters seem to show up in each book, it helped connect the dots for me. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the others, though, so I think she is probably getting better with experience.
Gary Rudolph
Sleep No More by Iris Johansen
Although I haven't finished it, I can already tell this is another of Iris Johansen's great stories. I can't wait to read more!
Louise
Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
While I'm not a Nicholas Sparks fan, per se, I enjoyed this book more than anything I've read in a while. As is his usual "style," it's a beautiful love story with its heartbreaking moments. Generally, I never want to see a movie that has been made from a book, but think I will make an exception for this one.
Elizabeth S. Mehlhorn
Six-of-One by Iris Floyd
Six very smart southern women meet once a month. What could happen? SIX -OF-ONE is an entertaining story about these women and what happens in their lives with a little something extra on the side. It is a fast read and creates wonderful questions that could be discussed in any book club meeting. Ms. Floyd, being a southern lady herself, knows her subject matter well. If you are not from the south, it gives you an insight into six very different yet southern lives. Read it. Enjoy it. You will want to find out what happens next.
Jackie Ranaldo
The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
The story of "Father Time" and how he came to be. An interesting narrative on how "time" affects our lives and our decisions.
elaine Beierbach
Private Berlin by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan
I was lucky to win one of these books already. Great tale.
Terri Mager
The Fifth Assasin by Brad Meltzer
I so looked forward to the release of this book...my only regret with this book is that I read it too quickly. I have passed it on to my husband and can hardly wait for him to finish so I can discuss it with him.
K Burke
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
Such a wonderful novel about a time in history during King Herod and King Solomon's reign in Israel. Four strong women and how they dealt with adversity in the desert --- mysticism, love, belief --- all in this must-read book.
M Harris
Lie Beside Me by Judith Donato
A fast, fun read...you laugh you cry! It's mid-life in a steady marriage, but things are changing...perhaps not for the best for Kate. The book has lots of back story to help you laugh and cry with Kate Michael and the surprising Marilyn. Kate's crisis is not just about Thanksgiving dinner! Time passes quickly for the reader as you become part of a suburban family in Philadelphia --- one that, just like yours, has laughter, boredom, kids, and a touch of drama. Enjoy!
Marsha
The Orange Curtain by John Shannon
This Jack Liffey mystery details life in Orange County, CA among the Vietnamese community. A young girl is killed and it is the suspected work of a serial killer. Shannon weaves some very erudite information into his telling of the story. It is not your average mystery story.
Linda Bentzen
The Spy Lover by Kiana Davenport
This story showed a different side of the Civil War. The characters are believable and interesting. I had no idea that some Chinese participated in the war. It is interesting to read how the spy, a woman, is able to pass on her information without getting caught. Since it is based on the author's family history, I feel it should be considered a historical novel. Those who enjoy historical novels will enjoy this novel as well.
Linda Bentzen
The Intercept by Dick Wolf
This novel was exciting to read and it kept you guessing all the way. The subject of the book is one I've not encountered before, which helped make it an exciting read, and is also very topical. The characters are well thought out and presented. Those who enjoy suspense centered in New York will like this book.
Lori
The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa
I was really charmed by this book. It was a fast and interesting read with a unique plot.
Val
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
As I read 2/3 of this book, I kept waiting for the miracle. The last 1/3 of the book blew me away. THE AGE OF MIRACLES is one of the top 10 books of 2012, and now I know why. Bravo, Karen Thompson Walker. It will definitely be a book for my book club.
deb procce
Habits of the House by Fay Weldon
I enjoyed the first of three books in this trilogy.
Lynne Johns
Big Girl by Danielle Steel
It's been a while since I read a Danielle Steel book but picked this one up. Not bad --- kept my interest. I would probably rate it a 3 and a half, not quite a 4. It's the story of two sisters with opposite body looks and types, and their struggle to appease their parents as well as live their own lives. Worth a read.
Crystal Blackburn
Where Are You Now? by Mary Higgins Clark
Good mystery.
Lorna
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
I read this for my book club. It really didn' hold my interest. I found it sometimes hard to figure out what was going on, maybe not understanding the "English" words. It did have an interesting twist and things all came together in the end. I love mysteries, but this classic did not hold my interest.
Francisca E B
The Pale Horse by Agatha Christie
3.5 stars --- audio book read by Hugh Fraser. Is it possible to kill someone by remote control --- that is, black magic? I was caught completely unawares at the ending. I just love how Agatha Christie weaves her plots. She really deserves her reputation as the Queen of Mystery Writers. Hugh Fraser does a fine job of narrating. He has good pacing and an expressive voice that he moderates wonderfully to distinguish the various characters.
Joanne McIntyre
A Train in Winter by Caroline Moorehead
A sad but uplifting story of the French Resistance, and a group of women sent to the camps in WWII, and their awesome perserverance.
Also, very informative about the usurpation of the French government and the chilling consequences.
Cassandra Early
Homegrown in Florida by William McKeen (editor)
Great stories by Florida authors on growing up in Florida.
Phyllis Gronewold
The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas
Rosie Thomas's THE KASHMIR SHAWL tells an interesting story through connections --- connections of past and present, family, friends and traditions of different countries. When Mair Ellis finds an exquisite shawl and a lock of a child's hair in her dead father's house, she is compelled to trace its history and how her grandparents who were missionaries to India were involved. A very entertaining story, it kept my attention from the beginning to the end.
Teresa Fagerlind
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
Great book, good read and good discussion book. I have liked all her books.
Wendy Catalano
Slammed by Colleen Hoover
This story took me on an emotional roller coaster ride and I loved it! It gripped my heartstrings from start to finish.
