This contest period's winners were Bonnie G., Melissa B., Pat B., Rita B. and Vanessa J., who each received a copy of BIG BROTHER by Lionel Shriver, THE KILL ROOM by Jeffrey Deaver and REVENGE WEARS PRADA by Lauren Weisberger.
Therese Wiese
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
What a fun read! Not quite sci-fi, not quite mystery, but more than straight fiction. Figuring out the puzzle was like peeling an onion - every few pages there was another layer of clues.
Julie Mackey
Silver Girl by Elin Hildebrand
A wonderful story about love, friendship, and forgiveness. I devoured this big book and loved every moment.
Stephanie Wolfe
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield
This book will tip every emotion in your body. I laughed and I cried; so much good in the world, yet also so much evil. I hope there's a sequel to this book since the author seemed to leave open the lives of the characters.
Laura McDonald
Red Planet Blues by Robert J. Sawyer
Take a seamy, dark, gritty town and put it on Mars. Add a murder and an atmosphere devoid of oxygen. Give people the ability to live longer than normal by transferring their consciousness into an artificial body. Awesome! A very well done mystery with plenty of twists and turns, and thought provoking. It brings up many interesting ethical questions in a light and amusing way. You would expect Peter Lorre to be lurking upstairs or around a corner. The story centers around Alex Lomax, a private detective in New Klondike on Mars. Fossils have been discovered on Mars, proving the existence of life there before life on earth. These fossils are extremely valuable back on earth, so prospectors come and greed follows.
Sandy McCullough
Blood Orange by Drusilla Campbell
Dana Cabot cannot remember the kind of person she was before May 29th, the day she became angry at God, at her workaholic attorney husband, and herself. The day her seven-year-old daughter, Bailey, disappeared. As the months wear on without a trace of her adorable but troubled child, Dana can't help blaming her husband's controversial defense of an accused abuser for playing a role in the abduction--and it shows in the strain on their marriage. But then a shocking event offers a clue to what really happened to Bailey--and Dana's unwitting part in it. Haunted by the unthinkable consequences of revealing everything she knows. Dana must decide whether to keep the truth to herself--or risk losing the rest of her family.
Gail Rubin
Brain On Fire by Susannah Cahalan
I have not finished, but once I started, I could not put it down. This book is written with such clarity that I experienced Susannah’s confusion, fear, and incident by incident descent into the hell that followed the onset of her strange illness. A perfectly normal young woman, she is suddenly exhibiting some not so perfect behavior. The idea that medicine is in its infancy, and that we are sometimes at the mercy of its incompetence, hits home. Susannah’s odd assortment of symptoms eluded all of the professionals she visited. They could not offer an accurate diagnosis. Doctors, family and friends were at a loss to explain the changes in her physical and emotional health, in her work habits and in her behavior. Luckily, she is still alive.
Lisa
The Good Nurse by Charles Graeber
I had a special interest in this book as one of the hospitals where the murderer Charlie Cullen worked (and killed) is in my local community. Having followed the story closely at the time it all came out, I didn't think there would be much to learn and I couldn't have been more wrong.
There are no spoilers per se, but the gems are in the details -- the interviews with the victims' and killers' families, what led to his arrest and the sole interview with Cullen. Graeber has amassed a boatload of material and turned it into a fascinating and cohesive story - one that is destined to become a classic.
Brady
Rita Moreno: A Memoir by Rita Moreno
A wonderful memoir! Rita is talking about her times from the 1940's to the present and covering so many interesting events in her life from the triumphs to the disappointments. She made her own way using persistence and getting some help from her friends at times. She gets very personal by showing her strong points as well as her weaknesses.
Debbie Smith
Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult
Enjoyed this book, as I always like her books. The father went into the wild for 2 years to live and become a member of a pack of wolves. Through tragedy we gain insight into animals and how families interact and help and hurt each other.
Wendi Martin
Hell or High Water by Joy Castro
Wow what a haunting psychological thriller that will not let you put the book down. In post-Katrina New Orleans Nola Cespedes is given her first real chance to write a full-length feature, but while writing the story she becomes obsessed with finding a lost tourist and is led into a violent underworld. This one will keep you up all night to find out what happens at the end.
Christine Womack
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
This book is a definite "must read." It covers a thirty-three year period in Afghanistan as shown through the lives of two women. It is written in such a manner that one can actually visualize what is happening.
Karen Catignani
A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn
I have enjoyed the mystery series by this author that began with Silent in the Grave, but I think this book is even better! It takes place in Africa in 1923, and the main characters are more fully developed.
Diana Trabanco
Austenland by Shannon Hale
The story is about a 30 something American whose life, after being dumped by her boyfriend, becomes obsessed with the Pride and Prejudice movie with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. She is given a trip to Austenland, a kind of English Disneyworld for adults dedicated to living the Jane Austen experience. The premise is interesting, but the story was a little thin and repetitive. However, even though the ending was expected, I became interested enough in the characters to care about the conclusion.
Susan Johnson
Inferno by Dan Brown
A spine tingling novel that made me want to hop a plane to Florence. It combines a real problem of world overpopulation, the beauty of Florence and Dante's epic "The Inferno". A literary adventure story that I raced to finish. It was the perfect summer book.
S. Anderson
The Turtle Warrior by Mary Ellis
Extremely disturbing but very well wrtitten story about a Wisconsin family. The eldest son escapes his alcoholic father's abuse by joining the Marines during the Vietnam war and becomes MIA. His younger brother and mother are left to deal with with his loss as well as continuing to cope with the home situation.
Allison Gardner
Return to Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux
Great story!
Mary Rodriguez
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate by Susanna Calkins
A good book for readers that enjoy historical mysteries; a debut novel for the author.
Jayne Blackledge
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugides
This book provided an interesting read and the Library hosted a book discussion that was excellent. Hearing other people's take on the book made the book even better. It was fascinating hearing differing opinions about the book and clever, flawless writing.
Anne Marie Koschnick
The Green Remains by M.K. Graff
The 2nd in the Nora Tierney series, American M.K. Graff still makes me think she is a British author. Just as Nora lives in the English Lake District, you live through her eyes and discover an idyllic area that is home to murder. A very pregnant Nora plunges headlong into the mystery that affects people she loves. An interesting mix of police procedural and cozy mystery, I am looking forward to the next in the series to find out what happens to Nora and her adopted family.
Annette Macintyre
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
At first, this book didn't capture me but I stuck with it and it turned out to be amazing. It would be a great book for a discussion group. I learned a lot about WWII in regards to the suffering of the citizens of the countries involved in the war. I would highly recommend it.
Melissa Borsey
The Innocent by David Baldacci
Loved this book from page one! Action packed with great characters. I would give this book 5 stars!
Paula Barclay
Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill
Intriguing look into the true life story of a young girl stolen from her African tribe and family, to be brought to America to spend her life as a slave.
Gail Rubin
Brain On Fire by Susannah Cahalan
Wow, once I started, I could not put it down. This book is excellent. I experienced Susannah’s confusion, fear, and incident by incident descent into the hell that followed the onset of her strange illness. A perfectly normal young woman, she is suddenly exhibiting some not so perfect behavior. The idea that medicine is in its infancy, and that we are sometimes at the mercy of its incompetence, hits home. Susannah’s odd assortment of symptoms eluded all of the professionals she visited. They could not offer an accurate diagnosis. Doctors, family and friends were at a loss to explain the changes in her physical and emotional health, in her work habits and in her behavior, yet she needed their support. Luckily, she is here to tell the tale.
Renee' Booker
Daddy's Gone A Hunting by Mary Higgins Clark
This is a very good book to read. I love how it took you in different direction to figure out the 28 year old death and present death. Read it for yourself and enjoy how it end.
Jennifer Lehman
The Love Goddess' Cooking School by Melissa Senate
This is a fun and romantic story with interesting characters and delicious food!
Rosemary Sobczak
Taking Eve by Iris Johansen
Very unsatisfactory ending? Needed another chapter to tie up loose ends.
Robin McKay
Gotcha by Fern Michaels
The Sisterhood helps those seeking justice when there doesn't seem any other way to obtain it. In Gotcha, Myra and Annie come to the aid of Julie Wyatt, whose son Larry died unnecessarily and whose Granddaughter is being kept from her. The Vigilantes take on Darlene Jimson Wyatt, Larry's second wife and the step-mother to little Olivia. Myra is especially touched by this mission, as it reminds her of the death of her own daughter.
Myra and Annie arrive in Rosemont, Alabama, to talk to Julie and find out how they can help. In the meantime Julie learns of the death of a former tenant, Mace Carlisle, and that she is to inherit his sizable fortune. While struggling with this revelation, the woman push on with their plan to obtain justice.
Kathy Iwasaka
Kinsey and Me by Sue Grafton
Typical Kinsey Millhone stories, but these are short and sweet. I am not a short story fan, so cannot give it 5 stars, but I am a Kinsey fan and these are true to form.
Francine Doner
Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
I loved this book! There were great characters who lived through a lot. It tells how people with mental health issues deal with everyday life, sometimes good and sometimes not so good. It was also funny which helped lightened the mood. The Philadelphia Eagles were a big part of this book and you learn a lot about their devoted fans. Since the book takes place in Philadelphia, there is a lot of places that are familiar, especially if you live in the Tri-State area.
Krismar Ramker
He's Gone by Deb Caletti
On the surface, He's Gone by Deb Caletti appears to be about a missing man. A husband (Ian), whom seems to disappear into thin air. Underneath the surface, the reader finds the wife (Dani), drowning in despair, searching for answers to what happened to her husband, and ultimately, deciphering her own responsibility in his disappearance. Caletti dissects the traditional and non-traditional aspects of a marriage, unveiling even the most disturbing pieces. The storyline jumps from present day to the past, in order to get an image of Dani's relationship with Ian. Caletti writes with emotion and keeps the intrigue fresh, as the reader tries to determine what did happen to Ian.
Dianne
The Gods of Gotham by Lindsey Faye
This is an extremely involving mystery/suspense set in New York City in the early 1800s. The historical details are interesting and the story is gripping.
Linda Reck
Daddy Love by Joyce Carol Oates
Joyce Carol Oates is such a consummate writer that she can write in any genre. Her portrayal of psychological and emotional terror is horrifying in the creation of Daddy Love who personifies a public persona very different from his private persona. which masks an unspeakable life. Dinah and Perry lead normal everyday lives until their six-year old son is abducted and their lives are shattered.
Ruth Dupchen
The Inquisitor's Wife: A Novel of Renaissance Spain by Jeanne Kalogridis
I can't put this book down because I just want more and more of the story. I am really enjoying reading this book. I never read any of the other books by this author before but since I enjoy her writing style, my plan is to read all that she writes.