A realistic novel that deals with love, loss, life, death and other challenges that young adults face. Not being a fan of poetry, slam poetry touched me in a way I didn't think possible.
I quickly became attached to each and every character and can hardly wait to read POINT OF RETREAT, the second book in the Slammed series, to see where the author takes them.
Colleen Hoover is a genuinely gifted author!
Judy O.
Parlor Games by Maryka Biaggio
May Dugas spends her life in the early 1900s scamming men. A Pinkerton detective, Reed Dougherty follows her all over the world, popping up unexpectedly to try and apprehend her. But she always escapes from him. This book just got so tedious that I thought I'd never get it finished. I really wonder why I bothered.
Sandy McCullough
Dead Center by David Rosenfelt
After Laurie Collins left him and headed west, New Jersey defense attorney Andy Carpenter didn't expect to ever see her again. So he's shocked when his ex-girlfriend appears on TV --- and then calls him pleading for his help. Two coeds in Wisconsin have been found brutally stabbed to death. As the town's acting police chief, Laurie had to arrest a young college student with a carful of bloodstains who argued with one of the victims just before her death. Yet Laurie strongly believes that the suspect, Jeremy Davidson, is innocent.
I loved this book! Quick and easy.
Esther Engelhardt
Heaven and Earth by Nora Roberts
One of the best trilogy series I have ever read.
Renee Galloway
The Promise of Stardust by Priscille Sibley
I really loved this book and enjoyed reading it. It was heartwarming and made me cry. I couldnt put it down once I started reading it! I would highly recommend this book!
bobbie mohney
We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN is a fictional book about a boy who goes into his school one day and takes the lives of some students, a teacher and a cafeteria worker. Being the mother of three kids, this story really hits home with the recent shooting in Connecticut and threats that happen within our own school district. This book has me wondering if the parent did anything wrong to make the kid do such a horrific act, or if it is something that this child was just born with. It also explores a common theme in our house where one parent sees things much different from the other parent and things that could be handled easily turn into a complete mess. I had trouble getting into the style of this book at first, but now it is hard to put down.
Tricia Douglas
A Fistful of Collars by Spencer Quinn
This is the fifth book in the Chet and Bernie detective series. Chet is Bernie's sidekick dog who helps tell the story in his own humorous doggie perspective. Every idiom that Quinn uses (and he uses a lot) Chet interprets himself. For instance, Bernie is thinking about "popping the question" to his girlfriend Suzie. Chet starts thinking about popcorn and how it's not his favorite food because it sticks between his teeth. Throughout the whole book, the reader learns how idioms can be misinterpreted (by dogs, at least) while Bernie becomes involved in a new murder mystery. All of these books are funny and well written, especially if you're looking for a different take on a mystery.
Jane Squires
Before the Season Ends by Linore Rose Burkard
You are transported to London where upper class has their standards. But love does not care about Society standards. Ariana would have married the wrong person had her parents not sent her to her Aunt's house. Her Aunt had no children and wanted to introduce someone into society. I especially loved where Phillip finds Ariana in a tree she climbed, and he shielded her from the eyes of Society. I believe one knows when they are drawn to someone --- their soul-mate. I loved all the circumstances that put Ariana and Phillip together. The unfolding of the story from beginning to end holds your attention. Ariana is torn between love and her beliefs.
Linda Johnson
The Arrival by Shaun Tan
A graphic novel in which the illustrations are as explicit as photographs. A wonderful story demonstrating that we really don't need words to communicate with one another. It's the story of a father who leaves his family in order to find a job and start a better life for his family.
CAROLN
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
Simply put, I loved this story of love, honor, loss and healing. Just before Christmas, I received a book shipment from the publisher (through Bookreporter). The only commitment was to read and share it with my book group. I passed them out at the last meeting and commented to our two guys that it's "Chick Lit" --- give them to your daughters or take it to school to share, it's probably not your type of read. Joe and Pete, I take that comment back. This book is for everyone! I spent a rather cold California Saturday snuggled in my sweats and quilt devouring Hannah's newest novel focusing on military families and PTSD.
Sharon Elliott-Fox
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
Excellent writing, drew me in immediately. Jolene, exceptionally controlled and somewhat controlling; Michael with unresolved grief; Betsy at 12 entering the terrible and delicate teens; Lulu, a charming five-year-old who could escape into "invisibility." Loved it, cried all the way through it.
Sherri Hines
One Mountain Away by Emilie Richards
The first chapter was one of the best I've ever read. I'm looking forward to finishing the book to see how Charlotte makes the life changes needed at mid-life in order to live a life of no regrets.
Shelley Hitt
To Be Sung Underwater by Tom McNeal
Our group of 12, ages 27 to 70, loved this book. We had a rousing discussion about the choices the characters made, and the choices we made when we were young. Lots of laughter and a few tears were generated as the group talked about their memories of their first love and whether they had seen that person since their youth. We argued about what true love is, what motherhood and marriage require, and who made moral and admirable choices and who did not. This was my favorite book of 2011, and I reread it with my book club.
Jane Squires
Dangerous Melody by Dana Mentink
A story of murder, stalking, forgiveness, danger and more. It has twists and turns that will keep you pressing to end of the story. Stephanie is in danger because of a man she worked for. He kidnaps her dad to blackmail her and her family to find a treasure for him. They are forced to look for a valuable violin. Not only has her dad been kidnapped but her brother lays in the hospital fighting for his life. Her ex-boyfriend is involved too because of his sister missing too. Tate battles drug addiction and had almost cost Stephanie her life at one point. He pushed her away. In the end, when they find the violin, a new twist in the story surfaces. Stephanie and Tate are both strong and refuse to give up.