Lacy Hubbard
NYPD Red by James Patterson & Marshall Karp
It was very good. Did not like the fact that the chapters were very short. It did keep you interested and was a very easy read.
Robin Fuller
The Apple Orchard by Susan Wiggs
She is my favorite author and this book does not disappoint. I started it in one day and finished it the same day. Just couldn't put it down.
Dawn M. Thayer
A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford
A saga to sweep you away!
Sharon Kozinn
Next To Love by Ellen Feldman
Memoir of the time of WWII, and the homecoming of so many men and how their world changed and adjusted.
Debbie M
The Importance of Being Seven by Alexander McCall Smith
I adore Bertie. Bertie is one of my favorite characters and he is a constant 6-year-old boy. Many of the other characters are very funny and interesting, but I gravitate to Bertie. Poor Bertie, whose mother is constantly ruining his life. In this adventure, Irene, Bertie's mother, disappears. What fun the three males have without Irene to boss them around. Matthew and Elspeth are now married and have many new changes in store for them, and one is Elspeth's pregnancy with triplets. The jaunt up and down Scotland Street is always fun and full of laughs.
Debbie M
Ten Thousand Heavens by Chuck Rosenthal
I was excited to have received an advance copy of this book, as I like horses. I realized that the story would have sadness in the mistreatment of horses, but that is not what destroys the novel. Rosenthal lets the horses speak, which could be a great narrative. Unfortunately, Rosenthal goes too far and brings into the story a horse language and a horse philosophy. I felt like I was wandering in the stable muck with many of the passages. The story becomes a bitter disappointment.
Janis Apgar
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Loved this book! True story of WWII POW - great story of overcoming, perserverance, determination, etc. The writing is excellent and the facts/info so detailed and informative. I did not know much at all about the Pacific side of WWII so it was especially interesting to read about this. I highly recommend this book.
Linda Bass
An Echo Through the Snow by Andrea Thalasinos
Two young women miles and generations apart have the ability to make a difference through heartaches and what a powerful story that I never thought I'd enjoy once I started reading the book! This one is definitely a keeper!
Fran O'H
Sweeping up Glass by Carolyn Wall
This is the story of a poor family in the Kentucky mountains. Olivia, our main character shares her experiences growing up with her mother, who was committed to an asylum when Olivia was a baby. Olivia is raised by her father until her mother returns 13 years later and totally disrupt Olivia's life with her father. She also shares her own story as a parent and a grandparent to the little boy, Will'm, who she is raising. Interesting...with some plot twists at the end.
Kellie Smith
Foster Child A Biography of Jodie Foster by Buddy Foster and Leon Wagener
The Jodi Foster movie that is the most notable as far as I’m concerned is Little Man Tate. I loved this movie when I first saw it. And after reading this biography, I understand how powerful it was for Jodi. Foster is extremely intelligent to the point of isolation. Her family life growing up was tumultuous and has left her with a lot of baggage. Her brother, who tells the story of her life, does a phenomenal job telling the reader about Jodi, her family and the episodes in her life that have had significant impact, i.e John Hinckley Jr. I have read where Jodi has condemned Buddy for writing this book, however, there is nothing but high praise and compassion for Jodi to the point where it’s almost too much.
Summer
Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand
I loved this book. I gave it 4 stars. It's about life on Nantucket and involves many intricate relationships that you are sucked into. I was sad when the book ended because I wanted it to keep going.
Erika Loiacono
The Silver Star by Jeanette Walls
I really loved this novel. Once I started I could not put it down. I had to find out what would happen to Liz and Bean Holladay. The two sisters had to grow up too fast since their mother frequently left them to take care of themselves. I love how the girls finally found their home in Virginia with their Uncle Tinsley. I love the fight in Bean who, just like her father, has to stand up for what is right. Bean's spirit will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend this book.
Pat Boisclair
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
This book is a wonderful discussion book. It is a testimony to the power of the human spirit, mind and body during tough times and good times. The ability of an athlete giving up a talent to become an olympic winner to serve his country in the time of war. A survivor who was put to the test.
Rita Bueter
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
Although this book got rave reviews, I just couldn't get into it. I do appreciate the choice of title. In the end, it is all about beautiful ruins.
Daryl Evangelista
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis
Ms. Mathis' delving into the deeply emotional lives of each of Hattie's children and Hattie herself kept me wanting to turn the pages to discover how each of them resolved their issues. They lived their lives individually, yet they were so intwined with each other.
Jessica Roble
Gulp by Mary Roach
Mary Roach is great...you learn so much while unleashing your inner 10 year old boy!
Judy O.
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
I must be the only person in the world who did not particularly care for this book. Instead of a cohesive story, it was a series of short stories about different characters who did not seem central to the plot that was introduced at the beginning. The book jumped back and forth through the years. At the end, there were two women with the same name, and that was very confusing. I am a big fan of Hosseini's other two books, and I'm glad I did not buy this one.
Sandy McCullough
The River House by Margaret Leroy
Ginnie Holmes, unsatisfied wife and nagging mother, confesses: ''I would like to be someone different, to be confident, at ease. . .a woman who perhaps has a vibrator discreet as a silvery lipstick hidden in her handbag.'' Ginnie never quite gets there, but she does strike up an affair with Will, a ''smoke and cinnamon''-scented detective. During a tryst in an abandoned house on the Thames, Ginnie witnesses something that seems criminal. Ginnie's dilemma about whether to tell the cops (thus outing her affair) is quickly resolved. The first few chapters of this book were a little boring, but very quickly things began to change and I really enjoyed this book.
Debbie M
Leaving Everything Most Loved by Jacqueline Winspear
Maisie Dobbs leaves everything most loved at the end of this novel to find herself and to fulfill Maurice's destiny. Maisie prepares her workers, Billy and Sandra, for her leaving; and promises to let James know her answer to his marriage proposal in six months. A time for transition has come, and will Maisie return to England and to James after six months? This story brings into question skin color. Maisie jumps in to solve the murder of two women from India, and encounters much prejudice from the British, even after the British and the Indians fought side by side during the war. Winspear does an excellent job in conveying the bigotry of the British. Winspear also provides a detailed setting and wonderful characterization.
Mary Jo Brown
Unsinkable by Debbie Reynolds
This memoir continues from Debbie's previous memoir and begins with her marriage to her third husband, who proceeds to spend all her money. He encourages her to buy a hotel in Las Vegas and all sorts of financial problems ensue. If you love Debbie and have followed her career, you will enjoy this book.
Robin McKay
Echo Falls by Jaime McDougall
Ever since the night her brother was killed, Phoebe has been running. Each time the Hunter finds her. When Phoebe is attacked in the small town of Echo Falls, the intervention of Aidan, police officer and alpha leader of the local wolf pack, is the only thing that saved her. On the long ago night of her brother’s death, Phoebe’s boyfriend told her all werewolves are abominations and should be killed. But Phoebe is a lone wolf and reluctant to ask for help from the local pack. It isn’t until her back is against the wall that she reveals her secret to Aidan and identifies the “Hunter” who has not only tracked her down once again, but is now threatening the local pack as well.
The book is fast paced and quickly pulls you into the story.
Bonnie Gluhanich
And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
Easily 4 1/2 stars. So beautifully written, this novel brings Afghanistan and its people to light like no book since the author's The Kite Runner. This would be a great book club read. The characters are so well-written and their stories so enveloping it would evoke lots of interesting discussion.
Bonnie Gluhanich
Dinner with the Smileys by Sarah Smiley
Non-fiction. Smiley's husband is deployed in the military so she and her 3 young children decide to invite someone (or more) to dinner weekly to sit in his chair. They invite mayors, governors, friends, former Olympians, symphony conductors, etc. and each brings something unique to the table. Lovely and interesting read.
Linda Johnson
The Dinner by Herman Koch
I feel as if I was a fish caught for this dinner and I've been laid out on a platter. Paul and his wife are invited to dinner by his brother, Serge and his wife to talk something over. Paul narrates unhidden contempt about his easily recognized government official brother's bullying tactics.
The writing is so excellent, I felt manipulated to "root for the bad guys". Characters who I liked at the beginning of the book were of questionable repute. It seemed to be done as slyly as the unveiling of the true nature as the participants of The Dinner.
Lynn W
T.R: The Last Romantic by H. W. Brands
BRAVO! What else can you say about a thoroughly-researched, well-written, 815-page biography of Theodore Roosevelt? This president had flaws, of course, but his zest for an adventurous and meaningful life, his willingness to meet challenges head-on, and his love for family and country, made him worthy of a place on Mt. Rushmore. H.W. Brands has written
an excellent book. I recommend it to all interested in this genre.
Melissa Ferr
Sand Castles by Antoinette Stockenberg
Good summer read. Reading just before the big powerball drawing of 600 million.
Linda Johnson
I Remember Nothing by Nora Ephron
I have only seen Nora Ephron on screens, TV interviews or her films. This is the first I've read her. I knew when she died last summer that I and the world suffered a loss. I can truly appreciate her loss now.
This short (3 disc) audio book was narrated by Nora. If anyone else would read this book with her intonations, I would think it boring. But, this was just Nora Ephron. Her insights into everyday occurrences hits the center of the target every time. I especially like the essay about e-mail.
Now that I've finished I Remember Nothing: and Other Reflections, I remember that I always wanted to read I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman. I need to find that one on audio.
Walter Kretzmann
The Murderers by W.E.B. Griffin
W.E.B Griffin has done it again. His characters have continued to grow and interest the readers. I definitely recommend this if you are a fan of any of his series of novels. If you like the Men in Blue series, check out the Brotherhood of War and the Corps.
Walter Kretzmann
A Delicate Truth by John le Carre
Loved his earlier works; gobbled them up greedily the day they came out, practically. But this one? Continues his unfortunate downward trend to simplicity that sounds like a cranked-out made-for-TV movie. The depth is gone, the insight and character development, ditto. I really wanted to like it, but found myself, at its unsatisfying conclusion, saying, "That's IT??" Even Grisham and Clancy seem better by comparison. Is he merely coasting on his laurels? I think I may, regrettably, be done with le Carre. Sorry, old chap.
Walter Kretzmann
Indiscretion by Charles Dubow
I also don't know why this book got so many 5-star reviews. The writing was painful to read, and the sex scenes. . . I shall say no more. I found Claire and Harry together a little unbelievable, and Walter was so pitiful - a middle-aged bachelor who couldn't get over Maddy and move on and find someone who would love him back. I did cry in the end, though, simply because it was soooo sad. But pass on this book and read another.