Donna Shaw
Dead in the Water by Stuart Woods
I could not put this book down. I was trying to figure out what was coming next and wasn't disappointed at all.
Donna Shaw
L.A. Dead by Stuart Woods
I loved DEAD IN THE WATER and immediately read the follow-up book, L.A. DEAD. I'm so happy that I did. Both books are excellent and keep you hooked.
Marie-Louise Molloy
15 Seconds by Andrew Gross
Intense!
Tessa BC
Easy Innocence by Libby Fischer Hellmann
A debut introducing former cop and new P.I. Georgia Davis.This is a fast-paced, gritty story with several surprise twists. Hellmann does a great job of laying the foundation for the surprises to come. She weaves a logical story tangled in a web of lies and counter plots. While I did figure out a few key elements early, I didn’t accurately identify the killer. Davis is a great heroine. She’s smart, resourceful, and independent. I wish the “love” interest aspect were left out, however, as Hellmann didn’t really explore this well, and it was an unnecessary distraction. I got into the story quickly and found it compelling and hard to put down.
Connie Grose
The President's Henchman by Joseph Flynn
First Lady President and her ex-cop husband in the White House. He solves the murder of her first
husband. They marry and he becomes the what? He opens his own P.I. office. The First Lady hires him, and the Secret Services' code name for him is Holmes.
This is my second Flynn book, and I'm glad I found him.
Heather
Sutton by J.R. Moehringer
3.5 stars. Moehringer's THE TENDER BAR is one of my all-time favorite books. If you haven't read it, give it a try! My expectations for SUTTON were probably a bit high, and it's not living up to my hopes. It's the story of Willie Sutton, a famous gentleman bank robber.
Heather
Orders from Berlin by Simon Tolkien
I really enjoyed this double spy story set in England during WWII. I highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to Tolkien's next book.
Rosalie Johnson
Another Piece of My Heart by Jane Green
Great book. Very emotional.
CHRISTEN BEZOSKI
Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan
A very interesting book and story!
Sandra Furlotte
The Victoria Vanishes by Christopher Fowler
Two ancient detectives in London's Peculiar Crimes Unit take on another unusual case. I love this very well-written series.
Maria Aylward
The Detroit Electric Scheme by D.E. Johnson
If you like historically based fiction, you might like this novel. It is gory and gruesome in parts because there are many thugs and people on the take in the Detroit of the 1910 ---11 years. It involves Will Anderson, whose father owns Anderson Carriage and Detroit Electric. They made electric cars then. Will is friends with Edsel Ford. You get a lot of authentic automobile infancy period background along with the fast-moving plot of trying to solve a murder and keep out from under some of the Detroit police who were brutal. In MOTOR CITY SHAKEDOWN, Will and Detective Riordan start working together. There are unions and gangs. The latest that I haven't read yet is DETRIOT BREAKDOWN.
David Siegel
A Killer in the Wind by Andrew Klavan
A taut and seemingly ghostly mystery that comes together with a punch.
Mary Bryant
How to Eat a Cupcake by Meg Donohue
Fun story about friendships lost and regained along with several mysteries. I enjoy reading stories with food as part of the story.
Susan Johnson
The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin
Anne Morrow Lindbergh led a life with so many firsts that it's hard to believe. She and her husband were one of the first celebrity couples hounded by the press. She was a wonderful pilot in her own right and helped map many airline routes still in use. Her son was kidnapped and murdered. She wrote beautifully and yet always felt overshadowed by her husband. A wonderful, moving story that you won't be able to put down.
Heather Larson
Suspect by Robert Crais
I'm only one-fourth into it, but so far it's a 5-star read. I love the dog details. And I really love that Crais dedicated the book to Gregg Hurwitz and his four dogs.
sylvia bengisoy
The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas
I received this advance reading copy when I entered a monthly drawing. I can relate to Mair's quest to find the history of her mother's beautiful hand-crafted scarf as well as her mother's photo with two friends. She finds this scarf when she and her siblings prepare their childhood home for sale after their father's death. Mair finds herself in Srinagar. I enjoyed the story of Mair as well as the story of Nerys (Mair's maternal grandmother). It feels like you are living in the times of both their lives. I cannot wait to finish the novel and see how the mystery comes together.
John Warner
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
This heart-warming inaugural novel entails four interrelated voices: an elderly man who has a son who isn't aware that he is his father; a young adolescent girl who is trying to find a husband for her widowed mother; her brother, who believes that he is a lamed vovnik, one of 36 people that the world depends on; and a Polish writer who moved to Chile in the late 1930s when the Nazi Germany had invaded Poland. At the center of all four lives in one fashion or another is a novel entitled The History of Love. The author's prose is well written. The transition from one voice to another is assisted in different formatting of the text. Much of the prose is stream of consciousness, which might not interest some who expect a lot of dialogue.
Catherine Sherman
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
Hilarious, touching, poignant and brilliant. I can't put this book down. It tugs at your heart, makes you laugh, and is both charming and sometimes scathing at the same time.
JoAnn Carroll
Another Piece of My Heart by Jane Green
Easy flowing plot; modern theme of the blended family and the problems that one encounters; good character development; the ending could have gone one of two ways, which kept you reading to find out which one it would be.
Cheryl K
The First Prophet by Kay Hooper
Interesting start for a new series within the Bishop series. I really enjoyed it.
Jean L
Vengeance Road by Rick Mofina
Hero cop Karl Styebeck is beloved by his community, but privately police are uneasy with the answers he gives. He has a secret that he goes to great lengths to keep. Is he responsible for the disappearence of two women? Is he the hero they believe him to be?