Marsha
Heart Like Mine by Amy Hatvany
This is a deeply moving account of a 36-year old career women who is thrust into taking care of her fiance's children after the sudden death of their mother. Being an instant stepmother is never easy and this lovely novel shows some of the challenges.
Kim Ann Johnston
Big Brother by Lionel Shriver
I hope I win this interesting book.
Marsha
The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell
This book will keep your attention as the characters develop in ways you might not imagine. In 1923 the New York City Police Dept. employed typists to help record the crimes. Life is changing for women and Rose, who has led a quiet life, is enticed into the glamorous night life by a new typist. This obsession turns out to be quite the surprise.
Marsha
Lessons in French by Hilary Reyl
In 1989 as the Berlin Wall is coming down, a young Yale graduate receives a job as an assistant to a famous American photographer in Paris. She is fluent in French as her family sent her to France as a child to live with her relatives when her father was dying. She finds herself surrounded by a seductive cast of characters--mostly who are spoiled and manipulative. They use her for their own motives as she struggles to find her own moral compass.
Debbie M
The Hit by David Baldacci
Baldacci is an excellent storyteller, and The Hit is an interesting story with many twists and turns. Baldacci, like many other writers does not feel compelled the write long, endless chapters filled with impressive vocabulary. Baldacci presents a sadly compromised government that runs by greed, power, and money. I wonder how close to the truth that Baldacci flies. The story revolves around Will Robie, Jessica Reel, and The Blue Man, Roger. What a sad and disheartening life lead by the people who monitor the Homeland Security. The characters are alive and the reader begins to feel compassion for him. The explanation of weaponry goes a little over my head, but I am sure that the men enjoy this detail. Will Robie and Reel retire?
Priscilla Reilly
And Then I Found You by Patti Callahan Henry
This book is a fast short enjoyable read about Kate Vaughn who has a secret. You learn about that secret which is the birth of a child out of wedlock and how it has impacted her decisions. These decisions going on for a majority of her young life and that of the fathers. I found this story impact full as to how both of the characters are dealing with this life changing moment in different ways. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a enjoyable read.
Walter Kretzmann
English Creek by Ivan Doig
Set in northern Montana in 1939, this novel tells the story of the McCaskill family. Young Jick is 15 and interested in learning his family's history--not easy since his parents are pretty tight-lipped. His older brother wants to get married rather than go to college, which causes a rift in the family. The father works for the Forest Service and in tackling a big fire at book's end provides Jick with important family history. Good in spots, especially the last 50 pages or so, but one gets the feeling in much of the book that Doig is trying hard to write an epic, only it comes across as boring details.
Gail Sorum
Dead, White, and Blue by Carolyn Hart
As always, a delightful mystery.
Kathy Funk
Say You're Sorry by Joe O'Loughlin
I have been suffering a severe case of Goldilock Syndrome of late where books are concerned - this plot is too slow; the characters are not likable; not original; seriously, this is a bestseller? Nothing was leading me to keep furiously paging through a book. Then along came "Say You're Sorry." Now I'm sorry I hadn't chosen it sooner from my Kindle library. Excellent writing and excellent plot. You won't be saying "sorry" for taking the time to read this novel.
Carol Weigel
Shadowsinger by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
Final book in Spellsong Cycle. Wish that Modesitt did not use some of the same phrases in each and every book--no matter the series. That is my only complaint. He has kept the momentum going with the story. The characters kept getting developed throughout the 5 books. He writes very good fantasy novels.
Lynn W
The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham
Beautiful Kitty Fane finds her affair discovered by her husband and then is forced to accompany him to the heart of a cholera epidemic. Volunteering at a convent awakens her conscience, causing her to reassess her life choices.
Donna Shaw
The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
If you're a Downton Abbey fan, I'm sure you'll enjoy this book. An American girl living in New York in 1893 is the richest girl in the country. An English Duke is running out of funds. The mothers of each are seeking a mate for their child; Cora's mother wants her daughter to have a title and Ivo's mother is seeking a rich girl so they don't lose their ancestral home and way of life. You experience the differences between the two cultures; money vs class. This is a fun and enlightening story.
Marsha
The Return of Captain John Emmett by Elizabeth Speller
In the aftermath of WWI a man is asked to investigate the death of an old friend who apparently killed himself. The man's sister recalls that they were friends in college and entreats him to unravel the puzzle. What ensues is a devastating story of the men who died in battle and those who had injuries that were nearly as horrible as death. This is a story of a long ago war but it resonates today as we honor our veterans on Memorial Day. No one comes out unscathed.
Brady
Waking Up In Heaven by Crystal McVea
I have been reading this type of book for over 60 years and this is one of the best...ever. Her description is similar to others, however, her statement of what God looks like is right on. This is a memoir of a young girl who did mostly everything wrong including picking the men in her life. Her life turned around when she had an accident and really did go to heaven. She became very religious because of that heavenly visit, rightly so. If you want to refresh your life by getting in line to live correctly, you should read this book; 'tis most interesting.
Sean Penrose
Mind Prey by John Sandford
The seventh Lucas Davenport book by John Sanford does a great job of making the react. Whether its to the brutality to a victim, fear for her daughter, angst towards the cops nears misses, etc. Davenport is a great leading man who has personality and flaws. His relationship with his girlfriend, Weather, is real and enjoyable. His friends and coworkers seem realistic. Overall, the book was very good but too brutal at times.
Sandra Furlotte
Day Into Night by Dave Hugelschaffer
This is a well written mystery centered around firefighters in Alberta. The book has a well constructed plot, but the story would have benefited from being shorter. In some places the plot gets bogged down in too many details. The author has corrected this in later books in the series since they are considerably shorter.
Linda Bass
The Death of Anyone by D. J. Swykert
Detective Bonnie Benham had transferred from the narcotic division after she cleaned herself up from using dope and booze; now she had another chance in homicide where little girls turned up raped and dead in an upscale part of the Detroit suburb. She was stumped as there was very little evidence and all of the girls went to an exclusive school and may have known each other. One thing she did know that she'd catch the s.o.b and never stop looking for him! Then another girl from Toledo turned up dead with the same M.O. but how does a young girl get all the way to Detroit and so far away from home? Wow, D. J. Swykert brings back characters from his last book and weaves a story of the ugly side of mankind and how vile they are!
Barbara Mardones
Zeitoun by Dave Eggers
Sorry the real life ending belied the "happy" ending of the protagonist's life.
Lori
Life After Life by Jill McCorkle
I was a little disappointed in this book. It didn't seem particularly original to me, and I found it hard to keep track of the many characters. Not really my cup of tea.
Sandy McCullough
Yes, My Darling Daughter by Margaret Leroy
What’s the matter with Sylvie? Such a pretty girl. Four years old; well loved by her young mother, Grace. But there’s something . . . “off ” about the child. Her deathly fear of water; her night terrors; most of all, her fixation with a photo of an Irish seaside town called Coldharbour. “Sylvie, tell me about your picture. Why’s it so special, sweetheart?” My heart is racing, but I try to make my voice quite calm. “That’s my seaside, Grace.” Very matter-of-fact, as though this should be obvious. “I lived there, Grace. Before.”Grace doesn’t know what to do with this revelation—she’s barely scraping by as it is. A single mother with no family, Grace works full-time at a London flower shop to support herself and Sylvie. I loved this book!
Sarah Chao
Snow White Must Die by Nele Neuhaus
A thriller mystery that had my brain crawling with predictions! The events get twisted up and the author really got into making several characters look guilty. This book gave me goosebumps and made me stay up late, reading with a flashlight under the covers. I really enjoyed this mystery because it was something I haven't read before and it was very interesting! I recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries!
michele c
12th of Never by James Patterson
Love the Lindsay Boxer stories, and this one was the best!
michele c
The Apple Orchard by Susan Wiggs
Great author, great book. I highly recommend this one.
Beth Mitchell
Princess Elizabeth's Spy by Susan Elia MacNeal
MacNeal's first Maggie Hope mystery, MR. CHURCHILL'S SECRETARY, was delightful and full of intrigue. PRINCESS ELIZABETH'S SPY has me engaged so far. Can't wait to finish it!
Eileen Dandashi
A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean
Ms. MacLean has written a delicious Regency novel series. The story/plot doesn't follow what you would expect. After just finishing this one --- listened to by audio --- I've ordered the next one because you just CAN'T not finish the remaining stories yet to be told about Penelope's sisters. This is the first of Sarah MacLean's books I've read and most certainly not the last!
Bonnie Capuano
Tuesday's Child by Fern Michaels
So far I'm loving this book.
Eileen Quinn Knight,Ph.D.
Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
Massie is an excellent storyteller! This tome is a page-turner. He gives us such intricate and interesting information about a period of Russian history that helps in understanding much of Russian literature. Catherine the Great was the quintessential feminist who gives us pause to reflect on where we are in empowering women in today's society.
Veronica Earley
The Red Kimono by Jan Morrill
A look at Japanese internment camp and prison.
Jane McCown
Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
I received an ARC of SISTERLAND a couple of months ago, and read it on a recent beach trip. Sittenfeld tells the story of a complicated relationship between two sisters, both of them psychic. One of them embraces her power, and the other distances herself from it. I loved this story of family dynamics and the twists and turns it took.
DeAnna Schleusner
The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich
Interesting way of writing, and interesting insight into American Indian life.
Donna Shaw
Shrink Rap by Robert B. Parker
A friend is being stalked by her ex-husband who is also a shrink and very dangerous. Sunny is hired to be her bodyguard. She learns much about herself in the process. A decent quick read.
Elaine Beierbach
The Kill Room by Jeffery Deaver
A book worth waiting for.
Michael McAdam
17 Degrees North by Larry Seeley
What a great book! Certainly not a book I ever would have picked out for myself --- I received it free through a giveaway and I am glad I did! I would classify this as action/suspense with hint of western undertones --- kind of NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN-esque (in tone but not subject matter) about a man who accidentally finds some money...and things turn a little crazy from there. Very well written book.
Terry Beal
The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell
The 1920s are a great time frame for a book, and I'm loving this one. Highly recommend.
Stacey K
A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin
The second book in the Song of Ice and Fire Series is even better than the first. The imagination of Mr. Martin is unparalleled. I can't wait to read the next book after I finish watching season three of Game of Thrones on HBO.
sandy haber
Thrill Ride by Julie Ann Walker
Fourth in the Black Knights series, this one doesn't disappoint. Gorgeous men, strong women, and lots of excitement.
Ellen
Alys, Always by Harriet Lane
The author creates a sharp, observant character and then gives her nothing to do. What does Frances want? Why is her life so empty,and does she even care? In the end, this becomes simply another story about a girl who envies rich people. Disappointing.
Dennis Beierbach
The Kill Room by Jeffery Deaver
Great story.
Rhoda Haeberle
Defending Jacob by William Landay
Great book for Book Clubs. Do you really know your child? This is the premise of this mystery. Couldn't put it down and the ending will surprise you. What would you have done?
Marie Ledin
Stone Cold by David Baldacci
Great book. Con games, spy games and murder mystery abound.
Robin McKay
Flash Fables by Karen Ranney
FLASH FABLES was a wonderful, heartwarming book, written in the style of AESOP'S FABLES. Flash, a Shetland Sheepdog, with the help of his person, MyKaren, shares his wit and wisdom in a series of short stories. The book had me laughing out loud.
Pamela Moore
The Testament by John Grisham
Grisham varies from the usual legal/eagle scenario in this book that came out a few years ago. I rated it higher because it involves a lot of background of the interior of Brazil where a missionary has retreated from the world of money. The book also has a spiritual bent, plus Grisham gives a nitty-gritty description of an alcoholic...So, a really good one --- not a retread --- from Grisham.
Aaron Polish
Ricochet by Sandra Brown
Very good book with romance and mystery. I wondered if I could ever put it down.
Melissa D
Jersey Angel by Beth Ann Bauman
Even though that time is well behind me, I will never forget what it felt like to be 17: the reckless mistakes, the uncertainty, the excitement, the regret. Beth Ann Bauman remembers these feelings too, because I've never read a more honest, painful, exhilarating portrayal of 17 than Angel Cassonetti, the Jersey Angel of Bauman's amazing novel. JERSEY ANGEL is so far beyond the Young Adult genre it's being marketed in, not just in its frankness and sexual situations, but in its emotional range and its plot. I literally couldn't put it down, and got very little sleep the night I started reading it. Even now, weeks later, Angel haunts me a little bit. I loved this novel and hope it reaches an audience far beyond teen readers.
Jamie Love
Step of Faith by Richard Paul Evans
Liked it, but it wasn't my favorite of the series so far.
Rhonda
The Woman Upstairs by Claire Messud
Terrific, creepy and unputdownable!
Jeffrey Tretin
That's That by Colin Broderick
Weaves a coming of age saga with the story of the "Troubles" in Northern Ireland brilliantly. I could not put it down.
Bonnie Capuano
Tuesday's Child by Fern Michaels
Great book...Kind of surprised me at the end, though.
Linda Reck
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
Khaled Hosseini is a word poet. His voice is powerful. This is a multi-generation novel focusing on various characters discovering their importance in their relationships. It's an unforgettable novel about how people love, and how the choices we make affect our relationships. The book is slow in some parts, but overall it is well worth reading.
Julie Bockstiegel
Double Cross by Ben Macintyre
This "nonfiction that reads like fiction" title is the true story of a ragtag bunch of posers, patriots and oddballs who are double agents for the British --- with the Germans financing the whole operation. The audiobook version is especially enjoyable, read by the always excellent John Lee.
Patricia Lewis
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
To comment on a book with such a serious subject is difficult. I enjoyed (if that's a good word to use) this book, even as the truth crept up on me via an old SS soldier and young Jewish baker. Their relationship was volatile after certain things were discovered, yet their companionship could not to be dissolved. I recommend this to anyone and everyone.
Darlene Reid-Rericha
10th Anniversary by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
Absolutely LOVED this book!
Carol Stroup
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
Such an interesting book about places and people I had no knowledge existed. It's nonfiction but reads like a novel. Beautifully written.
Rita Wright
Changeless by Gail Carriger
I am enjoying this book in the series the Parasol Protectorate. They are the adventures of Alexia Tarabotti, a proper English lady, who lives in a Victorian England where vampires and werewolves are part of society. Alexia, with the help of her friends, tea, and her trusty parasol, solves mysteries and problems for the queen and finds love. Great fun!
Janice Bally
Unusual Uses for Olive Oil by Alexander McCall Smith
I am a fan of Alexander McCall Smith and have read all of the books in the various series. However, the series about Professor von Igelfeld is my least favorite and I liked this book even less than the other two in the series. It is difficult to care what happens to a character as pompous and lacking in self-awareness as the Professor.
Gabby Hayze
The Ghosts Of Manhattan by Douglas Brunt
This book was not at all the book I expected it to be. I thought I would be reading about a trader in the stock market, not one long whine about how dissatisfied one man is with the life he chose for himself. In view of the Madoff scandal, I thought this novel might in some way deal with the way Wall Street responded to the financial mess they'd made of the economy. This was not the case. I do believe Brunt is a talented writer, but he never managed to make me care one bit about someone who helped bilk an unsuspecting public out of millions and millions of $$$ because he was far too busy feeling sorry for himself. Bob Beckel from FNC recommends this book. I shouldn't have trusted him.
WALTER KRETZMANN
The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner
I have come to appreciate the novels including Rainie Conner as a major character, and how this particular novel incorporates the secrets of her past as a part of both the solution to the current crime and in her ongoing friendship with FBI profiler Pierce Quincy. They make a good pair in creating a story. As with all Lisa Gardner novels (in my opinion), the characters are well drawn, the story is interesting, the solutions logical and best of all the journey is filled with major twists and turns and an intensity that keeps you from wanting to put it down.
Pam Relyea
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Great classic --- reading the book is better than watching the movie.
Colin Beierbach
The Kill Room by Jeffery Deaver
Great novel!
densie beierbach
The Kill Room by Jeffery Deaver
Great book to pass to friends.
Melinda Ohlsson
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
This books makes you think about what has happened to you in the last 10 years. How have you changed and how has the world around you changed. I am like Alice and I have a nine-year-old son, and I wouldn't know him.
shelly itkin
Threads of Grace by Kelly Long
Grace Beiler is a beautiful, happy 18-year-old, who dreams about the future and who she might marry, until her parents make a decision that will change her life forever. Grace's mother is sick and her father is not good at farming, so they are in great debt and have no money to pay for her mother's medicine. Silas, a widower who lives on the next farm, says he will pay off all the debts and keep paying for medical bills for her mother and anything else she needs if Grace will marry him. She is thrown into a loveless marriage with an older and uncaring husband. For nine years Grace lives in a house of horrors, until her husband dies and she can start a new life with her son, Abe.
Susan Willis
Smarty Bones by Carolyn Haines
A great addition to the series with its unique Southern style.
Linda Harrison
The Testament by Eric Van Lustbader
The author inserted a lot of history in this book which leads up to modern-day Gnostics (known as the Order of Gnostic Observatines) battling the Knights of St. Clement (backed by the Vatican) for the retrieval of the Testament and the Quintessence, which the Gnostics believe was used by Jesus to raise Lazarus from the dead. The Knights want them for nefarious uses, while the Gnostics believe they are better hidden from the world. I thought this was a very good book and, although long, the story keeps your attention.
Linda Harrison
The Wanderer by Robyn Carr
From the fictional towns of Virgin River to Thunder Point, Carr writes about charming small towns where we all would love to live. Thunder Point is on the beautiful coast of Oregon and an ex-Army helicopter pilot has come to visit an old friend, only to find that he is dead. As a teenage bully gets out of control, the sheriff is taking another look at Cooper’s friend’s death. I can’t wait until the next book about Thunder Point comes out in June.
Linda Harrison
Path of the Assassin by Brad Thor
Terrorism is being directed toward Muslims and the blame is placed on an organization that calls itself the Hand of God. Items left at the site of the terror attacks point to Israel. As the Arab world is gearing itself toward a war with Israel, Scot Harvath has been asked by President Rutledge to find the people responsible for these attacks and eliminate them. As Scot’s investigation gets underway, he comes across an assassin known for the silver color of his eyes, but is unable to capture the terrorist. Time is running out as attacks continue and tempers flare.
Linda Harrison
Ready to Die by Lisa Jackson
A very suspenseful book that you won’t be able to put down until the last page. When she sees Sheriff Dan Grayson being shot, Detective Regan Pescoli is shocked. Who would try to kill Dan? As his life hangs by a thread, Pescoli and her partner Selena Alvarez search out ex-cons and others who might have a grudge against Dan. The ending is a shocker.
Linda Harrison
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
A great book with a surprising twist at the end! As an elderly lady is coming to the end of her life, her daughters and son gather near. The book tells about her early life and then present day as one of her daughters tries to solve a mystery that has haunted her all of her life. It took a while to get into the book, but once I became interested in the story I could not put the book down.
Linda Harrison
Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James
A great story where an egotistical movie star named Jason Andrews (also dubbed the “sexiest man alive”) meets his match in a sarcastic attorney named Taylor Donovan. She has been hired to assist with his courtroom scene in his new movie and detests him on sight. But fate has other ideas. You will find yourself laughing throughout the book.
Linda Harrison
Fly Away by Kristin Hannah
This is a continuation of the story first told in FIREFLY LANE and is a beautiful heartwarming story of two girls who were lifelong friends and are now grown. One has died and the other is left with memories and regrets. This book deals with Tully’s life, which is spiraling out of control, until a near-fatal accident brings her to Kate again. A tear-jerker at the end but the book deserves more than 5 stars.
Linda Harrison
The Bone Box by Gregg Olsen
When a young girl tells that she saw her cousin covered in blood, he is charged with murder and sentenced to prison. Years later, he is still stating that he is innocent. The girl is now grown and is determined to find out the truth. A great story and hopefully more about the character Birdy Waterman.
Linda Harrison
The Wrath of Angels by John Connolly
A plane crashes into the north woods of Maine and lies dormant for many years. The two old men who find it think it's odd that there are no bodies on board. They swear they will tell no one, just their families, but word gets out and evil returns to the area. A weird book.
Linda Harrison
Nauti Temptress by Lora Leigh
An undercover agent works as a handyman at a local Bed and Breakfast and finds himself falling for the daughter of the owner --- a girl his supervisor has told him to use to draw out the criminal element in a local group. This was not the best book I’ve read, but it was an okay read.
Linda Johnson
The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg
I would give this book a healthy "eh". I didn't like the characters; perhaps I was too uncomfortable with how close to home they were. The writing carried the book. I was curious how it would end. The chronology of the book was not linear; in the long run this worked, but at times it was difficult to wrap my head around the transition. The story is about a family and the way and what the individual members love. Food is a major factor in this story. Ones person's love can be another person's contempt.
Summer
Summerland by Elin Hildenbrand
This book is so great! I loved the characters and fell in love. I was hooked!
Nancy Hausladen
The Last Man by Vince Flynn
I have always enjoyed Mitch Rapp books. This one is very interesting and I had a hard time putting it down. There are so many surprising twists in the plot.