The case haunts Jack Gannon, a gritty, blue-collar reporter whose own sister ran away from their family years ago and leads to his obsession to find the truth. Gannon risks more than his job to pursue the story behind Styebeck's dark secret, his link to the two missing women.
This is a very suspenseful novel.
Jean L
Still Life With Crows by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
This is a suspenseful thriller about a serial killer who terrorizes a small town in Kansas. Agent Pendergast is in a very different setting in this book, but he is still several steps ahead of everyone else. Cory is a new character who makes her debut in this one.
It was different to have them visit my home state, and they did rearrange the state a bit, but they warned at the beginning that they took literary liberties.
Elaine
The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Triggiani
Since I read A.T.'s book DON'T SING AT THE TABLE, it was neat to see the personalities of her grandmothers in the characters. Being Italian, it brought back many memories of my childhood. This would be a good book to discuss.
Jean L
Brimstone by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
BRIMSTONE is a scary suspense novel that is also much fun. It gives the reader clifhanger thrills and a character in Agent Pedergast who gives Sherlock Holmes a run for his money. It features some characters who we have met before, but if this is the first of this series for you, never fear. It might make you want to go back and read some of the earlier books. This one is a winner.
Jean L
Intercept by Dick Wolf
This is the first novel for this author, but most everyone will be familiar with his work on "Law and Order."
Three days before the July Fourth holiday and the dedication of One World Trade Center, an incident aboard a commercial jet reminds everyone of that crime. But NYPD detective Jeremy Fisk from the department's Intelligence Division, which is modeled upon the CIA, suspects that the event is a warning sign that another, potentially more extraordinary scheme has been set in motion. When a passenger from the plane disappears into the crowds of Manhattan, it's up to Fisk and his partner Krina Gersten to find the missing passenger before the celebrations begin. Time is running out.
I hope this is the first book in a new series!
Jean L
Robert B Parker's Ironhorse by Robert Knott
This is the latest in the Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch Appaloosa series. Newly appointed as Territorial Marshalls, they find themselves traveling by train through the Indian Territories; on board also are the Governor of Texas, his wife and daughters with their bodyguards, and $500,000 in tow. Also aboard are some old enemies of Virgil's and Everett's.
Will our heros save the day? You must read this to find out how. I like the humor that surrounds these two.
Jean L
Dance of Death by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Several favorite series characters are back for this one. As the book begins, we are in the dark about what happened to Agent Pendergast. This one is set mainly back in New York and is a must-read for the series fans. Much suspense to please all.
Carrie Wall
The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
Slow start but then it picked up. I am very curious about Louise Brooks.
kathy patton
Defending Jacob by William Landay
Really enjoying it, but Andy does some things no lawyer would ever do!
Carol Hanthorne
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
This is an engaging story about Ernest Heminway and his first wife. It gives a great look at Paris during those years.
Kelli E Smith
Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah
MAGIC HOUR is one of my favorite books. Where did the wild little girl come from who was found at the edge of the woods in a tree? You'll have to read to find out! This book will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next to find out what happens to the little girl and to find out how the interwoven love story turns out.
Loralie Coliss
Briggs: Love, Cancer, and the Medical Profession by Paul Sanderson
This is the most beautiful, poignant love story I have ever read --- even in the face of it being a tragic story of cancer. It moves with ease between the most special, abiding love and insights into cancer and the medical profession. The author has also established a petition in his wife Briggs's memory. It has been signed by 20 celebrities, including Bradley Cooper, Naomi Watts, Ken Burns, Meredith Vieira and Chris Evert. This is a truly unique book. It's a story of two lives incredibly glamorously lived together, cut short by her terrible loss of decades of life. They put up such a brave fight and were beginning to turn her cancer around when he lost her to medical errors in what should have been a short hospital stay.
Lynn H
The Light Between Oceans by M L Stedman
All I can say is I hope Ms. Stedman continues writing because her first novel is now one of my favorites. I absolutely loved THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS. It is wonderfully written, and the characters all pull at your heartstrings. And the ending wasn’t predictable --- I changed my mind numerous time as to how I thought it would end. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to pass my copy of it on for others to enjoy.
Diane Castiglione
The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead
Now I like a good mystery and this taking place in Savanna Georgia caught my interest.
Just loved the characters. We meet a group of ladies who will have you laughing. They love to meet in the park. They are a social group that are called The Dog Walkers. The only way to join the group is to be asked, but you have to enjoy an afternoon drink and walk your dog. I call them a bunch of older ladies who love to gossip but mean no harm. Just wanting a little attention.
Secrets will be revealed, and you will meet many interesting characters --- from a mysterious European gentleman to a young Italian count.
The book has humor and surprises that will shock you.
Terry Miller
Ashenden by Elizabeth Wilhide
Each of the chapters in ASHENDEN builds on the one before as they tell the stories involving an English country estate over a 200+ year period. The book begins in present day when a brother and sister learn they've inherited the estate and must decide if they should keep it or sell. I'm eager to find out what their decision will be.
Jeanette Mateer
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
Our book group won copies of this title and all had it read by our January meeting. We will discuss in February, but the consensus is that everyone loves it.
JaneAnn Clear
Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James
Don't be like me and be interested, but let gossip of it being just sex turn you away. I just finished the first and couldn't wait to get into the second, and when I finish the third, it will be two characters I will really miss. A wonderful story that I can't put down. Gotta get outta here and go back to Christian and Ana.
Laura Jones
Emma by Jane Austen
A great classic!