Donna Shaw
Stardust by Robert B. Parker
A television star is being harrassed and threatened. The story is humorous and a quick read.
Brady
Red Azalea by Anchee Min
I have read a lot of books about China because their society is so opposite of the West. This book points out that difference. How millions of people would bow down to social hell as experienced during Mao's reign is beyond me. This book gives great detail of how it was during that time and how it was illegal to admit love to anyone...unless they were married. This created many problems that those in authority ignored. I will read other books by Min for sure.
Marsha
The Breaker by Minette Walters
Walters writes British suspense and police procedurals. When a woman's body washes up on a deserted shore on the southern coast of England and her three-year old daughter is found wandering alone, suspects are gathered and Walters cleverly weaves their stories together until the reader is not sure who the actual rapist/killer is. Clever writing.
Denise Beierbach
The Kill Room by Jeffery Deaver
I love his style.
WALTER KRETZMANN
The Golden Egg by Donna Leon
Much as I like Donna Leon's Brunetti books, I couldn't wait for this one to be over. Nothing good came of it. The poor man in the story was gone, so there was no help for him. I truly hope this is not a sign of future stories.
Ellen W
The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell
Doesn't live up to the hype, although the period details are fun. The main character, Rose, is a passive observer for most of the story---not my favorite format. And there's a lot of exposition, a lot of long sections of back story. I personally would have preferred Rose do & say more.
Melanie S.
Raising Cubby by John Elder Robison
Giving this 3-1/2 stars. An autobiographical account of a father with Asperger's syndrome raising his son with the same condition. A bit rambling and boring at times, this book does allow us to look inside the mind of a person with Asperger's and how they process information in a way that is often very different from neuro-typical people. Interesting, but contains many lengthy and mundane musings that I had to gloss over to get to sections that were more engaging.
Melanie S.
The Spirit Catches You And You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman
I read this for my medically-themed book discussion group at my local library. A true account of a Hmong child who is ill with a serious form of epilepsy. The book describes the cultural clash that occurs between her Hmong family, who believe in their traditional healing methods, and her modern-day medical providers who subscribe to the western medical school theory of patient care. When I mentioned to my son that I was reading this book, he told me it was required reading for his cultural competency class in dental school. I learned about the Hmong culture, which I had never heard of before, but a lot of this read like a anthropology textbook, which was a bit boring. I did skip through parts but overall felt it was worthwhile reading.
Arthur Harriman
The Third Gate by Lincoln Child
A large present-day expedition searches for an ancient Egyptian royal tomb, but inexplicable events overtake the searchers at nearly every turn in this imaginative and historically informed supernatural thriller.
Robin McKay
The Boyfriend by Thomas Perry
Retired LAPD homicide detective, turned private investigator Jack Till is approached by the parents of murdered Catherine Hamilton. The parents acknowledge their daughter had been a high-classed escort but a month has passed since her murder and the police are no closer to finding out who killer her. As Till starts to dig, he discovers that several strawberry blond females all matching Catherine's description have been murdered. Jack starts poring over the online ads for escorts, hoping to identify the next victim. That is when he finds a link in the case: several of the girls are all photographed wearing the same piece of jewelry.
Jack is led on a cat-and mouse game as he hunts for "The Boyfriend."
Vanessa Johnston
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
I struggled at the beginning of this book, but now that I'm finished with it, I can't quit thinking about it. Imagine THE WALKING DEAD or THE PASSAGE without the zombies and you have this book. The very simple plot concerns a father and his young son (both unnamed) trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. While the writing is sparse, powerful, and lacking punctuation, it's the themes of endurance and love that make this novel so moving. The depths of parental love are explored and the existence of God is questioned. This is heavy stuff, but what else would you expect when the end of the world has arrived.
Dave
The Intercept by Dick Wolf
From the creator of "Law and Order," it is a very good police drama with a real life twist.
Teresa Salvatore
The Demonologist by Andrew Pyper
A haunting and desperate search for his daughter brings David Ullman face to face with his demons. But are they real or imagined? A true scholar and avid non-believer, David is repeatedly tested and everything he's ever believed comes into question.
Andrew Pyper writes so amazingly well that I could not put this book down. In fact, I read the first half in one sitting and finished it the following day. This book was intelligent, intriguing, interesting and had me dying to know what each upcoming page had in store. A beautifully written and wonderfully crafted story that no one should miss. I am only sad that it's over.
Marsha
Hello, Darkness by Sandra Brown
This one is fast-paced. Although the subject matter of a sex club by teenagers is disturbing, the characters are well-drawn and you will still be guessing about the killer until the last few pages.
laurie blum
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
Very much enjoyed reading this family & friends saga which begins with a group of young campers that call themselves "The Interestings."
Allison Gardner
Beach House Memories by Mary Alice Munroe
Great story.
Audrey Anderson
Questionable Remains by Beverly Connor
Excellent book with a double story line that ties together very nicely at the end. The author obviously knows anthropology and the information is very interesting. Good mystery and suspense. I will continue this series.
Audrey Anderson
The Witch is Dead by Shirley Damsgaard
I really enjoy this series. It has some flaws, but in this one I could forgive the flaws better than the last one. In this book, Tink is kidnapped and Ophelia, Abbey and Aunt Dot (who is visiting and speaking with the local fairies---her talent) are trying to find Tink. As usual, Ophelia and her friend poke around in places they shouldn't, trying to solve the mystery.
Audrey Anderson
Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews
This is one of the best fantasy series. I enjoyed the first book and was hoping the second would be just as good and it was. I carried my book with me and was reading further during lunch and when I went home I took care of some chores, then went to get my book as I was looking forward to finishing it but I'd left it at work. What a disappointment. I kept thinking of the characters because they'd become real to me. That, to me, is the best kudos an author can have. If you like a strong female and supernatural adventure with a little romantic tension here and there, you will enjoy this.
Audrey Anderson
61 Hours by Lee Child
This is a good solid Jack Reacher Novel. It drew me in and kept me interested throughout. Learned a few more things about Reacher. Looks like a set up for a romance for him, possibly a very good match. Interesting characters. Really good description of the biting cold in the most northern area, reminded me why I didn't want to go back. The ending left me wondering if he was thinking of calling it quits for Reacher.
Hope Ettinger
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sandker
A mysterious love story. Held my interest to the very end.
Nancy Coughlin
My Lady Judge by Cora Harrison
Fantastic historical fiction novel with great character development. The first in a series that will also be read with great interest. Have to say that the Irish justice system is far more reasonable than the English one of that time. Wish our judicial system had it as its basis rather than the English one.
Jean M
Double Tap by Steve Martini
I love a good legal thriller like this one. The dialog between the characters is snappy, the narrative of the crime is good, it is very suspenseful and the end is surprising.
Jean M
Rage Against the Dying by Becky Masterman
Brigid Quinn's experiences in hunting sexual predators for the FBI have left her with memories she wishes she did not have and lethal skills she hopes never to need again. She has been pushed into early retirement and keeps telling herself she is settling down nicely in Tucson with a wonderful new husband, Carlo, and their dogs.
This is a very suspenseful story that keeps the pages turning.
Rose Turner
Dreams of Joy by Lisa See
DREAMS OF JOY is the sequel to SHANGHAI GIRLS. It also reads well as a stand-alone book. Nineteen-year-old Joy discovers that the woman she thought was her mother is really her aunt and her aunt is her birth mother. Joy runs away to China to find her birth father. The year is 1957 and Joy becomes enamored with the Cultural Revolution and Mao Ze Dong’s Great Leap Forward. Fearing for her daughter’s safety, Joy’s mother (aunt) travels to China to find her. Lisa See writes in great detail about the Cultural Revolution and life in the New Society and the great famine that took place. A powerful story well told.
Jean M
The Professionals by Owen Laukkanen
Four recent college graduates caught in a terrible job market joke about turning to kidnapping to survive. And then suddenly, it's no joke. For two years, the strategy they devise---quick, efficient, low risk---works like a charm until they kidnap the wrong person.
Suddenly they are in trouble, big time. They keep jumping from the frying pan into the fire. There is much suspense to see how it will all turn out.
Jean M
Hit Me by Lawrence Block
This is a series about a very successful hit man who has decided to settle down, go straight and tend to his family and stamp collecting hobby.
One would think that he would not be a very sympathetic character but he is. He is a very likable man. I have read three of the five books in this series (to date) and intend to read more of them.
Jean M
The Bughouse Affair by Marcia Muller and Bill Pronzini
This is the first book in a new series written by husband and wife authors teaming up to write about an unmarried pair of detectives in early day San Francisco. This is an interesting series.
Debbie Smith
Captured in Death by J. D. Robb
I love this series. Eve is looking for the murderer who killed an auditor. Fast paced as always.
Jean M
Lucky Stiff by Debra Coonts
Lucky O'Toole is Head of Customer Relations at The Babylon, a premier mega-resort on the Vegas Strip. This series is probably as close to Vegas as I will ever get. I enjoy the series and care about the characters that populate it.
Jean M
The Hit by David Baldacci
Will Robie is a highly skilled assassin. He is the man the U.S. government calls on to eliminate the worst enemies of our country, monsters committed to harming untold numbers of innocent victims.
This is the second book of the series. It is very suspenseful, a real page turner.
Jean M
Silken Prey by John Sandford
Murder, scandal, political espionage, and an extremely dangerous woman is the basis for another extraordinary new Lucas Davenport thriller. Lucas Davenport is back, along with the characters that we all love to read about, including Virgil Flowers. They are investigating a political scandal that takes all of the different law enforcement agencies to make it all come out all right.
This is another winner!
Ann Hill
The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn
A very interesting prophetic book about America and how the 9/11 tragedy affected other events in our national life. It is definitely a wake up call for America to turn back to our foundations and our belief in God.
Rhonda lomazow
The Woman Upstairs by Claire Messud
Erin, a lonely teacher gets involved with her student and his family. Eerie, creepy, and shocking.
Kathy Iwasaka
The Black Box by Michael Connelly
Harry Bosch at his crotchety, clever best. I love following the police investigation while also getting involved in a loving, if strained, father-daughter relationship. It's also interesting to see some of the inner office politics at work and to have some non-criminal bad guys to root against.
Emily Rosen
Memoir of an Independent Woman: An Unconventional Life Well Lived - Skyhorse Publishing NYC by Tania Grossinger
Tania Grossinger"s father died when she was an infant, and she grew up in the legendary Grossinger Hotel in New York's Catskill Mountains, where her mother, a Grossinger cousin was the dazzling Social Director. During the '40s, '50s and '60s, A-List celebrities entertained and vacationed there, and young Tania befriended many, and was privy to secrets she guarded judiciously. She writes honestly about her own unconventional relationships and career moves which included among so many others, Public Relations consulting for The Playboy Club and Betty Friedan's blockbuster book, "The Feminine Mystique," and travel writing around the world. Insightful searches into her own psyche make this a fast and fascinating read.
Robin McKay
Love's Greatest Gift by Amy Gamet
Meghan O'Connor and Liam Wheaton are high school sweethearts. Unfortunately, Liam is the son of the town drunk, and not the boy Meghan's parents want around their daughter. When she discovers she is pregnant, the two run away.
Several years pass before an old "friend" shows up and convinces Meghan that Liam has been setting fires in their home town and she needs to get away from him. Meghan runs, taking her daughter with her.
Now Meghan and Liam's 15 year old Fiona has leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. Fiona's only chance is to find someone who is compatible and that means returning to her home town and facing both her and Liam's family. What she didn't expect was to find Liam there and that their love is as strong as ever.
Marian Collins
Inferno by Dan Brown
Dan Brown delivers yet another fast-paced thriller. I like reading his books because then I look up places and art to see where the action is taking place.
Linda Kish
Me Before You by JoJo Moyes
I absolutely loved this book. It was about a young woman who goes to work as a caregiver for a quadriplegic man. She has no experience and he has a bitter attitude, as expected. It becomes an unusual love story with a tragic ending. You will definitely need tissues for this one.
Sylvia Gotlib
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
Loved this book! Following a group of campers at an arts camp through adulthood, Wolitzer manages to create living, breathing, complex characters each with a rich interior life. The writing is exquisite. Highly recommended if you like character-driven rather than plot-driven fiction.
Nancy Sanders
Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella
Tries too hard to be humorous and it does not quite live up to expectations. It was just an OK book.
Linda Reck
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
A powerful book. Hosseini has a gift for story telling. This book is about how we love, how we take care of one another, and how the choices we make resonate through generations. An emotional and unforgettable novel.
Marilyn Towne
The Orphanmaster's Son by Adam Johnson
Wow! So interesting and what a huge obstacle North Korea is to stability in Asia. I am not finished but can just hear those propaganda announcements over the loud speakers that are everywhere.
Kay Burke
The Son by Philip Meyer
It is a really good book---historical and a good Father's Day gift.
Ilene Harris
The Guilty One by Lisa Ballantyne
In THE GUILTY ONE, Lisa Ballantyne's debut novel, eleven-year old Sebastian Croll is accused of killing an eight-year old neighbor. Daniel Hunter is his assigned solicitor for the defense. While trying to defend Sebastian, Daniel reflects on his own very troubled childhood. The case coincides with the death of Minnie, the woman who was Daniel's foster mother and later adopted him.
WALTER KRETZMANN
Looking for Yesterday by Marcia Muller
I've enjoyed this series since the very beginning, and this one had some interesting aspects, but it read like series filler most of the way. Too many bits and pieces of the backstory of the many supporting characters, not quite enough on the current case, which got a bit confusing as additional murders piled up. In fact, I had to reread the last few pages (admittedly, this was in the middle of the night) to figure out who actually committed the original murder. But I'm still a fan of Muller and McCone, and I'll be watching for the next installment.
Mariah Lucernoni
Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
It pulls you in, and it's that book that you will sit at the beach for hours just to finish it in one sitting and the next thing you know is that you have to go get the 2nd book in the series and that you also have sunburn.
Diane Pollock
My Planet by Mary Roach
Lots of laughs!
alicia marie ezell
Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight
I couldn't put this book down even when it had me sobbing. I would definitely recommend this to everyone.
Pat S
Daddy's Gone A Hunting by Mary Higgins Clark
Her books are always fun, fast reads and always keep you guessing. Love her work.
Pat S
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
I have not enjoyed ALL of her books but this one is a really good one. The Holocaust has always interested me and this was a great book. I still cannot fathom how any human being could take the lives of the Jews in such a fashion. Incredible time of history. Jodi did good job in her research for this book.
Matthew Mark Horn
Dinner With Churchill by Cita Selzer
Knowing of Churchill's love of food, cigars and drink, this book should have been written long ago. An engrossing and informative read about how the Great Man utilized dinner parties to gather intel, engage in diplomacy and to get the job done. Menus, attendees and wine and drink lists accompany.
Pat S
Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline
Since discovering this author, I can't get enough of her works. I am reading my way through all of her books. This one keeps you on your toes!
Elizabeth
Infidelity by Stacey May Fowles
This diverting but sometimes maddening novel is as mercurial as the lovers involved in it. Some scenes flow effortlessly, such as the couple's initial flirtation via a smuggled oatmeal cookie. Others seem forced; I doubt that most women would repeatedly ask someone "Are we going to have an affair?" Certain sections suffer through excessive exposition, but some scenes (especially those involving Charlie's autistic son Noah) are masterpieces of spare, clean prose. My main issue was with Charlie, as the book progresses, is that he goes from merely narcissistic to completely selfish and misanthropic. However, it's refreshing to find a story suffused with too much ambition instead of too little.
Jeanette Crossett
Araham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Gramhame-Smith
It is about Abraham Lincoln, how he became a vampire hunter and how his friend who was a vampire wanted them destroyed. It is a well thought out book and interesting. Learned some things about Lincoln like he never liked his father, his mom died young and he had a sister who died also.
Katherine Bennett
The Good Nurse by Charles Graeber
True story of a nurse that took matters into his own hands in order to "help" his patients. He was very smart and almost outwitted the system. It was unbelievable that he was able to jump from hospital to hospital, having no problem securing a job countless times, even when he left each hospital under questionable circumstances. A sad tale of hospital administrators looking the other way.
Marsha
Caught by Harlan Coben
Just when you think you have a Coben novel figured out, you get side-tracked. This one starts out with a pedophile sting and ends up with a TV journalist struggling to find the real truth. There are many complicated figures in this book. See if you can figure out the good guys from the bad guys.
Pattie Berryhill
Mystery Writers of America Presents the Mystery Box by Brad Meltzer
This is an excellent collection of mysteries from famous authors. Each story is different and exciting. I am thoroughly enjoying reading the various short stories.
Lynn W
Tigers in Red Weather by Liza Klaussmann
The war is over and their "real" life is starting. Cousins Nick and Helena become increasingly disappointed with their husbands. Their children, Daisy and Ed, find a body and the story takes a sinister turn. The story is told by the characters' flashbacks to the same events they all witnessed...a little disconcerting at first. This debut author built the suspense to a compelling end.
Colleen DalCanton
Fly Like Lindbergh by John Kazmierski
The past catches up with the future, decisions have to be made for this New Jersey family. The title of the book will surprise you as to how it came about. Great summer read!
Connie Fischer
The Perfect Proposal by Katie Fforde
Sophie Apperly is the youngest of a family of four children with an academic father who loves books and an artistic yet somewhat of an airhead mother. The family takes Sophie for granted as she plugs along with her small jobs while trying to keep the house running as smoothly as she can. One of her best friends lives in New York and she finally gets a chance to go there for a while to take a nanny job. Sadly, the job fizzles out and she chooses to stay with her friend for a short time while exploring New York. At an art gallery opening, she rescues an older woman, Matilda, just as she starts to faint. This is the start of a intricate and wonderful relationship with Matilda and her grandson, Luke.
Connie Fischer
Fever by Mary Beth Keane
Mary Mallon joins many others from Ireland when she immigrates to the U.S. in the early 1900’s. Only a young teenager, she finds works first as a laundress and is finally able to prove her cooking skills which enables her to get better jobs. She has met Alfred and the two of them share a place when she is not working cooking jobs. Alfred has a drinking problem and Mary has always been there to help him through those times. At a couple of her positions, people have started coming down with Typhoid, some of whom survive and some die. One day, she is approached by a sanitary engineer who accuses her of being a Typhoid carrier although she has never come down with the disease. Extremely interesting novel!
Connie Fischer
The Woman From Paris by Sarah Montefiore
Lord Frampton has just died in a skiing accident leaving behind his widow, three sons, one granddaughter and his mother. However, at his funeral, Phaedra, a lovely woman appears claiming to be his daughter. Although the family members are reeling from the loss of Lord Frampton and the shock of the appearance of Phaedra, they are all soon drawn to her magnetic, soothing and loving personality.Suffice to say that the characters in this novel are so real and the emotions and personalities of each one are perfectly described. The wise individual that is Phaedra is so strong, intelligent and lovable. Great novel! Loved it!
Dianne Mongelli
Murder in Chelsea by Victoria Thompson
What a great read to start the summer.
Sandy McCullough
The Sea Captain's Wife by Beth Powning
Growing up on the Bay of Fundy in the 1860s, Azuba Galloway is determined to escape the confines of her town and live at sea. When she captures the heart of Captain Nathaniel Bradstock, she is sure her dreams are about to be realized, only to have pregnancy intervene. But when Azuba becomes embroiled in a scandal, Nathaniel must bring his young family abroad to save his reputation. Azuba gets her wish, but at what price? I couldn't put it down!!!
Alone in a male world, and juggling the splendor of foreign ports with the terror of the open seas, Azuba must fight to keep her family together.
Debbie M
Foal Play by Kathryn O'Sullivan
This is O'Sullivan's first novel and the work is done very well. I enjoy the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Spanish mustangs, and the discussions of firefighting. The primary character in this new series is Colleen McCabe, a fire chief in a small Outer Banks community in North Carolina. I love the quirky characters, especially Myrtle Crepe and her son. The story has a little romance, but no graphic sex or violence. Of course, this story contains many memorable four legged friends such as Smokey and Sparky. The story is well written with break taking scenery and hilarious characters.
Debbie M
Murder in Chelsea by Victoria Thompson
I delight in Victoria Thompson's stories, and I always learn something from every novel. Sarah Brandt finds despair and anguish on learning that Catherine's parents are searching for her. But, life is not always a straight path, and many twists and turns are in store for Sarah, Catherine, and Mallory. In the 1890s, a single or even widowed woman, cannot legally adopt a child. Therefore, Sarah can only be Catherine's guardian. Thompson always goes into the history of New York City and the people who settled the area. So many rules and regulations for such an early time. The story centers on the saga of Catherine and the people in her life, and the readers are in for a surprise in the final chapter. The story also hints at spousal abuse.
Francisca E B
The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King
This is an inventive "sequel" to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock adventures. Mary Russell is every bit as observant and quick as Holmes and a worthy apprentice. I'll read more of this series.
Francisca E B
Yellow Raft in Blue Water by Michael Dorris
This is an interesting story of how one generation's mistakes, misinterpretations, secrets, and prejudices will affect subsequent generations. However, I don't think it is well executed, and the ending is awful. Still, we did have an interesting book club discussion...