Eileen DeWald
Death Benefit by Robin Cook
Not his best work. The characters seem like caricatures at times, and the dialogue often seems contrived. I do like Robin Cook and will continue to read his work, but this was not among his finest.
Debbie M
Killing Floor by Lee Child
I was not anxious to read the Jack Reacher series since the book has become a big screen movie with that obnoxious Tom Cruise. I enjoyed the book and do not see Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher. I thought many of the killing scenes to be too graphic, but enjoyed the interplay among the different characters. The discussion concerning United States currency and the attempts of counterfeiting are interesting. I think of all the money that resides in other countries. Many of the ideas in the book seem not as feasible, such as the payment to the downtown merchants each week. The town is like a Stepford town and no one is suspicious. Still, the tidbits of information and the various characters make a readable novel.
Aaron Polish
Peninim on the Torah by Rabbi A.L. Scheinbaum
Talks about the Jewish History and how we were born.
Bill Hamilton
Safe House by Chris Ewan
I had not read any of Chris Ewan's novels before. SAFE HOUSE is a stand-alone that takes place on the Isle of Man, where screenwriter Ewan lives. The plot is a bit of a mish-mash with the main character, a plumber, becoming involved in a situation involving his dead sister, a billionaire whose daughter is kidnapped, rogue British intelligence agents, and assorted other sinister characters. Somehow Ewan is able to pull the story together with skilled writing and pacing, engaging characters, and a location I knew nothing about. I enjoyed the book enough to pick up the first two titles in his "The Good Thief's Guide to..." series. They are enjoyable as well.
Anne Marie Koschnick
Frozen Heat by Richard Castle
If you like the TV show "Castle," you'll love the book series. They have the same tongue-in cheek fun that the series has. But while they have the same touch of humor, they also have a good story and a good mystery to keep you involved. Does Nikki Heat (Kate Beckett) realize how lucky she is to have a rich man so head over heels in love with her? No problem seems to be safe from his resources. While it's not a heavy Hitchcockian thriller, it is a fun read and will keep you interested from beginning to end.
Maureen O'Malley
Are You Happy Now? by Richard Babcock
A very good and engaging read for everyone. Great story line and great characters. Our book club really liked the book and we're passing it on.
CAROL
Table for One by Daniel Kelley
A great little book of short stories about everyday people --- people you may know but not guess how they live and what they're thinking. The characters and descriptions are superb. These stories linger with you long after you've read them.
Lara
The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
I enjoyed the past and present character stories and the mystery that takes you to the end of the book.
Linda Reck
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis
Hattie is a hard character living through difficult times. The story is told from the different characters' perspectives as well as Hattie's A remarkable debut novel.
Jan West
The Black Box by Michael Connelly
Good plot and plot surprises. Always twisting and turning to keep the reader guessing.
Gil Harris
Above All Things by Tanis Rideout
An inspiring story of Sir George Mallory's attempt to reach the highest peak on earth, Mt. Everest, in 1924. I could actually feel the raw weather conditions and suffering that Mallory and the group suffered, especially the lack of oxygen at the high altitude. This adventure also provided a challenge to his wife, Ruth, who was at home with their three young children. It was especially hard for her to know of his well being over many months because the mail was very slow. After reading this, I felt an understanding of what unbearable pain might be like.
Mary Vernau
Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan
The book captures a late '60's and '70s recent college grad who lands a job working for British Intelligence.
Marguerite Keller
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
Within 10 pages of the book, you're hooked and won't want to put it down. The book is about a young girl torn away from her family because she is afflicted with leprosy. This all takes place in the late 1800s when there was no cure for the disease. She is sent to live on an island called Moloka'i where she is certain to die. Once there, her life takes a very unexpected path. I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone, whether you are a lover of historical fiction or not. Beautiful story!
Dorothy Gordon
Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
A lighthearted mystery story about Lady Georgiana, who is 34th in line in the Royal succession during the time of Queen Mary. She decides to leave the drafty family castle in Scotland, despite having no allowance to live on and ends up camping out in the Rannoch House, the family's town home, with no servants and nothing but her own resourcefullness to survive. How she starts a discreet business, makes friends and solves a murder that involves her hapless brother make for an entertaining read.
NANCY HOLLIS
13 1/2 by Nevada Barr
Couldn't put it down. First book by this author I've read. It is told from the viewpoint of the killer.
Magali Pacheco
The Seamstress by Frances de Pontes Peebles
This is a historical novel that takes place in Brazil. It's about two orphan girls and the things they have to do in order to survive. It's very interesting but at times too descriptive.
Nancy Coughlin
Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick
Haven't finished the book, but hope to very soon. Pulled me right in. Fascinated by the paranormal and also love historical novels. The best of both worlds. Enjoying the character development and looking forward to more books in this new series (Ladies of Lantern Street) by the author. I always enjoy a book when I feel I am learning new information, and that certainly is the case with this one. Also enjoy strong female leads, and Evangeline Ames is filling that role. I would have given this a 5, but felt that was not appropriate because I have not finished the book yet!
Diana Trabanco
Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
This nonfiction history of the iconic Russian queen was a very comprehensive study of the life of this complex personality.
Patricia Revzin
Meet Me at Emotional Baggage Claim by Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella
Here's another wonderful mother-daughter book with alternate chapters written by Lisa Scottoline and her daughter, Francesca. With a sharp sense of humor and astute insight, both women express their opinions and views on various subjects. Readers will discover keen insight into a mother-daughter relationship that is far removed from the typical angst and drama of such connections. This book would make a great gift for mothers and daughters alike.