Gil Harris
The Guilty One by Lisa Ballantyne
An intriguing story of a successful defense attorney who shares a parallel history of violence with his 11-year-old client who is charged with murdering a friend. It is uncanny how much the attorney was like his client when at that age.The attorney has his own demons because of his drug addict mother and several foster parents. One foster parent tells him "you are an evil little bastard", while another one helps him turn his life around. As you read the story, the innocence or guilt of the client is in question,and not revealed until the end.
Lynn Jarrett
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
Hosseini has done it once again!! This is a most excellent book. He was not kidding when he said there were a lot of characters. Each chapter is a story in itself that weaves some of the same characters in and out and introduces new ones too. His character development is top-notch. I feel as though I have made many new friends and a couple of foes too. His descriptions are so detailed that you feel as though you are seeing the world through his eyes.
I have to admit that I slowed down reading in the last 50 pages because I did not want the book to end which by no means indicates that the story weakened.
Thank you Khaled Hosseini for another wonderful read!!
Bonnie Gluhanich
Here is Where by Andrew Carroll
Terrific non-fiction about lesser-known items in our country's history. It reads like a cross between a trivia book and Paul Harvey's THE REST OF THE STORY. If you like history, the U.S., trivia, or just like to be entertained and enlightened, then this is the book for you. The author has a great sense of humor too.
Marilyn Clement
Breaking Point by C. J. Box
Fabulous thriller. I couldn't stop reading this page-turner in the Joe Pickett series. I believe this book would also do well as read-alone without any introduction to Joe Pickett.
Judy O.
He's Gone by Deb Caletti
Dani Keller wakes up one Sunday morning in her houseboat in Seattle and her husband, Ian, is not in bed. In fact he has disappeared. Days go by, and there is no sign of him. Dani is frantic, and the police are brought into the disappearance. Dani even finds herself under suspicion. This is also a story of marriage, especially one that has an adulterous beginning. Excellent story and superb writing.
Ginny R, Horton
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
I was blown away by The Storyteller. As a fan of Jodi Picoult, I believe this is her greatest work. It's the story of Sage, a Jewish woman who befriends an old man at the bakery where she works. During the course of their friendship, not only does he tell her about his role as an SS guard during Nazi Germany, but he asks her to first forgive him and then to kill him. Sage's grandmother is a Holocaust survivor who until now has been unwilling to speak of her experiences. I was unable to stop reading this book but didn't want it to come to an end.
Lori Bednaz
A Map of the World by Jane Hamilton
Half way through and can't wait to finish...
Tread
Inferno by Dan Brown
Very good read. Surprises and intrigue. A well written, informative book.
Linda Johnson
Inferno by Dan Brown
I can't decide if I'm in Bobby Ewing's shower or Bob Hartley's (Bob Newhart) bedroom.
I devoured this book in less than 48 hours---not bad for a 464 paged book. For some reason, Robert Langdon now has Tom Hank's voice in my head. I got a good view of parts of the world I'm sure that I will never see wrapped in a story so outlandish it must have started as a lie by a seven-year-old.
Not a bad way to spend my weekend.
Marie Ledin
The Innocent by David Baldacci
Another great book by David Baldacci. Could not stop reading. After an assassination assignment gone awry, Will Robie unwittingly gets involved with a young girl who witnesses her parents getting murdered. While trying to help her, he finds other victims involved who served together in the Gulf war with a twist---that he may be the main target in the long run, along with 2 other very prestigious political individuals. Who can he really trust to help him when his own people seem to be after him as well?
Wendy Catalano
One Less Lonely Cowboy by Kathleen Eagle
Another good romance by Kathleen Eagle!
As a teen, Lily Reardon becomes pregnant and her Dad tells her she has to leave home. Thirteen years later, with nowhere else to turn, Lily returns with Iris, her thirteen year old daughter. The last place Lily ever imagined going was home. Estranged from her Dad, they struggle to reconnect with the help of ranch hand Jack McKenzie.
Romance develops quickly between Lily and Jack as they work together on the ranch in order to help Lily's ailing Dad.
A quick, sweet romance!
Margaret Gulick
The Voyage of Their Life by Diane Armstrong
Fascinating account of the voyage of the Derna,a migrant ship, that sailed from France to Australia in 1948 with passengers from displaced persons, labor and death camps. Armstrong, a young girl of nine at the time of the voyage, has years later found many of the passengers and relates the stories of their lives before and during the war, on the ship and their assimilation in a new country.
Carol Weigel
The Mystery Woman by Amanda Quick
Not up to par with her other stories. Publisher should have given a hint of the quality and printed it in paperback only. Her older books had more plot. She is just cranking out these lightweight mystery romance books too fast.
Felice Mikelberg
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Just about everyone reads THE GREAT GATSBY for English class and most everyone I've spoken to has fond memories of the novella (it's really too short to be considered a novel). Yet, on a recent read (with all the hype about the movie) I was both surprised and delighted by my current view of the story. The images Fitzgerald conjures are amazing and his love for the main character and his plight are clear. Yet, the story itself, while romantic for its day, strikes a sad chord today. And minor character development is questionable as well. I still recommend the story as a must read for those who have never read Fitzgerald. Maybe there are too many novels who have recreated this plot for it to now seem less original and more contrived.
Kathy Vallee
Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell
This is the first in a series. Lily Ivory owns a secondhand store where she sells vintage clothing also offers her protection. As a witch she is given a familiar that turns into a potbellied pig when humans are around. She has to banish a demon that takes little children, and she almost loses her life doing it.
Lois Belliveau
Nameless by Joe Conlan
Incredible, scary story---lots of plot twists and an antagonist reminiscent of Simon Lechter. A very compelling read.
shelly itkin
The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls
Most fifteen and twelve-year-olds do not have much responsibility or too many decisions to make but that is not the case for the main characters, two sisters: Liz, age fifteen, and her sister Bean, who is twelve.
Charlotte, their mom lives in a dream world and is unstable, which means Liz has to take over, and that is a lot of responsibility for a fifteen-year-old.
When their mom, who has disappeared before is suddenly gone more than just a few days, Liz decides it is not safe to stay at home and decides they are going to visit their Uncle Tinsley who lives in Virginia.
Two young children traveling from California to Virginia alone is not the safest way to travel but Liz knows she has no choice.
Natalie Ochockyj
How It All Began by Penelope Lively
A richly narrated story of how lives intertwine through a series of events that all starts with an elderly woman getting mugged. Grab a cup of tea and curl up with Lively's novel for an enjoyable Sunday afternoon of reading and watching characters' lives change and intertwine in a truly twisted tale!
techeditor
Queen of the Air: A True Story of Love and Tragedy at the Circus by Dean N. Jensen
Biographer of a circus performer. It bored me for the most part.
Robin McKay
Sweet Tea Revenge by Laura Childs
Theodosia Browning, owner of Charleston's Indigo Tea Shop, is the maid of honor for Delaine Dish and things couldn't be going more wrong. She is trying to keep everything on track while calming Delaine, who even on her good days is a handful. Finally the time comes for the bride to walk down the isle but the groom is no where to be found. Theodosia goes in search of him only to discover him dead. And so begins the newest book in the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs.
I enjoy the characters that come to life in the pages of Ms. Childs' books; ditzy, demanding Delaine Dish, friends and employees Drayton and Hayley,without whose knowledge, the tea shop would not exist, and Detective Tidwell.
Donna Shaw
The Run by Stuart Woods
A senator decides to run for the Presidency. You get a taste of what an ordeal it is to stay clean and honest when all around you are others wheeling and dealing for the same office. A favorite line of mine from the book is "there's precious little justice in politics." Suspense and plot twists from the very beginning with humor thrown in.
Joan Wiggin
Word of Mouth by Amanda Knox
Very interesting. I vaguely knew her story, but this really puts things into perspective. She was in jail for 4 years in Italy for something she did not do. It's amazing how the Italian police tried to pin this murder on her with NO evidence. Great read.
Marsha
Sleep No More by Greg Iles
It's a definite page-turner but defies most categories. It's part science-fiction, part mystery and part romance. A nice business man sees his life come tumbling down when he hears one word from a beautiful stranger. Then things get even more strange.
Michael McAdam
The Walking Dead Compendium 2 by Robert Kirkman
I enjoy "The Walking Dead" TV show and I have friends who are rabid fans and who speak about the source material (comic graphic novels) so I decided to check them out for myself. This is the 2nd volume (so graphic novels #9 - 16) and it was just as enthralling as the first 8. The plots and the ongoing through-lines remain fascinating even though, frankly, the world around them doesn't change much if at all. It is so well written! Great characters and great stories and I should probably add---not for kids! But so so good! Well worth seeking out and reading! The book weighs like 10 pounds but it is a really quick read. Enjoy!
Sabrina-Kate Eryou
The Repeat Year by Andrea Lochen
This book focuses on something we would all love at times: a do-over. But is it really good to be able to question what you've done in life? A truly captivating story so far!
Jennifer Huelsebusch
While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax
I really enjoyed this book! The characters are very likable and you find yourself rooting for them. I am hoping for a sequel!
Tina Brannan
Fly Away by Kristin Hannah
Love this sequel to FIREFLY LANE!!
Karen Hambly
The Hole in the Middle by Kate Hilton
I am enjoying the story of Sophie's crazy life. It wasn't that long ago that my kids were that age and I can recall how stressful it was. This story brings home just how difficult it is to have it all.
Betty Taylor
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
Ms. Picoult has done her usual in-depth research prior to writing this amazing book. There are multiple layers of plots and twists you don't see coming. Great storytelling!
Debbie M
Not My Blood by Barbara Cleverly
NOT MY BLOOD is set in England in the 1930s at a boy's preparatory school where several of the lads have disappeared and one of the teaching masters is murdered. Joe Sandilands becomes involved when one of the lads runs to him. The young boy may be Joe's son. The investigation commences as Joe encounters natural selection and testing on afflicted boys. As many writers have hinted, Hitler's testing and super race plans had already begun to surface. The characters and setting are intriguing. The story is fast-paced and enjoyable.
WALTER KRETZMANN
Pure by Juliana Baggott
I didn't know what to expect with PURE. It starts off very dark and some of the descriptions are quite confronting. This is a really fantastic story of survival in a dystopian world. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction!
Debbie Lockledge
When Jesus Wept by Brock & Bodie Thoene
This book is the best book I've read so far this year. Thorough and accurate research went into this great work of historical/Biblical fiction. It takes you back to the events of Jesus' adult years on this earth and brings them to life. 5 stars just isn't enough. Treat yourself to a vivid journey back to that time.