Donna Kitchell
The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
Kate Morton is the best at making me feel like I am physically in the story. Her beautiful prose and descriptions are amazing. Oh yeah, did I mention the story line. What a great story!
Michael Geffen
Collateral Damage by Stuart Woods
Excellent follow-up to the bombing attempt at the new Arrington Hotel.
shelly itkin
17 Cents and a Dream by Daniel Milstein
What a fantastic book about an American Dream. Mr. Milstein arrives in Michigan with his parents, his brother and his grandmother after escaping the USSR. Life is very difficult and they are living in welfare with apartments that are temporary. He had a dream and promised his grandfather he would amount to something, and with hard work, perseverance and always working five times harder than anyone else, he is now the head of a Fortune 500 company. It is a wonderful story, and I would recommend it highly.
Renee' Booker
Another Piece of My Heart by Jane Green
A wonderful story about family and how their love makes them strong.
Eileen Quinn Knight,Ph.D.
Weekend in Paris by Robyn Sisman
This is a fascinating story about Molly Clearwater's trip to Paris. It is a great adventure story.
Sandy
The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
I have never read a Harry Potter book. This was a gift. It is very character-driven. Not a lot is happening, but you really get to know all the characters in the villages and families, and how they relate and inter-relate to each other. She has down-to-the-minute details you HAVE to keep reading to see what happens next.
Allison Gardner
The White Pearl by Kate Furnivall
Excellent story about the British in Malaya while the Japanese are invading during WWII.
Marie Ledin
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Looking down from Heaven after being raped and murdered, a young teen tries to send clues about her murder as she watches her family and friends deal with their grief while trying to move on with their lives.
Fran O
Thanks for the Memories by Cecilia Ahern
A cute story about a woman who inherits the memories of her blood donor following a transfusion. It could have been shorter but did hold my interest.
Debra Forest
Horns: A Novel by Joe Hill
His stories are always tight, never a missed step. Quick moving, hard to put down. They are more psychological thrillers than just thriller. Anyone who likes Stephen King books should give Joe Hill a try. I think he learned very well at the feet of the master and may even surpass him.
Linda Carmichael
Death Comes to Pemberly by P. D. James
A terrific "bow" to Jane Austen in this 200th anniversary of PRIDE & PREJUDICE! Excellent characterizations and a good mystery. James does assume one knows the background of the story.
shelly itkin
The Chance by Karen Kingsbury
Ellie and Nolan are in their teens and are the best of friends. One night changes it all, and their lives will never be the same again. They make a promise to meet again in 15 years, but will they remember and show up? It is a wonderful story and shows that second chances are possible if you pray and believe in the power of prayers
Mary Phillips
The Gendarme by Mark T. Mustian
THE GENDARME is by far the best book I've read in a long time. The way Ahmed/Emmet "lives" in both today and the past makes the story and the reader's emotions flow smoothly. By the end of the book, I realized I learned not only something about the Armenian genocide and Ahmed's life during that time, but also something about myself and how, like Ahmed, my life and dreams intermingle to make my whole person.
Mary Branham
Sleep Tight by Anne Frasier
A very good mystery. Keeps you guessing all the way through. A serial killer keeps the police and FBI guessing. Couldn't put it down.
Carolyn A. Milliser
The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe
The author and his mother, both avid readers, begin a book club to share their special time, at the end of her life, as she is receiving her chemo treatments. As a cancer patient myself, I found myself sharing their journey and the memories of my own experiences, along with them....going to my bookshelves to reread some of the same books...with more profound meaning of the passages that unfolded a special significance to them, and then to me. This is not a book about dying, it is a book about living and loving life. They talk about books, their lives, their dreams, the future, and their love for family and each other. The author says, "...reading isn't the opposite of doing. It's the oposite of dying." They never stopped doing.
Debbie Koenig
Nano by Robin Cook
It was a little difficult to get into, but after about the first 35 pages, I could not put it down. It keeps you wondering what will happen next and needing to find out more.
Krismar Ramker
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
Hannah does not disappoint again. Her characters are always believable, realistic, and have the ability to draw the reader into the story. This is no different.
Ann Bowen
Intercept by Dick Wolf
A page-turner set in present-day New York, with all the twists and turns that you would imagine coming from the pen of Dick Wolf, the showrunner of the "Law and Order" series. When you think you have it figured out, another surprise awaits you. I read this over a weekend and could not put it down. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who likes a book that makes you sit on the edge of your seat. This would make a wonderful movie.
Pat Stuckey
Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow
I am loving her books --- am presently "reading my way through all of her books." The Alaska setting is interesting to read about, too.
Pat Stuckey
Night's Landing by Carla Neggers
Another author who I am "reading my way through all of her books." I love hers!!!
Trez
The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier
Very good, easy to read and suspenseful. The plot builds at a very easy pace.
Cherry
Mr. Penumbra's 24-hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
Read about the book. Got it from library. Waited until two days before due to start reading. Went to take back on time. Couldn't do it. Finished the book in my car, in the rain. Wonderful. Quirky read. Unusal concept. Did I like it? Yes! Yes! Yes!
Lori
Jujitsu Rabbi and the Godless Blonde by Rebecca Dana
When I requested an ARC of this book, I didn’t realize it was a memoir, not a novel. As a novel, I would have thought some of the events to be too silly to be believable, particularly the Jujitsu part. I didn’t see that being worthy of being part of the title. I found the book to be well-written, but I wish the author had kept the book more focused on her experiences with her roommate and the orthodox Jewish community. I found the book an easy and quick read, but I think I would have liked more depth.
Ann Kelly
Zoo by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
My six-month toy poodle was acting crazy, and it made me think if what happens in ZOO could happen in real life.
Lacey Wright
When She Woke by Hillary Jordan
A young woman wakes up in prison to the realization that her skin is red, a public branding for the crime she's committed. Unlike anything else I've read, this book kept me turning pages!
Dianne
Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton
Excellent read.
Diane Maat
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
I have not finished yet, but if it is anything like her other books, it will be very, very good.
Linda
Chasing Nikki by Lacey Weatherford
An easy read with love and loss, and dealing with both.
Francisca E B
White Witch Doctor by John A. Hunt
A memoir of a surgeon working in Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto during the Apartheid. Some good medical detail, but not for everyone.
Simonne
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
I'm happy to have received this as a contest winner. We have enjoyed TRUE COLORS by this author and are looking forward to reading this novel. TRUE COLORS had interesting characters and good situation questions.
Simonne
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
I just started reading this book I have been dying to get to. It seems like one that can't be put down with some twists, etc.
Julie
Truman by David McCullough
Very detailed description of the life of Truman as only David McCullough can do it. I'm finding it fascinating. McCullough starts with Truman's grandparents as they make their way by covered wagon to Missouri from Kentucky and eventually to Truman's unlikely position as president of the United States. His thinking behind his decision to use the Atomic Bomb and his dealings with Churchill and Stalin make for a very absorbing read.
Susan Fifer
Mallory's Oracle by Carol O'Connell
The first in a series featuring Sgt. Mallory, who investigates her adoptive cop father's death. If you liked THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, you will enjoy this series. Flawed, interesting characters and lots of twists and turns in this mystery.
Michael McAdam
Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich
I decided to continue catching up on this series. I don't love the "between-the-numbers" plots (far-fetched does not begin to describe the plot from this book), but the same characters I know and love from the series are still there and still fun. I had to suspend disbelief a few times (I couldn't help thinking "that would never happen --- even under these circumstances), but enjoyed it nonetheless.
Debbie M
Murder Past Due by Miranda James
I was very anxious to start this series about a cat who helps to solve mysteries, but the writing and main character are geriatric. The main character, Charlie Harris, acts like an old man, and he is only 50 years old, and only works part time in the library. I felt that any minute, Charlie would fall into cardiac arrest. Charlie is a widower and lives in a house bequeathed to him by an aunt. I never realized that a cat chirps, but the Maine coon cat, Diesel, chirps in every chapter. Also, the supporting cast is all 50-year-old losers and no likable character emerges from the book. The femme fatale in this novel is a washed-up minister's wife that had three lovers 19 years ago.
Janet P Bedell
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
Absolutely loved this book. It reaches at your heart strings and lets you see what happens when true love goes wrong by not communicating. I would recommend it highly for book club discussion.
Rose Friedlander
Defending Jacob by William Landay
The book took you through the lives of a family in torment. A father must look at his son as a possible murderer, and he being a lawyer must defend his actions. Thrilling novel.
Carolann Goslee
A Wanted Man by Lee Child
Having read all the Reacher books by Lee Child, I was not disappointed in this one. Love them all. I grew up in Indiana and worked in Illinois, so I know flat country, but I would like to drive through Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska to see if they are as flat. I could not go see the Jack Reacher movie because "my" Reacher is 6'7" and stands out in a crowd because of his size. In this book, he has a broken nose. I couldn't imagine Tom Cruise being in a movie with a broken nose. I understand having a movie Reacher and a book Reacher. But I am not ready to do that yet.
Judson Hanson
The Key to Creation by Kevin J Anderson
This is the final book of the Terra Incognita trilogy, and I literally couldn't put it down. Anderson has written an excellent concluding book in a trilogy that has amazing parallels to the real world in which we live. I haven't so thoroughly enjoyed a group of novels in a long time.
Linda Crumbaugh
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
My book club read this (thanks to a contest where we were selected to win copies for our group!), and we loved it! We found it to be a quick read, with interesting and relatable charaters. It definitely made us think about family and friendship, loyalty and service...
Judy O.
Some Kind of Fairy Tale by Graham Joyce
Tara Martin disappears 20 years ago from the enchanted forest called Outwoods in Central England. Nobody in the family or town knows what happened to her. Her boyfriend, Richie, is suspected and grilled, but nothing comes of that. Twenty years later, she appears at the house of her now elderly parents looking not one bit older than she did when she disappeared. They are sure that the mysterious girl is Tara. She finally tells the story of where she has been, and her story is so outlandish that the family gets her to a psychiatrist. This is a great story with lots of suspense, and you have to be receptive to the idea of other dimensions in the world to appreciate it fully. Interesting book.
Bonnie Gluhanich
This is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz
Diaz has a distinct voice. His stories give such a sense of place and a better understanding of the Latino culture regarding male-female relationships. Worth a read.
Carla Vespe
The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck
A very sentimental book. The dress is found and its history is traced back through a century of wearers. The lady who finds it marries in it, too. Just a really feel good story.
Linda Frashure
The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
Wonderful.
Patricia Runyan
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
A novel about Hadley Richardson's marriage to Ernest Hemingway. The reader follows the Hemingways struggles in the "Jazz Age" of Paris, the lack of traditional values. A man
who lives and believes he is due all he desires, and a wife who allows him to have his desires. The novel helps the reader understand their divorce and his later life leading to his own destruction.
Vicki Hicks
A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs
It was an easy read and a very good story. So many books are so intense that you cannot truly enjoy the book while you read it. This was a very enjoyable book!
Becky C.
Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear
This is my first Maisie Dobbs novel and it was very enjoyable. Maisie, a nurse in WWI still living with raw memories of her experience, investigates more than one mystery as the story progresses. Believable characters, interesting plot(s). PARDONABLE LIES will not be my last reading of the young English detective.
Linda Bass
Erotic Inspiration by Laura Charles
Jessica Steel never thought with a degree in English Literature that she'd be waiting tables at Freddie's Diner, but with the economy in the tank, her job at least paid the bills, and there were free eats that cut down on her grocery bill. One thing she did know was working in a diner was something she did NOT want to do for the future! She worked the late shift and rarely saw her roommate. Amber had not left for work when she got up, and she was surprised to see her with a gadget that she said was an e-reader and that she was reading erotic romance. Once Amber loaned her the reader and showed her how to use it, Jessica was appalled at the terrible short stories and Amber suggested she try writing as she had a degree in it.
Kellie Smith
A Map of the World by Jane Hamilton
I have read several reviews that portray this book as being very depressing, sad, solemn, etc. At first, I would have to agree with these readers. Towards the middle of the book, however, I began to acknowledge the creative style of this author. To me, this was not just a story to tell. The author put the reader inside the head of Howard and Alice. I put more value on the writing because Ms. Hamilton went beyond just a story to tell and gave us some depth into the mind of an accused child abuser and her husband. There are so many dynamics to this writing. I think it’s a great book to be discussed in a book club.
Lori
Once We Were Brothers by Ronald Balson
I enjoyed this book, which was not at all a typical Holocaust story. Although the pace was a little slow, it fit in well with the plot. By the end, I couldn't put it down.
Sarah Vlnka
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
This book was amazing! It was an extremely readable story about four women who were dovekeepers on Masada during the Jewish-Roman war. A great way to learn history and have an adventure. Hoffman's writing continues to be amazing with her use of magical realism.
Linda D.
Endurance: Shackelton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
Indeed "One of the great adventure stories of our time," (New York Times Book Review). It totally boggles the mind how those intrepid men survived such an ill-fated trip, and under such extreme conditions. This is a well-written book that holds the reader's interest throughout. My (picky) book group loved it!
Betty Chrastka
Speaking from Among the Bones by Alan Bradley
The Flavia de Luce series never disappoints. I've loved every title in the series.
Mark Stewart
Imperfect Harmony by Stew McAuley
Suposedly fiction, but this one was so real it felt like I was reading events from a documentary. Loved it! If you like conspiracy fiction where the federal government is part of an ugly cover-up and our freshwater suddenly vulnerable like never before, where an enviornmental feel merges with an inspirational theme, you'll love this read.
Diana Thomas
Destination Truth: Memoirs of a Monster Hunter by Josh Gates
This book is a behind-the-scenes memoir of the host of "Destination Truth" on SyFy. Josh Gates and his crew go through some crazy stuff, while hunting the "Monsters" on the show. Some things are completely hilarious, and some things would scare the pants off of me. I really liked the stories of the people they met and things they saw on their travels. A lot of the stories in the book were things that weren't shown on the television show. I finished the book in one sitting, it had me hooked from the first chapter. If you're a fan of the show, I highly recommend the book.
Nancy
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
My book club received copies of this book from ReadingGroupGuides.com (thank you!), and we discussed it in our January meeting. The story involves what happens when a wife and mother (with a troubled marriage)'s national Guard unit is called up to active service in Afghanistan. We enjoyed the book for the most part, although it was mentioned that it was somewhat predictable. However, I found the story to be engrossing as well as well-told. We did agree that most of us would be open to reading more by Ms. Hannah.
Richard B
The Snows of Kilimanjaro and Other Stories by Ernest Hemingway
Audiobook narrated by Charlton Heston. An uber macho man reads the uber macho author's short story of Harry, who is facing death and his life's regrets. Among the other stories in the collection, "Fifty Grand" was a great story about a prizefighter at the end of his career. I thought the final story, "The Short Life of Francis Macomber," was the best. I was lukewarm to the rest of the collection.
Lynn H
A Suitecase Tale: Marcia by Linda Bishop Foley
I wish I could give half stars because this should be a 3 ½. I would have given it a 4, but the beginning was a little “choppy” and there were some editing issues. Overall, it was an enjoyable story, though.
I would consider it a Christian book, which is not my normal genre. I couldn’t even get through THE SHACK...I put it down once God arrived at the cabin. Even though religion plays a large part in the book, it didn’t feel like it was forced on you. It's actually refreshing because of the way it is helpful for the main character during her journey to find herself. And the author also throws in some anti-Catholic opinions into the book so you get a little touch of both sides.
Bonnie Gluhanich
Long Time No See by Susan Isaacs
Fun mystery. With Isaacs, her wit is just as important as the plot. Both are fun and entertaining here.
Kathy Olinger
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
I give the book 5 stars. Valuable lessons learned on how important communication is, whether a spouse, partner, children or friend.
Mary Adgate
Footprints in the Sand by Mary Jane Clark
I love all of Mary Jane Clark's books. They are page turners and quick reads. Can't put them down.
Kristin
The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin
Really good historical nonfiction. It's a devastating story, but it makes you think about immigration and human frailty. I would highly recommend for people who are interested in learning more about historical events (especially in the Midwest).
Sandy McCullough
Never Look Away by Linwood Barclay
Linwood Barclay is my favorite author besides Chris Bohjalian. This one had many twists and turns, just like the roller coaster on the cover! A warm summer Saturday. An amusement park. David Harwood is glad to be spending some quality time with his wife and their four-year-old son. But what begins as a pleasant family outing turns into a nightmare after an inexplicable disappearance. This book was very hard to put down, but I did have to get some sleep!!