Laura Brownell
The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls by Anton Disclafani
A perfect summer read, recommended to anyone who likes coming-of-age, Southern/Appalachia, Depression-era, boarding school fiction. Perfectly captures the awkwardness of girls on the brink of womanhood---there will be a lot to discuss at the book club!
Summer Grinstead
Brava, Valentine by Adriana Trigiani
This is the second book in the serious and I loved it. I love the family and how you feel like you are a part of it. This books is also very humorous and I found myself laughing out loud.
Lynette Hart
Dinner with the Smileys by Sarah Smiley
Really enjoying this book. I followed their story through facebook and was afraid that the book would just be a copy. I was wrong. The stories and detail she tells about the dinners and more importantly between the dinners makes you feel like you are with them. It's been awhile since I had trouble putting down a book.
Marion Syversen
Dinner with the Smileys by Sarah Smiley
It's a beautiful story of one family's strength during a one-year deployment. Mom invites a different person each week to fill deployed-Dad's place at the table. So moving. You'll be sobbing at one incident and laughing at another. The stories help you truly appreciate the families of those who serve.
Marsha
Night Passage by Robert B. Parker
This is the first of several Jesse Stone novels and absolutely first-rate. There is more interior dialogue than usual in a Parker novel but it makes for fascinating reading. Jesse is escaping his divorce from his actress wife and headed for Paradise, Mass. where he will be Chief of Police. Hired because they thought he was a drunk and wouldn't make waves, Jesse cleans up his act and cleans up the town.
Susan Dean
Taperstry of Fortunes by Berg Elizabeth
Elizabeth Berg's are my favorite and this one is no different. Fast read and page-turner.
Bonnie Capuano
Sword of Darkness by Kinley MacGregor
I love her books and they always keep me wanting to read more. I don't like to put them down.
Stephanie Ziegler
Playing the Part by Robin Covington
Right from the first page you know what the story will be about. It doesn't beat around the bush, wasting the reader's time. The plot is fun. Every girl's fantasy (at least this girl). My heart went out to the leading male character. A quick read that was fun and entertaining!
Vivian Gresser
Dinner with the Smileys by Sarah Smiley
Best book I've read this year. They are a busy, loving family like we all should be.
Gayle Moscowitz
Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler
Enjoyed the interesting book about the life of Zelda Fitzgerald. Dragged a little in the middle but otherwise gave a very precise view of one woman's life during the '20s and '30s.
Donna Shaw
A Lucky Child by Thomas Buergenthal
An excellent memoir of his life as a young Polish boy and how he was able to survive being at Auschwitz. He has devoted his life to international and human rights law.
Merry Shepherd
Dinner with the Smileys by Sarah Smiley
This is a wonderful book about family love and the love of community. I laughed and cried and at times wanted to get into the book and hug the family members.
John McCloskey
Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington
Great insight into the modeling and publishing business from an author in the documentary, "The September Issue."
Janet S.
The Bling Ring by Nancy Jo Sales
This is an easy read about a band of teenage thieves, members of the "entitlement generation" who stole from the stars that they aspired to be. This is a book by the journalist who did the original investigative reporting that resulted in the movie of the same name.
susan Spencer
Deadly Politics by Maggie Stefton
I really enjoyed this book. I have read all of her knitting mysteries and like them a lot, but this book had more meat to it.
Mona Garg
Fragile by Lisa Unger
I nominated this book for a group read and led the discussion. I enjoyed it very much. FRAGILE is the first in the series, The Hollows, named for the town in which the story is set. It is a psychological suspense tale with complex family dynamics and small town secrets.
This was my first book by this author but it definitely won't be the last. I definitely plan on continuing the series.
peggy farmer
A Delicate Truth by John Le Carre
Le Carre at his clever best. Holds your attention from beginning to end while developing great characters, some of which I hope to meet again in future novels. The settings are interesting, well described and varied. A must read for fans of the genre.
Judy Murden
Homefront by Kristin Hannah
I'm a fan of anything that Kristin Hannah writes, and my book group was equally enthused by HOMEFRONT, which did not disappoint! We had a lively discussion about some of the social themes in this book: women in combat, marriage and relationships, the reasons behind the Iraq War, PTSD and its effects, and resilience.
michele c
The Four Ms. Bradwells by Meg Waite Clayton
A really interesting novel that jumps from past to present among 4 friends.
michele c
The First Rule of Swimming by Courtney Brkic
Really good book!!!
Melissa Amster
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
Another fabulous novel by Khaled Hosseini. So beautifully written and heartbreaking at times. I thought about it even when I was away from the book.
Suzy M.
Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler
What can I say about this book except WOW! What an amazing story full of love, pain, sadness and friendship. The story of Isabelle and Robert was so beautiful and heartbreaking, and the friendship between Miss Isabelle and Dorrie touched me so much. I've never had so much Kleenex on my coffee table while reading a book. I can't recommend CALLING ME HOME enough. This story will stay with me for a very long time. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you Julie Kibler for sharing such an amazing story with us.
Joan Chance
Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander
Not quite finished & my book club has it on their list to read. So far it is interesting and of course, debatable.
Mae Stallings Carr
The Chance by Karen Kingsbury
It is an awesome book and an excellent love story. It starts out when they are young. They were in school together, they had always been best friends.As they got older, Nollan told Ellie he was going to marry her one day, and she always laughed. She didn't believe him. One night when they were 15, Ellie's mother came home late because she was having an affair. Her Dad was in the military, working in San Diego, but after that news, he decides to leave for San Diego & take Ellie with him. She runs to Nollan & tells him she is leaving early in the morning, she doesn't have a choice. They write letters to each other. They are to meet 11 years later on June 1, 2013, for one last chance in case they couldn't find each other.
Sandy McCullough
The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen
Miss Mariah Aubrey, banished after a scandal, hides herself away in a long-abandoned gatehouse on the far edge of a distant relative's estate. There, she supports herself and her loyal servant the only way she knows how---by writing novels in secret.
Captain Matthew Bryant, returning to England successful and wealthy after the Napoleonic wars, leases an impressive estate from a cash-poor nobleman, determined to show the society beauty who once rejected him what a colossal mistake she made. When he discovers an old gatehouse on the property, he is immediately intrigued by its striking young inhabitant and sets out to uncover her identity, and her past. But the more he learns about her, the more he realizes he must distance himself.
Marcia Sailer
To Dance with the White Dog by Terry Kay
This wonderfully written book tells of Sam Peek, whose wife of 57 years dies. His children worry that he can't function alone. When he tells them of a white dog, whom no one else can see, they fear for both is sanity and his safety. We follow the life journey of his last few years and learn his life's story in the process. Although it is a story of loss and dying, it is a heartwarming and poignant tale. And the white dog? She brought joy and companionship, and helped Sam survive his loss. Was she real? Read the book and find out.
Fran Howe
Desert Heat by J.A. Jance
Jance writes several series but I enjoy her Joanne Brady, woman sheriff series the best. DESERT HEAT is the first in the series when Joanne discovers her murdered husband (a deputy) & has to discover the murderer herself. She faces all the usual prejudices of a women in a man's world who has to juggle home, kids, & work. Jance weaves her characters well & you feel their doubts & joys.
Linda Reck
Flora by Gail Godwin
There are so many ways of becoming an orphan without having a parent die.There's neglect and running away form home, among other circumstances. This theme resonates throughout the book. It's interesting to see the way Gail Godwin does it. Very good book.
Linda Reck
Flora by Gail Godwin
Helen has just lost her grandmother, the only person she depended upon. Her father left for the summer to work on a secret project, thus neglecting Helen so she may as well have become an orphan.
She lost her mother some years back. Helen's first cousin Flora is sent to take care of her, but Flora, too, is an orphan of a sorts: she left home. Helen is fiercely independent and very imaginative, but losing everything around her. One of her friends is moving away and another has polio. Helen's relationship with Flora provides a backdrop for the story, but it is more Helen taking care of Flora than the other way around. It's interesting how the term orphan is used in so many ways.
Jo Hepburn
Love Anthony by Lisa Genova
Autism is such a current health topic today and Lisa Genova has written such a heartwarming story regarding this subject. The story delves into the loss and love of raising an autistic child and the toll it takes on so many. Whether you have or know someone with an autistic child, you will have a better understanding of the main character's unique inner world.
The book is also reminiscent of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME.
Anne Lubin
Little Green by Walter Mosley
Easy Rawlins is back. Set in the mid 1960s, the PI is moving between the dark underbelly of LA and the hippies of Sunset Strip. The son of a friend of a friend has gone missing and Easy has been recruited to find him.
Karen Upson Dodge
Dear Lucy by Julie Sarkissian
I loved the way she created her characters, dialogue and setting. This is a well-written novel of overcoming obstacles in order to be a better person---despite many unfortunate acts of fate.
Melanie S.
Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky
I really want to give this 3-1/2 stars. Can you program the star icons to show half a star?? I won 12 copies of this book for my book group, for which I am grateful. However, the book left a lot to be desired for me as a reader. The writing was just so-so. The story started slowly and I was a bit bored in the beginning. It did pick up the latter half of the book, and I became invested in the storyline. I won't put in a spoiler here, but the last two pages were so cheesy and tacky. Such a lousy way to end the book. I enjoyed the food descriptions. I wanted to I wanted to make one of the recipes to bring to my book group discussion, but alas there were no recipes given, a real fault (in my humble opinion) of a book about writing a cookbook.
Melanie S.
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
I don't give 5 stars too often in my reviews, but I LOVED this book!! A story about friends who meet in a performing arts summer camp in the '60s (similarly, I attended a sleep-away summer camp, which was the best part of my own childhood) and how their lives progress, digress, and intertwine over the course of several decades. The cultural references of the times described really brought back memories. The writing was of high quality and the story was well crafted, moving from character to character over time. These are characters that will stay with me; they felt so real. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know. This is the first book I have read by Meg Wolitzer, but it certainly won't be my last.
WALTER KRETZMANN
The Next Accident by Lisa Gardner
This book kept me coming back for more. I didn't want to put it down. Is the FBI guy Pierce Quincy dirty? Is he being set up? One minute I think I know what is going on, the next I don't. I loved it. Great writing style, easy to get to know the characters. I was certainly not disappointed!!!
Marie Ledin
Envy by Sandra Brown
First time I have read anything by Sandra Brown; I definitely will be reading more of this author. The book was amazing; it kept my interest throughout. The twists and turns kept me guessing. Two best friends wanting the same fame and how their lives changed---one good and one evil but which one is which?
Joyce
Butterfly's Child by Angela Davis Gardner
An excellent continuation of the opera Madam Butterfly. It really tugs at your heart!!!
